Meaning: 'Why' is used to ask for the reason or explanation behind something, in this case, the occurrence of repeated syllables in certain words.

Wrong options:

• that: 'That' is a conjunction used to introduce a clause but does not pose a question or seek explanation, making it unsuitable here.
• whether: 'Whether' is used to introduce alternatives or possibilities, which does not align with the intent of seeking an explanation in this context.
• however: 'However' is a transitional word indicating contrast, which does not fit the context of explaining the reason behind the phenomenon discussed.

Correct answer: with

Explanation: 'With' is the correct preposition here, indicating the means by which infants may receive a starter point for vocabulary learning. It fits grammatically and contextually as it connects the action of providing to the infants.

Meaning: 'With' indicates the manner or means by which something is done, in this case, providing infants a starting point for learning vocabulary.

Wrong options:

• under: 'Under' typically indicates a position below something and does not convey the intended meaning of providing assistance or means.
• above: 'Above' suggests a higher position and does not fit the context of providing support or a starting point.
• in: 'In' indicates inclusion or location, which does not appropriately convey the idea of providing a means for vocabulary learning.

Correct answer: using

Explanation: 'Using' is the correct gerund form here, indicating the method employed by the researchers in conducting the tests. It fits grammatically as it describes the action taken during the assessment.

Meaning: 'Using' refers to the act of employing something for a purpose, in this case, pictures to assess language learning behavior.

Wrong options:

• depleting: 'Depleting' means to reduce or exhaust, which does not fit the context of conducting tests and implies a negative action.
• making: 'Making' suggests creating or forming, which does not accurately describe the action of employing pictures in the tests.
• applying: 'Applying' implies putting something into operation, but it does not convey the direct action of employing pictures as effectively as 'using.'

Correct answer: communicated

Explanation: 'Communicated' is the correct verb here, indicating the action of conveying the made-up words to the infants. It fits grammatically as it describes the method of presenting the words.

Meaning: 'Communicated' means to convey or share information, in this case, the made-up words to the infants through a recorded voice.

Wrong options:

• expressed: 'Expressed' implies conveying thoughts or feelings, which does not fit as precisely as 'communicated' in the context of delivering specific words.
• accommodated: 'Accommodated' means to provide or make adjustments for someone, which does not accurately describe the action of conveying words.
• accelerated: 'Accelerated' means to speed up, which is unrelated to the act of conveying information and does not fit the context.

Correct answer: each

Explanation: 'Each' is the correct determiner here, indicating that the infants were tested on their recognition of every individual word. It fits grammatically as it refers to the singular items in a group.

Meaning: 'Each' refers to every one of two or more items considered individually, in this case, the words the infants were tested on.

Wrong options:

• another: 'Another' implies an additional item, which does not fit as it suggests a comparison rather than individual recognition.
• dual: 'Dual' means consisting of two parts, which does not accurately describe the testing of individual words.
• one: 'One' refers to a single item, which does not convey the idea of testing recognition across multiple words as effectively as 'each.'