A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: ended up

Explanation: The phrase 'ended up' fits grammatically as it indicates a final outcome or result, aligning with the context of the sentence which discusses the surprising success of Tintin's tales. It also conveys a sense of inevitability, which is appropriate given the context of their widespread translation and sales.

Meaning: 'Ended up' means to ultimately reach a particular state or condition, often after a process or journey, suggesting that the tales of Tintin have reached a significant level of success.

Wrong options:

• turned out: 'Turned out' implies a result but lacks the connotation of finality that 'ended up' provides, making it less suitable in this context.
• finished off: 'Finished off' suggests completing something, which does not align with the ongoing success and translation of the Tintin tales.
• come to: 'Come to' is often used to indicate reaching a conclusion or state, but it does not convey the same sense of finality or success as 'ended up.'

Correct answer: relevant

Explanation: The word 'relevant' is appropriate as it indicates that the stories are applicable and significant to contemporary audiences. This aligns with the context of Hergé's efforts to make his work resonate with new readers.

Meaning: 'Relevant' means closely connected or appropriate to what is being considered, suggesting that the stories maintain their importance over time.

Wrong options:

• apt: 'Apt' suggests suitability but does not convey the broader significance that 'relevant' does in this context.
• applicable: 'Applicable' implies that something can be applied in a situation, but it lacks the emotional connection that 'relevant' provides.
• fitting: 'Fitting' indicates something that is appropriate but does not capture the ongoing significance and connection to audiences that 'relevant' does.

Correct answer: amassed

Explanation: The word 'amassed' fits well as it indicates the gradual collection of a large quantity of photographs over time, which is contextually appropriate given Hergé's dedication to detail in his illustrations.

Meaning: 'Amassed' means to gather or accumulate a large amount of something, suggesting Hergé's extensive effort in building his library.

Wrong options:

• mustered: 'Mustered' typically refers to gathering people or resources for a specific purpose, which does not fit the context of collecting photographs.
• convened: 'Convened' is used for bringing people together for a meeting, making it irrelevant in the context of accumulating photographs.
• swelled: 'Swelled' implies an increase in size or volume, but it does not convey the active process of collection that 'amassed' does.

Correct answer: prolific

Explanation: The word 'prolific' is suitable as it describes someone who produces a large number of works, which is relevant in discussing Hergé's potential output had he been less meticulous.

Meaning: 'Prolific' means producing many works or results, indicating a high level of creativity and output.

Wrong options:

• abundant: 'Abundant' refers to a large quantity but does not specifically relate to creative output, making it less precise in this context.
• fruitful: 'Fruitful' suggests producing good results but lacks the direct connection to the quantity of work that 'prolific' conveys.
• real: 'Real' does not relate to productivity or creativity and is irrelevant in this context.

Correct answer: torn

Explanation: The word 'torn' effectively conveys a sense of internal conflict or indecision, which fits the context of being caught between two desires regarding reading the Tintin book.

Meaning: 'Torn' means to feel divided or conflicted about something, indicating the struggle between wanting to rush through the story and appreciating the details.

Wrong options:

• pulled: 'Pulled' suggests being drawn towards something but lacks the emotional nuance of conflict that 'torn' provides.
• drawn: 'Drawn' implies attraction but does not capture the sense of conflict inherent in 'torn.'
• lured: 'Lured' suggests being attracted by something enticing, which does not convey the internal struggle present in the context.

Correct answer: impluse

Explanation: The word 'impluse' fits well as it indicates a sudden desire or urge, which aligns with the context of wanting to linger on the visual details of the Tintin book.

Meaning: 'Impluse' refers to a strong urge or instinct to act, suggesting a spontaneous desire to appreciate the illustrations.

Wrong options:

• impetus: 'Impetus' refers to a driving force but does not convey the personal, sudden desire that 'impluse' does.
• incentive: 'Incentive' implies a motivation or reason to do something, which does not fit the context of a spontaneous urge.
• intuition: 'Intuition' refers to an instinctive understanding, which does not capture the immediate desire to linger on details as effectively as 'impluse.'