Read the passage and answer the following question:
In many countries, tough competitive exams have long been seen as the ultimate gateway to prestigious colleges and stable careers. These examinations, which demand years of rigorous preparation, are intended to select only the most capable candidates. However, in recent years, their importance appears to be declining for several reasons. Firstly, an increasing number of students and educators argue that these exams test memory and speed rather than true understanding or creativity. Moreover, the stress and pressure linked with clearing such exams often affect students' mental health negatively. With the rise of alternative evaluation methods, like project-based assessments, skill tests, and holistic interviews, many institutions are reconsidering their over-reliance on traditional exams. Additionally, the rapid growth of online education and professional courses has provided students with alternative pathways to success. Today, employers are placing greater value on practical skills, internships, and real-world problem-solving abilities rather than solely on exam scores. While competitive exams still hold significance, their dominance is slowly fading as the world moves towards more balanced and diverse ways of measuring talent.
In the sentence: “The stress and pressure linked with clearing such exams often affect students’ mental health negatively,”
which of the following is the closest synonym for the word “linked” as used in the sentence?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The word 'linked' in the sentence 'The stress and pressure linked with clearing such exams often affect students' mental health negatively' means that the stress and pressure are connected or related to the act of clearing the exams. 'Associated with' is the closest synonym because it also implies a connection or relationship between two things.