Reading Comprehension

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been denoted by letters. For each blank, five options are given. Choose the most appropriate word from the options that fits the blank appropriately.
Black pepper, often referred to as the "king of spices," ________ (A) an essential component of cuisines worldwide and has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal practices. It ________ (B) originally cultivated in South Asia, particularly in India, where it thrives in humid, tropical climates. The distinctive aroma of black pepper _________ (C) from its volatile oils, especially piperine, which contributes to its pungency and potential health benefits.
Although black pepper __________ (D) widely used today, historical records indicate that it __________ (E) once considered a luxury item, traded as currency in ancient markets. To preserve its full flavor, whole peppercorns are often preferred over ground pepper, as grinding __________ (F) its essential oils to dissipate over time.
In recent years, the rising global demand and fluctuating agricultural yields have led to an increase in the price of black pepper, making it more expensive than before. To maximize its freshness, black pepper should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and moisture. Whether used as a seasoning or a medicinal remedy, black pepper remains one of the most widely consumed spices in the world.

1) Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank A.

remains

signifies

denotes

embodies

constitutes

Solution

Correct option is A

The sentence states that black pepper is an essential component of cuisines worldwide and has been used for centuries. Since the present relevance of black pepper is emphasized, the verb must be in the present simple tense to indicate a general fact.
· "Remains" means continues to be or still is, which suits the sentence best.
· Other options like "signifies," "denotes," "embodies," and "constitutes" focus on meaning or representation rather than continued existence.
Meanings of all options:
· Remains – continues to be in the same state without changing or disappearing.
· Signifies – serves as a symbol, indication, or representation of something.
· Denotes – explicitly states or refers to the exact meaning of something.
· Embodies – represents or expresses an idea, quality, or concept in a tangible or recognizable form.
· Constitutes – makes up or forms a part of something larger or important.

2) Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank B.

is

has

had been

was being

was

Solution

Correct option is E

The sentence discusses how black pepper was originally cultivated in South Asia. Since this refers to a past action, we need past simple tense.
· "Was" correctly reflects that black pepper was cultivated in the past.
· "Had been" and "was being" suggest past perfect and past continuous, which are incorrect here as there is no indication of another past action happening before or simultaneously.
Meanings of all options:
· Is – present tense of “to be,” meaning something currently exists.
· Has – present perfect, used when something started in the past and continues to the present.
· Had been – past perfect, used when an action was completed before another past action.
· Was being – past continuous, implying an action was ongoing at a past time.
· Was – simple past, used for an event that happened and was completed in the past.

3) Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank C.

emerge

derives

originates

stems

exudes

Solution

Correct option is C

The sentence describes where black pepper's aroma comes from. Since "comes" is in present simple, the verb in this blank must also be in present simple tense to indicate a general truth.
· Originates – begins or starts from a specific place or situation.
· Other options like "emerges, stems, and exudes" are more about growth, flow, or spreading, which do not directly fit the meaning of an aroma coming from oils.
Meanings of all options:
· Emerge – comes into view, develops, or becomes visible.
· Derives – originates from a particular source or has something as its root cause.
· Originates – begins or starts from a specific place or situation.
· Stems – results or arises from something as its cause or basis.
· Exudes – gives off or releases something, such as a liquid, smell, or emotion.

4) Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank D.

is

was

has been

had been

will be

Solution

Correct option is A

The sentence states that black pepper is widely used today, which means we need present simple tense to indicate a current fact.
· "Is" correctly fits, as black pepper is still widely used.
· "Was" and "had been" would incorrectly imply that black pepper is no longer widely used.
Meanings of all options:
· Is – present tense of “to be,” indicating something currently exists or happens.
· Was – simple past, used for something that happened and was completed in the past.
· Has been – present perfect, used for an action that started in the past and continues to the present.
· Had been – past perfect, used when an event happened before another past action.
· Will be – future tense, referring to something expected to happen later.

5) Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank E.

has

was

had

is

are

Solution

Correct option is B

The sentence states that black pepper was once considered a luxury item, which describes a past situation.
· "Was" correctly reflects that black pepper used to be valuable in ancient times.
· "Has" and "is" are incorrect because they suggest black pepper is still considered a luxury, which is not the intended meaning.
Meanings of all options:
· Has – present perfect, used when an action from the past still has relevance in the present.
· Was – simple past, referring to a completed action or state in the past.
· Had – past perfect, indicating that an event occurred before another past event.
· Is – present tense, meaning something currently happens or exists.

6) Question

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank F.

causes

had caused

has caused

cause

will cause

Solution

Correct option is A

The sentence explains that grinding leads to essential oils dissipating over time, meaning it is a cause-effect relationship that happens every time pepper is ground.
· "Causes" is correct because it expresses a general truth in present simple tense.
· "Has caused" and "had caused" are incorrect as they refer to specific past actions, not a repeated occurrence.
Meanings of all options:
· Causes – brings about an effect or result, usually in a general or repeated context.
· Had caused – past perfect, used when something caused an event before another past action.
· Has caused – present perfect, indicating an event that started in the past and has relevance to the present.
· Will cause – future tense, indicating something that will result in an effect later.