Analyzing the Passage and Fill-in-the-Blank Question

The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the sentence: "The _____ pressure of depression and discontent will be lifted". This sentence is part of a larger passage discussing the benefits of world unity.

Let's look at the context of the passage. It describes how world unity will make life happier by eliminating the fear of war and mental tension. It also mentions relief from physical labour through machinery. The sentence with the blank talks about a "pressure of depression and discontent" that will be "lifted" by world unity.

Evaluating the Options

We need to choose the word that best describes the nature of the pressure caused by depression and discontent in the context of something being lifted by world unity.

Let's consider each option:

• atmospheric: This relates to the Earth's atmosphere and the pressure exerted by the air. It has no connection to emotional or mental states like depression and discontent.
• decreasing: If the pressure were already decreasing, it might imply it was naturally fading away, rather than being something that needs to be actively "lifted" or removed by world unity. The passage suggests world unity actively resolves this issue, implying the pressure is persistent.
• constant: This word means occurring continuously over a period of time; remaining the same. Depression and discontent can often be persistent or ongoing states for individuals or even prevalent issues in a world without unity, creating a continuous, steady "pressure". This fits the idea of a burden that needs to be "lifted" or removed.
• blood: This refers to the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is a physiological measurement and is unrelated to the emotional/mental "pressure" of depression and discontent discussed in the passage.

Determining the Correct Word

Considering the meaning and context, the pressure of depression and discontent is described as something that exists and burdens people, which will be removed or "lifted" by world unity. A "constant" pressure is a pressure that is always there, weighing down on people. This aligns well with the idea that world unity will bring significant relief from such persistent negative feelings.

Therefore, "constant" is the most suitable word to describe the persistent burden or pressure caused by depression and discontent.

The completed sentence reads: "The constant pressure of depression and discontent will be lifted".

Revision Table: Analyzing Option Appropriateness

Additional Information: Understanding Context in Vocabulary Questions

Vocabulary questions often require understanding the context in which a word is used. The surrounding sentences and the overall theme of the passage provide clues about the intended meaning of the blank space. In this case, the passage's theme of world unity bringing relief from negative states (fear, tension, depression, discontent) helps determine the type of word needed to describe the "pressure". The word chosen must logically fit the idea of something being removed or eased by this positive change.

Key aspects to consider:

• The literal and figurative meanings of words (e.g., "pressure" can be physical or emotional).
• The tone and subject matter of the passage.
• How the word interacts with other words in the sentence (e.g., "pressure" being "lifted").