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

Introduction / Context:
This blank is from the same passage on the generation gap. The author describes how the generation gap persists over time and affects every new set of young people. The sentence says that it "remains, ready to ______ each generation as it tries to formulate its own standards about life and living." The missing word must show that the generation gap stands in the way or challenges each new generation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The subject is the generation gap, a source of tension between older and younger people.
The structure is "ready to ______ each generation".
Later in the sentence, younger people try to create their own standards about life and living.
The blank should describe an active interaction between the generation gap and each generation of youngsters.

Concept / Approach:
The generation gap opposes, challenges, or stands against new ideas. Therefore, the word should express the idea that every new generation will face or meet this gap as a problem. The verb "confront" means to face something challenging or to meet something difficult directly. Thus "ready to confront each generation" fits both the meaning and the tone. Words like "accept" or "assent" show agreement, which is the opposite of what the passage suggests.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the role of the generation gap in the sentence. It is described as something that does not disappear. Step 2: Notice the phrase "ready to ______ each generation". It implies that the generation gap will actively interact with every generation. Step 3: Consider the meaning of each option: "accept", "assent", "confront", "suspect", and "confuse". Step 4: Recognise that "confront" means to face or challenge, which matches the idea that every new generation must deal with the generation gap. Step 5: Insert "confront" into the sentence and check the full flow: "but it remains, ready to confront each generation as it tries to formulate its own standards about life and living." The sentence is logical and fluent.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the paragraph as a whole, it is clear that the generation gap is presented as a recurring difficulty that each generation must handle. If we replace the blank with "accept" or "assent", the sentence would wrongly suggest that the generation gap welcomes each generation. Using "suspect" or "confuse" would not produce a natural collocation with "each generation". "Confront" is widely used in similar contexts, such as "confront challenges", "confront problems" and matches perfectly here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"accept": This would suggest that the generation gap welcomes or receives each generation, which does not fit the idea of conflict between old and new values.
"assent": This means to agree or approve, and does not describe an obstacle or challenge.
"suspect": This verb usually takes a person or a fact as object and is used in a different pattern. "Suspect each generation" is awkward and does not match the intended meaning.
"confuse": "Ready to confuse each generation" is grammatically possible but too specific. The passage is about fundamental value conflict, not only confusion. The accepted collocation in exam style prose is "ready to confront each generation".

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think only about difficulty and may choose "confuse" because the generation gap can confuse people. However, the sentence is more general and points to the idea that every generation will face this gap as a challenge in forming its own standards. Therefore, "confront" is the best match. Always read the full sentence and identify the central image that the writer wants to create.

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