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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #39330 Christmas
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
A    few    weeks    before    Christmas    1962  I  joined    an    unknown    group    of    guys    who    were    learning    to    play    blues    music.    Four    months    later,    a    small    provincial    newspaper    wrote    an    article    about    us:    I    kept    it.    Then    we    made    a    single,    which    did    well.    I    have    a    son,    Stephen.    who    was    then    eighteen    months    old.    I    was    proud    of    him,    and    wanted    him    to    be    proud    of    me    when    he    grew    up.    I    decided    to    keep    some    small    of    my    limited    success    for    him    to    see    when    he    was    old    enough    to    understand.    I    bought    a    scrapbook,    which    was    soon    filled.    I    bought    another    —    and    another    and    another.    Items    were    coming    and    fast.    Stephen    didn't    really    show    much    interest    in    my    career    until    he    was    seven    years    old.    During    his    first    week    at    boarding-school,    a    boy    asked    the      question:        'What        does        your        dad        do?'        Stephen        replied        in        all  :    'He's    in    the    Rolling    Stones.'    When    Stephen    arrived    home    the    next    weekend    he    took    me    and    said    shyly,    'l    didn't    know    you    were    that    famous!'    Neither    did    I    son,    neither    did    I!    

Result:

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

Explanation: The word 'moderately' fits well in the context of the sentence, indicating a reasonable level of success. It aligns grammatically as an adverb modifying 'did,' and contextually suggests that the single performed adequately without implying excess or deficiency.

Meaning: 'Moderately' means to a certain extent, not too much or too little, indicating that the single did reasonably well.

Wrong options:

  • ordinarily: Ordinarily suggests something typical or usual, which does not convey the specific level of success indicated in the sentence.
  • marginally: Marginally implies a very small amount, which would suggest the single did poorly, contradicting the positive sentiment of the sentence.
  • barely: Barely indicates just enough or hardly at all, which is negative and does not fit the context of a successful release.
Correct answer: momentoes

Explanation: The term 'momentoes' is appropriate here as it refers to items kept as reminders of a person or event, fitting the context of preserving memories of success. It is grammatically correct as a plural noun that aligns with 'some small.'

Meaning: 'Momentoes' are objects kept as souvenirs or reminders of a particular time or event, reflecting the narrator's desire to keep memories for his son.

Wrong options:

  • memorials: Memorials typically refer to structures or events commemorating a person or event, which does not fit the personal context of keeping memories for a son.
  • recollections: Recollections refer to memories or the act of remembering, which does not fit as a physical item like 'momentoes.'
  • reminiscenes: This term is not standard in English; the correct term is 'reminiscences,' which refers to memories but does not fit as a physical object.
Correct answer: thick

Explanation: The word 'thick' fits well in the context, describing the rapid accumulation of items. It is grammatically correct as an adverb modifying 'coming,' and contextually suggests a large quantity arriving quickly.

Meaning: 'Thick' in this context means a large number or volume of items coming in quickly, emphasizing the abundance of memorabilia.

Wrong options:

  • hard: Hard does not convey the idea of quantity and instead suggests a texture or difficulty, which is irrelevant here.
  • long: Long refers to duration or distance, which does not apply to the speed or quantity of items coming in.
  • sweet: Sweet typically describes taste or pleasantness, which does not relate to the context of items arriving.
Correct answer: inevitable

Explanation: The word 'inevitable' fits the context of the question being asked, suggesting that it was bound to happen. It is grammatically correct as an adjective describing 'question,' and contextually implies that such a question was expected given the father's fame.

Meaning: 'Inevitable' means certain to happen; unavoidable, indicating that the question about the father's profession was expected.

Wrong options:

  • destined: Destined implies a predetermined outcome, which does not fit the context of a question being asked.
  • infutable: Infutable is not a standard English word; the correct term is 'irrefutable,' which means impossible to deny, but does not fit the context of a question.
  • fated: Fated suggests a predetermined fate, which does not align with the nature of a question being asked.
Correct answer: innocence

Explanation: The word 'innocence' fits well in the context, indicating that Stephen's response was naive and untainted by the complexities of fame. It is grammatically correct as a noun and contextually reflects his youthful perspective.

Meaning: 'Innocence' refers to the state of being free from guilt or sin, suggesting that Stephen's reply was genuine and unpretentious.

Wrong options:

  • oblivion: Oblivion refers to the state of being unaware or forgotten, which does not fit the context of a child's innocent response.
  • negligence: Negligence implies a failure to take proper care, which does not relate to the context of Stephen's innocent remark.
  • disregard: Disregard means lack of consideration, which does not fit the context of a child's innocent and honest answer.
Correct answer: aside

Explanation: The word 'aside' fits the context as it indicates that Stephen wanted to speak privately with his father. It is grammatically correct as an adverb modifying 'took,' and contextually suggests a moment of personal conversation.

Meaning: 'Aside' means to one side or out of the way, indicating that Stephen wanted to have a private conversation with his father.

Wrong options:

  • apart: Apart suggests separation but does not convey the idea of a private conversation as effectively as 'aside.'
  • on: On does not fit grammatically or contextually in this phrase, as it does not convey the intended meaning of taking someone aside for a conversation.
  • up: Up does not fit in this context, as it typically indicates direction rather than the act of having a private conversation.

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