Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each the numbered blanks.

Although many students are sick and tired of putting on their school uniform day after day, a uniform does have its advantages. For a start, students have no need to worry about what to put on when they get up in the morning. (8)_______, it seems that children wearing the same colors and styles of clothing gain a sense of belonging, something (9)________ improves morale at school and reduces levels of violence. This theory has been supported by a study at a school in Long Beach, California. Staff members there have noticed that since school uniform became compulsory, the number of arguments amongst pupils has dropped by as much as 91%. This suggests that students who are all dressed in the same simple school shirts and trousers are less likely to disagree with one (10)_________. On the other hand, Cozette Buckley, an Education Officer from Chicago, holds a rather different view, based on experience in her schools. In her opinion, school uniforms are not a permanent solution but only a (11)_______ aid to playground problems because they do not address the real source of conflict between children. It seems, therefore, (12)___________ by these conflicting findings, that the school uniform debate isn't closed yet!

(8)_______, it seems that children wearing the same colors and styles of clothing gain a sense of belonging