Verbal Ability - 3

Directions: The following sentence has been divided into four parts 'a', 'b', 'c' and 'd'. Mark the part which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.

(a) I remember very well that one
(b) of the first things he used to do
(c) after entering the class was to ask the boys to
(d) open their text book on some page or the other.

Directions: In the question below is given a statement, followed by several conclusions. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true, and then decide which of the conclusions logically follow(s) the information given in the statement.

Statement: Anything can be bought with money.
Conclusions:

(I) Money has the purchasing power.
(II) A definite value exists for everything.
(III) A barter system is non-existent.

Directions: In the question below is given a statement, followed by several conclusions. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true, and then decide which of the conclusions logically follow(s) the information given in the statement.

Statement: Business is the best option for making money, still people prefer to go for service.
Conclusions:

(I) People do not like money.
(II) Business carries a risk factor as well.
(III) Jobs are available.

Directions: In the question below, a statement is given, followed by several conclusions. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true and then decide which of the conclusions logically follow(s) the information given in the statement.

Statement: Competitive examinations are conducted by the organisation to select bright candidates.

Conclusions:
(I) Organisations need bright candidates.
(II) Bright candidates cannot be selected through any other tests.
(III) The ratio of the number of applicants to that of vacancies is very high.

The disparity in the quantum of machine production in India and that in other countries leads to _______.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

According to the passage, assembling imported components into machine proves ultimately ________.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

According to the passage, all the following factors are responsible for high cost of Indian machines EXCEPT ________.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

Which of the following statements is TRUE in the context of the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

If the banks' rate of interest in India is made at par with that in advanced countries, the cost of manufacturing of machine tools _____________.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the content of the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

The availability of Indian machine tool industry's help to small-scale industry is most likely to result in _________.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

Why do small and medium scale industries look for help from India's machine tool industry?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

Which of the following best explains the sentence ''It wants a level playing field'' as used in the passage?

The machine tool industry in India __________.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

Which of the following groups of statements is definitely TRUE in the context of the passage?

Statement (I) The vital role of India's machine tool industry has not been duly recognized by the Government.
Statement (II) Small-scale industry's performance can be further improved with the help from the Indian machine tool industry.
Statement (III) The author of the passage has not discussed all the factors which are responsible for high cost of Indian machines.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below it:­

Today the import duty on a complete machine is 35% for all practical purpose, whereas the import duty on raw materials and components ranges from 40-85%. The story does not end here. After paying such high import duties on component, once a machine is made, it suffers excise duty from 5% - 10% (including on the customs duty already paid). At the time of sale, the machine tools suffer further taxation, i.e. central sales tax or State sales taxes which range from 4% - 16%. This much for the tax angle. Another factor, which pushes the cost of manufacture of machine tools, is the very high rate of interest payable to banks ranging up to 22%, as against 4%-7% prevailing in advanced countries.
The production of machine tools in India being not of the same scale as it is in other countries, the price which India's machine tool builders have to pay for components is more or less based on pattern of high pricing applicable to the prices of spares. The above represents only a few of the extraneous reasons for the high cost of Indian machines.
The machines tool industry in India has an enviable record of very quick technology absorption, assimilation and development. There are a number of success stories about how machine tool builders were of help at the most critical times. It will be a pity, in fact a tragedy, if we allow this industry to die and disappear from the scene.
It is to be noted that India is at least 6000 km away from any dependable source of supply of machine tools. The Government of India has always given a great deal of importance to the development of small scale and medium scale industries. This industry has also performed pretty well. Today, they are in need of help from India's machine tool industry to enable them to produce quality components at reduced costs. Is it anybody's case that the needs of the fragile sector (which needs tender care) will be met from 6000 km away?
Then, what is it that the industry request from the Government? It wants a level playing field. In fact, all of us must have a deep introspection and recognize the fact that the machine tool industry has a very special place in the country from the point of strategic and vital interest of the nation. Most important, it requests for the Government's consideration and understanding.

Fill blank (iv).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (v).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (x).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (ii).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (vi).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (viii).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (ix).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (vii).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (i).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.

Fill blank (iii).

Directions: Study the following passage with some numbered blanks and answer the question that follows.

The Earth constricts. We imagine ourselves to be ____(i)____ in solitary confinement, ___(ii)____ crude coded messages on the ___(iii)____ wall and hoping for an answering tap - without which we stare at the ___(iv)____ possibility that we are truly, absolutely ___(v)____. Such an abyss may be infinitely more ___(vi)____ than the assumption of human inferiority, or may argue, conversely, for the divine ____(vii)____ and therefore preciousness of the human enterprise. The ____(viii)____ with extraterrestrial phenomena may reflect an ___(ix)____ of secrets and ___(x)___ of Earth and of earthy behaviour.