In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. As Paul was (1) _______ his supper, Aunt Jenny (2) ________ him questions that have been full of deceit, and had a very deep meaning, for she wanted to trap him. It seemed as if she was endowed with a (3) _________ which could hunt for dark and mysterious tact. She asked, "Did you now not want to swim, Paul?" Paul felt an uncomfortable (4) ________. He (5) ________ Aunt Jennys face; however it informed him nothing. So, he said, "No, ma'am."
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1.
eating
Filling Blank No. 1 in the Passage
The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in blank number 1 in the given passage. The sentence containing blank 1 is: "As Paul was (1) _______ his supper, Aunt Jenny (2) ________ him questions..."
We need to find a word that describes the action of consuming supper.
Analyzing the Options for Blank 1
Let's look at the provided options:
- grazing: This term usually refers to animals eating grass in a field or, informally, to humans snacking on many small items over time. It's not typically used for consuming a main meal like supper.
- churning: This means agitating something vigorously, like churning milk to make butter. It has no relation to eating.
- feeding: While 'feeding' can mean eating, it often implies providing food to someone else or to animals ("feeding the dog"). When referring to oneself, 'eating' is the more direct and common verb for consuming a meal.
- eating: This is the standard verb used to describe the act of consuming food, particularly a meal like supper.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Comparing the options, 'eating' is the most natural and appropriate word to describe Paul consuming his supper in this context. The phrase "eating his supper" is a common and correct expression.
Conclusion for Blank 1
Based on the analysis of the sentence and the options, the most suitable word to fill blank number 1 is 'eating'.
| Option | Appropriateness | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| grazing | Not appropriate | Usually for animals or scattered snacking, not a meal. |
| churning | Incorrect | Means agitating, unrelated to eating. |
| feeding | Less appropriate | Often implies giving food to others; 'eating' is better for consuming one's own meal. |
| eating | Most appropriate | Standard term for consuming a meal. |
Revision Table: Passage Completion Skills
| Concept | Key Points | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Context Clues | Read the sentences before and after the blank; understand the overall meaning of the passage. | Helps narrow down possible word choices based on the surrounding text. |
| Vocabulary | Understand the precise meanings and common usage of the given options. | Essential for selecting the word that fits both meaning and typical phrasing. |
| Parts of Speech | Identify what type of word (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) is needed for the blank. | Ensures grammatical correctness of the completed sentence. |
Additional Information: Synonyms for Eating
While 'eating' is common, English has many words related to consuming food, depending on the context or manner:
- Consume: A formal term for eating or drinking.
- Devour: To eat something quickly and hungrily.
- Nibble: To take small bites.
- Gulp: To swallow something quickly.
- Dine: To eat a formal meal, especially dinner.
In the context of having supper, 'eating' is the most general and fitting verb.
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)?
