Meaning: 'Clogged' means blocked or filled to the point of obstruction, suggesting that the Bay was heavily populated with ferries, making navigation difficult.

Wrong options:

• cleared: 'Cleared' implies that something has been removed or made unobstructed, which contradicts the context of the Bay being filled with ferries.
• filled: 'Filled' suggests a complete occupancy but lacks the connotation of obstruction that 'clogged' provides, making it less precise in this context.
• choked: 'Choked' can imply a similar blockage but is often used in more severe contexts, making 'clogged' a more appropriate choice for describing the Bay's condition.

Correct answer: convinced

Explanation: The word 'convinced' indicates that Strauss was firmly persuaded of the necessity for a bridge, fitting both grammatically and contextually as it reflects his determination amidst opposition.

Meaning: 'Convinced' means having a strong belief or certainty about something, indicating that Strauss felt strongly about the need for the bridge.

Wrong options:

• satisfied: 'Satisfied' implies contentment, which does not convey the urgency or determination that Strauss felt regarding the bridge's construction.
• compelled: 'Compelled' suggests being forced to act, which does not accurately reflect Strauss's proactive belief in the bridge's necessity.
• proved: 'Proved' indicates demonstrating truth, which does not fit the context of his belief or conviction about the bridge.

Correct answer: selfish

Explanation: The word 'selfish' accurately describes the motivations of the opposing groups, fitting grammatically and contextually as it highlights their self-interest in opposing the bridge.

Meaning: 'Selfish' means concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself, indicating that the reasons for opposition were based on personal interests rather than the common good.

Wrong options:

• greedy: 'Greedy' implies an excessive desire for more than one needs, which is similar but does not capture the broader self-interest implied by 'selfish.'
• stingy: 'Stingy' suggests unwillingness to share or spend, which does not encompass the motivations of the groups opposing the bridge as effectively as 'selfish.'
• kind: 'Kind' is the opposite of 'selfish' and does not fit the context of opposition, as it implies a benevolent motivation.

Correct answer: enormous

Explanation: The word 'enormous' fits grammatically and contextually, emphasizing the significant scale of the engineering challenge posed by the bridge's construction.

Meaning: 'Enormous' means very large in size, quantity, or extent, highlighting the vast challenges faced in building the bridge.

Wrong options:

• vast: 'Vast' is similar in meaning but is less commonly used to describe challenges, making 'enormous' a more impactful choice in this context.
• gross: 'Gross' typically refers to something large in a negative sense or total amount, which does not fit the positive connotation of the engineering challenge.
• big: 'Big' is a more informal term and lacks the weight and seriousness conveyed by 'enormous,' making it less suitable for this context.

Correct answer: scarce

Explanation: The word 'scarce' fits grammatically and contextually, indicating a lack of funds during the Great Depression, which is crucial to understanding the challenges faced.

Meaning: 'Scarce' means insufficient to meet the demand, highlighting the financial difficulties in funding the bridge's construction.

Wrong options:

• enough: 'Enough' implies sufficiency, which contradicts the context of financial challenges during the Great Depression.
• rase: 'Rase' is not a standard English word and does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• scanty: 'Scanty' suggests a small amount but is less commonly used in this context compared to 'scarce,' which is more precise in describing the financial situation.

Correct answer: construct

Explanation: The word 'construct' fits grammatically and contextually, indicating the action of building the bridge, which aligns with the overall narrative of the passage.

Meaning: 'Construct' means to build or put together, specifically referring to the act of creating the Golden Gate Bridge.

Wrong options:

• elevate: 'Elevate' means to raise or lift, which does not accurately describe the action of building a bridge.
• create: 'Create' is broader and less specific than 'construct,' which is more appropriate for the context of building infrastructure.
• organize: 'Organize' implies arranging or structuring, which does not fit the physical act of building a bridge.