Two sentences are given below, each with a missing blank. Out of the given options, pick one word that fits both the blanks.
(i) Some of the areas hit by the 2015 earthquake are particularly _______ with trafficking, reports suggest.
(ii) The manager pointed to 'hiring', another area that is often _______ with unconscious bias.
Out of the given options, the only word that matches the context of both the sentences is 'rife', which means 'common'. Hence, the fifth option will be the correct answer.
Note:
The meanings of the other words are:
1. Solicitous: Full of anxiety and concern$
2. Toady: A person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage$
3. Despot: A cruel and oppressive dictator$
4. Arcane: Requiring secret or mysterious knowledge$
9. What is the active/passive of - The people elected him Mayor.