In this passage about Britain leaving the European Union, choose the word that best completes the phrase "a remote possibility has actually become a very ________ reality".

Introduction / Context:
This question is based on a passage describing the British referendum decision to leave the European Union. The focus is on selecting the most appropriate adjective to describe how a once unlikely possibility has turned into a concrete reality. It tests your understanding of collocations, tone, and the subtle differences in meaning between similar negative adjectives such as "ominous", "grim", "dire", and "haunting".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase in the passage is "a remote possibility has actually become a very ________ reality".
• The context is political and social, referring to Britain voting to leave the European Union.
• We must choose the word that best fits both meaning and common usage in English.

Concept / Approach:
To solve vocabulary questions like this, you should look at:

• The general emotional tone of the passage (here, serious and somewhat negative).
• Common collocations in English, that is, which adjectives usually go with the noun "reality".
• The precise meanings of near synonyms and how strong or specific their connotations are.

We want a word that conveys an unpleasant, harsh truth that people must now accept.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the surrounding sentence: "a remote possibility has actually become a very ________ reality". This shows movement from unlikely to unpleasant fact. Step 2: Recall common expressions: English often uses "grim reality" to describe a harsh or discouraging situation that people must face. Step 3: Check "ominous": it usually describes a sign or warning of something bad that is still in the future, not a reality that has already arrived. Step 4: Check "dire": it describes extremely serious or urgent conditions, more often used with "consequences", "need", or "warning" than with "reality". Step 5: Check "haunting": it usually conveys something emotionally disturbing or unforgettable, often linked with memories, images, or sounds. Step 6: "Grim reality" is a fixed and natural-sounding collocation for an unwelcome truth that people must now confront.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by substituting each option in the sentence: "a very grim reality" sounds idiomatic and is widely used. "A very ominous reality" is awkward because "ominous" refers to signs, not to an established reality. "A very dire reality" is understandable but not a common phrase. "A very haunting reality" shifts the meaning toward emotional after-effects, which does not match the straightforward political result described in the passage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ominous: Suggests a warning of future danger, not a present, established fact.
• Dire: Often modifies "consequences" or "emergency" rather than "reality", so it feels less natural here.
• Haunting: Emphasizes lingering emotional impact rather than the harsh factual nature of the situation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often pick any negative-sounding word without considering collocation and nuance. Another common mistake is to focus only on the political seriousness and choose the strongest word, even if usage is unnatural. Always check how the noun and adjective normally appear together in authentic English usage.

Final Answer:
The best word to complete the phrase is grim, because "grim reality" is the standard expression for a harsh truth that people must now face.