Question

multiple choice question
read the paragraph shown. from the choices given, select the best definition of *exploited, using context clues to determine meaning.
the u.s. state department estimates that between 600,000 and 800,000 people are trafficked for forced labor and sex worldwide each year—and that 80 percent are women and girls. most trafficked females are exploited in commercial sex outlets. the u.s. state department estimates that between 14,500 and 17,500 human trafficking victims are brought into the united states each year. some advocacy groups claim this estimate is too low and place the number much higher; for instance the coalition against trafficking women places the estimate of victims brought into the united states annually at 50,000.
source: kolander, cheryl, et al. contemporary womens health issues for today and the future. 5th ed., mcgraw educ., 2014.
ignored and not paid attention to
exposed or revealed
abused and taken advantage of
respected and valued

Explanation:

The context of the paragraph is about human trafficking, where women and girls are trafficked. In such a context, "exploited" would mean being in a situation of harm and unfair use. "Abused and taken advantage of" fits this negative and harmful context related to trafficking. "Ignored and not paid attention to" doesn't capture the harmful nature of what happens to trafficked people. "Exposed or revealed" is not relevant to the context of forced labor and sex (which are forms of abuse). "Respected and valued" is the opposite of what happens to trafficked individuals.

Answer:

abused and taken advantage of