In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. War is mostly glorified and (1)______ by society. The real picture of warfare is as horrific and (2) ______ one can imagine. Often, soldiers who witness death - like experiences suffer from psychological disorders and are (3) ______ for the rest of their lives. Many war poems contrast all the sentimental myths about warfare by (4) ______ the harsh realities that soldiers face. The real trauma is seen in people who are left to (5) ______ for their loved ones after they are gone.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
devastating
Analyzing the Passage and Filling Blank 2
The passage discusses the reality of warfare, contrasting its societal glorification with its true nature. It highlights the negative physical and psychological impacts of war on soldiers and their families. We need to select the most appropriate word to fill blank number 2, which describes the 'real picture of warfare' alongside the word 'horrific'.
Understanding the Sentence with Blank 2
The sentence is: "The real picture of warfare is as horrific and (2) ______ one can imagine."
The word needed for blank (2) should be an adjective that complements 'horrific' in describing the negative and terrible aspects of war. It should fit the context that follows, which mentions psychological disorders, lifelong suffering, and the trauma of loss.
Evaluating the Options for Blank 2
Let's look at the provided options:
- lengthening: This means becoming longer. It does not describe the nature or impact of warfare.
- inspiring: This means giving someone the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative or positive. This is the opposite of 'horrific' and the negative tone of the passage.
- devastating: This means causing severe shock, distress, or grief. It can also mean highly destructive or damaging. This word aligns perfectly with 'horrific' and the themes of psychological disorders, suffering, and trauma mentioned in the passage.
- harkening: This means listening or paying attention. It is a verb, and an adjective is required here to describe the picture of warfare.
Why 'Devastating' is the Best Fit
Considering the context of the passage, which describes the negative consequences of war such as psychological disorders and suffering, the word 'devastating' is the most fitting choice. It effectively describes the severe emotional and physical damage that warfare inflicts, aligning with the idea of a picture being as horrific and damaging as one can imagine.
The sentence "The real picture of warfare is as horrific and devastating one can imagine" makes complete sense in the context of the passage's theme about the harsh realities and trauma of war.
Conclusion for Blank 2
Based on the analysis of the sentence and the meanings of the options, the most appropriate word to fill blank number 2 is 'devastating'.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning in Context | Relevance to Passage |
|---|---|---|
| Glorified | Represented as admirable or attractive | How society often views war superficially. |
| Horrific | Causing horror or shock | Describing the terrible reality of war. |
| Devastating | Causing severe shock, distress, or grief; highly destructive | Complements 'horrific' to describe war's impact. |
| Psychological disorders | Mental health conditions | A consequence of witnessing trauma in war. |
| Trauma | A deeply distressing or disturbing experience | Experienced by soldiers and families in war. |
Additional Information: Understanding Vocabulary in Context
When filling blanks in a passage, it is crucial to consider the overall theme and tone. Each blank needs a word that fits grammatically (e.g., adjective, verb, noun) and semantically (in meaning). The words around the blank, as well as the sentences before and after, provide clues. In this case, words like 'horrific', 'psychological disorders', 'suffer', and 'trauma' strongly suggest a negative and impactful word for blank 2.
Analyzing the subtle differences between similar-sounding words or words with multiple meanings is also important. Always test the chosen word by reading the completed sentence within the passage to ensure it flows logically and supports the main idea.
Similar Questions
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
He was compelled by everyone to join the group.
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
Do you know the old adage 'the show must go on’?
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
She reminds me always that I ________ to be a little more careful.
Identify the INCORRECTLY spelt word in the given sentence.
The Collector paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi after hossting the flag.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To kick the bucket
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank.
Mr. Khanna is quite ___________(callous) towards the victims of earthquake.
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
The boys and the teacher wants to win.
Sentences of a paragraph are given below. While the first and the last sentences (S1 and S6) are in the correct order, the sentences in between are jumbled up and named P, Q, R, S. Arrange the sentences in the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
(S1) Newspapers, especially of the popular variety, aim to do two things: to inform and to entertain.
(P) Entertainment may be principally found in the centre pages of the newspaper in some of the feature articles and in some local news stories.
(Q) The principal aim of the short news report on the front pages is to inform.
(R) Most newspapers are published daily, and the news reporters must make sure that they have up-to-the minute news.
(S) In their news reports they will aim to create a sense of immediacy, to convey the impression that they have ‘rushed’ the news to the reader and ‘that the information contained is the very latest.’
(S6) Reporters also wish to create a sense of authenticity, that is, that their news is accurate and genuine.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word from the sentence.
Ready
She was preparing dinner in an organised manner using well-equipped tools while listening to the radio.
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word ‘Optimistic’ from the given sentence.
After the incident, Radha prepared herself to stay positive even in gloomy days.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
A mass is attached to a spring that hangs vertically. The extension produced in the spring is 6 cm on Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Moon is one-sixth of its value on the surface of the Earth. The extension of the spring on the Moon would be:
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c), and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.
The deluge affected the population.The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is
Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?
1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.
2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
