In each of the question given below, a statement has been given with two blanks. Some words or phrases have been given in the options following the statement. Choose the most appropriate words that could fit in the statement to make it contextually meaningful and grammatically correct. An excessive emphasis on standardised testing may ________ creativity and ________ students’ ability to engage in independent thought.

The sentence criticises the negative effects of standardised testing. “Discourage creativity” is a well-established expression that reflects reduced creative freedom, while “constrain ability” accurately conveys limitation or restriction of independent thinking. Option (b) fails because “redirect” and “refine” imply improvement rather than harm. Option (c) is incorrect because “amplify” contradicts the negative implication. Option (d) fails since “delay creativity” does not fit logically and “strengthen” contradicts the sentence. Option (e) is unsuitable because “regulate creativity” is ambiguous and “structure thought” does not clearly imply a negative impact.