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. Allegiance to one’s favourite team is something that sports fans 1 ______ over a period of time. They are so attached to their favourite teams that they could display 2 ______ emotions, not just during the course of the match, but much after the actual event is over. This phenomenon, 3 ______ common across the globe, is more seen in countries like Brazil, India, the US and even the UK, where the favourite sport may not be the same in each of these nations. In spite of this craze and hysteria, sport has 4 ______ a long way. It is accepted as one of the world’s most 5 ______ pastimes ever.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
entertaining
Understanding the Passage and the Task
The passage describes the strong emotional attachment sports fans have for their favourite teams and how widespread this phenomenon is across the globe, despite differences in popular sports in various countries. The task is to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 5 based on the context of the passage.
Analyzing Blank 5 in the Passage
The sentence containing blank 5 is: "It is accepted as one of the world’s most 5 ______ pastimes ever."
This sentence describes sport as a "pastime". A pastime is an activity done for enjoyment or recreation. The word filling blank 5 should describe the nature of this pastime, especially considering the preceding context about "craze and hysteria" related to sports.
Evaluating the Options for Blank 5
Let's examine each option:
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Option 1: entertaining
The word "entertaining" means providing amusement or enjoyment. Given that sports fans exhibit "craze and hysteria" and sport is described as a "pastime" (done for enjoyment), "entertaining" fits well to describe something that provides significant enjoyment to a vast number of people worldwide.
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Option 2: tiresome
The word "tiresome" means causing one to feel tired or bored. This contradicts the description of sports generating "craze and hysteria". A pastime that is widely popular and generates intense emotions is highly unlikely to be described as "tiresome".
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Option 3: inhibited
The word "inhibited" means prevented or restricted. Describing a pastime as "inhibited" doesn't make grammatical or contextual sense in this sentence. The popularity of sports suggests it is widely participated in and enjoyed, not restricted.
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Option 4: detrimental
The word "detrimental" means tending to cause harm. While excessive involvement in any activity could potentially have negative consequences, the general description of sport as a globally accepted pastime done for recreation suggests a positive or at least neutral primary characteristic, not a harmful one. This option does not fit the context of a widely enjoyed pastime.
Conclusion: Selecting the Best Option for Blank 5
Comparing the options, "entertaining" is the only word that accurately and appropriately describes sport as a globally accepted and popular "pastime" that generates strong positive emotions like "craze and hysteria" among fans. The other options ("tiresome", "inhibited", "detrimental") are contrary to the context provided in the passage.
Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill blank number 5 is "entertaining". The completed sentence would read: "It is accepted as one of the world’s most entertaining pastimes ever."
Revision Table: Vocabulary and Context Clues
| Word | Meaning | Relevance to Passage | Fit for Blank 5? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pastime | An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for enjoyment. | The core concept describing what sport is in the sentence. | N/A (This is the noun being described) |
| Craze / Hysteria | Intense but short-lived enthusiasm / uncontrolled emotion. | Context suggesting strong positive engagement with sports. | Supports the need for a positive descriptor for 'pastime'. |
| Entertaining | Providing amusement or enjoyment. | Directly relates to the definition of a pastime. | Yes, fits the positive context. |
| Tiresome | Causing one to feel tired or bored. | Opposite of exciting emotions like 'craze'. | No, contradicts the context. |
| Inhibited | Prevented or restricted. | Doesn't describe the nature of a pastime itself. | No, doesn't fit the meaning. |
| Detrimental | Tending to cause harm. | Doesn't reflect the general view of sport as a pastime. | No, contradicts the positive context. |
Additional Information: The Role of Sports as a Pastime
Sports play a significant role in societies worldwide, acting not just as physical activities or competitive events but also as major sources of entertainment and leisure. As highlighted in the passage, the allegiance to teams and the emotional investment from fans make sports a powerful form of pastime. Millions engage with sports by watching games, following their favourite players, discussing results, and participating in related activities. This global engagement underscores the fact that sports are widely considered one of the most enjoyable and engaging ways for people to spend their free time.
Similar Questions
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank 1.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in place of 1
What would come in place of 2
What would come in place of 3
What would come in place of 4
What would come in place of 5
