Meaning: 'Noticeably' means in a way that is clearly visible or able to be noticed, suggesting that any improvements in the food are not apparent to consumers.

Wrong options:

• noticeably: Correct option, indicating visible improvement.
• necessarily: Implies that something is required, which does not fit the context of observable benefits.
• narrowly: Suggests a limited scope, which does not apply to the general comparison of better or cheaper.
• nobly: Refers to moral qualities, which is irrelevant in the context of food benefits.

Correct answer: proponents

Explanation: The term 'proponents' fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause, indicating those who support the argument. Contextually, it aligns with the idea that supporters of genetic engineering are the ones making the claim about its benefits.

Meaning: 'Proponents' refers to individuals or groups who advocate for or support a particular idea or policy, in this case, genetic engineering.

Wrong options:

• products: Refers to items for sale, which does not fit the context of arguing for benefits.
• promotions: Indicates marketing efforts, irrelevant to the discussion of supporters' arguments.
• opponents: Refers to those against the idea, which contradicts the context of discussing benefits.

Correct answer: feeding

Explanation: The verb 'feeding' fits grammatically as it is in the gerund form, which is appropriate after 'role in.' Contextually, it aligns with the idea of providing food to the population, which is the main argument being made.

Meaning: 'Feeding' means providing food, highlighting the role of genetic engineering in addressing food supply issues.

Wrong options:

• meeting: Implies fulfilling a requirement, which does not directly relate to food provision.
• increasing: Suggests growth in quantity, but does not specifically address the act of providing food.
• dealing: Refers to handling or managing, which is not relevant to the context of food supply.

Correct answer: burgeoning

Explanation: The adjective 'burgeoning' fits grammatically as it describes the noun 'population,' indicating rapid growth. Contextually, it aligns with the discussion of an increasing number of people needing food.

Meaning: 'Burgeoning' means growing or expanding rapidly, emphasizing the urgent need for food supply solutions.

Wrong options:

• burning: Refers to fire or intense heat, which is unrelated to population growth.
• declining: Indicates a decrease, which contradicts the context of population growth.
• bargaining: Refers to negotiation, which does not apply to the context of population size.

Correct answer: asserting

Explanation: The word 'asserting' fits grammatically as it serves as the main verb in the clause, indicating what opponents are doing. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of making a strong statement or claim about food production.

Meaning: 'Asserting' means stating a fact or belief confidently and forcefully, reflecting the opponents' stance on food production.

Wrong options:

• assessing: Means evaluating, which does not fit the context of making a claim.
• inserting: Refers to putting something into something else, irrelevant in this context.
• addicting: Implies causing addiction, which is not applicable to the argument being made.

Correct answer: consume

Explanation: The verb 'consume' fits grammatically as it follows the modal 'can,' indicating ability. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of how much food is being eaten by the population, which is relevant to the argument about food production.

Meaning: 'Consume' means to eat or use up resources, highlighting the relationship between food production and consumption.

Wrong options:

• assume: Means to take for granted, which does not fit the context of food usage.
• conserve: Refers to saving resources, which contradicts the idea of how much food is being eaten.
• resume: Means to continue after a pause, irrelevant to the context of food consumption.