Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 25 to 29. Fill in the appropriate word in question 27
How men first learnt to invent words is unknown; in other words, the origin of language is a (25) _______. All we really know is that men, unlike animals, somehow invented certain sounds to express thoughts and feelings, actions and things so that they could communicate with each other; and that later they agreed (26) _______ certain signs, called letters, which could be combined to represent those sounds, and which could be written down. These sounds, (27) _______ spoken or written in letters, are called words. Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words that appeal powerfully to our minds and emotions. This charming and telling use of words is what we call literary (28) _______. Above all, the real poet is a master of words. He can convey his meaning in words which sing like music, and which by their position and association can (29) _______ men to tears. We should, therefore, learn to choose our words carefully, or they will make our speech silly and vulgar.
A. whether
B. however
C. if
D. though