In the following question, the sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four: Teach them early on about what to _____.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: avoid

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This blank comes from the same hygiene themed passage about children. After stating that children are vulnerable to hygiene-related disorders, the passage advises parents and caregivers on what to teach them. The sentence focuses on teaching children what things or behaviours they should stay away from in order to remain healthy.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence fragment: “Teach them early on about what to _____.”
  • Options: avoid, read, right, learn.
  • The larger passage already mentions skin issues, rashes, infections and wounds, and emphasises precautionary measures.
  • We assume the advice is about preventing contact with sources of infection or unhealthy practices.


Concept / Approach:
In health and hygiene guidance, a very common pattern is teach children what to avoid, for example dirty water, unwashed food, or sharing personal items. The verb avoid means to keep away from something that may be harmful or unpleasant. Read, right and learn do not naturally follow what to in this context, especially when the subject is hygiene-related disorders and prevention.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Check “Teach them early on about what to avoid.” This clearly connects to staying away from unhygienic objects and actions.Check “Teach them early on about what to read.” That would make sense in a reading or education context, but the passage is about hygiene and illness, not books.Check “Teach them early on about what to right.” This is ungrammatical; right is not used as a verb in this way.Check “Teach them early on about what to learn.” This sounds redundant and vague, and does not specifically adress hygiene.Thus, avoid is the only verb that fits both the structure and the hygiene context.


Verification / Alternative check:
Read the full passage segment with the correct word inserted into each sentence: hygiene should become a habit; children are susceptible to hygiene-related disorders; teach them early on about what to avoid; teach them that taking a few precautionary measures is imperative. The sequence becomes a coherent set of instructions about staying away from sources of infection and using preventive actions.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Read shifts the sentence into an unrelated topic of reading material. Right is the opposite of wrong and does not work here as an infinitive verb. Learn would suggest a focus on general education rather than specific hygienic behaviours to avoid. None of these options point directly to the idea of staying away from harmful objects or habits, which is central to a discussion on preventing infections.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be tempted by learn because it is commonly used after teach, but the wording “teach them what to learn” is awkward and repetitive. In cloze tests, examiners usually expect a verb that makes a strong, precise collocation with what to and the surrounding context. Remember that in the context of danger or disease, what to avoid is a frequent and important phrase.


Final Answer:
The blank should be filled with avoid, giving “Teach them early on about what to avoid.”

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion