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Practice Reading: Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks ID: #31470 Language Deficit
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
* Select the correct answer into all dropdown fields. You need to answer all questions before clicking verify button.
This  is  a  challenging  time  for  UK  students,  and  we  should  be  making  their  transition  from  university  to  the  globalised  world  easier,  not  harder.  The  British  Academy  has  voiced  its    over  the  growing  language  deficit  for  some  years,  and  the  gloomy  statistics  speak  for  themselves.  We  need    action  if  we  are  to  remedy  this  worsening  situation.
The    of  the  problem  lie  within  schools,  but  Vice-Chancellors  have  the  power  to  drive  change  and  help  their  students  recognise  the  importance  of  learning  languages,  and  about  the  countries  where  they  are  spoken  and  the  cultures  they  sustain.  We      them  to  act  and  protect  this  country's  long  term  economic,  social  and  cultural  standing.

Result:

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Correct answer: concern

Explanation: The word 'concern' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates a feeling of worry or interest, which aligns with the context of the British Academy expressing its worries about the language deficit. It is the correct form to follow the verb 'has voiced' and matches the sentiment of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Concern' refers to a feeling of worry or anxiety about something, in this case, the language deficit affecting UK students.

Wrong options:

  • confirm: The word 'confirm' is a verb that means to establish the truth or correctness of something, which does not fit the context of expressing worry.
  • contempt: 'Contempt' is a noun that indicates a feeling of disdain or scorn, which does not align with the context of expressing concern about students' language skills.
  • conclude: The word 'conclude' is a verb meaning to bring something to an end or to arrive at a judgment, which does not fit the context of voicing a concern.
Correct answer: decisive

Explanation: The word 'decisive' is an adjective that describes the type of action needed—one that is firm and conclusive. It fits grammatically and contextually as it emphasizes the urgency and importance of the action required to address the language deficit.

Meaning: 'Decisive' means having the power to make decisions quickly and effectively, indicating that immediate and strong action is necessary.

Wrong options:

  • instant: The word 'instant' is an adjective that refers to something happening immediately, which does not convey the necessary quality of action as effectively as 'decisive.'
  • infact: 'Infact' is a misspelling of 'in fact,' which is a phrase used to emphasize a statement, but it does not fit grammatically as a descriptor for action.
  • defence: The word 'defence' is a noun that refers to the act of protecting or resisting, which does not align with the need for a type of action.
Correct answer: roots

Explanation: The word 'roots' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates the fundamental source or origin of the problem. It aligns contextually with the discussion about where the language deficit originates, making it the most appropriate choice.

Meaning: 'Roots' refers to the underlying causes or origins of a problem, in this case, the issues within schools that contribute to the language deficit.

Wrong options:

  • upsurge: The word 'upsurge' is a noun that means a sudden increase, which does not fit the context of identifying the source of a problem.
  • ugly: 'Ugly' is an adjective that describes something unpleasant or unattractive, which does not relate to the concept of the origins of a problem.
  • complex: The word 'complex' is an adjective that refers to something complicated, which does not accurately describe the fundamental source of the problem.
Correct answer: urge

Explanation: The word 'urge' is a verb that fits grammatically and contextually, as it expresses a strong recommendation or encouragement for Vice-Chancellors to take action. It aligns with the overall tone of the sentence, which is advocating for proactive measures.

Meaning: 'Urge' means to strongly encourage someone to do something, in this case, to take action regarding language education.

Wrong options:

  • upsurge: The word 'upsurge' is a noun that refers to a sudden increase, which does not fit the grammatical structure needed here as a verb.
  • act: The word 'act' is a verb that could fit, but it lacks the nuance of encouragement that 'urge' provides in this context.
  • great: The word 'great' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically as it does not convey an action or recommendation.

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