Meaning: 'Sources' means the places or people from which information is obtained, particularly in the context of news and media.

Wrong options:

• opportunities: 'Opportunities' refers to favorable circumstances, which does not relate to the context of obtaining news.
• causes: 'Causes' implies reasons for events, not the origins of information, making it contextually irrelevant here.
• ways: 'Ways' is too vague and does not specifically denote the origins of information, lacking the precision required in this context.

Correct answer: informing

Explanation: The word 'informing' is the correct gerund form that fits the context of the sentence, indicating the action of providing information to citizens. It aligns with the structure of the sentence, which describes what town criers did.

Meaning: 'Informing' means to give someone facts or information, particularly about news and events.

Wrong options:

• explaining: 'Explaining' suggests providing reasons or details, which is not the primary function of town criers in this context.
• noting: 'Noting' implies making a record or observation, which does not convey the active role of delivering news as effectively as 'informing.'
• communicating: 'Communicating' is too broad and does not specifically capture the essence of delivering news to citizens.

Correct answer: arrival

Explanation: The word 'arrival' fits grammatically as a noun indicating the coming of radio technology, which is the subject of the sentence. It conveys the idea of a significant event in the context of news dissemination.

Meaning: 'Arrival' refers to the act of coming to a place, particularly in this context, the introduction of radio as a medium for news.

Wrong options:

• entrance: 'Entrance' typically refers to the act of entering a place, which does not fit the context of introducing a new technology.
• starting: 'Starting' is a verb form that does not fit grammatically as a noun in this context.
• approach: 'Approach' suggests a method or way of doing something, which does not convey the same meaning as 'arrival' in this context.

Correct answer: position

Explanation: The word 'position' is a noun that accurately describes the location or status of TV sets in the home, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Position' refers to the place where something is located, particularly in relation to other objects or areas.

Wrong options:

• area: 'Area' is too vague and does not specifically denote the placement of the TV sets as 'position' does.
• site: 'Site' typically refers to a location or place, often used in a more formal context, making it less suitable here.
• point: 'Point' is too informal and does not convey the same sense of location as 'position' in this context.

Correct answer: widespread

Explanation: The word 'widespread' fits grammatically as an adjective describing the extent of social media use, indicating that it is prevalent and common. It aligns with the context of news traveling faster due to this extensive use.

Meaning: 'Widespread' means occurring over a large area or among many people, particularly in the context of social media usage.

Wrong options:

• sweeping: 'Sweeping' implies a broad or comprehensive effect, but does not specifically convey the prevalence of social media use as effectively as 'widespread.'
• absolute: 'Absolute' suggests something that is complete or total, which does not fit the context of describing the extent of social media use.
• large: 'Large' is too general and does not convey the idea of prevalence or commonality as 'widespread' does.