Meaning: 'Affection' means a gentle feeling of fondness or liking, indicating warmth and care that one might show to a younger child.

Wrong options:

• consideration: 'Consideration' refers to thoughtfulness or regard for someone, but it does not convey the emotional warmth implied in the context.
• devotion: 'Devotion' implies a strong attachment or dedication, which is too intense for the casual context of the sentence.
• recognition: 'Recognition' means acknowledgment or validation, which does not fit the emotional context of showering love or care.
• tasks: 'Tasks' refers to duties or jobs, which is unrelated to the emotional sentiment being expressed.

Correct answer: grown-up

Explanation: The term 'grown-up' is appropriate as it describes a manner of speaking that is mature and adult-like, fitting the context of how the boy is perceived when he speaks. It aligns with the contrast between childish and mature behavior.

Meaning: 'Grown-up' refers to an adult or someone who behaves in a mature manner, indicating a level of sophistication in speech.

Wrong options:

• childlike: 'Childlike' suggests innocence and simplicity, which contradicts the idea of a boy trying to act mature.
• crisp: 'Crisp' typically describes something fresh or clear, not applicable to the manner of speaking in this context.
• studious: 'Studious' implies being serious about learning, which does not relate to the manner of speaking described here.
• brilliant: 'Brilliant' suggests exceptional intelligence or talent, which is not relevant to the way the boy is speaking.

Correct answer: haste

Explanation: The word 'haste' fits grammatically as it indicates quickness or speed, which is appropriate in the context of a boy growing out of his clothes rapidly. It conveys the urgency of growth during adolescence.

Meaning: 'Haste' means excessive speed or urgency, highlighting how quickly the boy is outgrowing his clothes.

Wrong options:

• taste: 'Taste' refers to a person's preference or aesthetic sense, which does not relate to the physical growth described.
• waste: 'Waste' implies loss or unnecessary expenditure, which does not fit the context of growing out of clothes.
• waist: 'Waist' is a body part and does not convey the idea of speed or urgency in growth.
• gait: 'Gait' refers to a manner of walking, which is unrelated to the context of outgrowing clothes.

Correct answer: self-conscious

Explanation: The term 'self-conscious' is suitable as it describes a state of being overly aware of oneself, particularly in social situations, which aligns with the struggles of adolescence mentioned in the text.

Meaning: 'Self-conscious' means being excessively aware of one's appearance or behavior, often leading to discomfort in social interactions.

Wrong options:

• vigilant: 'Vigilant' means being watchful or alert, which does not fit the emotional context of adolescence described here.
• rebellious: 'Rebellious' implies defiance against authority, which does not capture the internal struggle of self-awareness.
• lost: 'Lost' suggests confusion or lack of direction, which does not accurately describe the emotional state being conveyed.
• slow: 'Slow' refers to a lack of speed or quickness, which is not relevant to the emotional and social awareness discussed.

Correct answer: scolding

Explanation: The word 'scolding' fits well as it refers to reprimanding or criticizing someone, which aligns with the negative treatment the boy receives during adolescence. It matches the context of how he is treated by others.

Meaning: 'Scolding' means to reprimand or criticize someone, often in a harsh manner, reflecting the negative interactions the boy faces.

Wrong options:

• praising: 'Praising' implies giving positive feedback, which contradicts the negative context of the sentence.
• devotion: 'Devotion' suggests a strong attachment or commitment, which does not fit the context of negative treatment.
• beatings: 'Beatings' implies physical punishment, which is too extreme and does not match the tone of the passage.
• distractions: 'Distractions' refers to things that divert attention, which does not relate to the negative treatment described.