Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: requirements
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question is part of a cloze test passage on energy in India. Cloze tests evaluate your ability to understand context and choose words that fit both grammatically and logically. The sentence talks about energy in India being met from commercial and non commercial sources. You must decide which noun best completes the structure The _____ of energy in India are met from both commercial and non commercial sources.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The idiomatic expression in English is the requirements of something are met or the needs of something are met. We usually meet requirements or demands, not sources or availability. The word lessen is a verb and does not fit the noun position in this structure. Therefore, the most suitable word is requirements, which refers to the total energy needed by the country and which can be met by different sources.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Consider similar expressions: The requirements of food for a large city are met by neighbouring agricultural regions. The energy requirements of industry are met by various sources. In each case, requirements works perfectly with are met. Substituting sources in these sentences sounds unnatural, which confirms that requirements is the correct answer for this passage as well. The overall theme of the passage is energy demand and supply, and requirements nicely captures the idea of demand.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes hurry and choose sources because the sentence also mentions sources of energy. However, a careful look shows that sources already appear in the sentence as commercial and non commercial sources. The blank needs a different word that shows what is being satisfied by these sources. Remember to pay attention to verbs like are met, which strongly guide you toward specific collocations such as requirements or needs.
Final Answer:
The correct word for the first blank is requirements.
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