Passage Analysis for Blank (2)

The question asks us to select the most appropriate word for blank (2) within the provided passage. The specific sentence is: "There are___ (2) ___of___ (3) ___in the industrial countries...". This sentence is part of a larger discussion about a global economic recession and aims to describe the situation observed in industrial nations.

Evaluating Word Choices for Industrial Countries

We need to consider which of the given options best fits the structure "There are ___ of ___" and makes sense in the context of an economic recession:

• Glimpses: If 'Glimpses' fills blank (2), the phrase becomes "There are glimpses of ___". This suggests that partial or brief views of something are observable. In the context of an economic downturn, this implies that the initial signs or indications of problems are becoming apparent in industrial countries.
• Studies: Choosing 'Studies' would result in "There are studies of ___". This refers to research being conducted. While studies might exist about the recession, this option focuses on the act of researching rather than the observable economic situation itself.
• Risks: Selecting 'Risks' leads to "There are risks of ___". This indicates potential future dangers or negative outcomes. For example, "There are risks of unemployment". This is a plausible option, highlighting potential negative consequences.
• Tips: Using 'Tips' creates "There are tips of ___". This phrase is contextually inappropriate for a discussion about economic recessions, as 'tips' typically refers to advice.

Contextual Appropriateness for Recession Scenario

The passage describes a severe world economy recession. The sentence containing blank (2) aims to detail what is observable within industrial countries as part of this recession. The phrase "There are glimpses of..." effectively conveys that the negative economic impacts are starting to be seen or noticed. This aligns well with the overall theme of economic difficulty described throughout the passage, suggesting that the initial effects of the recession are becoming visible in these economies.

Determining the Best Fit for the Passage

Considering the context of an ongoing recession and the need to describe observable phenomena, 'Glimpses' fits the blank effectively. It suggests that partial or brief signs of the economic downturn are present and noticeable within the industrial countries, contributing to the overall picture of economic hardship painted by the passage.