Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Leisure activities can improve an individual's physical and mental health by ________ stress, and offering a pleasurable experience.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. relieving.
Context: The sentence discusses the benefits of leisure activities, specifically their positive impact on physical and mental health. Hence, a word with a positive and health-related meaning is required.
Meaning of the words:
Reconstructing: Rebuilding or forming again, usually after destruction.
Irritating: Causing annoyance or inflammation.
Relieving: Reducing or removing something unpleasant, such as pain or stress.
Upsetting: Causing distress or emotional disturbance.
Correct word: Relieving
Reason: Among the given options, “relieving” appropriately conveys the idea of reducing stress, which aligns with the sentence's focus on the benefits of leisure.
Final Sentence: Leisure activities can improve an individual's physical and mental health by relieving stress, and offering a pleasurable experience.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.