Answer:
C. It will cause the population to decrease.
I the word draft:
1. draft (noun) - a gust of cool air in a room. An example would be: Please close the window - there's draft in the room!
2. draft (noun) - a rough plan. An example would be: I haven't finished the paper yet - I only have a draft so far.
3. draft (noun) - obligatory military service. An example would be: That country still has a draft - my nephew just joined the army!
4. draft (verb) - to serve in the army. An example would be: My friend has just been drafted - he will have to serve for a year!
II the word break:
1. break (verb) - to separate something into pieces. Example: Why did you break your glasses?
2. break (verb) - disobey law. Example: He broke the law when he killed that man.
3. break (verb) - become publicly known. Example: When the news broke, everybody was surprised.
4. break (noun) - a pause. Example: I've been working for hours - I need to make a break.
III the word present:
1. present (noun) - a gift. Example: When I was in Spain, I bought presents for everyone!
2. present (noun) - the current moment. Example: I prefer living in the present rather than the past!
3. present (adjective) - currently there. Example: Is everyone present in class today?
4. present (verb) - to show. Example: I presented him with a gift, but he wasn't pleased at all.
The answer is the first one.
In "Writers often disavow the notion of a 'literary duty'" the author conveys a somewhat condescending attitude, as if they would always follow this and set aside anyone who said otherwise. This attitude says the author is looking down on them, and that the author believes that many authors do not meet their standards.
Another answer I would consider is "...writers ruined by their shrill commitments." However, there is no context or clear tone. The author could be mournful of the lost potential for all we know.
