Question

The Caspian Sea has been shrinking over the years due to a number of negative factors.
A. Receding
B. Migrating
C. Expanding
D. Revitalizing
E. Evaporating.

Answer 1

Hint: In this question we need to look for the synonym of the given word ‘shrinking’. Let's first understand what synonyms mean – Two words with a nearly common meaning or same meaning words are called synonyms.

Complete answer: This word is a gerund form of the word shrink which means: becoming smaller in size or amount.
Now let’s analyze and examine the given options above:
> Migrating: this word is the present participle of the word migrate which means: used about animals and birds) to travel from one part of the world to another at the same time every year. This word is neither correct nor related to the given word.
Synonyms: roam, wander, drift etc.
Example: "as autumn arrives, the birds migrate south".
> Expanding: this word is the present participle of the word expand which means: become or to make something bigger. This word is totally opposite of the given word. So it’s incorrect.
Synonyms: enlarge, swell etc.
Example: Metals expand when they are heated.
> Revitalizing: this word is a present participle of the word revitalize which means: make something stronger, healthier or more active. This is an inappropriate option for a given word.
Synonyms: fortify, strengthen etc.
Example: These measures will revitalize the economy. These measures will revitalize the.
> Evaporating: this word is the present participle of the word evaporate which means: (Used about a liquid) to change into steam or gas and disappear. This is an inappropriate option.
Synonyms: Vaporize, dry up etc.
Example: The water evaporated in the sunshine. The water evaporated in the sunshine.
> Receding: this word is a gerund form of the word recede which means: go or move back or further away from a previous position. Synonyms: go back, retreat etc.
Example: "the flood waters had receded".

The option (A) is absolutely correct and appropriate as it has the same meaning.

Note: In order to choose the correct option knowing actual meaning is necessary of the given question. Try to identify the meaning of the word and evaluate whether it has a positive negative or neutral connotation.