In the background they could hear John laughing and joking loudly. (1)/ John was the life and soul of any party (2)/ and he was cracking a joke every few minutes. (3)/ No error (4)

Options

A. 1. In the background they could hear John laughing and joking loudly.
B. 2. John was the life and soul of any party
C. 3. and he was cracking a joke every few minutes.
D. 4. No error

Answer

2

Explanation

the will replace any because
any generalises the situation but the (Def. Art.) indicates a particular Object.
Look at the examples given below:
The boy goes to the school in the next lane. He can go to school after he has attained the age of 3 years.
In the 1st sentence, we are talking about a particular school whereas in, 2nd about a general school, hence, the is used before school.
In the 2nd sentence, we are talking, about any school, hence, the will not be used before school.