In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and then select the option that best fills the blank: It is a sentiment that binds together all people in one _____ bond no matter what their religion, caste, language or history may be.

Introduction / Context:
This sentence further develops the passage on national integration by specifying the nature of the bond that unites people. The phrase “one _____ bond” describes the kind of connection all citizens share despite their differences. Your task is to choose the adjective that best completes this familiar expression in political and social writing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence fragment: “It is a sentiment that binds together all people in one _____ bond no matter what their religion, caste, language or history may be.”
• Options: real, common, nominal, similar.
• The idea of national integration emphasises unity and shared identity.
• The expression “common bond” is a regular collocation in English.

Concept / Approach:
In English, the phrase common bond is frequently used to describe a connection or shared feeling that links different people together. It suggests that, despite differences, they all share something important. This fits perfectly with national integration. Real bond would emphasise existence but not the shared nature. Nominal bond would suggest only in name, not in reality, which contradicts the positive message. Similar bond also sounds awkward and less idiomatic than common bond.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Look at the phrase pattern: “one _____ bond”. Ask which adjective normally appears before bond in discussions of unity.Common bond is a standard expression in textbooks and speeches about unity and shared purpose.Real bond is grammatically possible but does not emphasise the idea of shared identity across groups.Nominal bond suggests something existing only in name, which contradicts the idea of strong national integration.Similar bond is not a common collocation and does not sound natural in this context.Therefore, common is the most appropriate and idiomatic choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the whole sentence with the chosen word: “It is a sentiment that binds together all people in one common bond no matter what their religion, caste, language or history may be.” This reads like a typical definition of national integration in civics or social science books. Replacing common with real or nominal changes the tone and clarity. “One nominal bond” would even suggest a weak or fake connection, which clearly is not what the passage intends.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Real bond would stress authenticity, but the key idea here is not whether the bond is real; rather, it is that the bond is shared by all groups. Nominal bond would mean in name only, weakening the positive and unifying message of the passage. Similar bond sounds awkward and does not highlight that all people share the same bond, not just similar ones. Only common bond captures the idea of a shared national feeling joining everyone together.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be tempted by real because it sounds positive, but high quality cloze tests often rely on fixed college level collocations rather than general positive words. When you see bond in a context of unity, keep in mind the very frequent expression common bond. This awareness will help you quickly select the right answer under exam pressure.

Final Answer:
The blank should be filled with common, giving: “binds together all people in one common bond…”