Read the cloze passage and answer the following question:
The life of a writer is often romanticized as a journey _____(3) inspiration, creativity, and quiet reflection. While moments of artistic brilliance do exist, the reality is far more (1) arduous than it appears. Writers spend countless hours drafting, revising, and battling self-doubt. The blank page can be both an open canvas and an intimidating void, demanding discipline as much as imagination.
A writer's routine _____(4) greatly. Some work in the early hours of the morning, when the world is still, while others find their rhythm late at night. Many rely on rituals such as a specific desk, a cup of tea, or a walk in the park to spark their creativity. However, inspiration alone is rarely enough; persistence is the real driving force behind completed works.
The profession also comes with emotional highs and lows. The joy of finishing a manuscript or receiving praise from readers is often tempered by the sting of rejection letters or critical reviews. Still, writers persevere, fuelled by the belief that _____(5) words can inform, entertain, or even change lives.
For many, writing is not merely a career but (2) a calling a lifelong pursuit that shapes the way they see and interact with the world. It is a path that demands patience, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the craft.
Choose the correct verb form for blank (4):
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer: Varies
Explanation
• Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject of the clause is "A writer's routine", which is singular.
• A singular third-person subject requires a singular verb ending in -s/-es in the simple present tense (varies).
• The entire passage states general facts and habitual truths about the writing profession, requiring the simple present tense rather than past (varied) or participle (varying) forms.
Quick Tip: Identify the head noun of the subject (routine) to determine whether the verb should be singular or plural.