Directions: Read the passage given below. Choose the most appropriate word from the options given to fill in the blank (A).
In the modern corporate environment, high-pressure situations have become a routine experience for working professionals. Although a moderate level of stress is _________________ (A) for driving efficiency and encouraging personal growth, prolonged anxiety can severely impair emotional stability and bodily health. Consequently, individuals must _________________ (B) effective coping mechanisms to mitigate daily strain. Engaging in consistent physical activity, practicing mindfulness, taking short reflective breaks, and spending time outdoors can all contribute to mental rejuvenation. Furthermore, strong interpersonal connections with colleagues and loved ones can significantly _________________ (C) emotional burdens. Adopting balanced lifestyle habits, ensuring adequate sleep, and abstaining from _________________ (D) habits like excessive caffeine intake or late-night screen overuse are also essential. Finally, consulting a qualified wellness mentor or mental health practitioner may prove _________________ (E) when navigating particularly challenging periods.
Which of the following words fits most appropriately in blank (B)?
Correct Answer :
develop
Solution :
The correct answer is develop.
Contextual Analysis:
The sentence containing blank (B) states: "Consequently, individuals must _________________ (B) effective coping mechanisms to mitigate daily strain."
In this context, the text discusses taking active steps to manage and reduce daily stress. The appropriate verb to pair with "effective coping mechanisms" is "develop," which means to formulate, build, or acquire strategies to manage challenges.
Evaluation of Options:
1. prevent: Means to stop something from happening. You do not stop coping mechanisms; you create or practice them.
2. devour: Means to eat greedily or consume entirely, which is contextually inappropriate.
3. develop: Means to cultivate, build, or create over time. This logically completes the sentence as people need to build effective ways of coping with strain.
4. dismiss: Means to reject or send away, which contradicts the goal of using coping strategies.
5. ignore: Means to pay no attention to, which is illogical in the context of implementing stress relief strategies.
Therefore, develop is the most suitable word for blank (B).
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