Question

Comprehension: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. The newspaper is one of the significant signs of (1) ________ civilisation. It is the most popular form of reading in the (2) ________ times because it interests all sorts of people. It is full of political news, sports and commercial news, as well as articles by well-known writers. A newspaper keeps us (3) ______ entertained and informed. In these days of democracy, public opinion rules everywhere. (4) ________ government can long withstand the pressure of a strong public opinion. It is, therefore, quite clear that the press controls public opinion, and public opinion, in turn, controls the government. Ultimately, the press controls the government. It acts as an interpreter between the government and the people and brings the rulers and the ruled (5) ________. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

• A. modern
• B. prehistoric
• C. monolithic
• D. ancient

Answer 1

Answer:

A. modern

• Historical Context: The passage describes the newspaper as a "significant sign" of civilization. Mass-produced newspapers are a hallmark of the modern era, following the invention of the printing press and the rise of literacy. Supporting Clues: The very next blank (number 2) mentions "(2) ________ times," and the second paragraph mentions "democracy" and "public opinion." These are characteristics of modern society, not ancient or prehistoric ones. Logical Fit: Newspapers as we know them (containing sports, commercial news, and political updates) did not exist in ancient or prehistoric civilizations.