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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #47990 Soccer
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  term  "soccer"  comes  from  a  time  when  the  sport  needed  to  be  distinguished    its  cousin,  rugby  football.  Back  in  England,  where  both  games  originated,  "soccer"  is  actually  a  nickname  derived  from  "association  football,"  the  official  name  for  the  game  we  know  and  love  that  involves  kicking  a  ball  into  a  goal.  The  "assoc"  in  association  got  snipped  and  slapped  with  an  "er,"  giving    to  "soccer."  It  stuck  around,  especially  in  places  like  the  United  States  and  Australia,  where  they  already  had  their  own    of  football.  So,  while  most  of  the  world  passionately  calls  it  "football,"  Americans  and  a  few  others    on  to  "soccer"  to  avoid  confusion  with  their  own  gridiron  and  Aussie  rules  games.  It's  all  about  keeping  things  clear  while  still  kicking  around  the  same  beloved  ball.    

Result:

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Correct answer: from

Explanation: The preposition 'from' is used to indicate the source or origin of something, which fits grammatically and contextually in this sentence as it distinguishes soccer from rugby football. The phrase 'distinguished from' is a common collocation in English, making it the most appropriate choice here.

Meaning: 'From' indicates the point of origin or separation, suggesting that soccer is being differentiated in some way from rugby football.

Wrong options:

  • upon: The word 'upon' typically indicates a position or condition and does not convey the idea of distinction or separation, making it unsuitable in this context.
  • above: 'Above' suggests a higher position or superiority, which does not apply to the context of distinguishing one sport from another.
  • against: 'Against' implies opposition or contrast, which does not fit the context of distinguishing between two related sports.
Correct answer: birth

Explanation: The noun 'birth' refers to the origin or creation of something, which fits well in the context of how the term 'soccer' came into existence. It aligns grammatically as a subject complement following the verb 'giving.'

Meaning: 'Birth' means the beginning or emergence of something, in this case, the term 'soccer' as a nickname derived from 'association football.'

Wrong options:

  • term: The word 'term' refers to a word or expression but does not convey the idea of creation or origin, making it less suitable in this context.
  • fame: 'Fame' refers to being well-known or recognized, which does not relate to the concept of the term's origin or creation.
  • raise: 'Raise' implies lifting or increasing something, which does not fit the context of giving a name or term.
Correct answer: versions

Explanation: The noun 'versions' indicates different forms or adaptations of something, which fits contextually as it refers to the different types of football that exist in various countries. It is grammatically correct as it aligns with the plural context of 'their own.'

Meaning: 'Versions' means different forms or variations of something, in this case, different types of football played in the United States and Australia.

Wrong options:

  • roots: The word 'roots' refers to the origins or foundational aspects of something, which does not fit the context of different adaptations of football.
  • distortions: 'Distortions' implies alterations that misrepresent something, which does not accurately describe the different forms of football.
  • copies: 'Copies' suggests replicas or imitations, which does not convey the idea of distinct adaptations or variations.
Correct answer: hold

Explanation: The verb 'hold' is used here to indicate possession or retention of a term, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes how Americans and others continue to use the term 'soccer.' It aligns with the subject 'they' and the context of maintaining a specific terminology.

Meaning: 'Hold' means to keep or retain something, in this case, the term 'soccer' to avoid confusion with other types of football.

Wrong options:

  • believe: The word 'believe' refers to accepting something as true, which does not fit the context of retaining a term.
  • buy: 'Buy' implies purchasing, which is unrelated to the context of terminology and does not make sense here.
  • suggest: 'Suggest' means to propose or recommend, which does not convey the idea of maintaining or using a term.

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