Meaning: 'Royalty' refers to a payment made to authors, musicians, and other creators based on the sales of their work, typically a percentage of sales revenue.

Wrong options:

• penalty: 'Penalty' implies a punishment or fine, which does not fit the context of compensating artists for their work.
• quality: 'Quality' refers to the standard of something, which is unrelated to the financial compensation discussed in the sentence.
• quantity: 'Quantity' refers to the amount or number of something, which does not convey the idea of payment or compensation.

Correct answer: scandal

Explanation: The word 'scandal' is appropriate as it conveys a sense of wrongdoing or public outrage regarding copyright law, fitting the negative sentiment expressed in the sentence. It aligns with the context of discussing the issues surrounding copyright.

Meaning: 'Scandal' refers to an action or event that causes public outrage or controversy, particularly in the context of moral or legal issues.

Wrong options:

• right: 'Right' suggests correctness or entitlement, which does not match the negative connotation intended in the context of copyright law.
• proof: 'Proof' refers to evidence or verification, which does not relate to the moral implications of copyright law discussed here.
• crime: 'Crime' implies illegal activity, which is too strong a term for the issues surrounding copyright law and does not fit the context.

Correct answer: exacerbated

Explanation: The term 'exacerbated' fits grammatically as it indicates that the situation has worsened, which aligns with the context of discussing the negative impact of the Free Trade Agreement on copyright law.

Meaning: 'Exacerbated' means to make a problem or situation worse, indicating that the Free Trade Agreement has intensified issues related to copyright.

Wrong options:

• executed: 'Executed' means to carry out or perform, which does not fit the context of worsening a situation.
• planned: 'Planned' suggests preparation for future action, which does not convey the idea of worsening an existing issue.
• pleased: 'Pleased' indicates satisfaction, which is contrary to the negative sentiment expressed in the sentence.

Correct answer: reaping

Explanation: The word 'reaping' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to receiving benefits, which aligns with the idea of Agatha Christie's descendants enjoying the financial rewards from her works.

Meaning: 'Reaping' means to receive or gather something, especially benefits or rewards, as a result of previous actions or efforts.

Wrong options:

• sweeping: 'Sweeping' refers to cleaning or moving something broadly, which does not relate to receiving benefits.
• gripping: 'Gripping' means holding tightly or being very interesting, which does not fit the context of receiving benefits.
• sneaking: 'Sneaking' implies moving stealthily, which does not convey the idea of openly receiving benefits.

Correct answer: attempted

Explanation: The word 'attempted' fits grammatically as it indicates an effort made by politicians to appear cultured, aligning with the context of their actions being scrutinized.

Meaning: 'Attempted' means to make an effort to do something, indicating that politicians are trying to create a cultured image.

Wrong options:

• related: 'Related' suggests a connection, which does not fit the context of making an effort to appear cultured.
• executed: 'Executed' means to carry out a plan, which does not convey the idea of trying or attempting something.
• cultured: 'Cultured' describes someone who is well-educated or refined, which does not fit as a verb in this context.

Correct answer: justify

Explanation: The term 'justify' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to providing a valid reason for the value given away, aligning with the discussion of public benefit versus private gain.

Meaning: 'Justify' means to provide a reason or explanation for something, particularly in terms of making it seem reasonable or acceptable.

Wrong options:

• adjust: 'Adjust' means to change or modify, which does not fit the context of providing a reason for value given away.
• impress: 'Impress' means to make someone feel admiration, which does not relate to the idea of providing justification.
• attest: 'Attest' means to affirm or confirm, which does not fit the context of explaining or justifying actions.