Understanding the Sentence Structure

The sentence requires a word that fits the structure "made ______" to describe the child's action because he was getting late for school. This construction often involves an idiom or a specific noun phrase that follows the verb "made". We need to choose the word that creates a grammatically correct and meaningful phrase in this context.

Analyzing the Options for 'made'

Let's examine each option to see which one correctly completes the phrase "made ______":

• Rapidity: Rapidity means speed or quickness. We don't typically say "made rapidity". It's not a standard English phrase or idiom.
• Hurry: Hurry can be a verb (e.g., "He needs to hurry") or a noun (e.g., "He is in a hurry"). While related to speed, the phrase "made hurry" is not idiomatic or grammatically standard.
• Haste: Haste is a noun meaning excessive speed or urgency. The phrase "made haste" is a common idiom that means to act or move with speed, especially because one is in a hurry. This fits the context perfectly, as the child was late.
• Swiftness: Swiftness means the quality of moving quickly. Similar to rapidity, "made swiftness" is not a standard or idiomatic phrase in English.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Word

Based on the analysis of each option, the only word that forms a correct and idiomatic phrase with "made" in the context of someone being late is "haste". The idiom "made haste" directly conveys the idea of acting quickly due to urgency, which is exactly what the child did because of being late for school.

Therefore, "haste" is the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

Revision Table: Word Meanings

Additional Information: Idioms with 'Make'

The verb 'make' is used in many idiomatic expressions in English. Understanding these idioms helps in choosing the correct word in phrases like the one in the question. Here are a few examples of common idioms using 'make':

• Make sense: To be logical or understandable.
• Make a decision: To decide something.
• Make an effort: To try hard.
• Make a mistake: To do something wrong.
• Make a noise: To create sound.
• Make progress: To develop towards a better state.
• Make a difference: To have a significant effect on someone or something.

In this question, "make haste" is another example of a fixed idiom.