In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank. We do not want to condemn the ‘word’. It is, after all, a mighty instrument; it is the means by ___(1)___ we tell each other of our emotions, the way in which we influence others. Words can do ___(2)___ good but also cause terrible injuries. It is true that at first there was the deed; the word came later. It was in some respects a cultural progress ___(3)___ the deed became a word. But the word was ___(4)___ a spell, a magical act, and it ___(5)___ much of its power.
Select the most appropriate option for blank no. 4
originally
Understanding the Passage and Blank 4
The passage discusses the power and origin of words. It highlights that words are powerful instruments used for communication and influence. The sentence containing blank 4 reads: "But the word was ___(4)___ a spell, a magical act, and it ___(5)___ much of its power." We need to select the most appropriate word from the given options to fill this blank.
Analyzing the Options for Blank 4
Let's look at the options provided for blank number 4:
- lastly
- firstly
- originally
- quickly
The sentence talks about the nature of the word as "a spell, a magical act" and how it retained its power. This suggests a description of the word's initial state, its origin, or how it was perceived early on.
- lastly: This word means "finally" or "in the end." It implies the final stage or outcome, which contradicts the idea of the word being something like a spell at the beginning or at some point in the past development described in the passage (transition from deed to word). So, "lastly" is not appropriate.
- firstly: This word means "first" or "in the first place." It is often used to introduce the first point in a series. While it relates to something happening first, "originally" is a better fit when referring to the initial nature, form, or origin of something over time or development.
- originally: This word means "from the beginning," "in the first place," or "initially." It is used to describe the state or characteristic of something at its origin or in its earliest form. The passage implies a historical development of language, moving from deed to word. Describing the word as "originally a spell, a magical act" fits the context of its early or primary nature and power.
- quickly: This word refers to speed. It doesn't describe the nature, origin, or power of the word as a magical act. So, "quickly" is not appropriate.
Considering the context which discusses the development from deed to word and the word's inherent power, the word "originally" best fits the description of the word's initial or primary nature as being akin to a spell or a magical act, explaining how it retained much of its power from that state.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Option
Based on the analysis, "originally" is the most suitable word to fill blank 4 because it conveys the idea that the word, in its early form or from the beginning, possessed qualities similar to a spell or magical act, which contributed to its enduring power.
Revision Table: Blank 4 Options
| Option | Meaning | Fit in Context |
|---|---|---|
| lastly | Finally, in the end | Does not fit; passage discusses origin/early state. |
| firstly | First (often for ordering) | Possible, but "originally" better describes initial nature/origin. |
| originally | From the beginning, initially | Best fit; describes the word's initial nature as a spell/magical act. |
| quickly | At high speed | Does not fit; refers to speed, not nature/origin. |
Additional Information on Word Origins and Power
The passage touches upon an interesting idea about the perceived power of words in early human history. In many ancient cultures, words were not just seen as symbols for things or actions, but as having inherent power themselves. Naming something could be seen as gaining power over it, and speaking certain words (like curses or blessings) was believed to have direct effects. This view connects words closely with magic and ritual, where spoken words (spells, incantations) were central to performing magical acts. The passage suggests that even though words evolved to become instruments of communication, they retained some of this original, almost magical, power to influence and affect others, whether for good or ill.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in blank space (1)?
What would come in blank space (2)?
What would come in blank space (3)?
What would come in blank space (4)?
What would come in blank space (5)?
