Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 25 to 29. Fill in the appropriate word in question 28

Reasons to Not Hit Your Kids

  The practice of hitting children teaches them to become hitters themselves. Extensive research data is now available to support the direct correlation (25)_______corporal punishment in childhood and violent behavior in the teenage and adult years. Virtually, all of the most dangerous criminals (26)_____regularly threatened and punished in childhood.

  Punishment gives the message that "might make right," that it is okay to hurt someone smaller and less powerful than you are. The child then feels it is appropriate to mistreat younger or smaller children, and when he becomes an adult, feels little (27)______for those less fortunate or powerful than he is, and fears those who are more so. Thus it is difficult for him to find (28)_______friendships.

  Children learn best through parental modeling. Punishment gives the message that hitting is an appropriate way to express one's feelings and to solve problems. If the child rarely sees the parents handle anger and solve problems in a creative and positive way, he can never learn how (29)______that himself. Thus inadequate parenting continues into the next generation.

(Adapted from "Reasons to Not Hit Your Kids" by Jan Hunt)

A. meaningless

B. meaning

C. meaninglessly

D. meaningful