A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: grounded

Explanation: The word 'grounded' fits grammatically as it describes the foundation of Singapore's outlook, indicating that it is firmly established on hard work and intelligence. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses the basis of Singapore's identity.

Meaning: 'Grounded' means being firmly established or based on something, in this case, hard work and intelligence.

Wrong options:

• rooted: While 'rooted' suggests a similar meaning, it is less commonly used in this context and does not convey the same sense of stability as 'grounded'.
• stemmed: 'Stemmed' implies a source or origin but does not fit the context of establishing a foundation for an outlook.
• located: 'Located' refers to a physical position and does not convey the metaphorical sense of being based on principles.

Correct answer: set

Explanation: The word 'set' is appropriate here as it indicates the act of establishing or determining national priorities, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Set' means to establish or fix something in a particular position, in this case, national priorities.

Wrong options:

• base: 'Base' implies a foundation but is less commonly used in this context of establishing priorities compared to 'set'.
• lay: 'Lay' typically refers to placing something down and does not convey the active establishment of priorities as effectively as 'set'.
• place: 'Place' suggests positioning but lacks the connotation of establishing priorities that 'set' provides.

Correct answer: follow

Explanation: The word 'follow' fits well as it indicates the action of adhering to or executing the established national priorities, maintaining grammatical consistency with the previous clause.

Meaning: 'Follow' means to carry out or adhere to something, in this case, the national priorities set by Singapore.

Wrong options:

• get: 'Get' implies obtaining something and does not fit the context of executing priorities.
• lead: 'Lead' suggests taking charge, which does not align with the context of executing previously established priorities.
• take: 'Take' implies possession or acceptance, which does not convey the action of executing priorities as clearly as 'follow'.

Correct answer: emerged

Explanation: The word 'emerged' is suitable as it indicates the process of coming into existence from a previous state, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence about Singapore's transformation.

Meaning: 'Emerged' means to come forth or become visible, in this case, referring to Singapore's development from swampland to a modern city-state.

Wrong options:

• established: 'Established' implies a sense of permanence but does not convey the idea of transformation from one state to another as effectively as 'emerged'.
• embodied: 'Embodied' suggests representation but does not fit the context of transformation from a previous state.
• encompassed: 'Encompassed' means to include or contain, which does not accurately describe the process of transformation that 'emerged' conveys.

Correct answer: standards

Explanation: The word 'standards' is appropriate as it refers to the level of quality or attainment expected, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence discussing living conditions in Singapore.

Meaning: 'Standards' refers to the level of quality or attainment, in this case, the expected living conditions in Singapore compared to the developed world.

Wrong options:

• measures: 'Measures' refers to actions taken to achieve something and does not fit the context of describing living conditions.
• levels: 'Levels' suggests a degree or amount but lacks the connotation of quality that 'standards' provides.
• rates: 'Rates' typically refers to a measurement or frequency and does not convey the idea of quality of living as effectively as 'standards'.