A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: hit

Explanation: The verb 'hit' is the correct choice as it indicates that the severe heatwave and heavy rainfall have impacted different parts of Australia. It fits grammatically in the past tense context of the sentence, aligning with the subject 'heatwave and heavy rainfall.'

Meaning: 'Hit' means to strike or have a strong effect on something, indicating that the weather conditions are affecting various regions of the country.

Wrong options:

• ceased: The word 'ceased' means to stop or come to an end, which contradicts the ongoing nature of the weather conditions described in the text.
• overruled: 'Overruled' typically refers to a legal context where a decision is overturned, making it irrelevant in this context of weather events.
• pushed: 'Pushed' implies a forceful action but does not convey the impact of weather conditions as effectively as 'hit' does.

Correct answer: record

Explanation: The noun 'record' is appropriate here as it refers to the highest temperature ever recorded, fitting grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause. It aligns with the context of discussing temperature extremes.

Meaning: 'Record' in this context means the highest or lowest level of something that has been officially documented, specifically referring to temperature in this case.

Wrong options:

• point: The word 'point' does not convey the idea of a measurement or extreme level in this context, making it unsuitable.
• frustration: 'Frustration' refers to a feeling of annoyance or disappointment, which does not relate to temperature measurements.
• limit: 'Limit' suggests a boundary or maximum level but does not specifically indicate a documented measurement like 'record' does.

Correct answer: disrupting

Explanation: The gerund 'disrupting' fits grammatically as it describes the ongoing action of the low pressure system affecting supplies. It aligns contextually with the idea of interference caused by the weather conditions.

Meaning: 'Disrupting' means causing a disturbance or interruption, indicating that the floods are affecting the availability of supplies.

Wrong options:

• squandering: 'Squandering' means wasting something, which does not fit the context of weather-related impacts on supplies.
• projecting: 'Projecting' refers to estimating or forecasting, which does not convey the immediate effect of the weather on supplies.
• expanding: 'Expanding' means to increase in size or scope, which is not relevant to the context of the negative impact on supplies.

Correct answer: is forecast

Explanation: The phrase 'is forecast' is the correct choice as it indicates a prediction about the future, fitting grammatically in the present continuous tense. It aligns with the context of discussing an upcoming event.

Meaning: 'Is forecast' means that it is predicted or expected to happen, specifically referring to the tropical cyclone's anticipated arrival.

Wrong options:

• forecast: The word 'forecast' alone lacks the necessary auxiliary verb to indicate the future tense, making it grammatically incorrect in this context.
• that forecast: The phrase 'that forecast' is awkward and does not fit grammatically as it lacks a clear subject-verb structure for the prediction.
• will forecast: 'Will forecast' suggests an action of predicting rather than indicating an existing prediction, which does not fit the context of the sentence.