Comprehension: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read…
2024
Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
From the beginning (1)_________ the eighteenth century, the ladies of European cities covered (2)_______ faces in layers of paint and powder. This particular fashion was largely brought (3) __________ by the urgent need to disguise the ravages of smallpox, (4)_________ left their faces pitted and scarred. During this same period, the ‘beauty spot’ was introduced to cover (5) __________ a facial defect.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
- A.
on
- B.
to
- C.
for
- D.
up
Attempted by 41 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
The correct answer is Option D (up). The sentence requires a phrasal verb to complete the meaning of concealing or hiding something. 'Cover up' is a standard idiomatic expression that means to hide, conceal, or disguise a defect or truth. In this context, beauty spots were used specifically to hide facial defects, making 'up' the most appropriate preposition. Option A (on) is incorrect because 'cover on' is not a valid phrasal verb in this context. Option B (to) and Option C (for) do not form standard phrasal verbs with 'cover' that convey the meaning of concealment. Therefore, only 'up' fits grammatically and semantically to complete the phrase 'cover up a facial defect'.