And in fact the wrought-iron tower is twice as tall as the masonry Washington Monument and yet it weighs 70,000 tons less! It is repainted every seven years with 50 tons of dark brown paint.
Called "the father of the skyscraper," the Home Insurance Building, in Chicago in 1885 (and demolished in 1931), was 138 feet tall and 10 stories. It was the first building to effectively employ a supporting of steel beams and columns, allowing it to have many more windows than traditional masonry structures. But this new construction method made people worry that the building would fall down, leading the city to halt construction until they could the structure's safety.
In 1929, auto tycoon Walter Chrysler took part in an intense race with the Bank of Manhattan Trust Company to build the world's tallest skyscraper. Just when it looked like the bank had captured the title, workers at the Chrysler Building jacked a thin spire hidden inside the building through the top of the roof to win the contest (subsequently losing the title four months later to the Empire State Building). Chrysler also decorated his building to mirror his cars, with hubcaps, mudguards, and hood ornaments.
Result:
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Correct answer: demonstrate
Explanation: The word 'demonstrate' fits grammatically as it is a verb that indicates showing or proving something, which aligns with the context of the sentence where the Eiffel Tower was built to show the strength of iron compared to stone. It also matches the tense and structure of the sentence, maintaining a formal tone appropriate for the text.
Meaning: 'Demonstrate' means to show or prove something clearly and convincingly, in this case, the strength of iron.
Wrong options:
- insinuate: Insinuate means to suggest something in an indirect or covert way, which does not fit the context of clearly showing strength.
- suggest: Suggest implies a recommendation or hint, which is less direct than 'demonstrate' and does not convey the same level of proof.
- implicate: Implicate means to show someone or something to be involved in a crime or wrongdoing, which is irrelevant to the context of showcasing material strength.
Correct answer: constructed
Explanation: The word 'constructed' is the correct verb form that indicates the action of building the Home Insurance Building. It fits grammatically as it is in the past tense, matching the timeline of the sentence, and is appropriate in the context of discussing the building's history.
Meaning: 'Constructed' means built or made, referring to the act of creating the Home Insurance Building.
Wrong options:
- invented: Invented implies creating something new, which does not apply to the act of building a structure that already existed.
- devised: Devised suggests planning or inventing a method or plan, which is not the same as the physical act of building.
- renovated: Renovated means to restore or improve a building, which does not fit as it implies a prior existence that is being improved rather than the initial act of building.
Correct answer: skeleton
Explanation: The term 'skeleton' refers to the framework of steel beams and columns that supports the building, making it the correct choice. It fits grammatically as a noun that describes the structural support system, aligning with the context of discussing architectural innovation.
Meaning: 'Skeleton' in this context means the underlying framework of a building, which supports its structure.
Wrong options:
- engine: Engine refers to a machine that converts energy into mechanical force, which is unrelated to the structural support of a building.
- ceiling: Ceiling refers to the overhead interior surface of a room, which does not pertain to the structural support of the building.
- concrete: Concrete is a building material, but it does not describe the framework itself, making it an inappropriate choice in this context.
Correct answer: investigate
Explanation: The word 'investigate' is the appropriate verb that indicates the action of examining or inquiring into the safety of the structure. It fits grammatically in the context of the sentence, which discusses concerns about the building's stability.
Meaning: 'Investigate' means to examine or inquire into something systematically, particularly to uncover facts or information.
Wrong options:
- consecrate: Consecrate means to make something sacred, which is irrelevant to the context of assessing safety.
- ameliorate: Ameliorate means to make something better or improve it, which does not fit the context of assessing safety directly.
- exonerate: Exonerate means to clear someone from blame, which does not apply to the context of evaluating a building's safety.
Correct answer: coveted
Explanation: The word 'coveted' describes something that is greatly desired or sought after, which fits perfectly in the context of the title of the tallest skyscraper being a highly sought-after accolade. It matches the tone and meaning of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Coveted' means highly desired or wished for, indicating that the title was something many wanted to achieve.
Wrong options:
- meaningless: Meaningless implies lacking significance, which contradicts the idea of a title that is highly sought after.
- royal: Royal refers to something related to a king or queen, which does not fit the context of a title for a skyscraper.
- informal: Informal means casual or not formal, which does not apply to the context of a prestigious title.
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