Fill in the blank with the most appropriate verb: Mangoes do not __________ all at the same time. Hence, they are not plucked on the same day.

Introduction / Context:
This sentence completion question tests understanding of vocabulary and context. The sentence describes a natural process in fruit trees and explains why mangoes are not all plucked on the same day. The correct verb must describe the stage when the fruit becomes ready to eat, not when it first appears or begins to develop.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: Mangoes do not __________ all at the same time. Hence, they are not plucked on the same day.
• The missing word is a verb that describes what mangoes do at different times.
• Options include "ripen," "germinate," "grow," "age," and "sprout."
• The second sentence mentions "plucked," which implies readiness for harvest or eating.

Concept / Approach:
Fruit is plucked when it becomes ripe, that is, when it develops a suitable colour, texture, and sweetness for eating. The verb for this process is "to ripen." "Germinate" applies to seeds starting to grow into plants. "Sprout" refers to the first small shoots appearing. "Grow" is a general term that does not specifically mean becoming ready to eat, and "age" simply means getting older. Therefore, "ripen" is the exact verb that matches the idea of being ready for harvest.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Focus on the clue in the second sentence, "Hence, they are not plucked on the same day." This clearly refers to harvesting fruit when it is ready. Step 2: Recall that fruit is harvested when it becomes ripe; the process is called "ripening." Step 3: Replace the blank with "ripen": "Mangoes do not ripen all at the same time." This makes logical sense. Step 4: Check the other options to confirm that none of them fit as naturally or precisely as "ripen."

Verification / Alternative check:
In everyday agricultural and household language, people say "The mangoes are ripening," "These bananas ripen quickly," or "The fruit has not ripened yet." The word "ripen" specifically connects to the readiness of fruit. Thus the completed sentence "Mangoes do not ripen all at the same time. Hence, they are not plucked on the same day." is both grammatically correct and factually accurate. Substituting any other option makes the logic weaker or incorrect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option B: "germinate" refers to seeds starting to grow into plants, not to fruit becoming ready to eat. Option C: "grow" is too general; fruit can grow in size without being ripe. Option D: "age" means "get older" but does not necessarily indicate edible maturity. Option E: "sprout" is used when a seed or plant produces new shoots, not when fruit is ready for harvesting.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose general growth words like "grow" or "age" because they seem connected to plants and time. However, examinations often require the most precise term that matches the specific stage of a process. Learning the exact words used in agriculture and biology, such as "germinate," "sprout," "grow," and "ripen," helps avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct verb is ripen, so the sentence should read: "Mangoes do not ripen all at the same time."