Meaning: 'Reared' means to rise up on the hind legs or to lift up, especially in the context of animals, suggesting a defensive or aggressive posture.

Wrong options:

• leapt: 'Leapt' implies a jumping action, which does not accurately describe the cobra's behavior in this context as it suggests a more dynamic movement than what is described.
• plunged: 'Plunged' suggests a sudden downward movement, which contradicts the upward motion indicated in the sentence.
• swept: 'Swept' implies a broad, sweeping motion, which does not accurately capture the specific action of the cobra rising up.

Correct answer: fangs

Explanation: The word 'fangs' is the correct choice as it specifically refers to the long, pointed teeth of a snake used for injecting venom, which is contextually relevant to the description of a cobra's mouth.

Meaning: 'Fangs' are the sharp, elongated teeth that some snakes, including cobras, use to deliver venom to their prey.

Wrong options:

• incisors: 'Incisors' are a type of tooth found in mammals, not applicable to snakes, making it contextually incorrect here.
• teeth: 'Teeth' is a general term that lacks the specificity needed in this context; it does not convey the venomous aspect of the cobra's mouth.
• molars: 'Molars' refer to the flat teeth used for grinding food, which is not relevant to the description of a snake's biting mechanism.

Correct answer: tucked

Explanation: The word 'tucked' fits well as it suggests that Mark's office is positioned snugly or neatly behind the water tanks, which aligns with the spatial description provided in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Tucked' means to be placed or positioned in a snug or hidden manner, indicating that the office is not prominently visible.

Wrong options:

• folded: 'Folded' implies bending or creasing, which does not apply to the placement of an office and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
• placed: 'Placed' is too vague and does not convey the sense of being snugly positioned as 'tucked' does.
• lapped: 'Lapped' suggests overlapping or being on top of something, which does not accurately describe the relationship between the office and the water tanks.

Correct answer: basks

Explanation: The word 'basks' is appropriate as it conveys the idea of enjoying warmth or a comfortable situation, which fits the context of Mark enjoying his fame in a relaxed manner.

Meaning: 'Basks' means to take pleasure in a warm environment or situation, often used to describe animals soaking up the sun.

Wrong options:

• rolls: 'Rolls' implies a movement that does not fit the context of enjoying warmth; it suggests a more active motion rather than a relaxed state.
• lingers: 'Lingers' suggests staying in one place longer than necessary, which does not convey the same sense of enjoyment as 'basks.'
• glowers: 'Glowers' means to stare in an angry or sullen way, which is contrary to the positive connotation of enjoying fame.

Correct answer: put up

Explanation: The phrase 'put up' is correct as it means to tolerate or endure something, which fits the context of Mark's mother dealing with the snakes over the years.

Meaning: 'Put up' means to endure or tolerate something unpleasant or difficult, indicating that Mark's mother has had to cope with the presence of snakes.

Wrong options:

• make do: 'Make do' implies managing with what is available, which does not accurately convey the sense of tolerance required in this context.
• get by: 'Get by' suggests managing to survive or cope, but lacks the specific connotation of enduring something challenging as 'put up' does.
• go on: 'Go on' implies continuing an action or process, which does not fit the context of enduring or tolerating the snakes.