A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: hoping

Explanation: The word 'hoping' fits grammatically as it is a present participle that indicates a desire or expectation, aligning with the context of church officials wanting to take action towards environmental improvements.

Meaning: 'Hoping' means having a desire or expectation for something to happen, in this case, the installation of eco-friendly systems.

Wrong options:

• trusting: 'Trusting' implies reliance on someone or something, which does not convey the desire for action as effectively in this context.
• aspiring: 'Aspiring' suggests a strong desire to achieve something, but it does not fit the immediate context of taking action like 'hoping' does.
• longing: 'Longing' indicates a deep desire, often for something unattainable, which does not match the proactive intent of the church officials.

Correct answer: friendly

Explanation: The word 'friendly' appropriately describes an environmentally positive approach, fitting both grammatically and contextually as it aligns with the church's goal to be more sustainable.

Meaning: 'Friendly' in this context means being supportive or beneficial to the environment, indicating a positive relationship with nature.

Wrong options:

• deadly: 'Deadly' implies causing death or harm, which is the opposite of the intended meaning of being environmentally supportive.
• gracious: 'Gracious' refers to being courteous or kind, which does not specifically relate to environmental concerns as 'friendly' does.
• pleasant: 'Pleasant' suggests something enjoyable but lacks the specific environmental connotation that 'friendly' conveys.

Correct answer: replaced

Explanation: The word 'replaced' fits grammatically as a past participle indicating a change from one system to another, aligning with the context of updating the heating system.

Meaning: 'Replaced' means to take out something old and put in something new, in this case, the gas heating system.

Wrong options:

• returned: 'Returned' implies bringing something back to its original place, which does not fit the context of changing the heating system.
• succeeded: 'Succeeded' means to achieve a desired aim, which does not apply to the action of changing a system.
• interchanged: 'Interchanged' suggests swapping one thing for another, which does not accurately describe the process of replacing a system.

Correct answer: source

Explanation: The word 'source' is appropriate as it identifies the origin of emissions, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Source' refers to the point of origin or cause of something, in this case, the emissions at the church.

Wrong options:

• root: 'Root' suggests the fundamental cause but is less commonly used in this context compared to 'source.'
• spring: 'Spring' implies a source of water or a sudden emergence, which does not accurately describe emissions.
• origin: 'Origin' refers to the beginning of something but is less precise in this context than 'source'.

Correct answer: reaching

Explanation: The word 'reaching' fits grammatically as a gerund indicating the act of achieving a goal, aligning with the context of the church's emissions target.

Meaning: 'Reaching' means to achieve or attain a particular goal, in this case, net-zero emissions.

Wrong options:

• hitting: 'Hitting' implies striking something, which does not convey the intended meaning of achieving a target as effectively as 'reaching.'
• receiving: 'Receiving' suggests being given something, which does not apply to the context of achieving emissions goals.
• nearing: 'Nearing' indicates approaching a target but lacks the definitive sense of achievement that 'reaching' provides.