"Explanation: The author carefully chooses specific __ (1) that are often used in Western writing about Africa. By listing these common words, he is __ (2) the way people describe Africa in a __ (3) way. 1) a) phrases b)descriptions c) words d)ideas 2) a) making fun of b) explaining c)supporting d) ignoring 3) a) positive b)stereotypical c) modern d)realistic

## Step 1<br />The first blank in the sentence is asking for a term that represents a collection of words or expressions. The options provided are 'phrases', 'descriptions', 'words', and 'ideas'. Among these options, 'words' is the most appropriate term as it refers to individual units of language.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The second blank in the sentence is asking for a term that describes the author's attitude towards the way people describe Africa. The options provided are 'aking fun of', 'explaining', 'upporting', and 'ignoring'. Among these options, 'aking fun of' is the most appropriate term as it suggests a critical or mocking tone, which aligns with the context of the sentence.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The third blank in the sentence is asking for a term that describes the way people describe Africa. The options provided are 'positive', 'tereotypical', 'odern', and 'ealistic'. Among these options, 'tereotypical' is the most appropriate term as it suggests a common or generalized way of describing something, which aligns with the context of the sentence.