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.2.
attains
Analyzing the Passage for Blank 2: Attaining Maturity
The provided passage discusses the significant role of childhood in shaping an individual's future. It emphasizes that a child's early years reveal much about the person they will become upon reaching adulthood. We need to carefully read the sentence containing blank number 2 and choose the most suitable word from the given options.
The sentence in question is: "Childhood is a (1)______ of what one is going to be when one(2)______ maturity."
We are focusing on filling blank number 2. The phrase "when one (2)______ maturity" describes the process of reaching or arriving at the state of being mature.
Evaluating Options for Blank 2
Let's examine each option:
- scores: The word 'scores' typically refers to getting points in a game or achieving a result in a test. It does not fit the context of reaching a state like maturity.
- secures: 'Secures' means to obtain something, often through effort or protection, or to make something firm or stable. While one might secure a position or a deal, securing maturity is not standard phrasing.
- completes: 'Completes' means to finish something or bring it to an end. Maturity is a state or stage of development, not something one completes like a task or a course.
- attains: 'Attains' means to reach a goal, state, or level, often after effort. Reaching maturity is a common and appropriate way to describe this developmental milestone.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Comparing the options, 'attains' is the most fitting verb to describe the act of reaching the state of maturity. The phrase "attains maturity" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression in English.
Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill blank number 2 is 'attains'.
Completed Sentence with Blank 2
Substituting 'attains' into the sentence, we get: "Childhood is a (1)______ of what one is going to be when one attains maturity."
This sentence now makes grammatical and contextual sense within the overall theme of the passage.
| Blank No. | Sentence Context | Most Appropriate Option | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ...when one ______ maturity. | attains | 'Attains' means to reach a state or level, which is fitting for reaching maturity. |
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Term | Meaning in Context | Relation to Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood | The period of being a child. | Described as a crucial period shaping future character. |
| Maturity | The state of being fully developed physically or mentally. | The stage reached after childhood, towards which development progresses. |
| Attains | To reach or achieve. | The action of reaching the state of maturity. |
Additional Information: Understanding Word Choice in Passages
When completing passages by filling in blanks, it is important to consider several factors:
- Context: Read the entire passage to understand the overall theme and flow. The meaning of the surrounding sentences is crucial.
- Grammar: Ensure the chosen word fits grammatically with the sentence structure (e.g., subject-verb agreement, tense).
- Vocabulary: Select words that fit the tone and style of the passage. Consider the precise meaning of each option.
- Collocation: Pay attention to how words are typically used together. Certain words commonly appear with others (e.g., 'attain maturity', 'reach a goal').
Practicing with various passages helps improve skills in identifying the most appropriate word based on these criteria.
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)?
