Meaning: 'Surged' means to increase suddenly and powerfully, indicating a sharp rise in the number of violent crimes during the specified period.

Wrong options:

• launched: Launched typically refers to starting something new, such as a project or product, and does not convey the idea of an increase in numbers.
• fluctuated: Fluctuated implies variations or changes back and forth, which contradicts the idea of a dramatic increase as described in the text.
• rotated: Rotated means to turn around a central point and is unrelated to the concept of increasing crime rates.

Correct answer: being used

Explanation: The phrase 'being used' is grammatically correct as it indicates the ongoing action of firearms in the context of murders. It fits contextually, as it describes the role of firearms in the increase of violent crime.

Meaning: 'Being used' refers to the active utilization of firearms in the commission of murders, emphasizing their prevalence during this time.

Wrong options:

• which used: 'Which used' is grammatically incorrect as it does not form a coherent phrase in this context and lacks the necessary verb form.
• using them: 'Using them' is incorrect because it lacks the appropriate grammatical structure to fit into the sentence, making it sound awkward and incomplete.
• using: 'Using' alone does not provide the necessary grammatical context to indicate the action occurring in the past.

Correct answer: causes

Explanation: The word 'causes' fits grammatically as a plural noun that aligns with the context of discussing underlying factors contributing to the rise in crime. It logically follows the discussion of broader trends affecting crime rates.

Meaning: 'Causes' refers to the reasons or factors that lead to the increase in violent crime, suggesting that there are multiple influences at play.

Wrong options:

• effects: 'Effects' refers to the outcomes or results of actions, which does not align with the need for a term that indicates reasons behind the crime increase.
• cases: 'Cases' implies specific instances or examples, which does not fit the context of discussing broader underlying factors.
• spots: 'Spots' refers to locations or places and is irrelevant in the context of discussing reasons for crime increases.

Correct answer: note

Explanation: The verb 'note' is appropriate here as it suggests the act of recognizing or acknowledging something important. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the sentence emphasizes the need to highlight a specific point about crime rates.

Meaning: 'Note' means to pay attention to or acknowledge something, indicating the importance of recognizing that not all crime rates increased.

Wrong options:

• infer: 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude information from evidence, which does not fit the context of simply acknowledging a fact.
• occur: 'Occur' means to happen or take place, which does not convey the intended meaning of recognizing or highlighting a point.
• release: 'Release' implies letting go or making something available, which is unrelated to the context of discussing crime rates.