A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: probably

Explanation: The word 'probably' functions as an adverb indicating a likelihood or assumption about the statement regarding the first banks. It fits grammatically as it modifies the verb 'were,' suggesting that the statement is not definitive but rather a conjecture.

Meaning: 'Probably' means likely to happen or be true, but not certain.

Wrong options:

• nearly: 'Nearly' is an adverb that indicates something is close to a certain point but does not convey the same sense of likelihood as 'probably.'
• since: 'Since' is a conjunction or preposition that indicates time or causation, which does not fit in this context as it does not modify the verb appropriately.
• extends: 'Extends' is a verb that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it does not relate to the likelihood of the banks' origins.

Correct answer: predated

Explanation: The verb 'predated' indicates that banks existed before the invention of money, fitting grammatically as it aligns with the past tense context of the sentence. It logically follows the statement about the timeline of banks and money.

Meaning: 'Predated' means to exist or occur before something else in time.

Wrong options:

• probably: 'Probably' is an adverb that does not fit grammatically as it cannot serve as a verb in this context.
• nearly: 'Nearly' is an adverb that does not convey the action of existing before something else and does not fit grammatically.
• extends: 'Extends' is a verb that implies a continuation or lengthening, which does not relate to the historical context of banks and money.

Correct answer: metals

Explanation: The noun 'metals' fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the sentence, referring to the types of goods deposited in banks. It logically follows the context of discussing valuable items stored in temples and palaces.

Meaning: 'Metals' refers to solid materials that are typically valuable, such as gold and silver.

Wrong options:

• nearly: 'Nearly' is an adverb that does not fit as it does not refer to a tangible item like metals.
• since: 'Since' is a conjunction or preposition that does not serve as a noun and does not fit in this context.
• extends: 'Extends' is a verb that does not relate to the context of deposits and does not fit grammatically.

Correct answer: built

Explanation: The adjective 'built' describes the structural integrity of the temples and palaces, fitting grammatically as it complements the subject 'they.' It logically conveys that these places were constructed to be secure for storing valuables.

Meaning: 'Built' refers to the construction or physical structure of a place.

Wrong options:

• nearly: 'Nearly' is an adverb that does not describe the physical state of the temples and palaces and does not fit grammatically.
• since: 'Since' is a conjunction or preposition that does not serve as an adjective and does not fit in this context.
• extends: 'Extends' is a verb that does not relate to the description of the temples and palaces and does not fit grammatically.

Correct answer: would-be

Explanation: The term 'would-be' functions as an adjective describing potential thieves, fitting grammatically as it modifies the noun 'thieves.' It logically conveys that these are individuals who might attempt theft.

Meaning: 'Would-be' refers to someone who aspires to be something or is likely to attempt something, in this case, thieves.

Wrong options:

• nearly: 'Nearly' is an adverb that does not describe thieves and does not fit grammatically.
• since: 'Since' is a conjunction or preposition that does not serve as an adjective and does not fit in this context.
• extends: 'Extends' is a verb that does not relate to the description of thieves and does not fit grammatically.