The sentence given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative and click the button corresponding to it. Mount Everest has earned the ______ distinction of being the world's highest garbage dump.
dubious
Understanding the Mount Everest Fill in the Blank Question
The question asks us to find the most appropriate word to complete the following sentence:
"Mount Everest has earned the ______ distinction of being the world's highest garbage dump."
We need to choose from the given options to fill the blank effectively, considering the context of the sentence.
Analyzing the Sentence Context
The sentence discusses Mount Everest, a place known for its natural beauty and height. It mentions that Everest has earned a "distinction". A distinction typically implies a special honour, recognition, or status, often positive or noteworthy.
However, the distinction described is "being the world's highest garbage dump". This is clearly a negative and undesirable status, reflecting a severe environmental problem.
Therefore, the word required in the blank must modify "distinction" in a way that indicates this is not a positive or commendable honour, but rather something negative, questionable, or ironic.
Exploring the Options for the Blank Word
Let's examine the meaning of each provided option to see which one best fits the context:
| Word | Meaning | Relevance to Sentence Context |
|---|---|---|
| marked | Easily noticeable; significant. | While the garbage problem on Everest is significant and noticeable, "marked" simply highlights prominence without indicating the negative nature of the "distinction". |
| disgusting | Causing strong feelings of dislike or revulsion. | Being a garbage dump is indeed disgusting. However, "disgusting" typically describes a feeling or quality of something; it doesn't naturally fit modifying "distinction" in this phrase to convey a questionable honour. |
| dubious | Involving doubt or uncertainty; questionable; not to be relied upon. | "Dubious distinction" is an established phrase used to describe an achievement or honour that is not genuinely positive or is morally questionable. This aligns perfectly with the idea of being noted for something negative like being a garbage dump. |
| dismal | Depressing; dreary; gloomy. | "Dismal" describes a mood or atmosphere. It doesn't fit as a modifier for "distinction" in this context to express the idea of a questionable or undesirable honour. |
Why 'Dubious Distinction' is the Correct Choice
Based on the meanings and how the words are commonly used, the word "dubious" is the most appropriate choice to fill the blank.
The phrase "dubious distinction" is an idiom. It refers to an achievement, honour, or status that is noteworthy for being undesirable, questionable, or negative. Being recognized as the world's highest garbage dump is certainly a noteworthy status for Mount Everest, but it is profoundly negative, making it a classic example of a dubious distinction.
The other options do not convey this specific meaning:
- "Marked" only suggests the distinction is significant, not that it's a negative one being ironically called a distinction.
- "Disgusting" describes the garbage itself, not the questionable nature of calling this situation a "distinction".
- "Dismal" describes a feeling or atmosphere, which isn't the intended modification for "distinction" here.
Conclusion: Completing the Sentence Correctly
Selecting "dubious" accurately reflects the ironic and negative nature of the "distinction" Mount Everest has earned due to pollution.
The completed sentence reads:
"Mount Everest has earned the dubious distinction of being the world's highest garbage dump."
Revision Table: English Vocabulary and Word Choice
Additional Information: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions, like "dubious distinction," are phrases whose meaning isn't always clear from the individual words. Learning these phrases is important for mastering English vocabulary and comprehension. They often add nuance, irony, or specific cultural context to language.
Another similar idiom is "a Pyrrhic victory," which means a victory achieved at such a cost that it is essentially a defeat.
Important Questions from Fill in the blanks
- The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
Light is _____ than sound. - The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
The man _____ for the purpose never did what was expected of him. - The sentences given with blanks are to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. For each question, choose the correct alternative.
There was a serious _____ between the two brothers. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Although one’s body language is a very powerful medium of expression, we express our thoughts, verbally or _________ through language, which is our main way of communication.
Select the most appropriate form and tense of the bracketed verb in the following sentence to fill in the blank.
I’m busy today. I’d rather we ________ (has) the meeting tomorrow.
