Read the following passage and answer the question:

Lack of control by parents is also harmful. If parents do not impose any constraints on the adolescents, then they have a tendency to go astray and choose the wrong path, and later become difficult to discipline. Such adolescents feel let down and think that nobody cares for them. Hence some discipline from parents is necessary.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate linking devices which are given below:
_____ adolescents _____ their friends feel let down and think that nobody cares for them.

Question

Read the following passage and answer the question:

Lack of control by parents is also harmful. If parents do not impose any constraints on the adolescents, then they have a tendency to go astray and choose the wrong path, and later become difficult to discipline. Such adolescents feel let down and think that nobody cares for them. Hence some discipline from parents is necessary.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate linking devices which are given below:
_____ adolescents _____ their friends feel let down and think that nobody cares for them.

Accepted Answer

Option 1, "Both – and," is the correct choice for filling in the blanks in the sentence: "_____ adolescents _____ their friends feel let down and think that nobody cares for them." Here's why this option is appropriate and why the others are not:

1. **Explanation for Option 1 (Both – and):**
   - The phrase "Both – and" is used to connect two elements that are equally important or relevant in a sentence. In this context, it effectively links "adolescents" and "their friends," indicating that the feeling of being let down and uncared for is experienced by both groups. This creates a parallel structure that emphasizes the shared experience of adolescents and their friends, aligning with the passage's theme of the negative impact of lack of parental control.

2. **Why Option 2 (As – as) is incorrect:**
   - The phrase "As – as" is typically used to make comparisons, often in the form of similes (e.g., "as brave as a lion"). In this sentence, there is no comparison being made between adolescents and their friends; rather, the sentence is stating that both groups feel the same way. Therefore, "As – as" does not fit the context of the sentence.

3. **Why Option 3 (So – and) is incorrect:**
   - The phrase "So – and" is not a standard linking device in English. "So" is often used to indicate a result or consequence (e.g., "It was raining, so we stayed indoors"), but it does not logically connect "adolescents" and "their friends" in this context. The sentence is not describing a cause-and-effect relationship but rather a shared feeling, making "So – and" inappropriate.

4. **Why Option 4 (Though – and) is incorrect:**
   - "Though" is used to introduce a contrast or exception (e.g., "Though it was raining, we went outside"). In this sentence, there is no contrast between adolescents and their friends; both groups are experiencing the same feelings. Therefore, "Though – and" does not logically fit the sentence structure or meaning.

In conclusion, Option 1, "Both – and," is the correct choice because it accurately conveys the idea that both adolescents and their friends share the same feelings of being let down and uncared for, which is consistent with the passage's message about the consequences of lack of parental control.