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 27 to 31.

At school, the vast majority of what we learn is factual. In history lessons we memorise names and dates; in science we have to (27) _____ with chemical formulas and complex equations; in maths it's all numbers and signs. It's only in language lessons where we may come across fiction. Some people would argue that there's little point in reading something (28) _____ is 'made up'. If this is the case, why do language teachers encourage their students to look at anything apart from dictionaries and reference materials?
It is (29) _____ they are aware of the benefits that reading brings. It isn't simply because reading fiction helps us escape reality for a while and switch off from our everyday routines. Reading fiction also teaches us to see the world through (30) _____ people's eyes. It enables us to understand the feelings of others, making us more (31) _____. Fiction, in other words, helps us be better friends.