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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #49379 End of Days
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
* Select the correct answer into all dropdown fields. You need to answer all questions before clicking verify button.
The  idea  that  Western  power  and  influence  is  in  gradual  decline,  perhaps  as  a  prelude  to  a    fall,  has  been  around  for  a  while.  But  it  has  gained  a  new  urgency  with  recent  political  events,  not  least  the  election  of  US  president  Donald  Trump.  For  some,  his  turning  away  from  international  commitments  is  part  of  fulfilling  his  promise  to  “make  America  great  again”  by    on  its  own  interests.  For  others,  it’s  a  dangerous  move  that  threatens  to  undermine  the  whole  world  order.  Meanwhile,  over  in  the  old  world,  Europe  is    in  its  own  problems.  Using  science  to  predict  the  future  isn’t  easy,  not  least  because  both  “collapse”  and  “Western  civilization”  are  difficult  to  define.  We  talk  about  the  collapse  of  the  Roman  Empire  in  the  middle  of  the  first  millennium,  for  example,  but  there  is  plenty  of  evidence  that  the  empire  existed  in  some  form  for  centuries  afterwards  and  that  its  influence    today.  So,  when  we  talk  about  collapse,  do  we  mean  that  people  lose  everything  and  go  back  to  the  dark  ages?  Or  that  it’s  going  to  be  socially  and  politically  turbulent  for  a  while?

Result:

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

Explanation: The word 'precipitous' fits grammatically as it describes a sudden and steep decline, which aligns with the context of the sentence discussing a decline in Western power. The adjective 'precipitous' conveys urgency and severity, making it contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'Precipitous' means very steep or sudden, often used to describe a rapid decline or drop in something.

Wrong options:

  • covetous: 'Covetous' means having a strong desire for something, which does not fit the context of describing a decline.
  • acetous: 'Acetous' refers to something sour or vinegar-like, which is unrelated to the concept of decline.
  • momentous: 'Momentous' means of great importance or significance, but it does not convey the idea of a decline.
Correct answer: concentrating

Explanation: The verb 'concentrating' is appropriate here as it indicates focusing on one's own interests, which aligns with the context of the sentence discussing US President Trump's policies. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes an action that is relevant to the subject.

Meaning: 'Concentrating' means to focus one's attention or efforts on a particular area or interest.

Wrong options:

  • castrating: 'Castrating' refers to the removal of reproductive organs, which is irrelevant and inappropriate in this context.
  • demonstrating: 'Demonstrating' means showing or proving something, which does not fit the context of focusing on interests.
  • orchestrating: 'Orchestrating' implies organizing or coordinating, which does not convey the same sense of focusing on one's own interests.
Correct answer: mired

Explanation: The word 'mired' fits grammatically and contextually as it suggests being stuck or entangled in problems, which aligns with the discussion of Europe's issues. It conveys a sense of difficulty and entrapment, making it suitable for the sentence.

Meaning: 'Mired' means stuck or entangled in something, often used to describe being caught in difficulties or problems.

Wrong options:

  • fired: 'Fired' means dismissed from a job or ignited, which does not relate to being involved in problems.
  • wired: 'Wired' refers to being connected electronically or being tense, which does not fit the context of problems.
  • sired: 'Sired' means to father or produce offspring, which is unrelated to the context of being involved in issues.
Correct answer: lingers

Explanation: The verb 'lingers' is appropriate as it indicates that the influence continues to exist over time, fitting the context of discussing the lasting impact of the Roman Empire. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the sentence's meaning.

Meaning: 'Lingers' means to remain in a place longer than necessary, suggesting that the influence is still present today.

Wrong options:

  • malingers: 'Malingers' means to pretend to be ill to avoid work, which is irrelevant in this context.
  • harbingers: 'Harbingers' refers to indicators or forerunners of something, which does not fit the context of influence persisting.
  • mongers: 'Mongers' refers to people who promote or deal in a particular commodity, which does not relate to the concept of influence.

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