The invention in 1958 of the integrated circuit (or microchip) radically altered the semiconductor industry. In fact, some historians argue that it fundamentally _______ the industry by enabling it to take advantage of mass production methods for the first time.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Explanation
Context: The invention of the microchip "radically altered the semiconductor industry." It fundamentally [blank] "the industry by enabling it to take advantage of mass production"—changed it.
Answer: B) transformed
Why? Radically altered = changed completely. Transformed = changed completely.
Traps:
- A) obstructed → means blocked, different
- C) bypassed → means avoided, different
- D) overwhelmed → means overcame, different