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...

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 19 to 28.

[I] Companion animals have become an essential part of family life in the United States, with over 90 million households owning at least one pet. For many people, pets are more than just animals—they are ride-or-die companions and cherished family members who offer comfort during difficult times. Their nonjudgmental presence provides emotional stability and helps individuals feel supported, especially when facing stress, anxiety, or isolation. In addition to emotional benefits, recent research suggests that pets play an important role in enhancing our social relationships, building trust, and improving overall well-being.

One of the most powerful effects of pet ownership is its ability to facilitate human interaction and communication in everyday life. [II] Simply walking a dog in a neighborhood can result in significantly more casual encounters, greetings, and small talk than walking alone. Studies have even shown that individuals accompanied by assistance animals are more likely to be approached by strangers, suggesting that the presence of a pet increases approachability and perceived trustworthiness.

For children and teenagers, living with animals can contribute meaningfully to the development of key emotional and social skills. Pet ownership encourages empathy, patience, responsibility, and kindness from an early age, which are crucial for forming healthy relationships. According to recent studies, children who live with dogs tend to show stronger social behaviors, such as cooperation, compassion, and the ability to recognize others’ emotions. In one study, adolescents with high levels of attachment to their pets also demonstrated greater empathy, stronger communication abilities, and more positive interactions with peers compared to those without close bonds to animals. [III]

On a broader community level, pets contribute to what researchers call social capital—the networks of trust, mutual support, and shared values within a neighborhood. [IV] People who have pets often turn to their neighbors for help with tasks like feeding, walking, or looking after their animals, which helps create mutual trust and a feeling of community. Community spaces like dog parks, sidewalks, or green areas naturally bring people together, encouraging conversation, interaction, and a spirit of cooperation. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, walking dogs allowed people to engage with others safely outdoors; although pets do not resolve every societal challenge, their capacity to fortify interpersonal connections remains evident, impactful, and profoundly significant.

(Adapted from The Conversation)

Question 19: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

“Pets, particularly dogs, can help break the ice in social settings by offering a simple and friendly way to begin a conversation.”

A. [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]