19. Which choice best replaces the underlined portion in sentence 6 (reproduced below) to suggest that, for a time, people were completely caught up with news of the Leonid meteor shower? In the center of the quilt, the 'falling of the stars' illustrates the hours-long Leonid meteor shower that interested people on November 13, 1833.
Answer: B
People were completely caught up with news of the Leonid meteor shower.
The word "enthralled" best conveys the sense that people were deeply captivated and fascinated by the Leonid meteor shower, suggesting a heightened level of interest and engagement.
A) affected
The term "affected" implies a change or influence but lacks the intensity of engagement suggested in the context of the meteor shower. It does not convey the idea of being captivated or absorbed by the event, making it less suitable.
B) enthralled
"Enthralled" effectively captures the notion of people being completely absorbed and fascinated by the meteor shower. This word denotes a strong emotional or intellectual engagement, which aligns perfectly with the context of their reaction to this extraordinary astronomical event.
C) involved
While "involved" suggests participation or engagement, it does not convey the same depth of emotional investment as "enthralled." It lacks the connotation of being captivated or mesmerized, which is essential in describing the public's reaction to the meteor shower.
D) worried
"Worried" carries a negative connotation that does not fit the context of the meteor shower, which was a spectacular natural event. This choice suggests anxiety or concern rather than fascination, making it an inappropriate replacement.
Conclusion
In summary, "enthralled" is the most fitting word to replace the underlined portion, as it accurately reflects the deep engagement and fascination people felt towards the Leonid meteor shower. The other options fail to capture the same level of enthusiasm or present misleading implications, reinforcing why option B is the clear choice.