Direction: In this section, there is a passage having some blank spaces with four words or groups of words given. Select whichever word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly. It is necessary, (1)_______ any war, to consider, not its proper justification in past agreements, (2)_______ its real justification in the balance of good which it is to bring to mankind. At the beginning of a war, each nation, under the influence of what is called (3)_______ believes that its own victory is (4)_______ certain and of great importance to mankind. The praiseworthiness of this belief has become an accepted maxim of common sense : even when war is actually in progress it (5)_______ to be natural and right that a citizen of an enemy country should regard the victory of his side as assured and highly (6)_______ By concentrating attention upon the supposed advantages of the victory of our own side, we (7)_______ more or less blind to the evils inseparable from war and equally certain whichever side may ultimately prove (8)_______ Yet so long as these are not fully realized, it is impossible (9)_______ justly (10)_______ a war is or is not likely to be beneficial to the human ra ce. Although the theme is trite, it is necessary therefore briefly to remind ourselves what the evils of war really are.
Choose the appropriate option for (2) ?
Understanding the Passage and Blank (2)
The passage discusses the criteria for evaluating the necessity or justification of a war. It argues that the focus should not be on historical agreements, but rather on the potential positive impact of the war on humanity. We need to find the most appropriate word to connect these two contrasting ideas mentioned in the sentence:
"It is necessary, (1)_______ any war, to consider, not its proper justification in past agreements, (2)_______ its real justification in the balance of good which it is to bring to mankind."
Analyzing the Options for Blank (2)
Let's look at the options provided for filling in blank (2):
- and
- until
- but
- unless
The sentence uses the structure "not X, ... Y". This structure is commonly used to contrast two things, indicating that Y is the correct or intended point of focus, while X is not. Let's examine how each option fits this structure:
- Option 1: and
If we use "and", the sentence would read: "...not its proper justification in past agreements, and its real justification..." This suggests considering both things. However, the phrase "not X, and Y" doesn't typically imply a contrast where Y replaces X as the focus. The passage implies a shift in focus from past agreements to future good, which "and" doesn't effectively convey.
- Option 2: until
If we use "until", the sentence would read: "...not its proper justification in past agreements, until its real justification..." "Until" usually relates to time or a condition that must be met before something else happens. It doesn't fit grammatically or logically in this context of contrasting two justifications.
- Option 3: but
If we use "but", the sentence would read: "...not its proper justification in past agreements, but its real justification..." This perfectly fits the common structure "not X, but Y". This structure clearly indicates that the real justification (Y) is the crucial element to consider, rather than the past agreements (X). This interpretation aligns with the overall message of the passage, which advocates for considering the future good ("real justification") over historical reasons ("proper justification").
- Option 4: unless
If we use "unless", the sentence would read: "...not its proper justification in past agreements, unless its real justification..." "Unless" introduces a condition under which something might not happen. It doesn't fit the pattern of contrasting two things that should be considered (or one that should be considered instead of the other). The sentence isn't stating a condition related to the real justification.
Conclusion for Blank (2)
Based on the analysis of the sentence structure and the meaning conveyed, the conjunction "but" is the most appropriate choice for blank (2). It correctly completes the "not X, but Y" structure, indicating that the real justification is what should be considered instead of the justification based on past agreements.
| Blank | Context | Most Appropriate Word | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| (2) | not its proper justification... _______ its real justification... | but | Completes the "not X, but Y" structure to show contrast and emphasize the second element. |
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Concept | Description | Relevance to Question |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunctions | Words that connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., and, but, or). | Choosing the correct conjunction is crucial for sentence meaning and flow. |
| "Not... but..." Structure | A common correlative structure used to present two alternatives and emphasize the second one as the correct or intended one. | Understanding this structure helps identify the correct word for blank (2). |
| Reading Comprehension | The ability to understand the meaning of written text. | Essential for interpreting the passage and determining the intended relationship between the parts of the sentence. |
Additional Information: Conjunctions for Contrast
Conjunctions play a vital role in connecting ideas. When connecting contrasting ideas, several conjunctions can be used, each with slightly different nuances. Some common conjunctions and phrases used for contrast include:
- But: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something that has just been mentioned. (e.g., He is small, but he is strong.)
- However: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something said previously. (e.g., It was raining. However, we went for a walk.)
- Although/Though/Even though: Used to introduce a subordinate clause which expresses a contrast or concession. (e.g., Although it was raining, we went for a walk.)
- Whereas/While: Used to compare two things and highlight the difference between them. (e.g., Some people like tea, whereas others prefer coffee.)
- On the other hand: Used to introduce a contrasting point or situation. (e.g., The job is well-paid. On the other hand, it is very stressful.)
In the specific structure "not X, ... Y", "but" is the standard and most fitting conjunction to indicate that Y is the preferred alternative over X.
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Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (1)
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