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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #945 Skyline
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear: Select the appropriate answer choice for each blank.
Imagine  the  skyline  of  a  modern    if  the  elevator  did  not  exist.  Buildings  would  be  limited  to  five  or  six  stories.  Most  of  the  architecture  of  the  20th  and  21st  century  would  be  impossible.  Office  towers,  hotels  and  high-rise  apartments  would  hardly  stand  in  their  present  form.  The  need  for    transport  is  as  old  as  civilization.  Over  the  centuries,  mankind  has  employed  ingenious  forms  of  lifting.  The  earliest  lifts  used  man,  animal  and  water  power  to  raise  the  load.  Lifting  devices  relied  on  these  basic    of  power  from  the  early  agricultural  societies  until  the  dawn  of  the  Industrial  Revolution.  From  ancient  times  through  the  Middle  Ages,  and  into  the  13th  century,  man  or  animal  power  was  the  driving    behind  hoisting  devices.  In  ancient  Greece,  Archimedes  developed  an    lifting  device  operated  by  ropes  and  pulleys,  in  which  the  hoisting  ropes  were  coiled  around  a  winding  drum  by  a  capstan  and  levers.  By  A.D.  80,  gladiators  and  wild  animals  rode  crude  elevators  up  to  the  arena  level  of  the  Roman  Coliseum.  Medieval  records  contain  numerous  drawings  of  hoists  lifting  men  and  supplies  to  isolated  locations.  Among  the  most  famous  is  the  hoist  at  the  monastery  of  St.  Barlaam  in  Greece.  The  monastery  stood  on  a  pinnacle  approximately  (200  ft)  above  the  ground.  Its  hoist,  which  employed  a  basket  or  cargo  net,  was  the  only  means  up  or  down.

Result:

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Correct answer: city

Explanation: The word 'city' fits grammatically as a noun that describes a specific type of modern environment where skyscrapers and buildings are prevalent. It aligns contextually with the discussion about architecture and the impact of elevators on building height, making it the most relevant choice.

Meaning: 'City' refers to a large human settlement characterized by significant infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and public services, typically with a high population density.

Wrong options:

  • world: The term 'world' is too broad and does not specifically refer to a human-made environment, making it less relevant in this context.
  • planet: 'Planet' refers to a celestial body and does not fit the context of human architecture or urban development.
  • earth: While 'earth' can refer to the planet, it lacks the specificity of 'city' in relation to modern architecture and urban settings.
Correct answer: vertical

Explanation: The term 'vertical' is the correct choice as it describes the upward direction of transport, which is essential for high-rise buildings. It fits grammatically as an adjective modifying 'transport' and contextually aligns with the need for moving people and goods upwards in a city.

Meaning: 'Vertical' means oriented up and down, which is crucial for describing the type of transport needed in tall buildings.

Wrong options:

  • horizontal: 'Horizontal' refers to a side-to-side direction, which contradicts the context of moving upwards in buildings.
  • steep: While 'steep' describes a sharp incline, it does not accurately convey the concept of upward transport in a general sense.
  • perpendicular: 'Perpendicular' indicates a right angle and does not directly relate to the concept of transport direction.
Correct answer: forms

Explanation: The word 'forms' is appropriate as it refers to different types or categories of power used in lifting devices. It fits grammatically as a plural noun and contextually aligns with the discussion of various methods of lifting throughout history.

Meaning: 'Forms' refers to different types or variations of something, in this case, types of power used for lifting.

Wrong options:

  • designs: 'Designs' implies a focus on the blueprint or plan rather than the types of power, making it less relevant in this context.
  • models: 'Models' suggests specific examples or representations, which does not fit the broader context of types of power used historically.
  • systems: 'Systems' refers to organized methods or structures, which is too broad and does not specifically address the types of power.
Correct answer: force

Explanation: The word 'force' is the correct choice as it denotes the strength or energy used to perform work, which is essential in the context of hoisting devices. It fits grammatically as a noun and contextually aligns with the discussion of power behind lifting mechanisms.

Meaning: 'Force' refers to strength or energy as an attribute of physical action, particularly in lifting or moving objects.

Wrong options:

  • strength: While 'strength' is related, it is more about physical capability rather than the driving element behind devices, making it less precise.
  • skill: 'Skill' refers to the ability to do something well, which does not fit the context of mechanical power or energy used in lifting.
  • ability: 'Ability' is a general term for capability and does not specifically convey the concept of physical power or energy required for hoisting.
Correct answer: improved

Explanation: The word 'improved' is the correct choice as it indicates that Archimedes made enhancements to an existing lifting device. It fits grammatically as a past participle and contextually aligns with the historical development of technology.

Meaning: 'Improved' means made better or enhanced, indicating that Archimedes' device was a better version of previous lifting mechanisms.

Wrong options:

  • elevated: 'Elevated' typically describes something raised to a higher position but does not imply enhancement or improvement in design.
  • amended: 'Amended' suggests making changes or corrections, which does not accurately reflect the context of enhancing a device's functionality.
  • enhanced: While 'enhanced' also means improved, it is less commonly used in this context and does not fit as smoothly as 'improved' in describing technological advancements.

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