Meaning: 'Uncertain' means not definite or fixed; it suggests that there is doubt or ambiguity regarding the etymology of 'chocolate'.

Wrong options:

• regular: The word 'regular' implies something that is standard or normal, which does not convey the ambiguity of the etymology.
• faithful: 'Faithful' suggests loyalty or accuracy, which does not apply to the context of uncertainty about the etymology.
• indifferent: 'Indifferent' means having no particular interest or concern, which does not fit the context of discussing the etymology's debated nature.

Correct answer: as

Explanation: The word 'as' is used to indicate the role or function of Quetzalcoatl, making it grammatically and contextually appropriate. It introduces a comparison that clarifies his position as a guardian.

Meaning: 'As' is used to indicate the function or role of someone or something, in this case, Quetzalcoatl as the guardian of the cacao tree.

Wrong options:

• just: 'Just' implies fairness or exactness, which does not fit the context of describing a role or function.
• like: 'Like' suggests similarity but does not correctly indicate the role of Quetzalcoatl in this context.
• even: 'Even' is used to emphasize a point but does not serve to clarify the role of Quetzalcoatl.

Correct answer: both

Explanation: The word 'both' correctly indicates that the seeds were used for two distinct purposes, aligning with the grammatical structure and context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Both' refers to two items or aspects being considered together, in this case, the uses of cacao seeds as currency and for tribute.

Wrong options:

• not only: 'Not only' is part of a correlative structure that requires 'but also' to complete the thought, making it grammatically incorrect here.
• more: The word 'more' implies an additional quantity or degree, which does not fit the context of specifying two uses.
• either: 'Either' suggests a choice between two options, which does not apply here since both uses are being stated.

Correct answer: gave

Explanation: The word 'gave' is the simple past tense of 'give', which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes a completed action in the past regarding the idea of tasting the beans.

Meaning: 'Gave' means to provide or present something, indicating that the spectacle of monkeys led to the idea of tasting the beans.

Wrong options:

• having given: 'Having given' is a perfect participle that suggests an action completed before another action, which does not fit the straightforward past context here.
• had given: 'Had given' is the past perfect tense, indicating an action completed before another past action, which is not necessary in this context.
• has given: 'Has given' is present perfect tense, which does not align with the past narrative of the sentence.

Correct answer: themselves

Explanation: The word 'themselves' is a reflexive pronoun that correctly refers back to 'men', fitting grammatically and contextually as it indicates that men consumed the beans on their own.

Meaning: 'Themselves' emphasizes that the men were the ones who consumed the beans, indicating self-action.

Wrong options:

• itself: 'Itself' is a singular reflexive pronoun, which does not match the plural subject 'men'.
• for them: 'For them' suggests an action done on behalf of others, which does not fit the context of men consuming the beans directly.
• as theirs: 'As theirs' implies possession but does not grammatically fit the structure of the sentence regarding the action of consuming.