Meaning: 'A few' means a small number of something, suggesting that not many distinguished people receive the awards each year.

Wrong options:

• plenty: 'Plenty' implies a large amount, which contradicts the context of the sentence that suggests a limited number of awards.
• little: 'Little' is used with uncountable nouns and does not fit here as it does not quantify people correctly.
• much: 'Much' is typically used with uncountable nouns and is not appropriate for counting people in this context.
• to: 'To' is a preposition and does not serve as a quantifier, making it grammatically incorrect in this position.

Correct answer: explosive

Explanation: The word 'explosive' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the type of invention Nobel created, aligning with the sentence's focus on his invention of dynamite.

Meaning: 'Explosive' refers to a substance that can cause an explosion, which is precisely what dynamite is.

Wrong options:

• creature: 'Creature' refers to a living being and does not relate to the context of inventions or explosives.
• quarrel: 'Quarrel' means a disagreement or argument, which is irrelevant to the context of Nobel's inventions.
• disaster: 'Disaster' refers to a catastrophic event, which does not accurately describe Nobel's invention.
• element: 'Element' refers to a fundamental substance and does not fit the context of describing dynamite.

Correct answer: However

Explanation: The word 'However' serves as a discourse marker indicating a contrast to the previous statement about Nobel's success, fitting logically and contextually into the sentence.

Meaning: 'However' means 'on the other hand' or 'nevertheless,' introducing a contrasting idea about Nobel's feelings regarding his inventions.

Wrong options:

• As a result: 'As a result' indicates a consequence, which does not fit the contrasting sentiment expressed in the sentence.
• Also: 'Also' suggests addition, which does not convey the contrast intended in this context.
• Therefore: 'Therefore' implies a conclusion, which is not appropriate for introducing a contrasting idea.
• In addition: 'In addition' indicates further information, which does not align with the contrasting sentiment of the sentence.

Correct answer: peace

Explanation: The word 'peace' fits grammatically and contextually as it is one of the categories for which Nobel Prizes are awarded, aligning with the overall theme of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Peace' refers to the absence of conflict and is a significant area of recognition through the Nobel Prizes.

Wrong options:

• war: 'War' is the opposite of peace and does not fit the context of the prizes awarded for promoting positive contributions.
• poverty: 'Poverty' refers to a state of being poor and is not one of the categories for Nobel Prizes.
• friendship: 'Friendship' is not a recognized category for Nobel Prizes, making it contextually incorrect.
• curiosity: 'Curiosity' does not align with the formal categories of Nobel Prizes and is not relevant in this context.

Correct answer: was established

Explanation: The phrase 'was established' is grammatically correct as it indicates a completed action in the past, fitting the context of when the economics prize was created.

Meaning: 'Was established' means that the prize was created or set up at a specific time in the past, which is 1969 in this case.

Wrong options:

• established: 'Established' is in the base form and does not fit the past tense required in this context.
• has been established: 'Has been established' suggests a present perfect tense, which is not appropriate for a specific past date.
• had established: 'Had established' implies a past perfect tense, which is unnecessary here as the simple past is sufficient.
• was being established: 'Was being established' indicates an ongoing action in the past, which does not fit the context of a completed action.