Meaning: 'Improving' means making something better or enhancing its quality, in this case, referring to the enhancement of air quality.

Wrong options:

• worsening: This option implies a negative change, which contradicts the positive context of the sentence about green spaces enhancing air quality.
• maintaining: While this suggests keeping air quality stable, it does not convey the active enhancement implied in the text.
• neglecting: This indicates a lack of attention or care, which is the opposite of the intended meaning of green spaces positively affecting air quality.

Correct answer: cooling

Explanation: The word 'cooling' is appropriate as it directly relates to the action of reducing temperatures, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence about mitigating heat in urban areas.

Meaning: 'Cooling' refers to the process of lowering temperature, which is essential in the context of urban green spaces helping to manage heat.

Wrong options:

• heating: This option suggests increasing temperature, which is contrary to the intended meaning of reducing heat in urban environments.
• ignoring: This implies a lack of action or attention, which does not fit the context of actively managing urban temperatures.
• expanding: While this suggests growth, it does not relate to temperature management, making it irrelevant in this context.

Correct answer: thriving

Explanation: The word 'thriving' fits well as it describes ecosystems that are flourishing and healthy, aligning with the positive context of supporting biodiversity.

Meaning: 'Thriving' means to grow or develop well, indicating that the ecosystems supported by green spaces are healthy and robust.

Wrong options:

• disrupted: This implies a state of disturbance or chaos, which contradicts the idea of healthy ecosystems.
• isolated: This suggests separation, which does not align with the concept of ecosystems flourishing in supportive environments.
• declining: This indicates a decrease in health or vitality, which is the opposite of what is intended in the context of promoting healthy ecosystems.

Correct answer: development

Explanation: The word 'development' is suitable as it refers to the growth and progress of urban areas, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence about urban planning.

Meaning: 'Development' refers to the process of growth or improvement in urban areas, which is essential for city planning.

Wrong options:

• destruction: This implies a negative impact, which contradicts the goal of integrating green spaces into urban planning.
• stagnation: This suggests a lack of progress, which does not align with the proactive approach of urban planning mentioned in the text.
• renovation: While this refers to improvement, it does not encompass the broader concept of ongoing development in urban areas.

Correct answer: measurable

Explanation: The word 'measurable' is appropriate as it indicates that the benefits can be quantified or assessed, fitting well within the context of recognizing the advantages of green spaces.

Meaning: 'Measurable' means that something can be quantified or assessed, indicating that the benefits of green spaces are significant and can be evaluated.

Wrong options:

• insignificant: This implies a lack of importance, which contradicts the idea of recognizing the benefits of green spaces.
• hypothetical: This suggests something that is not real or based on theory, which does not fit the context of tangible benefits.
• exaggerated: This implies an overstatement, which contradicts the objective recognition of the actual benefits provided by green spaces.