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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #34341 Virus Mutation
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.
All  viruses  mutate  constantly,  and  scientists  can  identify  the  different  strains.  Coronavirus  has  mutated  into  a  number  of  notable  strains  since  the  first  case  was  detected  in  December  2019,  with  the  latest  found  in  Australia  believed  to  originate  in  Russia.  "  this  is  not  considered  a  variant  of  concern,  little  is  known  about  the  strain,"  a  letter  sent  to  passengers  said.  Scientists  believe  it  could  be  up  to  70  per  cent  more    than  others  and  slightly  more  deadly.  However,  more  studies  will  be  needed  to  verify  this  claim.  Last  month,  Germany's  Health  Minister  said  the  virus    first  detected  in  Britain  last  year  now  accounts  for  more  than  a  fifth  of  all  positive  tests  in  the  country.  The  B.1.351  strain  was  first  identified  in  South  Africa,  where  it  has  become  the  dominant  type  infecting  local  residents.  Cases  and  deaths  in  South  Africa  have  started  to  fall  recently  after  a  second    of  the  virus.  However,  the  nation  is  still  battling  one  of  Africa's  most  severe  ,  with  more  than  46,000  people  dead.  The  strain  was  first  detected  in  Brazil,  and  is  suspected  of    a  COVID-19  resurgence  in  the  nation.  Brazilian  authorities  said  260,000  people  have  already  died.

Result:

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Correct answer: Whilst

Explanation: The word 'Whilst' serves as a conjunction that introduces a contrast, indicating that although the strain is not considered a variant of concern, there is still limited knowledge about it. This fits grammatically and contextually as it sets up a contrastive relationship with the preceding statement.

Meaning: 'Whilst' means 'although' or 'whereas,' and is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has been previously mentioned.

Wrong options:

  • If: 'If' introduces a conditional clause, which does not fit the context of contrasting information.
  • Because: 'Because' indicates a reason, which does not align with the contrast being made in the sentence.
  • However: 'However' is typically used to start a new sentence or clause, making it grammatically incorrect to use it at the beginning of this clause.
Correct answer: transmissible

Explanation: The term 'transmissible' is an adjective that describes the ability of the virus to be spread from one person to another. It fits grammatically as it modifies the noun 'per cent' and contextually aligns with the discussion of the virus's characteristics.

Meaning: 'Transmissible' means capable of being transmitted or spread, particularly in the context of diseases.

Wrong options:

  • miserable: 'Miserable' is an adjective describing a state of unhappiness, which does not relate to the context of virus spread.
  • countable: 'Countable' refers to something that can be counted, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing virus transmission.
  • approachable: 'Approachable' describes something that is easy to approach or friendly, which does not fit the context of discussing the virus.
Correct answer: variant

Explanation: The word 'variant' is a noun that refers to a form or version of something, particularly in the context of viruses. It fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause and contextually aligns with the discussion of different strains of the virus.

Meaning: 'Variant' means a version or form of something that differs from the standard or original, especially in the context of biological organisms.

Wrong options:

  • concord: 'Concord' refers to agreement or harmony, which does not fit the context of discussing virus strains.
  • likeness: 'Likeness' refers to similarity or resemblance, which is not appropriate in the context of identifying a type of virus.
  • origin: 'Origin' refers to the beginning or source of something, which does not fit the context of discussing a specific type of virus.
Correct answer: surge

Explanation: The term 'surge' is a noun that describes a sudden increase, particularly in the context of cases of a virus. It fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause and contextually aligns with the discussion of the rise in virus cases.

Meaning: 'Surge' means a sudden powerful forward or upward movement, often used to describe a rapid increase in something, such as cases of a virus.

Wrong options:

  • boon: 'Boon' refers to something beneficial or helpful, which does not fit the context of an increase in virus cases.
  • virtue: 'Virtue' refers to moral excellence, which is unrelated to the context of discussing virus cases.
  • cluster: 'Cluster' refers to a group of similar things, which does not accurately describe the sudden increase in cases.
Correct answer: outbreaks

Explanation: The word 'outbreaks' is a noun that refers to the occurrence of cases of a disease in a specific area. It fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause and contextually aligns with the discussion of the virus's impact in South Africa.

Meaning: 'Outbreaks' means sudden occurrences of disease in a specific area, indicating a rise in cases.

Wrong options:

  • restrictions: 'Restrictions' refer to limitations or controls, which do not fit the context of discussing the spread of a virus.
  • barriers: 'Barriers' refer to obstacles or hindrances, which are not relevant in the context of discussing disease occurrences.
  • recoveries: 'Recoveries' refer to the process of getting better from an illness, which does not fit the context of discussing the severity of the virus.
Correct answer: fuelling

Explanation: The word 'fuelling' is a verb that indicates causing or contributing to something, particularly in the context of a resurgence of COVID-19. It fits grammatically as it serves as the main verb of the clause and contextually aligns with the discussion of the virus's impact in Brazil.

Meaning: 'Fuelling' means to provide or supply energy or support to something, in this case, contributing to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

Wrong options:

  • doubling: 'Doubling' refers to increasing something by twofold, which does not accurately describe the action of causing a resurgence.
  • reporting: 'Reporting' refers to the act of informing or giving an account of something, which does not fit the context of causing an increase in cases.
  • copying: 'Copying' refers to making a duplicate of something, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing the virus.

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