Fill in the blank with the most suitable adverb: "For a moment I was __________ blinded by the camera flash."

Introduction / Context:
This sentence completion question checks your sense of natural English collocations. The sentence is: "For a moment I was __________ blinded by the camera flash." The blank requires an adverb that describes the extent to which the person was blinded. While several adverbs can theoretically combine with "blinded", English usage prefers some combinations over others, and the exam expects the most idiomatic one.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: "For a moment I was __________ blinded by the camera flash."
• Options: "heavily", "totally", "greatly", "powerfully", "strongly".
• The context is a brief, intense experience caused by bright light.
• We assume standard conversational and descriptive English usage.

Concept / Approach:
In English, when describing the temporary effect of bright light on vision, common expressions include "completely blinded", "totally blinded", or "temporarily blinded". Among the options given, "totally" is the one that most naturally combines with "blinded". While words like "strongly" or "greatly" may sometimes be used with verbs or adjectives, they are not usual collocations with "blinded" in this context. Therefore, the task is mainly about choosing the adverb that native speakers most commonly use with this verb.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the meaning. The speaker could not see properly for a moment because of the bright camera flash. Step 2: Recall typical phrases: people often say "totally blinded by the light" or "completely blinded by the flash". Step 3: Check option "totally". The phrase "totally blinded" is common and idiomatic, indicating complete loss of vision for that moment. Step 4: Check option "heavily". This usually collocates with actions like "heavily taxed", "heavily polluted", or "heavily armed", not with "blinded". Step 5: Check option "greatly". This adverb often modifies emotions or degrees of appreciation, as in "greatly appreciated", but "greatly blinded" is unusual. Step 6: Check option "powerfully". This tends to modify actions or forces, such as "powerfully built" or "powerfully motivated"; "powerfully blinded" is not standard. Step 7: Check "strongly". It is normally used with opinions or feelings, as in "strongly disagree". "Strongly blinded" is again not idiomatic. Step 8: Conclude that "totally" is the correct and natural sounding choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine alternative descriptions: "For a moment I was totally blinded by the camera flash" immediately sounds natural and vivid. By contrast, "heavily blinded" or "greatly blinded" sounds odd to native ears. News reports and personal narratives frequently use phrases such as "The driver was temporarily blinded by the sun" or "The diver was totally blinded by the underwater light", reinforcing the standard collocation with "totally" or "completely".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Heavily" tends to describe weight, density, or intensity in contexts different from vision, for example "heavily crowded" or "heavily dependent". "Greatly" is used for degree of emotion or appreciation, not usually for sensory loss. "Powerfully" suggests strength of force rather than the resulting visual effect. "Strongly" modifies attitudes and recommendations more than physical states. None of these options match the natural phrasing of being blinded by light.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes think any adverb that suggests intensity can be used anywhere, but English has strong preferences for certain word combinations. Memorising some common collocations, such as "totally blind", "completely destroyed", or "heavily armed", helps avoid awkward or incorrect combinations. Reading authentic texts and noticing which adverbs repeatedly appear with particular verbs is an effective way to build this skill.

Final Answer:
The correct adverb is "totally", giving the sentence "For a moment I was totally blinded by the camera flash."