In the following question, a passage is given. At certain points in the passage, you are given a choice of three words marked (a), (b) and (c), one of which fits the meaning of the passage. Choose the best word out of the three. Mark the letter, viz., (a), (b) or (c), relating to this word as your answer. All of us know the kinds of substances that are known as metals. They are commonly distinguished from other substances by their bright and shiny surfaces. The majority of them are fairly heavy___(1)___. [(a) Since (b) Although (c) When] most metals are hard and strong, they___ (2)___ [(a) can be (b) cannot be (c) a] hammered, pulled and pressed into various shapes___(3)___ [(a) by mean of (b) by the meaning of (c) by means of] strong machines. It is more easy to shape___(4)___ [(a) the (b) that (c) a] piece of metal after it has just been___(5)___ [(a) lightly (b) warmly (c) now] heated because heat softens it. Very great heat___(6)___ [(a) must need (b) been needed (c) is needed] to melt a metal to its liquid___(7)___. [(a) flow. (b) condition (c) content] Metal workers always pour the liquid metal___(8)___ [(a) out of (b) into (c) onto] a hollow form called a mould, usually made of___(9)___ [(a) specialist (b) specified (c) specially ] prepared moulding sand held in a box of wood or iron___(10)___ [(a) Before (b) After (c) While] the metal___(11)___ [(a) has cooled (b) have cooled (c) has been cooled] the moulding boxes are broken open and the___(12)___ [(a) liquid (b) solid (c) soiled] metal shapes are taken out of the moulds___(13)___ [(a) That (b) This (c) Thus it] process is called casting. Metal objects that___(14)___ [(a) has been fashion (b) have been fashioned (c) are in fashion] by this process break more easily than those made by hammering. When___(15)___ [(a) those (b) two (c) all] metals are melted they can be mixed together. The mixture is called an alloy.
8
b
Analyzing the Passage and Choosing the Best Word for Blank 8
The passage describes the properties of metals and the process of casting metal objects. We are asked to choose the best word to fill in blank number 8 based on the context of the sentence and the overall passage.
The sentence containing blank 8 is: "Metal workers always pour the liquid metal___(8)___ [(a) out of (b) into (c) onto] a hollow form called a mould, usually made of specially prepared moulding sand..."
Understanding the Process Described
The sentence describes a step in the metal casting process. In casting, liquid metal is given a specific shape by pouring it into a container or form called a mould. A mould is typically a hollow cavity that has the shape of the desired object.
Evaluating the Options for Blank 8
Let's look at the three options provided for blank 8:
- (a) out of
- (b) into
- (c) onto
Now let's consider how each word fits the context of pouring liquid metal and the purpose of a mould:
- (a) out of: Pouring liquid metal "out of" a mould would mean removing the metal from the mould. This happens *after* the metal has solidified, not when it is being initially shaped. So, this word does not fit the action of filling the mould.
- (b) into: Pouring liquid metal "into" a mould describes the action of filling the hollow cavity of the mould with the liquid metal. This is precisely what is done during the casting process to give the metal the desired shape. This word fits the context perfectly.
- (c) onto: Pouring liquid metal "onto" a mould would mean placing the metal on the surface of the mould, rather than filling its hollow space. While some processes might involve pouring metal *on* a surface, the description here specifies a "hollow form called a mould," indicating that the metal is meant to fill this hollow space. Pouring "onto" does not convey the action of filling the cavity.
Based on the analysis of the casting process and the meaning of the words, "into" is the only word that accurately describes the action of pouring liquid metal to fill the hollow form of a mould.
Therefore, the best word to complete the sentence is "into".
The completed sentence reads: "Metal workers always pour the liquid metal into a hollow form called a mould..."
Final Answer Selection
Option (a) "out of" is incorrect.
Option (b) "into" is correct.
Option (c) "onto" is incorrect.
The correct option is (b).
Revision Table: Understanding Metal Casting Terms
| Term | Definition | Relevance to Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Metals | Substances typically characterized by being shiny, hard, and good conductors of heat and electricity. | The subject of the entire passage. |
| Liquid Metal | Metal that has been heated above its melting point and is in a molten state. | The state of metal poured into the mould. |
| Mould | A hollow form or matrix into which liquid material (like metal) is poured to set into a particular shape. | The container that shapes the liquid metal in the described process. |
| Casting | A manufacturing process in which a liquid material is usually poured into a mould, which contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify. | The overall process being detailed in this part of the passage. |
Additional Information: Properties and Shaping of Metals
Metals have many useful properties that make them valuable in various applications. Some key properties mentioned or implied in the passage include:
- Shininess: Often referred to as metallic luster.
- Hardness and Strength: Many metals are hard and strong, making them suitable for structural purposes.
- Malleability and Ductility: The passage mentions metals being hammered, pulled, and pressed. This refers to malleability (ability to be hammered into thin sheets) and ductility (ability to be pulled into wires). These properties allow metals to be shaped.
- Response to Heat: Heat softens metals (making them easier to shape) and sufficient heat melts them into a liquid state for processes like casting.
Shaping metals can be done through various methods:
- Casting: Pouring liquid metal into a mould and letting it solidify.
- Forging: Shaping metal by hammering or pressing it, often while hot. This is related to the "hammered" part in the passage.
- Rolling: Passing metal between rollers to reduce its thickness or change its profile.
- Drawing: Pulling metal through a die to reduce its diameter, like making wires. This is related to the "pulled" part.
- Extrusion: Pushing metal through a die to create a shape with a fixed cross-sectional profile. Related to the "pressed" part.
The passage highlights that casting results in objects that might be more brittle ("break more easily") compared to those shaped by hammering (forging), which can improve strength and toughness.
Important Questions from Vocab Based Questions
Which of the following fits the blank (1) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (2) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (3) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (4) appropriately?
Which of the following fits the blank (5) appropriately?
