Complete the passage by filling in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley were among the first to develop complex societies, relying on agriculture as the cornerstone of their economies. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians created the first known form of writing, ____A____cuneiform, which was inscribed on clay tablets. This form of communication enabled the recording of important events, laws, and even trade transactions, ____B____ the foundation for future generations to understand their past.
In Ancient Egypt, the great pyramids stand as a testament to the engineering prowess of the civilization. The construction of these monumental structures required careful planning and ____C____ skilled workforce. However, much of the wealth generated through agriculture and conquest was concentrated in the hands of the elite, which led to the emergence of ____D____ between the ruling class and the common people.
Similarly, the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning, fell into decline for reasons that remain ____E____. Some scholars argue that environmental factors, such as shifts in river patterns, may have played a significant role in the civilization's collapse. Nevertheless, the achievements of these early societies paved the way for future innovations in science, technology, and governance.
Choose the word that best fits blank (B).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
establishing
Explanation
The sentence explains how recording important events and laws created a basis for future generations to understand history. The phrase 'the foundation' pairs idiomatically with the verb 'establish' to mean setting up or creating a stable base. The present participle form 'establishing' correctly serves as a participle clause to show the direct result of the main action.
The other options do not fit the context or meaning of the sentence. Option 2 ('demolition') means destruction, which is the exact opposite of what happened. Option 3 ('analyzing') means examining carefully, but you cannot analyze a foundation before it exists. Option 4 ('strengthening') means making something stronger, but a foundation must first be built or established before it can be strengthened.
Key Points
Collocations—words that naturally go together—are highly effective clues on cloze test questions. Seeing the noun phrase 'the foundation' should automatically lead you to look for verbs like 'laying' or 'establishing,' which instantly narrows down the choices.