In the following questions, a sentence is given with

Solution

'Empowered' means given authority or power, which could fit the first blank. However, 'resources' does not align well with the second blank. The sentence discusses an occasion for systematic excavations, not the tools or materials required for them. 'Instructed' implies receiving orders or directions, which doesn’t suit the context of being provided with the means to carry out excavations. 'Funding' refers to financial support, which is not implied in the sentence as a requirement for conducting the excavations. 'Persuaded' means convinced to take action, which is contextually incorrect because the directors aren’t being convinced but rather provided the means. Similarly, 'facilities' refers to infrastructure or equipment, which doesn’t fit the idea of an opportunity or occasion. The correct answer is 3) enabled, opportunity because it appropriately conveys that the directors were provided the means (enabled) and acted when a chance (opportunity) arose.