Introduction / Context:
This cloze passage sentence focuses on vocabulary and collocations used to describe preparedness in the face of health risks. Health authorities are talking about possible challenges in the coming months, so the missing word must express alertness and readiness. The options contain both correct and incorrect expressions, including one that is idiomatic only when completed as “on our toes”.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: “Last year too, the virus had claimed lives in January and February. Therefore, we are ____________ as coming months might pose a challenge.”
- Options: “vigilant”, “open to”, “on toes”, “impulsive”.
- We assume a formal statement by health officials about preparedness.
Concept / Approach:
The word required should convey that the officials are alert and watchful because of possible future problems. “Vigilant” is a standard adjective for careful watchfulness. “Open to” suggests willingness to consider ideas, which is not the idea here. “On toes” is incomplete; the idiom is “on our toes” or “on their toes”. “Impulsive” actually suggests acting without thinking, which is the opposite of careful preparation. Therefore, “vigilant” best fits both meaning and tone.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the implied meaning: because the virus has claimed lives in the past, the authorities now want to be cautious and alert.
Step 2: Check “vigilant”: to be vigilant means to remain watchful and alert to danger, which suits this context perfectly.
Step 3: Check “open to”: usually used in expressions like “open to suggestions” or “open to criticism”, not about dealing with disease challenges.
Step 4: Check “on toes”: grammatically incomplete; the idiomatic phrase is “on one's toes” or “on their toes”, so “on toes” alone is incorrect.
Step 5: Check “impulsive”: describes hasty behaviour, not cautious planning. It contradicts the idea of careful preparedness.
Step 6: Conclude that “vigilant” is the only option that is both grammatically correct and semantically appropriate.
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute “vigilant” into the sentence: “Therefore, we are vigilant as coming months might pose a challenge.”
The sentence now reads like a solid official statement, showing alertness and concern.
No other option produces a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence in this formal context.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (open to): Suggests willingness to accept or consider something, not proactive watchfulness.
Option C (on toes): Lacks a possessive determiner (our/their). “On toes” by itself is incorrect and unidiomatic.
Option D (impulsive): Opposite of careful and deliberate; officials dealing with a virus should not be impulsive.
Common Pitfalls:
Some test-takers may be attracted to “on toes” because they remember hearing “on one's toes”, but they miss the grammatical incompleteness.
Others may select a word merely because it sounds impressive, without checking if it is positive or negative in meaning.
Ignoring the tone of official health communication can also lead to incorrect choices; such statements favour precise, formal words like “vigilant”.
Final Answer:
The blank should be filled with “vigilant”, giving “Therefore, we are vigilant as coming months might pose a challenge.”
Discussion & Comments