Digital SATReading and Writing: Craft and StructureEasy
A student is analyzing a scientific paper that discusses the properties of a newly synthesized material. The paper describes the material as having a 'remarkably high tensile strength, allowing it to withstand significant stretching forces without fracturing.' Based on this description, which word best describes the material's primary characteristic?
- ARobust
- BBrittle
- CDuctile
- DMalleable
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Robust
The passage states the material has 'remarkably high tensile strength' and can 'withstand significant stretching forces without fracturing.' The word 'robust' directly aligns with this description, meaning strong and healthy, or able to withstand adverse conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 'Brittle' means hard but liable to break easily, which is the opposite of the material's described characteristic.
- C. 'Ductile' refers to a material's ability to be drawn into a thin wire, a specific property not directly addressed by 'tensile strength' in this context.
- D. 'Malleable' refers to a material's ability to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking, which is different from resisting stretching forces.
Robust
Strong and healthy; able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions.
- Implies strength and resilience.
- Often used to describe materials or systems.
- Suggests resistance to damage or failure.
Memory trick: Strong materials Resist Breakage.