Question

Joe Small describes a prank in which another sailor created a loud noise, causing “a spontaneous explosion” of men bolting for the door. Use context clues to define spontaneous and write your definition here.

Answer 1

Using context clues from the text, 'spontaneous' is defined as occurring immediately without planning or external stimulus, evidenced by how the men reacted to unexpected noises.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the context clues provided in the excerpts, spontaneous can be defined as something occurring or done immediately and without premeditation or external stimulus – acting on sudden impulses.

In the scenario described, the term 'spontaneous explosion' suggests that the men reacted quickly and without planning when they heard the loud noise, as their actions were a direct and immediate response to the stimulus. Similar to how the cannon in the text acted instantaneously, causing surprise and immediate reaction with its firing.