Understanding the Passage and Blank 2

The passage describes the aftermath of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption and the subsequent tsunami in Tonga. It highlights the impact on the island, particularly focusing on communications and the efforts made to restore them and provide aid.

Blank (2) is part of the sentence: "Communications were ______(2)______ because there was only one undersea cable ______(3)_______ connected Tonga to the outside world." This sentence explains *why* communications were in a certain state, pointing to the single undersea cable as the critical factor.

Analyzing Options for Blank 2

Let's look at the options provided for blank number 2 and consider how they fit the context of communications after a major natural disaster:

• injured: This word is typically used to describe physical harm to living beings. Communications systems or cables cannot be "injured."
• damaged: This word is appropriate for describing physical harm to objects, infrastructure, or systems, making them less effective or non-functional. A cable can be damaged, leading to communications being disrupted.
• polluted: This refers to making something impure or contaminated, usually air, water, or land. It does not fit the context of how a tsunami or eruption affects a physical communication cable.
• hurt: Similar to "injured," this word is primarily used for physical or emotional pain in living beings. It is not used to describe the state of communication systems.

Determining the Most Appropriate Word

The sentence structure indicates that the state of communications was a consequence of the condition of the undersea cable. If the single undersea cable was affected by the disaster, it would cause the communications to become non-functional or severely impaired.

Out of the given options, "damaged" is the most suitable word to describe the state of communications infrastructure (like a cable) after a natural disaster. A damaged cable directly leads to disrupted communications.

Therefore, "damaged" accurately completes the sentence, explaining that communications were damaged because the sole undersea cable connecting Tonga to the outside world was likely damaged by the event.

Step-by-Step Derivation

1. Read the sentence containing blank (2) and the surrounding sentences for context.
2. Identify what is being described (Communications).
3. Understand the cause provided for the state of communications (only one undersea cable).
4. Consider how a natural disaster like a tsunami and eruption would affect communications via an undersea cable.
5. Evaluate each option to see which word best describes the state of communications or the reason for that state in this context.
6. "Damaged" correctly describes the physical impact on infrastructure that would disrupt communications.

Based on the analysis, the word "damaged" is the only option that logically explains why communications were affected due to the issue with the undersea cable after the disaster.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary in Context

Additional Information: Impact of Disasters on Infrastructure

Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes can have severe impacts on critical infrastructure, including communication networks. Undersea cables, which carry a vast majority of global internet and telecommunications traffic, are particularly vulnerable to seismic activity and underwater landslides triggered by these events.

• Vulnerability: Cables can be cut, broken, or buried by debris.
• Consequences: Loss of internet, phone lines, and international connectivity.
• Reliance: Islands, like Tonga, with limited connectivity options (e.g., only one cable) are highly reliant on the integrity of that single connection.
• Restoration: Repairing undersea cables is a complex and time-consuming process requiring specialized ships and equipment.
• Alternatives: Satellite communication can provide temporary or alternative connectivity but often with lower bandwidth and higher costs compared to fiber optic cables.

This situation highlights the importance of resilient infrastructure and multiple connectivity options for regions prone to natural disasters.