Meaning: Hordes means large groups or crowds of people, often implying a chaotic or overwhelming presence.

Wrong options:

• flocks: Flocks typically refer to groups of birds or sheep, making it contextually inappropriate for a gathering of people.
• shoals: Shoals refer to groups of fish, which does not fit the context of human crowds.
• herds: Herds usually describe groups of large animals, such as cattle, and is not suitable for describing people.

Correct answer: elbowed

Explanation: The verb 'elbowed' fits perfectly as it describes the action of pushing through a crowd using one's elbows, which is a common way to navigate through tight spaces. It is in the past tense, consistent with the narrative's tense.

Meaning: Elbowed means to push or nudge someone aside with one's elbow, often used in the context of moving through a crowd.

Wrong options:

• handed: Handed does not convey the physical action of pushing through; it typically refers to giving something to someone.
• thumbed: Thumbed implies using one's thumb, which does not accurately describe the action of moving through a crowd.
• fingered: Fingered suggests using fingers, which is not appropriate for the context of navigating through a crowd.

Correct answer: cordoned off

Explanation: The phrase 'cordoned off' is correct as it means to restrict access to an area, which fits the context of creating a course for competitors. It is a phrasal verb that indicates a completed action in the past tense.

Meaning: Cordoned off means to enclose or restrict an area, preventing people from entering it, often for safety or organization.

Wrong options:

• shut away: Shut away implies confinement, which does not accurately describe the action of creating a course for competitors.
• panned in: Panned in is not a standard phrase in this context and does not convey the intended meaning of restricting access.
• closed down: Closed down suggests a permanent cessation of activity, which is not applicable to the temporary setup of a racecourse.

Correct answer: par

Explanation: The term 'par' is suitable as it refers to a standard level of quality or performance, particularly in sports. It fits grammatically and contextually as it compares the makeshift racecourse to established ones.

Meaning: Par means an average or standard level, often used in sports to denote expected performance.

Wrong options:

• standard: Standard is a synonym for par but does not fit the specific context of racing terminology as precisely as par does.
• rule: Rule implies a guideline or principle, which does not match the context of comparing racecourse quality.
• norm: Norm refers to a typical standard but lacks the specific connotation of performance that par provides.

Correct answer: stretch

Explanation: The word 'stretch' is appropriate as it refers to a continuous area of ground, fitting the context of where participants would travel. It is a noun that aligns with the description of the racecourse.

Meaning: Stretch means a continuous area or expanse, often used to describe a length of land or ground.

Wrong options:

• spread: Spread implies distribution over an area, which does not accurately describe a defined course for racing.
• space: Space is too vague and does not convey the specific idea of a defined area for the race.
• span: Span refers to the extent of something but does not fit the context of a defined area for racing.

Correct answer: hold

Explanation: The verb 'hold' is correct as it means to grasp or take possession of something, fitting the context of goats trying to eat anything they can find. It is in the infinitive form, which is appropriate here.

Meaning: Hold means to grasp or take possession of something, often used in the context of animals or people taking something.

Wrong options:

• grip: Grip implies a firm hold but is less commonly used in this context compared to hold.
• hand: Hand does not fit grammatically as it is a noun and does not convey the action of taking possession.
• grisp: Grisp is not a standard English word and does not convey any meaning in this context.