Meaning: 'Device' refers to a tool or piece of equipment designed for a particular function, in this case, to help farmers dry hay more quickly.

Wrong options:

• fellow: 'Fellow' typically refers to a person in a specific role or position, which does not fit the context of a tool or instrument.
• scheme: 'Scheme' usually refers to a plan or arrangement, which does not convey the idea of a physical tool or device.
• shelf: 'Shelf' is a flat horizontal surface used for storage, which is unrelated to the context of a tool for drying hay.

Correct answer: scooped

Explanation: The verb 'scooped' is the correct past tense form that indicates Gavin Armstrong won or received the award, fitting the context of the sentence. It aligns with the subject and maintains the past tense narrative of the passage.

Meaning: 'Scooped' means to win or obtain something, often used in the context of receiving awards or accolades.

Wrong options:

• published: 'Published' refers to making something publicly available, which does not fit the context of winning an award.
• encroached: 'Encroached' means to intrude or infringe upon, which is unrelated to the action of winning an award.
• stirred: 'Stirred' generally means to mix or agitate, which does not apply to the context of receiving an award.

Correct answer: conjunction

Explanation: The word 'conjunction' is a noun that indicates a partnership or collaboration, which is appropriate in the context of the degree course being run in partnership with another institution. It fits grammatically with the preposition 'in' and conveys the intended meaning of collaboration.

Meaning: 'Conjunction' refers to the act of joining or combining, particularly in this context, it signifies the collaboration between the university and the Glasgow School of Art.

Wrong options:

• partners: 'Partners' is a plural noun that does not fit the prepositional phrase 'in' as it would require a different grammatical structure.
• production: 'Production' refers to the process of creating something, which does not convey the idea of collaboration in an educational context.
• construction: 'Construction' typically refers to the building process, which is not relevant to the context of a degree course collaboration.

Correct answer: ensuring

Explanation: The word 'ensuring' is a gerund that functions as a present participle, indicating an ongoing action that guarantees the condition described in the sentence. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes the action of making sure that the two faces of the belt move rearwards at the same speed.

Meaning: 'Ensuring' means making certain that something happens or is the case, in this context, it refers to the proper functioning of the device's mechanism.

Wrong options:

• colliding: 'Colliding' implies a crash or impact, which does not fit the context of ensuring proper movement of the belt.
• make sure: 'Make sure' is an imperative phrase that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it requires a subject and verb structure.
• make collision: 'Make collision' is not a standard phrase in English and does not convey the intended meaning of guaranteeing proper function.