The word gradual in the passage most nearly means
step-by-step
abrupt
irregular
intermittent
Option A is closest to the meaning of the word gradual and all other options have opposite meaning.
The underlined word scoff in the passage most nearly means:
Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word.
GRADUAL
Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word TUMBLING as used in the passage.