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Fill in the blank with the correct verb: Good reading ______ the sense of a liberally educated mind.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: reflects

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

This question checks both vocabulary and understanding of collocations in English. Collocations are natural word pairings used by native speakers. The sentence describes the influence of good reading on mental habits or attitudes. The verb that naturally combines with "the sense of a liberally educated mind" must express representation or expression of that quality rather than mere beginning or causation.


Given Data / Assumptions:

- The sentence given is "Good reading ______ the sense of liberal educated mind." - The options are beliefs, leads, reflects, and starts. - The phrase "the sense of a liberally educated mind" suggests an inner quality or attitude.


Concept / Approach:

In English, we often say that something reflects a quality when it reveals or shows that quality. For example, "His behaviour reflects good upbringing." Here, good reading reflects the sense of a liberally educated mind. Options like leads and starts suggest causation but do not fit the pattern as naturally as reflects, and beliefs is a noun, not a verb, so it cannot fit grammatically in the blank.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Identify the grammatical requirement: the blank must be filled with a verb that agrees with the singular subject "Good reading". 2. Observe that option A "beliefs" is a plural noun, so it cannot serve as a verb in this position. 3. Compare "leads" and "starts"; both can grammatically fit but do not match the intended meaning of revealing or expressing an already existing educated outlook. 4. Check "reflects"; it is a singular verb that means shows, reveals, or gives an image of something. 5. Recreate the full sentence: "Good reading reflects the sense of a liberally educated mind." This sounds natural and meaningful. 6. Therefore, "reflects" is the best choice.


Verification / Alternative check:

Use similar structures for confirmation, such as "His speech reflects his education" or "Your writing reflects your way of thinking". The verb reflect fits perfectly in such contexts. Applying this pattern to the given sentence reinforces that "Good reading reflects the sense of a liberally educated mind" is the most idiomatic and logical construction. Using leads or starts would imply that the sense of an educated mind appears after reading, which weakens the intended meaning.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Beliefs: This is a plural noun and cannot function as the main verb of the sentence. Leads: Although grammatically possible, it suggests only causation and does not capture the idea of displaying or indicating the quality of being liberally educated. Starts: Implies beginning something and does not naturally combine with "the sense of a liberally educated mind".


Common Pitfalls:

Many students focus only on grammar and choose the first verb that seems to fit without checking the natural meaning and collocation. However, examination questions often require you to think about how educated writers actually combine words. Remember that good habits, behaviour, and work are said to reflect character or training, which is why reflects is the best answer here.


Final Answer:

The correct verb is reflects, so the full sentence reads "Good reading reflects the sense of a liberally educated mind".

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