Meaning: 'Species' refers to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, highlighting the biological classification of humans as part of the larger family of living beings.

Wrong options:

• special: The word 'special' is an adjective and does not fit grammatically as it cannot describe a group of organisms in this context.
• specified: The word 'specified' is a past participle and does not function as a noun, making it unsuitable for this blank.
• sample: The word 'sample' is a noun that implies a small part of a whole, which does not accurately represent the entire group of humans being discussed.

Correct answer: intentions

Explanation: The word 'intentions' fits grammatically as it is a noun that refers to the purpose or aim behind actions, which aligns with the context of understanding the meaning behind sounds made by individuals. It is the only option that conveys the idea of what the sounds reveal about the speaker.

Meaning: 'Intentions' refers to the plans or aims that someone has, indicating the underlying motives behind the sounds produced by a person.

Wrong options:

• dimensions: The word 'dimensions' refers to measurable extents of an object and does not relate to the purpose or meaning behind sounds.
• extensions: The word 'extensions' implies a lengthening or expansion, which does not fit the context of understanding the purpose behind sounds.
• retentions: The word 'retentions' refers to the act of keeping something, which does not convey the idea of purpose or meaning in this context.

Correct answer: sharing

Explanation: The word 'sharing' fits grammatically as a gerund that indicates the act of distributing or communicating ideas, which is the intended meaning in the context of expressing thoughts. It is the only option that accurately describes the process of conveying ideas to others.

Meaning: 'Sharing' means to give a portion of something to others or to communicate ideas, highlighting the collaborative nature of human communication.

Wrong options:

• wearing: The word 'wearing' refers to having clothing on one's body, which does not relate to the act of communicating ideas.
• grating: The word 'grating' refers to shredding or scraping, which is unrelated to the context of sharing ideas.
• mending: The word 'mending' means to repair something, which does not fit the context of expressing or sharing ideas.

Correct answer: occurred

Explanation: The word 'occurred' fits grammatically as the past tense of the verb 'occur,' indicating that something happened or came to mind. It logically completes the sentence by suggesting that the thoughts would not have happened without the influence of speech.

Meaning: 'Occurred' means to happen or come to mind, indicating that certain thoughts were not present until prompted by external speech.

Wrong options:

• restored: The word 'restored' implies bringing something back to a previous state, which does not fit the context of thoughts coming to mind.
• waked: The word 'waked' is the past tense of 'wake,' which does not convey the idea of thoughts arising or happening.
• reckoned: The word 'reckoned' means to calculate or consider, which does not align with the context of thoughts spontaneously coming to mind.