Meaning: 'Indeed' means 'in fact' or 'certainly,' used to confirm or emphasize a statement.

Wrong options:

• in that case: 'In that case' suggests a conditional situation, which does not fit the context of affirming the ease of mocking.
• to that end: 'To that end' implies a purpose or goal, which does not align with the context of describing the ease of mocking.
• still: 'Still' indicates a contrast or continuation, which does not appropriately emphasize the ease of the action in this context.

Correct answer: losing

Explanation: The word 'losing' describes the type of battle Sir John was fighting, indicating that he was not winning. It fits grammatically as a present participle that describes an ongoing state, consistent with the context of struggle.

Meaning: 'Losing' means failing to win or maintain something, in this case, a battle against low self-esteem.

Wrong options:

• falling: 'Falling' suggests a decline but does not convey the specific context of a battle, making it less fitting here.
• defeating: 'Defeating' implies overcoming an opponent, which contradicts the notion of Sir John knowing he was losing.
• wasting: 'Wasting' suggests squandering resources, which does not accurately describe the nature of the battle being fought.

Correct answer: utmost

Explanation: The word 'utmost' indicates the highest degree or maximum effort, which aligns with the context of professionals striving to raise self-esteem. It fits grammatically as an adjective modifying the implied effort of the professions.

Meaning: 'Utmost' means the greatest or highest degree, emphasizing the commitment of the professionals involved.

Wrong options:

• bounds: 'Bounds' refers to limits or borders, which does not fit the context of effort being made.
• excess: 'Excess' implies an overabundance, which does not convey the intended meaning of maximum effort in this context.
• lengths: 'Lengths' suggests measures taken, but does not convey the intensity of effort as effectively as 'utmost'.

Correct answer: afflicted

Explanation: The word 'afflicted' describes the state of being affected negatively by low self-esteem, fitting grammatically as a past participle that describes the condition of people. It aligns well with the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Afflicted' means to be troubled or harmed by something, in this case, low self-esteem.

Wrong options:

• sustained: 'Sustained' implies maintaining something over time, which does not accurately describe the negative impact of low self-esteem.
• undergone: 'Undergone' suggests experiencing something, but does not convey the suffering aspect as effectively as 'afflicted.'
• grieved: 'Grieved' indicates deep sorrow, which does not specifically relate to the issue of self-esteem as 'afflicted' does.

Correct answer: good

Explanation: The word 'good' describes the well-being of individuals, fitting grammatically as a noun that indicates a positive state. It aligns with the context of self-esteem being too high for their own benefit.

Meaning: 'Good' refers to a state of well-being or benefit, indicating that high self-esteem is not advantageous for the individuals mentioned.

Wrong options:

• behalf: 'Behalf' refers to representing someone, which does not fit the context of personal well-being.
• avail: 'Avail' means to be of use or benefit, but does not convey the idea of personal well-being as effectively as 'good.'
• interest: 'Interest' implies concern or attention, which does not accurately describe the state of well-being in this context.

Correct answer: as

Explanation: The word 'as' serves to compare the action of promoting self-esteem with the action of forcibly ramming it back, fitting grammatically as a conjunction that introduces a comparison. It aligns well with the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'As' is used to indicate the manner or way in which something is done, in this case, comparing the promotion of self-esteem to the act of ramming it back.

Wrong options:

• except: 'Except' indicates exclusion, which does not fit the context of comparing actions.
• so: 'So' implies a consequence or result, which does not appropriately connect the actions being compared.
• just: 'Just' suggests a limitation or fairness, which does not convey the comparative relationship intended in this context.