Complete the cloze passage by filling in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
Last winter, Ananya traveled alone to Shimla for a school competition. The town, covered in snow, looked like a painting that had come alive. She checked into the guesthouse ___A___, eager to rehearse her debate speech. But just as she reached for her notes, she realized something alarming, her suitcase ____B_____, and the key was missing.
Had she dropped it at the railway station? Or had she left it in the train itself? The more she thought, the more restless she became. 'Stay calm, Ananya,' she whispered to ____C____, 'panic will solve nothing.'
Determined to find a way, she asked the receptionist for help. He suggested calling a locksmith. While waiting, she kept _____D_____ (pacing) the hall, her mind filled with worry. How embarrassing it would be if she could not present her speech tomorrow!
When the locksmith finally arrived, he ____E_____ (examined) the lock and said confidently, 'Do not worry, miss, this will open soon.' Within minutes, the suitcase clicked open. What a moment of relief it was! Ananya almost cried with gratitude.
That night, while reviewing her speech, she reflected: 'Life often tests us with unexpected problems. If we stay calm, solutions eventually appear.' She promised herself she would remember this lesson in every challenge ahead.
Fill in blank (A) with the most suitable adverb.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer
quickly
Explanation
The sentence states that Ananya was 'eager to rehearse her debate speech.' Because she is eager and enthusiastic to start practicing, she would naturally complete the action of checking into the guesthouse without wasting any time. The adverb 'quickly' perfectly fits this sense of promptness and eagerness.
The other options are incorrect because they don't align with her current emotional state or the situation. She has no reason to check in 'calmly' or 'silently' to express eagerness, and she hasn't discovered that her suitcase is locked yet, so she wouldn't be checking in 'nervously.'
Key Points
When choosing adverbs in cloze passages, look closely at adjacent modifier words. Words like 'eager,' 'excited,' or 'hurried' are strong contextual clues that direct you toward adverbs indicating speed or prompt action.