In this passage on the nation, choose the correct word to complete the phrase "for the generation, transmission, and _____ of life".

Introduction / Context:
The passage now explains what functions the nation performs as a social relation. It says that the nation is a relation for the generation, transmission, and blank of life. The missing noun must describe the ongoing maintenance or support of life, parallel to generation and transmission. The question tests understanding of a set of related abstract nouns and the ability to see which one completes a logical trio.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase lists three activities: generation, transmission, and something of life.
• Generation is bringing life into existence, and transmission is passing it on.
• Options are susceptibility, subtraction, sustenance, suspension, support.
• The chosen word must fit both meaning and rhythm of the three part list.

Concept / Approach:
Sustenance means maintenance or nourishment that keeps life going. When paired with generation and transmission, it provides a complete picture: life is generated, passed on, and sustained. The approach is to test each option for semantic fit and stylistic harmony. We particularly look for a noun that names an ongoing supporting process, not a negative or unrelated idea like subtraction or suspension.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider susceptibility of life. This would mean vulnerability and does not match generation and transmission. Step 2: Consider subtraction of life. This suggests removal or reduction, the opposite of what a nation is supposed to support. Step 3: Consider sustenance of life. Sustenance means support or nourishment that keeps life in being and fits well with the other two nouns. Step 4: Consider suspension of life. Suspension means temporary stop, again a negative or neutral concept. Step 5: Consider support of life. Support would also be meaningful, but the known passage and the more formal style prefer the word sustenance. Step 6: Conclude that sustenance is the most suitable, both logically and stylistically.

Verification / Alternative check:
We verify by paraphrasing the full phrase: The nation is a territorially extended, bounded social relation for the generation, transmission, and sustenance of life. This means that nations help bring life into being, pass it on through generations, and provide conditions to sustain it. The trio generation, transmission, sustenance forms a balanced and complete set of processes. None of the other options fits that overall positive and supportive picture of what a nation is meant to be.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Susceptibility: Means vulnerability or tendency to be affected, which does not pair meaningfully with generation and transmission. Subtraction: Refers to removal, reductive rather than supportive, and would contradict the constructive tone. Suspension: Suggests stopping or pausing, which again conflicts with an account of life being maintained. Support: Although close in meaning, it is less formal and does not match the specific wording of the original exam passage, which uses sustenance. Thus, sustenance is the most accurate choice.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may rush and pick support because it is familiar and clearly positive, but they miss the formality and precision of sustenance. Another common mistake is not considering the full three part structure, treating the blank as independent from generation and transmission. Always check how each word contributes to the whole list when dealing with parallel structures in cloze passages.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is sustenance, giving the phrase for the generation, transmission, and sustenance of life.