The recently observed gamma ray burst GRB 230307A lasted for 200 seconds, ______ for a burst generated by the merger...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The recently observed gamma ray burst GRB 230307A lasted for 200 seconds, ______ for a burst generated by the merger of neutron stars. Bursts caused by neutron mergers typically last fewer than 2 seconds.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
a coincidence
a reprieve
an incident
an oddity
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The recently observed gamma ray burst GRB 230307A lasted for 200 seconds,' |
|
| '______' |
|
| 'for a burst generated by the merger of neutron stars.' |
|
| 'Bursts caused by neutron mergers typically last fewer than 2 seconds.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A specific gamma ray burst lasted much longer than neutron merger bursts typically do.
Argument Flow: We learn about one specific burst's unusually long duration, then discover this duration is dramatically different from what's typical for this type of burst, creating a clear contrast between this case and the norm.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our analysis, we have GRB 230307A lasting 200 seconds, and then we learn that neutron merger bursts typically last fewer than 2 seconds
- That's a huge difference - 200 seconds versus under 2 seconds
- The missing word needs to capture that this 200-second duration is somehow notable or unusual given what we learn next about the typical duration
- The logical relationship we need is something that signals 'this is unexpected' or 'this stands out' when compared to the normal pattern
- The word should indicate that 200 seconds is remarkable in the context of neutron star mergers
a coincidence
- 'A coincidence' suggests two things happening at the same time by chance
- Doesn't capture that 200 seconds is unusual compared to the typical \(\lt 2\) seconds
a reprieve
- 'A reprieve' means a temporary relief or postponement of something unpleasant
- Makes no sense in the context of describing a burst's duration
an incident
- 'An incident' just means an event or occurrence
- Too generic - doesn't capture that this duration is unusual
an oddity
- 'An oddity' means something unusual or unexpected
- Perfectly sets up the contrast: 200 seconds is odd/unusual for neutron merger bursts
- Creates the logical flow where we learn something seems strange, then discover why it's strange