In the questions given below, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each sentence, some phrases are given which can substitute the underlined part of the sentence. Identify the phrase which can correctly substitute the underlined part of the sentence. If the sentence is correct, as it is, the answer should be 'no improvement is required'.

Due to the scarcity of cyclones near the coast, any house built near the beach must have sturdy walls to prevent it from collapsing

The correct answer is '2' i.e. prevalence .

Key Points 

• The underlined part of the sentence is "Due to the scarcity of cyclones near the coast." The sentence implies that because cyclones are rare near the coast, houses built there need sturdy walls for protection.
• Let's analyze the options to see which one can correctly substitute "scarcity":
• Option 1: negligence - Negligence means failure to take proper care or attention. This doesn't fit the context of the frequency of cyclones.
• Option 2: prevalence - Prevalence means the widespread occurrence of something. If we substitute this, the sentence would mean "Due to the prevalence of cyclones near the coast..." which changes the meaning entirely and doesn't logically lead to the need for sturdy walls due to a lack of cyclones.
• Option 3: depletion - Depletion means the reduction in the number or quantity of something. While related to scarcity, it's not the most direct or appropriate substitute in this context.
• Option 4: no improvement is required - The original sentence states "scarcity of cyclones," meaning cyclones are rare. The subsequent clause about sturdy walls doesn't logically follow from a lack of cyclones. Houses near the beach typically need sturdy walls to withstand the impact of potential storms and the harsh coastal environment, regardless of how frequent cyclones are.
• Upon re-evaluation, the original sentence presents a flawed logic. Sturdy walls are needed due to the potential for strong weather events and the coastal environment, not the lack of cyclones. However, if we must choose a substitute for "scarcity" based on the provided options and assuming the original sentence's logic was intended to highlight a lower risk from cyclones, none of the options directly fit. If the intention was to say that despite the rarity of cyclones, precautions are still needed, then "scarcity" is the correct word in that context, making "no improvement is required" the answer. However, given the logical flaw in the premise, the question is somewhat ambiguous.
• Considering the likely intended meaning that despite the infrequency of cyclones, sturdy construction is still necessary for other reasons related to the coastal environment, "no improvement is required" is the most appropriate answer as "scarcity" correctly conveys the low frequency.

Correct sentence: Due to the scarcity of cyclones near the coast, any house built near the beach must have sturdy walls to prevent it from collapsing.

Additional Information 

• The word "scarcity" means a shortage or lack of something.
• The word "prevalence" means the state of being widespread or common.
• The word "negligence" means a failure to take proper care.
• The word "depletion" means a reduction in quantity or number.