Meaning: 'Already' means 'before the present time' or 'by this time,' suggesting that a significant number of pupils from overseas are currently enrolled.

Wrong options:

• all set: 'All set' is an informal phrase indicating readiness, which does not fit the context of discussing the current status of pupils.
• great: 'Great' is an adjective that expresses approval or quality, but it does not convey the timing aspect needed in this context.
• news: 'News' is a noun referring to information about recent events, which does not grammatically fit as it does not indicate timing.

Correct answer: unwilling

Explanation: The word 'unwilling' describes a lack of desire or reluctance, which fits the context of UK residents not wanting to pay high fees, aligning with the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Unwilling' means 'not ready or prepared to do something,' indicating that residents are hesitant to afford the fees.

Wrong options:

• answering: 'Answering' is a verb that implies responding to a question, which does not fit the context of financial capability.
• realising: 'Realising' suggests becoming aware of something, which does not convey the reluctance to pay fees as effectively as 'unwilling.'
• storing: 'Storing' refers to keeping something for future use, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing affordability.

Correct answer: towards

Explanation: The word 'towards' indicates direction or movement in relation to the fee amount, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the increasing cost of boarding schools.

Meaning: 'Towards' means 'in the direction of' or 'with regard to,' indicating the fee amount that schools are edging closer to.

Wrong options:

• rewards: 'Rewards' is a noun that refers to benefits or compensations, which does not fit the context of discussing fees.
• notification: 'Notification' is a noun that means an announcement or alert, which does not relate to the financial aspect being discussed.
• amounting: 'Amounting' is a verb that suggests reaching a total, but it does not fit the grammatical structure needed in this context.

Correct answer: shift

Explanation: The word 'shift' indicates a change in cultural practices, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the movement away from boarding schools.

Meaning: 'Shift' means a change or movement from one state to another, indicating a transition in cultural attitudes towards boarding.

Wrong options:

• go: 'Go' is a verb that indicates movement but does not convey the idea of change in a cultural context.
• rattle: 'Rattle' is a verb that means to make a noise or disturb, which does not fit the context of cultural changes.
• shatter: 'Shatter' means to break suddenly into pieces, which is too extreme and does not accurately describe the gradual change implied.

Correct answer: account

Explanation: The word 'account' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates that overseas students represent a significant portion of fee income, aligning with the financial context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Account' means to represent or constitute a part of something, indicating the financial contribution of overseas students to boarding schools.

Wrong options:

• hold: 'Hold' is a verb that means to possess or maintain, which does not fit the context of financial representation.
• think: 'Think' is a verb that refers to the process of considering or reasoning, which does not relate to the financial aspect being discussed.
• say: 'Say' is a verb that means to express verbally, which does not fit the context of discussing financial contributions.