a) Stew preparation
b) Stock preparation
c) Dew preparation
d) Stall preparation

Answer: b
Explanation: Stock preparation is the interface between the pulp mill and the papermaking process in which pulp is treated mechanically and, in some instances, chemically by the use of additives and is thus made ready for forming into a sheet or board on the paper machine. During the stock preparation steps, the pulps are most conveniently handled as aqueous slurries.