Solving the Coronation Passage Cloze Test - Blank 2

This question requires us to select the most suitable word to fill in blank No. 2 in the given passage about a Coronation route and the crowds waiting for a procession. To do this effectively, we need to read the sentence containing the blank carefully and consider the meaning each option imparts to the sentence and the overall context of the passage.

Analyzing Blank No. 2

The sentence with blank No. 2 is: "Soaked, chilled and sleepless, (1)______ remained wonderfully good-tempered and when the procession finally (2)______ they cheered whole-heartedly."

The sentence describes the crowds waiting for the procession. It states that despite difficult conditions, the crowds remained good-tempered. The second part of the sentence connects the procession's action (filling blank 2) with the crowds cheering whole-heartedly. This suggests that when the procession did something, the crowd reacted positively, specifically by cheering.

Evaluating the Options for Blank No. 2

Let's examine each option and see how it fits into the sentence and the context:

1. entered: If the procession "entered," it might imply entering a specific area or structure. While possible in some contexts, it doesn't quite capture the sense of the procession becoming visible to a waiting crowd lining a route.
2. appeared: If the procession "appeared," it means it became visible or came into view. This fits perfectly with the scenario of crowds waiting along a route. When the procession finally becomes visible, it makes sense that the crowd would cheer.
3. vanished: If the procession "vanished," it means it disappeared. This is the opposite of what would cause a crowd to cheer whole-heartedly after waiting for a long time.
4. joined: This option doesn't grammatically fit the subject "the procession." People might join a procession, but the procession itself doesn't typically "join" in this context.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Option

Comparing the options, "appeared" is the most logical choice. It accurately describes the procession coming into view for the waiting crowds, which directly explains why they would then cheer whole-heartedly. The crowds were waiting for the procession to become visible, and when it did, they expressed their excitement.

Therefore, the most appropriate word to fill in blank No. 2 is appeared.

Completed Sentence with Blank 2

When the procession finally appeared they cheered whole-heartedly.

Revision Table: Understanding Cloze Tests

Additional Information: Analyzing Passage Flow

When tackling cloze tests like this Coronation passage, it's important to read the entire passage first to get the overall gist. Then, analyze each blank, looking at the words immediately before and after the blank, as well as the surrounding sentences. Consider how each option changes the meaning of the sentence and whether that meaning fits the flow and topic of the passage. For blank 2, the previous sentence sets up the crowd's anticipation, and the cheering that follows confirms a positive event occurred, which is the procession becoming visible.