Loading question...
You are in free guest mode. Timed Practice Revision List Attempt History Progress Tracking Create a free account to unlock these tools
Prev Next
Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #51206 New Radio Tuner
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
It's  happened  to  all  of  us.  You're  on  your  cell  phone,  your  boss  is  saying  something  important,  and  then  the  connection  starts  to  drop  out.  Now  a  team  of  physicists  in  Denmark,  led  by  Albert  and  Eugene  Polzik,  has  demonstrated  a  new  kind  of  radio  tuner  that  is  far  more  sensitive  to  faint  signals.  The  technique  could  eventually  mean  fewer  dropped  calls,  better  GPS  coverage,  faster  Wifi,  and  much  more  detailed  images  from  MRI  scanners.  The  tuner  includes  a  novel  component:  a  tiny  reflective  membrane  just  half  a    on  a  side  and  only  a  hundred  nanometers  thick.  It  functions  in  the  circuit  as  a  capacitor,  and  when  radio  waves  pass  through  the  antenna,  the    voltage  shifts  make  the  membrane  bounce  like  a  trampoline.  Laser  light,    off  the  membrane  and  then  interfering  with  itself,  turns  those  nanometer-high  wiggles  into  a  strong,  clear  signal.  The  report  is    on  the  site  arXiv.org.  The  scientists  are  excited  about  how  the  technology  might  sharpen  the  pictures  produced  by  radio  .  But  wouldn't  it  also  be  nice  to    get  decent  phone  reception  inside  a  parking  garage?

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: millimeter

Explanation: The term 'millimeter' fits grammatically as it is a unit of measurement that describes the size of the reflective membrane, aligning with the context of discussing dimensions. It is also the only option that accurately conveys a specific measurement, which is essential in this scientific context.

Meaning: A 'millimeter' is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one thousandth of a meter, commonly used to measure small distances or sizes.

Wrong options:

  • streaker: Streaker refers to someone who runs naked in a public place, which is irrelevant in this context and does not fit grammatically as a measurement.
  • arena: Arena refers to a place of activity or competition, which does not relate to the size of the membrane and is not a unit of measurement.
  • tangier: Tangier is a city in Morocco and does not pertain to measurements or the context of the sentence.
Correct answer: minuscule

Explanation: The word 'minuscule' is appropriate as it describes something extremely small, which fits the context of the voltage shifts being discussed. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the idea of tiny voltage changes affecting the membrane.

Meaning: 'Minuscule' means extremely small or tiny, often used to emphasize the smallness of an object or measurement.

Wrong options:

  • pool: Pool refers to a body of water or a game played with balls and cues, which does not relate to the context of voltage shifts and is not an adjective describing size.
  • mule: Mule is an animal, specifically a hybrid between a horse and a donkey, and does not fit the context of describing voltage shifts.
  • spool: Spool refers to a cylindrical device for winding thread or wire, which is unrelated to the description of voltage and does not convey the intended meaning.
Correct answer: reflecting

Explanation: The word 'reflecting' fits grammatically as it describes the action of laser light bouncing off the membrane. It is the only option that correctly describes the interaction of light with the membrane in this context.

Meaning: 'Reflecting' means to throw back light or heat; in this case, it refers to the laser light bouncing off the membrane's surface.

Wrong options:

  • representing: Representing implies showing or depicting something, which does not accurately describe the action of light in this context.
  • begetting: Begetting means to cause or produce, which does not fit the context of light interacting with the membrane.
  • risking: Risking refers to exposing to danger or loss, which is irrelevant to the context of light reflection.
Correct answer: published

Explanation: The term 'published' is the correct choice as it indicates that the report has been made publicly available, which is the intended meaning in this context. It fits grammatically and contextually with the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Published' means to make content available to the public, typically in a formal manner, such as in a journal or online platform.

Wrong options:

  • readjusted: Readjusted means to change or alter something again, which does not fit the context of making a report available.
  • unreconstructed: Unreconstructed refers to something that has not been changed or reformed, which is irrelevant in this context.
  • skirmished: Skirmished means to engage in a minor battle or conflict, which does not relate to the publication of a report.
Correct answer: telescopes

Explanation: The word 'telescopes' is appropriate as it refers to instruments used to observe distant objects, which aligns with the context of radio technology. It fits grammatically and contextually as the subject of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Telescopes' are optical instruments that gather and magnify light to observe distant objects, commonly used in astronomy.

Wrong options:

  • transports: Transports refer to vehicles or means of carrying goods or people, which does not relate to the context of radio technology.
  • nematodes: Nematodes are a type of roundworm, which is irrelevant to the discussion of radio technology and imaging.
  • bolts: Bolts refer to fasteners or a sudden movement, which does not fit the context of the sentence regarding radio technology.
Correct answer: actually

Explanation: The word 'actually' fits grammatically and contextually as it emphasizes the desire for decent phone reception, adding a layer of realism to the statement. It is the only option that conveys the intended meaning of reality versus expectation.

Meaning: 'Actually' means in fact or really, often used to emphasize the truth of a statement.

Wrong options:

  • permanently: Permanently means lasting or intended to last indefinitely, which does not fit the context of the desire for better phone reception.
  • obduracy: Obduracy refers to stubbornness, which does not relate to the context of phone reception and is not an adverb.
  • troublesomely: Troublesomely means in a way that causes trouble, which does not fit the context of expressing a desire for better reception.

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

With a free account: Retry and compare every attempt.
How difficult was this question?
Others found: 20% Easy · 40% Medium · 40% Hard
Saving...