Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this sentence, the correct choice is 'swam,' which is the past tense of 'swim.' Therefore, 'swam' correctly completes the sentence: 'Theo was in great shape; he swam all the way back to the pier.' 'Swimmed' is not a valid past tense form of 'swim,' 'swum' is the past participle form and doesn't fit the context, and 'swim' is the base form of the verb and is not suitable in this case.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct word is 'too,' which indicates an excessive amount. In this sentence, 'too high' describes the fever being excessively high, making it difficult for the child to lie comfortably. The other options do not fit the context: 'to' is a preposition, 'much' describes quantity but not excessiveness, and 'more' indicates a comparison, which is not relevant here.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: struck.' In this context, the correct verb form should be 'struck' as it is the past tense form of 'strike.' Therefore, the correct sentence should read: 'The development committee struck a bargain with the city planners.' Choice A, 'striked,' is incorrect as 'strike' is an irregular verb, and the past tense is 'struck' rather than 'striked.' Choice B, 'stroke,' is incorrect as it is not the correct past tense form of 'strike' in this context. Choice D, 'strike,' is incorrect as it is the base form of the verb and does not fit the sentence structure requiring a past tense verb.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this sentence, 'lie' is the correct word for the patient wanting to recline on the bed, and 'lay' is the correct word for placing the tray of food on the table. Therefore, 'lie, lay' is the proper sequence of words for the actions described in the sentence. Choice B is incorrect because 'lie' should be used for reclining, not 'lay'. Choice C is incorrect as 'laid' is the past tense of 'lay,' not the present tense. Choice D is incorrect; 'lain' is the past participle of 'lie,' not the present tense.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'laying' is used incorrectly in the sentence. The correct word should be 'laying' when referring to the action of setting up a brick foundation. Therefore, the correct choice is 'D: laying.' In this context, 'lying' would imply being in a horizontal position, which is not the intended meaning. Choices A, B, and C are not incorrect in the sentence and do not affect the clarity or correctness of the statement.