Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 3.

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding Passage Completion: Filling Blank 3

This question requires us to complete a passage by filling in missing words based on the context and meaning of the surrounding text. The passage discusses fundamental inherited traits common to all human beings and how differences arise.

Let's look at the relevant part of the passage focusing on blank number 3:

"...Therefore, ________ (2) among human beings arise only in _______ (3) changes of this basic pattern. Racial differences ______ (4) one of the finest distinctions and are based only on ______ (5) slight differences."

The sentence containing blank (3) states that differences among human beings arise from changes to a "basic pattern" (which is the set of common inherited traits mentioned earlier). The following sentence gives an example: "Racial differences" are described as "finest distinctions" and based on "slight differences". This strongly suggests that the changes leading to these differences are not large or fundamental, but rather small or subtle.

Now let's evaluate the given options for blank (3):

minor: This word means small or unimportant. If differences arise from "minor changes," it aligns with the idea that racial differences are "finest distinctions" based on "slight differences."
complete: This word means total or absolute. Differences do not arise from complete changes to the basic human pattern; they are variations *of* that pattern.
large: This word means considerable in size or amount. The passage describes differences, like racial ones, as "finest distinctions" based on "slight differences," which contradicts the idea of large changes.
fundamental: This word means basic or essential. Differences arise *from* changes to the basic pattern, not from fundamental changes themselves. The basic pattern is what is shared fundamentally.

Considering the context, especially the subsequent mention of "finest distinctions" and "slight differences" as examples of how differences manifest, the word that best fits blank (3) is "minor". Differences are described as arising from small or minor variations on the shared basic pattern.

Step-by-Step Deduction for Blank 3

Identify the sentence containing blank (3) and the sentences immediately before and after it.
Understand the main idea being conveyed: Differences among humans stem from variations in the shared basic human pattern.
Note the example provided: Racial differences are "finest distinctions" based on "slight differences."
Infer the nature of the "changes" in blank (3) based on the description of the resulting differences (finest, slight). The changes must be small or minor.
Examine the options and choose the word that best matches the inferred nature of the changes.

Analyzing the Options

The options are evaluated based on how well they fit the context that the differences arising are not major but subtle:

Option	Word	Fit in Blank (3)	Explanation
1	minor	Good	Suggests small changes, aligning with "finest distinctions" and "slight differences".
2	complete	Poor	Implies total alteration of the basic pattern, which is not how human differences manifest.
3	large	Poor	Contradicts the description of differences as "finest distinctions" based on "slight differences".
4	fundamental	Poor	Differences arise from changes to the basic pattern, not fundamental changes of the pattern itself.

Based on this analysis, "minor" is the most appropriate word for blank (3).

Completed Passage (with likely words for other blanks)

Fundamentally, all human beings possess a combination of fixed inherited traits. All individuals possess the same (1) highly developed nervous system, backbones, erect posture, hair, etc. Therefore, differences (2) among human beings arise only in minor (3) changes of this basic pattern. Racial differences are (4) one of the finest distinctions and are based only on slight (5) slight differences.

Note: The question only asked for blank (3), but filling the others helps confirm the flow and meaning.

The most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3 is "minor".

Revision Table: Key Concepts for Passage Completion

Concept	Importance	How to Apply
Reading Comprehension	Understand the overall theme and flow of the passage.	Read the entire passage before attempting to fill blanks.
Contextual Clues	Words and phrases around the blank provide hints about the missing word's meaning and part of speech.	Look at the sentences before and after the blank. Identify related ideas or examples.
Vocabulary	Knowing the meaning of the option words is crucial.	If unsure, try substituting each option into the blank to see which makes the most sense.
Consistency	The chosen word must fit logically and grammatically with the rest of the sentence and passage.	Ensure the completed sentence flows smoothly and maintains the passage's intended meaning.

Additional Information: Inherited Traits and Human Variation

Human beings share a vast number of inherited traits. These include fundamental biological characteristics like having a similar skeletal structure, a complex nervous system centered around the brain, and basic physiological processes. These shared traits form the "basic pattern" referred to in the passage.

While we share this common foundation, human populations exhibit variations. These variations arise from genetic differences accumulated over generations. The passage points out that these differences, like those leading to racial distinctions (variations in skin color, hair texture, facial features etc.), are considered "finest distinctions" or "slight differences" when compared to the fundamental similarities that define us as a species. The changes leading to these variations are indeed minor alterations to the basic genetic blueprint, not a complete overhaul of it.

Understanding this biological reality helps reinforce why words like "complete," "large," or "fundamental" do not fit the description of how differences arise from the basic human pattern.