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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #31508 Standard Language
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.
At  the  beginning  of  the  twenty-first  century,  the  relationship  between  standard  and  nonstandard  language  is,  evidently,  still  an  uncertain  one.  We  are  at  a    point  between  two  eras.  We  seem  to  be  leaving  an  era  when  the  rules  of  Standard  English,  as  elected  and  defined  by  prescriptive  grammarians,  totally  conditioned  our  sense  of    usage,  so  that  all  other  usages  and  varieties  were  considered  to  be  inferior  or  corrupt,  and  excluded  from  serious  consideration.  And  we  seem  to  be  approaching  an  era  when  nonstandard  usages  and  varieties,  previously  denigrated  or  ignored,  are  achieving  a  new  presence  and  respectability  within  society,  reminiscent  of  that  found  in  Middle  English  when  dialect  variation  in  literature  was  widespread  and  uncontentious.  But  we  are  not  there  yet.  The  rise  of  Standard  English  has  resulted  in  a  confrontation  between  the  standard  and  nonstandard  dimensions  of  the  language  which  has  lasted  for  over  200  years,  and  this  has  had  traumatic    which  will  take  some  years  to  eliminate.  Once  people  have  been  given  an  inferiority  complex  about  the  way  they  speak  or  write,  they  find  it  difficult  to  shake  off.

Result:

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Correct answer: transitional

Explanation: The word 'transitional' fits grammatically as it describes a state of change between two eras, aligning with the context of the sentence that discusses the relationship between standard and nonstandard language. It indicates a point of movement or evolution, which is appropriate given the discussion of language dynamics.

Meaning: 'Transitional' refers to something that is in the process of changing from one state to another, indicating a phase of development or evolution.

Wrong options:

  • future: The term 'future' implies a time yet to come, which does not accurately describe the current state of being between two eras.
  • spacious: 'Spacious' refers to having a lot of space, which is irrelevant in this context as it does not relate to the concept of time or change.
  • standard: 'Standard' refers to a norm or accepted level, which contradicts the idea of being in between two eras, as it does not convey a sense of transition.
Correct answer: acceptable

Explanation: The word 'acceptable' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to what is considered appropriate or standard in language usage. It aligns with the discussion of how Standard English has conditioned perceptions of language, making it the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Acceptable' means something that is deemed satisfactory or permissible, particularly in terms of language usage.

Wrong options:

  • rearable: 'Rearable' is not a standard English word and does not convey any relevant meaning in this context, making it unsuitable.
  • dialectable: 'Dialectable' is not commonly used and does not fit the context of discussing language usage; it suggests a quality that is not relevant here.
  • respectable: While 'respectable' relates to being worthy of respect, it does not specifically address the concept of language usage being deemed appropriate, which is the focus of this sentence.
Correct answer: consequences

Explanation: The word 'consequences' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the results or effects of the prolonged confrontation between standard and nonstandard language. It logically follows the discussion of the impact of this confrontation, making it the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Consequences' refers to the outcomes or effects that result from a particular action or situation, especially in a negative context.

Wrong options:

  • leading: 'Leading' implies guidance or direction, which does not fit the context of discussing results or effects of a situation.
  • ranges: 'Ranges' refers to a variety or scope, which does not convey the idea of results or effects, making it irrelevant here.
  • inferences: 'Inferences' refers to conclusions drawn from evidence, which does not directly relate to the outcomes of the confrontation discussed in the text.

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