In the following paragraph, certain words are highlighted with numbers. Each highlighted word may or may not be used correctly in the context. Choose the correct replacement for the highlighted word (1) from the options below, or select (E) if no replacement is needed.

"Print media is dying. And social media has become a defunct (1) platform for the exchange of what may be widely divergent views. These are perspectives which carry factual weight. Having said this, the curation of an international online notion (2) has undoubtedly brought with it enhanced citizens participation across democratic processes and broader social movements – but at the same time, one feels that the role of independent media and journalism as bearers of the foundations of democratic systems, is slowly but surely diminishing (3). The good thing about social media is that everyone can have an opinion or a voice on a particular issue – which unfortunately also seems to be a bad thing in certain cases. This is where it gets minimising (4). On one end norms such as freedom of thought and expression are universally accepted as pillars of constitutionally democratic systems – challenge (19) free speech in any form is thus a touchy subject. On the other end there are those who argue that free speech has its defined limits – free speech can be censored if one is using their perspectives as a means to incite hate or violence. Policymakers have not found a vintage (5) answer to which of these two positions is correct and applicable in the context of a connected and deeply integrated global political order."

Question

In the following paragraph, certain words are highlighted with numbers. Each highlighted word may or may not be used correctly in the context. Choose the correct replacement for the highlighted word (1) from the options below, or select (E) if no replacement is needed.

"Print media is dying. And social media has become a defunct (1) platform for the exchange of what may be widely divergent views. These are perspectives which carry factual weight. Having said this, the curation of an international online notion (2) has undoubtedly brought with it enhanced citizens participation across democratic processes and broader social movements – but at the same time, one feels that the role of independent media and journalism as bearers of the foundations of democratic systems, is slowly but surely diminishing (3). The good thing about social media is that everyone can have an opinion or a voice on a particular issue – which unfortunately also seems to be a bad thing in certain cases. This is where it gets minimising (4). On one end norms such as freedom of thought and expression are universally accepted as pillars of constitutionally democratic systems – challenge (19) free speech in any form is thus a touchy subject. On the other end there are those who argue that free speech has its defined limits – free speech can be censored if one is using their perspectives as a means to incite hate or violence. Policymakers have not found a vintage (5) answer to which of these two positions is correct and applicable in the context of a connected and deeply integrated global political order."

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. The highlighted word is **defunct (1)**, which means no longer existing or functioning.

2. The sentence states that social media has become a defunct platform for exchanging views. However, the context suggests that social media is still active but may have negative qualities.

3. Among the options:
   - *mobilise* means to assemble or prepare for action, which does not fit.
   - *traditionally* is an adverb and unrelated.
   - *toxic* means harmful or poisonous, which fits the negative connotation intended here.
   - *suspension* means temporary stopping, which does not fit the context.

4. Therefore, replacing **defunct** with **toxic** better conveys that social media is a harmful platform rather than one that is inactive.

**Answer:** toxic

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