Meaning: 'Dropped' means to stop doing something or to abandon a plan or idea.

Wrong options:

• quit: 'Quit' is a verb that implies stopping an action but is less formal and does not fit the passive construction of the sentence.
• renounced: 'Renounced' means to formally declare one's abandonment of something, which is too strong for the context of quietly abandoning plans.
• desisted: 'Desisted' means to cease doing something, but it is less commonly used and does not fit the context of plans being quietly abandoned.

Correct answer: after all

Explanation: The phrase 'after all' serves as a discourse marker that introduces a contrasting idea, indicating that despite previous gloom, the situation turned out better. It fits contextually and logically with the preceding sentence.

Meaning: 'After all' means 'in spite of what has been said or thought,' suggesting a change in perspective about the situation.

Wrong options:

• for that matter: 'For that matter' implies relevance to a previous point but does not convey the contrast needed in this context.
• by the way: 'By the way' is a casual phrase used to introduce a new topic, which does not fit the formal tone of the passage.
• whatsoever: 'Whatsoever' is used for emphasis but does not provide the necessary contrast or connection to the previous sentiment.

Correct answer: racked

Explanation: The word 'racked' fits grammatically as it is the past tense of 'rack,' meaning to think hard or strain one's mind. This aligns with the context of people trying to come up with useful ideas.

Meaning: 'Racked' means to cause someone to suffer mental anguish or to think intensely about something.

Wrong options:

• wrenched: 'Wrenched' implies a physical action of twisting or pulling, which does not fit the mental context of thinking hard.
• strained: 'Strained' suggests effort but is less specific to the mental process of thinking compared to 'racked.'
• sprained: 'Sprained' refers to an injury, particularly to ligaments, and does not relate to mental effort.

Correct answer: stroke

Explanation: The word 'stroke' fits grammatically as a noun indicating a sudden occurrence or action, which aligns with the context of a brilliant idea or moment of genius. It conveys the sense of an impactful decision.

Meaning: 'Stroke' in this context refers to a sudden and clever idea or action that leads to a significant outcome.

Wrong options:

• blow: 'Blow' typically refers to a physical hit or impact and does not convey the nuance of a clever idea.
• blast: 'Blast' suggests a loud noise or explosion, which does not fit the context of a moment of genius.
• stamp: 'Stamp' refers to a mark or impression and does not convey the idea of a sudden, clever action.

Correct answer: masts

Explanation: The word 'masts' fits grammatically as it is a plural noun referring to the tall vertical structures on a ship that support sails. This aligns with the imagery of sailing ships described in the passage.

Meaning: 'Masts' are the tall poles on a ship that hold the sails, essential for sailing and representing the grandeur of the ships in the parade.

Wrong options:

• spires: 'Spires' refer to pointed structures, typically on buildings, and do not relate to ships or sailing.
• rods: 'Rods' are long, thin objects but do not convey the specific nautical context of ships' structures.
• posts: 'Posts' are vertical supports but lack the specific maritime connotation that 'masts' provides.

Correct answer: morale

Explanation: The word 'morale' fits grammatically as a noun that refers to the emotional or mental condition of a group, which aligns with the context of national sentiment. It indicates the spirit or confidence of the people.

Meaning: 'Morale' refers to the confidence, enthusiasm, or discipline of a person or group, especially in challenging situations.

Wrong options:

• temper: 'Temper' refers to a person's mood or disposition but does not capture the collective emotional state of a nation.
• frame: 'Frame' can refer to a structure or context but does not convey the emotional aspect needed in this context.
• complexion: 'Complexion' typically refers to the appearance of the skin or a situation but does not relate to the emotional state of the nation.