Meaning: 'Course' in this context means the duration or passage of time during which something occurs.

Wrong options:

• duration: 'Duration' refers to the length of time something lasts but is less commonly used in this specific context compared to 'course.'
• period: 'Period' indicates a length of time but lacks the nuance of continuity that 'course' provides in this context.
• length: 'Length' typically refers to a measurement of distance rather than time, making it unsuitable here.

Correct answer: immune

Explanation: The word 'immune' is appropriate as it indicates that the young are not protected from the dangers of noise, fitting both grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Immune' means not affected by something, particularly in a negative sense, suggesting that young people are also at risk from noise exposure.

Wrong options:

• exempt: 'Exempt' implies being free from an obligation or rule, which does not accurately convey the idea of being affected by noise.
• excluded: 'Excluded' suggests being left out, which does not fit the context of being affected by noise.
• indifferent: 'Indifferent' means having no interest or concern, which contradicts the idea that noise can have harmful effects.

Correct answer: attending

Explanation: The word 'attending' is correct as it describes children who are currently going to school, fitting the context of the sentence about their blood pressure levels.

Meaning: 'Attending' means being present at or participating in an event, in this case, school.

Wrong options:

• intending: 'Intending' refers to having a plan or purpose, which does not imply actual attendance at school.
• participating: 'Participating' suggests active involvement but does not specifically indicate regular attendance like 'attending' does.
• frequenting: 'Frequenting' implies visiting often but lacks the formal connotation of being enrolled or attending school.

Correct answer: disrupted

Explanation: The word 'disrupted' fits well as it indicates that loud noise interferes with the messages sent to the brain, aligning with the context of the sentence about the effects of noise.

Meaning: 'Disrupted' means interrupted or disturbed, particularly in a way that affects normal functioning.

Wrong options:

• protracted: 'Protracted' means prolonged or extended, which does not convey the idea of interference with messages.
• erupted: 'Erupted' suggests a sudden outbreak, which is not relevant to the context of noise affecting communication.
• distracted: 'Distracted' implies a loss of focus, which is not the same as the disruption of messages to the brain.

Correct answer: induced

Explanation: The word 'induced' is appropriate as it indicates that stress is caused by noise, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Induced' means caused or brought about, particularly in a negative context like stress.

Wrong options:

• reduced: 'Reduced' means made smaller or less, which does not fit the context of stress being caused by noise.
• conducted: 'Conducted' refers to leading or managing something, which does not relate to the idea of stress caused by noise.
• inducted: 'Inducted' means formally admitted or introduced, which is not relevant to the context of stress.