There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit. Sentence: Easing the anxiety and pressure of having a “big day” is part of the appeal for many couples who marry in secret. Paragraph: Wedding season is upon us and – after two years of Covid chaos that saw nuptials scaled back– you may think the temptation would be to go all out. (1) . But instead of expanding the guest list, many couples are opting to have entirely secret ceremonies. With Covid case numbers remaining high and the cost of living crisis meaning that many couples are feeling the pinch, it’s no wonder that some are less than eager to send out invites. (2) . Plus, it can’t hurt that in celebrity circles getting married in secret is all the rage. (3) . “I would definitely say that secret weddings are becoming more common,” says Landis Bejar, the founder of a therapy practice, which specialises in helping brides and grooms manage wedding stress. “People are looking for ways to get out of the spotlight and avoid the pomp and circumstance of weddings. (4) . They just want to get to the part where they are married.”

Question

There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: Understanding central Asia’s role helps developments make more sense not only across Asia but in Europe, the Americas and Africa.
Paragraph: The nations of the Silk Roads are sometimes called ‘developing countries’, but they are actually some of the world’s most highly developed countries, the very crossroads of civilization, in advanced states of disrepair. ___(1)___. These countries lie at the centre of global affairs: they have since the beginning of history. Running across the spine of Asia, they form a web of connections fanning out in every direction, routes along which pilgrims and warriors, nomads and merchants have travelled, goods and produce have been bought and sold, and ideas exchanged, adapted and refined. ___(2)___ .They have carried not only prosperity, but also death and violence, disease and disaster. ___(3)___. The Silk Roads are the world’s central nervous system, connecting otherwise far-flung peoples and places…. ___(4)___. It allows us to see patterns and links, causes and effects that remain invisible if one looks only at Europe, or North America.

Answer 1

The sentence "Easing the anxiety and pressure of having a “big day” is part of the appeal for many couples who marry in secret." is most appropriately placed within the paragraph at option 2. The rationale is as follows:

The paragraph elaborates on the motivations behind couples choosing secret weddings over elaborate ceremonies, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and financial constraints. It identifies a rising trend in secret weddings, attributed to the significant stress and anxiety linked to conventional, large-scale weddings.

The sentence integrates logically into the passage in the following manner:

Option 1: This option presents a direct contrast between large weddings and the alternative of secret weddings. The sentence in question, being introductory, would not fit here.
Option 2: This option follows the discussion of present-day pandemic and financial difficulties. The sentence seamlessly extends this point by highlighting how secret weddings serve to mitigate wedding-related stress.
Option 3: This option addresses the influence of celebrities on the trend, which is disconnected from the emotional advantages of secret weddings.
Option 4: This option concludes with a general statement regarding the trend's expansion. The sentence concerning anxiety reduction does not function as a concluding remark.

Consequently, the optimal placement for the sentence is within Option 2.

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

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