Fill blank (ix).

Directions: Read the following passage.

When we think of a ____(i)_____, we are likely to think of a _____(ii)____ place covered with sand. Well this is a good _____(iii)_____ of many deserts. However, the world's ___(iv)____ desert Antarctica is cold and chilly and covered with ____(v)____ all year round. The continent of Antarctica ____(vi)____ very little rainfall and the ___(vii)_____ does not hold much moisture. Being the most benumbed place on earth, it has an average temperature ___(viii)_____ usually falls below the stiffening point. It is considered a desert ___(xi)_____ it gets very little precipitation every year. Blizzards or snow storms are very common in this area. Thus, Antarctica is ____(x)_____ a cold desert.