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.5.
indications
Understanding the Passage and Blank 5
The passage discusses the significance of childhood in shaping an individual's future. It suggests that the characteristics and instincts present in childhood provide insights into what a person will become as an adult. We need to find the most appropriate word to fill blank number 5 based on the context.
The sentence containing blank 5 is: "History contains numerous examples of great men who gave (5)______ of their future when they were children."
This sentence implies that the behavior or traits of great men during their childhood showed early signs or hints of their future achievements or character.
Analyzing the Options for Blank 5
Let's examine each option provided for blank 5:
- suggestions: A suggestion is an idea or plan put forward for consideration. Great men in childhood might have shown traits, but they wouldn't typically 'give suggestions of their future' in this context.
- indications: An indication is a sign or piece of information that points towards something or makes something likely. This fits the context well, as childhood behavior can serve as a sign or clue about future potential or development.
- preparations: Preparations are actions taken to get ready for something. While childhood experiences contribute to development, the sentence structure "gave preparations of their future" doesn't make grammatical or contextual sense.
- estimations: An estimation is an approximation or calculation. Great men giving 'estimations' of their future in childhood doesn't align with the idea of childhood traits revealing potential; it implies prediction, which is not the intended meaning.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word for Blank 5
Based on the analysis, the word that best fits the meaning of the sentence is "indications". The passage states that history shows how great men exhibited early signs or indications of their future greatness during their childhood. These childhood traits or actions were clues to the individuals they would become.
Therefore, the most appropriate option for blank number 5 is "indications".
Revision Table: Understanding Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning in Context |
| Maturity | The state, fact, or period of being mature (fully developed). |
| Instincts | Innate, typically fixed patterns of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli. Natural tendencies. |
| Modifies | Changes something slightly, typically to make it less extreme or absolute. |
| Indications | Signs or pieces of information that point towards something. |
| Flexible | Able to bend easily without breaking. Also refers to being adaptable or easily changed. |
| Mould | A hollow container used to give shape to molten or liquid material when it cools and hardens. Figuratively, a pattern or form that influences development. |
| Clay | A stiff, sticky earth, used for making bricks and pottery. Figuratively, raw, shapeable material. |
Additional Information: Signs and Clues
The concept of "indications" is crucial here. It refers to things that suggest or show that something is likely to happen or be the case. Synonyms for indications in this context could include signs, clues, hints, or evidence. The passage highlights that childhood provides these early indications of an individual's future character and path.
Think about examples where early interests or talents in childhood blossomed into significant achievements later in life. These early interests could be considered "indications" of future success.
The passage emphasizes the formative nature of childhood, where the "mould" received before the "clay" hardens becomes a "permanent mark", further reinforcing the idea that childhood characteristics are strong indicators of future traits.
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)?
