The correct answer is: E. Protecting
Covering is the act of putting something over something else in order to protect it. It can also mean to conceal or hide something.
- Excluding means to leave someone or something out of a group or activity.
- Avoiding means to stay away from something or someone.
- Exhibiting means to display something for people to see.
- Hiding means to keep something secret or out of sight.
In the context of the question, “covering” is most likely used in the sense of “protecting.” For example, you might cover a table with a cloth to protect it from scratches, or you might cover your mouth when you cough to protect others from getting sick.
The other options are not as relevant to the context of the question. “Excluding” is about leaving someone or something out, while “avoiding” is about staying away from something or someone. “Exhibiting” is about displaying something for people to see, while “hiding” is about keeping something secret or out of sight.