The Chume's house caught fire because their little girl had turned on the gas inadvertently.

Analyze the question: You need the word closest in meaning to "inadvertently" as used in the sentence.

Explain the concept: "Inadvertently" means without intending to, or by accident. It comes from "inadvertent," which means not done on purpose. The act happens through lack of attention or awareness, not through a deliberate choice.

Solution, step by step:

1. The sentence says a little girl turned on the gas, and the house caught fire.
2. A little child would not deliberately set out to cause a fire. She did it by accident, without knowing the consequences.
3. Check each option: • A. automatically means done without thinking, as a habit or reflex, or by itself. It does not mean "by accident," so it is not a match. • B. hurriedly means done in a rush. The sentence says nothing about speed. • C. carelessly means done without proper care. It is close, but it blames the person for being negligent. "Inadvertently" simply means not on purpose. A small child is not necessarily careless, she just did not mean to do it. • D. unintentionally means not on purpose. This matches "inadvertently" exactly.

Answer: The correct option is D. unintentionally.

Exam tip: Look at the prefix. "In-" often signals negation, and "advertent" relates to paying attention or intending. So "inadvertent" is "not intended." In "nearest in meaning" questions, choose the word that matches the core meaning, not one that is merely related, like "carelessly."