Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question is likely based on a prescribed text or a general theme from a text, asking to identify what is considered an obstacle to progress.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The sentence states that something "stops and hinders our progress". We must evaluate the options based on common themes in literature and social studies.
- (A) Education: Education is universally seen as a means of *promoting* progress, not hindering it.
- (B) Poverty: Poverty is widely recognized as a major barrier to individual and societal progress, as it limits access to education, healthcare, and opportunities. This is a very plausible answer.
- (C) Class: Social class systems or class discrimination can certainly hinder progress.
- (D) Politics: While certain political situations can hinder progress, 'politics' itself is a broad term and not inherently a hindrance.
Based on common literary and social themes, poverty is one of the most direct and universally acknowledged hindrances to progress. Without the specific context of the prescribed text, this is the most logical choice.
Step 3: Final Answer:
'Poverty' is the most fitting word to complete the sentence about what stops and hinders progress. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.