In the generation gap passage, choose the correct word to complete the sentence "as it tries to ______ its own standards about life and living."

Introduction / Context:
This blank also belongs to the passage describing the generation gap. The sentence talks about each generation attempting to create its own view of life. The exact phrase is "as it tries to ______ its own standards about life and living." The missing verb must describe the act of shaping or creating standards or principles.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The subject "it" refers to each generation of people.
The object is "its own standards about life and living".
The verb must express the idea of developing or framing these standards.
The context is reflective and slightly academic, so a formal verb is likely.

Concept / Approach:
"Formulate" is a formal verb that means to create or develop something carefully, especially ideas, plans, or policies. It matches very well with the noun "standards". The phrase "formulate standards" is common in academic and social science writing. The other options either do not collocate with "standards" or convey the wrong meaning. Therefore, the correct approach is to choose the verb that fits both in meaning and in typical usage with "standards".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the full segment: "as it tries to ______ its own standards about life and living." Step 2: Identify that the blank requires a verb that goes well with "standards". The natural English pattern is "formulate standards". Step 3: Evaluate each option: "accumulate", "formulate", "assimilates", "annihilate", "construct". Step 4: "Formulate" means to develop systematically, exactly what each generation does with its standards and values. Step 5: Insert "formulate" into the sentence to confirm: "as it tries to formulate its own standards about life and living." The sentence is clear and idiomatic.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can check by replacing the verb with synonyms. For example, "create its own standards" or "develop its own standards" are both natural. "Formulate" is a slightly more formal synonym often used in textbooks. The presence of the abstract noun "standards" and the philosophical tone of the passage support the choice of "formulate". The other verbs either change the meaning or sound unnatural with "standards".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"accumulate": This means to gather or collect more and more of something, usually physical items or quantities. "Accumulate standards" is not a common or logical phrase.
"assimilates": The form here is third person singular present tense but the structure in the sentence requires the base form of the verb after "to". Also "assimilate standards" would mean absorb standards, not create them.
"annihilate": This means to destroy completely, which is opposite to the idea of developing new standards.
"construct": While it is possible to say "construct an argument", "construct standards" is not very idiomatic. "Formulate standards" is the established collocation used in academic writing.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes focus only on grammar and forget collocation. They may think that any verb in base form will work after "to". Some may also be tempted by "construct" because it suggests building something. However, good cloze performance requires checking which verb is usually used with "standards" in academic social commentary. In that context, "formulate standards" is the standard phrase.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is "formulate".