Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: among
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This cloze test sentence deals with the relationships inside an institution. The phrase "inter-relationships _____________ and between its parts" requires the correct preposition to show how different parts are related to each other. The most natural choice is "among", which is typically used for relationships within a group of more than two items.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
"Among" is used when referring to individuals or elements within a group of three or more. The phrase "among and between its parts" is a stylistic way of emphasising both internal group relationships and pairwise relationships. Prepositions like "through", "for", and "from" do not fit the idea of mutual relationships within a group. Therefore, we choose "among" as the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify what "inter-relationships" refers to. It indicates how the different parts of the institution are connected with one another.
Step 2: In English, "relationships among parts" is a common phrase when more than two elements are involved.
Step 3: Option A, "among", fits this pattern: "inter-relationships among and between its parts".
Step 4: Option B, "through", would suggest movement or a process passing from one side to another, which does not match the idea of mutual relationships.
Step 5: Option C, "for", usually indicates purpose or benefit and does not describe connections between elements.
Step 6: Option D, "from", indicates origin or source, which again is not suitable here.
Step 7: Hence, "among" is the correct preposition.
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the full line with "among": "the inter-relationships among and between its parts." This is a standard phrase in academic writing that highlights that there are both complex group relationships and specific pair relationships. Substituting another option, for example "through", gives "inter-relationships through and between its parts", which sounds awkward and unclear. This reading test confirms that "among" is the best choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: "through" usually indicates movement across space or time, not mutual relationships among elements of a system.
Option C: "for" shows purpose or intended recipient, which does not express the idea of internal structure or connectivity.
Option D: "from" points to origin and cannot logically combine with "inter-relationships" in this context.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be distracted by the slightly unusual phrase "among and between" and think it is redundant. However, exam writers often use this combination to stress both general relationships and specific pairwise links within a system. The safe strategy is to focus on the most natural preposition that goes with "inter-relationships" in standard English, which is "among". Knowing typical collocations with abstract nouns like "relationship among", "link between", and "interaction among" greatly improves accuracy in such questions.
Final Answer:
The correct preposition is among, giving the phrase "inter-relationships among and between its parts".
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