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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #44353 Puppies
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
While  purebred  puppies  may  have  irresistibly  sweet  temperaments  and  command  a  high  price  tag,  they  may  also  suffer  from  genetic  disorders.  The  majority  of  modern  breeds  were  developed  in  the  past  two  centuries  as  dog  shows    more  popular  and  lucrative.  Pressures  to  produce  dogs  adhering  to  a  specified  physical  standard  have  prompted  breeders  to  selectively  inbreed  their  animals    traits  such  as  snout  length  or  head  size.  In  doing  so,  they  have  introduced  genetic  abnormalities    can  lead        to  painful  conditions,  debilitating  neurological  disorders  and  early        deaths.  Breeders  eager  to  win  competitions  or  to  increase  the  market  value  of  their  dogs  have  been  all    willing  to  overlook  health  problems  in  order  to  foster  the  desired  appearance.  As  long  as  the  public  remain  ignorant  about  the  genetic  issues  inherent  in  the  dog-breeding  industry,  however,  there  is    incentive  for  breeders  to  change  their  cruel  practice.

Result:

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Correct answer: became

Explanation: The word 'became' is the simple past tense of 'become,' which is appropriate here as it refers to a completed action in the past when dog shows gained popularity. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses historical developments in dog breeding.

Meaning: 'Became' means to have come to be or to have changed into a particular state or condition, indicating that dog shows transitioned into a more popular and lucrative activity in the past.

Wrong options:

  • become: The word 'become' is the base form of the verb and does not fit the past tense context required here.
  • becoming: 'Becoming' is the present participle form and suggests an ongoing action, which does not match the completed action described in the sentence.
  • have become: 'Have become' is the present perfect tense, which implies a connection to the present, but the sentence specifically refers to a past event.
Correct answer: for

Explanation: The preposition 'for' indicates the purpose or reason behind the selective inbreeding, which is to achieve specific traits. This fits grammatically and contextually, as it clarifies the intention of the breeders.

Meaning: 'For' is used to indicate the purpose of an action, in this case, the traits that breeders are aiming to achieve through selective inbreeding.

Wrong options:

  • with: 'With' suggests accompaniment or association, which does not convey the purpose of breeding for specific traits.
  • by: 'By' indicates the means or method of doing something, but does not express the goal of achieving certain traits.
  • of: 'Of' indicates belonging or association, which does not fit the context of aiming for specific traits.
Correct answer: that

Explanation: The word 'that' is a relative pronoun used to introduce a defining clause, linking the genetic abnormalities to the consequences they can cause. This fits grammatically and contextually, as it specifies which abnormalities are being discussed.

Meaning: 'That' is used to introduce a clause that provides essential information about the noun it follows, in this case, genetic abnormalities that lead to serious health issues.

Wrong options:

  • then: 'Then' indicates a sequence in time and does not fit the grammatical structure needed to introduce a clause about genetic abnormalities.
  • there: 'There' is used to indicate a place or existence, which does not relate to the context of describing genetic abnormalities.
  • this: 'This' refers to something specific and does not appropriately introduce the clause about the consequences of genetic abnormalities.
Correct answer: too

Explanation: The word 'too' is an adverb that indicates an excessive degree, fitting well in the context of breeders being overly willing to overlook health problems. This aligns with the tone of the sentence, which critiques their actions.

Meaning: 'Too' means excessively or more than is necessary, indicating that breeders are willing to overlook health issues to an inappropriate extent.

Wrong options:

  • ever: 'Ever' implies at any time and does not convey the degree of willingness required in this context.
  • more: 'More' suggests a comparative degree but does not fit the context of willingness to overlook health problems.
  • over: 'Over' does not function as an adverb in this context and does not convey the intended meaning of excessive willingness.
Correct answer: no

Explanation: The word 'no' indicates the absence of incentive, which fits the context of the sentence discussing the lack of motivation for breeders to change their practices. This aligns with the overall negative sentiment regarding the situation.

Meaning: 'No' means not any or none, indicating that there is a complete lack of incentive for breeders to alter their cruel practices.

Wrong options:

  • some: 'Some' implies a certain amount or degree, which contradicts the intended meaning of a complete lack of incentive.
  • any: 'Any' suggests at least one, which does not fit the context of indicating a total absence of incentive.
  • none: 'None' is similar to 'no' but is less commonly used in this context and does not fit as smoothly into the sentence structure.

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