In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

All this suggests the intimate relations which exist between history, politics, and sociology. The ____________ thing, however, is not the identities but the distinctions.For, however much the _____________ disciplines may, in practice, overlap, it is necessary ________ the sake of clear thinking to have their limits defined. As far _______sociology and history are concerned the differences may be summed up in a word. __________ history and sociology are concerned with the life of man as man.

sociology. The ____________ thing, however,

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement".

If all of us (had been) philosophical thinkers, we would not have been deceived by scheming politicians all these years.

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement".

Whether it (were balancing) the budget or the day-to-day menu, grandma was the expert.

What is the simplified value of 

117-16-116-15+115-14-114-13+113-12 ?

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement".

We took a path that would keep us away from (disturb) them as they basked in the sun and ate a slow meal.

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the bracketed part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select "no improvement".

Gilbert de Lafayette's father and grandfather and great-grandfather (have all been) brave and noble men.

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the words/sentence.

Subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs

What is the simplified value of 0.042+0.212-0.00840.043+0.213