In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number. Temptations of one kind or another lure everyone. The important thing is (1)______ them from gaining a foothold in our (2)______. As soon as we detect the first (3)______ of temptation, we should become watchful and (4)______ our attention to good or noble thoughts. (5)______ we wait till the temptation becomes too (6)______, we are likely to fall. Playing with the temptation (7)______ to welcoming it. In fact, the safest (8)______ is to avoid situations in which we may be tempted. If, (9)______ all our care, a temptation becomes severe, we (10)______ not get upset or disappointed, but turn to a good friend for advice and help.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No. 3.
signs
Understanding Passage Completion for Temptation Passage
This question asks us to choose the most appropriate word to fill in blank No. 3 in the provided passage about managing temptation. The sentence containing blank No. 3 is: "As soon as we detect the first (3)______ of temptation, we should become watchful and (4)______ our attention to good or noble thoughts."
We need to find a word that logically fits after "the first" and before "of temptation" to describe the initial appearance or indication of temptation.
Analyzing Options for Blank No. 3
Let's look at the given options and evaluate how well each one fits the context of the sentence:
- codes: This word refers to a system of rules or symbols. Detecting the "first codes of temptation" does not make sense in this context. Temptation doesn't typically appear as codes.
- signs: This word refers to indications, symptoms, or signals that something is happening or exists. Detecting the "first signs of temptation" means recognizing the initial indications or feelings that temptation is starting. This fits the context very well, suggesting the earliest warnings or appearances of temptation.
- symbols: This word refers to representations or emblems. While temptation might be represented by symbols, the passage talks about detecting the temptation itself as it begins, not just its symbols. "First symbols of temptation" is not as direct or natural as "first signs" in this sentence.
- messages: This word refers to communication or information. Temptation doesn't typically send "messages" in the literal or metaphorical sense implied here. Detecting "first messages of temptation" sounds unnatural.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Based on the analysis, the word "signs" is the most appropriate choice. It clearly conveys the idea of the initial indications or appearances of temptation that one should detect early on to resist. The phrase "first signs of temptation" is a common and natural way to describe the beginning stage of being tempted.
Therefore, filling blank No. 3 with "signs" completes the sentence logically and makes the most sense in the context of the passage about dealing with temptation.
| Option | Meaning | Fit in Sentence ("first ______ of temptation") |
|---|---|---|
| codes | System of rules/symbols | Poor fit; temptation doesn't appear as codes. |
| signs | Indications/signals | Excellent fit; indicates the initial appearance. |
| symbols | Representations | Fair fit, but less direct than "signs". |
| messages | Communication | Poor fit; temptation isn't usually described as sending messages. |
Conclusion on Filling Blank 3
The word "signs" is the most suitable option for blank No. 3 because it accurately describes the initial indications or appearances of temptation that one needs to detect early according to the passage's advice.
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Term | Relevance to Passage Completion | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Context | Understanding the surrounding sentences and overall topic (temptation) | Helps determine the appropriate meaning and usage of potential words. |
| Vocabulary | Knowing the precise meanings of the options (codes, signs, symbols, messages) | Essential for evaluating which word fits the intended meaning of the blank. |
| Phrasal Fit | Checking if the chosen word forms a natural-sounding phrase with surrounding words ("first ______ of temptation") | Ensures the completed sentence is grammatically correct and idiomatic. |
Additional Information: Strategies for Passage Completion
Completing passages with missing words, often called cloze tests, requires several skills:
- Read the passage first: Get a general understanding of the topic, tone, and flow of ideas.
- Analyze the sentence with the blank: Look at the words immediately before and after the blank. Consider the grammatical role of the missing word (noun, verb, adjective, adverb).
- Consider the options: Evaluate each option provided. Think about its meaning and whether it makes sense in the context of the sentence and the entire passage.
- Check for grammatical correctness: Ensure the chosen word fits grammatically (e.g., singular/plural, verb tense).
- Check for contextual meaning: Make sure the word contributes to the overall meaning of the sentence and passage in a logical way.
- Read the completed sentence aloud: Sometimes, hearing the sentence with the chosen word can help identify awkward phrasing or incorrect usage.
In this specific question about temptation, understanding that the passage advises early detection of the problem helps select a word like "signs" which indicates initial appearance.
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)?
