English Vocabulary — Antonym (choose the word opposite in meaning to the highlighted word). Sentence: Unsettled conditions in the land led to an exodus of hundreds of its citizens.

Introduction / Context:
This item contrasts population movements. “Exodus” denotes a mass departure of people from a place. The cleanest antonym should represent mass movement into a place (an influx).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: exodus = mass departure.
• Setting: Citizens leaving due to unrest.
• Options: invasion, entry, immigration, expulsion.

Concept / Approach:
An antonym must be in the same semantic field of population movement and reverse direction. “Immigration” is movement into a country, which is the opposite of people leaving en masse. While “entry” is a general opposite, “immigration” is the precise demographic-counterpart term.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase contrast: “Unsettled conditions led to immigration” flips the direction of movement. Though situationally less likely, the lexical opposition is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• invasion: Military entry by force; wrong register and connotation.
• entry: Generic opposite of exit but lacks demographic nuance.
• expulsion: A forced sending out; aligns with departure rather than its opposite.

Common Pitfalls:
Choosing a near-opposite like “entry” instead of the precise demographic term “immigration.”

Final Answer:
immigration