The question asks us to fill in blank number (2) in the provided passage about the impacts of tourism. Let's first read the sentence containing blank (2) and the sentences around it to understand the context.

Understanding the Context of the Tourism Passage

The passage discusses how tourism can have negative social, cultural, and environmental effects. The first sentence states that the greatest concern is damage to the environment.

The sentence with blank (2) says: "In order to attract more tourists, (2)______ resorts are built which take neither the local architecture (3)______ the ecology into consideration." This sentence describes a type of resort that is built specifically to attract tourists but does so without regard for local design or the natural environment.

Analyzing Blank (2) in the Tourism Context

Blank (2) is an adjective describing the "resorts" that are being built without considering local architecture or ecology. We need a word that fits this description, likely suggesting a type of development that is extensive, perhaps unplanned or insensitive to its surroundings.

Evaluating the Options for Blank (2)

Let's look at the provided options:

• spreading: This word means covering a wider area. While relevant, it's a general term and doesn't necessarily imply the negative aspects mentioned (ignoring architecture/ecology).
• sprawling: This word means spreading out over a large area in an irregular or awkward way. It is often used to describe buildings or towns that have grown in an uncontrolled or untidy manner, without careful planning or regard for appearance or environment. This fits well with the description of resorts built without considering local architecture or ecology.
• scheming: This word means planning or plotting, usually in a secret or underhanded way. It describes an action or intention, not a physical characteristic of resorts. This option is not suitable.
• stretching: This word means extending over an area. Similar to "spreading," it describes spatial extent but doesn't inherently carry the negative connotation of development that ignores local context or ecology.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Word for Blank (2)

Considering the context of resorts built without regard for local architecture or ecology, the word "sprawling" is the most fitting. It suggests an uncontrolled, extensive, and possibly unattractive form of development that expands across the landscape, consistent with ignoring environmental and architectural considerations.

Therefore, "sprawling" is the most appropriate option to fill in blank number (2).

The completed sentence reads: "In order to attract more tourists, sprawling resorts are built which take neither the local architecture (3)______ the ecology into consideration."

Revision Table: Cloze Test Blank (2)

Additional Information: Vocabulary in Context

Choosing the right word in a cloze test often depends heavily on understanding the nuance of each word and how it fits the specific context of the passage. In this case, while "spreading" and "stretching" are related to expansion, "sprawling" carries a stronger negative connotation of irregular, uncontrolled, or unattractive growth, which aligns with the passage's theme of tourism causing disruption and environmental damage through insensitive development.

Understanding words related to urban development and environmental impact is crucial for passages like this. Words like "indiscriminate construction," "disruption," and phrases like "take into consideration" are key to grasping the passage's meaning and selecting appropriate vocabulary.