Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Although the population of villages in England was rising at a ______ pace, that of the cities was increasing by leaps.

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2) i.e. 'fast.' Key Points Let's look at the meaning of the words given in the options: Word Meaning equal the same in amount, number, or size fast moving or happening or rising quickly, or able to move or happen quickly uniform the same; not changing or different in any way slow moving, happening, or doing something without much speed The context of the sentence is that the population of villages in England was increasing quickly and the population of the cities were rising more rapidly. According to the above-mentioned points, the most appropriate word to fill the blank is " fast." Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2. Another example : The train is running very fast to reach the destination on time. Complete Sentence:Although the population of villages in England was rising at afastpace, that of the cities was increasing by leaps.