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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #5480 Wood 2
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Woodcuts,  as  printed  illustrations,  went  well  with  type,  which  is  why  this  form  of  printing  was  the  only    used  to  print  pictures  together  with  moveable  type  until  late  in  the  16th  century.  Woodblocks  and  type  are  both  relief  surfaces  -  that  is,  raised  from  the  flat  surface  of  the  block  -  and  are    the  same  height  on  the  bed  of  the  printing  press;  furthermore,  the  same  oil-based  ink  can  be  used  on  both  surfaces  so  that  they  can  be  printed  simultaneously.  As  with  cutting  the  woodblocks  and  setting  the  type,  the  ink  was  applied  by  hand,  using  what  was    an  "ink  ball"  -  a  pad  made  of  leather  stuffed  with  wool  or  hair  and  tied  around  a  wooden  handle.  The  ink  was  like  a  thick  black  oil  paint  and  it  usually    of  a  mixture  of  linseed  oil  that  had  been  boiled  until  it  was  free  of  fats,  and  various  pigments.  Varnishes  were  then  added  to  get  the  ink  to  the  right  consistency  or  thickness,  and  also  as  an  aid  to  drying.
Book  illustration,  then,  was  to  be  one  of  the  major  factors  in  the  development  of  the  woodcut,  and  its  influence  lasted  until  the  19th  century.  The  aesthetic  side  of  book  making  -  the  arrangement  of  the  text,  ornamentation  and  pictures  together  on  the  page  -  required  an  inventive  and  subtle    to  the  problems  of  pictorial  composition.

Result:

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Correct answer: method

Explanation: The word 'method' fits grammatically as it refers to a systematic way of doing something, which aligns with the context of printing techniques. It is the only option that conveys a specific process used in printing, making it the most suitable choice.

Meaning: 'Method' means a particular way of doing something, especially a systematic or established procedure.

Wrong options:

  • form: While 'form' refers to the shape or structure, it does not convey the systematic process implied in the context of printing.
  • means: 'Means' suggests a way or method but is less specific than 'method' in this context, making it less appropriate.
  • system: 'System' implies a set of connected things or parts, which does not directly relate to the singular process of printing pictures with type.
Correct answer: roughly

Explanation: The adverb 'roughly' indicates an approximation, which is appropriate here as it suggests that the heights of woodblocks and type are not exactly the same but are close enough for printing purposes. This fits both grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'Roughly' means approximately or not exactly, indicating that the heights are similar but not identical.

Wrong options:

  • hardly: 'Hardly' implies a negative connotation, suggesting that they are not similar at all, which contradicts the context.
  • closely: 'Closely' suggests a very exact similarity, which is too strong for the context where approximation is intended.
  • evenly: 'Evenly' implies a perfect match in height, which does not align with the intended meaning of approximation.
Correct answer: called

Explanation: The word 'called' is used to introduce a term or name, fitting grammatically and contextually as it indicates what the 'ink ball' is referred to. It is the most appropriate choice for introducing a definition or term.

Meaning: 'Called' means to name or refer to something in a particular way.

Wrong options:

  • known: 'Known' suggests familiarity but does not serve the purpose of introducing a term as effectively as 'called'.
  • said: 'Said' implies a statement but does not fit the context of defining or naming an object.
  • told: 'Told' is used for conveying information to someone, which does not fit the context of naming an object.
Correct answer: consisted

Explanation: The verb 'consisted' indicates what something is made up of, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the components of the ink. It is the most suitable choice for indicating composition.

Meaning: 'Consisted' means to be composed or made up of certain elements or parts.

Wrong options:

  • combined: 'Combined' suggests mixing but does not convey the idea of composition as clearly as 'consisted'.
  • composed: 'Composed' is similar but is less commonly used in this context compared to 'consisted'.
  • comprised: 'Comprised' is often misused and does not fit the grammatical structure as well as 'consisted' in this context.
Correct answer: approach

Explanation: The word 'approach' refers to a way of dealing with something, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the method of addressing the problems of pictorial composition. It is the most appropriate choice for indicating a strategy or method.

Meaning: 'Approach' means a way of dealing with or thinking about something, especially a problem or task.

Wrong options:

  • mixture: 'Mixture' implies a combination of different elements, which does not fit the context of addressing problems in composition.
  • manner: 'Manner' refers to a way of doing something but lacks the strategic connotation that 'approach' provides.
  • technique: 'Technique' suggests a specific skill or method but does not convey the broader strategy implied by 'approach'.

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