Question:
In contrast to the substantial muscular activity required for inhalation, exhalation is usually a ---- process.
In contrast to the substantial muscular activity required for inhalation, exhalation is usually a ---- process.
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Look for signal words that indicate the logical structure of the sentence. "In contrast to," "unlike," "although," and "however" all signal an opposition, so you should look for an answer that is an antonym or has an opposite meaning to the key descriptive words in the other clause.
Updated On: Oct 4, 2025
- slow
- passive
- precise
- complex
- conscious
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is a sentence completion question that relies on understanding the contrast between two related biological processes: inhalation and exhalation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The sentence starts with the key phrase "In contrast to," which sets up an opposition. We are told that inhalation requires "substantial muscular activity." Therefore, exhalation must be a process that does \textit{not} require substantial muscular activity. We need to find the word that best describes this lack of active effort.
Let's evaluate the options:
(A) slow: Exhalation can be fast or slow; this word doesn't capture the contrast with muscular activity.
(B) passive: A "passive" process is one that does not require active energy or effort. This is the direct opposite of a process requiring "substantial muscular activity." This is a perfect fit. (In biology, normal exhalation is indeed a passive process, relying on the elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall).
(C) precise: Both inhalation and exhalation can be precise; this doesn't contrast with muscular effort.
(D) complex: Both processes are complex in their own way. This is not the point of contrast.
(E) conscious: While we can consciously control our breathing, normal exhalation is typically an unconscious process, but "passive" is a much better antonym for "active" (as implied by muscular activity).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word "passive" provides the most accurate and direct contrast to the "substantial muscular activity" of inhalation.
This is a sentence completion question that relies on understanding the contrast between two related biological processes: inhalation and exhalation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The sentence starts with the key phrase "In contrast to," which sets up an opposition. We are told that inhalation requires "substantial muscular activity." Therefore, exhalation must be a process that does \textit{not} require substantial muscular activity. We need to find the word that best describes this lack of active effort.
Let's evaluate the options:
(A) slow: Exhalation can be fast or slow; this word doesn't capture the contrast with muscular activity.
(B) passive: A "passive" process is one that does not require active energy or effort. This is the direct opposite of a process requiring "substantial muscular activity." This is a perfect fit. (In biology, normal exhalation is indeed a passive process, relying on the elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall).
(C) precise: Both inhalation and exhalation can be precise; this doesn't contrast with muscular effort.
(D) complex: Both processes are complex in their own way. This is not the point of contrast.
(E) conscious: While we can consciously control our breathing, normal exhalation is typically an unconscious process, but "passive" is a much better antonym for "active" (as implied by muscular activity).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word "passive" provides the most accurate and direct contrast to the "substantial muscular activity" of inhalation.
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