Smithson was reportedly to the Rozel Point site because of the stark anti-pastoral beauty and industrial remnants from nearby Golden Spike National Historic Site, as well as an old pier and a few unused oil rigs. While observing of the piece from a helicopter, Smithson reportedly remarked "et in Utah ego" as a counterpoint to the pastoral Baroque painting et in Arcadia ego by Nicolas Poussin.
To move the rock into the lake, Smithson hired Bob Phillips of nearby Ogden, Utah, who used two dump trucks, a large tractor, and a front end loader to haul the 6,650 tons of rock and earth into the lake. It is reported that Smithson had a difficult time a contractor to accept the unusual proposal. Spiral Jetty was the first of his pieces to require the acquisition of land rights and earthmoving equipment.
He began work on the jetty in April 1970. The work was actually constructed twice; the first time requiring six days. After the result for two days, Smithson called the crew back and had the shape altered to its present configuration, an effort requiring moving 7,000 tons of basalt rock during an additional three days.
Result:
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: presence
Explanation: The word 'presence' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates the existence of something, which in this case refers to the salt-tolerant bacteria and algae. It aligns contextually with the sentence, which discusses the cause of the red hue in the water.
Meaning: 'Presence' means the state of being present or existing in a particular place, indicating that the bacteria and algae are indeed there in the water.
Wrong options:
- prominence: 'Prominence' refers to the state of being important or famous, which does not fit the context of simply existing in the water.
- prevalence: 'Prevalence' means the state of being widespread, which could imply quantity but does not directly indicate existence as 'presence' does.
- protection: 'Protection' refers to the act of keeping something safe, which is unrelated to the existence of bacteria and algae in the water.
Correct answer: attracted
Explanation: The word 'attracted' is the correct past participle form used here to indicate that Smithson was drawn to the site. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes his interest in the location.
Meaning: 'Attracted' means drawn towards something, indicating that Smithson found the Rozel Point site appealing.
Wrong options:
- been attracted: This phrase is incorrect as it suggests a passive construction that does not fit the active context of Smithson's interest.
- attractive: 'Attractive' is an adjective and does not fit grammatically in this context where a verb is required.
- have been attracted: This phrase suggests an ongoing action that does not align with the past context of Smithson's decision.
Correct answer: construction
Explanation: The word 'construction' is a noun that refers to the act of building something, which fits perfectly in the context of observing the piece being built. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the sentence.
Meaning: 'Construction' means the process of building or creating something, in this case, the piece Smithson was observing.
Wrong options:
- construction: This is the correct option.
- consecration: 'Consecration' refers to the act of making something sacred, which does not fit the context of building.
- consumption: 'Consumption' refers to the act of using up resources, which is unrelated to the act of building.
- concentration: 'Concentration' refers to the act of focusing attention, which does not apply to the physical act of building.
Correct answer: convincing
Explanation: The word 'convincing' is a gerund that fits grammatically as it describes the action of persuading someone. It aligns contextually with the difficulty Smithson faced in persuading a contractor.
Meaning: 'Convincing' means persuading someone to believe or do something, indicating Smithson's challenge in getting a contractor on board.
Wrong options:
- convinced: This is the past participle form and does not fit the grammatical structure needed here.
- to convince: This infinitive form does not fit the context of describing an ongoing action.
- to convincing: This form is incorrect as it mixes the infinitive with a gerund, which is not grammatically correct.
Correct answer: contemplating
Explanation: The word 'contemplating' is a gerund that fits grammatically as it describes the action of thinking deeply about something. It aligns contextually with Smithson's process of considering the result of the work.
Meaning: 'Contemplating' means thinking about something carefully and at length, indicating Smithson's thoughtful consideration of the result.
Wrong options:
- condemning: 'Condemning' means expressing strong disapproval, which does not fit the context of evaluating the work.
- concluding: 'Concluding' implies reaching a decision, which does not accurately reflect the ongoing thought process described.
- completing: 'Completing' refers to finishing something, which does not align with the idea of reflecting on the result.
The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.
Sign in to read the full explanation