Meaning: 'Increasingly' means 'more and more over time', suggesting that the modernization of urban areas is happening at a growing rate.

Wrong options:

• spontaneously: 'Spontaneously' implies something happening naturally or without external influence, which does not fit the context of planned modernization efforts.
• contemporarily: 'Contemporarily' refers to something occurring at the same time, which does not accurately describe the ongoing process of modernization in Bhutan.
• mechanically: 'Mechanically' suggests a lack of thought or emotion, which does not convey the intended meaning of progressive modernization.

Correct answer: balanced

Explanation: The word 'balanced' is appropriate as it indicates a careful consideration between two aspects: modernization and ancient culture. It fits grammatically as a verb that complements the subject 'Bhutan', and contextually, it reflects the idea of maintaining harmony between progress and tradition.

Meaning: 'Balanced' means to maintain an equal or fair relationship between two or more elements, in this case, modernization and culture.

Wrong options:

• juggled: 'Juggled' implies a chaotic or temporary handling of multiple elements, which does not convey the stability suggested by 'balanced'.
• opted: 'Opted' means to choose, which does not fit the context of actively managing or maintaining a relationship between modernization and culture.
• altered: 'Altered' suggests a change, but does not imply the careful management or equilibrium that 'balanced' conveys.

Correct answer: destruction

Explanation: The word 'destruction' fits grammatically as a noun that serves as the subject of the phrase 'Rampant destruction of the environment'. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of environmental harm that Bhutan aims to avoid, making it a logical choice.

Meaning: 'Destruction' refers to the act of causing severe damage or ruin, particularly to the environment in this context.

Wrong options:

• embodiment: 'Embodiment' refers to a tangible representation of an idea, which does not fit the context of environmental harm.
• vanity: 'Vanity' implies excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements, which is unrelated to environmental issues.
• execution: 'Execution' refers to the act of carrying out a plan or action, which does not align with the context of avoiding environmental harm.

Correct answer: measures

Explanation: The word 'measures' is suitable as it refers to actions taken to achieve a specific goal, fitting grammatically as a noun that complements the verb 'takes'. Contextually, it indicates the proactive steps the government is taking to preserve culture and the environment.

Meaning: 'Measures' means actions or steps taken to achieve a particular purpose, in this case, preserving culture and the environment.

Wrong options:

• pride: 'Pride' refers to a feeling of satisfaction, which does not fit the context of actions taken by the government.
• effects: 'Effects' refers to the results of actions, not the actions themselves, making it grammatically and contextually inappropriate here.
• allowance: 'Allowance' implies permission or a limit, which does not convey the proactive nature of the government's actions.

Correct answer: citing

Explanation: The word 'citing' fits grammatically as a gerund that serves as the subject of the clause, indicating the action of referencing the survey. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of providing evidence or support for the claim about Bhutan's happiness ranking.

Meaning: 'Citing' means to refer to or quote as evidence, particularly in support of a statement or claim.

Wrong options:

• submitting: 'Submitting' implies presenting something for consideration, which does not fit the context of referencing a survey.
• reviewing: 'Reviewing' means to examine or assess, which does not convey the act of referencing or quoting a source.
• proving: 'Proving' suggests demonstrating the truth of something, which does not align with the act of citing a source.