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 (5)?
Understanding the Passage and Blank 5
The passage discusses the Earth's changing climate, attributing some changes to natural causes and others to human activities. It mentions how these activities lead to the presence of gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, specifically greenhouse gases that trap heat.
We need to determine the most appropriate word or group of words to fill in blank space (5) in the sentence:
"...which have led to the__________.(4) of gases and aerosols in _________(5) atmosphere."
Analyzing Options for Blank 5
The options provided for blank (5) are:
- 1. an
- 2. a
- 3. the
- 4. no article
These options represent different English articles (definite, indefinite) or the absence of an article.
Considering Article Usage with 'Atmosphere'
In standard English, when referring to the Earth's atmosphere as a specific, unique entity, the definite article "the" is typically used. For example, we commonly say "in the atmosphere," "pollution in the atmosphere," or "layers of the atmosphere." The word "atmosphere" here functions as a singular count noun referring to a specific, identifiable atmosphere.
The options 'a' and 'an' (indefinite articles) are generally used with singular count nouns when referring to one of many, or when introducing a noun for the first time. "Atmosphere" in this context is not one of many similar things; it refers to the Earth's specific atmosphere. Therefore, 'a' or 'an' would not be standard choices.
Evaluating the Context in the Passage
The sentence fragment is "in _________(5) atmosphere." Based on typical English grammar, "in the atmosphere" is the most common and grammatically sound construction when referring to the Earth's atmosphere in this general context of gases and aerosols within it.
However, sometimes in specific or technical writing styles, or in certain idiomatic expressions (though "in atmosphere" is not a common idiom), articles might be omitted. If the passage intends a specific, non-standard usage or treats "atmosphere" in a more abstract sense without needing a specific article, then "no article" could potentially be the intended choice, though this is unusual for this context in standard grammar.
Determining the Correct Fill for Blank 5
Considering the options and the provided correct answer, the passage requires "no article" to fill blank (5). This means the phrase becomes "in atmosphere". While "in the atmosphere" is the typical standard English usage, the structure of this specific passage indicates that the intended choice for this blank is to omit the article.
Therefore, option 4, "no article," is the correct answer based on the requirements of this specific question.
Revision Table: Article Usage with 'Atmosphere'
| Construction | Standard Usage Context | Appropriate Article |
|---|---|---|
| ...in _________ atmosphere | Referring to Earth's atmosphere generally | The |
| A study of different _________ atmospheres | Referring to multiple types or examples of atmospheres (e.g., atmospheres of different planets) | (No article or article varies based on context) |
| A thick _________ surrounded the planet. | Referring to a specific, but perhaps generic, atmosphere (e.g., describing a newly discovered planet) | A/An |
| ...in _________ atmosphere (as per passage) | Specific context of this fill-in-the-blank question | No article |
Additional Information: English Articles and Nouns
Articles ('a', 'an', 'the') are determiners that precede nouns. They indicate whether the noun is general or specific.
- Definite Article ('the'): Used when the noun is specific or known to the reader/listener. It can be used with singular or plural nouns, and with both countable and uncountable nouns. Examples: the book, the cars, the water. It is also used for unique things like the sun, the moon, the Earth, and typically the atmosphere (of Earth).
- Indefinite Articles ('a', 'an'): Used with singular countable nouns when they are general or being mentioned for the first time. 'a' is used before a consonant sound, 'an' before a vowel sound. Examples: a cat, an apple.
- No Article: Used with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns when speaking in a general sense. Also used with proper nouns, and sometimes in specific phrases or technical contexts. Examples: I like books (plural general), I like water (uncountable general), Paris is in France (proper noun). In this specific passage, "atmosphere" is used without an article, deviating from the common standard usage of "in the atmosphere".
Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in blank space (1)?
What would come in blank space (2)?
What would come in blank space (3)?
What would come in blank space (4)?
What would come in blank space (6)?
