Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blanks.

Men do what is called a good action, as some piece of courage or ______, much as they would pay a fine in ______ of daily non–appearance on parade.

“or” before the first blank does not set up the contrast with ‘courage’. In fact, it highlights that the cause of the good action of man is either due to courage or some good deeds. Of all the options for the first blank, “charity” in (3) is the only positive word and hence, it replaces the first blank. Moreover, “expiation” (compensation) gives cogent meaning to the second part of the sentence. Hence, (3) is the answer.