Meaning: 'Even' is used to indicate that something is surprising or unexpected, especially in a context where one might assume uniformity, such as within a family.

Wrong options:

• But: 'But' serves as a conjunction to introduce a contrast but does not convey the same level of emphasis on surprise as 'Even'.
• Later: 'Later' indicates a time reference and does not fit the context of discussing differences among siblings.
• Not: 'Not' negates a statement but does not provide the necessary emphasis on the differences being discussed.

Correct answer: much

Explanation: The word 'much' is used here to indicate a significant amount of success. It fits grammatically as it modifies the noun 'success' and aligns contextually with the idea of a child struggling at a musical instrument.

Meaning: 'Much' refers to a large quantity or degree, indicating that the child has little success in their musical endeavors.

Wrong options:

• little: 'Little' implies a small amount, which contradicts the context of the child struggling without significant success.
• greving: 'Greving' is not a standard English word and does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• prompt: 'Prompt' suggests immediacy or encouragement, which does not relate to the context of success in this scenario.

Correct answer: becoming

Explanation: The word 'becoming' fits grammatically as it is a gerund that serves as the subject of the sentence, indicating the process of achieving competence. Contextually, it aligns with the discussion of developing skills and attributes in certain fields.

Meaning: 'Becoming' refers to the process of developing into a particular state or condition, in this case, being exceptionally competent.

Wrong options:

• having: 'Having' suggests possession but does not convey the process of development implied in the context.
• gaining: 'Gaining' implies acquiring something but lacks the nuance of transformation that 'becoming' provides.
• rooting: 'Rooting' does not fit the context of competence and suggests support or encouragement rather than development.

Correct answer: which

Explanation: The word 'which' is a relative pronoun that introduces a clause providing additional information about the young people. It fits grammatically as it connects the clause to the noun 'young people' and is contextually appropriate for specifying the group being discussed.

Meaning: 'Which' is used to specify or identify a particular group or item from a larger set, in this case, the young people selected for instruction.

Wrong options:

• when: 'When' indicates a time reference and does not fit the grammatical structure needed to introduce a clause about young people.
• what: 'What' is used to ask questions or specify items but does not serve the purpose of introducing a relative clause in this context.
• where: 'Where' indicates a location and does not relate to the selection of individuals for instruction.

Correct answer: help

Explanation: The word 'help' fits grammatically as a verb that describes the action of explaining someone's success. It aligns contextually with the idea that talent contributes to understanding success rather than merely describing it.

Meaning: 'Help' means to assist or facilitate, indicating that the judgement of talent aids in explaining a person's success.

Wrong options:

• pay: 'Pay' implies a financial transaction and does not fit the context of explaining success.
• provide: 'Provide' suggests supplying something but lacks the nuance of assistance implied by 'help'.
• protect: 'Protect' indicates safeguarding and does not relate to the explanation of success in this context.