Question

Fill in the blank with a suitable preposition:
_____________ a $1982$ survey, one third of Americans regard alcohol as the single greatest threat to family life.

• A. Because of
• B. Instead of
• C. Despite
• D. According to

Answer 1

The correct option is D According to

The given sentence indicates a statement as reported by a survey.

Because of indicates a reason or cause.

Instead of is used to show an exchange.

Despite is used to show contrast.

According to means 'as stated by' or 'as reported by'.

Thus option D is the correct answer. Options A,B,C are incorrect.