In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. On the morning of 14 July, 1789, (1) _____ city of Paris was in a state of (2) _______. The king had (3) ______ troops to move into the city. Rumours spread that he would soon order the army to (4) ______ fire upon the citizens. Some 7,000 men and women gathered (5)_______ the town hall.
Select the most appropriate option for each number.
Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 5.
in front of
Let's analyze the passage and the options to find the most appropriate word for blank number 5.
Understanding the Passage Context
The passage describes the situation in Paris on the morning of 14 July, 1789. It mentions a state of unrest, the king ordering troops, rumors of the army firing on citizens, and a large gathering of people. This historical date is significant as it marks the storming of the Bastille, a pivotal event in the French Revolution. The sentence with the blank describes where a large group of men and women gathered in relation to the town hall.
The sentence is: "Some 7,000 men and women gathered (5)_______ the town hall."
Analyzing the Options for Blank 5
We need a preposition that correctly describes the location of the gathering relative to the town hall. Let's look at the options provided:
- in front of: This preposition means directly before or outside something, often the main entrance or facade of a building.
- besides: This preposition means next to or alongside.
- across: This preposition means on the opposite side of something, usually with something like a street or space in between.
- on top of: This preposition means situated directly above something, in contact with it.
Evaluating the Options
Consider the action "gathered" and the location "the town hall". People typically gather in public spaces. A town hall is a public building. Where would 7,000 people gather in relation to a town hall in a time of unrest and potential action?
- Gathering in front of the town hall is a common way to describe people meeting or demonstrating at a public building. It implies being outside the building, perhaps in a square or open area leading to it.
- Gathering besides the town hall means gathering next to it. While possible, "in front of" often describes the main area where people would assemble.
- Gathering across the town hall means on the opposite side. This could be across a street or square, but "in front of" is usually a more direct description of congregating at the location.
- Gathering on top of the town hall is physically impossible for 7,000 people and doesn't make sense in the context of the narrative.
Based on the meaning of the prepositions and the context of a large group assembling at a public building during a time of unrest, "in front of" is the most logical and appropriate option. It accurately describes the location where people would typically gather for a public assembly or protest related to the town hall.
Conclusion
The sentence "Some 7,000 men and women gathered _______ the town hall" requires a preposition indicating the location of the large group relative to the town hall building. The option "in front of" fits the common understanding of where people would assemble publicly at a building like a town hall for purposes suggested by the historical context.
Therefore, the most appropriate option for blank number 5 is "in front of".
| Blank Number | Sentence Part | Options | Most Appropriate Option | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | gathered _______ the town hall | in front of, besides, across, on top of | in front of | Indicates gathering location at the main part/entrance of the building, suitable for a large assembly. |
Revision Table: Understanding Prepositions of Location
Prepositions of location tell us where something is. Here are some common ones related to buildings and areas:
| Preposition/Phrase | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| in front of | Directly before or outside; opposite the back of something. | The protestors gathered in front of the parliament building. |
| besides | Next to or alongside. | He sat besides his friend during the meeting. |
| across from | On the opposite side, often with a road or open space between. | The bank is across from the park. |
| on top of | Situated directly above something. | The cat is sleeping on top of the cupboard. |
| at | Used for a specific point or a general location (like a building). | They met at the station; The meeting is at the town hall. |
Additional Information: The Significance of July 14, 1789
The date mentioned in the passage, 14 July, 1789, is historically significant because it is the day the Bastille prison in Paris was stormed. This event is widely considered a turning point in the French Revolution. The gathering described in the passage at the town hall is likely related to the build-up of tension and mobilization of citizens that led to the storming. Town halls (or Hôtels de Ville in France) often served as centers for local government and public assembly during this period.
Understanding the historical context helps in selecting the most appropriate words to fill the blanks, especially regarding the mood, actions, and locations described 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)?
