Meaning: 'Pushed' means to be forced or driven in a particular direction, often against one's will.

Wrong options:

• settle: 'Settle' is a verb that means to establish a residence, which does not fit the context of being forced to move.
• advancing: 'Advancing' is a present participle that describes movement forward, but it does not fit as a verb for the Gypsies' action.
• persecuted: 'Persecuted' is a past participle that describes being oppressed, which does not fit the context of the Gypsies being moved by others.
• instigated: 'Instigated' means to provoke or stir up, which does not apply to the Gypsies' situation of being forced west.
• independent: 'Independent' is an adjective that describes a state of self-sufficiency, which does not fit as a verb in this context.
• prompted: 'Prompted' means to cause or bring about, but it does not convey the forceful action implied by 'pushed.'
• banned: 'Banned' means to prohibit, which does not fit the context of being moved or forced.

Correct answer: advancing

Explanation: The term 'advancing' is a present participle that describes the Mongols as they were moving forward in their conquests. It fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates the ongoing action of the Mongols at that time.

Meaning: 'Advancing' refers to moving forward or progressing, especially in a military context.

Wrong options:

• settle: 'Settle' is a verb that means to establish a residence, which does not describe the Mongols' action.
• pushed: 'Pushed' is a past participle that describes an action done to the Gypsies, not the Mongols' movement.
• persecuted: 'Persecuted' is a past participle that describes oppression, which does not fit the context of the Mongols' actions.
• instigated: 'Instigated' means to provoke or stir up, which does not accurately describe the Mongols' military movement.
• independent: 'Independent' is an adjective that describes a state of self-sufficiency, which does not fit the context of describing the Mongols' actions.
• prompted: 'Prompted' means to cause or bring about, but it does not convey the ongoing action of the Mongols' movement.
• banned: 'Banned' means to prohibit, which does not relate to the Mongols' advancing actions.

Correct answer: settle

Explanation: The word 'settle' is an infinitive verb that fits grammatically as it indicates the Gypsies' intention to establish a permanent residence. This aligns with the context of their attempts to create kingdoms in Europe.

Meaning: 'Settle' means to establish a residence or to make a place one's home.

Wrong options:

• advancing: 'Advancing' is a present participle that describes movement, which does not fit as a verb for establishing a home.
• persecuted: 'Persecuted' is a past participle that describes oppression, which does not fit the context of establishing a residence.
• instigated: 'Instigated' means to provoke or stir up, which does not relate to the action of settling down.
• independent: 'Independent' is an adjective that describes a state of self-sufficiency, which does not fit as a verb in this context.
• pushed: 'Pushed' is a past participle that describes being forced, which does not fit the context of establishing a home.
• prompted: 'Prompted' means to cause or bring about, but it does not convey the action of settling down.
• banned: 'Banned' means to prohibit, which does not relate to the action of settling.

Correct answer: persecuted

Explanation: The term 'persecuted' is a past participle that describes the Gypsies' experience of being oppressed and mistreated. It fits grammatically and contextually as it reflects their historical treatment by others.

Meaning: 'Persecuted' means to be subjected to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or beliefs.

Wrong options:

• settle: 'Settle' is a verb that means to establish a residence, which does not fit the context of being mistreated.
• advancing: 'Advancing' is a present participle that describes movement, which does not relate to the Gypsies' experience of oppression.
• instigated: 'Instigated' means to provoke or stir up, which does not accurately describe the Gypsies' situation.
• independent: 'Independent' is an adjective that describes a state of self-sufficiency, which does not fit the context of being oppressed.
• pushed: 'Pushed' is a past participle that describes being forced, which does not convey the specific experience of persecution.
• prompted: 'Prompted' means to cause or bring about, but it does not relate to the experience of being persecuted.
• banned: 'Banned' means to prohibit, which does not capture the broader experience of mistreatment.

Correct answer: independent

Explanation: The word 'independent' is an adjective that describes the Gypsies' desire to remain self-sufficient and not reliant on others. It fits grammatically and contextually as it reflects their cultural identity.

Meaning: 'Independent' means not relying on others for support or authority; self-sufficient.

Wrong options:

• settle: 'Settle' is a verb that means to establish a residence, which does not fit as a description of their cultural identity.
• advancing: 'Advancing' is a present participle that describes movement, which does not relate to their desire for independence.
• persecuted: 'Persecuted' is a past participle that describes oppression, which does not fit as a description of their cultural stance.
• instigated: 'Instigated' means to provoke or stir up, which does not relate to the concept of independence.
• pushed: 'Pushed' is a past participle that describes being forced, which does not convey the idea of self-sufficiency.
• prompted: 'Prompted' means to cause or bring about, but it does not describe a state of being independent.
• banned: 'Banned' means to prohibit, which does not relate to the desire for independence.