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Answer: ASet 10: Words in Context (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The empire's decline began _____ after the death of its founder.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. shortly✓ Correct
B. accidentally
C. immediately
D. never
Detailed Answer Explanation
Choice A is the best answer. "Shortly" is correct because it means "in or within a short time." The context clues in the passage indicate that this meaning best completes the sentence logically.
Why others are wrong: B ("Accidentally" means "by chance," which doesn't fit the context.), C ("Immediately" means "at once," which doesn't fit the context.), D ("Never" means "at no time," which doesn't fit the context.).