Passage Comprehension: Filling Blank 1

This question asks us to choose the most appropriate word to fill in the first blank within a given passage. The passage discusses how we can observe that the Earth is a globe.

Analyzing Blank (1) Context

Let's look closely at the sentence where the first blank appears:

"Can we see (1) _________ the earth is a globe?"

The sentence begins with "Can we see...", which poses a question about our ability to perceive or understand something. The part following the blank, "the earth is a globe," states a specific fact or concept. We need a word that correctly links the verb "see" to this factual clause.

Evaluating Options for Blank (1)

We need to consider how each option functions grammatically and contextually:

• where: If we insert 'where', the sentence becomes "Can we see where the earth is a globe?". This implies asking about the location of the globe, which doesn't fit the passage's aim of demonstrating the Earth's shape through observation.
• that: Inserting 'that' results in "Can we see that the earth is a globe?". This structure is correct. The word 'that' acts as a conjunction introducing a noun clause ("the earth is a globe") which serves as the direct object of the verb "see". It allows us to inquire about observing the evidence or understanding the fact of the Earth being a globe.
• if: Using 'if' forms the sentence "Can we see if the earth is a globe?". This suggests checking a condition or possibility, implying uncertainty about whether the Earth is a globe or not. While related, it's less direct than observing the evidence for the fact itself.
• whether: Similar to 'if', 'whether' introduces alternatives or uncertainty: "Can we see whether the earth is a globe?". This implies asking if it's a globe or something else. Again, the passage seems focused on observing the proof of its known shape.

Selecting the Best Fit for Blank (1)

Considering the options, 'that' is the most suitable choice. It correctly introduces the clause stating the fact we are potentially observing evidence for. The question is about our ability to 'see' (understand, observe evidence for) the reality of 'the earth is a globe'. The structure 'see that [clause]' is standard for this type of inquiry.

Therefore, the sentence is completed most appropriately as: "Can we see that the earth is a globe?"