Meaning: 'In the form of' means that something is presented or given as a specific type or category, in this case, tax credits or direct payments.

Wrong options:

• apart from: This phrase indicates exclusion and does not fit the context of describing how subsidies are provided.
• through: While 'through' can imply a method, it lacks the specificity needed to describe the nature of subsidies as tax credits or payments.
• as well as: This phrase is used to add information but does not convey the manner in which subsidies are given, making it contextually inappropriate.

Correct answer: makes

Explanation: The verb 'makes' is appropriate here as it indicates the action of causing the products to become cheaper, fitting grammatically and contextually with the subject of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Makes' means to cause something to happen or to bring about a certain state, in this case, making products cheaper.

Wrong options:

• allows: While 'allows' suggests permission, it does not convey the active role of causing the products to be cheaper, which is essential in this context.
• promises: This implies a guarantee rather than an action, which does not fit the context of the sentence where a direct effect is being described.
• decides: This verb suggests making a choice, which does not align with the context of causing a change in price.

Correct answer: even

Explanation: The word 'even' is used to emphasize that the products remain cheaper under all circumstances, fitting well with the context of the sentence and the intended meaning.

Meaning: 'Even' is used to indicate that something is true in all cases or situations, emphasizing the extent of the price reduction.

Wrong options:

• thus: This word indicates a result or conclusion, which does not fit the context of emphasizing the degree of price reduction.
• despite: This suggests a contrast, which is not appropriate here as the sentence is stating a fact rather than presenting a contradiction.
• however: This word introduces a contrast or exception, which does not align with the context of the sentence that is affirming a condition.

Correct answer: On the contrary

Explanation: The phrase 'On the contrary' is used to introduce a statement that opposes or contradicts what has been previously mentioned, fitting the context of discussing potential negative effects of subsidies.

Meaning: 'On the contrary' means that what follows is in direct opposition to what has been stated before, indicating that subsidies can sometimes have negative outcomes.

Wrong options:

• Therefore: This word indicates a conclusion or result, which does not fit the context of introducing a contrasting idea.
• Unless: This implies a condition that must be met, which does not align with the intent of presenting an opposing viewpoint.
• Besides: This suggests an addition rather than a contradiction, making it unsuitable for the context of the sentence.

Correct answer: not

Explanation: The word 'not' is used to negate the action of paying farmers, fitting grammatically and contextually to indicate that the government did not pay them to grow crops or livestock.

Meaning: 'Not' is used to express negation, indicating that something is not the case, in this instance, that farmers were not paid to grow certain crops.

Wrong options:

• neither: This word is used to indicate a negative choice between two items, which does not fit the context of negating a single action.
• either: This implies a choice between two options, which is not relevant in the context of negating the payment to farmers.
• whether: This word introduces alternatives or conditions, which does not align with the straightforward negation required in this context.