In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Pollution is the (1)________ of the environment and the biggest problem across the globe. The major causes of pollution include (2)________ use of motor vehicles, rapid industrialisation, increasing urbanisation, use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture and burning of fossil fuels. It has a (3)________ effect on human health. Air pollution causes respiratory diseases and other diseases related to the lungs. Noise pollution impairs the (4)________ senses and causes stress. Water pollution pollutes water, which is mainly harmful to aquatic animals. The responsibility of (5)________ the pollution is in the hands of human beings.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1.
Understanding the Passage and Blank 1
The passage discusses the concept of pollution and its effects. It begins by defining pollution. The first sentence reads: "Pollution is the (1)________ of the environment and the biggest problem across the globe." We need to select the word that best completes this definition of pollution.
Analyzing Options for Blank 1
Let's look at the given options for filling in blank number 1 and evaluate which one fits the context of defining pollution:
- mixture: This word means combining different substances. While pollution involves mixing harmful substances with the environment, "mixture" doesn't fully capture the negative impact or the state of the environment being harmed.
- contamination: This word means making something impure or unsuitable by introducing something harmful or unclean. This directly relates to what pollution does to the environment – it contaminates it, making it impure and harmful.
- impure: This is an adjective meaning not pure. The blank requires a noun ("is the ____ of the environment"). "Impure" is grammatically incorrect in this context. We need a noun form that describes the process or result of making something impure.
- adulteration: This word means making something poorer in quality by adding another substance, often used in the context of food, drinks, or drugs. While related to making something impure, "contamination" is a more general and appropriate term for environmental pollution.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Based on the analysis, the word that best defines pollution as it relates to the environment is "contamination". Pollution is essentially the contamination of the environment by harmful substances or factors.
Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1 is "contamination".
| Option | Meaning | Suitability for Blank 1 |
|---|---|---|
| mixture | Combining things | Less suitable; doesn't convey the negative impact. |
| contamination | Making impure or harmful | Most suitable; accurately describes what pollution does to the environment. |
| impure | Not pure (adjective) | Grammatically incorrect; blank needs a noun. |
| adulteration | Making poorer quality by adding substances (often food/drugs) | Less suitable; "contamination" is a broader term for environmental harm. |
Completing the sentence with the selected word:
"Pollution is the contamination of the environment and the biggest problem across the globe."
Revision Table: Blank 1 Selection
| Blank Number | Sentence Part | Most Appropriate Word | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pollution is the ________ of the environment | contamination | Defines pollution as the act of making the environment impure or harmful. |
Additional Information on Environmental Contamination
Environmental contamination, which is pollution, involves the introduction of substances or energy into the environment that have detrimental effects. These contaminants can be chemical substances, noise, heat, light, or even biological organisms.
- Types of Contamination: Includes air contamination, water contamination, soil contamination, and noise contamination.
- Sources: Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, etc.
- Impact: Harmful effects on human health, ecosystems, climate, and infrastructure.
Understanding that pollution leads to the contamination of different parts of the environment is key to grasping the severity of this global issue.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 1.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 2.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 3.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 4.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 5.
