Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

The farmer studied the ___________ clouds thoughtfully.

A word, which describes some property of clouds would replace the blank. Clouds are not an happy or debonair, gloomy or feathery entity, therefore options (1), (3) and (4) are ruled out. 'Rippling' in (5) describes movement as it means to form or have little waves or undulating movements on the surface, as water or grass stirred by a breeze; therefore ruled out as off the track.  'billowing' in option (2) means a large wave; great swell of water. As the farmer has been described watching thoughtfully at clouds, so he must be expecting rain from the large clouds passing overhead., therefore 'billowing'  fits our prediction. Hence, (2) is the answer.