Meaning: 'Consequent' means resulting from or following as a result, highlighting the loss of talent that occurs due to the dropouts.

Wrong options:

• irregular: The term 'irregular' refers to something that is not regular or consistent, which does not fit the context of describing a loss of talent.
• satisfactory: 'Satisfactory' implies something that meets expectations, which is contrary to the negative sentiment of loss in this context.
• null: 'Null' means having no value or existence, which does not appropriately convey the idea of a loss of talent.

Correct answer: questionnaires

Explanation: The word 'questionnaires' is the correct choice as it refers to a set of questions designed to gather information, which is appropriate for the context of a study involving former graduate students. It fits grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Questionnaires' are tools used to collect data from respondents, typically consisting of a series of questions.

Wrong options:

• papers: 'Papers' generally refer to written documents or essays, which do not align with the context of collecting responses from students.
• answers: 'Answers' are responses to questions but do not represent the collection method itself, making it an inappropriate choice here.
• essays: 'Essays' are longer written works that express an argument or narrative, which does not fit the context of a study involving data collection.

Correct answer: completing

Explanation: The word 'completing' is the correct form here as it indicates the ongoing action of fulfilling the PhD requirements. It fits grammatically in the present participle form and contextually conveys that the dropouts did not finish their studies.

Meaning: 'Completing' means finishing or fulfilling the requirements of the PhD program.

Wrong options:

• enrolling: 'Enrolling' refers to the act of signing up for a program, which does not fit the context of having already started the PhD requirements.
• enrolled: 'Enrolled' is the past participle form, which does not convey the ongoing action of finishing the requirements, making it grammatically incorrect here.
• completed: 'Completed' is the past tense, which does not fit the structure of the sentence that requires a present participle.

Correct answer: financially

Explanation: The word 'financially' is the correct choice as it describes the economic well-being of the dropouts. It fits grammatically as an adverb modifying how they are doing well, and contextually aligns with the discussion of income levels.

Meaning: 'Financially' refers to matters related to money or income, indicating that the dropouts are doing well in terms of their earnings.

Wrong options:

• academically: 'Academically' pertains to educational performance, which does not align with the context of income levels being discussed.
• practically: 'Practically' refers to real-world application, which is not the focus of the sentence regarding income.
• overall: 'Overall' is a general term that does not specifically address the financial aspect, making it less precise in this context.