Blank (1) Analysis: World Economy Recession

The question asks us to fill in the blank (1) in the sentence: "The world economy is in recession; the deepest and widest___ (1) ___the 1930s." We need to choose the most appropriate word from the given options to complete this comparison.

Understanding the Context

The sentence compares the current recession to historical economic downturns. Specifically, it describes the current situation as the "deepest and widest" since a particular historical point, which is the 1930s. This implies a comparison over a period of time starting from the 1930s up to the present.

Evaluating Options for Blank (1)

Let's examine each option to see how it fits the context:

• Option 1: By

  Using "By" would suggest a deadline or a method, like "by the end of the 1930s". This doesn't fit the meaning of comparing the depth and width of a recession over time.

• Option 2: For

  Using "For" typically indicates duration or purpose, such as "for the 1930s". This doesn't create a logical comparison for the depth and width of a recession extending over time.

• Option 3: On

  Using "On" usually refers to a specific date or topic, like "on the 1930s". This doesn't make sense in the context of comparing the extent of a recession across a time span.

• Option 4: Since

  Using "Since" establishes a starting point in time for comparison. The phrase "the deepest and widest since the 1930s" correctly conveys that the current recession surpasses any recession that has occurred after the 1930s, making it the most severe in that period.

Conclusion for Blank (1)

The word "Since" correctly links the current recession's severity (deepest and widest) to the period starting from the 1930s. It establishes the 1930s as the benchmark year, indicating that no recession since that time has been as severe.