Within the next decade, sophisticated telescopes now orbiting the Earth will determine whether the continents really are moving, ------- the incipient ------- among geologists about the validity of the theory of continental drift.
(A) obviating … consensus
(B) forestalling … rift
(C) escalating … debates
(D) engendering … speculation
(E) resolving … rumors
The correct answer is B. But I feel that if the telescopes ‘determine’ whether continents are moving, does it not ‘resolve’ any doubts or rifts among scientists? Why does it ‘forestalls’ the rift? This answer doesn’t seem to go with ‘determine’ mentioned in the sentence. Can someone pls explain?
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Here’s how I solved it:
Okay so in the next 10 years, the telescopes will tell us for sure whether the continents are drifting or not.
This means there is no consensus yet, or continental drift is debatable.
So for blank 2 I can put - rift, debates, speculation(maybe). A and E are out.
Now for blank 1, the rift/debate/speculation should end. Only option B fits.
Now to answer your question, yes it can be resolved. But what do you choose then? You cant choose E because there’s nothing about rumors and how do you resolve a rumor anyway. Forestalls works because you are blocking or impeding the rift.
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@tushar.minj Legend, thanks for answering these!
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