Meaning: 'Appeal' means the quality of being attractive or interesting, indicating that the flight had a compelling aspect that drew attention.

Wrong options:

• appeal: The word 'beauty' implies aesthetic qualities, which may not fully encompass the broader attractiveness of the flight's significance.
• charm: While 'charm' suggests a pleasant quality, it is more subjective and less formal than 'appeal' in this context.
• allure: 'Allure' suggests a mysterious or seductive quality, which does not fit the straightforward context of the flight's significance.

Correct answer: resting

Explanation: The word 'resting' is appropriate here as it conveys the idea that the nation's pride is dependent on the success of the expeditions, fitting grammatically and contextually as it implies a state of reliance or support.

Meaning: 'Resting' means being based or dependent on something, indicating that the nation's pride was contingent upon the success of the expeditions.

Wrong options:

• leaning: 'Leaning' suggests a physical inclination and does not convey the same sense of dependence as 'resting.'
• waiting: 'Waiting' implies a state of anticipation, which does not accurately reflect the active dependence of pride on success.
• standing: 'Standing' suggests a position or status, which does not convey the idea of dependence as effectively as 'resting.'

Correct answer: committed

Explanation: The word 'committed' fits well as it indicates that resources were dedicated to the expeditions, aligning with the context of significant investment and support for their success.

Meaning: 'Committed' means to dedicate resources or efforts towards a particular cause or project, indicating a strong investment in the expeditions.

Wrong options:

• confided: 'Confided' means to trust someone with information, which does not fit the context of allocating resources.
• confirmed: 'Confirmed' implies validation or assurance, which does not relate to the allocation of resources in this context.
• commended: 'Commended' means to praise or express approval, which does not fit the context of resource allocation.

Correct answer: deal

Explanation: The word 'deal' is suitable as it refers to an agreement or arrangement, particularly in a business context, which fits the context of securing sponsorship.

Meaning: 'Deal' refers to an agreement or arrangement, especially in business, indicating that he secured a sponsorship through negotiation.

Wrong options:

• bargain: 'Bargain' implies a negotiation for a lower price, which does not fit the context of securing sponsorship as effectively as 'deal.'
• purchase: 'Purchase' refers to the act of buying, which does not accurately describe the process of obtaining sponsorship.
• transaction: 'Transaction' is a broader term that refers to any business deal, but it lacks the specific connotation of agreement that 'deal' provides.

Correct answer: raise

Explanation: The word 'raise' is appropriate as it indicates the action of gathering or increasing funds, fitting grammatically and contextually with the need for sufficient funds for the trip.

Meaning: 'Raise' means to collect or increase an amount of money, indicating the effort needed to secure funding for the trip.

Wrong options:

• elevate: 'Elevate' implies lifting something to a higher position, which does not fit the context of gathering funds.
• lift: 'Lift' suggests a physical action of raising something, which does not apply to the context of financial support.
• build: 'Build' implies constructing something, which does not accurately convey the action of gathering or increasing funds.