Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: forget
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The question is based on a short passage about yoga or wellness instructions. The focus is on choosing the correct verb that completes an imperative sentence: "dispel all the mental images and stereotypes; ________ the jargon of opening up, flow, nidra, and balance". This tests vocabulary, grammar, and the correct form of the verb in a parallel structure of commands, which is a common pattern in English usage questions for competitive exams.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key concept here is the use of imperative verbs in English. When giving direct instructions, English normally uses the base form of the verb without "to" and without a subject, for example: "Close the door", "Take a seat", "Forget the rules". When two imperatives are joined with a semicolon or conjunction, the verbs usually match in form. Therefore, after "dispel", we expect another base verb like "forget" to maintain parallel structure. We also need a word that conveys the meaning of ignoring or discarding jargon.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the structure "dispel all the mental images and stereotypes; ________ the jargon". Both parts are instructions to the reader.
Step 2: Recognise that "dispel" is in the base form imperative, so the missing word should also be in the base form to keep grammatical parallelism.
Step 3: Evaluate "forgetful". This is an adjective meaning inclined to forget and cannot function as an imperative verb.
Step 4: Evaluate "forget". This is the base verb that fits perfectly as an imperative: "Forget the jargon".
Step 5: Consider "forgot" and "forgotten". Both are past forms: "forgot" is the simple past, and "forgotten" is the past participle. Neither can be used directly as an imperative in this position.
Step 6: "Set aside" is a phrasal verb that could mean to ignore, but it does not match the co-text as naturally as the single-word verb "forget" and is not among the original four alternatives in the exam context.
Step 7: Conclude that "forget" is the most appropriate and grammatically correct choice.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify the choice by reading the full sentence with "forget": "For a minute, dispel all the mental images and stereotypes; forget the jargon of opening up, flow, nidra, and balance." This is smooth, natural English. Both "dispel" and "forget" are clear, direct commands that tell the reader to drop preconceived notions and technical language. If we substitute other options like "forgot" or "forgotten", the sentence becomes ungrammatical or awkward. Therefore, the selection of "forget" stands up to rechecking as the best answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"forgetful" is an adjective and cannot be used as an imperative verb in this sentence.
"forgot" is the simple past tense and does not fit because the sentence is an instruction, not a statement about the past.
"forgotten" is a past participle and would require an auxiliary verb to fit correctly; it cannot stand alone as an imperative.
"set aside", though related in meaning, is not the simple, direct verb that matches the parallel structure and is not the expected core vocabulary for this standard test item.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to be distracted by verb forms that feel familiar, such as "forgot" or "forgotten", and not to check whether they match the sentence type. Another pitfall is to choose "forgetful" simply because it is related in meaning, without noticing that an adjective cannot fulfil the grammatical role of the missing word. Exam candidates also sometimes ignore parallel structure and do not align the form of verbs before and after the semicolon, which can lead them away from the best answer.
Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the imperative instruction is forget, so the sentence should read "dispel all the mental images and stereotypes; forget the jargon of opening up, flow, nidra, and balance".
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