Meaning: 'Course' refers to a direction or path taken, especially in a natural setting like the woods.

Wrong options:

• run: The word 'run' is a verb and does not fit grammatically as a noun in this context.
• lane: While 'lane' is a noun, it typically refers to a narrow road or path, which does not convey the idea of an obstacle in the woods as effectively as 'course'.
• pitch: 'Pitch' can refer to a level or angle but does not relate to the concept of an obstacle in the woods, making it contextually inappropriate.

Correct answer: bearings

Explanation: The term 'bearings' is used here as a noun that refers to one's position or direction relative to the surroundings. It fits grammatically and contextually, as losing one's bearings means becoming disoriented, which aligns with Johnson's experience in the woods.

Meaning: 'Bearings' means the direction or position of something, especially in navigation or orientation.

Wrong options:

• directions: While 'directions' could imply guidance, it does not convey the sense of personal disorientation as effectively as 'bearings'.
• senses: 'Senses' refers to the faculties of perception and does not specifically relate to navigation or orientation, making it less suitable here.
• judgement: 'Judgement' refers to the ability to make considered decisions, which does not fit the context of losing one's way in the woods.

Correct answer: sense

Explanation: The word 'sense' fits grammatically as a noun that refers to awareness or perception. In this context, losing one's sense of time and direction indicates a loss of awareness, making it the most appropriate choice.

Meaning: 'Sense' refers to a faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus, in this case, awareness of time and direction.

Wrong options:

• track: 'Track' implies following a path or trail, which does not convey the loss of awareness as effectively as 'sense'.
• knowledge: 'Knowledge' refers to information or understanding, which does not fit the context of losing awareness of time and direction.
• idea: 'Idea' refers to a thought or concept, which does not relate to the physical experience of losing awareness in the woods.

Correct answer: tricks

Explanation: The word 'tricks' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to deceptive actions or illusions that the mind might create in a state of fear or confusion. This aligns with the context of Johnson's experience in the darkness.

Meaning: 'Tricks' refers to actions intended to deceive or confuse, often used in the context of the mind playing tricks on someone.

Wrong options:

• games: 'Games' implies playful activities, which does not fit the context of the mind creating illusions in a frightening situation.
• jokes: 'Jokes' refers to humorous statements or actions, which does not align with the serious tone of the situation described.
• stories: 'Stories' implies narratives, which does not convey the idea of deceptive perceptions as effectively as 'tricks'.

Correct answer: drifted

Explanation: The word 'drifted' fits grammatically as a verb that describes a gentle, uncontrolled movement, which aligns with the context of falling asleep. It suggests a gradual transition into sleep, making it the most suitable choice.

Meaning: 'Drifted' means to move slowly or aimlessly, often used to describe a gentle transition into sleep.

Wrong options:

• glided: 'Glided' implies a smooth, controlled movement, which does not convey the natural and gradual process of falling asleep as effectively as 'drifted'.
• slipped: 'Slipped' suggests a sudden or accidental movement, which does not fit the context of falling asleep gently.
• filled: 'Filled' does not relate to the action of falling asleep and is grammatically incorrect in this context.