Meaning: 'Examine' means to inspect or analyze something in detail.

Wrong options:

• forceful: 'Forceful' is an adjective that describes strength or intensity, which does not fit the context of tracing history.
• settlements: 'Settlements' is a noun that does not fit grammatically after 'to' and does not convey the action of analyzing.
• emerged: 'Emerged' is a past tense verb that does not fit the infinitive structure required here.
• appeared: 'Appeared' is also a past tense verb that does not fit the infinitive structure and does not convey the intended action of analysis.
• obviously: 'Obviously' is an adverb that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this position.

Correct answer: emerged

Explanation: The verb 'emerged' is in the past tense, which fits the context of describing how society developed over time. It aligns with the historical narrative being traced from ancient tribes to modern times.

Meaning: 'Emerged' means to come into view or existence, particularly after a period of development.

Wrong options:

• forceful: 'Forceful' is an adjective that does not fit the context of describing the development of society.
• settlements: 'Settlements' is a noun that does not fit grammatically in this context as it does not describe an action.
• examine: 'Examine' is a verb in the infinitive form, which does not fit the past tense required here.
• appeared: 'Appeared' is a past tense verb that does not convey the same meaning as 'emerged' in this context.
• obviously: 'Obviously' is an adverb that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this position.

Correct answer: settlements

Explanation: The noun 'settlements' fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the preposition 'from,' indicating the starting point of the society's development. Contextually, it refers to the established communities formed by British convicts.

Meaning: 'Settlements' refers to communities or groups of people who have settled in a new area.

Wrong options:

• forceful: 'Forceful' is an adjective that does not fit as it does not describe a noun related to communities.
• emerged: 'Emerged' is a verb that does not fit as it does not serve as a noun in this context.
• examine: 'Examine' is a verb that does not fit grammatically as it cannot serve as a noun here.
• appeared: 'Appeared' is a verb that does not fit as it does not describe a noun related to communities.
• obviously: 'Obviously' is an adverb that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this position.

Correct answer: retains

Explanation: The verb 'retains' is in the present tense, which fits the context of describing an ongoing state of the modern nation. It indicates that the nation continues to hold onto its colonial past.

Meaning: 'Retains' means to keep possession of something.

Wrong options:

• forceful: 'Forceful' is an adjective that does not fit as it does not describe an action related to maintaining links.
• settlements: 'Settlements' is a noun that does not fit grammatically in this context as it cannot describe an action.
• emerged: 'Emerged' is a past tense verb that does not fit the present tense required here.
• appeared: 'Appeared' is a past tense verb that does not fit the present tense context.
• obviously: 'Obviously' is an adverb that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this position.

Correct answer: increasingly

Explanation: The adverb 'increasingly' fits grammatically as it modifies the adjective 'independent,' indicating a growing trend. Contextually, it describes the modern nation's shift towards greater independence and diversity.

Meaning: 'Increasingly' means more and more over time.

Wrong options:

• forceful: 'Forceful' is an adjective that does not fit as it does not describe the degree of independence.
• settlements: 'Settlements' is a noun that does not fit grammatically in this context as it cannot modify an adjective.
• emerged: 'Emerged' is a past tense verb that does not fit as it does not describe the degree of independence.
• retains: 'Retains' is a present tense verb that does not fit as it does not describe the degree of independence.
• obviously: 'Obviously' is an adverb that does not fit grammatically or contextually in this position.