Question

Fill up the blanks numbered (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) in the passage given below with the most appropriate word from the options given for each blank. 'f' is:
The main objective of art and (a) living is to develop (b) sensibilities and skills of healthful living besides providing a (c) ground for love of labour, (d) social attitudes and moral values so as to enable the child to be (e) to the ideas of others with humility and sincerity in thought, word and deed. Love for mankind and helping the needy would (f) at this stage and its culmination would be in terms of attainment of selfless service.

• A. disappear
• B. reveal
• C. link
• D. germinate

Hint:

In moral and educational contexts, “germinate” is often used metaphorically to describe the starting point of values, ideas, or behaviours that will grow and mature over time.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Interpret the sentence meaning The sentence “Love for mankind and helping the needy would (f) at this stage…” implies that at this stage, these values would begin to develop or take root, eventually culminating in selfless service.
Step 2: Evaluate each option
- “Disappear” (1) — Opposite meaning, completely unsuitable.
- “Reveal” (2) — Means to show or uncover, which does not fit the growth/development context.
- “Link” (3) — Means to connect, but here the emphasis is on the origin and growth of values.
- “Germinate” (4) — Perfect fit; it metaphorically describes the start or initial growth of ideas, attitudes, or values, just like a seed beginning to sprout.
Step 3: Logical fit
In the metaphorical sense, “germinate” captures the idea that love for mankind and service begins to develop at this stage and will grow further toward selfless service. \[ \boxed{\text{germinate}} \]