The Robot Cluster is a large and important group of questions that contains very important correct AND incorrect answers. Let’s take a close look!
Each question in the cluster begins by identifying two specific robots. The passage then explains that these robots contain humanoid features such as bipedal locomotion and the ability to respond to voice commands. These humanoid characteristics can have a positive effect by ENGENDERING (causing) and BUTTRESSING (supporting) people’s feelings of comfort. At the same time, these humanoid features can MITIGATE (lessen), SOOTHE (calm), and AMELIORATE (improve) people’s sense of anxiety about a robot’s unnatural appearance.
The Robot Cluster contains several alluring wrong answers. Don’t be tempted by REPUDIATE (reject, AUGMENT (increase), or CONSTRICT (make narrow). None of these words are supported by evidence in the passages.
ENGENDER – to cause; give rise to
BUTTRESS – to support; strengthen
MITIGATE – to lessen; alleviate
SOOTHE – to calm; relax
AMELIORATE – to improve; make better