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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #31581 Enigma
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Nature  is  no  longer  an  alien  enigma    something  immediately  beautiful,  an  exuberant  opus    space  for  us  to  join  in.  Bird  melodies    always  been  called  songs  for  a  reason.  As  long  as  we    been  listening,  people  have  presumed  there  is  music  coming  out  of  those  scissoring  beaks.

Result:

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Correct answer: but

Explanation: The word 'but' serves as a conjunction that introduces a contrast, indicating a shift from viewing nature as an alien enigma to recognizing it as something beautiful. This fits grammatically and contextually, as it connects two contrasting ideas in the sentence.

Meaning: 'But' is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously, in this case, shifting the perception of nature.

Wrong options:

  • when: 'When' indicates a time reference, which does not fit the contrasting nature of the sentence.
  • where: 'Where' refers to a place, which is irrelevant in the context of contrasting ideas about nature.
  • about: 'About' suggests a topic of discussion, but does not provide the necessary contrast between the two ideas.
Correct answer: with

Explanation: The preposition 'with' indicates a relationship or accompaniment, suggesting that the exuberant opus is created in conjunction with space. This fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes how the beauty of nature is experienced.

Meaning: 'With' means in the company of or alongside, indicating that the opus is enhanced by the presence of space.

Wrong options:

  • to: 'To' implies direction or purpose, which does not convey the relationship intended in this context.
  • for: 'For' suggests a purpose or benefit, which does not accurately describe the relationship between the opus and space.
  • in: 'In' indicates location or inclusion, but does not capture the collaborative essence implied by 'with'.
Correct answer: have

Explanation: The verb 'have' is the correct form to agree with the plural subject 'Bird melodies.' It fits grammatically as it indicates possession or existence of the action of being called songs.

Meaning: 'Have' indicates that bird melodies possess the quality of being called songs, emphasizing their ongoing nature.

Wrong options:

  • has: 'Has' is singular and does not agree with the plural subject 'Bird melodies.'
  • is: 'Is' is also singular and does not match the plural subject, making it grammatically incorrect.
  • been: 'Been' is a past participle that requires an auxiliary verb to function properly, which is not present here.
Correct answer: have

Explanation: The verb 'have' is the correct choice to maintain the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present. It fits grammatically and contextually with the ongoing action of listening.

Meaning: 'Have' indicates that people continue to listen to bird melodies, emphasizing the continuity of the action.

Wrong options:

  • had: 'Had' is past tense and does not convey the ongoing nature of the action required in this context.
  • went: 'Went' is a past tense verb that does not fit the context of listening, which is an ongoing action.
  • were: 'Were' is past tense and does not align with the present perfect tense needed here.

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