Question

Directions: Replace the number with the word(s) that best fit(s) the meaning of the passage as a whole.
Indian institutions prefer students to be _______ (46) listeners. Our education system, barring a few exceptions, encourages a hierarchical relationship between teacher and student. The former controls knowledge and the latter is expected to submissively accept what is handed down. The argumentative Indian thrives despite the system. This may look like an / a _______ (47) because a competitive political democracy like India should have facilitated an educational system that is cool about arguments and dissent. Or, is the _______ (48) in the education system a reflection of a flaw in our democratic culture? We have regular elections and our political space teems with parties subscribing to a _______ (49) of ideologies. But is this space sufficiently democratic so that people get the leaders they deserve? A range of identities such as family, clan, caste, religion influences our choice of leaders more than their understanding of public policy. Beneath _______ (50) of democracy, the old social order, where caste was privileged over merit, has survived, though in a weaker form.
Or, is the _______ (48) in the education system a reflection of a flaw in our democratic culture?

• A. Vacuum
• B. Twist
• C. Lacuna
• D. Effect
• E. Triviality

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The given passage critiques the education system in India, highlighting the hierarchical relationship between teachers and students. The passage further discusses the societal and cultural influences on democracy and leadership in India, questioning whether these influences are reflected in the education system.

We are tasked with identifying the best word to fill in the blanks based on the context of the passage. Let us analyze the relevant part of the passage:

• The word in blank (48) should capture the "gap" or "deficiency" in the education system that may reflect a flaw in the democratic culture.

We are given the options: Vacuum, Twist, Lacuna, Effect, Triviality. Let's analyze these options:

• Vacuum: Generally refers to a completely empty space or an absence of something. This term might be too extreme for the context, which suggests a deficiency rather than a complete absence.
• Twist: Often indicates a change or an unexpected turn, which does not fit the idea of a consistent gap or deficiency.
• Lacuna: This word means a gap or missing part, which accurately describes the deficiency or shortcoming in the education system mentioned in the passage.
• Effect: Refers to a result or outcome, not a gap or deficiency.
• Triviality: Denotes something of little importance or significance, which does not fit the intended meaning of the passage.

Based on the above analysis, "Lacuna" is the most suitable word to fill blank (48), as it captures the idea of a missing piece or deficiency in the educational system, aligning with the passage's context and tone.

Thus, the correct answer for blank (48) is Lacuna.