Meaning: 'Drained' means to be exhausted or depleted of energy, often used to describe a feeling of fatigue after stressful situations.

Wrong options:

• wasted: 'Wasted' implies a state of being intoxicated or severely impaired, which does not fit the context of emotional and physical exhaustion.
• shallow: 'Shallow' refers to a lack of depth or seriousness, which does not convey the emotional and physical exhaustion described in the text.
• devoid: 'Devoid' means lacking or empty, but it does not specifically convey the sense of exhaustion that 'drained' does.

Correct answer: pick myself up

Explanation: The phrase 'pick myself up' is an idiomatic expression that means to recover from a difficult situation, fitting perfectly in the context of the speaker's struggle to regain their emotional strength after feeling drained.

Meaning: 'Pick myself up' means to recover from a setback or to regain one's confidence and energy after a difficult time.

Wrong options:

• bring myself round: 'Bring myself round' suggests a change in opinion or mood, which does not align with the context of recovering from emotional distress.
• count myself in: 'Count myself in' implies inclusion in a group or activity, which is not relevant to the speaker's personal recovery process.
• put myself back: 'Put myself back' is vague and does not convey the specific idea of recovery or regaining strength as effectively as 'pick myself up'.

Correct answer: recommended

Explanation: The word 'recommended' fits contextually as it suggests that something inside the speaker was encouraging them to try the vitamin pills, aligning with the idea of an internal urge or suggestion.

Meaning: 'Recommended' means to suggest something as being good or suitable, indicating that the speaker felt compelled to try the pills based on the mailshot they received.

Wrong options:

• influenced: 'Influenced' implies being affected by external factors, which does not capture the personal and internal nature of the speaker's decision-making process.
• urged: 'Urged' suggests a strong push or pressure, which does not fit the more gentle suggestion implied by 'recommended'.
• pleaded: 'Pleaded' indicates a desperate request, which is too strong and emotional for the context of simply feeling encouraged to try something.

Correct answer: loud

Explanation: The word 'loud' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the volume of the laughter, which is a common way to express joy or amusement, enhancing the positive sentiment of the moment.

Meaning: 'Loud' means having a high volume, indicating that the laughter was not quiet, which emphasizes the speaker's sudden burst of happiness.

Wrong options:

• hearty: 'Hearty' refers to something that is warm and sincere, but it does not specifically describe the volume of laughter as 'loud' does.
• hard: 'Hard' typically describes intensity or difficulty, which does not apply to laughter in this context.
• strong: 'Strong' is vague and does not specifically relate to the volume of laughter, making it less appropriate than 'loud'.

Correct answer: light

Explanation: The word 'light' fits contextually as it conveys a sense of brightness and positivity in the speaker's eyes, aligning with the overall theme of emotional well-being and recovery.

Meaning: 'Light' refers to brightness or illumination, suggesting a positive change in the speaker's emotional state, symbolized by a sparkle in their eyes.

Wrong options:

• beam: 'Beam' implies a wide smile or expression of joy, but it does not specifically relate to the eyes as effectively as 'light'.
• flash: 'Flash' suggests a quick burst of light, which does not convey the ongoing sense of brightness that 'light' does in this context.
• sparkle: 'Sparkle' implies a twinkling effect, which is more specific and does not capture the general sense of brightness as well as 'light'.

Correct answer: turned back

Explanation: The phrase 'turned back' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates a reversal of a previous decision regarding the pills, aligning with the speaker's ongoing journey of well-being.

Meaning: 'Turned back' means to revert to a previous state or decision, indicating that the speaker has stopped taking the pills but still feels good.

Wrong options:

• thrown out: 'Thrown out' implies discarding something forcefully, which does not accurately reflect the speaker's choice to stop taking the pills.
• cut down: 'Cut down' suggests reducing quantity, which does not convey the complete cessation implied by 'turned back'.
• stopped off: 'Stopped off' typically refers to making a brief visit or pause, which does not fit the context of stopping the use of the pills.