The following text is adapted from a travel memoir about a crowded garden.
The ivy seems to be dressed in green every season. Here it was now, covering the ground, disputing every inch of soil with the wildflowers, its vines spreading with an aggressive confidence that choked out the delicate blooms.
As used in the text, what does the word "disputing" most nearly mean?
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Arguing about
Disapproving of
Asserting possession of
Providing resistance to
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The text describes the ivy "covering the ground" and choking out flowers. It is physically claiming the space. "Asserting possession of" captures this aggressive occupation of the soil.
Choice A is incorrect because plants aren't verbally arguing. Choice B is incorrect because "disapproving" is an emotion. Choice D is incorrect because while they are resisting the wildflowers, "asserting possession" is a more precise definition of claiming the space.