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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #1137 Eiffel Tower
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear: Select the appropriate answer choice for each blank.
When    began  on  the  Eiffel  Tower,  125  years  ago,  many  Parisians  were  far  from  enamoured,  describing  it  as  a    monstrosity  that  robbed  the  French  capital  of  its  beauty.  But  as  the  Paris  marks  the  125th  anniversary  of  its  construction  -  launched  on  January  26,  1887  -  such  reservations  have  long  been  forgotten.  Built  between  1887  and  1889  as  the  entrance  arch  for  the  Exposition  Universelle  -  a  world  fair  marking  the  centennial    of  the  French  Revolution  -  the  tower  was  originally  meant  to  stand  for  20  years,  after  which  time  it  was  to  be  dismantled.  However,  the  wrought  iron  lattice  tower  located  on  the  Champ  de  Mars  survived  thanks  to  its  communications  ,  and  went  on  to  become  one  of  the  world's  most  popular  monuments,    millions  of  visitors  each  year.  Nicknamed  “la  dame  de  fer”  (the  iron  lady),  the  Eiffel  Tower  has  inspired  singers,  poets,  painters  and  filmmakers,  while  miniature  Eiffel  Tower  souvenirs  sit  in  millions  of    around  the  globe.

Result:

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Correct answer: work

Explanation: The word 'work' fits grammatically as a noun that refers to the effort or activity involved in constructing the Eiffel Tower. It aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses the beginning of a significant construction project.

Meaning: In this context, 'work' refers to the physical effort and activities involved in building the Eiffel Tower.

Wrong options:

  • trouble: The word 'trouble' implies difficulty or problems, which does not fit the context of starting a construction project.
  • assignment: 'Assignment' typically refers to a task given to someone, which does not accurately describe the large-scale effort of building the Eiffel Tower.
  • project: While 'project' could fit, it is less specific than 'work' in this context, which emphasizes the ongoing effort involved.
  • task: 'Task' suggests a smaller, more manageable piece of work, which does not capture the scale of the Eiffel Tower's construction.
Correct answer: useless

Explanation: The word 'useless' appropriately describes the sentiment of many Parisians towards the Eiffel Tower at its inception, indicating that they viewed it as having no value or purpose. This fits both grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Useless' means not serving any purpose or function, reflecting the negative perception of the Eiffel Tower by some at the time of its construction.

Wrong options:

  • worthy: 'Worthy' implies having value or merit, which contradicts the negative sentiment expressed in the sentence.
  • valuable: 'Valuable' suggests worth or importance, which is the opposite of how the Parisians felt about the tower initially.
  • priceless: 'Priceless' indicates something of great value, which does not align with the description of the tower as a monstrosity.
  • useful: 'Useful' implies practicality, which is contrary to the sentiment of the tower being seen as a burden.
Correct answer: celebration

Explanation: The word 'celebration' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the act of commemorating the centennial of the French Revolution, aligning with the historical significance mentioned in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Celebration' refers to a joyful occasion or event, particularly one that honors a significant milestone, such as the centennial of the French Revolution.

Wrong options:

  • jubilation: 'Jubilation' refers to a feeling of great happiness, which does not fit as a noun describing the event itself.
  • ceremony: While 'ceremony' could fit, it lacks the broader context of festivity implied by 'celebration.'
  • journal: 'Journal' refers to a record or diary, which is unrelated to the context of a commemorative event.
  • competition: 'Competition' implies a contest, which does not align with the idea of celebrating a historical milestone.
Correct answer: value

Explanation: The word 'value' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates the importance or worth of the Eiffel Tower in terms of its communications capabilities. This aligns well with the context of the sentence discussing why the tower survived.

Meaning: 'Value' refers to the importance or worth of something, particularly in terms of its utility or significance in communication.

Wrong options:

  • worth: 'Worth' is similar to 'value' but is less commonly used in this context, making 'value' the more appropriate choice.
  • damage: 'Damage' refers to harm or injury, which does not fit the context of discussing the tower's significance.
  • loss: 'Loss' implies something that has been taken away or diminished, which does not relate to the positive aspect of the tower's importance.
  • cost: 'Cost' refers to the amount paid for something, which does not convey the idea of significance or importance.
Correct answer: attracting

Explanation: The word 'attracting' fits grammatically as a present participle that describes the action of the Eiffel Tower drawing in visitors. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses the tower's popularity.

Meaning: 'Attracting' means drawing attention or interest, particularly in the context of the Eiffel Tower bringing in millions of visitors each year.

Wrong options:

  • inspiring: While 'inspiring' could fit, it does not convey the specific action of drawing visitors as effectively as 'attracting.'
  • alluring: 'Alluring' suggests a sense of charm or appeal, but it is more subjective and less direct than 'attracting.'
  • distracting: 'Distracting' implies causing someone to lose focus, which is contrary to the intended meaning of drawing visitors in.
  • flailing: 'Flailing' suggests struggling or failing, which does not fit the positive context of the Eiffel Tower's popularity.
Correct answer: households

Explanation: The word 'households' fits grammatically as a plural noun that refers to the various homes where miniature Eiffel Tower souvenirs are found. This aligns with the context of the sentence discussing the widespread presence of these souvenirs.

Meaning: 'Households' refers to the people living in a single home or dwelling, indicating that many homes around the world contain these souvenirs.

Wrong options:

  • families: 'Families' refers to groups of related individuals, which does not specifically denote the physical locations where souvenirs are kept.
  • locations: 'Locations' is too vague and does not specifically refer to homes, making it less suitable in this context.
  • places: 'Places' is also too broad and does not convey the idea of personal residences as effectively as 'households.'
  • cities: 'Cities' refers to large urban areas, which does not accurately describe the individual homes where souvenirs are found.

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