Meaning: 'Said' means to express something in words, often used when recounting what someone has communicated.

Wrong options:

• told: 'Told' requires a direct object (someone to tell), making it grammatically incorrect here as there is no direct object present.
• remarked: 'Remarked' implies a more formal or thoughtful comment, which does not fit the casual reporting context of the sentence.
• presumed: 'Presumed' means to assume something without proof, which does not align with the context of reporting what has been communicated.

Correct answer: since

Explanation: 'Since' is the correct choice as it indicates a causal relationship, explaining why journalists struggle with letter-writing. It fits grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Since' means 'because' or 'for the reason that,' linking the cause of the issue to the following clause.

Wrong options:

• for: 'For' does not establish a causal relationship in this context, making it less suitable than 'since.'
• like: 'Like' is used for comparisons and does not convey the causal meaning needed here.
• once: 'Once' refers to a specific time in the past and does not fit the context of explaining an ongoing situation.

Correct answer: striving

Explanation: 'Striving' is the correct answer as it conveys a sense of effort and determination, fitting well with the context of working hard to achieve something. It is in the present continuous tense, aligning with the ongoing nature of the work described.

Meaning: 'Striving' means making great efforts to achieve or obtain something, indicating a strong commitment to quality in their work.

Wrong options:

• exerting: 'Exerting' implies applying force or effort but lacks the connotation of ongoing effort that 'striving' provides.
• tackling: 'Tackling' suggests addressing a problem but does not capture the continuous effort implied in the context.
• contending: 'Contending' means to compete or argue, which does not fit the context of working towards achieving an effect.

Correct answer: escapes

Explanation: 'Escapes' is the correct choice as it suggests that the spontaneity of a letter is something that cannot be captured or held onto, fitting the context of the sentence. It aligns grammatically with the subject and conveys the intended meaning effectively.

Meaning: 'Escapes' means to get away from or to be lost, indicating that the essence of spontaneity is often missed in structured writing.

Wrong options:

• misses: 'Misses' implies failing to hit a target, which does not convey the same sense of loss as 'escapes.'
• avoids: 'Avoids' suggests intentionally steering clear of something, which does not fit the context of something being lost or unattainable.
• passes: 'Passes' implies moving by without stopping, which does not capture the essence of spontaneity being lost.

Correct answer: lies

Explanation: 'Lies' is the correct answer as it indicates the existence or presence of something, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure. It suggests that the test of a real artist is found within their grasp of effect.

Meaning: 'Lies' means to be situated or located, indicating where the true test of artistry can be found.

Wrong options:

• goes: 'Goes' implies movement and does not fit the context of something being present or existing.
• remains: 'Remains' suggests staying in the same place but does not convey the idea of existence as clearly as 'lies.'
• exists: 'Exists' is a synonym but does not fit the sentence structure as smoothly as 'lies.'

Correct answer: surely

Explanation: 'Surely' is the correct choice as it conveys a sense of certainty about Shakespeare's thoughts, fitting the context of the sentence. It serves as an adverb modifying the verb 'thought,' enhancing the meaning.

Meaning: 'Surely' means certainly or without a doubt, indicating confidence in the assertion being made.

Wrong options:

• inevitably: 'Inevitably' suggests something that cannot be avoided, which does not fit the context of Shakespeare's conscious thoughts.
• particularly: 'Particularly' implies a specific focus, which does not align with the general assertion being made about his thoughts.
• confidently: 'Confidently' suggests a manner of speaking rather than the certainty of the thought itself, making it less suitable.