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.
9
c
Understanding the Metals Passage: Filling Blank 9
The question asks us to choose the best word to fit into blank (9) in the provided passage about metals and their properties and processing, specifically focusing on the process of casting.
Let's look at the sentence containing blank (9):
"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)___".
We need to select the most appropriate word from the options (a) specialist, (b) specified, or (c) specially to fit into blank (9).
Analyzing the Options for Blank (9)
The word needed for blank (9) modifies "prepared moulding sand". Let's examine each option:
- (a) specialist: This word is typically used as a noun or an adjective referring to a person who is an expert in a particular area (e.g., a specialist doctor). It does not fit grammatically or logically to describe how sand is prepared.
- (b) specified: This is an adjective meaning 'clearly identified or stated'. While the type of sand might be specified, the structure "specified prepared moulding sand" is grammatically awkward. 'Specified' usually describes the noun itself (e.g., "specified type of sand") rather than modifying the action of preparation.
- (c) specially: This word is an adverb meaning 'for a special purpose' or 'in a special way'. It can modify an adjective like 'prepared', indicating that the moulding sand is prepared in a special manner suited for creating moulds for metal casting. The phrase "specially prepared" is common and grammatically correct in this context.
Considering the context, the sand used for moulding is not just ordinary sand; it undergoes a specific preparation process to make it suitable for casting. The adverb "specially" correctly describes that this preparation is done for a particular purpose (moulding metal).
Therefore, "specially prepared moulding sand" is the phrase that makes the most sense grammatically and contextually within the passage describing the process of metal casting.
Conclusion for Blank (9)
Based on the analysis, the word that best fits blank (9) is "specially".
| Blank Number | Sentence Part | Options | Best Fit | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (9) | made of ___ prepared moulding sand | (a) specialist (b) specified (c) specially |
(c) specially | 'Specially' is an adverb modifying 'prepared', indicating the sand is prepared for a special purpose (moulding). 'Specialist' is a noun/adjective for a person. 'Specified' doesn't grammatically fit well modifying 'prepared'. |
The complete sentence fragment with the chosen word is: "...usually made of specially prepared moulding sand held in a box..."
Revision Table: Key Concepts in Metal Casting
| Term | Explanation | Relevance to Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Metals | Substances characterized by brightness, heaviness, hardness, strength, and ability to be shaped. | The main subject of the passage. |
| Casting | A process where liquid metal is poured into a mould to create a solid shape. | The primary process described after melting. |
| Mould | A hollow form into which liquid material is poured to set. Often made of specially prepared sand for metals. | Essential part of the casting process, mentioned in the sentence with blank (9). |
| Moulding Sand | Sand that has been specially prepared (e.g., mixed with clay and water) to hold a shape for casting. | The material mentioned as being "specially prepared". |
| Alloy | A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal mixed with another element. | Mentioned as a result of mixing melted metals. |
Additional Information: Understanding Adverbs like 'Specially'
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide more information about how, when, where, why, or to what extent something is done.
- In the phrase "specially prepared", 'specially' is an adverb modifying the adjective 'prepared'.
- It tells us *how* the moulding sand is prepared – in a special way, for a specific purpose (making moulds).
- Other examples of adverbs modifying adjectives:
- "extremely hot" ('extremely' modifies 'hot')
- "very interesting" ('very' modifies 'interesting')
- "perfectly clear" ('perfectly' modifies 'clear')
- Using the correct part of speech (adverb vs. adjective vs. noun) is crucial for clear and grammatically correct sentences, especially in descriptive passages like this one about metals and their processes.
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?
