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Practice Reading: Fill in The Blanks (Drag & Drop) ID: #41852 Increase Yields
Instructions ›
The text below is an excerpt from a gardening blog about the benefits of companion planting. In the text below some words are missing. Drag words from the box below to the appropriate place in the text. To undo an answer choice, drag the word back to the box below the text.
* Drag the correct answer into all target fields
Companion  planting  is  a  gardening  technique  that  pairs  certain  plants  together  to  enhance  growth,  deter  pests,  and  increase  yields.  For  example,  planting  tomatoes  near    can  improve  their  flavour  and  health  because  basil  harmful  insects.  Additionally,  placing  onions  near  carrots  can  help  to    carrot  fly  larvae,  a  common  pest.  This  method  not  only  maximises  garden  space  but  also  promotes  a    ecosystem  where  plants  support  each  other's  well-being.

repel sustainable deter basil discourage strawberries vibrant

Result:

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

Explanation: The word 'basil' is a noun that refers to a specific type of herb. In this context, it fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the preposition 'near,' indicating which plant is being paired with tomatoes. The context of companion planting supports this choice, as basil is commonly known to enhance the growth of tomatoes.

Meaning: 'Basil' is a culinary herb often used in cooking, particularly in Italian cuisine, and is known for its aromatic leaves.

Wrong options:

  • strawberries: 'Strawberries' is a noun referring to a type of fruit, which does not fit the context of pairing with tomatoes for growth enhancement.
  • sustainable: 'Sustainable' is an adjective that describes practices that do not deplete resources, but it does not refer to a specific plant and is irrelevant in this context.
  • repel: 'Repel' is a verb that means to drive away, which does not fit as it does not name a plant and is not grammatically correct here.
  • deter: 'Deter' is a verb that means to discourage or prevent, which does not fit as it does not name a plant and is not appropriate in this context.
  • vibrant: 'Vibrant' is an adjective that describes something full of energy and life, but it does not refer to a plant and is not suitable here.
  • discourage: 'Discourage' is a verb that means to dissuade or prevent, which does not fit as it does not name a plant and is not relevant in this context.
Correct answer: discourage

Explanation: The word 'discourage' is a verb that fits grammatically as it describes the action that basil performs regarding harmful insects. The context indicates that basil has a protective role in the garden, making this choice logical and coherent with the overall message about companion planting.

Meaning: 'Discourage' means to dissuade or prevent someone or something from doing something, in this case, harmful insects from infesting plants.

Wrong options:

  • deter: 'Deter' is a verb that means to prevent or discourage, but it does not fit the grammatical structure here as it does not align with the subject 'basil' in this context.
  • repel: 'Repel' is a verb that means to drive away, which could fit contextually but does not match the grammatical structure required after 'basil.'
  • sustainable: 'Sustainable' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically as it cannot describe an action performed by basil.
  • vibrant: 'Vibrant' is an adjective that describes a quality and does not fit as a verb in this context.
  • strawberries: 'Strawberries' is a noun that does not fit the grammatical structure as it cannot describe an action.
  • discourage: 'Discourage' is a verb that fits contextually but is not the correct form needed here.
Correct answer: deter

Explanation: The word 'deter' is a verb that fits grammatically as it describes the action of preventing carrot fly larvae. The context of the sentence indicates that onions help to keep pests away, making this choice logical and coherent with the overall message about companion planting.

Meaning: 'Deter' means to prevent or discourage someone or something from taking action, in this case, preventing carrot fly larvae from infesting carrots.

Wrong options:

  • sustainable: 'Sustainable' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically as it cannot describe an action in this context.
  • vibrant: 'Vibrant' is an adjective that describes a quality and does not fit as a verb in this context.
  • repel: 'Repel' is a verb that means to drive away, which could fit contextually but does not match the grammatical structure required here.
  • discourage: 'Discourage' is a verb that means to dissuade or prevent, but it does not fit the grammatical structure needed after 'help to.'
  • basil: 'Basil' is a noun that does not fit as it cannot describe an action in this context.
  • strawberries: 'Strawberries' is a noun that does not fit the grammatical structure as it cannot describe an action.
Correct answer: vibrant

Explanation: The word 'vibrant' is an adjective that fits grammatically as it describes the type of ecosystem being promoted. The context indicates a positive and lively environment, making this choice logical and coherent with the overall message about companion planting.

Meaning: 'Vibrant' means full of energy and life, indicating a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

Wrong options:

  • sustainable: 'Sustainable' is an adjective that describes practices that do not deplete resources, but it does not fit the context of describing an ecosystem in this way.
  • basil: 'Basil' is a noun that does not fit as it cannot describe the quality of an ecosystem.
  • deter: 'Deter' is a verb that means to prevent or discourage, which does not fit as it cannot describe an ecosystem.
  • discourage: 'Discourage' is a verb that means to dissuade or prevent, which does not fit as it cannot describe an ecosystem.
  • repel: 'Repel' is a verb that means to drive away, which does not fit as it cannot describe the quality of an ecosystem.
  • strawberries: 'Strawberries' is a noun that does not fit the grammatical structure as it cannot describe an ecosystem.

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