Meaning: 'Thanks' in this context means 'due to' or 'because of.'

Wrong options:

• like: 'Like' is a preposition that is used to indicate similarity, which does not fit the context of causation here.
• likely: 'Likely' is an adjective that describes the probability of something happening, but it does not fit grammatically after 'get more difficult.'
• as: 'As' is a conjunction that introduces a comparison or reason, but it does not convey the causal relationship needed in this sentence.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction used to connect words or phrases, which does not fit in this context as it does not indicate causation.
• the: 'The' is a definite article that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• exactly: 'Exactly' is an adverb that specifies precision, but it does not fit the grammatical structure required after 'get more difficult.'

Correct answer: exactly

Explanation: The word 'exactly' serves as an adverb that modifies the verb 'is sure,' indicating the precision of the uncertainty regarding the effects of climate change. This fits grammatically and contextually as it emphasizes the lack of certainty.

Meaning: 'Exactly' means 'precisely' or 'in a precise manner.'

Wrong options:

• thanks: 'Thanks' does not fit here as it is not an adverb and does not relate to certainty or precision.
• like: 'Like' is a preposition that does not convey the necessary meaning of precision in this context.
• likely: 'Likely' is an adjective that describes probability, which does not fit the context of expressing certainty or precision.
• as: 'As' is a conjunction that does not provide the necessary emphasis on precision needed in this sentence.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction that connects ideas but does not fit the context of expressing certainty.
• the: 'The' is a definite article that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.

Correct answer: as

Explanation: The word 'as' is used here as a conjunction to introduce examples of extreme weather conditions, fitting grammatically and contextually to indicate that storms and hurricanes are included in the category of extreme weather.

Meaning: 'As' is used to indicate examples or comparisons, meaning 'such as.'

Wrong options:

• thanks: 'Thanks' does not fit as it does not serve as a conjunction to introduce examples.
• like: 'Like' is a preposition that could introduce examples but is less formal than 'as' in this context.
• likely: 'Likely' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically as it does not introduce examples.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction that connects ideas but does not serve to introduce examples in this context.
• the: 'The' is a definite article that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• exactly: 'Exactly' is an adverb that does not fit the grammatical structure needed to introduce examples.

Correct answer: likely

Explanation: The word 'likely' is an adjective that describes the probability of extreme weather conditions becoming more common. It fits grammatically as it modifies the verb 'are' and aligns with the context of discussing future occurrences.

Meaning: 'Likely' means 'probable' or 'expected to happen.'

Wrong options:

• thanks: 'Thanks' does not fit as it is not an adjective and does not convey probability.
• like: 'Like' is a preposition that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• as: 'As' is a conjunction that does not convey the necessary meaning of probability in this context.
• and: 'And' is a conjunction that connects ideas but does not fit the context of describing likelihood.
• the: 'The' is a definite article that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• exactly: 'Exactly' is an adverb that does not fit the grammatical structure required to describe probability.