Meaning: 'Feature' refers to a distinctive attribute or aspect of something, in this case, hailstones being a common aspect of certain storms.

Wrong options:

• highlight: 'Highlight' suggests something that stands out or is emphasized, which does not fit the context of describing hailstones as a common occurrence.
• mainstay: 'Mainstay' implies a primary support or essential part, which does not accurately describe hailstones in this context.
• facet: 'Facet' refers to one side or aspect of something, but it does not convey the idea of hailstones being a common occurrence in storms.

Correct answer: damage

Explanation: The word 'damage' is appropriate as it refers to harm or injury caused to buildings, cars, and crops, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Damage' means physical harm that impairs the value or usefulness of something, which is relevant when discussing the impact of hailstones.

Wrong options:

• demolition: 'Demolition' refers to the act of destroying something, which is too extreme and does not fit the context of the sentence.
• disruption: 'Disruption' implies a disturbance or interruption, which does not specifically convey the physical harm caused by hailstones.
• desolation: 'Desolation' refers to a state of complete destruction or ruin, which is not the intended meaning in this context.

Correct answer: layer

Explanation: The word 'layer' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the additional coating of ice formed around the hailstone, aligning with the process described in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Layer' refers to a sheet or thickness of material, in this case, the ice that accumulates around the hailstone.

Wrong options:

• sheet: 'Sheet' suggests a flat, thin piece of material, which does not accurately describe the accumulation process of ice around hailstones.
• level: 'Level' refers to a flat or even surface, which does not fit the context of describing the formation of ice around hailstones.
• seam: 'Seam' typically refers to a line where two pieces of fabric or material are sewn together, which is not relevant in this context.

Correct answer: few

Explanation: The word 'few' is grammatically correct as it indicates a small number, fitting the context of describing the rarity of large hailstones.

Meaning: 'Few' means not many, indicating that large hailstones are uncommon occurrences.

Wrong options:

• little: 'Little' is used with uncountable nouns and does not fit here as we are discussing countable hailstones.
• near: 'Near' does not convey a quantity and is irrelevant in this context.
• rare: 'Rare' describes something that is uncommon but does not fit grammatically as it does not specify quantity.

Correct answer: put

Explanation: The word 'put' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates the action of placing their hopes at risk due to hail, aligning with the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Put' means to place or set something in a particular position, in this case, their hopes regarding crop yield.

Wrong options:

• place: 'Place' is a synonym for 'put' but does not fit the idiomatic expression used in this context.
• cause: 'Cause' implies bringing about an effect, which does not fit the structure of the sentence as it does not convey the same meaning as 'put.'
• give: 'Give' does not fit grammatically in this context, as it does not convey the intended meaning of placing hopes at risk.

Correct answer: mercy

Explanation: The word 'mercy' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates being at the mercy of the elements, which conveys vulnerability to natural forces.

Meaning: 'Mercy' refers to compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone, in this case, indicating that farmers are vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of weather.

Wrong options:

• charity: 'Charity' refers to the voluntary giving of help, which does not fit the context of vulnerability to natural forces.
• threat: 'Threat' implies danger or harm, which does not convey the same meaning as being at the mercy of something.
• risk: 'Risk' refers to the possibility of loss or injury, which does not fit the idiomatic expression used in this context.