Understanding Fill-in-the-Blank Passages

Fill-in-the-blank questions test your understanding of context, vocabulary, and grammar. To answer them correctly, you need to read the passage carefully and consider which word best fits the meaning of the sentence and the overall flow of the text.

Analyzing the Passage and Blank 2

The passage discusses fundamental similarities among human beings, such as a highly developed nervous system, backbones, erect posture, and hair. It states that all individuals possess these traits. The sentence containing blank (2) follows this description of similarities:

"Therefore,______(2) among human beings arise only in ________(3) changes of this basic pattern."

The word "Therefore" indicates that the second part of the sentence is a consequence or result of the first part. The first part established shared traits. The second part talks about something that "arises" from "changes of this basic pattern." This "something" must represent the ways in which human beings are *not* the same, i.e., how they differ from one another, despite having the same basic pattern.

Evaluating the Options for Blank 2

Let's look at the given options for blank (2):

1. Similarities
2. Naturalness
3. Sameness
4. Variations

We need a word that describes the differences among human beings that arise from changes to the basic shared pattern.

• Similarities: This word means likenesses or resemblances. This is the opposite of what the sentence structure implies after discussing shared traits and introducing differences.
• Naturalness: This word refers to the quality of being natural or not artificial. This does not fit the context of describing differences among people.
• Sameness: This word means the state of being identical or alike. Like "Similarities," this is the opposite of what is needed to describe differences arising from changes.
• Variations: This word means differences or divergences from a standard or from each other. This perfectly fits the context, as differences among humans are variations of the basic human pattern.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Option

Based on the analysis, the word "Variations" is the most appropriate option for blank (2) because it accurately describes the differences among human beings that arise from changes to the fundamental inherited pattern.

Completing the Sentence

Inserting "Variations" into the sentence gives:

"Therefore, Variations among human beings arise only in ________(3) changes of this basic pattern."

This sentence makes logical sense within the context of the passage.

The Completed Passage (with blank 2 filled)

Fundamentally, all human beings possess a combination of fixed inherited traits. All individuals possess the ________(1) highly developed nervous system, backbones, erect posture, hair, etc. Therefore, Variations 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.

Conclusion

The word "Variations" is the best fit for blank (2) as it correctly describes the differences that arise among human beings, contrasting with the fundamental similarities discussed earlier in the passage.

Revision Table: Analyzing Blank 2 Options

Additional Information: Understanding Human Variation

Human variation refers to the range of possible values for a particular trait in humans. While all humans share the same basic genetic blueprint and biological structures (like the nervous system, backbone, etc.), there are differences in observable characteristics (phenotypes) and underlying genetic makeup (genotypes). These variations arise from factors like:

• Genetic Mutation: Random changes in DNA sequences.
• Genetic Recombination: Mixing of genes during sexual reproduction.
• Environmental Factors: Influence of diet, climate, lifestyle, etc.

These variations contribute to the diversity we see in human populations, including physical traits, susceptibility to certain diseases, and other characteristics. The passage specifically mentions racial differences as an example of these slight variations based on the basic human pattern.