In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. (1)______ health benefits, including protection from cardiovascular disease and cancer, have been (2)_______ to antioxidants; however, according to dietitian Vinson, these benefits depend on how well antioxidants are absorbed and (3)______ by the body. According to the study, coffee has more antioxidant power than other well-known foods and drinks, like tea, milk, chocolate, and cranberries. Dates had the highest antioxidants per serving out of all the foods and drinks (4)______, but because dates are not consumed to the same extent as coffee, the latter comes out on (5)______, according to Vinson.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
Numerous
Understanding the Cloze Test Passage: Blank 1
This question asks us to fill in the first blank in the given passage. The passage discusses the health benefits associated with antioxidants, particularly focusing on coffee.
Let's look at the sentence containing blank (1):
"(1)______ health benefits, including protection from cardiovascular disease and cancer, have been (2)_______ to antioxidants..."
The phrase immediately following the blank, "including protection from cardiovascular disease and cancer," provides context. These are significant and multiple health benefits.
Analyzing the Options for Blank 1
We need to choose the word that best describes the quantity or nature of the health benefits mentioned.
- Few: This suggests a small number of benefits. This contradicts the examples given (protection from two major diseases) and the overall positive tone about antioxidants in the passage.
- Countable: While benefits can technically be counted, this word doesn't convey the significance or abundance suggested by the examples. It's a factual statement but doesn't fit the context's implication of widespread benefits.
- Limited: Similar to 'Few', this implies a restriction on the number or extent of benefits, which is inconsistent with the serious diseases listed as examples of protection.
- Numerous: This means a large number. This fits perfectly with the examples provided (cardiovascular disease and cancer protection are just two examples, implying there are more) and the overall idea that antioxidants offer significant health advantages.
Choosing the Most Appropriate Word
Considering the examples of health benefits provided (protection from cardiovascular disease and cancer), the word that best describes the quantity and scope of these benefits is "Numerous". The sentence implies a significant number of health benefits are attributed to antioxidants.
Completed Sentence with the Correct Option
Inserting "Numerous" into the blank, the sentence reads:
"Numerous health benefits, including protection from cardiovascular disease and cancer, have been (2)_______ to antioxidants..."
This sentence makes logical sense in the context of the passage, which goes on to discuss the antioxidant power of coffee compared to other items.
Revision Table: Key Terms in Cloze Tests
When tackling cloze tests, understanding the meaning and connotation of words is crucial. Here's a quick look at the options for Blank 1:
| Word | Meaning | Context Fit for Blank 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Few | A small number | Poor fit - contradicts examples |
| Countable | Able to be counted | Poor fit - technically true but doesn't describe the nature/quantity implied |
| Limited | Restricted in size, amount, or extent | Poor fit - contradicts examples |
| Numerous | Great in number; many | Good fit - aligns with the examples of significant benefits |
Additional Information: Understanding Antioxidants and Health Benefits
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. This cellular protection is linked to various health benefits. The passage highlights some of these potential benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. These are often considered major health advantages, reinforcing the idea that the benefits are indeed numerous and significant.
When solving cloze tests, always read the surrounding sentences carefully. The words, phrases, and overall tone of the passage provide essential clues for selecting the most appropriate word for each blank.
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)?
