Question

Only .......... stress is harmful to the immune system; the effects of short-term stress may be ............. or even, in some cases, beneficial.

• A. Unexpected . . Salutary
• B. Acute . . Predictable
• C. Unequivocal . . Persistent
• D. Continuous . . Inconsequential
• E. Initial . . Pernicious

Hint:

"Salutary" refers to something beneficial, often used to describe health or well-being.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the sentence.
The sentence contrasts harmful stress with beneficial short-term stress. The words should reflect this contrast.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Unexpected . . Salutary: Correct. "Unexpected" stress can be harmful, while "salutary" means beneficial, fitting the contrast described.
- (B) Acute . . Predictable: Incorrect. "Acute" means severe or intense, but does not capture the contrast with beneficial short-term stress.
- (C) Unequivocal . . Persistent: Incorrect. "Unequivocal" means clear or unambiguous, which does not fit the context of stress.
- (D) Continuous . . Inconsequential: Incorrect. "Continuous" stress is unlikely to be beneficial, and "inconsequential" means unimportant, which doesn't fit.
- (E) Initial . . Pernicious: Incorrect. "Initial" does not describe stress in this context, and "pernicious" means harmful, which contradicts the idea of beneficial stress.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Unexpected . . Salutary.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(A) \, \text{Unexpected . . Salutary.}} \]