In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives: For a minute, dispel all the mental images and stereotypes; forget the jargon of opening up, flow, nidra, and balance. You can do it as a stand-alone piece ________ begin with it when you are at the gym. Choose the conjunction that best links the two alternatives.

Introduction / Context:
This item examines the correct use of conjunctions to join two alternative possibilities in a single sentence. The sentence states, "You can do it as a stand-alone piece ________ begin with it when you are at the gym." The aim is to show that the reader has two choices: using the asana alone, or starting a workout with it. The test requires selecting the conjunction that clearly and correctly marks these alternatives.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence is "You can do it as a stand-alone piece ________ begin with it when you are at the gym."
• The subject "you" and verb structure "can do it" applies logically to both parts of the sentence.
• The key idea is that there are two ways to use the asana: alone or at the beginning of a session.
• The options are "or", "nor", "either", "neither", and "and".
• The tone is advisory, presenting options rather than negating or combining actions.

Concept / Approach:
The main concept is the use of coordinating conjunctions to link alternatives. In English, "or" is the standard conjunction used to present a choice between two or more possibilities. "Nor" is used in negative constructions, usually following "neither" or "not". "Either" and "neither" are correlative conjunctions that normally appear in pairs, such as "either this or that" and "neither this nor that". The context here is positive and offers two options, so the appropriate simple conjunction is "or".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the meaning: the speaker is saying that there are two ways to use the asana, both acceptable. Step 2: Recognise that when presenting alternatives, English uses "or" as in "You can stay here or go home." Step 3: Insert "or": "You can do it as a stand-alone piece or begin with it when you are at the gym." This sounds natural and directly presents the two choices. Step 4: Test "nor": "You can do it as a stand-alone piece nor begin with it" is ungrammatical, because "nor" is not used after a positive clause and normally requires a preceding negative element. Step 5: Test "either": "You can do it as a stand-alone piece either begin with it" is incomplete; "either" would require a paired "or" and a different word order. Step 6: Test "neither": "You can do it as a stand-alone piece neither begin with it" is incorrect and changes the meaning to a negative structure. Step 7: Test "and": "You can do it as a stand-alone piece and begin with it" suggests doing both at the same time, which is not the intended emphasis on alternatives. Step 8: Confirm that "or" is the correct and most appropriate conjunction.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can compare with similar sentences: "You can read this book or watch the movie", "You can walk or take a bus". In each case "or" links alternatives in neutral, non-negative contexts. The sentence in the passage follows the same pattern. A recheck shows that "You can do it as a stand-alone piece or begin with it when you are at the gym" is the only option that preserves meaning, grammar, and style without needing extra words.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"nor" is used in structures like "neither this nor that" or "not this, nor that". It is incorrect in a positive sentence beginning with "You can". "either" alone cannot fill the blank; it must be used with "or" and normally comes before the first alternative. "neither" introduces a negative pair and would require "nor" to complete the structure, which is not the sense here. "and" connects actions that may occur together or sequentially, not presenting an explicit choice between them.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse "either" with "or" and try to use them interchangeably. Another mistake is misusing "neither" or "nor" in positive contexts. Remember that "either" and "neither" are usually followed somewhere by "or" or "nor" as a pair, while "or" alone is the simplest way to join alternatives. Paying attention to whether the sentence is positive or negative will help in choosing between "or" and "nor".

Final Answer:
The correct conjunction is or, so the sentence should read "You can do it as a stand-alone piece or begin with it when you are at the gym".