Cloze Test — Set 6
Questions 51–60 of 160
In the early days of aviation, pilots _____ (A) extreme risks flying _____ (B) aircraft. Safety equipment was _____ (C), and many accidents _____ (D). Despite these dangers, the pioneering spirit _____ (E) explorers forward. Blank A:
Correct Answer: A. took
'Took' is past tense, appropriate for 'early days' indicating historical events. Present tense 'take' doesn't fit historical context. 'Takes' is singular present, and 'taking' is gerund. Past tense correctly conveys historical narrative.
Pilots took extreme risks flying _____ (B) aircraft that had minimal safety features. Blank B:
Correct Answer: A. primitive
'Primitive' means basic and underdeveloped, fitting early aviation aircraft lacking safety. 'Modern', 'advanced', and 'sophisticated' contradict the hazardous conditions described. Primitive emphasizes the rudimentary technology of early flying machines.
Safety equipment was _____ (C), and many accidents occurred regularly. Blank C:
Correct Answer: A. nonexistent
'Nonexistent' means absent entirely, explaining why accidents occurred regularly. 'Abundant', 'adequate', and 'sufficient' suggest safety measures existed. The context of frequent accidents confirms safety equipment was absent.
Many accidents _____ (D) as a result of mechanical failure and pilot error. Blank D:
Correct Answer: A. occurred
'Occurred' is past tense, matching the historical context of early aviation. Present 'occurs/occur' and gerund 'occurring' don't fit. Past tense correctly narrates historical events.
Despite these dangers, the pioneering spirit _____ (E) explorers forward in their quest for flight. Blank E:
Correct Answer: A. drove
'Drove' is past tense, consistent with the historical narrative of early aviation. Present 'drives/drive' don't fit historical context. Past 'drove' correctly shows how pioneering spirit motivated early aviators.
The industrial revolution _____ (A) society dramatically. Factories _____ (B) established in cities, and millions _____ (C) to urban areas. Working conditions _____ (D) often dangerous. Yet, the economic growth was _____ (E). Blank A:
Correct Answer: A. transformed
'Transformed' is past tense for a historical event. The industrial revolution is a historical phenomenon, so past tense is appropriate. Present forms don't fit historical context. 'Transformed' correctly narrates this pivotal change.
Factories _____ (B) established in cities to produce goods on a massive scale. Blank B:
Correct Answer: A. were
'Were' is past plural passive voice for 'factories' (plural). Past tense matches the historical revolution. 'Are' is present, 'was' is singular, and 'being' is incomplete. 'Were' correctly shows factories were built during this period.
Millions migrated to urban areas seeking factory work. Working conditions _____ (C) often dangerous and exploitative. Blank C:
Correct Answer: A. were
'Were' is past plural passive for 'conditions' (plural). Historical narrative requires past tense. 'Are' is present, 'was' is singular, and 'being' is incomplete. 'Were' correctly describes historical working conditions.
Yet, the economic growth _____ (D) unprecedented, leading to unprecedented prosperity. Blank D:
Correct Answer: A. was
'Was' is past singular for 'growth' (singular noun). Past tense fits the historical narrative. 'Were' is plural, 'is' is present, and 'being' is incomplete. 'Was' correctly shows past economic conditions.
The economic growth was _____ (E), establishing the foundation of modern economies. Blank E:
Correct Answer: A. unprecedented
'Unprecedented' means never done or experienced before, fitting revolutionary economic transformation. 'Ordinary', 'typical', and 'modest' understate the massive change. Unprecedented emphasizes the extraordinary nature of industrial growth.