Question

you read more closely the following sentence from the article: \9. in a true emergency, massive cell phone usage can overload phone systems, crippling critical official and emergency communication.\ how do you think the word crippling affects the meaning of this sentence? it reinforces the point that cell phones have zero negative aspects. it introduces the concept that many people call emergency numbers erroneously. it proposes an idea to local law enforcement to remedy the issue of faulty phone systems. it emphasizes how disastrous an emergency situation can become if cell phone systems cant be used.

Explanation:

The word "crippling" means causing severe damage or impairment. In the context of the sentence, it describes the effect of massive cell phone usage on critical official and emergency communication. It emphasizes the disastrous consequences of overloading phone systems during an emergency.

• The first option is incorrect because "crippling" implies a negative aspect, not zero negative aspects.
• The second option is incorrect because the sentence is about the effect of cell phone usage on communication, not about people calling emergency numbers erroneously.
• The third option is incorrect because the sentence does not propose an idea to local law enforcement.
• The fourth option is correct because "crippling" emphasizes the disastrous nature of the situation if cell phone systems can't be used.

Answer:

It emphasizes how disastrous an emergency situation can become if cell phone systems can't be used.