Lexis and structure: Choose the option that best completes the gap. The noise from the factory ___ the residents greatly.

“The noise” is a singular subject, so it takes the singular verb “disturbs.” Subject-verb agreement requires matching the number of the subject, not what it affects.

“Disturb” (without -s) is the base form used with plural subjects. “Disturbing” is a participle and cannot serve as the main verb alone. “Were disturbing” is past continuous and does not fit the present-tense context.

Present simple tense (“disturbs”) describes a regular or ongoing situation – the factory noise habitually bothers residents.