Question

There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit. Sentence: Easing the anxiety and pressure of having a “big day” is part of the appeal for many couples who marry in secret. Paragraph: Wedding season is upon us and – after two years of Covid chaos that saw nuptials scaled back– you may think the temptation would be to go all out. ____(1) ____. But instead of expanding the guest list, many couples are opting to have entirely secret ceremonies. With Covid case numbers remaining high and the cost of living crisis meaning that many couples are feeling the pinch, it’s no wonder that some are less than eager to send out invites. ____(2) ____. Plus, it can’t hurt that in celebrity circles getting married in secret is all the rage. ____ (3) ____. “I would definitely say that secret weddings are becoming more common,” says Landis Bejar, the founder of a therapy practice, which specialises in helping brides and grooms manage wedding stress. “People are looking for ways to get out of the spotlight and avoid the pomp and circumstance of weddings. ____ (4) ____. They just want to get to the part where they are married.”

• A. Option 1
• B. Option 2
• C. Option 3
• D. Option 4

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The sentence "Easing the anxiety and pressure of having a “big day” is part of the appeal for many couples who marry in secret." fits best in the paragraph at option 2. Let's examine why:

The paragraph discusses the reasons why couples might opt for secret weddings rather than large ones, especially in the context of Covid-19 and financial pressures. It highlights the growing trend due to high stress and anxiety levels associated with traditional, large weddings.

Here's how the sentence logically fits within the passage: 

• Option 1: Directly contrasts large weddings with the chosen alternative of secret weddings. The missing sentence wouldn't fit here as it's an introductory sentence.
• Option 2: Follows the explanation about current pandemic and financial challenges. The sentence perfectly extends the idea presented here by focusing on how secret weddings alleviate wedding stress.
• Option 3: Discusses the celebrity influence on the trend, unrelated to the emotional benefits of secret weddings.
• Option 4: Concludes with a general statement about the trend's growth. The sentence about reducing anxiety is not a conclusive remark.

Thus, the best fit for the sentence is Option 2.