In the following passage, some words have even deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to till in each blank. The (1) ____________ that comes out of the story The Grasshopper and the Ant has to be subtly put to the children in such a way (2) ____________ they realise the worth of hard work, the pleasures of hard work and the comfort it offers. Laziness, which is a (3) __________ trait here, should be discouraged, (4) ____________ emphasizing on the (5) ____________ note which is hard work.
Select the most appropriate option to fill blank number 5.
positive
Filling Blank 5 in the Grasshopper and Ant Passage
Let's analyze the passage provided and determine the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 5.
The sentence containing blank 5 is: "Laziness, which is a (3) __________ trait here, should be discouraged, (4) ____________ emphasizing on the (5) ____________ note which is hard work."
The passage discusses the moral of the story "The Grasshopper and the Ant". It contrasts laziness with hard work. The story is used to teach children the benefits of hard work ("worth of hard work, the pleasures of hard work and the comfort it offers") and to discourage laziness.
The phrase "emphasizing on the (5) ____________ note which is hard work" means highlighting the aspect or message represented by hard work.
Considering the context where hard work is presented as beneficial and leading to positive outcomes (pleasures, comfort), the 'note' associated with hard work is clearly presented in a favourable light, in contrast to the negative trait of laziness.
Let's look at the options for blank 5:
- positive
- important
- essential
- critical
Evaluating the options:
- positive: This fits very well. Hard work is shown as a good, advantageous quality, representing a positive message or theme in the story's moral.
- important: While hard work is certainly important, 'important note' is a bit less specific than 'positive note' in capturing the *quality* of the message being emphasized in contrast to laziness.
- essential: Hard work might be essential for certain things, but the passage emphasizes the 'pleasures' and 'comfort' it offers, pointing more towards its beneficial nature rather than just necessity.
- critical: 'Critical' can mean crucial or involving judgment/fault-finding. Neither meaning fits the context of emphasizing hard work in a positive way.
Therefore, "positive" is the most fitting word to describe the note or message associated with hard work, as the passage highlights its good aspects and benefits in contrast to the negative trait of laziness.
The completed phrase would be "emphasizing on the positive note which is hard work."
Revision Table: Understanding Passage Completion
| Concept | Explanation | Importance in Passage Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Contextual Clues | Hints or information surrounding a blank that help determine the meaning of the missing word. | Crucial for selecting words that fit the overall meaning and tone of the passage. |
| Tone and Style | The overall feeling or attitude of the passage (e.g., formal, informal, positive, negative). | Ensures the selected word maintains consistency with the author's writing style and emotional expression. |
| Vocabulary | Understanding the precise meanings and nuances of different words. | Allows for choosing the word with the exact meaning required by the context. |
| Grammar | The rules governing sentence structure and word usage. | Helps eliminate options that do not fit grammatically in the blank. |
Additional Information on Vocabulary and Context
When completing passages with missing words, paying close attention to vocabulary is key. Many words have similar meanings, but their connotations or the specific contexts in which they are used can differ significantly.
- For example, 'important' and 'essential' are related but not identical. Something important is of great significance, while something essential is absolutely necessary or fundamental.
- 'Positive' describes something good, favourable, or constructive. In contrast, 'negative' describes something bad, unfavourable, or destructive. The passage sets up this direct contrast between the 'negative' trait of laziness and the 'positive' aspect of hard work.
- 'Critical' can be ambiguous. It can mean 'very important' or 'crucial', but it can also mean 'finding fault' or 'analytic'. Understanding which meaning is intended, or if the word fits at all, depends heavily on the surrounding words and the overall theme.
In this specific passage, the emphasis is on the beneficial nature of hard work, making "positive" the most accurate description of the 'note' or message related to it within the context of the story's moral.
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)?
