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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #38903 The story
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    story    of    man's    mastery    of    the    air    is    almost    as    old    as    man    himself,    a    puzzle    in    which    the    essential    were    not    found    until    a    very    late    stage.    However,    to    understand    this    we    must    first    go    back    to    the    time    when    primitive    man    hunted    for    his    food,    and    only    birds    and    insects    flew.    We    cannot    know    with    any    certainty    when    man    first    deliberately    shaped    weapons    for    throwing,    but    that    act    of    conscious    design    marked    the    first    step    on    a    road    that    from    the    spear    and    the    arrow    to    the    aeroplane    and    the    giant    rocket    of    the    present  .  It    would    seem,    in    fact,    that    this    to    throw    things    is    one    of    the    most    primitive    and    deep-seated    of    our    instincts,    in    childhood    and    persisting    into    old    age.  

Result:

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

Explanation: The word 'clues' fits grammatically as a plural noun that refers to hints or pieces of information that help solve a puzzle, aligning well with the context of the sentence which discusses man's mastery of the air as a puzzle. The use of 'clues' suggests that these pieces of information were essential to understanding the mastery, making it contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'Clues' are hints or pieces of information that help to solve a problem or mystery.

Wrong options:

  • keys: The word 'keys' implies something that unlocks or provides access, which does not fit the context of solving a puzzle about mastery; it suggests a more literal interpretation than intended.
  • responses: 'Responses' refers to replies or reactions, which does not align with the context of uncovering essential information related to mastery; it lacks the connotation of discovery.
  • resolutions: 'Resolutions' implies solutions to problems, which does not fit the context of the sentence as it suggests a final answer rather than the hints needed to understand the puzzle.
Correct answer: leads

Explanation: The verb 'leads' is the correct choice as it indicates direction or progression from one point to another, which is appropriate in the context of describing the journey from primitive weapons to modern aviation. It fits grammatically in the present tense and aligns with the overall narrative of development.

Meaning: 'Leads' means to guide or direct towards a particular outcome or destination.

Wrong options:

  • brings: The word 'brings' suggests carrying something to a place, which does not convey the sense of progression or direction needed in this context.
  • moves: 'Moves' implies a physical change of position, which does not accurately reflect the metaphorical journey from primitive tools to advanced technology.
  • takes: 'Takes' suggests a more passive action of receiving or accepting, which does not fit the active sense of progression implied by the sentence.
Correct answer: day

Explanation: The word 'day' is the most suitable option as it refers to a period of time that is significant in the context of human development and progress. It fits grammatically as a noun that indicates a time frame, aligning with the narrative of evolution from primitive tools to modern technology.

Meaning: 'Day' refers to a period of 24 hours, often used metaphorically to indicate a significant time in history or development.

Wrong options:

  • instant: The word 'instant' implies a very short period of time, which does not capture the lengthy process of development described in the text.
  • hour: 'Hour' is also too short a time frame to represent the extensive journey from primitive weapons to modern aviation.
  • moment: 'Moment' suggests a brief point in time, which does not adequately reflect the ongoing process of evolution discussed in the passage.
Correct answer: urge

Explanation: The word 'urge' fits well as it denotes a strong desire or impulse, which aligns with the context of instinctual behavior in humans. It is a noun that captures the essence of a deep-seated instinct, making it grammatically and contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'Urge' refers to a strong desire or impulse to act in a certain way, often instinctual in nature.

Wrong options:

  • feeling: The word 'feeling' is too vague and does not convey the strong, instinctual connotation that 'urge' does; it lacks specificity in this context.
  • encouragement: 'Encouragement' implies support or motivation from others, which does not fit the context of an innate instinct; it suggests external influence rather than internal drive.
  • emotion: 'Emotion' refers to a complex psychological state, which is broader and less specific than 'urge' in the context of instinctual behavior.
Correct answer: appearing

Explanation: The word 'appearing' is the correct choice as it indicates the manifestation of the urge in childhood, fitting grammatically as a present participle that describes an ongoing action. It aligns with the context of discussing the development of instincts over time.

Meaning: 'Appearing' means to come into view or become visible, indicating the emergence of the urge during childhood.

Wrong options:

  • coming: The word 'coming' suggests movement towards a place or state, which does not accurately reflect the emergence of an instinct; it lacks the nuance of manifestation.
  • arriving: 'Arriving' implies reaching a destination, which does not fit the context of an instinct developing over time; it suggests a finality that is not present here.
  • growing: 'Growing' implies an increase in size or intensity, which does not accurately capture the idea of an instinct becoming evident; it suggests a gradual development rather than an emergence.

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