A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: incumbent

Explanation: The term 'incumbent' refers to the current holder of a position, which fits grammatically as it describes the person currently in the role of the literary editor. This aligns with the context of the sentence, indicating that the existing editor is difficult to replace.

Meaning: 'Incumbent' means the person who currently holds a particular office or position, especially in a job or role.

Wrong options:

• bearer: 'Bearer' implies someone who carries or conveys something, which does not fit the context of holding a position.
• keeper: 'Keeper' suggests someone who maintains or guards something, which is not appropriate for describing a role in this context.
• denizen: 'Denizen' refers to an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place, which does not relate to the specific role of a literary editor.

Correct answer: wielded

Explanation: The verb 'wielded' indicates exercising power or influence, which fits well in the context of Ivo having control over the real power. It matches the grammatical structure and conveys the intended meaning of authority.

Meaning: 'Wielded' means to hold and use (a weapon or tool) or to exercise (power or influence).

Wrong options:

• presided: 'Presided' means to be in a position of authority at a meeting or gathering, which does not convey the active control implied in the sentence.
• availed: 'Availed' means to make use of something, which does not fit the context of exercising power.
• dominated: 'Dominated' implies control over others, but it does not fit the grammatical structure as well as 'wielded' does.

Correct answer: put

Explanation: The verb 'put' is used here to indicate taking a decisive action, fitting grammatically and contextually as it suggests Marian's potential to assert her authority. It aligns with the idiomatic expression 'put her foot down.'

Meaning: 'Put' means to place or set something in a specific position, but in this context, it refers to asserting authority or making a decision.

Wrong options:

• laid: 'Laid' typically refers to placing something down, but it does not convey the same assertive meaning as 'put' in this context.
• set: 'Set' implies establishing something but lacks the idiomatic strength of 'put her foot down.'
• brought: 'Brought' means to carry or lead something to a place, which does not fit the context of asserting authority.

Correct answer: soliciting

Explanation: The word 'soliciting' indicates the act of requesting or seeking something, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the nature of work or coverage that demands attention from Marian.

Meaning: 'Soliciting' means to ask for or try to obtain something from someone.

Wrong options:

• pleading: 'Pleading' suggests begging or making an emotional appeal, which does not fit the formal context of work demands.
• endeavouring: 'Endeavouring' means trying hard to do something, but it does not convey the direct request implied by 'soliciting.'
• aspiring: 'Aspiring' refers to having ambitions to achieve something, which does not fit the context of demanding work.

Correct answer: tooth

Explanation: The phrase 'long in the tooth' is an idiomatic expression meaning old or aging, which fits both grammatically and contextually in describing someone who has been around for a while.

Meaning: 'Tooth' in this context refers to the idiom 'long in the tooth,' which means someone is getting old.

Wrong options:

• face: 'Face' does not fit the idiomatic expression and does not convey the meaning of aging.
• nose: 'Nose' does not relate to the idiom and lacks the contextual meaning of age.
• mouth: 'Mouth' does not fit the idiomatic expression and does not convey the intended meaning.

Correct answer: offence

Explanation: The noun 'offence' refers to a feeling of being upset or annoyed, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the reaction of people towards Marian's behavior.

Meaning: 'Offence' means a feeling of hurt or resentment caused by someone's actions or words.

Wrong options:

• insult: 'Insult' refers to a disrespectful or scornful remark, which does not fit the context of a general feeling of hurt.
• outrage: 'Outrage' implies a strong reaction of anger, which is more intense than the context suggests.
• resentment: 'Resentment' indicates bitterness or indignation, but 'offence' is a more appropriate term for the general reaction described.