Filling Blank 2: Analyzing the Passage on Lokmanya Tilak and Ganapati Festival

The passage describes Lokmanya Tilak's role in transforming the Ganapati festival into a national celebration. We need to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 2, which precedes the phrase "wide celebration of this public festival throughout Maharashtra."

Let's look at the sentence containing blank (2):

"He campaigned for _______ (2) wide celebration of this public festival throughout Maharashtra."

We need to choose the best word to precede "wide celebration". This phrase refers to the specific, extensive celebration of the Ganapati festival that Tilak was promoting across the region.

Evaluating the Options for Blank (2)

Let's consider each option provided for blank (2):

• Option 1: 'an' - The indefinite article 'an' is used before a singular noun starting with a vowel sound. 'Wide' starts with a consonant sound (/w/), and 'celebration' here is used as a concept or type of activity, not a specific, countable instance where 'an' would fit naturally. Therefore, 'an' is incorrect.
• Option 2: 'some' - 'Some' can be used to refer to an indefinite quantity or number. While you could say "some celebration," it doesn't fit the context as well. Tilak wasn't campaigning for 'some' indefinite celebration, but rather *the* specific, large-scale celebration of *this* particular festival he was promoting.
• Option 3: 'the' - The definite article 'the' is used to refer to a specific or particular noun, or a noun that is considered unique or specific in the context. Here, "wide celebration" refers to the particular type of widespread celebration of the Ganapati festival that Tilak was trying to achieve. Using 'the' makes it clear that the campaign was for that specific, intended outcome. This fits the context perfectly.
• Option 4: 'one' - 'One' refers to a single countable item. 'Wide celebration' in this context is not a single, countable item like "one festival" or "one event". It's a broader concept of how the festival should be celebrated. Therefore, 'one' is inappropriate.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Word

Based on the analysis, the word 'the' is the most appropriate choice for blank (2). It specifically refers to the particular kind of wide celebration of the Ganapati festival that Lokmanya Tilak campaigned for.

The completed sentence reads:

"He campaigned for the wide celebration of this public festival throughout Maharashtra."

Revision Table: Options for Blank (2)

Additional Information on Articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

Articles are words used before nouns to indicate whether the noun is specific or unspecific.

• 'a' and 'an' (Indefinite Articles): Used before singular, countable nouns when the noun is general or unspecific. 'a' is used before consonant sounds, 'an' before vowel sounds. Example: "a book", "an apple".
• 'the' (Definite Article): Used before singular or plural nouns, countable or uncountable, when the noun is specific or has been mentioned before, or is understood from the context. Example: "the sun" (unique), "the book I told you about" (specific).

In the sentence from the passage, "wide celebration" refers to the specific, planned celebration Tilak was promoting, making 'the' the correct choice to define that particular concept.