Understanding Sentence Completion with Context

The question asks us to fill in the blank in the sentence: "I found it __________ that some people hate rivers." To choose the best word, we need to consider the meaning of the sentence and the context provided about Indian rivers.

Context Analysis of Indian Rivers

The passage describes Indian rivers in very positive terms:

• They are described as "greatest natural assets".
• They enrich the land, making it "green and fertile".
• They are visually beautiful and even considered "natural highways".
• They are sometimes described as "raging torrents" and "huge rivers" that can flood, highlighting their power.
• Importantly, the passage states, "And in tribute to their strength and beauty, we have always held them sacred."
• The overall tone emphasizes love and reverence for rivers.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at why "peculiar" is the most suitable word:

• Peculiar means strange, odd, or unusual. Given that the passage and common understanding portray rivers as valuable, beautiful, and life-giving natural resources (even sacred), finding it strange or unusual ("peculiar") that someone would hate them makes perfect sense. The sentence expresses a sense of surprise or oddness at the negative sentiment towards something generally viewed positively.
• Sacred means holy or revered. While rivers are called sacred in the passage, the sentence structure "I found it sacred that..." doesn't fit. You don't typically describe a situation or a feeling as 'sacred' in this way. It would imply the situation itself is holy, which is not the intended meaning.
• Gorgeous means very beautiful. Similar to 'sacred', the sentence "I found it gorgeous that..." is grammatically awkward and doesn't convey the intended meaning of finding something unusual or strange. The sentence is about the *reaction* to someone hating rivers, not about the rivers being gorgeous.
• Tribute means an act or expression of admiration, praise, or respect. The sentence "I found it tribute that..." is grammatically incorrect and nonsensical in this context. You cannot 'find' a tribute in the way described.

Conclusion on the Best Fit

The sentence expresses the speaker's reaction to the idea of people hating rivers. Considering the overwhelmingly positive description of rivers as assets, sources of life, beauty, and even sacred entities in the provided text, it is indeed unusual or strange (peculiar) for someone to hold the opposite view (hating them). Therefore, "peculiar" correctly fills the blank, highlighting the oddity of hating something so valued.