Solving the Fill in the Blank Passage Question

This question requires us to carefully read the given passage and choose the most appropriate word to fill in each numbered blank. We need to understand the context and meaning of the passage to select words that fit grammatically and contextually.

Focusing on Blank Number 5

Let's examine the sentence containing blank number 5:

"It was (5) _______ cold and stars filled the sky."

The sentences immediately preceding this one provide crucial context:

"Ice had formed on the sound and inside the old harbor, but further out he could see a darker belt of (3) _______ water."

The presence of ice formation strongly suggests that the temperature is extremely low. The word we choose for blank (5) should describe the intensity or nature of this cold.

Analyzing the Options for Blank 5

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

1. some
2. abundantly
3. sparingly
4. icy

Now, let's consider how each option fits into the sentence "It was _______ cold":

• some: "It was some cold". While grammatically possible, "some cold" usually implies a small or uncertain amount of coldness. This doesn't match the strong context of ice formation.
• abundantly: "It was abundantly cold". "Abundantly" means in large quantities or plentifully. It's typically used for things like resources or abstract qualities that can be present in abundance. It's not a natural or common way to describe the intensity of cold temperature.
• sparingly: "It was sparingly cold". "Sparingly" means in a restricted or infrequent manner. "Sparingly cold" would imply that it was not very cold, or cold only in specific places or times, which directly contradicts the context of widespread ice formation described earlier.
• icy: "It was icy cold". "Icy" means covered with or containing ice, or extremely cold. "Icy cold" is a common phrase used to describe a level of coldness that is intense and possibly associated with ice or freezing temperatures. This perfectly aligns with the context provided by the previous sentence about ice forming.

Determining the Most Appropriate Word

Based on the analysis of each option and the context of the passage which mentions ice formation, the word that best describes the intense coldness is "icy". The phrase "icy cold" is a natural and fitting description for the weather conditions implied by the formation of ice.

Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5 is "icy".

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary for Passage Completion

Additional Information: Contextual Clues in Passages

When solving fill in the blank questions, especially passage completion tasks, paying close attention to contextual clues is essential. Words, phrases, and sentences around the blank often provide hints about the type of word needed (e.g., adjective, adverb, verb) and its meaning.

• Look at the words immediately before and after the blank.
• Read the sentences surrounding the blank to understand the situation or description.
• Consider the overall tone and topic of the passage.
• Eliminate options that are grammatically incorrect or don't make sense in the context.
• Think about common collocations (words that often go together), like "icy cold".

Analyzing these clues helps you select the most appropriate word that creates a coherent and meaningful passage.