<p>The odds that a complex mechanical system will ------ increase when a vital function is performed by a single component; thus, ------ is highly desirable.
d) falter … concentration
e) fail … redundancy</p>
<p>Answer is E.</p>
<p>If it’s more likely that a failure/failter will happen if the essential function is performed by one component, then logically speaking, you would want to divide up the task or have it performed multiple times. “Concentrating” the job to one component will only increase the risk of mechanical failure, which is not desirable at all.</p>
<p>In this context, “redundancy” is an engineering term that refers to the existence of excess parts. In case one fails, there will be other parts that can be used as a back-up.</p>
<p>k thanks, that was a tough one</p>
<p>Another question:</p>
<p>“Our eyes are built to seek out complete figures. If I am shown a triangle missing the midsections of its sides, I will complete it in my mind. We instinctively repair fragments into wholes and search for continuous contours and closed curves. Shards present our eyes with a problem, unwittingly we cast around for patterns, assembling pieces into shapes. Our eyes prefer practically any object to the borderless scatter of points.”</p>
<p>-The author implies that “continuous contours and closed curves” (line 3) are patterns that:</p>
<p>b) force the mind to compensate
e) inherently appeal to a viewer</p>
<p>Answer is E.</p>
<p>Definitely tough, but the last part: “Our eyes prefer practically any object to the borderless scatter of points.”</p>
<p>that kind of implies that we like closed triangles</p>
<p>I’d like to point out that “fragments” force the mind to compensate, not continuous contours and closed curves. After we “search” and find the “continuous contours and closed curves” our minds are not forced to compensate for anything anymore. This question is another type of question with which CollegeBoard tests our ability to connect the relationship between words. </p>