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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #5479 Eater 1
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  term  "trencherman"  means  a  good  hearty  eater.  It  could  be  assumed,  therefore,  that  a  "trencher"  was  something  people  used  to  eat  off,  such  as  a  wooden  ,  or  the  like,  which    as  a  plate  -  as  the  dictionary  confirms.  In  fact,  it  was  originally  a  large  chunk  or  slice  of  stale  bread  used  to  soak  up  the  juices,  which  would  later  be  fed  to  the  domestic  animals  or  the  poor.  ,  those  who  had  a  very  strong  stomach  or  large  appetite  could  eat  it  themselves.
Before  the  invention  of  cutlery,  our  ancestors  usually  ate  with  their  hands.  It  is  quite  surprising  to  realize  how    in  the  day  it  was  before  cutlery  -  knives,  forks  and  spoons,  even  drinking  cups  -  became  commonly  used  for  eating.  It  is  not  a  question  of  being  slow  to    the  concept  of  such  tools  and  their  possible  uses  -  they  had  been  around  for  ages,  though  it  was  usually  only  the  wealthier  people  who  had  them  at  the  dinner  table.  So  the  reason  for  this  late  development  or  fashion  must  be  looked  for  elsewhere.

Result:

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Correct answer: board

Explanation: The word 'board' fits grammatically as a noun that refers to a flat piece of material, aligning with the context of something used to eat off. It is a common term in this context, making it the most appropriate choice.

Meaning: 'Board' refers to a flat, thin, rectangular piece of material, often wood, used for various purposes including serving food.

Wrong options:

  • plank: A 'plank' is a thicker piece of wood, typically not used in the context of serving food, making it less suitable here.
  • table: While a 'table' is a surface for eating, it does not fit the context of something used directly to eat off, as implied by 'trencher'.
  • box: A 'box' is a container and does not relate to the concept of a flat surface for eating, thus it is not appropriate in this context.
Correct answer: served

Explanation: The verb 'served' is the correct choice as it indicates the action of providing food on a plate, fitting the context of the sentence perfectly. It is in the past tense, matching the narrative style.

Meaning: 'Served' means to provide or present food to someone, typically in a dining context.

Wrong options:

  • tried: 'Tried' implies an attempt to do something, which does not fit the context of providing food.
  • used: While 'used' could fit, it lacks the specific connotation of presenting food, making it less precise than 'served'.
  • worked: 'Worked' does not relate to the context of food service and is irrelevant in this scenario.
Correct answer: Alternatively

Explanation: The word 'Alternatively' introduces a contrasting idea, which is appropriate here as it presents another option regarding the consumption of stale bread. It fits grammatically and contextually as a discourse marker.

Meaning: 'Alternatively' means 'as another option' or 'on the other hand', indicating a different perspective or choice.

Wrong options:

  • Also: 'Also' suggests addition rather than contrast, making it unsuitable for the context of presenting an alternative.
  • Furthermore: Similar to 'also', 'furthermore' indicates addition and does not convey the contrasting idea needed here.
  • Whereas: 'Whereas' is used to compare two different situations but does not fit as smoothly as 'alternatively' in this context.
Correct answer: late

Explanation: The word 'late' fits grammatically as an adjective describing the timing of the introduction of cutlery. It aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses the historical timeline of eating utensils.

Meaning: 'Late' refers to a time that is far along in a sequence, indicating that cutlery was introduced later than one might expect.

Wrong options:

  • long: 'Long' refers to duration rather than timing, making it inappropriate in this context.
  • far: 'Far' typically indicates distance, not time, and does not fit the context of discussing when cutlery was introduced.
  • early: 'Early' suggests a time before the expected point, which contradicts the context of the sentence.
Correct answer: grasp

Explanation: The verb 'grasp' is the correct choice as it means to understand or comprehend a concept, fitting the context of the sentence about understanding the use of cutlery. It is also in the correct form for the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Grasp' means to understand something fully or to hold something firmly, which is relevant to the context of learning about cutlery.

Wrong options:

  • grab: 'Grab' implies a quick action of taking hold, which does not convey the deeper understanding implied in the sentence.
  • grip: 'Grip' refers to holding something tightly, which does not fit the context of understanding a concept.
  • hold: 'Hold' is more general and does not specifically convey the idea of understanding, making it less suitable.

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