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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #38389 Radio
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.
There    was    an    interesting    thing    on    the    radio    last    week.    It    seems    that    a    bunch    of    scientists    are    getting    themselves    hot    under    the    over    what    drives    them    to    be    scientists;    the    expression    'because    it's    there'    to    mind.    Sure    we    all    know    it's    the    age-old    for    knowledge,    the    desire    to    understand    everything    from    the    atom    to    the    black    hole.    But    what    these    guys    want    to    know    is    why    we    want    to    know    all    of    this    in    the    first      and    why    can't    science    explain    why    we    want    to    know?    Surely,    it's    more    important    to    know    whether    what    we    scientists    are    doing    is    right,    rather    than    get      in    debates    over    the    point    of    it    all.    I    would    have    thought    that    the    crucial    issue    here    is    not    why    we    pursue    it,    but    to    that    science    is    a    tool    and    we    are    the    ones    who    should    decide    how,    where,    when    and    why    to    use    it.

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: collar

Explanation: The word 'collar' fits grammatically and contextually as it is part of the idiomatic expression 'hot under the collar,' which means to be angry or agitated. This aligns with the sentiment of scientists being frustrated or passionate about their motivations.

Meaning: 'Collar' refers to the part of a shirt that encircles the neck, but in this context, it is used idiomatically to express agitation or anger.

Wrong options:

  • shirt: 'Shirt' does not fit the idiomatic expression and lacks the connotation of agitation.
  • cuff: 'Cuff' refers to the end of a sleeve and does not convey the intended meaning of frustration.
  • hat: 'Hat' does not relate to the idiomatic expression and is irrelevant in this context.
Correct answer: springs

Explanation: The verb 'springs' is appropriate here as it conveys the idea of something coming to mind suddenly or naturally, fitting well with the context of recalling an expression.

Meaning: 'Springs' means to suddenly come forth or arise, indicating that the phrase comes to the speaker's mind spontaneously.

Wrong options:

  • trips: 'Trips' implies stumbling or falling, which does not fit the context of recalling a thought.
  • bounds: 'Bounds' suggests a leap or jump, which is not suitable for the context of a thought emerging.
  • slips: 'Slips' indicates a mistake or loss of grip, which does not align with the intended meaning of recalling an idea.
Correct answer: quest

Explanation: The word 'quest' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to a long or arduous search for something, which aligns with the pursuit of knowledge mentioned in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Quest' means a search or pursuit, particularly for something significant like knowledge.

Wrong options:

  • mission: 'Mission' implies a specific task or duty, which does not capture the broader search for knowledge.
  • journey: 'Journey' suggests travel or a process, but lacks the connotation of a purposeful search that 'quest' provides.
  • expedition: 'Expedition' typically refers to a journey undertaken for a specific purpose, which is narrower than the concept of a quest.
Correct answer: place

Explanation: The word 'place' fits well as it is commonly used in the phrase 'in the first place,' which indicates the initial reason or context for something, aligning with the inquiry about motivations.

Meaning: 'Place' in this context refers to a position or situation, particularly in the phrase that discusses the foundational reasons for wanting to know.

Wrong options:

  • stage: 'Stage' implies a specific point in a process, which does not convey the same foundational meaning as 'place.'
  • step: 'Step' suggests a part of a process but lacks the idiomatic usage found in 'in the first place.'
  • part: 'Part' indicates a component but does not fit the idiomatic expression used here.
Correct answer: bogged down

Explanation: The phrase 'bogged down' fits contextually as it means to become stuck or overwhelmed, particularly in discussions or debates, which aligns with the sentiment of being sidetracked.

Meaning: 'Bogged down' means to be hindered or slowed by something, especially in a figurative sense of being overwhelmed by details.

Wrong options:

  • pulled up: 'Pulled up' suggests being raised or brought to attention, which does not convey the sense of being overwhelmed.
  • dragged up: 'Dragged up' implies bringing something up reluctantly, which does not fit the context of being stuck in debates.
  • slowed down: 'Slowed down' indicates a reduction in speed but lacks the specific connotation of being overwhelmed that 'bogged down' provides.
Correct answer: recognize

Explanation: The verb 'recognize' fits grammatically and contextually as it implies acknowledging or understanding something, which is essential in the context of discussing the role of science.

Meaning: 'Recognize' means to identify or acknowledge something, particularly in understanding the nature of science as a tool.

Wrong options:

  • identify: 'Identify' suggests naming or classifying, which is narrower than the broader understanding implied by 'recognize.'
  • accommodate: 'Accommodate' means to make room for or adjust to, which does not fit the context of understanding science's role.
  • distinguish: 'Distinguish' implies differentiating between things, which does not convey the same acknowledgment of science's purpose as 'recognize.'

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