Meaning: 'Slave' in this context means someone who is overly controlled or dominated by something, suggesting that one should not be a slave to plain writing alone.

Wrong options:

• blame: 'Blame' is a verb that means to assign responsibility for a fault, which does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not describe a person in relation to writing style.
• style: 'Style' is a noun that refers to a manner of doing something, but it does not convey the idea of being dominated or excessively devoted to something, making it contextually inappropriate.
• wear: 'Wear' is a verb that means to carry or have on one's body, which does not fit the grammatical structure or the context of the sentence.

Correct answer: competent

Explanation: The word 'competent' fits grammatically as an adjective describing hands that are capable or skilled. Contextually, it suggests that skilled writers can handle complexity effectively, enhancing the meaning of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Competent' means having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully, indicating that skilled writers can manage complex writing.

Wrong options:

• smaller: 'Smaller' is a comparative adjective that refers to size, which does not relate to the context of writing skills or capability.
• double: 'Double' is an adjective that refers to something being twice as much or as many, which does not fit the context of describing hands in relation to writing.
• straight: 'Straight' is an adjective that means not curved or bent, which does not apply to the context of writing skills or complexity.

Correct answer: strive

Explanation: The word 'strive' fits grammatically as a verb that means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. Contextually, it emphasizes the importance of aiming for simplicity in writing, aligning well with the overall message of the passage.

Meaning: 'Strive' means to exert oneself vigorously to achieve a goal, in this case, to write simply and effectively.

Wrong options:

• spy: 'Spy' is a verb that means to observe secretly, which does not fit the context of writing or making efforts in writing style.
• swear: 'Swear' is a verb that means to make a solemn promise or to use offensive language, which does not relate to the context of striving for simplicity in writing.
• spare: 'Spare' is a verb that means to refrain from harming or using something, which does not convey the intended meaning of making an effort.

Correct answer: conveying

Explanation: The word 'conveying' fits grammatically as a gerund that describes the act of communicating or making something known. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of writing that effectively communicates clear actions or identities, enhancing the overall message of the passage.

Meaning: 'Conveying' means to communicate or express something, particularly in writing, indicating the importance of clarity in writing style.

Wrong options:

• telling: 'Telling' is a gerund that refers to narrating or informing, which does not fit as well as 'conveying' in the context of clear actions or identities.
• compelling: 'Compelling' is an adjective that means evoking interest or attention, which does not fit grammatically as a noun or gerund in this context.
• strolling: 'Strolling' is a gerund that means walking in a leisurely way, which is unrelated to the context of writing or communication.

Correct answer: focus

Explanation: The word 'focus' fits grammatically as a verb that means to concentrate attention or effort. Contextually, it emphasizes the ability to concentrate on important aspects of writing, aligning with the overall message of the passage about effective writing.

Meaning: 'Focus' means to direct attention or effort towards something, indicating the importance of concentrating on key moments in writing.

Wrong options:

• rings: 'Rings' is a noun that refers to circular bands, which does not fit grammatically or contextually in the context of writing or attention.
• tell: 'Tell' is a verb that means to inform or narrate, which does not convey the idea of concentrating attention as effectively as 'focus.'
• think: 'Think' is a verb that means to have a particular opinion or belief, which does not fit the context of directing attention in writing.