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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #31546 Headless Horseman
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
As  the  world    into  the  future,  each  day  bringing  ,  astonishing  technology  advances,  our  society    the  risk  of  becoming  not  only  Washington  Irving’s  headless  horseman  but  also  a    horseman.

Result:

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Correct answer: changes

Explanation: The verb 'changes' is in the present tense, which is appropriate for describing an ongoing action as the world transitions into the future. This aligns with the context of the sentence, indicating a continuous process of transformation.

Meaning: 'Changes' refers to the process of becoming different or undergoing a transformation, highlighting the dynamic nature of the world as it progresses.

Wrong options:

  • grade: 'Grade' is a noun or verb that refers to a level or classification, which does not fit the context of an ongoing action in this sentence.
  • lost: 'Lost' is the past tense of 'lose,' which does not convey the present action required in this context.
  • forms: 'Forms' suggests the creation of something, but it does not accurately represent the ongoing transformation of the world.
Correct answer: new

Explanation: The adjective 'new' fits perfectly in this context, describing the type of advances that each day brings. It aligns with the idea of innovation and progress, which is central to the sentence's theme.

Meaning: 'New' means something that has recently come into existence or is different from what was previously known, emphasizing the freshness of technological advances.

Wrong options:

  • back: 'Back' implies a return to a previous state, which contradicts the idea of progress and innovation in the sentence.
  • front: 'Front' does not logically connect to the concept of advances; it typically refers to a position or direction rather than a quality of technology.
  • extra: 'Extra' suggests something additional but does not convey the idea of innovation or freshness that 'new' does.
Correct answer: runs

Explanation: The verb 'runs' is in the present tense and agrees with the subject 'our society,' indicating a current and ongoing state. This fits the context of the sentence, which discusses the present risks faced by society.

Meaning: 'Runs' means to operate or function, suggesting that society is currently in a state of risk regarding its future.

Wrong options:

  • ran: 'Ran' is the past tense of 'run,' which does not fit the present context of the sentence.
  • rode: 'Rode' is the past tense of 'ride,' which is unrelated to the subject of society and does not convey the intended meaning.
  • ride: 'Ride' is the base form of the verb, which does not agree with the subject in the present tense.
Correct answer: heartless

Explanation: The adjective 'heartless' describes a lack of compassion or empathy, fitting well with the context of the sentence that warns against becoming a negative figure like the headless horseman. It aligns with the tone of caution in the passage.

Meaning: 'Heartless' means lacking kindness or compassion, emphasizing the potential negative transformation of society.

Wrong options:

  • rude: 'Rude' refers to being impolite or disrespectful, which does not capture the deeper emotional connotation of lacking empathy as 'heartless' does.
  • nice: 'Nice' implies being pleasant or agreeable, which is the opposite of the intended meaning in this context.
  • kind: 'Kind' suggests a positive trait, which contradicts the warning tone of the sentence about becoming a negative figure.

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