Meaning: 'Convincing' means to make someone believe that something is true or real, particularly in this context, it refers to persuading people about the safety of the elevator.

Wrong options:

• protecting: Protecting implies keeping someone safe from harm, but it does not convey the action of persuading or making someone believe something, which is required here.
• persuading: While 'persuading' is related, it is a gerund and does not fit the grammatical structure of the sentence as it requires a present participle to match 'is'.
• insuring: Insuring refers to providing insurance or guaranteeing safety, which does not fit the context of convincing someone about safety.

Correct answer: reputation

Explanation: The word 'reputation' is appropriate as it refers to the general opinion about the company based on its past actions, fitting the context of how the company built its identity around the invention of the safety elevator.

Meaning: 'Reputation' means the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something, in this case, the Otis Elevator Company's standing in the industry due to its innovation.

Wrong options:

• character: Character refers to the qualities or traits of a person or organization, which does not fit the context of how a company is perceived based on its achievements.
• opinion: Opinion is a personal belief or judgment, which does not convey the established public perception that 'reputation' does.
• theory: Theory refers to a system of ideas intended to explain something, which is not relevant to the context of the company's standing.

Correct answer: locked

Explanation: The word 'locked' fits grammatically as the past participle describes the action that occurs automatically when the hoist rope is severed, aligning with the context of safety mechanisms in elevators.

Meaning: 'Locked' means to secure something in place, preventing movement, which is crucial for safety in the event of a rope failure.

Wrong options:

• closed: Closed implies something is shut but does not convey the automatic securing action that 'locked' does in this context.
• joined: Joined suggests a connection but does not fit the context of securing or preventing movement, which is essential here.
• opened: Opened is the opposite of what is intended in this context, as it would imply a lack of security.

Correct answer: displayed

Explanation: The word 'displayed' is correct as it is a past tense verb that indicates the action of showing or presenting the safety elevator, fitting the context of the historical event described.

Meaning: 'Displayed' means to show something publicly, which in this case refers to Otis showcasing his invention at an exposition.

Wrong options:

• classified: Classified means to categorize or arrange in classes, which does not fit the context of showing an invention publicly.
• analysed: Analysed refers to examining something in detail, which does not match the action of presenting the elevator to an audience.
• arranged: Arranged implies organizing or putting in order, which does not convey the act of showing something to the public.

Correct answer: safe

Explanation: The word 'safe' fits grammatically as an adjective describing the condition of the elevator in the event of a rope break, aligning with the context of ensuring safety in skyscrapers.

Meaning: 'Safe' means free from harm or danger, which is crucial in the context of elevator safety and the construction of skyscrapers.

Wrong options:

• secure: Secure implies safety but is more about being protected rather than the inherent condition of being safe, which is what is needed here.
• vulnerable: Vulnerable means exposed to harm or danger, which is the opposite of what is intended in this context.
• dangerous: Dangerous indicates a risk or threat, which contradicts the idea of safety being discussed.