Question

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 3.

Scholars have long noted that International Monetary Fund (IMF) restructuring programmes (1)____________________ winners and losers, but always in (2)________________ to different sectors of the economy. For example, the fact that programmes (3)________________ to strengthen exports has been shown to favour farmers and business owners over urban middle class state employees like civil servants.The problem with purely (4)___________________ sectors is highlighted when you look at citizens’ experiences. One (5)_____________________ of the survey data, covering nine countries in Africa, showed that three out of ten civil servants actually thought IMF reforms made their lives better.

• A. separate
• B. negate
• C. integrate
• D. attempt

Answer 1

Answer:

D. attempt

Grammar (Infinitive Marker): The blank is followed by the word "to" and the base verb "strengthen." In English, the verb "attempt" is naturally followed by the "to-infinitive" (attempt to do something). Contextual Logic: The sentence discusses the goals or aims of IMF programs. Saying the "programmes attempt to strengthen exports" means that the objective or effort of the policy is to boost exports. Why others are incorrect: Separate (A): Does not fit logically; policies do not "separate to strengthen." Negate (B): This means to nullify or cancel out. If a program negated exports, it wouldn't "favour farmers," so it contradicts the rest of the sentence. Integrate (C): While "integrate" is an economic term, it is usually followed by "into" or "with" (e.g., integrate into the market), not simply "to strengthen."