1). C and F2). A and E3). B and D4). E and F

1.	1). C and F2). A and E3). B and D4). E and F
Answer» The sentence suggests that the blank should contain a NOUN as it is used after the adjective 'past'. The CONTEXT also suggests that the meaning should be conflict or fight. Let's look at the meanings of the words:$ A. Scuttles- $a metal container with a handle, used to fetch and store coal for a domestic fire. B. Skirmishes- $an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting C. Smudges- $a BLURRED or smeared mark on the surface of something. D. ALTERCATIONS- $a noisy argument or fight, especially in public. E. Contrabands- $a prohibited or banned item F$. Ridges- $a long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed. The only words that can make the sentence meaningful are Skirmishes$ and Altercations$, viz, B and D.$ Therefore, the correct answer is option 3.

Answer»

The sentence suggests that the blank should contain a NOUN as it is used after the adjective 'past'.

The CONTEXT also suggests that the meaning should be conflict or fight.

Let's look at the meanings of the words:$

A. Scuttles- $a metal container with a handle, used to fetch and store coal for a domestic fire.

B. Skirmishes- $an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting

C. Smudges- $a BLURRED or smeared mark on the surface of something.

D. ALTERCATIONS- $a noisy argument or fight, especially in public.

E. Contrabands- $a prohibited or banned item

F$. Ridges- $a long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed.

The only words that can make the sentence meaningful are Skirmishes$ and Altercations$, viz, B and D.$

Therefore, the correct answer is option 3.

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