Directions: In this section, there is a passage having some blank spaces, each blank space is followed by four individual words or group of words. Select a word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for filling the blank space, and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The Earth's climate is _______ (1) changing and evolving. Some of ______ (2) changes have been due to natural causes but others can be attributed to__________(3) activities such as deforestation, emissions from industry and transport, etc., which have led to the__________.(4) of gases and aerosols in _________(5) atmosphere. These gases are known as greenhouse gases because they trap heat and_______(6) air temperatures near the ground, acting like a greenhouse on the surface of the________(7) In order to create and strengthen the scientific and analytical capacity_________(8) assessment of climate change in the country, different studies under Climate Change Action Programme___________(9) Many important bilateral and multilateral meetings and negotiations are held_________(10) regular intervals.
What would come in blank space (2)?
Filling Blank Space 2 in the Climate Change Passage
The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill the second blank space in the given passage about Earth's climate change. Let's look at the sentence containing the blank:
"Some of ______ (2) changes have been due to natural causes but others can be attributed to activities..."
The blank precedes the noun "changes", which is a plural noun. The sentence refers back to the previous sentence: "The Earth's climate is changing and evolving." The "changes" mentioned are the climate changes that are currently being discussed.
Analyzing the Options for Blank (2)
We need a word that can precede a plural noun like "changes" and appropriately refer to the changes being discussed in the immediate context. Let's evaluate the given options:
- Option 1: these - "These" is a demonstrative pronoun/determiner used to refer to plural items that are near or currently being discussed. It fits well with the plural noun "changes" and refers to the changes mentioned in the ongoing description of Earth's climate.
- Option 2: those - "Those" is a demonstrative pronoun/determiner used to refer to plural items that are further away or have been mentioned previously but are not the immediate focus. While it refers to plural items, "these" is generally preferred when referring to things in the immediate context, which the climate changes are in this passage.
- Option 3: this - "This" is a demonstrative pronoun/determiner used to refer to a singular item that is near or currently being discussed. It cannot be used before the plural noun "changes".
- Option 4: that - "That" is a demonstrative pronoun/determiner used to refer to a singular item that is further away or has been mentioned previously. It cannot be used before the plural noun "changes".
Determining the Correct Word
Based on the analysis, the blank requires a word that refers to the plural noun "changes" and points to the changes being discussed presently in the passage. Both "these" and "those" can refer to plural nouns, but "these" is the most suitable choice for referring to items (changes) that are central to the current discussion.
Therefore, "these" is the most appropriate word to fill blank space (2).
The completed sentence reads: "Some of these changes have been due to natural causes..."
Explanation of Demonstrative Pronouns/Determiners
Demonstrative words like 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' are used to point to specific things. They can function as determiners (modifying a noun) or pronouns (replacing a noun).
- This: Singular, near, or currently relevant.
- That: Singular, far, or previously mentioned/less relevant now.
- These: Plural, near, or currently relevant.
- Those: Plural, far, or previously mentioned/less relevant now.
In the passage, "changes" are plural and are the main topic being discussed right there, making "these" the correct choice.
Revision Table: Demonstrative Words
| Word | Number (Singular/Plural) | Distance/Relevance | Example Use (as Determiner) |
|---|---|---|---|
| This | Singular | Near / Currently relevant | This book is mine. |
| That | Singular | Far / Less relevant now | That car over there is fast. |
| These | Plural | Near / Currently relevant | These books are mine. |
| Those | Plural | Far / Less relevant now | Those cars over there are fast. |
Additional Information on Passage Completion
Completing passages involves understanding context, grammar, vocabulary, and logical flow. For each blank, consider:
- The words immediately before and after the blank.
- The type of word needed (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, etc.).
- Whether the word should be singular or plural, tense, etc.
- The overall meaning of the sentence and surrounding sentences.
- How the options fit grammatically and contextually.
This process ensures the completed passage is coherent, grammatically correct, and conveys the intended meaning accurately.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in blank space (1)?
What would come in blank space (3)?
What would come in blank space (4)?
What would come in blank space (5)?
What would come in blank space (6)?
