Meaning: 'Exposed' means being made vulnerable or subjected to something harmful, in this case, high temperatures.

Wrong options:

• proposed: 'Proposed' means suggested or put forward, which does not convey the idea of being subjected to heat.
• composed: 'Composed' means made up of or formed, which does not fit the context of experiencing heat.
• supposed: 'Supposed' implies an assumption or expectation, which does not accurately describe the condition of being vulnerable to heat.

Correct answer: potentially

Explanation: The word 'potentially' indicates the possibility of something occurring, which is appropriate in the context of describing the severity of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It fits grammatically and contextually as it modifies the adjective 'deadly.'

Meaning: 'Potentially' means having the capacity to develop into something in the future, in this case, deadly conditions.

Wrong options:

• prudentially: 'Prudentially' relates to being cautious or wise, which does not fit the context of describing the severity of heat-related illnesses.
• celestially: 'Celestially' pertains to the sky or outer space, which is irrelevant in this context.
• initially: 'Initially' refers to the beginning stage of something, which does not convey the idea of severity in this context.

Correct answer: isolated

Explanation: The word 'isolated' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes individuals who are socially separated or marginalized, which aligns with the context of vulnerability to heat-related illnesses.

Meaning: 'Isolated' means being separated from others, often leading to vulnerability or lack of support.

Wrong options:

• assimilated: 'Assimilated' means to absorb or integrate, which does not fit the context of social vulnerability.
• regulated: 'Regulated' implies being controlled or managed, which does not convey the idea of social separation.
• demodulated: 'Demodulated' refers to a technical process in electronics, which is irrelevant in this context.

Correct answer: intense

Explanation: The word 'intense' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the severity of heat events, aligning with the overall theme of increasing heat-related risks. It is an appropriate adjective to describe the nature of future heat waves.

Meaning: 'Intense' means extreme or very strong, particularly in reference to heat levels.

Wrong options:

• abating: 'Abating' means decreasing or lessening, which contradicts the context of increasing heat severity.
• pretense: 'Pretense' refers to a false display or assumption, which does not fit the context of describing heat events.
• attenuated: 'Attenuated' means weakened or reduced, which is contrary to the idea of increasing heat intensity.