The güiro, a musical instrument traditionally made from a dried and hollowed gourd, is thought to have originated with the
Taíno people of Puerto Rico. Players use a wooden stick to scrape along ridges cut into the side of the gourd, creating
sounds that are highly ______: the sounds produced by güiros can differ based on the distance between the ridges, the types
of strokes the player uses, and the thickness of the gourd.
overlooked
powerful
routine
variable
Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the sounds made by güiros. In this
context, “variable” means able to change. The text begins by explaining that güiros are instruments made out of hollowed
gourds with ridges cut into their sides and that players scrape the ridges with wooden sticks to produce sounds. The text
goes on to say that güiros’ sounds can change depending on gourd thickness, the distance between ridges, and the types of
strokes the player uses, thus supporting the idea that the sounds created by these instruments are variable.
Choice A is incorrect because “overlooked” means not being seen or noticed, and there is nothing in the text to suggest that
the sounds produced by güiros are overlooked or not noticed. Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “powerful” would
mean having a great ability to produce an effect. While it’s possible that the sounds produced by güiros have a strong effect
on listeners, the text doesn’t discuss this aspect of their sounds. Choice C is incorrect because “routine” means usual and
unvarying, and there is nothing in the text to suggest that the sounds produced by güiros are unvarying. In fact, the text
describes how the sounds produced by güiros can differ based on several factors.