A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: dropped

Explanation: The word 'dropped' fits grammatically as it is the past participle form of the verb 'drop,' which is appropriate in this context where Dermot is referring to a potential action he might take. The phrase 'might be late and not to worry if he dropped into the golf club' indicates a conditional situation, making 'dropped' the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Dropped' means to visit someone or something casually or unexpectedly, in this case, referring to visiting the golf club.

Wrong options:

• fell: 'Fell' is the past tense of 'fall,' which does not convey the intended meaning of visiting and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
• bumped: 'Bumped' implies a collision or accidental encounter, which does not fit the context of visiting a place intentionally.
• cut: 'Cut' can mean to skip or avoid, which does not align with the idea of visiting the golf club.

Correct answer: nodded

Explanation: The word 'nodded' is the past tense of 'nod,' which is appropriate here as it describes a physical action indicating agreement or acknowledgment. The context suggests that she was responding amiably, making 'nodded' the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Nodded' means to move the head up and down, typically to show agreement or understanding.

Wrong options:

• gestured: 'Gestured' implies using hands to communicate, which does not fit the context of her head movement described in the sentence.
• shrugged: 'Shrugged' indicates uncertainty or indifference, which contrasts with the amiable tone of the interaction.
• stirred: 'Stirred' generally refers to mixing or moving something, which is not relevant to the action of acknowledging someone.

Correct answer: stroll

Explanation: The word 'stroll' fits well as it conveys a leisurely walk, which aligns with the context of her having nothing to do and wanting to look at shops. It is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'Stroll' means to walk in a relaxed and unhurried manner.

Wrong options:

• pace: 'Pace' implies walking back and forth or at a steady speed, which does not convey the leisurely intent of her action.
• tread: 'Tread' refers to walking or stepping, but it lacks the connotation of leisure that 'stroll' provides.
• step: 'Step' is a more general term for walking and does not capture the relaxed nature of her intended activity.

Correct answer: idling

Explanation: The word 'idling' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to spending time doing nothing or being inactive. It aligns with her sentiment of feeling guilty about not being productive.

Meaning: 'Idling' means to spend time doing nothing or being inactive, often with a sense of wasting time.

Wrong options:

• drifting: 'Drifting' suggests a lack of direction or purpose, which does not accurately reflect her conscious decision to take a leisurely day.
• killing: 'Killing' time implies making time pass quickly, but it carries a more negative connotation than 'idling.'
• easing: 'Easing' typically refers to making something less severe or intense, which does not fit the context of spending a day idly.

Correct answer: entitled

Explanation: The word 'entitled' is appropriate here as it conveys the idea of having the right to do something. Dermot is affirming that she has the right to enjoy her day, making 'entitled' the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Entitled' means having a right or claim to something, in this case, the right to enjoy herself.

Wrong options:

• sanctioned: 'Sanctioned' implies approval or permission, which does not convey the same sense of personal right as 'entitled.'
• justified: 'Justified' means having a good reason for something, which does not directly relate to the idea of enjoying oneself.
• rightful: 'Rightful' suggests something that is deserved or appropriate, but it does not capture the personal aspect of having the right to enjoy oneself.

Correct answer: go

Explanation: The word 'go' fits grammatically and contextually as it is used here to indicate the action of not wanting her to make an effort or take action on his behalf. It is a common expression in this context.

Meaning: 'Go' means to proceed or take action, and in this context, it suggests not to take any unnecessary action for him.

Wrong options:

• take: 'Take' implies receiving or accepting something, which does not fit the context of avoiding unnecessary effort.
• get: 'Get' can mean to obtain or become, but it does not convey the same sense of action as 'go' in this context.
• put: 'Put' generally refers to placing something somewhere, which does not align with the idea of avoiding trouble.