Meaning: 'Fringing' means to be at the edge or border of something, in this case, the mountains bordering the shore.

Wrong options:

• coasting: 'Coasting' implies moving smoothly along a surface, which does not convey the idea of being at the edge of the shore.
• edging: 'Edging' suggests a gradual movement towards the edge, but it does not accurately describe the static position of the mountains in relation to the shore.
• verging: 'Verging' indicates being on the verge of something, which does not fit the context of the mountains being a distinct feature along the shore.

Correct answer: present

Explanation: The word 'present' fits grammatically as it indicates that the steepness of the route does not pose a problem for the mountain walker. It is used in a way that suggests the route is currently not causing any issues.

Meaning: 'Present' in this context means to pose or create a situation, indicating that the steepness is not an obstacle for him.

Wrong options:

• address: 'Address' implies dealing with a problem, which does not fit the context of the steepness being a non-issue.
• effect: 'Effect' is a noun and does not fit grammatically in this context, as the sentence requires a verb.
• impart: 'Impart' means to give or convey, which does not logically connect to the idea of the steepness causing a problem.

Correct answer: grasped

Explanation: The word 'grasped' fits grammatically as it indicates the action of taking hold of something firmly, which is appropriate in the context of climbing back up after losing footing.

Meaning: 'Grasped' means to seize or hold firmly, which describes his action of holding onto a rock for support.

Wrong options:

• grappled: 'Grappled' implies struggling with something, which does not accurately describe the action of simply holding onto a rock.
• gathered: 'Gathered' suggests collecting or bringing together, which does not fit the physical action of holding onto a rock.
• garnered: 'Garnered' means to collect or accumulate, which is not relevant to the action of holding onto a rock.

Correct answer: gave way

Explanation: The phrase 'gave way' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates that the ground collapsed or failed to support him, leading to his fall.

Meaning: 'Gave way' means to collapse or yield under pressure, which accurately describes the ground's reaction to his weight.

Wrong options:

• gave up: 'Gave up' implies surrendering or ceasing to try, which does not apply to the ground's physical state.
• gave in: 'Gave in' suggests yielding to pressure but is more abstract and does not fit the physical context of the ground collapsing.
• gave over: 'Gave over' is not a standard phrase in this context and does not convey the intended meaning of the ground failing.

Correct answer: piercing

Explanation: The word 'piercing' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes a sharp, intense pain, which aligns with the situation he is experiencing after his fall.

Meaning: 'Piercing' means sharp or intense, often used to describe a strong sensation, particularly pain.

Wrong options:

• throbbing: 'Throbbing' describes a rhythmic pain, which does not convey the immediate sharpness implied by 'piercing.'
• dull: 'Dull' suggests a less intense pain, which contradicts the severity of the situation he is in.
• wounding: 'Wounding' is an adjective that describes something that causes injury, but it does not specifically describe the sensation of pain.