Meaning: 'Kidding' means to joke or not to be serious about something.

Wrong options:

• tricking: 'Tricking' implies deceit or manipulation, which does not fit the context of a light-hearted reassurance.
• cracking: 'Cracking' typically refers to making a joke or a sound, but it is not commonly used in this context and does not convey the intended meaning of joking.
• tickling: 'Tickling' refers to a physical action that induces laughter, which does not align with the context of the conversation.

Correct answer: haunts

Explanation: The word 'haunts' is appropriate as it suggests a persistent presence or influence, fitting the context of seriousness affecting our lives. It conveys a sense of something that lingers ominously, which aligns with the overall theme of the passage.

Meaning: 'Haunts' means to appear or disturb persistently, often in a troubling way.

Wrong options:

• preys: 'Preys' implies a predatory action, which does not fit the context of seriousness affecting lives in a more abstract sense.
• rooms: 'Rooms' does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it refers to physical spaces and does not convey the intended meaning of seriousness.
• hangs: 'Hangs' suggests a physical suspension, which does not capture the emotional or psychological weight of seriousness.

Correct answer: relish

Explanation: The word 'relish' fits well as it indicates enjoyment or pleasure in something, which aligns with the context of people who embrace serious matters. It conveys a positive connotation of actively enjoying seriousness, which is consistent with the passage's theme.

Meaning: 'Relish' means to take great pleasure in or enjoy something deeply.

Wrong options:

• savour: 'Savour' implies a slow enjoyment, but it is more commonly used in the context of food, making it less fitting here.
• wallow: 'Wallow' suggests a more negative connotation of indulging in something unpleasant, which does not align with the positive embrace of seriousness.
• cherish: 'Cherish' implies a deep affection, but it does not convey the active enjoyment that 'relish' does.

Correct answer: compensate

Explanation: The word 'compensate' is suitable as it indicates making up for something, which aligns with the context of serious people trying to offset their lack of knowledge about global issues. It fits grammatically and contextually, suggesting a balancing act.

Meaning: 'Compensate' means to make up for something or to counterbalance.

Wrong options:

• balance: 'Balance' implies equal distribution, which does not fit the context of making up for a lack of knowledge.
• reconsile: 'Reconcile' suggests bringing together differing views, which does not match the context of offsetting ignorance about serious matters.
• redeem: 'Redeem' implies recovering something lost or improving a situation, which does not align with the context of compensating for ignorance.

Correct answer: lends

Explanation: The word 'lends' is appropriate as it indicates providing or contributing something, which fits the context of seriousness adding weight to arguments. It maintains the grammatical structure and conveys the intended meaning effectively.

Meaning: 'Lends' means to give or contribute something, often in a supportive manner.

Wrong options:

• gains: 'Gains' implies acquiring something, which does not fit the context of seriousness providing weight to arguments.
• holds: 'Holds' suggests possession, which does not convey the idea of contributing weight to arguments as effectively as 'lends'.
• hands: 'Hands' does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it does not convey the intended meaning of contributing weight.

Correct answer: straight

Explanation: The word 'straight' fits well as it describes a direct and honest demeanor, which is essential when lying. It aligns with the idiomatic expression and maintains the formal tone of the passage.

Meaning: 'Straight' means direct and honest, particularly in the context of appearance or demeanor.

Wrong options:

• smooth: 'Smooth' implies a level of ease or charm, which does not fit the context of being honest while lying.
• plain: 'Plain' suggests simplicity, which does not convey the necessary directness associated with the phrase.
• clear: 'Clear' implies transparency, which does not align with the context of lying, where a straight face is more relevant.