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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #31479 Oxford Course
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
When  I  enrolled  in  my  master's  course  at  Oxford  last  year,  I  had  come  straight  from  medical  school  with  the  decision  to  leave  clinical  science  for  good.  Thinking  back,  I  realise  that  I  didn't  put  very  much    on  this  decision  at  the  time.  But  today,  I  more  clearly  understand  the    of  leaving  my  original  profession.  When  I  meet  old  friends,  who  are  now  physicians  and  surgeons,  I  sense  how  our  views  on  medical  problems  have  .  They  scrutinise  the  effects  of  disease  and  try  to  eliminate  or  alleviate  them;  I  try  to  understand  how  they  come  about  in  the  first  place.  I  feel  happier  working  on  this  side  of  the  problem,  although  I  do  occasionally  miss  clinical  work  and  seeing  patients.
However,  when  I  think  about  the  rate  at  which  my  medical  skills  and  knowledge  have  ,  the  years  spent  reading  weighty  medical  textbooks,  the  hours  spent  at  the  bedside,  I  sometimes  wonder  if  these  years  were  partly  a    of  time  now  that  I  am  pursuing  a  research  career.
Nonetheless,  I  know  the  value  of  my  medical  education.  It  is  easy  to  forget  the  importance  of  the  biosciences  when  working  with  model  organisms  in  basic  research  that  seem  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  a  sick  child  or  a  suffering  elderly  person.  Yet,  I  still  have  vivid  memories  of  the  cruel  kaleidoscope  of  severe  diseases  and  of  how  they  can    a  human  being.  I  hope  to  retain  these  memories  as  a  guide  in  my  current  occupation.

Result:

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Correct answer: weight

Explanation: The word 'weight' fits grammatically as it is a noun that can be used to indicate the importance or significance placed on a decision. In this context, it aligns with the phrase 'put very much,' which suggests the speaker is discussing the level of importance they assigned to their decision at that time.

Meaning: In this context, 'weight' refers to the importance or significance of something, indicating how much consideration was given to the decision to leave clinical science.

Wrong options:

  • rate: The word 'rate' typically refers to a measurement or evaluation, which does not fit the context of assigning importance to a decision.
  • stress: While 'stress' can imply pressure or anxiety, it does not convey the idea of importance or significance in the same way 'weight' does.
  • pressure: 'Pressure' suggests a force or influence rather than the importance of a decision, making it contextually inappropriate.
Correct answer: consequences

Explanation: The term 'consequences' is appropriate here as it refers to the outcomes or effects resulting from a decision. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the speaker is reflecting on the implications of leaving their original profession.

Meaning: 'Consequences' means the results or effects that follow from an action or decision, highlighting the speaker's understanding of the impact of their choice.

Wrong options:

  • ratings: 'Ratings' refer to evaluations or assessments, which do not align with the idea of outcomes from a decision.
  • results: While 'results' could fit, it is less specific than 'consequences' in conveying the idea of long-term effects of a decision.
  • concepts: 'Concepts' refers to ideas or theories, which does not match the context of discussing the effects of a decision.
Correct answer: diverged

Explanation: The word 'diverged' is the correct choice as it indicates a difference in opinions or paths taken. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the speaker is comparing their views with those of their friends who remained in clinical practice.

Meaning: 'Diverged' means to separate or differ, particularly in opinions or paths, indicating how the speaker's views have changed compared to their friends.

Wrong options:

  • emerged: 'Emerged' suggests coming into view or existence, which does not fit the context of differing opinions.
  • divered: This option is a misspelling of 'diverged' and is not a valid word in this context.
  • upsurged: 'Upsurged' implies a sudden increase, which does not relate to the idea of differing views.
Correct answer: dissipated

Explanation: The term 'dissipated' is suitable here as it describes the gradual disappearance or reduction of something, fitting grammatically and contextually with the idea of medical skills and knowledge fading over time.

Meaning: 'Dissipated' means to scatter or disappear gradually, indicating how the speaker's medical skills have diminished since leaving clinical practice.

Wrong options:

  • anticipated: 'Anticipated' means expected or predicted, which does not relate to the loss of skills or knowledge.
  • cleared: 'Cleared' suggests removal or resolution, which does not fit the context of skills diminishing over time.
  • abated: 'Abated' means to lessen or reduce, but it does not convey the same sense of gradual disappearance as 'dissipated' does.
Correct answer: waste

Explanation: The word 'waste' is appropriate as it conveys the idea of something being unproductive or not worthwhile. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the speaker reflects on their past experiences in medical education.

Meaning: 'Waste' refers to something that is not used effectively or is considered unproductive, suggesting the speaker's doubts about the value of their time spent in medical training.

Wrong options:

  • rush: 'Rush' implies a hurried action, which does not fit the context of reflecting on time spent in education.
  • way: 'Way' is too vague and does not convey the idea of unproductiveness inherent in 'waste.'
  • trait: 'Trait' refers to a characteristic or quality, which does not relate to the concept of time spent in education.
Correct answer: strike

Explanation: The word 'strike' is fitting as it conveys a sudden impact or effect, aligning with the context of how diseases can affect a person. It fits grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Strike' means to hit or have a strong effect on someone, indicating the serious impact of diseases on individuals.

Wrong options:

  • spy: 'Spy' refers to observing secretly, which does not relate to the impact of diseases.
  • reply: 'Reply' means to respond, which is unrelated to the context of diseases affecting individuals.
  • guide: 'Guide' implies leading or directing, which does not fit the context of the impact of diseases.

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