Meaning: 'Thus' means 'as a result' or 'in this way,' indicating that the rejections have led to the current situation being discussed.

Wrong options:

• yet: 'Yet' suggests something that has not happened up to this point, which does not fit the context of summarizing past rejections.
• hence: 'Hence' implies a logical conclusion but is less commonly used in conversational contexts, making it less suitable here.
• by: 'By' indicates a method or means, which does not logically connect to the context of summarizing the number of rejections.

Correct answer: back

Explanation: The word 'back' fits grammatically as it refers to the part of the body where one might imagine family members sniggering behind, maintaining the context of humor and embarrassment.

Meaning: 'Back' refers to the rear part of the body, suggesting that the speaker feels mocked from behind.

Wrong options:

• head: 'Head' does not fit the idiomatic expression of being mocked from behind, as it suggests a frontal position.
• ears: 'Ears' implies listening rather than being the target of mockery, making it contextually inappropriate.
• face: 'Face' suggests a frontal position and does not align with the idea of being mocked from behind.

Correct answer: bear

Explanation: The verb 'bear' fits grammatically and contextually, as it means to endure or tolerate something difficult, which aligns with the emotional weight of the situation described.

Meaning: 'Bear' means to endure or tolerate something, especially something unpleasant or difficult.

Wrong options:

• defy: 'Defy' means to resist or challenge, which does not fit the context of enduring emotional pain.
• cope: 'Cope' implies managing a situation, but does not convey the same sense of emotional burden as 'bear.'
• resist: 'Resist' suggests actively fighting against something, which does not align with the passive experience of enduring mockery.

Correct answer: packed in

Explanation: The phrase 'packed in' fits grammatically and contextually, indicating that the speaker has stopped or given up on their job, aligning with the narrative of pursuing a different career.

Meaning: 'Packed in' means to quit or stop doing something, particularly in a work context.

Wrong options:

• broken off: 'Broken off' suggests a sudden end to a relationship or conversation, which does not fit the context of quitting a job.
• wound up: 'Wound up' implies being in a state of excitement or tension, which does not convey the act of quitting a job.
• pilled out: 'Pilled out' is not a standard phrase in this context and does not convey the intended meaning of quitting.

Correct answer: thin

Explanation: The word 'thin' fits grammatically and contextually, suggesting that the actual criticism was sparse or lacking in substance, which aligns with the overall sentiment of the passage.

Meaning: 'Thin' in this context means lacking in quantity or quality, indicating that criticism was minimal.

Wrong options:

• light: 'Light' suggests something not heavy, which does not convey the idea of scarcity in criticism.
• shallow: 'Shallow' implies a lack of depth, which could fit but does not specifically indicate the quantity of criticism as 'thin' does.
• scant: 'Scant' means barely sufficient, which is close but does not fit as smoothly in the context as 'thin' does.

Correct answer: lay

Explanation: The verb 'lay' fits grammatically and contextually, as it indicates where the main weakness of the novel is positioned, aligning with the passive construction of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Lay' means to be situated or placed, indicating where the weakness of the novel is found.

Wrong options:

• stood: 'Stood' implies a vertical position, which does not fit the context of discussing the weakness of a plot.
• revolved: 'Revolved' suggests movement around a point, which does not align with the static nature of identifying a weakness.
• centred: 'Centred' implies a focus or central point, which does not convey the same meaning as 'lay' in this context.