Meaning: 'Represents' means to stand for or symbolize something, in this case, the noble ideal of sports overcoming politics.

Wrong options:

• show: The verb 'show' implies displaying or revealing, which does not capture the deeper symbolic meaning intended in this context.
• hides: The verb 'hides' suggests concealment, which contradicts the positive portrayal of the Olympics as a noble ideal.
• lacks: The verb 'lacks' indicates absence, which is contrary to the idea that the Olympics embodies a noble ideal.

Correct answer: barriers

Explanation: The word 'barriers' is a noun that fits grammatically as it serves as the object of the preposition 'of.' Contextually, it refers to obstacles that the Olympics aims to overcome, aligning well with the theme of unity in sports.

Meaning: 'Barriers' refers to obstacles or hindrances that prevent progress or unity, in this case, political barriers.

Wrong options:

• fence: The noun 'fence' refers to a physical structure and does not convey the abstract concept of obstacles in the context of politics.
• barricaded: The term 'barricaded' is an adjective that describes something that has been blocked off, which does not fit as a noun in this context.
• tools: The noun 'tools' refers to instruments used for a specific purpose, which does not relate to the idea of overcoming obstacles.

Correct answer: influx

Explanation: The word 'influx' is a noun that fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the preposition 'of.' Contextually, it refers to the large number of tourists and participants coming in, which is relevant to the economic impact of hosting the Olympics.

Meaning: 'Influx' means a large arrival or incoming flow of people or things, in this case, tourists and participants.

Wrong options:

• shortage: The noun 'shortage' indicates a lack of something, which contradicts the idea of an increase in visitors and revenue.
• lack: The noun 'lack' also implies absence, which is opposite to the intended meaning of an increase in tourists and revenue.
• loss: The noun 'loss' suggests a decrease or detriment, which does not align with the positive economic implications of hosting the Olympics.

Correct answer: glitters

Explanation: The word 'glitters' is a verb that fits grammatically as it describes the subject 'all that.' Contextually, it conveys the idea that not everything that appears attractive or promising is genuinely valuable, aligning with the cautionary tone of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Glitters' means to shine brightly, often used metaphorically to suggest that something looks appealing but may not be as valuable as it seems.

Wrong options:

• shines: The verb 'shines' is similar but lacks the connotation of superficiality that 'glitters' carries in this context.
• sparkles: The verb 'sparkles' suggests a bright, shimmering quality but does not convey the same cautionary implication as 'glitters.'
• yellows: The verb 'yellows' does not fit contextually, as it refers to a color change and does not relate to the idea of appearance versus reality.

Correct answer: such as

Explanation: The phrase 'such as' fits grammatically as it introduces examples, which is appropriate in this context. It provides a list of specific items that will receive funding, aligning with the informative tone of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Such as' means 'for example,' and is used to introduce specific instances or items that illustrate a broader category.

Wrong options:

• not so: The phrase 'not so' does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it does not introduce examples and instead negates a statement.
• only: The word 'only' limits the scope and does not serve to introduce examples, making it inappropriate in this context.
• so far: The phrase 'so far' indicates a time frame and does not relate to providing examples, thus it does not fit the grammatical structure required.