Meaning: 'Contribute' means to add to something or to help achieve a result.

Wrong options:

• effects: 'Effects' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it cannot serve as a verb in this context.
• practice: 'Practice' is a noun that does not fit the verb structure required here.
• concern: 'Concern' is a noun that does not fit as a verb in this context.
• render: 'Render' is a verb that means to provide or give, but it does not convey the intended meaning of adding to profitability.
• disturb: 'Disturb' is a verb that means to interfere with or disrupt, which does not relate to the context of contributing to profitability.
• efficient: 'Efficient' is an adjective and cannot function as a verb in this sentence.

Correct answer: efficient

Explanation: The adjective 'efficient' describes the companies that are well organized, fitting grammatically and contextually as it highlights their ability to operate effectively, which is relevant to the discussion of profitability.

Meaning: 'Efficient' means performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.

Wrong options:

• effects: 'Effects' is a noun that does not describe companies and does not fit grammatically.
• practice: 'Practice' is a noun that does not describe a quality of companies in this context.
• concern: 'Concern' is a noun that does not fit as an adjective to describe companies.
• render: 'Render' is a verb that does not describe a quality of companies and is grammatically incorrect here.
• disturb: 'Disturb' is a verb that does not relate to the description of companies and does not fit grammatically.
• contribute: 'Contribute' is a verb and does not serve as an adjective to describe companies.

Correct answer: establish

Explanation: The verb 'establish' fits grammatically as it is in the present tense and aligns with the subject 'companies.' Contextually, it indicates the action that profitable companies can take regarding environmental policies.

Meaning: 'Establish' means to set up or create something on a firm or permanent basis.

Wrong options:

• effects: 'Effects' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it cannot serve as a verb in this context.
• practice: 'Practice' is a noun that does not fit the verb structure required here.
• concern: 'Concern' is a noun that does not fit as a verb in this context.
• render: 'Render' is a verb that means to provide or give, but it does not convey the intended meaning of setting up policies.
• disturb: 'Disturb' is a verb that means to interfere with or disrupt, which does not relate to the context of establishing policies.
• efficient: 'Efficient' is an adjective and cannot function as a verb in this sentence.

Correct answer: practice

Explanation: The noun 'practice' fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause. Contextually, it refers to the best methods or standards in environmental management, which aligns with the discussion of profitability.

Meaning: 'Practice' refers to the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it.

Wrong options:

• effects: 'Effects' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not relate to the concept of best methods.
• concern: 'Concern' is a noun that does not fit in the context of describing best practices.
• render: 'Render' is a verb that does not relate to the concept of practices and does not fit grammatically.
• disturb: 'Disturb' is a verb that does not relate to the context of best practices and does not fit grammatically.
• contribute: 'Contribute' is a verb that does not fit as a noun in this context.
• efficient: 'Efficient' is an adjective and cannot function as a noun in this sentence.

Correct answer: concern

Explanation: The noun 'concern' fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the preposition 'for.' Contextually, it indicates the attention or care that profitable companies can afford to give to environmental issues.

Meaning: 'Concern' refers to a matter of interest or importance that requires attention.

Wrong options:

• effects: 'Effects' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not relate to the concept of caring for the environment.
• practice: 'Practice' is a noun that does not fit in the context of expressing care or attention.
• render: 'Render' is a verb that does not relate to the context of concern and does not fit grammatically.
• disturb: 'Disturb' is a verb that does not relate to the context of concern and does not fit grammatically.
• contribute: 'Contribute' is a verb that does not fit as a noun in this context.
• efficient: 'Efficient' is an adjective and cannot function as a noun in this sentence.