In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Can we see (1)_______ the earth is a globe? Yes, we can, when we watch a ship that sails out to sea, if we watch closely, we see that the ship begins to (2)_______. The bottom of the ship disappears first, and then the ship seems to sink lower and lower, (3)_______ we can only see the top of the ship, and then we see nothing at all. What is hiding the ship from us? It is the earth. Stick a pin most of the way into an orange, and (4)____ turn the orange away from you. You will see the pin disappear, (5)_____ a ship does on the earth.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2.
disappear
Understanding the Passage and Blank 2
The passage describes an observation about how ships appear to sink below the horizon as they sail away, using this phenomenon as evidence that the Earth is a globe. We need to fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words to make the passage grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
The specific sentence we are focusing on for blank number 2 is: "if we watch closely, we see that the ship begins to (2)_______." This sentence explains what happens as the ship moves further away – it starts to become less visible.
Analyzing Options for Blank 2: Ship Begins to _______
Let's examine each option provided for blank number 2:
- have disappeared: This is a perfect infinitive form (to have + past participle). The structure "begins to have disappeared" suggests that the act of disappearing is already completed when it begins, which doesn't make sense. The ship *starts* the process of disappearing, it doesn't start having already disappeared.
- having disappeared: This is a gerund or present participle. The phrase "begins to having disappeared" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Verbs like 'begin' are typically followed by either a 'to' infinitive (to do) or a gerund (doing), but not a 'to' + gerund construction.
- disappear: This is the base form of the verb 'disappear'. The structure "begins to disappear" is a correct grammatical construction, where 'begins' is followed by a 'to' infinitive. This means the ship starts the process of disappearing from view. This fits the context perfectly, as the ship gradually becomes less visible over the horizon.
- being disappeared: This uses a passive construction. The verb 'disappear' is generally an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object and is rarely used in the passive voice. Something simply 'disappears'; it is not 'being disappeared' by something else in this context.
Determining the Correct Word for Blank 2
Based on the grammatical structure required after "begins to" and the meaning of the sentence, the base form of the verb is needed. The sentence describes the commencement of the ship going out of sight due to the Earth's curvature. The word "disappear" accurately reflects this process.
Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2 is "disappear".
Conclusion
Filling in blank 2 with "disappear" creates the grammatically correct and contextually appropriate sentence: "if we watch closely, we see that the ship begins to disappear." This accurately describes the initial stage of the ship going out of sight over the horizon, which supports the idea of the Earth being a globe.
| Blank Number | Contextual Clue | Grammatical Requirement | Most Appropriate Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | The ship sailing out to sea starts going out of view. | Follows "begins to", requires base form of verb (infinitive). | disappear |
Revision Table: Understanding Verb Forms After 'Begin'
| Verb Followed by 'Begin' | Structure | Example (relevant to context) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | Begin + to + Base Verb | The ship begins to disappear. | Common and standard usage. |
| Gerund | Begin + Verb-ing | The ship begins disappearing. | Also grammatically correct, often interchangeable with the infinitive. The passage uses the 'to' structure for blank 2. |
Additional Information: The Ship Over the Horizon Phenomenon
The observation of a ship disappearing hull-first as it sails away is a classic demonstration of the Earth's curvature. If the Earth were flat, the ship would simply get smaller and smaller until it was too tiny to see, but the entire ship would remain visible.
- As the ship moves further away on a curved surface, the curve of the Earth gradually obstructs the view of the lower parts of the ship first.
- This creates the effect of the ship sinking below the horizon.
- Eventually, only the top of the masts or superstructure is visible before the entire vessel disappears from sight.
- This phenomenon is observable from a stationary point, like a shore or harbor.
Similar Questions
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Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
His persistence in his misdemeanours has lowered him in the________ of everyone who knows him.
