A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: expanding

Explanation: The word 'expanding' fits grammatically as it is a present participle that describes the ongoing action of the automaker in relation to the newly built facility. It aligns contextually with the idea of increasing production capacity, which is the main focus of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Expanding' means to increase in size, volume, or capacity, indicating that Ford is increasing its operations at the facility.

Wrong options:

• selling: 'Selling' implies a transaction of goods, which does not fit the context of increasing production capacity.
• decorating: 'Decorating' refers to enhancing the appearance of something, which is irrelevant to the operational context of a production facility.
• demolishing: 'Demolishing' means to tear down or destroy, which contradicts the idea of boosting output.

Correct answer: track

Explanation: The term 'track' is appropriate here as it indicates progress towards a goal, fitting grammatically and contextually with the phrase 'to hit that previously announced production milestone.'

Meaning: 'Track' in this context means to be on course or progressing towards a specific target or goal.

Wrong options:

• foot: 'Foot' does not convey a relevant meaning in this context and is not used in expressions related to progress.
• table: 'Table' does not fit contextually as it refers to a piece of furniture or a data arrangement, not progress.
• time: 'Time' does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not indicate progress towards a goal.

Correct answer: bumping

Explanation: The word 'bumping' fits well as it indicates an increase in numbers, aligning with the context of raising employment levels at the plant. It is a gerund that describes the action of increasing the workforce.

Meaning: 'Bumping' means to increase or raise, particularly in the context of numbers or levels, indicating an increase in employment.

Wrong options:

• maintaining: 'Maintaining' suggests keeping the current level, which contradicts the idea of increasing employment.
• diminishing: 'Diminishing' means to decrease, which is the opposite of what is happening in this context.
• decreasing: 'Decreasing' also implies a reduction, which does not fit the context of increasing employment.

Correct answer: complete

Explanation: The word 'complete' is the correct choice as it indicates finishing the expansion of the facility, fitting grammatically and contextually with the ongoing construction efforts mentioned in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Complete' means to finish or finalize something, in this case, the expansion of the facility.

Wrong options:

• cease: 'Cease' means to stop, which contradicts the ongoing nature of the expansion work.
• postpone: 'Postpone' implies delaying something, which does not fit the context of completing an expansion.
• reverse: 'Reverse' means to go back or undo, which is not relevant to the context of finishing construction.