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. The choices we make in life determine who we are. One’s life is (1)______ marked by the exemplary choices one has made (2) ______ one’s journey. The mega icon Ratan Tata has described his journey (3)______ being a seven-year-old boy, who played his part (4) ______ the freedom struggle, to being moved by the plight of a family on a two-wheeler which became the genesis of the world’s most (5)______ car the Tata Nano.
Select the most appropriate option for blank number 1.
often
Understanding the Passage and Cloze Test
The question asks us to complete a passage by filling in blanks with the most appropriate words from the given alternatives. This type of question is called a cloze test. To answer effectively, we need to read the entire passage to understand its main theme and context. The passage discusses how the choices we make shape our lives and gives the example of Ratan Tata's life journey and the significant choices he made.
We need to choose the best fit for blank number 1 in the sentence: "One’s life is (1)______ marked by the exemplary choices one has made..."
Analyzing Options for Blank 1
Let's look at the options provided for blank 1:
- never
- often
- rarely
- seldom
The sentence talks about life being "marked" by "exemplary choices". The first sentence of the passage states, "The choices we make in life determine who we are." This sets the tone, suggesting that choices have a significant and frequent impact on our lives.
Evaluating Each Option
Let's consider how each option fits into the sentence and the overall meaning of the passage:
Option 1: never
If we use "never", the sentence becomes: "One’s life is never marked by the exemplary choices one has made..." This contradicts the very first sentence of the passage, which says choices *determine* who we are. So, "never" is inappropriate.
Option 3: rarely
If we use "rarely", the sentence becomes: "One’s life is rarely marked by the exemplary choices one has made..." "Rarely" means not often, or seldom. This suggests that exemplary choices mark a life only on infrequent occasions. While exemplary choices might not happen every day, the passage implies they are significant milestones that collectively mark and shape a life over time. "Rarely" doesn't strongly support the idea that choices *determine* who we are.
Option 4: seldom
If we use "seldom", the sentence becomes: "One’s life is seldom marked by the exemplary choices one has made..." "Seldom" has a meaning similar to "rarely". It also suggests infrequency, which doesn't align well with the passage's emphasis on the impact of choices on determining identity.
Option 2: often
If we use "often", the sentence becomes: "One’s life is often marked by the exemplary choices one has made..." "Often" means frequently or many times. This fits perfectly with the idea that significant, exemplary choices happen throughout a person's journey and collectively mark and shape their life. It reinforces the opening statement that choices determine who we are by suggesting that the process of being marked by these choices happens frequently over a lifetime.
Conclusion for Blank 1
Considering the context and flow of the passage, the word that best fits blank 1 is "often". It supports the central theme that life is significantly and frequently shaped by the important choices one makes.
| Option | Meaning | Fit in Sentence | Consistency with Passage |
|---|---|---|---|
| never | At no time | “...is never marked...” | Contradicts the passage's theme. |
| often | Frequently | “...is often marked...” | Consistent with the theme that choices shape life. |
| rarely | Not often; seldom | “...is rarely marked...” | Suggests infrequency, less supportive of choices *determining* identity. |
| seldom | Rarely; not often | “...is seldom marked...” | Similar to rarely, less supportive of choices *determining* identity. |
Revision Table: Cloze Test Strategies
| Strategy | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Read the Entire Passage | Get the main idea and tone. | Essential for context. |
| Analyze the Sentence with the Blank | Look at words before and after the blank. | Helps determine grammatical and logical fit. |
| Evaluate Each Option | Try each word in the blank. | Check for meaning and sentence flow. |
| Consider Overall Passage Context | Ensure the chosen word fits the theme. | Avoid contradictions with other sentences. |
Additional Information: The Power of Choices
The passage highlights a fundamental concept: the power of choices in shaping our destiny. Every decision, big or small, contributes to the path we take and the person we become. Exemplary choices, like those made by figures such as Ratan Tata as mentioned in the passage, often involve courage, foresight, and a focus on values. These choices not only define the individual but can also have a significant impact on society, as illustrated by the genesis of the Tata Nano car.
Understanding vocabulary and context is crucial for interpreting texts and succeeding in exercises like cloze tests. Words like "often," "never," "rarely," and "seldom" are adverbs of frequency, and choosing the correct one depends heavily on the intended meaning and the surrounding information in the passage.
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)?
