In the following passage, some words have been omitted. Read the passage carefully and choose the most appropriate option from the given alternatives to fill in each blank. Mark your answer for each question.
In modern societies, the concept of freedom is often celebrated as an essential right. However, true freedom is not the absence of rules but the presence of thoughtful (1)_____. Without it, freedom risks turning into chaos, where individual actions undermine collective welfare. A society that prizes only personal liberty without shared responsibility may soon face moral and civic (2)_____. While people often equate freedom with doing as they please, meaningful liberty requires a commitment to boundaries that preserve dignity and (3)_____ for all. This balance is difficult to maintain, especially in democracies where voices are many and interests often (4)_____. Yet, it is precisely through dialogue, compromise, and mutual respect that freedom finds its most enduring expression. In the end, freedom divorced from responsibility is not progress, but a subtle (5)_____ of what it truly means to be free.
What would come in (3)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
In the context of the passage, blank (3) requires a noun that complements "dignity" and fits the theme of democratic values and collective welfare. Equality is the most suitable choice because:
Contextual Harmony: The passage discusses the balance between personal liberty and shared responsibility to preserve the well-being of all citizens.
Democratic Values: Together with "dignity," equality forms a standard pair in civic discourse, emphasizing that freedom is meaningful only when everyone is treated with equal fairness and respect.