In each of the following questions, a sentence has been given with two blanks. For each question, five options are given, each containing two words. You have to choose the most suitable option that fits both the blanks grammatically and contextually.
Although Epsom and Ewell are ___________ populated, more than two-fifths of the borough is _____________ as a green belt.
Correct Answer :
densely, designated
Solution :
The correct answer is densely, designated.
Let us carefully analyze the sentence and understand why this option is the best fit both grammatically and contextually.
The sentence:
"Although Epsom and Ewell are ___________ populated, more than two-fifths of the borough is _____________ as a green belt."
Step 1 – Understanding the structure of the sentence
The sentence uses the conjunction "Although", which signals a contrast or contradiction between two ideas. This is a crucial clue. The first clause says something about the population of Epsom and Ewell, and the second clause presents a contrasting fact about the land being a green belt.
Step 2 – Filling the First Blank ("___________ populated")
The first blank must be an adverb that logically modifies the word "populated". The word needs to indicate the degree or manner of population. Now, consider the contrast introduced by "Although": if the area is heavily or densely populated, it would naturally contrast with the surprising fact that a large portion of it remains a green belt. The word "densely" means "in a thick or concentrated manner" and pairs perfectly with "populated" to mean that the area has a high concentration of residents. This creates a meaningful contrast with the green belt information that follows.
Let us quickly rule out the other adverbs for the first blank:
– courageously – "courageously populated" makes no logical sense.
– brightly – "brightly populated" is not a meaningful phrase.
– morosely – "morosely populated" is semantically absurd.
– sunnily – "sunnily populated" is equally meaningless.
Therefore, "densely" is the only adverb that makes complete grammatical and contextual sense here.
Step 3 – Filling the Second Blank ("_____________ as a green belt")
The second blank requires a past participle (used in a passive sense) that correctly collocates with the phrase "as a green belt." In urban planning and geographical/administrative contexts, land is officially designated as a green belt. The word "designated" means "officially assigned or labeled for a specific purpose." This is the standard, widely used expression — land is designated as a green belt, a national park, a heritage site, etc.
Let us rule out the other options for the second blank:
– alarmed – "alarmed as a green belt" is completely illogical.
– terrified – "terrified as a green belt" is absurd and contextually irrelevant.
– spirited – "spirited as a green belt" does not make any sense.
– collected – "collected as a green belt" has no relevant meaning here.
Therefore, "designated" is the only word that fits perfectly in the second blank.
Step 4 – Reading the Completed Sentence
"Although Epsom and Ewell are densely populated, more than two-fifths of the borough is designated as a green belt."
This sentence now conveys a clear, logical, and factually coherent meaning: Despite having a high population density, a significant portion (more than 40%) of the Epsom and Ewell borough has been officially set aside and protected as a green belt area — land preserved from urban development. The contrast introduced by "Although" is perfectly resolved.
Conclusion:
The answer is densely, designated because:
– "densely" is the only meaningful adverb to describe the level of population.
– "designated" is the correct administrative/geographical term used when land is officially classified for a specific purpose such as a green belt.
– Together, they create a grammatically sound sentence with a logical contrast, perfectly fitting the "Although" structure.
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