Here are the correct answers to the questions based on the provided text:

I.
1. A. defeat
2. B. distance
3. C. centre

II.
4. A. versatile
5. B. marinate
6. C. mayonnaise

III.
7. C. safeguarded (opposite of "endangered")
8. A. holding to (closest in meaning to "advancing")

IV.
9. D. ignoring (closest in meaning to "looking into")

10. A. investigating
11. B. come around

If you have specific questions about any of these answers or want further explanations, feel free to ask!