Directions: Find out the appropriate word/phrase and fill blank (viii).

Directions: In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words/phrases are suggested, one of which best fits the blank appropriately.

As the temperature ____ (i) during the summer season, many households turn to air conditioners to keep them cool. Air conditioners which were once regarded as a residential luxury have now become a ____ (ii). Enjoying a cooler atmosphere during hot weather is not the only benefit of using the air conditioner A household, a vehicle, or a building becomes cleaner and safer for breathing as air conditioning also ____ (iii) the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms.
However, along with the benefits, some disadvantages are also ____ (iv) with it. One of the most controversial topics attached to the subject of air conditioning deals with some of the materials that are used to produce the cooling affect – Fluorocarbons. These refrigerants ____ (v) to global warming and are ____ (vi) as one of the main ways in which air-conditioning ____ (vii) the environment. Fluorocarbon refrigerants also add to the problems concerning ozone layer depletion.
While air conditioning provides a temporary relief and makes heat wave more bearable, many questions have been ____ (viii) on how much the world will pay in the long run in terms of the environmental damage that it has caused. Today, scientists are ____ (ix) on making more environmental friendly products, but for now, individuals are ____ (x) to part with their instant cool during the thick of summer.