Final answer:
The correct word to fill in the blank is 'sheds', describing the process of a snake removing its old skin, metaphorically used for a person aspiring to rid himself of his weaknesses and improve his personality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question 'As a snake ____ off its old skin, so he hoped to rid himself of his weaknesses and develop a new and better personality' is option b) sheds. A snake sheds its skin through a process known as ecdysis, which is part of the molting process. The act of shedding allows for both growth and the possibility of changing morphology. In this sentence, 'sheds' metaphorically applies to a person hoping to shed his weaknesses just as a snake sheds its skin for growth and renewal. The correct answer is a) molts. When a snake molts, it sheds off its old skin in order to grow a new one. This process allows the snake to rid itself of any weaknesses in its old skin and develop a stronger and better personality. The correct word to fill in the blank is 'sheds', describing the process of a snake removing its old skin, metaphorically used for a person aspiring to rid himself of his weaknesses and improve his personality.