Meaning: 'Swept' means to be carried away quickly and forcefully, often by a strong current or wind, which accurately describes the boy being taken out to sea by the wave.

Wrong options:

• brushed: 'Brushed' implies a light touch or movement, which does not convey the intensity of being taken out to sea and is not suitable in this context.
• pulled: 'Pulled' suggests a more controlled action, which does not align with the chaotic nature of a wave sweeping someone away.
• ebbed: 'Ebb' refers to the receding of water, which is the opposite of what is happening in this scenario, making it grammatically and contextually incorrect.

Correct answer: trapped

Explanation: The word 'trapped' indicates that both the man and the boy were unable to escape from the cave due to the rising tide. This fits grammatically as it is in the past tense, consistent with the narrative, and contextually, it conveys the dire situation they found themselves in.

Meaning: 'Trapped' means to be caught in a place from which it is difficult or impossible to escape, which accurately describes their predicament in the cave.

Wrong options:

• surrounded: 'Surrounded' implies being encircled by something, but does not convey the inability to escape that 'trapped' does.
• kept: 'Kept' suggests being held in a place, but lacks the urgency and danger implied by 'trapped.'
• isolated: 'Isolated' means being separated from others, which does not capture the sense of danger and confinement that 'trapped' conveys.

Correct answer: making

Explanation: The word 'making' is the present participle form that indicates the action of the lifeboat proceeding towards the scene. It fits grammatically as it aligns with the ongoing action described in the narrative and contextually, it suggests the lifeboat is actively heading to assist.

Meaning: 'Making' in this context means to be in the process of going towards a destination, which is appropriate for the lifeboat's action.

Wrong options:

• going: 'Going' is a more general term and does not convey the sense of effort or purpose that 'making' does in this context.
• setting: 'Setting' typically refers to establishing something or placing it, which does not fit the action of a lifeboat moving towards a scene.
• advancing: 'Advancing' implies a forward movement but lacks the nuance of the lifeboat's specific action of heading towards the scene, making it less suitable.

Correct answer: board

Explanation: The word 'board' is used here as a verb meaning to get onto a vehicle, which is appropriate in this context as it describes the action of the casualties getting onto the lifeboat. It fits grammatically as it is in the correct form for the sentence structure and contextually, it aligns with the rescue operation being described.

Meaning: 'Board' means to get onto a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, which is exactly what the plan entails for the casualties.

Wrong options:

• deck: 'Deck' refers to a flat surface on a ship, but does not function as a verb in this context, making it grammatically incorrect.
• sail: 'Sail' is a noun referring to the fabric used to catch wind on a boat, and does not fit as a verb in this context.
• route: 'Route' refers to a path or course taken, which does not convey the action of getting onto the lifeboat and is therefore not suitable.