Question

look at the word in bold in the highlighted paragraph.
two barefoot people, dressed in simple white clothing, stand in the middle of a circle. several musicians begin to play a rhythm, and people start to sing. then the game, or jogo, begins. the group is practicing capoeira. capoeira is a form of martial arts that blends dance, song, acrobatics, and athletics.
capoeira started in brazil centuries ago. during that time, enslaved africans were forced to work on brazilian plantations. on the plantations, the enslaved people developed capoeira as a way to secretly practice fighting. years later, in the early 1900s, capoeira began to gain widespread popularity. over time, capoeira teachers began to travel outside of brazil, setting up schools to train others.
the people who practice capoeira are called capoeiristas. when the capoeiristas face off, they start by doing the ginga, which is a simple swaying move. as the music plays, the capoeiristas perform moves like cartwheels and handstands. using the beat of the music, they roll, kick, and jump with grace and control. although capoeiristas move like dancers or acrobats, their moves simulate fighting. capoeiristas gracefully \attack\ each other and \defend\ themselves without actually touching each others bodies. they may swing a leg inches from a partners chest, but there is no physical contact.
today, people of all ages practice capoeira. classes are held in studios, parks, and even in colleges. to do capoeira well takes years of practice and focus. capoeira challenges athletes to bend and twist their bodies in all directions. this helps the capoeiristas feel confident and is a great form of exercise. it is no wonder that this sport has been practiced for hundreds of years.
what is the meaning of simulate as used in the text?
prevent imitate cause continue

Explanation:

The context shows that capoeiristas move like dancers or acrobats but their moves are related to fighting. The sentence “their moves simulate fighting” implies that the moves are like fighting (imitating it) as they “attack” and “defend” without actual physical contact. “Imitate” means to copy or act like something, which fits this context. “Prevent” (stop), “cause” (make happen), and “continue” (keep going) do not match the idea of the moves being like fighting.

Answer:

imitate