Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: ill
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This sentence completion question checks your ability to follow logical meaning in a contrast structure. The sentence compares the effects of happy thoughts and negative thoughts on the body. Happy thoughts release hormones that support well being, so negative thoughts must logically produce the opposite effect. The word you choose should describe a negative condition, not another positive feeling, and it should fit naturally after "make us".
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The first clause states that happy thoughts help our well being, which is clearly positive. The second clause begins with "and negative thoughts", signalling that the second effect should be negative. The hormones released by negative thoughts are implied to have an unhealthy impact. Thus, "ill" is the natural choice because it describes poor health. "Happy", "excited", "rejuvenated", and "curious" are positive or neutral states and would contradict the intended contrast. Therefore, the best completion is "ill".
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Notice the parallel: happy thoughts (positive) versus negative thoughts (negative).
Step 2: Recognise that the first part mentions hormones that work for our well being, which indicates improved health or mood.
Step 3: Expect the second part to show harmful effects from negative thoughts.
Step 4: Test option A, "ill". The phrase "make us ill" is natural and matches the idea that negative thoughts harm our health.
Step 5: Test option B, "happy", which would contradict the idea that negative thoughts produce bad results.
Step 6: Test option C, "excited", which is a generally positive emotional state and not the likely outcome of negative thoughts.
Step 7: Test option D, "rejuvenated", which means refreshed and more energetic, again a positive state that mismatches the context.
Step 8: Test option E, "curious". Negative thoughts usually do not make people curious; they lead to stress or sadness, not interest.
Step 9: Conclude that "ill" is the only option that completes the contrast correctly.
Verification / Alternative check:
Insert "ill" into the full sentence: "Happy thoughts release hormones that work for our well being and negative thoughts release hormones that make us ill." This version clearly expresses the idea that thinking patterns affect physical health. It is consistent with common psychological and medical discussions, where negative thinking is linked to stress and illness. Substituting any of the other options leads to an illogical or contradictory statement, which confirms that "ill" is the intended answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Happy" and "rejuvenated" are strongly positive words and cannot follow "negative thoughts release hormones that make us" without contradicting common sense. "Excited" usually describes a positive or at least high energy emotion, which does not clearly link to negative thinking and health problems. "Curious" relates to interest in learning or discovering, and it has no direct connection with hormones produced by negative thoughts. None of these options support the sentence logic or the health based contrast the author is creating.
Common Pitfalls:
A few candidates may rush through the question and focus only on whether the word grammatically fits after "make us", ignoring the meaning. Others may try to over interpret the sentence and imagine unusual psychological effects. The safest strategy is to look at the positive negative pattern and choose a word that is clearly opposite in effect to "well being". Doing so naturally leads to "ill", which is both simple and correct.
Final Answer:
The blank should be filled with ill, giving the sentence: "negative thoughts release hormones that make us ill."
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