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The recently observed gamma ray burst GRB 230307A lasted for 200 seconds, blank for a burst generated by the merger of neutron stars. Bursts caused by neutron mergers typically last fewer than 2 seconds.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Explanation
Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the duration of gamma ray burst GRB 230307A. In this context, "an oddity" is something that is odd or unusual. The text explains that the burst lasted for 200 seconds and that other bursts generated by neutron mergers have usually lasted fewer than 2 seconds. In other words, the duration of gamma ray burst GRB 230307A was unusual.
Choice A is incorrect because the text focuses on a difference between the duration of gamma ray burst GRB 230307A and the typical duration of bursts caused by neutron mergers, not "a coincidence," or a point of correspondence, between them; the text indicates that GRB 230307A lasted much longer than what is typical of other bursts. Choice B is incorrect. In this context, "a reprieve" would be either a temporary relief from something or a delay of a punishment, neither of which would make sense as something that the duration of a gamma ray burst could provide to the burst itself. Choice C is incorrect. Although it would make sense to refer to gamma ray burst GRB 230307A itself as "an incident," or a thing that occurred, the missing word describes the duration of the burst, and it doesn’t make much sense to describe a length of time as an incident. Further, the sentence emphasizes that the burst’s duration was very unusual, not simply that the burst occurred.