In the following question, two words are given in bold. Below are three sentences with two blanks each. Identify which of the given sentences can be completed correctly using the two words (in the exact order given) without changing their original context or meaning. Words: Hedge, Stem 1.    To ____ against rising inflation, central banks often adjust interest rates, hoping such measures will ____ the outflow of foreign investments. 2.    If the agricultural board fails to ____ financial risks properly, a sudden pest outbreak could ____ from untreated soil contamination across regions. 3.    The gardener decided to prune the overgrown ____ near the boundary, making sure not to damage the delicate central ____ of the plant.

Explanation: Sentence 1: ·         First blank: Hedge (verb) means to protect against financial loss or risk. ·         Second blank: Stem (verb) means to stop or restrict the flow or growth of something. Central banks can hedge against rising inflation and take measures to stem the outflow of foreign investments . Both words fit the sentence correctly. (Correct) Sentence 2: ·         First blank: Hedge (verb) can mean to reduce or protect against financial risks. It can take a direct object, so “hedge financial risks” is grammatically acceptable. The word against is not compulsory in every use of hedge. ·         Second blank: Stem (verb) can mean to originate or arise from something, as in “the problem stems from poor planning.” The sentence correctly conveys that if the agricultural board fails to hedge financial risks , a pest outbreak could stem from untreated soil contamination . Both words fit in the given order. (Correct) Sentence 3: ·         First blank: Hedge (noun) means a row of bushes or shrubs forming a boundary. ·         Second blank: Stem (noun) means the main stalk of a plant. The gardener can prune an overgrown hedge while taking care not to damage the plant's stem . Both words fit the sentence correctly. (Correct)