A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: leading

Explanation: The word 'leading' fits grammatically as it indicates the action of the rainfall occurring during the specified time frame, aligning with the context of the sentence that describes the rainfall event leading up to midday on Sunday.

Meaning: 'Leading' in this context means occurring in the time period just before a specific point, which is midday on Sunday.

Wrong options:

• going: 'Going' suggests movement but does not convey the sense of time leading up to an event, making it contextually inappropriate here.
• taking: 'Taking' implies a process of obtaining or requiring, which does not fit the context of describing a time period related to rainfall.
• approaching: 'Approaching' indicates coming near but lacks the specificity of time that 'leading' provides in this context.

Correct answer: nearly

Explanation: The word 'nearly' accurately conveys the idea of being close to a certain amount, which in this case is twice the normal rainfall, fitting both grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Nearly' means almost or very close to, indicating that the rainfall was almost twice the normal August amount.

Wrong options:

• only: 'Only' suggests exclusivity and does not fit the context of comparing amounts of rainfall.
• fairly: While 'fairly' indicates a moderate degree, it does not convey the proximity to a specific quantity as effectively as 'nearly.'
• hardly: 'Hardly' implies a small amount or degree, which contradicts the context of significant rainfall being discussed.

Correct answer: side

Explanation: The word 'side' is appropriate as it refers to a specific part of the globe, aligning with the context of contrasting locations in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Side' refers to a particular area or region, in this case, indicating the opposite part of the globe from where the flooding occurred.

Wrong options:

• section: 'Section' implies a division but does not convey the geographical context as effectively as 'side.'
• face: 'Face' is not commonly used to describe parts of the globe and does not fit the context of geographical contrast.
• part: 'Part' is too vague and does not provide the specific geographical connotation that 'side' does.

Correct answer: heavy

Explanation: The word 'heavy' is suitable as it describes the intensity of the showers, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence about rainfall.

Meaning: 'Heavy' refers to a large amount or intensity, indicating that the showers were significant in volume.

Wrong options:

• huge: 'Huge' typically describes size rather than intensity, making it less appropriate in the context of rainfall.
• weighty: 'Weighty' suggests heaviness in a physical sense, which does not apply to the context of rain showers.
• strong: 'Strong' can describe intensity but is less commonly used in relation to showers compared to 'heavy,' which is more specific.

Correct answer: deposited

Explanation: The word 'deposited' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of rain accumulating in a specific location, which is relevant to the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Deposited' means to place or put down, in this case referring to the rain that fell and accumulated in Lyons.

Wrong options:

• placed: 'Placed' implies a deliberate action of putting something down, which does not accurately describe the natural occurrence of rain.
• lay: 'Lay' is a verb that typically requires a direct object and does not fit the context of rain falling.
• set: 'Set' is not commonly used to describe rain accumulation and does not convey the same meaning as 'deposited' in this context.