Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: clargy
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:This item tests your ability to infer affixes that indicate tense or aspect in an artificial language. From the examples, we can deduce endings for “-ing” and “-ed,” then apply them to a new root.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Compare forms to isolate affixes. The progressive “-ing” is represented by the suffix “-y” (slar → slary). The past “-ed” is represented by the suffix “-end.” Therefore, to express “playing,” attach “-y” to the base for play (assumed root “clarg”).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify suffix for “-ing”: slar → slary gives -y.Identify suffix for “-ed”: slar → slarend gives -end.Form “playing”: clarg + y = clargy.Eliminate distractors: forms with -end mean past; others combine unrelated roots.Verification / Alternative check:
Apply pattern to other hypothetical roots; adding -y consistently yields the progressive meaning.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
clargslarend: compound with “jumped”; not “playing.”ellaclarg: no -y ending; base only or different structure.slarmont: uses the “jump” root; not “play.”clargend: past tense “played,” not “playing.”Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the past (-end) with the progressive (-y).Final Answer:clargy
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