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.



A Worthwhile Challenge



Most people agree that teaming to play a musical instrument is one of the most worthwhile things they have ever done but also one of the hardest. ___(41)___ children are very enthusiastic when they first take up an instrument, but don’t realize how much practice will be involved. Sadly, they quickly start to lose interest as they find the technical skill increasingly difficult. If they feel they are not ___(42)___ enough progress, young people often give up having lessons after two or three years. But those people ___(43)___ have enough talent and determination and are willing to make efforts to reach a reasonable standard, can feel a strong sense of achievement.

Apart from ___(44)___ a lifelong hobby and a valuable skill, playing an instrument for pleasure is beneficial in less obvious ways too. This is an effective way of reducing stress ___(45)___ your brain is completely focused on the music, which means worrying about anything else is impossible.