A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: principles

Explanation: The term 'principles' refers to fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. In this context, applying principles of sustainability to transportation aligns with the overall theme of the passage, which discusses sustainable practices. It fits grammatically as a noun that complements the verb 'applying.'

Meaning: 'Principles' are the basic rules or beliefs that guide actions or decisions.

Wrong options:

• states: The word 'states' is a noun that refers to conditions or situations, which does not fit the context of applying foundational concepts to sustainability.
• reduced: 'Reduced' is a verb that does not fit grammatically as it does not relate to the act of applying something; it describes an action rather than a foundational concept.
• increased: 'Increased' is also a verb that indicates a rise in quantity, which does not fit the context of foundational principles.
• within: 'Within' is a preposition that indicates location or inclusion, which does not relate to the concept of principles in this context.
• lesser: 'Lesser' is an adjective that describes something of lower quality or importance, which does not fit as it does not relate to foundational concepts.

Correct answer: reduced

Explanation: The word 'reduced' is the past participle of the verb 'reduce,' which fits grammatically as it describes the action of lowering costs. The context indicates that costs will decrease as a result of applying sustainable practices, making this choice appropriate.

Meaning: 'Reduced' means to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Wrong options:

• states: 'States' is a noun that does not fit in the context of describing costs; it does not convey an action or change in costs.
• increased: 'Increased' is the opposite of reduced, indicating a rise in costs, which contradicts the context of sustainability aiming to lower expenses.
• within: 'Within' is a preposition that does not relate to the action of changing costs and does not fit grammatically.
• principles: 'Principles' is a noun that does not convey an action related to costs and does not fit in this context.
• lesser: 'Lesser' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe an action regarding costs.

Correct answer: within

Explanation: The preposition 'within' indicates being inside or contained by something, which fits the context of trips occurring inside the city. It aligns grammatically with the structure of the sentence, which discusses the location of trips.

Meaning: 'Within' means inside or contained by a particular area or limit.

Wrong options:

• states: 'States' is a noun that does not fit in the context of describing locations of trips; it does not convey a spatial relationship.
• reduced: 'Reduced' is a verb that does not relate to location and does not fit grammatically in this context.
• increased: 'Increased' is also a verb that indicates a rise, which does not fit the context of describing where trips occur.
• principles: 'Principles' is a noun that does not relate to the spatial context of trips and does not fit grammatically.
• lesser: 'Lesser' is an adjective that does not fit in the context of location and does not convey the intended meaning.

Correct answer: volume

Explanation: The word 'volume' refers to the amount or quantity of something, which fits the context of foot traffic. It is a noun that complements the sentence structure and aligns with the idea of a large number of people visiting the area.

Meaning: 'Volume' refers to the quantity or amount of something, in this case, foot traffic.

Wrong options:

• states: 'States' is a noun that refers to conditions or situations, which does not fit the context of describing the amount of foot traffic.
• reduced: 'Reduced' is a verb that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe a quantity; it indicates a decrease in something.
• increased: 'Increased' is also a verb that indicates a rise in quantity, which does not fit the context of describing foot traffic.
• within: 'Within' is a preposition that does not relate to the quantity of foot traffic and does not fit grammatically.
• lesser: 'Lesser' is an adjective that describes something of lower quality or importance, which does not fit as it does not describe a quantity.

Correct answer: longer

Explanation: The word 'longer' is a comparative adjective that indicates an extension in time or duration. In this context, it fits grammatically as it describes the requirement for off-street parking, suggesting that it is no longer necessary. This aligns with the overall theme of sustainability.

Meaning: 'Longer' refers to a greater length of time or duration, indicating that something is not needed anymore.

Wrong options:

• states: 'States' is a noun that does not fit in the context of describing the necessity of parking; it does not convey a temporal relationship.
• reduced: 'Reduced' is a verb that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe a duration or necessity.
• increased: 'Increased' is the opposite of longer, indicating a rise in necessity, which contradicts the context of sustainability.
• within: 'Within' is a preposition that does not relate to the temporal context of parking requirements and does not fit grammatically.
• lesser: 'Lesser' is an adjective that does not fit in the context of time or necessity and does not convey the intended meaning.