Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the…

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following Questions from 16 to 23.

A MULTICULTURAL WORLD

Living in a multicultural society has become a defining trend in many parts of the world. Growing up in a city shaped by diverse cultural origins, I was exposed to different languages, traditions, and belief systems from an early age. These experiences helped me form a stronger sense of identity, teaching me that cultural differences can enrich daily life rather than divide communities.

Nevertheless, multicultural environments may also generate misunderstandings. During my first year abroad, a controversial online post mocking international students gained unexpected popularity. It was clearly intended to provoke negative reactions instead of thoughtful discussion. Rather than responding emotionally, I began to reflect on how stereotypes oversimplify personal identity and ignore individual experiences.

Over time, meaningful cultural exchange became a two- way process. Participating in shared meals, classroom discussions, and cultural festivities allowed students to learn from one another. These interactions showed that understanding does not depend on total agreement, but on empathy, respect, and willingness to listen. As a result, diversity functioned as a catalyst for personal development rather than conflict.

In conclusion, living in a multicultural world requires tolerance, self- awareness, and adaptability. Although cultural tensions are sometimes unavoidable, they provide valuable opportunities to challenge prejudice and build stronger social connections. By embracing diversity, individuals can transform differences into collective strength.

The word popularity in paragraph 2 is CLOSEST in meaning to _________.