In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Necessity is an (1)________ force that compels a man to do things. It stirs the mind so (2) ________ that it causes great unrest that continues until the necessity is (3) ________. As order comes out of (4) ________ chaos so does an invention out of some (5) ________.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No. 1.
irresistible
Understanding the Passage and Blank No. 1
The passage discusses necessity as a driving force in human actions and inventions. We need to select the most appropriate word to fill in the first blank, describing the nature of this force.
The sentence is: "Necessity is an (1)________ force that compels a man to do things." The word needed for blank (1) should be an adjective that describes a force capable of compelling action.
Analyzing the Options for Blank No. 1
Let's look at each option and evaluate how well it fits the context:
- Option 1: essential
- Meaning: Absolutely necessary; fundamental.
- Fit: While necessity itself is often essential for survival or progress, describing the *force* it exerts as merely "essential" doesn't capture the idea of compulsion. An essential force might be important, but it doesn't necessarily compel action in the strong sense implied by the sentence.
- Option 2: unpredictable
- Meaning: Not able to be foreseen or predicted; uncertain.
- Fit: The force of necessity is often quite predictable in its effect (making people act). Describing it as unpredictable doesn't align with the idea of it reliably compelling people to do things.
- Option 3: irresistible
- Meaning: Too attractive and tempting to be resisted; impossible to refuse, oppose, or withstand.
- Fit: An "irresistible force" is one that cannot be stopped or opposed. This meaning perfectly fits the idea of something that "compels a man to do things," suggesting that the force is so strong that it cannot be resisted, thus compelling action.
- Option 4: inconceivable
- Meaning: Not capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; unbelievable.
- Fit: Describing the force of necessity as "inconceivable" means it's hard to imagine or unbelievable. This does not make sense in the context of it being a real force that compels action.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Comparing the options, "irresistible" is the word that best describes a force that "compels a man to do things." An irresistible force is one that cannot be resisted, thus forcing compliance or action. This aligns perfectly with the definition of necessity in this context, where it drives people to act often out of a lack of other options.
Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in blank No. 1 is "irresistible".
Revision Table: Understanding Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning | Context Fit (Necessity as a Force) |
|---|---|---|
| essential | Necessary; fundamental | Describes necessity itself, not strongly the compelling *force*. |
| unpredictable | Not predictable | Opposite of how necessity typically functions to compel action. |
| irresistible | Cannot be resisted | Strongly implies compulsion; fits the phrase "compels a man". |
| inconceivable | Unbelievable; unimaginable | Does not relate to the compelling nature of necessity. |
Additional Information: The Power of Necessity
The passage highlights a common theme: necessity as a powerful motivator. When faced with a necessary situation, people are often driven to find solutions, leading to innovation and action.
- Necessity is the Mother of Invention: This common proverb means that a need or difficulty encourages creative solutions and inventions. The passage echoes this idea by stating that "as order comes out of chaos so does an invention out of some (5) ________." The "force" of necessity drives this invention process.
- Compulsion: The word "compels" means forcing someone to do something. An irresistible force is one that exercises this compulsion effectively.
- Synonyms for Compelling Force: Depending on context, synonyms might include potent force, powerful influence, driving force, or inescapable pressure. "Irresistible force" is a strong idiom conveying this idea.
Understanding the nuances of words like "compel" and "force" helps in choosing the correct adjective to describe the impact of necessity.
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)?
