In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Horus, the falcon-headed god, is a (1) ______ ancient Egyptian god. He has become one of the most commonly used symbols of Egypt, seen on Egyptian airplanes, and on hotels and restaurants (2) ______ the land. He is the son of Osiris and Isis, the divine child of the holy family triad. He is one of many gods (3) ______ with the falcon. His name means ‘he who is above’ and ‘he who is distant’. The falcon had been worshipped from earliest times as a (4) ______ deity whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon. Horus is (5) ______ as a falcon wearing a crown with a cobra or the Double Crown of Egypt. The hooded cobra known as Uraeus, which the gods and pharaohs wore on their foreheads, symbolises light and royalty. It is there to protect the person from harm.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
cosmic
Understanding the Passage and Blank 4
The passage discusses Horus, an ancient Egyptian god associated with the falcon. It describes his significance and his connection to falcons. Blank number 4 appears in a sentence describing the falcon's worship:
"The falcon had been worshipped from earliest times as a (4) ______ deity whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon."
We need to select the most appropriate word from the given options to fill this blank, based on the context provided, especially the phrase "whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon".
Analyzing the Options for Blank 4
Let's look at each option:
- malevolent: This means having or showing a wish to do evil to others. The description of the falcon deity representing heavens, sun, and moon does not suggest anything evil or harmful. So, this option is incorrect.
- cosmic: This means relating to the cosmos, the universe, or originating from the cosmos. The description "whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon" directly relates to elements of the cosmos (heavens, sun, moon). This word fits the context well.
- modern: This means relating to the present or recent times. The passage states the falcon "had been worshipped from earliest times," which is the opposite of modern times. So, this option is incorrect.
- primary: This means of chief importance; principal. While the falcon deity might be primary in some contexts, the descriptive clause "whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon" explains *what kind* of deity is being described, not just its level of importance. "Cosmic" is a more precise fit for this specific description.
Determining the Correct Word for Blank 4
Based on the analysis, the description of the falcon deity's body representing the heavens and its eyes representing the sun and the moon strongly indicates a connection to the universe or cosmos. The word "cosmic" perfectly captures this meaning.
Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill blank number 4 is "cosmic". The sentence becomes: "The falcon had been worshipped from earliest times as a cosmic deity whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon."
| Blank Number | Context in Passage | Analysis of Options | Most Appropriate Word |
| 4 | "...a (4) ______ deity whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon." |
|
cosmic |
Conclusion
The word that best describes a deity whose body represents the heavens and whose eyes represent the sun and the moon is "cosmic". This aligns with the descriptive phrase provided in the passage for the falcon deity worshipped since earliest times.
Revision Table: Fill in the Blanks Practice
Reviewing the process for fill-in-the-blanks questions:
- Read the entire passage to understand the overall topic and flow.
- Focus on the sentence containing the blank.
- Read the words immediately before and after the blank.
- Consider the meaning and context of the entire sentence and surrounding sentences.
- Evaluate each option provided.
- Eliminate options that clearly do not fit the meaning or grammar.
- Choose the option that is the most appropriate in terms of meaning, context, and tone.
Additional Information: Ancient Egyptian Deities and Symbols
Ancient Egyptian religion was rich with deities, often depicted with animal heads or forms, symbolizing specific attributes. Horus is a prominent example, associated with the falcon. This association highlights qualities like speed, height (being above), and sight, aligning with his roles as a sky god and god of kingship.
The passage mentions the sun and moon as the falcon deity's eyes. This imagery connects the deity directly to celestial bodies, reinforcing the idea of a cosmic entity. The Uraeus (hooded cobra) mentioned is another important symbol, representing divine authority, royalty, and protection, often worn by pharaohs and gods.
Understanding these symbolic connections helps in interpreting passages about ancient Egyptian beliefs and deities like Horus.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in blank space (1)?
What would come in blank space (2)?
What would come in blank space (3)?
What would come in blank space (4)?
What would come in blank space (5)?
