Understanding the Cloze Test Passage on Sleepwalking

The passage discusses sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, explaining its everyday use and its nature as a genuine disorder. It describes who it affects and factors that make it more likely. We need to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 5, which describes how common sleepwalking is in children compared to adults.

Analyzing Blank Number 5

The sentence with blank 5 is: "It is more (5)____________ in children than in adults, and it is more likely to develop if a person has a family history of the illness, is sleep deprived or has many nightly awakenings."

This sentence compares the occurrence of sleepwalking in children versus adults. We need a word that indicates a higher frequency or commonness in children.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the provided options for blank number 5:

1. triumphant: This word means having won a battle or contest; victorious, or feeling joy or pride because of a success. This meaning does not fit the context of a medical disorder occurring more often in a certain group.
2. prevalent: This word means widespread in a particular area or at a particular time. When something is 'more prevalent', it means it is more common or occurs more frequently. This meaning fits the context of sleepwalking being more common in children than in adults.
3. swift: This word means happening or moving quickly or rapidly. This refers to speed, not frequency or commonness. It does not fit the context.
4. hidden: This word means kept out of sight; concealed. While sleepwalking happens during sleep, the word 'hidden' does not describe how often it occurs in children compared to adults.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Word

Comparing the meanings, the word 'prevalent' is the only option that appropriately describes something occurring more commonly or frequently in children than in adults within the context of a medical condition like sleepwalking.

Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill blank number 5 is 'prevalent'.

Understanding 'Prevalent'

The word prevalent is an adjective used to describe something that is widespread or common in a particular area or at a particular time. When we say sleepwalking is "more prevalent in children," we mean it occurs more frequently or is more commonly observed among children compared to adults.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Additional Information on Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)

Sleepwalking is classified as a parasomnia – a type of sleep disorder involving abnormal movements or behaviors during sleep. It typically occurs during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, particularly the deeper stages of NREM sleep.

• Onset and Prevalence: As the passage states, it is more prevalent in children, often starting between ages 4 and 8, and usually resolving by adolescence. It can occur in adults but is less common.
• Causes: While the exact cause isn't fully understood, factors include genetic predisposition (family history), sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, certain medications, stress, and fever (especially in children).
• Symptoms: A sleepwalker may sit up in bed, walk around, perform complex actions (like getting dressed or opening doors), have a glazed expression, and be difficult to wake. They usually have no memory of the event.
• Safety Concerns: The primary concern with sleepwalking is the risk of injury from falls or accidents while mobile during sleep.
• Management: Ensuring sufficient sleep, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and creating a safe sleeping environment (e.g., locking doors and windows) are common management strategies. In some cases, medication may be considered.