Meaning: 'Depleted' means reduced in quantity or diminished, particularly in reference to resources.

Wrong options:

• idea: 'Idea' is a noun that does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not describe a state of being for the river.
• diluted: 'Diluted' refers to a reduction in concentration, which does not accurately describe the river's condition in this context.
• fact: 'Fact' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe the river's state.
• exacerbated: 'Exacerbated' is a past participle that describes an action rather than a state, making it unsuitable here.
• conducted: 'Conducted' is a verb that implies carrying out an action, which does not relate to the river's condition.

Correct answer: fact

Explanation: The term 'fact' is a noun that serves as the subject of the clause, indicating a reality or truth about the situation regarding water extraction from the river. It fits grammatically and contextually as it introduces the reason for the depletion.

Meaning: 'Fact' refers to a statement that can be proven true or false, in this case, the reality of water extraction.

Wrong options:

• idea: 'Idea' is a noun that suggests a thought or concept, which does not fit as it does not convey a concrete reality in this context.
• depleted: 'Depleted' is an adjective that describes a state rather than a reason or explanation, making it unsuitable here.
• diluted: 'Diluted' is an adjective that describes a condition rather than a factual statement, which does not fit the context.
• exacerbated: 'Exacerbated' is a verb that describes an action rather than a fact, making it inappropriate in this context.
• conducted: 'Conducted' is a verb that implies carrying out an action, which does not relate to the factual nature of the statement.

Correct answer: exacerbated

Explanation: The word 'exacerbated' is the past participle of the verb 'exacerbate,' meaning to make a problem worse. It fits grammatically as it describes how climate change has intensified the effects of the megadrought, aligning with the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Exacerbated' means to make a situation worse or more severe, particularly in reference to the effects of climate change on the drought.

Wrong options:

• idea: 'Idea' is a noun that does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not describe an action or condition related to the drought.
• depleted: 'Depleted' is an adjective that describes a state rather than an action, making it unsuitable here.
• diluted: 'Diluted' refers to a reduction in concentration, which does not accurately describe the relationship between climate change and the drought.
• fact: 'Fact' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe an action or condition in this context.
• conducted: 'Conducted' is a verb that implies carrying out an action, which does not relate to the worsening of the drought.