6
Answer: ASet 1: Words in Context (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has ______ a new era of automation, fundamentally changing how industries operate.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. precipitated✓ Correct
B. halted
C. mimicked
D. revered
Detailed Explanation
The text describes AI as causing or bringing about a new era. 'Precipitated' means to cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely, but in this context, it simply means 'brought about'.
Key Evidence:
• "rapid advancement"
• "new era"
Why others are wrong: B (Halted means stopped.), C (Mimicked means copied.), D (Revered means respected deeply.).