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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #38842 The origin
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
'The    origin    of    human    language    is    truly    secret    and    marvellous,'    wrote    Jacob    Grimm    in    1851.    The    marvellous    secret    has    long    proved    a    launch    pad    for    strange    ideas.    'Primitive    man    was    likely    to    make    sounds    like    "meuh"    when    danger,'    claimed    Charles    Caller    in    1928.    '"Meuh"    has    a    plaintive    sound.    The    human    who    wandered    over    a    hostile    land    inhabited    by    awesome    beasts    desperate    noises,    and    languages    have    preserved    some    echo    of    his    lamentation    such    as    malaria    meaning    "fever"    or    the    Latin    mors    meaning    "death".'    Faced    with    such    weird    speculations,    many    avoided    the    topic,    regarding    it    as    a    playground    for    cranks,    but    recently,    language    origin    and    evolution    have    become    key    research    areas.    Language    probably    developed    in    East    Africa,    around    100,000    years    ago.      speech    was    used    for    friendly    interaction,    and    was    an    important    tool    in    power  .    Information-swapping    was    probably    not    an    important    original      —    contrary    to    the    views    of    philosopher    John    Locke,    who    spoke    of    language    as    a    'great    conduit'    for    knowledge.    

Result:

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Correct answer: sensing

Explanation: The word 'sensing' fits grammatically as it is a gerund that describes an action related to awareness of danger, aligning with the context of primitive man's reactions. It also matches the tense and form of the sentence, indicating an ongoing action.

Meaning: Sensing means being aware of or perceiving something, particularly through the senses, which is appropriate in the context of recognizing danger.

Wrong options:

  • feeling: Feeling implies an emotional state rather than a sensory awareness, making it less suitable in this context.
  • suffering: Suffering suggests a state of distress or pain, which does not directly relate to the awareness of danger.
  • fighting: Fighting indicates an action of conflict, which does not align with the context of simply being aware of danger.
Correct answer: uttered

Explanation: The word 'uttered' is the correct choice as it refers to the act of making sounds or noises, fitting well with the context of primitive man expressing desperation. It is in the past tense, consistent with the narrative's timeframe.

Meaning: Uttered means to speak or make a sound, particularly in a way that conveys emotion or urgency, which is relevant to the context of desperate noises.

Wrong options:

  • screeched: Screeched implies a loud, harsh sound, which may not accurately represent the nature of the noises described.
  • cried: Cried suggests a more emotional expression, which may not fit the context of general noises made in desperation.
  • called: Called typically refers to summoning or addressing someone, which does not align with the context of expressing desperation.
Correct answer: In the main

Explanation: The phrase 'In the main' serves as a discourse marker indicating that the following statement summarizes the primary point, fitting the context of discussing the general use of speech. It maintains a formal tone appropriate for the text.

Meaning: In the main means generally or for the most part, indicating that the statement that follows is a broad overview of the topic.

Wrong options:

  • In conclusion: In conclusion suggests a summary of the entire text, which does not fit as this is not the final point being made.
  • As a consequence: As a consequence implies a cause-and-effect relationship, which does not accurately reflect the intended meaning here.
  • Despite this: Despite this indicates a contrast, which does not align with the summarizing nature of the statement.
Correct answer: struggles

Explanation: The word 'struggles' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to conflicts or contests for power, aligning with the overall theme of interaction and competition. It is a plural noun that matches the context of the sentence.

Meaning: Struggles refer to efforts or conflicts, particularly in a competitive context, which is relevant to the discussion of power dynamics.

Wrong options:

  • wars: Wars imply large-scale conflicts, which may be too specific compared to the broader concept of struggles.
  • strikes: Strikes refer to specific actions taken by workers, which does not encompass the general idea of power dynamics discussed here.
  • contests: Contests suggest competitions, which may not fully capture the essence of the struggles for power.
Correct answer: role

Explanation: The word 'role' fits grammatically as a noun that describes a function or part played in a situation, aligning with the context of language's importance. It is singular and matches the structure of the sentence.

Meaning: Role refers to the function or position that something has in a particular context, which is relevant to the discussion of language's significance.

Wrong options:

  • argument: Argument implies a dispute or reasoning, which does not fit the context of language's function.
  • service: Service suggests a helpful action, which does not align with the concept of language's role in communication.
  • thought: Thought refers to the process of thinking, which does not directly relate to the function of language.
Correct answer: conveying

Explanation: The word 'conveying' is the correct choice as it is a gerund that describes the action of communicating or transmitting knowledge, fitting the context of Locke's views on language. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the sentence structure.

Meaning: Conveying means to communicate or make known, which is essential in the context of discussing the purpose of language.

Wrong options:

  • dispatching: Dispatching implies sending something off, which does not accurately reflect the act of communicating knowledge.
  • teaching: Teaching refers to imparting knowledge, which is a specific action rather than the broader act of communication.
  • passing: Passing suggests a more casual transfer, which does not capture the intentional act of conveying knowledge.

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