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. 5
If
Understanding Passage Completion: Filling Blank 5
The task requires selecting the most appropriate word to fill blank number 5 in the given passage. Let's look at the sentence containing blank 5 and the surrounding context:
"(5)______ we wait till the temptation becomes too (6)______, we are likely to fall."
This sentence describes a situation where waiting too long has a negative consequence. This structure typically indicates a conditional relationship: "If [condition], then [consequence]." The blank needs a word that introduces this condition.
Analyzing Options for Blank 5
Let's examine each provided option:
- Whether: The word "whether" is typically used to introduce alternatives or express doubt. For example, "I don't know whether he will come." It doesn't fit the structure of introducing a simple condition that leads to a consequence in this sentence.
- Until: The word "until" means up to the time that something happens. Using "Until we wait..." is grammatically incorrect and illogical. You don't wait up until the point of waiting; you just wait.
- If: The word "if" is used to introduce a condition. The sentence structure "If [we wait till the temptation becomes too...], [we are likely to fall]" perfectly matches the use of "if" to show that the consequence (likelihood of falling) depends on the condition (waiting too long).
- Unless: The word "unless" means "if not". So, "Unless we wait..." would mean "If we do not wait...". This changes the meaning completely and contradicts the logic of the passage, which advises against waiting (implying that waiting is the condition leading to falling).
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word
Based on the analysis, the word that correctly introduces the condition "we wait till the temptation becomes too..." leading to the consequence "we are likely to fall" is "If". The sentence reads logically and grammatically with "If" in blank 5.
The completed part of the sentence would be: "If we wait till the temptation becomes too ..., we are likely to fall."
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Term | Definition/Function | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| If | A conjunction used to introduce a conditional clause; indicates that something will happen only if a particular condition is met. | If it rains, we will stay inside. (Condition: rain; Consequence: stay inside) |
| Unless | A conjunction meaning "if not"; introduces a condition that prevents something from happening. | We won't go out unless it stops raining. (Condition: rain stops; Prevents: going out) |
| Until | A preposition or conjunction meaning "up to the time that". | We waited until the rain stopped. (Action done up to a point in time) |
| Whether | A conjunction used to introduce a clause expressing a choice or doubt between alternatives. | I'm not sure whether he will come or not. (Expressing doubt) |
Additional Information: Strategies for Passage Completion
Filling blanks in a passage requires understanding context, grammar, vocabulary, and logical flow. Here are some strategies:
- Read the sentence with the blank carefully, along with the sentences immediately before and after it.
- Identify the type of word needed for the blank (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb, conjunction, preposition).
- Consider the meaning the sentence is trying to convey and how the word will fit grammatically and logically.
- Try each option in the blank and see which one makes the most sense in terms of meaning and fits grammatically.
- Pay attention to transition words and conjunctions that connect ideas between sentences.
- Once you have filled a blank, re-read the sentence and the surrounding text with the chosen word to ensure it flows smoothly.
- For words like conjunctions, prepositions, or articles, think about the standard grammatical structures they are used in.
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)?
