Question

which word could best replace dwindled in paragraph 7 of the passage?

fractured
broken
collapsed
shrunk

reading passage
7 in 1987, the average u.s. household received 1.6 pieces of personal correspondence each week, but by 2012 that number had dropped to 0.7 pieces. most significantly, in that same time period, the number of handwritten letters plummeted 80 percent (mazzone and rehman). its not just personal correspondence that has dwindled; more financial statements, bills, and the checks that follow them have become digital every year. in 2002, about 75 percent of all bills were paid by mail; by 2012, that number had decreased to 40 percent and the trend continues (mazzone and rehman). most americans pay at least one bill each month online. as many businesses offer incentives such as gift cards or discounts for going paperless, the paper bill, paper check, and paper bank statement are becoming fossils of a bygone age.

Explanation:

Locate the target word in the passage

Using the Vocabulary in Context knowledge point, we locate the word "dwindled" in paragraph 7 of the reading passage: "It's not just personal correspondence that has dwindled; more financial statements, bills, and the checks that follow them have become digital every year."

Analyze surrounding context clues

Using the Context Clues knowledge point, we examine the surrounding sentences for indicators of change in quantity. The paragraph begins by stating that personal correspondence "dropped" from 1.6 to 0.7 pieces per week, and the number of handwritten letters "plummeted 80 percent." Later, it mentions that bills paid by mail "decreased to 40 percent." These clues consistently describe a reduction in size, quantity, or volume.

Evaluate the answer choices

• "fractured" means split or broken into pieces, which does not fit a gradual reduction in quantity.
• "broken" means damaged or no longer functioning, which is incorrect in this context.
• "collapsed" means fell down or caved in suddenly, which is too sudden and extreme for a gradual decline.
• "shrunk" means became smaller in size, amount, or value, which perfectly matches the gradual decrease described.

Answer:

• fractured
• broken
• collapsed
• shrunk (Correct answer)