Read the cloze passage and answer the following question:
Millets, a group of small-seeded grains, _____(3) for thousands of years in India and other parts of Asia and Africa. Once considered the “poor man’s food,” they are now gaining recognition for their (1) nutritional value and environmental benefits. Rich in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals, millets are a powerhouse of health, aiding digestion, improving heart health, and helping regulate blood sugar levels.
Unlike rice and wheat, millets require far less water to grow and can thrive in arid and semi-arid regions. This makes them not only a healthy choice but also a (2) sustainable one, particularly important in the face of climate change and depleting water resources.
There are _____(4) varieties of millets, including finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (bajra), and foxtail millet, each with its unique taste and health benefits. These grains can be used in a wide range of dishes from traditional rotis and porridges to modern snacks and desserts.
Despite their benefits, millets had fallen out of favour for decades due to changing food preferences and the dominance of rice and wheat in markets. However, with increasing health awareness _____(5) government campaigns, they are making a comeback on urban menus and in packaged food products.
Choose the correct quantifier: (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer: Several
Explanation
• The noun following the blank is varieties, which is a plural countable noun.
• Several is a quantifier used with plural countable nouns to indicate more than two but not many.
• Quantifiers like much, little, and a large amount of are used exclusively with singular uncountable nouns (e.g., much water, little time, a large amount of sugar).
Quick Tip: Use few / several / many with countable nouns and little / much / amount of with uncountable nouns.