In the following passages, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
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Discrimination refers to the inequitable or (615)________ treatment of individuals or collectives on the basis of attributes such as ethnicity, sex, age and sexual orientation. Studies have indicated that the perception of discrimination can (616)________ a series of stress-induced alterations in an individual's mental, physiological and behavioural responses. The experience of stress is known to elicit unfavourable emotional reactions, including but not limited to (617)________, despair and resentment. Furthermore, anxiety has been linked to a rise in health-compromising behaviours such as smoking, drinking and (618)________ drug use, while simultaneously causing a (619)________ in health-promoting activities such as quality sleep and vigorous exercise.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 618.
Show answerAnswer & explanation
Correct option: D — illicit
Illicit ‘Illicit’ means forbidden by law, rules or custom. The given passage states that anxiety has been linked to a rise in health-compromising behaviours such as smoking, drinking and illicit drug use. Hence, ‘illicit’ is the most appropriate answer.
