Meaning: 'Earmarked' means to designate something for a particular purpose, indicating that the building is set aside for preservation.

Wrong options:

• branded: Branded implies labeling or marketing, which does not fit the context of preservation.
• minted: Minted refers to producing coins or creating something new, which is irrelevant in this context.
• tagged: Tagged suggests labeling but lacks the specific connotation of designation for preservation.

Correct answer: life

Explanation: The word 'life' fits grammatically as it refers to the duration of existence of the building. Contextually, it aligns with the discussion about how long a nineteenth-century house is expected to last.

Meaning: 'Life' in this context refers to the expected duration or longevity of the building.

Wrong options:

• time: Time is too vague and does not specifically refer to the duration of existence of the building.
• age: Age refers to how old something is, not its expected duration of existence.
• strength: Strength relates to durability or robustness, which does not pertain to the concept of expectancy.

Correct answer: say

Explanation: The word 'say' fits grammatically as it introduces an example or hypothetical scenario. It is contextually appropriate as it suggests a common way to refer to a type of house.

Meaning: 'Say' is used here to introduce an example, meaning 'for instance' or 'let's consider.'

Wrong options:

• imagine: Imagine implies a hypothetical scenario but does not serve as a direct introduction to an example.
• think: Think suggests contemplation but lacks the directness needed to introduce an example.
• look: Look does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not serve to introduce an example.

Correct answer: clearance

Explanation: The term 'clearance' fits grammatically as it refers to the act of removing buildings. Contextually, it aligns with the discussion of demolishing slum areas.

Meaning: 'Clearance' refers to the process of removing buildings or debris, particularly in the context of urban development.

Wrong options:

• removal: Removal is a general term that does not specifically convey the context of demolishing slums.
• riddance: Riddance implies getting rid of something unwanted but is not commonly used in this context.
• dispatch: Dispatch suggests sending something away but does not fit the context of demolition.

Correct answer: status

Explanation: The word 'status' fits grammatically as it refers to the condition or classification of the conservation area. It is contextually appropriate as it indicates the recognition of the area's importance.

Meaning: 'Status' refers to the condition or standing of something, indicating the level of recognition given to the conservation area.

Wrong options:

• quality: Quality refers to the standard of something, which does not fit the context of classification.
• class: Class implies a category but lacks the formal recognition aspect of 'status.'
• rank: Rank suggests a hierarchical position, which is not applicable in this context.

Correct answer: mean

Explanation: The word 'mean' fits grammatically as it serves as a verb indicating what the low rates of demolition and construction indicate. Contextually, it aligns with the implications for the building stock.

Meaning: 'Mean' in this context indicates to signify or imply something based on the data presented.

Wrong options:

• convey: Convey suggests communication but does not fit the grammatical structure needed here.
• explain: Explain implies providing details, which does not fit the context of indicating a conclusion.
• determine: Determine suggests making a decision, which does not align with the context of indicating implications.