In the following vocabulary based sentence completion question, choose the correct word to fill the blank: The art of growing up is living in the school of life, where learning is ______ and taking responsibility is important.

Introduction / Context:
This question describes a metaphorical idea of life as a school, where the real art of growing up involves learning and responsibility. The blank calls for an adjective that describes the nature of learning in this "school of life". Understanding the positive tone of the sentence is the key to choosing the correct option from the four given.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence praises growing up as "living in the school of life".
• It states that taking responsibility is important, which is a positive value.
• The options are all adjectives: "neglected", "ignored", "focused", and "superficial".
• The adjective must agree with the positive message about learning and maturity.

Concept / Approach:
Words like "neglected" and "ignored" clearly have negative meanings and suggest that learning is not attended to. "Superficial" also carries a negative sense, implying that learning is shallow or lacking depth. None of these fit the idea of a healthy, mature approach to life. In contrast, "focused" is positive and implies that learning receives careful attention and concentration. In the context of growing up responsibly, the sentence is clearly recommending an approach where learning is central and purposeful, so "focused" is the correct word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognise that the sentence is talking about ideals of growing up, not about failures or neglect.Observe that "taking responsibility is important" sets a serious, constructive tone.Eliminate options that contradict this tone: "neglected" and "ignored" suggest that learning is not valued, which would not be recommended.Remove "superficial" as well because it implies shallow learning, again conflicting with the idea of genuine growth.Choose "focused" as the word that means concentrated and purposeful, matching the spirit of the passage.

Verification / Alternative check:
Insert "focused" into the sentence: "The art of growing up is living in the school of life, where learning is focused, and taking responsibility is important." This version reads naturally and communicates that mature people treat life as a serious learning process with deliberate attention to lessons and responsibilities. None of the negative adjectives produce a similarly coherent and positive message.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "neglected", would mean that learning is not cared for, which directly opposes the idea of the art of growing up. Option B, "ignored", also indicates a lack of attention to learning, making the sentence self contradictory. Option D, "superficial", undermines the seriousness of learning in life. All three conflict with the clause that emphasises responsibility. Only "focused" supports both learning and responsibility as central themes.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be tempted by "superficial" purely because it sounds sophisticated, without checking whether it fits the positive moral message of the sentence. Others might not carefully read the part about responsibility. Always consider the emotional tone and message of the entire sentence when choosing between adjectives. This simple practice quickly eliminates options that may be grammatically correct but contextually wrong.

Final Answer:
The correct word is focused, indicating that in the school of life, learning receives serious and concentrated attention.