Meaning: 'Remained' means to stay in the same place or condition, indicating that the weather did not change.

Wrong options:

• kept: 'Kept' implies active maintenance, which does not suit the passive context of weather conditions remaining unchanged.
• lasted: 'Lasted' suggests a duration but lacks the nuance of stability that 'remained' conveys in this context.
• held: 'Held' typically refers to grasping or maintaining something physically, which does not apply to weather.

Correct answer: deal

Explanation: The term 'deal' is used idiomatically to refer to a significant amount of something, which fits well with the context of sunshine. It conveys a sense of quantity without being overly formal.

Meaning: 'Deal' in this context means a considerable amount or extent of sunshine.

Wrong options:

• extent: 'Extent' refers to the range or scope but does not convey the informal sense of quantity that 'deal' does.
• quantity: 'Quantity' is more technical and less idiomatic in this context, making it sound awkward.
• proportion: 'Proportion' implies a comparative relationship, which does not fit the context of describing sunshine.

Correct answer: felt

Explanation: The word 'felt' is appropriate as it indicates an experience or perception of the storm's effects, fitting the past tense context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Felt' means to experience something emotionally or physically, indicating that the effects of the storm were noticeable beforehand.

Wrong options:

• waited: 'Waited' implies a delay or expectation, which does not fit the context of experiencing the storm's effects.
• found: 'Found' suggests discovery, which does not align with the context of sensing or experiencing a storm.
• warned: 'Warned' implies giving notice, which does not fit the passive construction of the sentence.

Correct answer: outbreaks

Explanation: The term 'outbreaks' is suitable as it refers to sudden occurrences of rain, aligning with the context of increasing frequency of showers. It fits grammatically and contextually as a noun describing events.

Meaning: 'Outbreaks' means sudden occurrences or bursts, particularly of rain in this context.

Wrong options:

• outbursts: 'Outbursts' typically refers to sudden emotional expressions, which does not fit the context of weather.
• outputs: 'Outputs' refers to results or products, which is unrelated to the context of rain.
• outlets: 'Outlets' refers to openings or exits, which does not apply to the context of rain.

Correct answer: average

Explanation: The word 'average' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to a typical amount of rainfall, aligning with the numerical data provided in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Average' refers to the typical or mean amount, indicating a standard measure of rainfall for August.

Wrong options:

• general: 'General' refers to something broad or nonspecific, which does not accurately describe a specific measurement of rainfall.
• standard: 'Standard' implies a norm but lacks the precise statistical connotation that 'average' provides in this context.
• medium: 'Medium' suggests a middle state but is less commonly used in this context compared to 'average'.

Correct answer: sting

Explanation: The word 'sting' is appropriate as it conveys a sharp, painful sensation, fitting the context of a storm's tail. It aligns with the metaphorical use of weather phenomena.

Meaning: 'Sting' refers to a sharp, often sudden pain, which metaphorically describes the effects of the storm's tail.

Wrong options:

• sting: This is the correct answer.
• prick: 'Prick' implies a minor puncture or sensation, which does not convey the intensity of 'sting' in this context.
• stab: 'Stab' suggests a more violent action, which does not fit the metaphorical description of weather effects.
• poke: 'Poke' implies a gentle touch, which is too mild to describe the impact of a storm.