III. Choose the word that best fits the blank space in the following passage. (1.5 pts)

The city of Knoxville, USA had beautiful buildings and a rich history. (17) ___________, the people there weren’t happy. They had some traffic jams, and rush hour was busy, but that was like any other big, modern city. So, what was wrong with Knoxville? The problem was an increase in (18) ___________ people.
Many people lost their homes because the rent was rising. Ray Wilks, an old man (19) ___________ was homeless in Knoxville said he struggled to stay happy. “I was sleeping on the sidewalk because the cost of living was going up. I had to move out of my home because I didn’t have enough money for rent.”
The city found a way to solve the problem. The government (20) ___________ more apartment blocks that are cheap to rent. They also provided more jobs, like factory workers, because people were looking (21) ___________ work. Now, more people can pay their rent.
Ray Wilks is much happier since he now has a job and place to live. “Life is great again! I’m so happy to have a job and an apartment. I’m really (22) ___________ to the government of Knoxville for their hard work!”