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

ADDICTED TO THE NET?

Internet users who spend as much as thirty hours a week or more surfing the Web may endanger personal relationships, jobs, and their finances. These individuals appear to be addicted to the Internet. Symptoms of Internet addiction include an unchangeable (46) ______ to get online, a need to use the Internet for longer periods of time in order to find satisfaction, and feelings of restlessness or irritability when not online. (47) _______ symptoms include using the Internet to escape problems and lying to family or friends about time spent on the Internet. Another serious symptom is continuing to use the Internet even after problems develop in relationships, work, or school as a result of such use. A person (48) ______ suffers three or more of these symptoms over a 12-month period or more would be considered addicted. A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders examined the Internet habits of twenty people. These people spent more than thirty non-working hours a week online over a three-year period. The (49) ______ reported staying up all night, ignoring family responsibilities, and being late for work as a result of their online activities. (50) _______, many suffered from relationship problems, failed classes or lost jobs, as well as accumulation of large debts. These participants' habits met the criteria for a psychological disorder.

(Adapted from Reading for Real World 3 by Barbara Graber and Peggy Babcock)