In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternative given. Two hundred years ago, the treadmill was invented in England as a prison rehabilitation device. It was meant to cause the ________ (1) to suffer and learn from their sweat. It would mill a bit of corn or ________ (2) some water as a bonus. William Cubitt, a civil engineer raised in a family of millwrights, created the treadmill - which was also called a treadwheel in the early days- in 1818. Cubitt's early attempts at the treadmill's ________ (3) took many forms. Including two wheels you walked on, Whose cogs interlocked. But his most popular ________ (4), which was installed at Brixton Prison in London. ________ (5) a wide wheel. Prisoners pressed down with their feet on steps ________ (6) In the wheel, Which moved it, presenting them with the next step. The Brixton treadmill was hooked up to subterranean machinery that ________ (7) corn. This treadmill could keep as many as 24 prisoners ________ (8), standing side-by-side along the wheel. Some devices at other prisons were smaller, and most treadmills soon ________ (9) partitions, so convicts could not socialize. They ________ (10) for 10 hours a day in summer, and seven in winter.
Select the most appropriate option to fill blank no 4.
version
Understanding the Treadmill Passage and Fill-in-the-Blank
The passage describes the historical origin of the treadmill, particularly its invention as a prison rehabilitation device in England. The task is to fill in several blanks using the most appropriate words from the given alternatives for each blank. This specific question asks us to select the best option for blank number 4.
Let's look at the sentence containing blank 4:
"But his most popular ________ (4), which was installed at Brixton Prison in London."
This sentence refers back to the previous sentence which discusses "Cubitt's early attempts at the treadmill's ________ (3) took many forms." So, the sentence with blank 4 is talking about one specific form or design of the treadmill created by William Cubitt.
Analyzing Options for Blank 4
We are given four options for blank 4:
- version
- type
- hoax
- process
Let's consider each option in the context of the sentence:
- version: A version is a particular form of something different from earlier or later forms of the same type. If Cubitt had "early attempts" that "took many forms," it's natural to refer to a specific popular form as a "version."
- type: A type is a category of people or things having common characteristics. While related, "type" often refers to a broader classification. Here, we are talking about a specific design instance that was popular, making "version" a more precise fit when discussing different iterations or designs of an invention.
- hoax: A hoax is a humorous or malicious deception. This word does not fit the context at all, as the passage is discussing a real physical device.
- process: A process is a series of actions or steps taken to achieve an end. This refers to a method or procedure, not a physical object or its design.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Considering the context of different "forms" or designs of the treadmill developed by Cubitt, the word that best describes one specific, popular instance of these designs is "version." The passage discusses the evolution and different shapes ("many forms") of the treadmill, and the one installed at Brixton Prison is highlighted as the "most popular." This specific design is a particular version of the invention.
Statement-wise Analysis
Let's examine the sentence:
"But his most popular ________ (4), which was installed at Brixton Prison in London."
The phrase "his most popular" indicates a specific instance or manifestation of Cubitt's work. Following the mention of "many forms" in the previous sentence, "version" logically continues this idea by referring to a particular form that gained popularity.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the options and the context of the passage describing different forms and designs of the treadmill invented by William Cubitt, the word "version" is the most suitable choice to fill blank number 4. It accurately describes a specific popular design of the treadmill.
Revision Table: Analyzing Options for Blank 4
| Option | Meaning | Fit in Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| version | A particular form of something. | Excellent fit. Refers to a specific design iteration. |
| type | A category or class. | Possible, but less precise than "version" when discussing design iterations. |
| hoax | A deception. | No fit. The treadmill was a real device. |
| process | A series of steps. | No fit. Refers to a method, not a design. |
Additional Information: History of the Treadmill
The passage correctly highlights the original purpose of the treadmill as a prison device for rehabilitation through labor, often referred to as a "discipline machine." It was designed to be arduous and monotonous. The labor produced could sometimes be used for practical purposes like grinding corn or pumping water, as mentioned in the passage. The shift of the treadmill from a punitive or rehabilitative tool in prisons to the fitness equipment we know today happened much later, primarily in the 20th century. Understanding this historical context helps in comprehending the language used in the passage, which focuses on its early function and design variations.
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Important Questions from Vocab Based Questions
Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (1)
Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (2)
Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (3)
Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (4)
Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (5)
