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Question

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

The child is the father of man. Childhood is a (1)______ of what one is going to be when one(2)______ maturity. The natural instincts of a man are (3)______ in his childhood. Time modifies them but cannot (4)______ them. History contains numerous examples of great men who gave (5)______ of their future when they were children. A child’s mind is (6)______ and flexible. The mould he receives before his clay (7)______ becomes his permanent mark. The values and standards of (8)______ which will determine his life as a man (9)______ in childhood itself. There may be certain (10)______ of course. A bright morning may end in a storm!

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no.1.

The correct answer is

promise

Understanding Fill in the Blanks Questions

Fill in the blanks questions test your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. You need to read the entire passage carefully to understand its overall meaning and the context of each sentence before choosing the most appropriate word for each blank. The passage discusses the idea that childhood is a key indicator of a person's future.

Analyzing the Passage for Blank No. 1

The sentence containing blank no. 1 is: "Childhood is a (1)______ of what one is going to be when one(2)______ maturity." This sentence suggests that childhood contains signs or indications about the adult a person will become. We need a word that conveys this sense of indication or prediction of future potential.

Evaluating Options for Blank No. 1

Let's look at the given options for blank no. 1:

  • Option 1: promise - The word 'promise' in this context can mean an indication of future potential or success. For example, 'a promising student' means a student likely to succeed. This fits the idea that childhood shows what a person might become.
  • Option 2: bond - A 'bond' is a connection or tie between things or people. This meaning does not fit the context of childhood indicating future character.
  • Option 3: contract - A 'contract' is a formal agreement. This word is completely irrelevant to the meaning of the sentence about childhood and future development.
  • Option 4: plight - A 'plight' is a difficult or unfortunate situation. This word implies something negative and does not fit the idea of childhood showing future potential.

Comparing the options, 'promise' is the only word that logically fits the sentence, suggesting that childhood is an indication or sign of what the person promises to become in maturity.

Determining the Correct Answer for Blank No. 1

Based on the analysis of the sentence and the evaluation of the options, the most appropriate word to fill blank no. 1 is "promise". Childhood serves as a promise or indicator of the person's future character and development.

So the completed sentence part is: "Childhood is a promise of what one is going to be..."

Revision Table: Key Concepts in the Passage

Concept Explanation in Passage Context
Child is father of man Idea that adult character is rooted in childhood experiences and traits.
Childhood as a (1)______ Childhood as an indication or sign of future potential or character.
Natural instincts Innate tendencies present from childhood.
Mind is (6)______ and flexible Child's mind is easily influenced and shaped.
Clay mould metaphor Early influences shape a child permanently before their character hardens.
Values and standards Moral principles and behaviors learned in childhood that guide adult life.

Additional Information: Importance of Early Childhood

The passage emphasizes the profound impact of early childhood on adult life. This is a widely accepted concept in psychology and education. Here are some related points:

  • Foundation for Development: Early childhood provides the foundation for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
  • Learning Environment: The environment a child grows up in, including family, community, and schooling, significantly shapes their personality and values.
  • Brain Plasticity: A child's brain is highly plastic, meaning it is very adaptable and responsive to experiences, making early learning and experiences crucial.
  • Habit Formation: Many habits, both good and bad, are formed during childhood and can persist throughout life.
  • Social Skills: Basic social skills, empathy, and understanding of relationships are often developed during interactions in early childhood.

Understanding the importance of childhood helps in appreciating the significance of providing nurturing environments and positive experiences for children, as these are indeed a "promise" of their future selves.

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Important Questions from Cloze Test

  1. What would come in blank space (1)?

  2. What would come in blank space (2)?

  3. What would come in blank space (3)?

  4. What would come in blank space (4)?

  5. What would come in blank space (5)?

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