In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives. One who has witnessed a debate ___(1)____ argument between two men ___(2)___ strong intellectually, one of whom is a trained logician and the other lacking this advantage, will never forget the impression produced ____(3)_____ him by the unequal struggle. The conflict is like that of a ___(4)____ wrestler, untrained in the little tricks and turns of the science, in the various principles of applying force in a certain way at a certain time, at a certain place, with a ___(5)___ and experienced wrestler.
impression produced ____(3)_____ him by the unequal
Upon
Analyzing the Passage: Filling Blank (3)
The passage describes the stark difference in witnessing a debate or argument between two intellectually strong individuals when one is a trained logician and the other is not. It emphasizes the significant impact this unequal struggle has on the observer, creating a lasting "impression". The question asks us to fill in the third blank, which is part of the phrase "impression produced ____(3)_____ him".
Identifying the Correct Preposition for Blank (3)
The third blank requires a preposition that correctly links the noun "impression" (which is being produced) to the pronoun "him" (the person on whom the impression is made). We need to determine which of the given options fits grammatically and semantically in the context of an impression being made on someone.
Let's examine the options:
- Up: The preposition "up" is typically used to indicate movement towards a higher point or a completed action. It does not fit the context of an impression being produced on a person. "Impression produced up him" is grammatically incorrect in this context.
- Upon: The preposition "upon" is often used interchangeably with "on," especially in more formal or literary contexts. It means "on" or "on to". When an impression is produced "upon" someone, it means the impression is made "on" that person, affecting them. This usage is grammatically correct and common in English.
- Into: The preposition "into" usually indicates movement towards the inside of something or a change of state. An impression isn't produced "into" a person in the sense intended here. While thoughts might go "into" someone's mind, the phrase "impression produced into him" is not the standard way to express this idea.
- In: The preposition "in" is used to indicate location within something, or a state or condition. While you might say an impression is made "in" someone's mind, "impression produced in him" is less common than "on him" or "upon him" when referring to the effect on the person themselves.
Selecting the Best Fit: Impression Produced Upon Him
Based on the analysis, the most appropriate preposition to follow "impression produced" when referring to the person affected is "upon". The phrase "impression produced upon him" correctly conveys that the unequal struggle created a significant impact or impression on the observer (him). This is a standard idiomatic usage in English.
Therefore, the completed part of the sentence is: "will never forget the impression produced upon him by the unequal struggle."
Let's look at the complete sentence with the correct word for blank (3):
One who has witnessed a debate or argument between two men of strong intellect, one of whom is a trained logician and the other lacking this advantage, will never forget the impression produced upon him by the unequal struggle.
| Blank | Context | Correct Word | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| (3) | impression produced ____ him | Upon | "Upon" is used here like "on" to show that the impression was made on the person ("him"). This is a standard and fitting preposition for the context. |
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Concept | Explanation | Relevance to Question |
|---|---|---|
| Prepositions | Words that connect a noun or pronoun to other words in a sentence, indicating relationships like location, direction, time, etc. (e.g., on, in, at, upon, for, by). | The question requires choosing the correct preposition (up, upon, into, in) to fit the specific context of the sentence and complete the phrase "impression produced ____ him". |
| Idiomatic Usage | Phrases or constructions that have a meaning specific to a language and may not be understood directly from the individual words (e.g., "depend on," "rely upon," "make an impression on/upon"). | Choosing the correct preposition often depends on understanding common or idiomatic ways words are used together, such as "impression produced upon him". |
| Reading Comprehension | The ability to read text, process it, and understand its meaning. | Understanding the overall meaning of the passage is crucial to determine the correct word for the blank that logically fits the narrative. |
Additional Information: The Use of 'Upon'
The preposition 'upon' is often used in ways similar to 'on'. While 'on' is more common in everyday language, 'upon' can add a slightly more formal or literary tone. In phrases like "depending upon", "based upon", or "make an impression upon", 'upon' is frequently used and is considered correct.
- 'Upon' indicates a position on something: "The book was placed upon the table."
- 'Upon' indicates being supported by something: "The structure rested upon solid ground."
- 'Upon' indicates happening immediately after something: "Upon reflection, he realized his mistake."
- 'Upon' indicates the recipient of an action or feeling: "The responsibility fell upon his shoulders," or as in our passage, "the impression produced upon him."
In the context of our passage, "impression produced upon him" means the impression made on him, highlighting the effect of the unequal struggle on the observer.
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?
