According to botanists, a viburnum plant experiencing insect damage may develop erineum—a discolored, felty growth—on
its leaf blades. A ______ viburnum plant, on the other hand, will have leaves with smooth surfaces and uniformly green
coloration.
struggling
beneﬁcial
simple
healthy
Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of damage to viburnum plants. In this
context, “healthy” would mean not distressed or diseased. The text states that insect damage may cause viburnum plants to
be discolored and have abnormal growths. In the next sentence, the phrase “on the other hand” indicates a contrast with the
description of plants suffering from damage. Thus, the context contrasts the appearance of healthy, undamaged plants with
the appearance of damaged plants.
Choice A is incorrect because in this context, “struggling” would mean working against diﬃculties. The text ﬁrst describes
viburnum plants experiencing damage by insects, and the phrase “on the other hand” then establishes a contrast with that
description. It wouldn’t make sense to contrast struggling viburnum plants with those being damaged by insects, because in
both cases the plants would be experiencing diﬃculties. Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “beneﬁcial” would
mean producing good or helpful effects. The text doesn’t discuss how viburnum plants affect other things or suggest that
the plants are helpful in some way; rather, it focuses on how viburnum plants are affected by certain conditions. Choice C is
incorrect because in this context “simple” would mean plain or uncomplicated. The text doesn’t discuss whether certain
viburnum plants are complicated or uncomplicated; rather, it focuses on how viburnum plants are affected by certain
conditions.