Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
_________ in population is a hindrance to a country’s growth.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Increase.
Context: The sentence talks about something that is a hindrance to a country’s growth — this implies a negative factor.
Analysis of the given options:
Contract: To shrink or become smaller (not suitable here)
Decrease: A reduction — not a hindrance
Reduce: A verb, not grammatically correct in this noun position
Increase: Rise or growth — this can be a hindrance in case of overpopulation
Correct word: Increase
Reason: “Increase in population” often causes issues like unemployment, poverty, etc., which hinder growth.
Final Sentence: Increase in population is a hindrance to a country’s growth.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.