In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The silk routes are a good example of vibrant pre-modern trade and cultural links between ________1________ parts of the world. The name 'silk routes' points to the ________2________ of West-bound Chinese silk cargoes along this route. Historians have identified several silk routes, over land and by sea, knitting together vast regions of Asia, and ________3________ Asia with Europe and northern Africa. They are known to have existed since before the Christian Era and ________4________ almost till the fifteenth century. But Chinese pottery also ________5________the same route, as did textiles and spices from India and Southeast Asia.
Understanding Silk Routes and Trade Connections
The question asks us to choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank numbered 3 in the provided passage about the Silk Routes. The passage discusses the historical significance of these routes in connecting different parts of the world through trade and cultural exchange.
Analyzing Blank 3 in the Passage
Let's look at the sentence containing blank 3:
"Historians have identified several silk routes, over land and by sea, knitting together vast regions of Asia, and ________3________ Asia with Europe and northern Africa."
This sentence describes the function of the silk routes. They are portrayed as connecting different geographical areas. The phrase "knitting together vast regions of Asia" sets the context, and the blank needs a word that explains how these routes connected Asia to other continents like Europe and northern Africa.
Evaluating the Options for Blank 3
We need to select the best fit from the given options:
- Option 1: dividing - This word means to separate into parts. The Silk Routes were known for connecting regions, not separating them. Therefore, 'dividing' is incorrect.
- Option 2: collecting - This word means to gather things together. While trade involved collecting goods, the sentence is talking about connecting geographical regions, not the act of collecting items. Thus, 'collecting' is not the best fit here.
- Option 3: sharing - This word implies mutual exchange or distribution. While sharing of goods and ideas occurred along the Silk Routes, the primary action described in connecting continents is not best represented by 'sharing' in this context.
- Option 4: linking - This word means to connect or join together. The Silk Routes served as a vital link between Asia, Europe, and northern Africa, facilitating trade and interaction. This word perfectly describes the function highlighted in the sentence.
Conclusion for Blank 3
Based on the analysis, the word 'linking' accurately describes how the Silk Routes connected vast regions of Asia with Europe and northern Africa. It emphasizes the role of these routes as bridges between different civilizations.
Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3 is linking.
Similar Questions
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
- Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 1.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 2.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 3.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 4.
- Directions: Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 5.
