Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Question

Although the two warbler species look nearly identical, their songs are ____: trained listeners can tell the birds apart within seconds.

Accepted Answer

A. distinctive. 'Although' sets up a contrast with 'look nearly identical', and the colon confirms it: listeners tell the birds apart by their songs. Songs that let you tell two things apart are 'distinctive'.

Answer

B. indistinguishable — 'Indistinguishable' would mean the songs can't be told apart — but the sentence says listeners separate the species within seconds.

Answer

C. muted — 'Muted' means quiet or softened. Volume isn't what lets listeners identify the birds; difference is.

Answer

D. sporadic — 'Sporadic' means occurring irregularly. The sentence is about how the songs differ, not how often they occur.

Craft and Structure practice question

Answer: A. distinctive

Why the other answers are wrong

More Craft and Structure questions