There is a saying that coming events cast their shadows before. (1) ______ it is not universally true. Something can happen within a second, and one may not (2) ______ it. (3) ______ some instances show that predictions based on certain signs have gone wrong. People generally say that natural calamities can be predicted by observing the animals. But what if animals are suffering from some disease and don’t show any signs before the event appears? They may fail to make peculiar sounds or actions about the events which are going to take place. (4) ______ some unnatural calamities that are likely to appear may forecast their shadows by some bad omens. (5) ______ we should not completely cancel out the possibilities that animals can sense certain unnatural happenings.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

To determine the most appropriate connector for blank (1), we need to analyze the logical relationship between the first sentence and the second sentence.

The first sentence states: "There is a saying that coming events cast their shadows before." This means that events usually show warning signs before they happen.

The second sentence states: "______ it is not universally true." This introduces a contrast or limitation to the general saying mentioned in the first sentence, indicating that the saying does not apply in all cases.

Let's evaluate the given options:

• Therefore: Used to show a result or consequence (cause and effect). This does not fit because the second sentence is not a consequence of the first.
• Furthermore: Used to add extra information in support of the previous point. This does not fit because the second sentence contradicts the first.
• Moreover: Also used to add similar information or arguments. This does not fit for the same reason.
• However: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has just been said. This perfectly fits the context as it introduces the exception to the saying.

Thus, the correct option to fill in blank (1) is However.