Meaning: 'Occasion' means a particular time or instance of an event, emphasizing the significance of the dinners attended.

Wrong options:

• time: 'Time' is too vague and does not convey the special nature of the event as 'occasion' does.
• event: 'Event' implies a larger or more formal occurrence, which does not match the intimate setting of a dinner.
• meeting: 'Meeting' suggests a formal gathering, which is not appropriate in the context of a casual dinner.

Correct answer: gone

Explanation: The word 'gone' is the correct past participle form of 'go,' fitting grammatically in the past perfect tense used here. It indicates that Mike and his wife had completed the action of going out of their way before the dinner.

Meaning: 'Gone' means to have left or departed, but in this context, it implies that they made an effort to do something special.

Wrong options:

• come: 'Come' is the present participle and does not fit the past perfect tense required in this sentence.
• tried: 'Tried' suggests an attempt but does not convey the completed action of making an effort as effectively as 'gone.'
• been: 'Been' indicates existence or presence but does not convey the action of making an effort.

Correct answer: exception

Explanation: The word 'exception' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates something that is not included in a general rule. It logically follows the phrase 'to be no,' emphasizing that this dinner would not be an ordinary occurrence.

Meaning: 'Exception' means something that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow the usual pattern.

Wrong options:

• less: 'Less' is an adverb that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it does not convey the intended meaning of being an extraordinary event.
• other: 'Other' implies an alternative but does not capture the idea of something being unique or special.
• difference: 'Difference' refers to a dissimilarity and does not fit the context of indicating that this dinner is not an ordinary one.

Correct answer: aroma

Explanation: The word 'aroma' is a noun that refers to a pleasant smell, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the enticing scent of roasting meat, enhancing the sensory experience of the scene.

Meaning: 'Aroma' means a distinctive, typically pleasant smell, particularly associated with food.

Wrong options:

• stink: 'Stink' has a negative connotation and implies a foul smell, which does not match the context of a delightful dining experience.
• perfume: 'Perfume' typically refers to a fragrant liquid, not fitting the context of a cooking smell.
• stench: 'Stench' also has a negative connotation, indicating a strong unpleasant smell, which contradicts the intended positive imagery.

Correct answer: saliva

Explanation: The word 'saliva' is a noun that refers to the fluid produced in the mouth, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the physical reaction to the enticing aroma of food.

Meaning: 'Saliva' means the watery fluid produced in the mouth that aids in digestion and is often associated with the anticipation of food.

Wrong options:

• sweat: 'Sweat' refers to moisture exuded from the skin, which is unrelated to the context of food and dining.
• dribble: 'Dribble' is a verb that implies a liquid flowing slowly, which does not fit as a noun in this context.
• taste: 'Taste' refers to the sensation of flavor, which does not convey the physical reaction of anticipation as effectively as 'saliva.'

Correct answer: challenging

Explanation: The word 'challenging' is a present participle that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating that Mike was engaging Richard Pratt in a playful manner to test his knowledge about the wine.

Meaning: 'Challenging' means to invite someone to engage in a contest or test, suggesting a playful interaction.

Wrong options:

• daring: 'Daring' implies a risk-taking element, which does not fit the context of a friendly game.
• persuading: 'Persuading' suggests convincing someone to do something, which does not align with the playful nature of the interaction.
• calling: 'Calling' is vague and does not convey the specific action of inviting someone to participate in a challenge.