In the following passage, some words have been left out. Select the correct answer for the blank. ______________ reader can add to the list and to the possibilities of a new ethical and moral politics that is being discussed.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Each

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

This question is part of a cloze passage, where several blanks must be filled with appropriate words. The sentence here talks about readers adding to a list and to the possibilities of a new ethical and moral politics. The aim is to choose a pronoun or determiner that fits both grammatically and logically when placed before reader, while matching the formal tone of the passage.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence fragment: ______________ reader can add to the list and to the possibilities of a new ethical and moral politics.
  • Options: One, Some, Each, Anyone.
  • The sentence is part of a reflective discussion on ethics and politics, probably in a formal article.
  • We assume that the writer wishes to emphasise that every reader, individually, has the capacity to contribute.


Concept / Approach:

We must choose a word that can be followed directly by the singular countable noun reader and still produce a natural sounding phrase in philosophical or academic writing. Both One reader and Each reader are grammatically possible, but their meanings differ slightly. One reader focuses on a single unspecified person, while Each reader suggests that every individual reader has this ability. The flow of the passage suggests inclusiveness rather than pointing to a single reader, which favours Each. Some reader is unusual in positive statements, and Anyone reader is ungrammatical.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Test One reader can add to the list. This is grammatically correct but suggests just a single reader, not all readers. Step 2: Test Some reader can add to the list. In standard English, some is not usually used directly before a singular noun like reader in this way, unless in expressions such as some reader or other, which is not the case here. Step 3: Test Each reader can add to the list. This is grammatically correct and emphasises that every reader has this potential. Step 4: Test Anyone reader can add to the list. This is wrong, because anyone already functions as a pronoun and is not followed by another noun like reader. Step 5: Considering both grammar and the inclusive, reflective tone, Each reader is the best fit.


Verification / Alternative check:

Read the full sentence with Each inserted: Each reader can add to the list and to the possibilities of a new ethical and moral politics. This line fits naturally in an essay that invites all readers to contribute ideas. Using One instead would weaken that inclusive sense. Standard academic writing often uses Each reader in similar contexts, which confirms that this option is most appropriate.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

One is less suitable because it does not clearly convey that the statement is meant for every reader; it merely identifies an unspecified single reader.

Some is awkward in this position and sounds incomplete or colloquial, not matching the formal tone of the passage.

Anyone reader is ungrammatical, since anyone already contains the idea of any person and should not be combined directly with reader.


Common Pitfalls:

A frequent pitfall in cloze tests is choosing words that seem roughly right without checking for fine differences in meaning and collocation. Another mistake is ignoring the broader style of the passage; in a philosophical or ethical discussion, more formal and inclusive expressions like Each reader are preferred over casual or loosely structured phrases.


Final Answer:

The correct word for the blank is Each, giving Each reader can add to the list.

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