In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.
The trees had lost most of their leaves and their (1)_______ figures were clear against the grey sky. Bella looked up at them and could see birds (2)_______ with difficulty, (3)_______ to keep themselves in place while the wind tried to blow them (4)_______. She was walking against the wind and trying hard to push herself ahead. She resisted and strode (5)________.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No. 5