For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in CAPITALS at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line.
The Martyrs of Ávila remain a powerful symbol of religious conviction and personal sacrifice during one of the most turbulent periods in Spanish history. Although many details surrounding their deaths are still debated, historians generally agree that the level of political and social (1) __________ at the time made violence almost inevitable.
STABLE
What continues to fascinate researchers is the extraordinary (2) __________ shown by those who refused to renounce their beliefs despite the threat of execution.
RESIST
Several contemporary accounts describe scenes of remarkable calm and dignity, though historians are cautious about the complete (3) __________ of such reports.
RELY
Over the centuries, the story of the martyrs has undergone considerable (4) __________, often reflecting the political priorities of different generations.
INTERPRET
In some cases, artistic representations of the events have been criticised for their excessive (5) __________, with certain paintings portraying the martyrs in an almost superhuman manner.
GLORY
Nevertheless, public interest in the subject has not diminished, and annual commemorations continue to attract both pilgrims and casual visitors in surprisingly large (6) __________.
NUMBER
For many people, the enduring appeal of the martyrs lies not only in the religious dimension of their story but also in the (7) __________ of ordinary individuals when confronted with extreme persecution.
HERO
As a result, the Martyrs of Ávila have acquired an almost mythical status whose cultural and spiritual (8) __________ extends far beyond Spain itself.
SIGNIFY
Answer Key
- instability
- resistance
- reliability
- reinterpretation
- glorification
- numbers
- heroism
- significance