Complete the cloze passage by filling in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
Horses ____A_____ companions of humans for thousands of years. They carried warriors into battles, pulled carts ____B____ villages, and became symbols of power and grace. Even today, they remain important in sports, farming, and therapy sessions. Have you ever wondered why horses are often described as noble animals? Their strength, loyalty, and ability to understand human emotions make them unique. A horse does not simply run; it runs with a spirit that seems ____C____ (untamed) and free. Take care of your horse well, for it ____D_____ on you for food, shelter, and affection. Groom it regularly and ensure it is treated with kindness. When horses are cared for, they respond with trust and gentleness, creating a bond that lasts a lifetime. How ____E_____ (incredible) it is to watch a herd of horses galloping across an open field! Their hooves thunder against the ground, their manes fly in the wind, and their eyes shine with energy. Truly, horses are living poetry in motion! As the saying goes, 'The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears.' Horses remind us that freedom, loyalty, and beauty can exist together in one magnificent creature. They are not just animals of burden but teachers of patience, courage, and respect.
Choose the correct meaning of the word in (C) : (untamed).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Wild and uncontrolled
Explanation
The question asks for the correct meaning of the word 'untamed' as used in blank (C). The prefix un- means 'not,' and 'tamed' refers to an animal that has been domesticated, trained, or brought under human control. Therefore, 'untamed' literally means not domesticated or trained, which translates directly to being wild, free, and uncontrolled. This matches the context of the sentence, which highlights a horse running with a spirit that is completely 'free.'
The other options are incorrect because they either present antonyms or unrelated physical traits. Option (b) Carefully trained and Option (c) Polite and obedient are antonyms of 'untamed,' describing animals that are fully under human control. Option (d) Weak and fragile describes a lack of physical strength, which contradicts the passage's description of a horse's natural strength and powerful galloping.
Key Points
Context clues and simple prefix breakdowns are excellent tools on your exam paper. Spotting the word 'free' right after the blank confirms that the matching definition must emphasize a lack of restriction or control, pointing you directly to 'Wild and uncontrolled.'