Question:medium

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the words that best fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
If a nation is unable to come to ______ on interpreting its own past, it will be unable to ______ its national interests.

Updated On: Jun 30, 2026
  • conclusion … plan
  • terms … design
  • decision … comprehend
  • consensus … formulate
  • consolidation … meet
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (D):
consensus … formulate

The best answer is "consensus … formulate". Here's why:

The sentence discusses a nation's ability to act effectively. Let's break down each part and consider the logic:

"If a nation is unable to come to ______ on interpreting its own past..." This part suggests a lack of agreement or shared understanding. The word that fits this idea best is "consensus," meaning a general agreement. Without a shared understanding of history, a nation is likely to be divided.

"...it will be unable to ______ its national interests." This part describes the consequence of not having that shared understanding. National interests often require planning and action. The word that best fits here is "formulate," meaning to create or devise something methodically, such as a plan or strategy. If a nation can't agree on its history, it won't be able to effectively plan and pursue its national interests.

Let's look at why the other options don't fit as well:

* "conclusion … plan": While a nation needs to draw conclusions, simply reaching a "conclusion" about the past doesn't necessarily hinder its ability to "plan" its interests. The context of "interpreting" the past is more indicative of needing agreement.

* "terms … design": "Terms" could fit, but "design" feels less directly related to national interests than "formulate" which implies strategic planning.

* "decision … comprehend": While a nation needs to make decisions, if a nation cannot come to a “decision” on its past, it doesn't necessarily mean it can't "comprehend" its interests. Also, comprehending isn't a national interest.

* "consolidation … meet": "Consolidation" is about making something stronger, which doesn't fit the context of the first blank. While a nation needs to "meet" its interests, that's more a result of formulating them.

Therefore, "consensus … formulate" creates the most logical and cohesive meaning, emphasizing the importance of shared understanding and strategic planning for a nation's success.
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