Meaning: 'Has shown' means that the research has demonstrated or revealed something, specifically that children are spending more time on devices than reading.

Wrong options:

• shown: The word 'shown' is the past participle but lacks the auxiliary verb 'has,' making it grammatically incorrect in this context.
• show: The word 'show' is in the base form and does not fit the tense required for this sentence.
• showing: The word 'showing' is a gerund and does not fit grammatically as it cannot serve as the main verb in this context.

Correct answer: as

Explanation: The word 'as' is used to make a comparison, indicating that books are equally important to computers. This fits grammatically and contextually with the structure of the sentence, which is comparing the importance of books and computers.

Meaning: 'As' in this context means 'to the same degree or extent,' emphasizing that books hold equal importance to computers.

Wrong options:

• so: The word 'so' does not fit grammatically as it does not establish a comparison in this context.
• very: The word 'very' is an intensifier and does not serve to compare the importance of books and computers.
• such: The word 'such' is used to indicate a type or kind, which does not fit the comparative structure needed here.

Correct answer: aims

Explanation: The verb 'aims' is in the present tense and indicates the purpose of the event, which is to promote reading. This fits well grammatically and contextually, as it describes the intention behind World Book Day.

Meaning: 'Aims' means to have a goal or purpose, indicating that the event is designed to encourage reading among pupils.

Wrong options:

• differs: The word 'differs' implies a comparison of differences, which does not fit the context of stating a purpose.
• defers: The word 'defers' means to postpone or delay, which is not relevant to the intention of promoting reading.
• disagrees: The word 'disagrees' suggests a conflict of opinion, which does not align with the positive aim of promoting reading.

Correct answer: very few

Explanation: The phrase 'very few' accurately quantifies the number of parents who read with their children, indicating a small amount. This fits grammatically and contextually, as it emphasizes the rarity of the action described.

Meaning: 'Very few' means a small number, highlighting that not many parents are engaging in reading with their children regularly.

Wrong options:

• a little: The phrase 'a little' refers to an uncountable quantity and does not fit with the countable noun 'parents.'
• a few: The phrase 'a few' suggests a slightly larger number than 'very few,' which does not accurately reflect the intended meaning of rarity in this context.
• less: The word 'less' is used for uncountable nouns and does not fit with the countable noun 'parents' in this context.