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. 4.
turn
Understanding the Passage and Blank 4
The passage discusses how to handle temptations. It emphasizes the importance of preventing them from taking hold and shifting focus away from them when they arise. We are asked to choose the most appropriate word for blank number 4 based on the alternatives provided.
Let's look at the sentence containing blank 4:
"As soon as we detect the first (3)______ of temptation, we should become watchful and (4)______ our attention to good or noble thoughts."
The sentence suggests an action to take when temptation is detected. We need to be watchful and then do something with "our attention" to redirect it towards "good or noble thoughts". This implies moving focus away from the temptation and towards something positive.
Now let's evaluate the given options for blank 4:
- turn
- twist
- change
- revolve
Analyzing the Options for Blank 4
We need to find the word that best fits the action of redirecting attention.
- turn: The phrase "turn one's attention to something" is a common idiom meaning to direct or shift one's focus towards that thing. This fits the context of redirecting attention from temptation to good thoughts.
- twist: "Twist" usually means to turn or bend something out of its original shape, or to distort something. It doesn't naturally fit the idea of redirecting attention in a positive way.
- change: "Change" can mean to make or become different. While you can "change your focus" or "change your thoughts", the phrase "change your attention to" is less common and less idiomatic than "turn your attention to".
- revolve: "Revolve" means to move in a circle around a central point. It does not fit the context of directing attention towards something specific.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Option
Comparing the options, "turn" creates the most natural and appropriate phrase when combined with "our attention to good or noble thoughts". The idiom "turn one's attention to" perfectly conveys the act of shifting focus.
Therefore, the most appropriate word for blank 4 is "turn".
The completed part of the sentence would be: "...we should become watchful and turn our attention to good or noble thoughts."
Revision Table: Evaluating Blank 4 Options
| Option | Fit in Sentence ("...and ______ our attention to...") | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| turn | turn our attention to | Common idiom meaning to direct focus. Fits perfectly. |
| twist | twist our attention to | Doesn't make sense. "Twist" implies distortion or bending. |
| change | change our attention to | Possible, but "turn" is a more common and natural idiom for redirecting attention. |
| revolve | revolve our attention to | Incorrect meaning. "Revolve" means moving in a circle. |
Additional Information: Idioms for Attention
Besides "turn one's attention to," there are other ways to express focusing or directing attention. Understanding these can help with similar vocabulary questions.
- Pay attention: To concentrate on something.
- Draw attention: To attract notice.
- Shift attention: To move focus from one thing to another.
- Focus one's attention: To concentrate closely on something.
In the context of redirecting from something negative (temptation) to something positive (good thoughts), "turn our attention to" is particularly fitting as it implies a deliberate shift in direction of focus.
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)?
