Question

select the word or phrase that is redundant and can be removed without changing the meaning of the text. despite the fact that the hindenburg was filled with seven million cubic feet of highly flammable and combustible hydrogen gas, the german airship had a smoking lounge.

Explanation:

To determine the redundant word/phrase, we analyze the meanings: "flammable" and "combustible" are synonyms (both mean easily set on fire). So "and combustible" is redundant as "highly flammable" already conveys the idea, and removing it doesn't change the sentence's meaning. Also, "Despite the fact that" can be simplified, but the more obvious redundancy here is "and combustible" (or "flammable and" depending on perspective, but "combustible" is the redundant term in the pair since "flammable" is sufficient). Wait, actually, "flammable" and "combustible" are nearly identical in meaning for this context (hydrogen gas is both). So the phrase "and combustible" is redundant because "highly flammable" already describes the gas's ability to burn. Alternatively, "flammable and" could be seen as redundant, but "combustible" is the extra term. So the redundant part is "and combustible" (or "combustible" when considering the pair).

Answer:

and combustible