English Questions: Fill in the Blanks 145

Directions(1-5): A sentence with one blank is given, indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the word that best fits the blank.

1. You should not try to _______ your children for not studying properly.
   Domineering
   Browbeat
   Bluster
   Bemean
   None of these
   Option B
   Browbeat (verb)– intimidate (someone), typically into doing something, with stern or abusive words
   Domineer- assert one's will over another in an arrogant way
   Extend- cause to cover a wider area; make larger
   Bemoan- express discontent or sorrow over (something)
   
    



2. Carmen grabbed a _________of wood from the box and jerked the stove door open.
   Tumult
   Chunk
   Retracted
   Uproar
   None of these
   Option B
   Chunk (noun) –a thick, solid piece of something
   
    



3. You will miss a great opportunity if you ________ instead of accepting the job offer!
   Vacillate
   Foment
   Trite
   Befuddled
   None of these
   Option A
   Vacillate– waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive
   Foment- instigate or stir up
   Trite- dull on account of overuse
   Befuddle- cause to become unable to think clearly
   
    



4. The soldiers __________ their equipment with branches and leaves.
   Moribund
   Accessed
   Camouflaged
   Increased
   None of these
   Option C
   Camouflage – noun – a means or attempt to conceal something
   Moribund- (of a person) at the point of death
   
    



5. My friend, Rima, is so _________ in her talks that no one is able to guess her age.
   Upswing
   Stipulation
   Precocious
   Homage
   None of these
   Option C
   Precocious – having mature qualities at an unusually early age
   Upswing- an increase in strength or quantity; an upward trend
   Stipulation- a condition or requirement that is specified or demanded as part of an agreement
   Homage- special honour or respect shown publicly.
   
    


Directions(6-10): In the given question, a statement with a blank has been given, followed by three word out of which more than one can complete the sentence grammatically and contextually. Find the word (s) which can fill the blank and choose the option accordingly.


6. The party's ________________ were based on prejudice rather than on any coherent ideology.
   I. Basis
   II. Policies
   III. Founders
   Only I
   Only II
   Only III
   Both I & II
   Both I & III
   Option B
   The blank requires a plural noun as it followed by 'were'. 'Basis' is singular. So, option I is wrong.
   Founders refer to the people who established the party. People can't be based on something. So, option III is also wrong. Hence, the correct answer is B.
   
    



7. The book is hard to obtain, because of ________________ demand following the author's appearance on TV.
   I. Excess
   II. Access
   III. Assess
   Only I
   Only II
   Only III
   Both I & II
   Both I & III
   Option A
   The blank requires an adjective. 'Access' and 'assess' are verbs and 'excess' is an adjective. Hence, the correct answer is A.
   
   
    



8. The company's spending has also ________________ following the launch of a new Sunday magazine.
   I. Risen
   II. Made
   III. Decreased
   Only I
   Only II
   Only III
   Both I & II
   Both I & III
   Option D
   Here, 'spending' is used as a gerund. The verb in the blank must suitable for this gerund. 'Spending' cannot be made. It can, however, rise or decrease. Hence, the correct answer is D.
   
    



9. Lewis was annoyed that Adam did not show ________________ respect and deference to him.
   I. Multiple
   II. Enough
   III. Least
   Only I
   Only II
   Only III
   Both I & II
   Both I & III
   Option B
   'Multiple' is used for countable nouns. 'Respect' is not countable. Option I is wrong.
   People don't get annoyed when they are not least respected. So, option II is also wrong.
   Hence, the correct answer is B.
   
    



10. The novel's early readers were understandably annoyed at having their narrative expectations constantly ________________.
    I. Validate
    II. Disappointing
    III. Thwarted
    Only I
    Only II
    Only III
    Both I & II
    Both I & III
    Option C
    The tense of the sentence is simple past tense and thus the verb in the blank should also be in simple past. Hence, the correct answer is C.