Directions: In each item, choose the word that completes both sentences appropriately.

(I) Following the merger, the company __________ its customer-service desks into one unit.
(II) Before beginning the expedition, the team __________ its supplies at the base camp.

The correct answer is consolidated.

Explanation and Logical Reasoning:

The word consolidated means to combine or unite several things into a single, more effective, or coherent whole, or to bring together items in one central location.
Let us analyze how this word fits logically into both given sentences:

Sentence (I): "Following the merger, the company consolidated its customer-service desks into one unit."
In a corporate context, after a merger, combining multiple separate customer-service departments or desks into "one unit" is a classic example of consolidation.

Sentence (II): "Before beginning the expedition, the team consolidated its supplies at the base camp."
Before setting off on an expedition, gathering and centralizing all necessary goods and equipment into one main base camp describes consolidating resources.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
• Postponed: Means delayed or put off until a later time. It does not make sense to "postpone into one unit."
• Diminished: Means reduced in size, extent, or importance. It does not fit the context of uniting or gathering items.
• Scattered: Means thrown about or distributed loosely. This is the opposite of combining items into "one unit" or gathering supplies together.
• Rehearsed: Means practiced for a performance. Desks and supplies cannot be rehearsed.