Meaning: 'Urging' means to strongly encourage someone to do something, indicating that they have been persistently asking me to exercise.

Wrong options:

• wishing: 'Wishing' implies a desire for something to happen but lacks the active encouragement aspect, making it less fitting in this context.
• pleading: 'Pleading' suggests a more desperate or emotional appeal, which does not align with the more neutral tone of the sentence.
• demanding: 'Demanding' indicates a forceful request, which may not accurately reflect the nature of their encouragement as described.

Correct answer: put off

Explanation: The phrase 'put off' is a phrasal verb that means to delay or postpone something. It fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates that I have successfully delayed making a decision, which aligns with the overall narrative of avoidance in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Put off' means to delay or postpone an action or decision, reflecting my ability to avoid making a choice about exercising.

Wrong options:

• clear out: 'Clear out' typically means to remove items from a space, which does not relate to decision-making in this context.
• break up: 'Break up' usually refers to ending a relationship or separating things, which is not relevant to the context of delaying a decision.
• set down: 'Set down' means to write something or to place something down, which does not convey the idea of postponing a decision.

Correct answer: point

Explanation: The word 'point' fits grammatically as a noun indicating a specific moment in time. Contextually, it conveys the idea of being on the verge of making a decision, which aligns with the surrounding text about relenting.

Meaning: 'Point' refers to a specific moment or stage in a process, indicating that I am close to giving in to the pressure to exercise.

Wrong options:

• spot: 'Spot' can refer to a location or a specific place, but it does not convey the temporal aspect needed in this context.
• edge: 'Edge' suggests a boundary or limit, which does not fit the context of being on the verge of a decision.
• moment: 'Moment' is similar but is less precise than 'point' in indicating the specific stage of relenting.

Correct answer: announced

Explanation: The word 'announced' is the past tense of the verb, fitting grammatically with the past context of the sentence. It conveys the act of making a statement about my commitment to exercise, which aligns with the narrative flow.

Meaning: 'Announced' means to make a public declaration or statement, indicating that I shared my decision to take ownership of my exercise routine.

Wrong options:

• foretold: 'Foretold' implies predicting something in the future, which does not match the context of sharing a current decision.
• advertised: 'Advertised' suggests promoting something publicly, which is not the intent in this personal context of sharing a decision.
• published: 'Published' typically refers to making something available to the public in print or online, which does not fit the personal nature of the statement.

Correct answer: twinkle

Explanation: The word 'twinkle' fits grammatically as a noun and conveys a sense of brightness or playfulness in the context of the sentence. It suggests a light-hearted or mischievous attitude, which aligns with the friend's reaction to my announcement.

Meaning: 'Twinkle' refers to a brief flash of light or a sparkle, often used to describe a playful or cheerful expression in someone's eye.

Wrong options:

• beam: 'Beam' implies a steady and strong light or smile, which does not capture the playful nuance intended in this context.
• light: 'Light' is too vague and does not convey the specific playful connotation that 'twinkle' does.
• flash: 'Flash' suggests a sudden burst of light, which lacks the subtlety and charm associated with 'twinkle' in this context.