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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #46785 Galapagos
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
I    was    lucky    enough    to    fulfil    an    ambition    and    visit    the    Galapagos    Islands    two    years    ago.    Whilst  no    substitute    for    a    visit,    this    superbly    attractive    book    provides    a    fascinating    commentary    and    scientific    background    to    the    Galapagos    experience.    BBC    books    have    their    usual    high-quality    job    in    producing    the    volume    that    will    accompany    their    TV    series    of    the    same    name.    Nothing    can    compare    to    exploring    the    strange    landscapes,    up    close    and    personal    with    the    unique    wildlife    and    witnessing    the    rich    biological    and    environmental    history    that    is    so    very    apparent    on    the    islands.    However,    this    book    does    come    close.    The    superb    descriptive    prose    of    award-winning    cameraman    Paul    Stewart    is    another    plus    as    is    the    fact    that    this    is    punctuated    by    his    iconic    photography.    This    book    in    celebrating    the    weird    and    wonderful    sights    but    don't    read    this    boo-k    as    an    alternative    to    actually    going,    use    it    as    the    source  of    inspiration    for    your    own    trip,    a    useful    guide    once    you're    there    and    a    stunning    reminder    on    your    return.

Result:

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Correct answer: done

Explanation: The word 'done' fits grammatically as it is the past participle of 'do,' which is used here to indicate that BBC books have completed their usual high-quality job. This aligns with the context of producing a book, making it the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Done' means completed or finished, indicating that BBC books have successfully fulfilled their role in producing the book.

Wrong options:

  • set: 'Set' implies establishing something rather than completing a task, making it contextually inappropriate here.
  • made: 'Made' suggests creation but does not convey the completion of a task as effectively as 'done' does in this context.
  • given: 'Given' implies providing something, which does not accurately reflect the action of completing a job.
Correct answer: getting

Explanation: The word 'getting' fits grammatically as a gerund that indicates the action of coming into close contact with wildlife. It aligns contextually with the phrase 'up close and personal,' making it the most suitable choice.

Meaning: 'Getting' refers to the act of obtaining or achieving something, in this case, the experience of being close to wildlife.

Wrong options:

  • reaching: 'Reaching' implies arriving at a destination but lacks the personal engagement suggested by 'getting.'
  • arriving: 'Arriving' denotes reaching a place but does not convey the intimate experience of interacting with wildlife.
  • gaining: 'Gaining' suggests acquiring something, which does not fit the context of personal interaction as well as 'getting' does.
Correct answer: point

Explanation: The word 'point' fits grammatically as a noun that refers to a notable aspect or feature. It aligns with the context of highlighting the descriptive prose, making it the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Point' refers to a specific detail or feature, in this case, the quality of the prose being a notable aspect of the book.

Wrong options:

  • spot: 'Spot' typically refers to a location or mark, which does not fit the context of highlighting a feature of the prose.
  • mark: 'Mark' suggests a sign or indication, which is less appropriate than 'point' in this context.
  • tip: 'Tip' implies advice or a small piece of information, which does not convey the same emphasis on quality as 'point' does.
Correct answer: succeeds

Explanation: The word 'succeeds' fits grammatically as a verb indicating that the book achieves its purpose. It aligns contextually with the idea of celebrating sights, making it the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Succeeds' means to achieve a desired outcome, indicating that the book effectively celebrates the sights of the Galapagos Islands.

Wrong options:

  • attains: 'Attains' implies reaching a goal but does not convey the successful execution of a task as clearly as 'succeeds.'
  • achieves: 'Achieves' is similar but lacks the nuance of success in the context of celebrating sights, making 'succeeds' a better fit.
  • obtains: 'Obtains' suggests acquiring something, which does not fit the context of celebrating sights.
Correct answer: merely

Explanation: The word 'merely' fits grammatically as an adverb that indicates a limitation. It aligns contextually with the caution against viewing the book as a substitute for actual experience, making it the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Merely' means only or just, emphasizing that the book should not be seen as a replacement for visiting the islands.

Wrong options:

  • barley: 'Barley' is a grain and does not fit contextually or grammatically in this sentence.
  • hardly: 'Hardly' implies a negative connotation of something being almost not true, which does not convey the intended caution as effectively as 'merely.'
  • scarcely: 'Scarcely' suggests something is barely true, which is less direct than 'merely' in cautioning against using the book as a substitute.

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