In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number. A market place is always abuzz with activity. It is especially (1)______ a visit in the evenings. A (2)______ range of items are on display. (3)______ and getting a satisfactory (4)______ give the necessary sense of (5)______ to the bored housewife and bring a smile (6)______ her face. People from all (7)______ of life, rich and poor, (8)______ shoulders with each other. From their busy (9)______, here people find time to (10)______ a greeting with friends or neighbours.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
wide
In this question, we need to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 2 in the provided passage about a market place. The passage describes various aspects of a market place, including the items on display.
Let's look at the sentence containing blank number 2:
A (2)______ range of items are on display.
The blank requires an adjective that describes the 'range' of items. The range here refers to the variety or extent of the items available in the market place.
We are given four options for blank number 2:
Let's consider what each option means in the context of a "range of items":
The passage describes a typical market place, which is known for having many different kinds of items for sale. Therefore, the word that best describes the extent and variety of items available is 'wide'. A 'wide range of items' means there are many different types of products to choose from.
Comparing the options, 'wide' fits the description of a bustling market place offering diverse goods much better than 'tall', 'short', or 'narrow'.
Based on the analysis, the most appropriate word to fill blank number 2 is 'wide'. The sentence becomes:
A wide range of items are on display.
| Adjective | Meaning with 'Range' | Suitability for Market Items |
|---|---|---|
| Wide | Large variety, extensive selection | Highly suitable (typical of a market) |
| Tall | Not used with 'range' of items | Unsuitable |
| Short | Not used with 'range' of items | Unsuitable |
| Narrow | Limited variety, restricted selection | Unsuitable (for a typical market description) |
When describing the variety or selection of things available, especially in a place like a market, words like 'wide', 'broad', 'extensive', and 'diverse' are commonly used. These words suggest that there are many different types or categories of items to choose from. In contrast, words like 'narrow' or 'limited' suggest a small number or limited types of items.
For example:
Understanding these common collocations (words that often go together) helps in choosing the correct word in fill-in-the-blanks questions.
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)?