Which phrase correctly pairs the two nouns used to counteract stress?

Which phrase correctly pairs the two nouns used to counteract stress?

• A. ability and capacity
• B. courage and resilience
• C. strength and stamina
• D. focus and discipline

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is recognizing a broad, general way to describe someone’s ability to handle stress. Ability and capacity together convey the overall resources a person has to respond to stressful situations—their potential, skills, and means to cope. This pairing is neutral and broad, making it the most fitting way to express someone’s overall coping resources. Why this works best: ability and capacity are parallel abstract nouns that mutually reinforce the sense of what a person can do when stressed. They aren’t tied to a specific trait or physical attribute, unlike the other options, which highlight particular qualities or capabilities (courage and resilience; strength and stamina; focus and discipline). Those are valuable in stressful contexts, but they describe specific aspects rather than the general resource pool used to counteract stress.

The idea being tested is recognizing a broad, general way to describe someone’s ability to handle stress. Ability and capacity together convey the overall resources a person has to respond to stressful situations—their potential, skills, and means to cope. This pairing is neutral and broad, making it the most fitting way to express someone’s overall coping resources.

Why this works best: ability and capacity are parallel abstract nouns that mutually reinforce the sense of what a person can do when stressed. They aren’t tied to a specific trait or physical attribute, unlike the other options, which highlight particular qualities or capabilities (courage and resilience; strength and stamina; focus and discipline). Those are valuable in stressful contexts, but they describe specific aspects rather than the general resource pool used to counteract stress.