A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: took

Explanation: The word 'took' is the past tense of 'take,' which fits grammatically as it indicates the duration of time required to complete the Encyclopédie. The context of the sentence discusses the time frame, making 'took' the appropriate choice.

Meaning: 'Took' refers to the action of requiring time to accomplish something, in this case, the completion of the Encyclopédie.

Wrong options:

• setting: Setting is a present participle that does not convey the past action of duration needed for completion.
• surpassing: Surpassing is a present participle that indicates exceeding but does not relate to the time taken for completion.
• comprising: Comprising is a present participle that describes inclusion but does not fit the context of time taken.
• relying: Relying is a present participle that indicates dependence, which does not relate to the completion time.
• submitting: Submitting is a present participle that refers to the act of presenting something, which does not fit the context of duration.
• listed: Listed is a past participle that indicates something has been enumerated, which does not relate to the time taken for completion.

Correct answer: comprising

Explanation: The term 'comprising' is used to indicate that the 28 volumes consist of text and illustrations. It fits grammatically as it describes the contents of the Encyclopédie.

Meaning: 'Comprising' means to consist of or include, referring to the components that make up the 28 volumes.

Wrong options:

• took: Took does not fit here as it refers to time, not the contents of the volumes.
• setting: Setting is a present participle that does not relate to the composition of the volumes.
• surpassing: Surpassing indicates exceeding but does not describe the contents of the volumes.
• relying: Relying does not fit as it refers to dependence, not the composition of the volumes.
• submitting: Submitting does not relate to the contents of the volumes and is not appropriate in this context.
• listed: Listed refers to enumeration and does not describe the composition of the volumes.

Correct answer: surpassing

Explanation: The word 'surpassing' is a present participle that indicates the Encyclopédie exceeds its contemporaries in scope and depth. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes a comparison with other works.

Meaning: 'Surpassing' means to exceed or go beyond, indicating that the Encyclopédie is greater than its contemporaries.

Wrong options:

• took: Took does not fit as it refers to time, not a comparison of quality or scope.
• setting: Setting does not relate to the act of exceeding and is not appropriate in this context.
• comprising: Comprising describes contents, not a comparative quality, making it unsuitable here.
• relying: Relying does not fit as it refers to dependence, not a comparative measure.
• submitting: Submitting does not relate to comparison and is not appropriate in this context.
• listed: Listed refers to enumeration and does not convey the idea of exceeding.

Correct answer: setting

Explanation: The term 'setting' is a present participle that indicates the Encyclopédie establishes a standard or benchmark for future encyclopedias. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of creating a benchmark.

Meaning: 'Setting' means to establish or create, in this case, a benchmark for future works.

Wrong options:

• took: Took does not fit as it refers to time, not the act of establishing a benchmark.
• surpassing: Surpassing indicates exceeding but does not relate to the act of setting a benchmark.
• comprising: Comprising describes contents, not the action of establishing a standard, making it unsuitable here.
• relying: Relying does not fit as it refers to dependence, not the act of establishing a benchmark.
• submitting: Submitting does not relate to the act of setting a standard and is not appropriate in this context.
• listed: Listed refers to enumeration and does not convey the idea of establishing a benchmark.