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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #38491 Possessions
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Sometimes    it    seems    that    no    matter    how    many    possessions    you    have,    you    never    feel    secure.    While    it    is    reasonable    to    have    a    basic    nesting    instinct    and    create    a    home    which    your    needs,    there    is    a    point    where    the    motivation    for    acquiring    things    gets    out    of    control.    Modern    advertising    is    deliberately    designed    to    play    on    our    insecurities.    'If    you    don't    have    one    of    these    you    will    be    a    human    being'    is    one    of    the    consistent    messages    we    receive.    To    discover    just    how    much    you    are    influenced,    I    challenge    you    to    try    not    to    read    any    advertising    billboards    next    time    you    go    down    the    street.    These    multi-million    dollar    messages    
   condition    us    in    very    persuasive    ways    without    our    ever    realising    it.    We    are    bombarded    by    them    —    television,    radio,    newspapers,    magazines,    posters,    tee    shifts,    the    internet,    you      it    —    all    encouraging    us    to    buy,    buy,    buy.    

Result:

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Correct answer: meets

Explanation: The word 'meets' fits grammatically as it is a verb that aligns with the subject 'a home' and the object 'your needs.' It indicates fulfillment, which is contextually appropriate in discussing the purpose of creating a home.

Meaning: 'Meets' means to satisfy or fulfill, indicating that the home provides what is necessary for comfort and security.

Wrong options:

  • quenches: 'Quenches' typically refers to satisfying thirst or desire, which does not fit the context of a home fulfilling needs.
  • stays: 'Stays' implies remaining in a place, which does not convey the idea of fulfilling needs in this context.
  • feeds: 'Feeds' generally relates to providing food or nourishment, which is not the appropriate metaphor for a home meeting needs.
Correct answer: moreover

Explanation: The word 'moreover' serves as a discourse marker that adds information, indicating that the following statement builds upon the previous one. It fits contextually as it introduces an additional point about advertising's role in influencing insecurities.

Meaning: 'Moreover' means 'in addition' or 'furthermore,' suggesting that what follows is an important continuation of the previous thought.

Wrong options:

  • nonetheless: 'Nonetheless' indicates a contrast, which does not fit the context of adding information about advertising.
  • thereby: 'Thereby' implies a cause-and-effect relationship, which is not the intended meaning in this context.
  • whatever: 'Whatever' is informal and dismissive, lacking the formal tone needed for this context.
Correct answer: lesser

Explanation: The word 'lesser' is an adjective that appropriately describes a comparative state of being. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it conveys the idea of being inferior or not as significant, which aligns with the message of the advertisement.

Meaning: 'Lesser' means smaller in size, amount, or importance, indicating that without the advertised item, one is perceived as less valuable.

Wrong options:

  • minor: 'Minor' suggests something of lesser importance but does not convey the comparative aspect of being a 'lesser human being.'
  • deeper: 'Deeper' relates to depth and does not fit the context of comparison in terms of human value.
  • lower: 'Lower' implies a physical position or rank, which does not accurately reflect the intended meaning of inferiority in this context.
Correct answer: underlying

Explanation: The word 'underlying' is an adjective that describes something that is fundamental or hidden beneath the surface. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it refers to the core messages that influence our perceptions.

Meaning: 'Underlying' means fundamental or basic, indicating that these messages are the root causes of our feelings of insecurity.

Wrong options:

  • subdued: 'Subdued' means quiet or restrained, which does not convey the idea of a fundamental message.
  • submerged: 'Submerged' suggests being hidden underwater, which does not fit the context of messages that are influential but not overt.
  • underhand: 'Underhand' implies something secretive or dishonest, which does not accurately describe the nature of the messages being discussed.
Correct answer: relentlessly

Explanation: The word 'relentlessly' is an adverb that describes the continuous and unyielding nature of the advertising messages. It fits grammatically and contextually, emphasizing the persistent influence of these messages.

Meaning: 'Relentlessly' means without stopping or giving up, indicating that these messages continuously bombard us.

Wrong options:

  • fiercely: 'Fiercely' implies intensity or aggression, which does not accurately describe the nature of advertising's influence.
  • thoroughly: 'Thoroughly' means completely or in detail, which does not convey the idea of continuous action as effectively as 'relentlessly.'
  • extremely: 'Extremely' indicates a high degree but does not capture the ongoing nature of the bombardment.
Correct answer: name

Explanation: The word 'name' is a verb that fits grammatically and contextually, as it refers to the act of identifying or labeling something. It aligns with the informal tone of the sentence, suggesting that the reader can refer to various forms of advertising.

Meaning: 'Name' means to identify or specify, indicating that the reader can label the various forms of advertising they encounter.

Wrong options:

  • label: 'Label' is similar to 'name' but is more formal and does not fit the conversational tone of the sentence as well.
  • tell: 'Tell' implies communicating information, which does not fit the context of identifying forms of advertising.
  • say: 'Say' suggests verbal communication, which does not align with the context of naming or identifying.

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