Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The first thing they did was to ______ the extent of damage done by the rains.

ascertain

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is:

☀ ascertain

Explanation for all options:

1. Ascertain: This word means to find out or determine something with certainty. In the context of the sentence, "ascertain" accurately conveys the idea of determining the extent of damage caused by the rains.

2. Search: This word means to look for something in a systematic way. It doesn't convey the same sense of determining the extent of damage.

3. Circulate: This word means to move or spread around. It doesn't fit the context of evaluating the extent of damage.

4. Repair: This word means to fix or restore something. It doesn't fit the context of evaluating the extent of damage before taking action.