Meaning: 'Despite' means 'in spite of' or 'regardless of,' suggesting that even though many troubles exist, they may not be recognized as public issues.

Wrong options:

• otherwise: 'Otherwise' suggests an alternative scenario, which does not fit the context of contrasting individual troubles with public issues.
• although: 'Although' introduces a dependent clause but does not fit grammatically as it would require a different sentence structure here.
• besides: 'Besides' implies addition rather than contrast, making it unsuitable for indicating the relationship between private troubles and public issues.

Correct answer: handled

Explanation: The word 'handled' is appropriate as it conveys the idea of managing or dealing with personal troubles, fitting grammatically as a past participle that aligns with the context of addressing issues within private settings.

Meaning: 'Handled' means to manage or deal with something, indicating how personal troubles are addressed within households or communities.

Wrong options:

• effected: 'Effected' means to bring about or cause something, which does not fit the context of managing troubles.
• advised: 'Advised' implies giving counsel, which does not accurately describe the action taken regarding personal troubles.
• applied: 'Applied' suggests putting something into use, which is not the correct action in the context of dealing with personal troubles.

Correct answer: factor

Explanation: The word 'factor' is suitable as it refers to an element that contributes to a situation, fitting grammatically as a noun that aligns with the context of distinguishing characteristics between private and public issues.

Meaning: 'Factor' means an element or component that influences a situation, indicating that number is a key element in determining the perception of issues.

Wrong options:

• influence: 'Influence' is a verb and does not fit grammatically as a noun in this context.
• reason: 'Reason' implies a cause or explanation, which does not align with the context of distinguishing characteristics.
• effect: 'Effect' refers to the result of a cause, which does not fit the context of identifying a distinguishing element.

Correct answer: If

Explanation: The word 'If' introduces a conditional clause, fitting grammatically as a conjunction that sets up a scenario regarding the number of people experiencing trouble.

Meaning: 'If' indicates a condition or hypothesis, suggesting that the following statement depends on the number of people experiencing trouble.

Wrong options:

• Consequently: 'Consequently' indicates a result or outcome, which does not fit the conditional context required here.
• Whether: 'Whether' introduces alternatives but does not establish a conditional relationship as needed in this sentence.
• Either: 'Either' is used to present choices and does not fit the grammatical structure required for a conditional clause.

Correct answer: become

Explanation: The word 'become' is appropriate as it indicates a change in state, fitting grammatically as a verb that describes the transformation of a private matter into a public issue.

Meaning: 'Become' means to start to be or to change into something, indicating that a private trouble can evolve into a public issue when experienced by many.

Wrong options:

• remain: 'Remain' suggests staying the same, which contradicts the idea of change implied in the context of becoming a public issue.
• involve: 'Involve' implies participation or inclusion, which does not accurately describe the transformation of a private matter into a public issue.
• stay: 'Stay' indicates continuity, which does not fit the context of changing from a private to a public issue.