In the same passage about modern life, choose the correct word to fill the blank: “He does not have time for anything but his duties and occupation for _____ money.”

Introduction / Context:
This blank continues the criticism of the lifestyle of modern individuals. After pointing out that the person has no time for anything except duties and occupation, the author adds that these duties are specifically related to earning money. Therefore, the verb filling the blank must show that the occupation is focused on earning money rather than, for example, spending or counting it.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Passage fragment: “He does not have time for anything but his duties and occupation for _____ money.”
- Options: making, minting, collecting, spending, hoarding.
- Context: a typical lifestyle in which people are fully occupied with earning a living.

Concept / Approach:
In standard English, we commonly describe employment as “working for a living” or having an occupation “for making money”. The phrase “minting money” is also used, but often carries an exaggerated or figurative sense. Exam passages normally prefer the simple, literal expression that most clearly states the idea. Hence we look for the most straightforward verb that shows earning money through occupation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Insert “making” into the sentence: “his duties and occupation for making money.” This is a very common and natural phrase describing work done to earn income. Step 2: Consider “minting”. While “minting money” literally means producing coins in a mint and figuratively can mean earning a lot of money, it is too specific and does not fit the neutral, descriptive tone of the passage. Step 3: Consider “collecting”. Collecting money sounds like gathering payments or debts rather than simply working at a job. Step 4: Consider “spending” and “hoarding”. These relate to what is done with money after it is earned, not the purpose of occupation itself. Step 5: The only verb that fits both grammatically and logically is “making”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the entire sentence with the chosen word: “He does not have time for anything but his duties and occupation for making money.” This clearly conveys that his job exists mainly to provide income. Any other option would distort the sense: for example, “occupation for spending money” would sound humorous or paradoxical, which is not the author's intention. Thus, “making” is the correct and conventional choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Minting: too literal and specialised, referring to coin production; not a general description of ordinary work.
- Collecting: suggests gathering money owed, not the entire concept of earning a livelihood.
- Spending: refers to using money, not earning it.
- Hoarding: means saving or stockpiling money, which again concerns what happens after money is acquired, not the basic nature of the occupation.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may be tempted by “minting money” because it is a familiar expression meaning to earn a lot. However, exam passages often prefer neutral, straightforward language instead of figurative or idiomatic extremes. The safest strategy is to choose the option that expresses the basic idea most directly and fits the tone of the surrounding sentences.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is making, as in “occupation for making money.”