Question: In the following passage, fill in the blank spaces with the most appropriate word from the options provided.
Come October and you are burnt by the mid-day Sun. The storm and the sizzle is particularly __70__ as it comes after the relatively cool monsoon months. Though it is hot and muggy, that does not prevent people from coming out on the streets to __71__ the traditional festivals. And it must be shopping time also, colourfully decorated showrooms are __72__ the passerby to let his hair down, splurge and take a __73__ of gifts home for family. After all, the New Year is just around.
Options 1 and 4 can be eliminated as “moot” means ‘subject to debate’ and “boycott” is ‘to avoid’. Both the words do not make the sentence meaningful.
In option 3, usage of “invite” makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
In option 1, “herald” means ‘thing viewed as a sign that something is about to happen’ and points at the traditional festivals.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.