Meaning: 'Initiated' means to start or begin something, particularly in a formal or organized way.

Wrong options:

• proceeded: 'Proceeded' means to continue or move forward, which does not fit the context of starting reforms; it implies an action that follows rather than begins.
• preceded: 'Preceded' means to come before something in time, which is the opposite of what is needed here, as we are discussing the initiation of reforms, not their prior occurrence.
• concluded: 'Concluded' means to bring something to an end, which contradicts the idea of starting social reforms.

Correct answer: using

Explanation: The word 'using' is a gerund that fits grammatically as it indicates the action of employing statistical control tools. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses how manufacturers can improve products through the application of these tools.

Meaning: 'Using' means to employ or utilize something for a specific purpose, in this case, statistical control tools.

Wrong options:

• abstaining: 'Abstaining' means to refrain from doing something, which does not fit the context of actively employing tools to improve products.
• giving: 'Giving' implies providing something to someone, which does not align with the context of utilizing tools for product improvement.
• benefiting: 'Benefiting' suggests receiving an advantage, but it does not convey the active role of employing tools as required in this context.

Correct answer: such

Explanation: The word 'such' is used to refer to specific examples that follow, fitting grammatically and contextually as it introduces examples of control charts. It connects well with the preceding clause about statistical control tools.

Meaning: 'Such' means of the kind previously mentioned, indicating that control charts are examples of the statistical tools discussed.

Wrong options:

• thought: 'Thought' does not fit grammatically as it is a noun and does not serve to introduce examples in this context.
• well: 'Well' is an adverb that does not appropriately introduce examples and does not fit the grammatical structure needed here.
• much: 'Much' is typically used with uncountable nouns and does not serve to introduce examples, making it unsuitable for this context.

Correct answer: Through

Explanation: The word 'Through' fits grammatically as a preposition indicating the means by which something is accomplished. It aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses how statistical analysis aids legislators in justifying laws.

Meaning: 'Through' means by means of or via, indicating the method of using statistical analysis to achieve a goal.

Wrong options:

• Notwithstanding: 'Notwithstanding' means in spite of, which does not fit the context of indicating a means or method of justification.
• Despite: 'Despite' also indicates a contrast or concession, which does not align with the intended meaning of using statistical analysis as a method.
• Thereby: 'Thereby' means as a result of that, which does not fit the grammatical structure needed to indicate the means of justification.