Question 97·Easy·Words in Context
Geologists classify basalt as an extrusive igneous rock, meaning it forms when lava cools rapidly at Earth’s surface. Granite, which cools slowly deep underground, has a _____ texture with mineral crystals that are easily visible to the naked eye.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words in Context questions, first read a bit before and after the blank to understand what the sentence is emphasizing—in this case, the visible mineral crystals and the idea of texture. Briefly predict the kind of idea the missing word should express (for example, a certain type of texture), then go to the choices and define each one in simple terms. Eliminate any options that don’t match the sentence’s meaning, tone, or part of speech, and pick the one that fits the context most precisely rather than just sounding sophisticated or science-related.
Hints
Focus on the description of granite
Look closely at the second sentence, especially the part after the comma: “with mineral crystals that are easily visible to the naked eye.” What does that tell you about how the rock looks?
Think about texture, not just any characteristic
The blank describes the texture of granite. Which kind of word would usually be used to describe how a solid object’s surface or structure looks or feels?
Use elimination based on meaning
Ask yourself what each option usually describes: something hard to catch, something stiff, something gas-like, or something about the surface/structure. Which of these logically matches a rock with clearly visible mineral crystals?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the sentence and its clues
Read the full sentence: it contrasts basalt with granite. Basalt forms from lava that cools quickly at the surface. Granite, by contrast, cools slowly deep underground and has mineral crystals that are easily visible to the naked eye. This description of visible crystals is the key clue about what kind of texture granite has.
Infer what the blank needs to express
Because the mineral crystals in granite are easily visible, they must be relatively large and noticeable, not tiny or smooth-looking. So the missing word should describe a texture that reflects clearly visible, distinct mineral grains in the rock.
Check each answer choice’s basic meaning
Now think about what each option usually means in everyday English:
- elusive: hard to find, catch, or understand
- rigid: stiff, inflexible, not easily changed or bent
- vaporous: like vapor or gas; not solid or substantial
- coarse: rough or not fine in texture; made of large particles Keep in mind we are describing the texture of solid granite with visible mineral crystals.
Match the best word to the context
We need a word that describes the physical texture of a solid rock whose mineral crystals are large enough to see clearly. “Coarse” directly refers to a rough or large-grained texture, which fits visible crystals. The other choices describe being hard to catch (elusive), stiff or inflexible (rigid), or gas-like (vaporous), none of which logically describes the rock’s visible texture. Therefore, the correct answer is D) coarse.