Question

baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is used in baking to ______ foods like bread to
ise.\ when it is combined with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or buttermilk in a batter, carbon dioxide gas bubbles are released, causing the batter to expand to achieve its desired structure.
which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
a delay
b observe
c confine
d encourage

Explanation:

The text explains baking soda helps baked goods "rise" by releasing gas to expand batter. We need a verb that means to support or enable this rising action. "Delay" means slow down, which is opposite. "Observe" means watch, irrelevant. "Confine" means restrict, also opposite. "Encourage" means to promote or support, which fits the role of baking soda in making goods rise.

Answer:

D. encourage