Complete the cloze passage by filling in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
Cartoons and fantasy shows have become an inseparable part of childhood. Children today spend hours watching animated characters who fight villains, explore magical lands, or solve mysteries. While such content A entertainment and imagination, it also shapes the way children think and behave.
Psychologists point out that children often imitate what they see. A child who watches violent cartoons may become aggressive, while one who watches educational programs B develop problem-solving skills. Thus, the impact is not always negative, but it depends on the type of content consumed.
Fantasy worlds encourage creativity, but they can also create unrealistic expectations. If children live too much in imaginary lands, they will struggle to deal C real-life challenges. For example, believing that problems disappear magically can prevent them from building resilience.
Parents, therefore, play a key role. They should guide children toward shows that are age-appropriate and discuss with them the difference between fiction and reality. A balanced approach is necessary, because neither complete D (restriction) nor unlimited freedom is healthy.
As one expert said, "Cartoons are like fire: they can warm if used wisely or burn if left unchecked." This metaphor E (illustrates) the double-edged nature of media influence on young minds.
Choose the correct antonym of the word in (E): (illustrates).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
obscures
Explanation
The word "illustrates" means to explain, clarify, or make something easier to understand by giving examples or using a comparison. Its most appropriate antonym is "obscures", which means to make something unclear, difficult to understand, or hidden from view. Therefore, "obscures" is the correct answer.
The other options are incorrect. "Shows," "explains," and "demonstrates" are all similar in meaning to "illustrates" because they convey the idea of making something clear or understandable.
Key Point
The verb "illustrate" is often used in academic and formal writing to introduce examples, comparisons, or evidence that clarify an idea. Its opposite, "obscure," means to hide, confuse, or make the meaning less clear.