Meaning: In this context, 'time' refers to a specific period in the past when conditions were different, particularly regarding the accessibility of Mount Everest.

Wrong options:

• year: The word 'year' specifies a particular 12-month period, which does not capture the broader sense of a past moment as effectively as 'time'.
• occasion: 'Occasion' refers to a specific event or instance, which does not fit the general context of a period being described here.
• opportunity: 'Opportunity' implies a chance for something to happen, which does not align with the context of discussing a past state of isolation.

Correct answer: emails

Explanation: The word 'emails' is the correct choice as it refers to digital messages that climbers can check, fitting the modern context of communication at the summit. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the idea of climbers pausing to check their communications.

Meaning: 'Emails' are digital messages sent over the internet, which climbers can access using mobile devices, indicating a shift in communication methods.

Wrong options:

• cards: 'Cards' typically refer to physical greeting cards or playing cards, which do not fit the context of digital communication.
• letters: 'Letters' are traditional written messages, which are less relevant in the context of modern communication at high altitudes.
• phones: 'Phones' refer to devices rather than the messages themselves, making it an inappropriate choice for this blank.

Correct answer: installed

Explanation: The word 'installed' is the correct verb choice, indicating that the telecommunications company has set up the network. It fits grammatically in the past tense and contextually as it describes an action taken to enhance communication.

Meaning: 'Installed' means to set up or put in place, referring to the establishment of the mobile phone network around Mount Everest.

Wrong options:

• created: 'Created' implies bringing something into existence but does not specifically convey the action of setting up a network, making it less precise.
• built: 'Built' suggests construction, which is not the most accurate term for establishing a telecommunications network, as it lacks specificity in this context.
• constituted: 'Constituted' means to form or establish, but it is not commonly used in the context of setting up technology, making it less suitable.

Correct answer: route

Explanation: The word 'route' is the most appropriate choice as it refers to the path taken to reach the mountain, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Route' refers to a way or course taken to reach a destination, in this case, the path to Mount Everest.

Wrong options:

• way: While 'way' could fit, it is more general and less specific than 'route', which is more precise in describing a defined path.
• track: 'Track' typically refers to a path or trail but is less formal and specific than 'route' in this context.
• road: 'Road' implies a constructed pathway, which may not accurately describe the paths leading to Mount Everest, making it less suitable.

Correct answer: telegram

Explanation: The word 'telegram' is the correct choice as it refers to a message sent via telegraph, fitting the historical context of communication methods used during the 1953 expedition.

Meaning: 'Telegram' is a message sent by telegraph, historically used for urgent communication before modern technology became prevalent.

Wrong options:

• letters: 'Letters' are written messages but do not fit the urgency and method of communication used at that time, which was telegrams.
• script: 'Script' refers to written text or a manuscript, which does not fit the context of sending messages via telegraph.
• pages: 'Pages' refers to sheets of paper and does not convey the idea of a message being sent, making it irrelevant in this context.

Correct answer: news

Explanation: The word 'news' is the correct choice as it refers to information or reports about recent events, fitting the context of communication advancements that allow for faster dissemination of information.

Meaning: 'News' refers to information about current events, which can be communicated quickly through modern technology.

Wrong options:

• report: 'Report' implies a detailed account of an event but does not capture the broader concept of information being shared as effectively as 'news'.
• message: 'Message' is a general term for any communication but lacks the specific connotation of current events that 'news' provides.
• bulletin: 'Bulletin' refers to a brief announcement or report, which is more formal and specific than the general term 'news', making it less suitable.