Meaning: 'Little' means a small amount or degree.

Wrong options:

• without: 'Without' is a preposition indicating absence, which does not grammatically fit in this context as it does not modify 'work.'
• not: 'Not' is an adverb used to negate a verb, which does not fit here as it does not quantify 'work.'
• how: 'How' is an adverb that asks about the manner or degree, which does not fit as it does not provide a quantification of 'work.'
• which: 'Which' is a pronoun used to introduce a clause, but it does not serve to quantify 'work' and is therefore incorrect.
• despite: 'Despite' is a preposition indicating contrast, which does not fit as it does not modify 'work.'
• last: 'Last' is an adjective that refers to the final item in a sequence, which does not apply to the quantity of 'work.'
• having: 'Having' is a gerund that does not relate to the amount of 'work' and does not fit grammatically.

Correct answer: despite

Explanation: The word 'despite' is a preposition that introduces a contrast, indicating that even with an early lead, the technology is not favored. This fits grammatically and contextually as it sets up the contrast with the previous statement.

Meaning: 'Despite' means in spite of; without being affected by.

Wrong options:

• little: 'Little' is an adjective that quantifies work, which does not fit as it does not introduce a contrast.
• which: 'Which' is a pronoun that introduces a clause, but it does not convey contrast and is therefore incorrect.
• not: 'Not' is an adverb used for negation, which does not fit as it does not introduce a contrasting idea.
• last: 'Last' is an adjective that refers to the final item in a sequence, which does not apply to the context of contrast.
• having: 'Having' is a gerund that does not relate to introducing a contrast and does not fit grammatically.
• how: 'How' is an adverb that asks about manner or degree, which does not fit as it does not provide a contrasting relationship.
• without: 'Without' is a preposition indicating absence, which does not convey the necessary contrast in this context.

Correct answer: which

Explanation: The word 'which' is a relative pronoun that introduces a non-defining clause, providing additional information about the devices. This fits grammatically as it connects the clause to the noun 'devices' and maintains the flow of information.

Meaning: 'Which' is used to introduce a clause that gives more information about a noun.

Wrong options:

• little: 'Little' is an adjective that quantifies work, which does not fit as it does not relate to the devices.
• despite: 'Despite' is a preposition indicating contrast, which does not fit as it does not introduce additional information about the devices.
• not: 'Not' is an adverb used for negation, which does not fit as it does not provide additional information about the devices.
• last: 'Last' is an adjective that refers to the final item in a sequence, which does not apply to the context of providing information about devices.
• having: 'Having' is a gerund that does not relate to the clause structure and does not fit grammatically.
• how: 'How' is an adverb that asks about manner or degree, which does not fit as it does not provide information about the devices.
• without: 'Without' is a preposition indicating absence, which does not fit as it does not introduce a clause about the devices.

Correct answer: having

Explanation: The word 'having' is a gerund that indicates a state of being or condition, referring to Islay's status as the location for an experimental plant. This fits grammatically as it introduces a participial phrase that describes Islay.

Meaning: 'Having' indicates possessing or being in a certain state.

Wrong options:

• little: 'Little' is an adjective that quantifies work, which does not fit as it does not describe the state of Islay.
• despite: 'Despite' is a preposition indicating contrast, which does not fit as it does not describe Islay's condition.
• not: 'Not' is an adverb used for negation, which does not fit as it does not provide information about Islay.
• last: 'Last' is an adjective that refers to the final item in a sequence, which does not apply to the context of describing Islay.
• which: 'Which' is a pronoun that introduces a clause, but it does not describe Islay's state and is therefore incorrect.
• how: 'How' is an adverb that asks about manner or degree, which does not fit as it does not provide information about Islay.
• without: 'Without' is a preposition indicating absence, which does not fit as it does not describe Islay's condition.

Correct answer: last

Explanation: The word 'last' is an adjective that indicates the final duration of time, referring to the five years mentioned. This fits grammatically as it modifies the noun 'years' and aligns with the context of discussing the duration of the experimental plant.

Meaning: 'Last' refers to the final or most recent in a sequence.

Wrong options:

• little: 'Little' is an adjective that quantifies work, which does not fit as it does not relate to the duration of years.
• despite: 'Despite' is a preposition indicating contrast, which does not fit as it does not describe the duration of time.
• not: 'Not' is an adverb used for negation, which does not fit as it does not provide information about the years.
• having: 'Having' is a gerund that does not relate to the duration of years and does not fit grammatically.
• which: 'Which' is a pronoun that introduces a clause, but it does not describe the duration of years and is therefore incorrect.
• how: 'How' is an adverb that asks about manner or degree, which does not fit as it does not provide information about the years.
• without: 'Without' is a preposition indicating absence, which does not fit as it does not describe the duration of time.