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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #51154 Practical Nature
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Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Considerations  of  a  practical  nature  give  us  the  most    possible  grounds  for  a  belief  that  human  desires,  feelings,  etc.,  are  homogeneous  and  communicable.  The  fact  is  that  we  all  have  back  of  us  many  millions  of  years  of  evolutionary  history  in  the  same  general  environment.  In  the  past,  with  relatively  minor  ,  the  same  influences  have  played  upon  our  ancestors  from  the  beginnings  of  life  on  our  planet.  And  then,  we  are  born  into  the  same  society,  and  it  has  given  us,  not,  to  be  sure,  the  power  of  ,  but  certainly  all  of  our  most  essential  stimuli.  Further,  we  do  get  along  in  society.  We  laugh  together,  and  we  play  together,  we  share  each  other's  sorrows,  we  love  and  hate  each  other,  in  a  way  that  would  be  wholly  impossible  if  we  did  not  in  practice    the  correctness  of  our  'inferences'  about  one  another's  motives  and  desires.  And  the  fact  that  these  'inferences'  are  in  the  main  correct  is  the  one  thing  that  makes  social  life  possible.  We  can,  and  do,  understand  one  another's  motives,  desires,  wants,  emotions.  We  can,  and  do,    communicate  our  feelings  to  one  another.

Result:

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Correct answer: reliable

Explanation: The word 'reliable' fits grammatically as it is an adjective that describes the noun 'grounds,' indicating that the grounds for belief are dependable. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of having a strong basis for belief, which is essential in the discussion of human desires and feelings.

Meaning: 'Reliable' means trustworthy or dependable, suggesting that the grounds for belief are solid and can be counted on.

Wrong options:

  • copy: 'Copy' refers to reproducing something and does not fit as it does not describe the nature of the grounds for belief.
  • question: 'Question' is a noun that implies uncertainty or inquiry, which does not align with the context of establishing a basis for belief.
  • speaking: 'Speaking' is a gerund that refers to the act of verbal communication, which is unrelated to the concept of grounds for belief.
Correct answer: variations

Explanation: The word 'variations' fits grammatically as it is a plural noun that complements the phrase 'relatively minor,' indicating slight differences. Contextually, it makes sense as it refers to the minor differences that have occurred over time among human ancestors.

Meaning: 'Variations' means differences or changes, suggesting that there have been small changes over time in human evolution.

Wrong options:

  • vision: 'Vision' refers to the ability to see or a mental image, which does not relate to the context of evolutionary changes.
  • desire: 'Desire' is a noun that indicates a strong feeling of wanting, which does not fit the context of minor changes in evolution.
  • complete: 'Complete' is an adjective that means whole or finished, which does not logically connect to the idea of minor differences.
Correct answer: reaction

Explanation: The word 'reaction' fits grammatically as it is a noun that follows the phrase 'the power of,' indicating the ability to respond to stimuli. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of how society influences our responses to various stimuli.

Meaning: 'Reaction' refers to a response to something, indicating how individuals respond to societal influences.

Wrong options:

  • manifest: 'Manifest' is a verb that means to display or show, which does not fit the context of having power over responses.
  • clarity: 'Clarity' is a noun that refers to clearness, which does not relate to the concept of power in the context provided.
  • revolution: 'Revolution' is a noun that implies a significant change or upheaval, which does not fit the context of individual responses.
Correct answer: assume

Explanation: The word 'assume' fits grammatically as it is a verb that indicates taking something for granted or accepting it as true. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of accepting the correctness of inferences about others' motives and desires.

Meaning: 'Assume' means to take for granted or to suppose something without proof, indicating a level of trust in our social interactions.

Wrong options:

  • venerate: 'Venerate' is a verb that means to regard with great respect, which does not fit the context of making assumptions about correctness.
  • adorn: 'Adorn' is a verb that means to decorate or add beauty, which is unrelated to the concept of making assumptions.
  • company: 'Company' is a noun that refers to a group of people or a business, which does not fit the grammatical structure or context.
Correct answer: consistently

Explanation: The word 'consistently' fits grammatically as it is an adverb modifying the verb 'communicate,' indicating the manner in which feelings are shared. Contextually, it suggests that communication of feelings occurs in a reliable and steady manner.

Meaning: 'Consistently' means in a way that is steady and unchanging, indicating that communication happens regularly and reliably.

Wrong options:

  • concerted: 'Concerted' is an adjective that means planned or done together, which does not fit the context of how feelings are communicated.
  • nostalgic: 'Nostalgic' is an adjective that refers to a sentimental longing for the past, which does not relate to the act of communication in this context.
  • limits: 'Limits' is a noun that refers to boundaries or restrictions, which does not fit the grammatical structure or context of communication.

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