Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. at.
Context: The sentence describes the rate at which tea imports rose.
Meaning of the words:
about: approximately
of: indicates possession
beside: next to
at: indicates a specific rate or level, correct
Correct word: at
Reason: “rose at a very fast rate” is the correct collocation to indicate speed or rate.
Final Sentence: The volume of tea imports into the Colonies rose at a very fast rate in the four years…
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.