Directions (16-20): In the given passage, there are blanks - each of which has been numbered. These blanks are followed by a word in bracket. Against each blank, four words are also suggested. One of these words could fit the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case. If the word in the bracket fits perfectly, choose option (E) No change required.
Once people wore garlic around their necks to ward off disease. Today, most Americans would ___(16)___ (intrigued) at the idea of wearing a necklace of garlic ___(17)___ (root) to enhance their well-being. However, you might find a number of Americans willing to ingest capsules of pulverized garlic or other herbal supplements in the name of health.
Complementary and alternative medicine, which includes a range of practices outside of ___(18)___(energised) medicine such as herbs, homeopathy, massage therapy, yoga, and acupuncture, hold increasing ___(19)___ (repulsion) for Americans.
In fact, according to one estimate, 42% of Americans have used alternative therapies. In all age groups, the use of unconventional healthcare practices has steadily increased in the last 30 years, and the trend is likely to continue, although people born before 1945 are the least likely to turn to these therapies.
Many Americans feel that a ___(20)___(spiritual) approach to healthcare better reflects their beliefs and values.
Blank 20
blatant
systematic
holistic
superficial
No change required
Solution
People want a 'holistic' approach to healthcare.
The term 'holistic' is characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.