Excavated vs. exhausted

[stone]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #28 "The Hare and the Tortoise", question 9

At the end of the race the tortoise, ......... by all his hard work, was quietly slumbering on the line.

(a) destroyed
(b) excavated
(c) exhausted
(d) evacuated

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #28 "The Hare and the Tortoise", answer 9

At the end of the race the tortoise, exhausted by all his hard work, was quietly slumbering on the line.

Correct answer: (c) exhausted

Your answer was: incorrect
At the end of the race the tortoise, evacuated by all his hard work, was quietly slumbering on the line.
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Dear sir

Would you please explain the meaning of each word here?

Thanks a lot in advanced

stone

[Mister Micawber]

.
At the end of the race the tortoise, ......... by all his hard work, was quietly slumbering on the line.

(a) destroyed -- damaged completely
(b) excavated -- dug up; uncovered from under the earth
(c) exhausted -- very tired
(d) evacuated -- emptied; moved from a dangerous location
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's