Meaning: 'Sighting' means the act of seeing or observing something, especially something unusual or noteworthy, like the monster in this context.

Wrong options:

• meeting: 'Meeting' refers to a gathering or assembly of people, which does not fit the context of observing a creature.
• viewing: 'Viewing' implies watching something, often in a more passive sense, and does not convey the active observation implied by 'sighting.'
• seeking: 'Seeking' means to look for something, which does not match the context of having already observed the monster.

Correct answer: picked up

Explanation: The phrase 'picked up' is the correct choice as it indicates that the story was noticed and reported by the national and international press, fitting the context of media coverage. It is a common collocation in journalism, making it grammatically and contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'Picked up' means to notice or report on a story, especially in the context of news media.

Wrong options:

• swept up: 'Swept up' suggests a more chaotic or hurried action, which does not accurately describe how news is typically reported.
• given out: 'Given out' implies distributing information rather than reporting it, making it contextually inappropriate here.
• put through: 'Put through' generally refers to processing or completing something, which does not fit the context of media coverage.

Correct answer: sansation

Explanation: The word 'sansation' is the correct answer as it refers to a widespread excitement or interest, which aligns with the context of the photograph creating a significant impact worldwide. It fits grammatically as a noun that describes the effect of the photograph.

Meaning: 'Sansation' refers to a state of excitement or interest that captures public attention, particularly in media contexts.

Wrong options:

• sensation: 'Sensation' is a common term but is misspelled here as 'sansation,' which is not a valid word.
• impression: 'Impression' refers to a mark or effect but does not convey the same level of excitement or public interest as 'sensation.'
• recognition: 'Recognition' implies acknowledgment or identification, which does not capture the excitement generated by the photograph.

Correct answer: remained

Explanation: The word 'remained' is the correct choice as it indicates that the photograph continued to be the most convincing evidence over time, fitting the context of the sentence. It is grammatically correct as it maintains the past tense structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Remained' means to continue to exist or stay in a particular state, indicating that the photograph was still considered convincing evidence.

Wrong options:

• persisted: 'Persisted' implies a continuous effort or struggle, which does not fit the context of the photograph being evidence.
• insisted: 'Insisted' suggests a demand or assertion, which does not align with the context of the photograph's status as evidence.
• maintained: 'Maintained' implies keeping something in a certain condition, which does not accurately describe the ongoing status of the photograph.

Correct answer: part

Explanation: The word 'part' is the correct answer as it indicates that Dr. Wilson was involved in the hoax, fitting the context of the sentence. It is grammatically correct as a noun that complements the verb 'taken.'

Meaning: 'Part' refers to a role or involvement in an activity, indicating that Dr. Wilson was involved in the hoax.

Wrong options:

• place: 'Place' refers to a location or position, which does not fit the context of involvement in a hoax.
• pride: 'Pride' implies a sense of satisfaction or self-respect, which does not convey the idea of involvement in a deceptive act.
• pains: 'Pains' refers to effort or difficulty, which does not accurately describe the nature of Dr. Wilson's involvement.