Directions:- 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. In order to promote reading, we must become role models for the young by setting ___(1)___ our own smartphones to lose ourselves in a book. We too ___(2)___ switch off our devices and set aside space and time to ___(3)___ old habits that once transported us to the world of ___(4)___. Studies report that such deep reading leads one to become sensitive and ___(5)___ citizens of the community.
Select the most appropriate option for blank no. 5.
thoughtful
Understanding the Passage and Blank 5
The passage discusses the importance of reading and how it can positively impact individuals and the community. It emphasizes the need for role models to encourage reading habits by reducing screen time and dedicating time to books. The last sentence talks about the reported benefits of "deep reading".
The sentence for blank 5 is: "Studies report that such deep reading leads one to become sensitive and ___(5)___ citizens of the community."
We need to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 5.
Analyzing the Options for Blank 5
Let's look at the position of the blank in the sentence:
"sensitive and ___(5)___ citizens"
Here, "citizens" is a noun. The words "sensitive" and the word for blank (5) are describing "citizens". Therefore, both words must be adjectives modifying the noun "citizens". They are joined by the conjunction "and".
Now let's examine the given options:
- Option 1: thoughtfully - This is an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, not nouns directly. It does not fit here.
- Option 2: thoughtless - This is an adjective, meaning careless or not considering others. The passage discusses positive outcomes of reading, making "thoughtless" an unlikely fit for describing positive citizens.
- Option 3: thoughtfulness - This is a noun, meaning the quality of being thoughtful. It cannot be used as an adjective to modify "citizens".
- Option 4: thoughtful - This is an adjective, meaning showing careful thought or consideration. It fits grammatically to modify the noun "citizens" and semantically, as deep reading is likely to make individuals more considerate and reflective members of society.
Determining the Correct Word for Blank 5
Based on the analysis, the blank requires an adjective that describes "citizens". Among the given options, only "thoughtless" and "thoughtful" are adjectives. Considering the context of the passage which highlights the positive effects of deep reading, becoming "sensitive and thoughtful citizens" makes perfect sense. "Thoughtless" is the opposite of the positive trait implied by the benefits of reading.
Therefore, the most appropriate word for blank 5 is "thoughtful".
Explanation Summary
The structure of the sentence requires an adjective to modify the noun "citizens". The word is paired with "sensitive" using "and", indicating it should be another positive quality. "Thoughtful" is an adjective that fits both the grammatical requirement and the positive context of the passage, describing citizens who are considerate and reflective due to deep reading.
| Option | Part of Speech | Meaning | Fit in Blank 5? |
|---|---|---|---|
| thoughtfully | Adverb | In a thoughtful manner | No (Incorrect part of speech) |
| thoughtless | Adjective | Lacking thought or consideration | No (Incorrect meaning in context) |
| thoughtfulness | Noun | The quality of being thoughtful | No (Incorrect part of speech) |
| thoughtful | Adjective | Showing careful thought or consideration | Yes (Correct part of speech and meaning) |
Revision Table: Reading Passage Fill-in-the-Blanks
| Blank No. | Sentence Context | Required Part of Speech | Most Appropriate Word (Based on typical usage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | setting ___(1)___ our own smartphones | Verb/Prepositional Phrase | aside / down |
| 2 | We too ___(2)___ switch off | Modal Verb/Adverb | must / should / can / also |
| 3 | time to ___(3)___ old habits | Verb | revive / practice / rekindle / rediscover |
| 4 | the world of ___(4)___ | Noun | imagination / stories / books / fantasy |
| 5 | sensitive and ___(5)___ citizens | Adjective | thoughtful |
Additional Information: Adjectives Describing Citizens
When describing citizens, we often use adjectives to highlight their qualities or roles within the community. These adjectives can be positive or negative.
Examples of positive adjectives for citizens:
- Responsible citizens
- Active citizens
- Engaged citizens
- Informed citizens
- Responsible citizens
- Participatory citizens
- Conscientious citizens
Examples of negative adjectives for citizens:
- Apathetic citizens
- Disinterested citizens
- Uninformed citizens
In the context of the passage, "sensitive" and "thoughtful" are presented as positive qualities developed through deep reading, making them desirable traits for community members.
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)?
