In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. The film industry is facing the challenge of the television screens which, because of their ready availability and nearness to (1) ______ seekers, are becoming very popular, particularly in the West where television programmes are as (2) ______ to people as newspaper material. Sustained entertainment for multitudes lasting two or three hours is possible only in big cinema halls. Scenic beauty, background effects and colour techniques which have made the products of cinema industry so (3) ______ and delightful may not be reproduced by television programme organisers, and therefore, this important invention in the field of wireless communication, in spite of having become a big rival of the cinema, may not succeed in replacing it. The motion picture has also stepped into the international sphere as an agent of goodwill and co-operation among nations. Cultural contacts which tend to reduce tension in the world and bring (4) ______ in international relations have been established through the medium of films. The more people understand and appreciate the past history, present aims, customs, habits and beliefs of men and women in foreign lands, the more will they realise that their interests can best be served by establishing friendly relations with them and by removing those irritants which breed (5) _______, lack of cooperation and the desire to punish those whose views and attitudes are such as they do not like. As cultural agents, movies can cement ties of love and brotherhood AMONG nations and teach them to confer on each other the benefits of all the rich and glorious achievements of the present enlightened age. In recent years, artists of the film world have been visiting foreign lands with a view to presenting before audiences in those countries the best products of their cultural heritage. Film festivals, which many European and Asian countries have been organising from time to time, have also proved to be of immense value in reducing social barriers, colour prejudices and other causes of friction between nations.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
attractive
Analyzing Passage for Blank 3: Cinema's Visual Appeal
The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 3 in the provided passage. Let's look at the sentence containing this blank:
"Scenic beauty, background effects and colour techniques which have made the products of cinema industry so (3) ______ and delightful may not be reproduced by television programme organisers, and therefore, this important invention in the field of wireless communication, in spite of having become a big rival of the cinema, may not succeed in replacing it."
This sentence describes the qualities of cinema products that stem from elements like scenic beauty, background effects, and colour techniques. These qualities make the products "(3) ______ and delightful". We need a word that fits this description, suggesting something visually appealing or pleasing, and that pairs well with "delightful".
Evaluating the Options for Blank 3
Let's consider the given options:
- hypnotising
- absorbing
- attractive
- winning
Let's analyze each option in the context of the sentence:
- hypnotising: This word suggests something that captivates attention very intensely, almost like putting someone in a trance. While cinema can be captivating, "hypnotising" might be too strong or specific a term to generally describe the effect of scenic beauty and colour techniques in making films "delightful".
- absorbing: This word means extremely interesting and holding one's attention completely. While visual elements can make a film absorbing, "absorbing" primarily describes the effect on the viewer's attention, not necessarily the inherent visual quality itself. The sentence structure links the visual techniques directly to the quality of the "products".
- attractive: This word means pleasing or appealing to the senses or mind. In the context of visual elements like scenic beauty and colour techniques, "attractive" perfectly describes something that is visually pleasing. It also pairs well with "delightful", as something visually attractive is often delightful.
- winning: This word can mean successful, or in some contexts, charming or pleasing (though less common than attractive). While cinema might be 'winning' over audiences, using it here to describe the product itself based on visual techniques feels awkward and less precise than 'attractive' or 'delightful'.
Comparing the options, "attractive" is the most fitting word. It directly relates to the visual appeal brought by scenic beauty, background effects, and colour techniques, and it makes perfect sense when paired with "delightful" to describe the quality of cinema products.
Conclusion for Blank 3
The visual and technical aspects of cinema, such as scenic beauty and colour techniques, make its products appealing and pleasant. The word that best captures this visual appeal and fits alongside "delightful" is "attractive".
Therefore, the most appropriate option for blank number 3 is "attractive".
| Option | Meaning | Fit in Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| hypnotising | Captivating, trance-inducing | Possible, but perhaps too strong/specific. |
| absorbing | Holding attention completely | Describes effect on viewer, not the inherent visual quality well. |
| attractive | Pleasing, appealing (visually) | Excellent fit. Directly relates to visual elements and pairs with 'delightful'. |
| winning | Successful, charming (less common) | Awkward fit for describing product quality based on visual techniques. |
Revision Table: Understanding Key Terms
| Term | Context in Passage | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cinema Industry | Producing films for entertainment. | The sector involved in making and distributing motion pictures. |
| Television Screens | Rivals to cinema, readily available. | Devices displaying television broadcasts or streamed content. |
| Scenic beauty | Element making cinema products delightful. | Visually pleasing natural surroundings shown in a film. |
| Colour techniques | Element making cinema products delightful. | Methods used in filmmaking to enhance or manipulate colour for effect. |
| Attractive | Describes cinema products (blank 3). | Pleasing or appealing, especially visually in this context. |
| Delightful | Describes cinema products (paired with blank 3). | Causing delight; charming or pleasant. |
Additional Information: The Evolution of Entertainment Mediums
The passage discusses the historical rivalry between cinema and television. When television first became widespread, it presented a significant challenge to the established film industry. Television offered entertainment directly in people's homes, conveniently and often at less cost than going to a cinema hall.
However, as the passage points out, cinema retained advantages, particularly in its ability to offer a larger-scale visual and auditory experience that was harder to replicate on early television sets. This included the use of wide screens, sophisticated sound systems, and elaborate visual effects like scenic beauty and complex colour techniques.
Over time, both mediums have evolved. Television technology has advanced significantly, with large high-definition screens and sophisticated sound systems becoming common in homes. Streaming services now offer a vast library of content. The cinema industry has responded by focusing on immersive experiences, large-format screens (like IMAX), 3D technology, and major spectacle films that are best enjoyed on a large screen with a collective audience.
Furthermore, the passage highlights the role of film beyond entertainment, as a cultural agent fostering international understanding and cooperation by showcasing different ways of life and promoting friendly relations between nations.
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)?
