Understanding the Passage and Blank 1

The passage discusses how sports fans form a connection, or allegiance, with their favourite teams. It highlights the emotional intensity associated with this connection and notes that this phenomenon happens over time. We need to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 1 in the sentence: "Allegiance to one’s favourite team is something that sports fans 1 ______ over a period of time."

Analyzing Options for Blank 1

Let's look at the given alternatives for blank number 1 and evaluate how well they fit the context of the sentence:

• crave: This means to feel a strong desire or longing for something. While fans might crave victories or success for their team, they don't 'crave allegiance' itself. Allegiance is something built or felt, not something desired in this context.
• infer: This means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning. Allegiance is not inferred; it's a feeling or a state of being loyal.
• develop: This means to grow or become more advanced or elaborate. Allegiance, especially a strong one, is typically built up gradually over time through watching matches, following the team, experiencing wins and losses together with other fans. The phrase "over a period of time" strongly supports a word indicating growth or formation.
• defer: This means to postpone or put off an action or decision. This word has no relevance to the formation of allegiance.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Word

Considering the meaning of the words and the context of the sentence, especially the phrase "over a period of time," the word that best describes how allegiance forms is "develop." Allegiance isn't something that appears instantly; it is nurtured and grows stronger over time as a fan engages with the team and the sport.

Therefore, the sentence reads most logically as: "Allegiance to one’s favourite team is something that sports fans develop over a period of time."

Conclusion for Blank 1

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1 is 'develop'.

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary

Additional Information: Building Sports Allegiance

Building allegiance to a sports team is a complex process influenced by many factors. It often starts in childhood, influenced by family or friends. Continued support involves:

• Watching games regularly.
• Following team news and players.
• Attending matches (if possible).
• Wearing team merchandise.
• Discussing the team with others.

These actions and shared experiences contribute to the feeling of belonging and loyalty, which strengthens the allegiance over time. The passage correctly identifies this formation "over a period of time" as a key aspect of sports fan behaviour.