Question 28·Easy·Words in Context
Environmental engineers have created a new filter that removes microplastics from seawater; the device’s simple yet effective ______ has attracted attention from conservation groups worldwide.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words in Context questions, first read the entire sentence to understand what is being described and the overall tone. Then, determine the part of speech needed by looking at the grammar around the blank (for example, adjectives before it or verbs after it). Next, quickly plug each option into the blank and check whether it fits both grammatically and logically, not just by rough meaning. Eliminate choices that create awkward, illogical, or contextually strange phrases, and choose the one that forms a smooth, natural sentence that clearly matches the situation described.
Hints
Look closely at the phrase before the blank
Focus on the words right before the blank: "the device’s simple yet effective ______." Think about what kind of thing can be described as "simple" and "effective" and can belong to a device. anікo.ai ЅАТ Quеѕtion Вanк
Think about the audience mentioned
Conservation groups are interested in environmental solutions. What aspect of a new filter would most likely attract their attention?
Use the substitution test
Try mentally plugging each option into the blank and ask: Does this sound natural, and does it clearly explain why conservation groups would notice the device?
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the sentence context
Read the full sentence: it talks about environmental engineers creating a new filter that removes microplastics and says that something about the device "has attracted attention from conservation groups worldwide." This means the missing word describes a feature of the device that people would notice and be impressed by.
Identify the part of speech needed
Look at the phrase around the blank: "the device’s simple yet effective ______ has attracted attention." The words "simple" and "effective" are adjectives. Adjectives usually modify a noun, so the blank must be a noun that the device can have (shown by "device's" before it).
Check each option for grammar and meaning
Plug each choice into the sentence:
- "the device’s simple yet effective warning" – a device can have a warning, but a warning is not typically what conservation groups would be excited about in a new filter.
- "the device’s simple yet effective fortune" – devices do not have fortunes, and this phrase sounds unnatural.
- "the device’s simple yet effective appetite" – devices do not have appetites, and this does not connect to why conservation groups care.
- "the device’s simple yet effective [blank]" – we need a word that can describe what about the device impresses people and fits with engineers creating it.
Select the word that best fits logically and idiomatically
Conservation groups would be drawn to how the device is made or arranged to work so well. Only design ("the device’s simple yet effective design") is a natural, common expression and clearly explains why the device attracts attention. Therefore, the correct answer is design.