Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.
The Rise of Buy Now, Pay Later: Convenience or Debt Trap?
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) has become an increasingly popular payment method in modern shopping. Instead of paying the full price immediately, (18) __________. If payments are made on time, users often avoid interest, which makes BNPL seem both convenient and affordable. As a result, services such as PayPal Credit, Affirm, and Klarna (19) __________.
However, BNPL can also lead to financial pressure. Because each instalment is relatively small, it is easy to underestimate the total cost and lose track of multiple payment schedules. Many people use BNPL for non-essential items like fashion or electronics, (20) __________. When a payment tool becomes a way to cover basic expenses, it may suggest that a person is already facing a tight budget.
The biggest risks are overspending and late fees. Breaking a price into instalments can make products appear cheaper, (21) __________. If someone misses a due date, extra charges may quickly increase the overall cost and create debt, a situation (22) __________. BNPL can be a helpful option when used responsibly, but users should monitor their spending carefully, keep track of deadlines, and avoid depending on it for essential living costs.
