Meaning: 'Classed' means to categorize or group something based on shared characteristics, indicating that sociology is recognized as part of the social sciences.

Wrong options:

• lagged: 'Lagged' means to fall behind or delay, which does not fit the context of categorization.
• settled: 'Settled' implies a state of being established or resolved, but it does not convey the idea of classification as effectively as 'classed.'
• selected: 'Selected' means chosen from a group, which does not apply to the context of categorizing sociology within social sciences.

Correct answer: established

Explanation: The word 'established' is appropriate here as it indicates that sociology was formally recognized as a subject. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes the formal introduction of sociology as an academic discipline.

Meaning: 'Established' means to set up or create something on a firm or permanent basis, indicating that sociology became a recognized field of study in the late 18th century.

Wrong options:

• endangered: 'Endangered' refers to being at risk of extinction, which is irrelevant in this context of academic subjects.
• envisaged: 'Envisaged' means to imagine or foresee, which does not convey the idea of formal recognition as effectively as 'established.'
• entitled: 'Entitled' means to give a title or right to something, which does not fit the context of formally recognizing a subject.

Correct answer: acceptance

Explanation: The word 'acceptance' fits well as it indicates that sociology has gained recognition and approval as an academic subject. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses the growing acknowledgment of sociology in academia.

Meaning: 'Acceptance' refers to the approval or recognition of something, indicating that sociology has become widely accepted as a legitimate field of study.

Wrong options:

• adjusted: 'Adjusted' means to change or modify, which does not fit the context of gaining recognition.
• angled: 'Angled' refers to a position or perspective, which is not relevant to the context of academic acceptance.
• reluctance: 'Reluctance' means unwillingness, which is the opposite of what is intended in the context of gaining acceptance.

Correct answer: although

Explanation: The word 'although' serves as a conjunction that introduces a contrast, fitting grammatically and contextually to indicate that despite a long history of development, sociology's prominence in education is relatively recent.

Meaning: 'Although' is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously, highlighting the contrast between sociology's history and its recent prominence.

Wrong options:

• as: 'As' is a conjunction that indicates reason or time, which does not convey the contrast needed in this context.
• almost: 'Almost' is an adverb indicating proximity but does not serve as a conjunction to introduce contrast.
• though: 'Though' is similar to 'although' but is less formal and does not fit as smoothly in this context.