In this section, each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words given after the sentence. Select whichever word can be considered most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly. Would you mind ________ to the Principal how the trouble started?
explaining
Sentence Completion: Choosing the Right Word
This question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill the blank space in the given sentence. We need to understand the meaning of the sentence and the context in which the action is being performed.
The sentence is: "Would you mind ________ to the Principal how the trouble started?"
The key elements are: reporting something to the Principal, specifically addressing "how the trouble started." This implies providing details, sequence of events, or reasons behind the problem.
Let's examine the given options:
- remarking: To remark means to say something briefly as a comment. This doesn't fit the requirement of explaining "how" something started, which usually involves more detail than a brief remark.
- saying: To say is a very general verb for speaking words. While you would "say" something to the Principal, the specific verb needed here should convey the nature of *what* you are saying – which is an account of origins. Simply "saying" how the trouble started is too vague; it doesn't specifically mean giving a detailed account.
- explaining: To explain means to make something clear or understandable by describing it in detail or revealing facts or ideas about it. This perfectly fits the context of describing "how" a trouble started to someone like a Principal who would need a clear, detailed account to understand the situation.
- talking: To talk means to speak in order to give information or express ideas or feelings. Like "saying," "talking" is too general. You might "talk" to the Principal, but the specific action related to "how the trouble started" is more precise than just general talking.
Comparing the options, "explaining" is the only word that accurately describes the act of providing a detailed account of the events or reasons behind the start of the trouble to the Principal. The Principal would need an explanation to understand the situation fully.
| Word | Meaning | Fit in Sentence? |
|---|---|---|
| Remarking | Saying something briefly as a comment. | No, too brief for detailing 'how'. |
| Saying | Speaking words (general). | No, too vague for detailing 'how'. |
| Explaining | Making something clear/understandable with details. | Yes, fits perfectly for detailing 'how trouble started'. |
| Talking | Speaking generally. | No, too general for detailing 'how'. |
Therefore, the most appropriate word is "explaining."
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
Reviewing the meanings of the words helps reinforce why 'explaining' is the best fit.
- Remark: A brief comment.
- Say: Utter words.
- Explain: Make something clear by giving details.
- Talk: Speak to someone.
Additional Information: Phrasal Verbs and Context
While the options here are simple verbs, understanding how verbs are used in different contexts is crucial for sentence completion. In this case, the phrase "how the trouble started" requires a verb that implies a process of revealing or detailing the sequence of events. "Explain" is specifically designed for this purpose.
Consider other phrases and the verbs they might require:
- Describe the scene – use verbs like 'describe', 'depict'.
- Discuss the implications – use verbs like 'discuss', 'analyze'.
- Report the findings – use verbs like 'report', 'present'.
Choosing the correct verb depends heavily on the noun or phrase that follows it and the overall meaning of the sentence.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Direction : Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
There was a time when West Germany was a distinct ______.
Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
My son is very _____, he trusts everyone.Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
I wish I _____ her before we met.Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
I accepted the offer _______ certain conditions.
Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
He visits the needy to relieve them ______ their sufferings and poverty.
