Question

Part of this sentence given below has been underlined. You have to select the option that best replaces the underlined part.

Many people mistake familiarity for a vulgar style, and suppose that to write without affectation is to write at random speed.

• A. is to write at random
• B. is to write randomly
• C. is to write fast
• D. is to do speed writing

Hint:

When describing writing that is free from affectation or pretense, "randomly" is a better descriptor than "fast" or "speed writing" since it suggests a natural, unstructured approach to writing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In this context, the sentence implies that some people mistakenly believe that writing naturally (without affectation) results in writing randomly or without structure. The correct answer should reflect this misunderstanding, particularly in terms of the perceived freedom or lack of control in writing.

Option (A), is to write at random, is incorrect because it does not fully capture the randomness in the action as the sentence intends. "At random" could imply more of a physical position or direction, which doesn't align with the idea of writing without specific structure.

Option (B), is to write randomly, is the best answer. "Randomly" conveys a sense of unpredictability or lack of planning, which matches the idea that people mistakenly associate natural writing with haphazard or unstructured writing.

Option (C), is to write fast, is incorrect because it implies speed rather than randomness. Writing "fast" could be a deliberate choice, whereas "randomly" indicates a lack of structure, which fits the sentence's point more closely.

Option (D), is to do speed writing, is incorrect as well because "speed writing" refers to writing quickly, which is not the same as writing randomly. "Speed writing" suggests intentional fast writing, which contradicts the idea of writing without affectation.

Therefore, option (B) is the correct choice.