Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: familiarity
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on vocabulary and correct form of words. The sentence speaks about “repetition” and how it leads to a certain “sense of” something with the characters, most likely from a story, film, or play. The learner must choose the word that fits both grammatically and semantically in the blank. Options include a noun, an adjective, an adverb, and a verb form of the same root, so deciding the correct part of speech is essential.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: “Repetition bred a sense of _____________ with the characters.”- Option A: “familiarity”- Option B: “familiar”- Option C: “familiarly”- Option D: “familiarise”- We assume “sense of” should be followed by a noun indicating a feeling or state.
Concept / Approach:
In English, the expression “a sense of” is typically followed by a noun, such as “a sense of pride,” “a sense of loss” or “a sense of familiarity.” Hence, the correct option must be a noun. The core idea here is that encountering the characters repeatedly makes the reader or viewer feel more acquainted with them. The noun “familiarity” expresses that feeling. We also need to reject forms that are adjectives, adverbs, or verbs if they do not fit the required grammatical pattern.
Step-by-Step Solution:
First, identify the grammatical structure. The phrase “a sense of” is followed by a blank. The word that comes here must function as a noun.Option A, “familiarity,” is a noun meaning “the state of being well known to someone” or “close acquaintance.” The phrase “sense of familiarity” is a standard expression and fits perfectly with the idea that repetition makes us feel closer to characters.Option B, “familiar,” is an adjective that normally comes before a noun, as in “familiar faces” or after a linking verb, as in “I am familiar with the subject.” It cannot directly follow “sense of” in this structure.Option C, “familiarly,” is an adverb describing the manner in which something is done, for example “He spoke familiarly.” Adverbs do not fill the slot after “sense of.”Option D, “familiarise,” is a verb meaning “to make someone familiar with something.” It does not fit as a noun in this context.Therefore, Option A “familiarity” is the only grammatically and semantically suitable choice.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can test each option inside the sentence. “Repetition bred a sense of familiarity with the characters” is a smooth and natural sentence in English. It clearly conveys that repeatedly encountering the characters made the audience feel more at ease and more connected with them. The other versions, such as “a sense of familiar,” “a sense of familiarly,” and “a sense of familiarise” are either ungrammatical or meaningless. This confirms that “familiarity” is the right answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Familiar” is wrong because it is an adjective and cannot directly follow “sense of” without a noun.“Familiarly” is wrong due to being an adverb; it does not fit the noun slot required by the structure.“Familiarise” is wrong because it is a verb, and the sentence does not require an action word but a noun expressing a state or feeling.
Common Pitfalls:
Many learners focus on the root word “familiar” and may choose it without checking the part of speech. Another pitfall is assuming that any form related to the correct root word is acceptable. Sentence completion questions often test this distinction. A useful strategy is to identify fixed phrases such as “sense of familiarity” and remember that “sense of” almost always requires a noun.
Final Answer:
The correct word that completes the sentence is the noun familiarity, giving the phrase “a sense of familiarity with the characters.”
Discussion & Comments