Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
For many, winter means fun with shorter days, layers of clothing and the warmth of blankets, but not everyone feels the same. It is a hard-to-digest fact for many that winter is not my favourite season. The overwhelming (1) of putting on layers of clothing that hinder free movement, the absence of sunshine that slows down my mental processes, cold extremities and the widespread lethargy in people around me, all contribute to my (2) with winter. However, when I see others, it becomes apparent that many cherish the season. Perhaps, there is an unnoticed art of enjoying winter which I am ignorant of. One of the primary reasons people seem to cherish winter is the feeling of (3) it brings. As the temperature drops, individuals find comfort in curling up in warm blankets, sipping hot coffee, and staying indoors. This embrace of stillness and comfort during the colder months can be linked to a psychological phenomenon known as “hygge”, a Danish concept that encompasses a feeling of cosiness, contentment and (4). For many, winter serves as a perfect time to practise “hygge”, which creates a sense of warmth and security in the chilly weather. Moreover, the absence of sunlight in winter can impact individuals differently. While I find myself mentally slowing down and emotionally confused, others may find decreased light as an (5) to relax and calm them. A vast body of psychological experiments and studies suggest that exposure to natural light plays a vital role in regulating mood and sleep. The (6) fondness for the winter’s pause may be deeply rooted in the need for comfort, relaxation, and psychological healing.
Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (1)?
- AOption (a)
serenity
- BOption (b)
excitement
- COption (c)
frustration
- DOption (d)
dexterity
- EOption (e)
satisfaction
View answer & explanationHide answer & explanation
Correct answer
frustration
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is option 3.
Key Points
To answer this question, let's first understand the context of the sentence containing the blank labelled as (1):
The overwhelming (1) of putting on layers of clothing that hinder free movement, the absence of sunshine that slows down my mental processes, cold extremities and the widespread lethargy in people around me, all contribute to my (2) with winter.
- This sentence describes negative aspects associated with winter, such as putting on layers of clothing, lack of sunshine, and lethargy.
- Blank (1) should be filled with a word indicating a negative emotion or experience.
- Now, let's understand the meanings of the given words as options:
- Serenity - the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled (शांति)
- For Example -
- Amidst the chaos, she found solace in the gentle embrace of nature, embracing serenity.
- Excitement - the state of being emotionally aroused and eager (उत्साह)
- For Example -
- The children's excitement was palpable as they waited for the amusement park rides to start.
- Frustration - the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of the inability to change or achieve something (आकुलता)
- For Example -
- The constant technical glitches in the software led to frustration among the users.
- Dexterity - skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands (कुशलता)
- For Example -
- The juggler's dexterity amazed the audience as he flawlessly tossed and caught the objects in the air.
- Satisfaction - the fulfilment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this (तृप्ति)
- For Example -
- Completing the project ahead of schedule gave the team a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
- So, given the context of the sentence and the negative aspects associated with winter, the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (1) is "frustration." It aligns with the idea that the overwhelming frustration of dealing with layers of clothing, lack of sunshine, and lethargy contributes to the speaker's dislike of winter.
- Therefore, the correct answer is "frustration."
- The complete sentence would be: "The overwhelming frustration of putting on layers of clothing that hinder free movement, the absence of sunshine that slows down my mental processes, cold extremities and the widespread lethargy in people around me, all contribute to my (2) with winter."