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 (1)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
In the context of the sentence "true freedom is not the absence of rules but the presence of thoughtful (1)_____," the word restraint is the most appropriate. The passage contrasts "rules" with a positive internal or guiding quality that prevents "chaos". Restraint (self-control) perfectly complements the idea that freedom requires responsible action and internal boundaries to ensure collective welfare.