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Practice Reading: Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks ID: #5469 Computer Viruses
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Computer  viruses  have  been  a    of  life  at  least  since  the  1980s,  if  not  before.  They  can  cause  companies  to  lose  hours  of  working  time  and  they  can  also  spread  panic  among  computer  users  everywhere.  There  are,  however,  several    types  of  computer  infection  -  all  loosely  referred  to  as  viruses  -  and  they  each  work  in  a  slightly  different  way.  A  particularly  nasty  one  is  the  worm,  which  is  a  program  designed  to  sneak  its  way  into  an  entire  computer  network,  and  reproduce  itself  over  and  over  again.  Then  there  is  the  Trojan,  which  strictly    isn't  a  virus,  but  a  piece  of  software  that  appears  to  do  one  thing,  but  actually  does  something  malicious  instead.  When  the    operator  introduces  it  into  the  computer,  the  alien  program  will  take  over  the  machine.  With  Trojans  you  have  to  be  particularly  careful  because  they  can  often  be  introduced  by  way  of  a  message  advertising  an  anti-virus  product.
So  what  motivates  someone  to  introduce  a  virus  into  the  computer  systems  of  innocent  victims?  Perhaps  it's  simply  the  desire  to  prove  that  it  can  be  done.  Or  because  it  gives  the  kind  of  pleasure  you  get  from  solving  a  difficult  problem  -  nowadays  people  protect  their  computers  with  all  sorts  of  security  software,  so  it  takes  considerable    to  break  through  all  the  defences  and  introduce  a  virus.

Result:

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Correct answer: fact

Explanation: The word 'fact' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates a reality or truth, aligning with the context of discussing computer viruses as a known occurrence since the 1980s. It establishes the seriousness of the situation, which is essential for the sentence's meaning.

Meaning: 'Fact' refers to something that is known or proven to be true, emphasizing that computer viruses are a real and acknowledged issue.

Wrong options:

  • threat: While 'threat' could fit contextually, it implies a potential danger rather than a confirmed reality, making it less suitable here.
  • reality: 'Reality' is similar to 'fact' but is less precise in this context, as it does not convey the same level of certainty about the existence of computer viruses.
  • theory: 'Theory' suggests a hypothesis or speculation, which contradicts the established nature of computer viruses as a factual occurrence.
Correct answer: distinct

Explanation: The word 'distinct' is appropriate as it describes the various types of computer infections as being clearly different from one another, fitting both grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Distinct' means clearly different or unique, indicating that there are various types of computer infections that are not the same.

Wrong options:

  • precise: 'Precise' refers to exactness, which does not convey the idea of variety among types, making it unsuitable here.
  • distinguished: 'Distinguished' implies a level of honor or recognition, which does not apply to types of infections in this context.
  • isolated: 'Isolated' suggests separation or being alone, which does not accurately describe the relationship between the types of infections.
Correct answer: speaking

Explanation: The word 'speaking' fits grammatically as a gerund that describes the action of the Trojan, aligning with the context of explaining what it is not. It maintains the sentence's flow and clarity.

Meaning: 'Speaking' in this context means to communicate or convey information, indicating that the Trojan does not function as a virus despite its deceptive appearance.

Wrong options:

  • saying: 'Saying' is less formal and does not fit the grammatical structure needed here, as it does not convey the same nuance as 'speaking.'
  • telling: 'Telling' implies giving information, but it does not fit the context of describing the Trojan's nature as effectively as 'speaking.'
  • talking: 'Talking' is informal and does not match the tone of the sentence, making it less appropriate in this context.
Correct answer: unsuspecting

Explanation: The word 'unsuspecting' is suitable as it describes the operator who is unaware of the potential danger, fitting both grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Unsuspecting' means not aware of the potential danger or risk, highlighting the vulnerability of the operator when introducing the Trojan.

Wrong options:

  • incredulous: 'Incredulous' means unwilling to believe something, which does not fit the context of the operator's awareness of the Trojan.
  • sceptical: 'Sceptical' implies doubt or disbelief, which does not accurately describe the operator's state of mind in this scenario.
  • ignorant: 'Ignorant' suggests a lack of knowledge, but it carries a more negative connotation than 'unsuspecting,' which is more neutral.
Correct answer: skill

Explanation: The word 'skill' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates the ability required to overcome security measures, aligning well with the context of discussing the challenges of introducing a virus.

Meaning: 'Skill' refers to the ability to do something well, particularly as a result of practice or training, emphasizing the expertise needed to bypass security defenses.

Wrong options:

  • qualifications: 'Qualifications' refer to credentials or certifications, which do not directly relate to the practical ability required in this context.
  • courage: 'Courage' implies bravery, which is not the primary requirement for introducing a virus; skill is more relevant here.
  • gift: 'Gift' suggests a natural talent, which does not convey the learned ability necessary to break through defenses.

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