Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 24 to 28. 

     The (24) _______ of COVID-19 is an unprecedented public health crisis, touching nearly all countries and communities across the world. The health impacts of COVID-19 are (25) _______and, rightly, in the forefront of our minds, across our media, and impacting people's lives and livelihoods across the world. 

     One of the most tangible outcomes of COVID-19 is the ever-increasing socio-economic gap between learners. Over 365 million children are missing out on important school feeding programmes, (26) _______ keep them healthy and motivated to learn. Moreover, families may be pushed to resort to negative coping mechanisms to meet their needs, including child labour or reducing the number and quality of meals at a time when staying healthy and keeping a strong immune system is particularly important. 

     Home learning may itself be a source of stress for families and learners, with pressure to take on new responsibilities. Many children are suffering from anxiety, living without access to the internet or (27) _______ means required to benefit from distance learning. Some older children are stressed about missing months of education (28) _______ they have to care for younger children in the home while parents and caregivers are working. 

The (24) _______ of COVID-19 is an unprecedented public health crisis, touching nearly all countries and communities across the world