Meaning: 'And' is used to connect words or phrases that are similar or related.

Wrong options:

• as: The word 'as' indicates a time relationship or condition, which does not fit here as it does not connect the two clauses effectively.
• but: 'But' is a conjunction used to contrast ideas, which does not apply in this context where both clauses are related.
• closed: 'Closed' is a verb that does not function as a conjunction and cannot connect the clauses.
• disappear: 'Disappear' is a verb that does not serve as a conjunction and cannot connect the clauses.
• failed: 'Failed' is a verb that does not function as a conjunction and cannot connect the clauses.
• fallen: 'Fallen' is a past participle that does not serve as a conjunction and cannot connect the clauses.
• great: 'Great' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically as a conjunction.

Correct answer: alarming

Explanation: The adjective 'alarming' describes the rates at which banks began to fail, indicating that the situation was concerning. It fits grammatically as it modifies the noun 'rates' and aligns with the context of the economic crisis.

Meaning: 'Alarming' means causing worry or concern, particularly about the rapidity of bank failures.

Wrong options:

• as: 'As' is a conjunction that does not provide a descriptive quality to 'rates' and does not fit grammatically.
• but: 'But' is a conjunction that contrasts ideas, which does not apply here as we are describing the nature of the rates.
• closed: 'Closed' is a verb that does not fit as it does not describe the rates and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
• disappear: 'Disappear' is a verb that does not describe the rates and does not fit grammatically.
• failed: 'Failed' is a verb that does not describe the rates and does not fit grammatically.
• fallen: 'Fallen' is a past participle that does not describe the rates and does not fit grammatically.
• great: 'Great' is an adjective that does not convey the urgency or concern implied by the context.

Correct answer: closed

Explanation: The verb 'closed' indicates the action taken by the banks during the specified time frame. It fits grammatically as it is in the past tense, matching the context of the sentence discussing past events.

Meaning: 'Closed' means to shut down or cease operations, particularly referring to banks in this context.

Wrong options:

• as: 'As' is a conjunction that does not fit grammatically as it does not convey an action related to banks.
• but: 'But' is a conjunction that contrasts ideas and does not fit as it does not indicate an action.
• disappear: 'Disappear' is a verb that does not fit grammatically in this context as it does not describe the action of banks.
• failed: 'Failed' is a verb that could fit but does not specifically indicate the action of banks ceasing operations as 'closed' does.
• fallen: 'Fallen' is a past participle that does not convey the action of banks shutting down.
• alarming: 'Alarming' is an adjective that does not indicate an action and does not fit grammatically.

Correct answer: failed

Explanation: The verb 'failed' indicates the action of banks not being able to continue operations during the decade. It fits grammatically as it is in the past tense, aligning with the context of discussing historical bank failures.

Meaning: 'Failed' means to cease operations or to be unable to continue functioning, particularly in reference to banks.

Wrong options:

• as: 'As' is a conjunction that does not convey an action related to banks and does not fit grammatically.
• but: 'But' is a conjunction that contrasts ideas and does not fit as it does not indicate an action.
• closed: 'Closed' is a verb that indicates an action but does not convey the broader context of banks failing as 'failed' does.
• disappear: 'Disappear' is a verb that does not fit grammatically in this context as it does not describe the action of banks ceasing operations.
• fallen: 'Fallen' is a past participle that does not convey the action of banks failing and does not fit grammatically.
• alarming: 'Alarming' is an adjective that does not indicate an action and does not fit grammatically.

Correct answer: disappear

Explanation: The verb 'disappear' indicates the action of depositors losing their money due to bank failures. It fits grammatically as it is in the past tense, aligning with the context of discussing the consequences of the bank failures.

Meaning: 'Disappear' means to cease to be visible or to be lost, particularly referring to the money that depositors could no longer access.

Wrong options:

• as: 'As' is a conjunction that does not convey an action related to the money and does not fit grammatically.
• but: 'But' is a conjunction that contrasts ideas and does not fit as it does not indicate an action.
• closed: 'Closed' is a verb that does not fit grammatically in this context as it does not describe the fate of the money.
• failed: 'Failed' is a verb that does not fit grammatically in this context as it does not describe the fate of the money.
• fallen: 'Fallen' is a past participle that does not convey the action of money being lost and does not fit grammatically.
• alarming: 'Alarming' is an adjective that does not indicate an action and does not fit grammatically.