Loading question...
You are in free guest mode. Timed Practice Revision List Attempt History Progress Tracking Create a free account to unlock these tools
Prev Next
Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #6171 Flu 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.
The  cold  and  flu  season  is  back  again,  so  it's  time  to    up  on  prevention  and  treatment.    to  popular  belief,  cooler  weather  doesn't  cause  colds.  What  is  more  likely  is  that  we  stay  indoors  more,  giving  viruses    to  spread  from  person  to  person.  In  addition,  the  cold  months  are  associated    low  humidity,  and  the  dry  air  makes  the  nasal  cavity  more  susceptible  to  bugs.  Consequently,  cases  of  colds  and  flu  surge  between  the  beginning  of  autumn  and  spring  (the    adult  gets  two  to  four  respiratory  infections  a  year;  children  even  more).  Because  the  season  is  upon  us,  it  is  a  good  idea  to  revise  a  few  cold  and  flu  tactics.
To  prevent  an  infection,  the  best  defence  is  a  good  offence.  The  first  step  is  to  limit  physical  contact  with  the  cold  sufferer.  When  someone  with  a  cold  sneezes,  coughs  or  sniffles,    your  distance.  Hugging,  kissing  and  shaking  hands  are  sure  ways  to  catch  a  cold.

Result:

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

Explanation: The word 'brush' fits grammatically as it suggests the action of refreshing or reviewing knowledge, which aligns with the context of preparing for the cold and flu season. It is commonly used in the phrase 'brush up on,' indicating a review of information.

Meaning: 'Brush up' means to improve your knowledge or skill in a particular area, especially after a period of not using it.

Wrong options:

  • bring: 'Bring' implies carrying something to a place, which does not fit the context of reviewing knowledge.
  • get: 'Get' is too vague and does not convey the specific action of reviewing or refreshing knowledge.
  • take: 'Take' does not convey the idea of reviewing knowledge; it is more about receiving or accepting something.
Correct answer: Contrary

Explanation: 'Contrary' is the correct choice as it indicates a contrast to popular belief, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Contrary' means opposite in nature, direction, or meaning, indicating that the following statement will oppose common assumptions.

Wrong options:

  • Opposite: While 'opposite' conveys a similar meaning, it does not fit grammatically as well in this context where 'contrary' is more idiomatic.
  • Similar: 'Similar' suggests likeness, which contradicts the intended meaning of contrasting beliefs.
  • Unlike: 'Unlike' is a preposition that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it requires a different structure.
Correct answer: an opportunity

Explanation: The phrase 'an opportunity' fits grammatically as it correctly uses the indefinite article 'an' with the singular noun 'opportunity,' indicating a single chance for viruses to spread.

Meaning: 'An opportunity' refers to a favorable chance or situation that allows something to happen, in this case, the spread of viruses.

Wrong options:

  • chance: 'Chance' is a noun that can be singular or plural but does not fit the article usage required here.
  • chances: 'Chances' is plural and does not match the singular context of the sentence.
  • the opportunities: 'The opportunities' implies multiple specific chances, which does not align with the intended meaning of a singular favorable situation.
Correct answer: with

Explanation: The preposition 'with' is appropriate here as it indicates association, fitting grammatically and contextually with the phrase 'associated with low humidity.'

Meaning: 'With' indicates a connection or relationship between two things, in this case, the cold months and low humidity.

Wrong options:

  • for: 'For' suggests purpose or benefit, which does not fit the context of association.
  • on: 'On' is typically used to indicate a surface or a specific day, which does not convey the intended meaning of association.
  • to: 'To' implies direction or destination, which is not suitable in this context.
Correct answer: average

Explanation: The word 'average' fits grammatically as it describes a typical number of infections, aligning well with the context of discussing common occurrences.

Meaning: 'Average' refers to the typical or mean amount, indicating how many infections an adult generally experiences in a year.

Wrong options:

  • different: 'Different' suggests a contrast, which does not fit the context of describing a typical number of infections.
  • ordinary: 'Ordinary' implies something common but does not specifically quantify the number of infections as 'average' does.
  • same: 'Same' indicates identity, which does not convey the intended meaning of a typical frequency of infections.
Correct answer: keep

Explanation: The verb 'keep' fits grammatically as it suggests maintaining a distance, which is the intended action in this context. It aligns well with the imperative form used in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Keep' means to maintain or continue a certain state, in this case, maintaining distance from someone who is sick.

Wrong options:

  • cover: 'Cover' does not fit the context of maintaining distance; it suggests protection or concealment instead.
  • judge: 'Judge' implies forming an opinion, which is unrelated to the action of maintaining distance from a sick person.
  • remember: 'Remember' suggests recalling information, which does not align with the action of keeping distance.

The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.

Sign in to read the full explanation

With a free account: Retry and compare every attempt.
Be the first! No community answers here yet. Submit yours and help others learn.
How difficult was this question?
Others found: 100% Easy · 0% Medium · 0% Hard
Saving...