Cloze passage (birds): In the phrase "but you will be more ________ compensated by the presence of seven other species", which word correctly completes the comparative structure?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests understanding of comparative structures in English. The writer contrasts the absence of one bird species with the presence of several others and uses a common phrase, "more than compensated", to say that the gain outweighs the loss. The blank must be filled with the correct word to complete this familiar expression.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Relevant part: "but you will be more ________ compensated by the presence of seven other species". - Options: then, that, than, this. - The writer wants to convey that the compensation is more than enough.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase "more than" is a standard comparative construction used to intensify statements, such as "more than happy" or "more than enough". In "more than compensated", "than" is the word that completes this fixed pattern. "Then" is an adverb of time, "that" and "this" are demonstratives, and none of them can form this comparative idiom with "more".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that "more" usually pairs with "than" in comparisons. Step 2: Note that "more than compensated" is a common phrase meaning fully or more than adequately compensated. Step 3: Insert "than": "but you will be more than compensated by the presence of seven other species". Step 4: Test "then": "more then compensated" is not a standard phrase and does not make sense. Step 5: Test "that" and "this": they do not follow "more" to express comparison and would make the sentence ungrammatical. Step 6: Conclude that "than" is the only correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider other examples: "You will be more than satisfied", "They were more than willing to help". In each case "more than" intensifies the adjective or past participle. Replacing "than" with "then" in any of these sentences would sound wrong. The passage uses the same pattern with "compensated", so "more than compensated" is clearly intended.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Then" in option A is an adverb used to talk about time or sequence, not comparison. "That" in option B is a demonstrative pronoun or determiner and does not combine with "more" to express degree. "This" in option D is again a demonstrative and cannot complete the comparative structure.

Common Pitfalls:
Because "then" and "than" sound somewhat similar, many learners confuse them in writing. A helpful memory trick is to remember that "than" is used with comparisons ("bigger than", "more than"), while "then" refers to time ("back then", "and then he left"). Whenever you see "more", you should almost always follow it with "than" in comparative or intensifying expressions.

Final Answer:
The correct word is "than", giving "you will be more than compensated".