Question

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 5.

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 standard of living of any country means the average (1)________ share of the goods and services which the country produces. A country’s standard of living, therefore, (2)________ first and foremost on its capacity to produce wealth. ‘Wealth’, in this sense, is not money, for we do not live (3)________ money but on things that money (4)________ buy; ‘goods’ such as food and clothing and ‘services’ such as transport and entertainment. A country’s capacity to produce wealth depends upon many factors, most of which have an effect on one another. Wealth depends to a great extent (5)________ a country’s natural resources, such as coal, gold and other minerals, water supply and so on.

• A. over
• B. upon
• C. with
• D. in

Answer 1

Answer:

B. upon

The choice of the word "upon" is governed by the rules of fixed prepositions associated with the verb "depend." In English, the standard idiomatic construction is "depend on" or "depend upon." While both are grammatically correct and interchangeable, "upon" is often preferred in more formal or academic writing to indicate a relationship of reliance or causality. In this sentence, the author is explaining that a country's wealth is contingent on its natural resources. Option A ("over"), Option C ("with"), and Option D ("in") do not form a correct phrasal verb with "depend" in this context and would lead to an ungrammatical sentence. Using "upon" maintains the formal tone established at the beginning of the passage and correctly links the concept of wealth to its foundational factors.