You’ve no doubt seen pictures or shots of women carrying heavy loads in baskets on their heads. You might think of this as a kind of __39__ and unusual punishment. Actually, what might seem dangerous to you is a piece of cake to these, mostly African and Asian, women.  In rural areas without good roads, many products are transported by people. Water from wells, produce from fields, and construction supplies like bricks are often moved in baskets balanced on the heads of women. This is not as __40__ as it may seem. These women can carry as much as 20% of their body weight on their head with ease. They can walk around with this weight using no more energy than if they were carrying no __41__ at all!  Only when loads __42__ 20% of their body weight do severe neck or back injuries occur. However, research shows that if women start carrying loads on their heads in childhood, they will experience less harm later in life than those that pick up the custom when they are older.
【題組】39.
(A) crucial
(B) mighty
(C) cruel
(D) exhausted