Directions: In the following question, a target word is provided along with three sentences demonstrating its usage. Choose the option corresponding to the statement(s) in which the target word is used correctly in terms of both grammar and context. If none of the given sentences use the word correctly, select option (e), "None of these".

Ponder
(i) The research team will ponder the long-term environmental consequences before submitting the final proposal.
(ii) Despite facing a ponder amount of workload, the analyst managed to finish the project on schedule.
(iii) Critics ponder whether the newly implemented economic policy will achieve its intended objectives.

The correct option is both (i) and (iii).

Meaning of the Target Word:
The word "ponder" is a verb that means to think about something carefully, deeply, or reflectively, especially before making a decision or coming to a conclusion.

Detailed Analysis of the Sentences:

Sentence (i): "The research team will ponder the long-term environmental consequences before submitting the final proposal."
Here, "ponder" is used correctly as a verb meaning to carefully consider or deliberate upon the environmental consequences before finalizing the proposal. Thus, statement (i) is contextually and grammatically correct.

Sentence (ii): "Despite facing a ponder amount of workload, the analyst managed to finish the project on schedule."
Here, "ponder" is used incorrectly in place of an adjective to describe the noun phrase "amount of workload." Since "ponder" is a verb, it cannot modify a noun in this context. Appropriate adjectives to describe a heavy or large workload would be "immense," "substantial," or "massive." Thus, statement (ii) is grammatically incorrect.

Sentence (iii): "Critics ponder whether the newly implemented economic policy will achieve its intended objectives."
Here, "ponder" is used correctly as a verb to describe the action of critics reflecting or deliberating upon the effectiveness of the policy. Thus, statement (iii) is contextually and grammatically correct.

Therefore, the target word is used correctly in both (i) and (iii).