Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. while.
Context: The sentence is contrasting two different observations:
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Western European countries saw an improvement in life expectancy.
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Eastern Europe and the US saw additional losses.
The word in the blank must show this contrast clearly.
“While” is a subordinating conjunction that shows contrast between two clauses or actions happening at the same time.
Example: She was smiling while he was crying.
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.