Meaning: 'Impacts' refers to the strong effects or influences that something can have on a situation or person.

Wrong options:

• impressions: 'Impressions' typically refers to the way something is perceived and does not convey the same sense of significant effect as 'impacts.'
• affects: 'Affects' is a verb, which does not fit grammatically in this context where a noun is required.
• variations: 'Variations' implies differences or changes, which does not accurately reflect the lasting consequences discussed in the sentence.

Correct answer: lessen

Explanation: The word 'lessen' is a verb that appropriately indicates reducing the severity of the effects, fitting well with the context of improving outcomes for children.

Meaning: 'Lessen' means to make something smaller or reduce its intensity.

Wrong options:

• hold: 'Hold' does not convey a sense of reduction and is more about maintaining or keeping something in place, which does not fit the context.
• hoist: 'Hoist' means to lift or raise, which is unrelated to the idea of reducing negative effects.
• enlarge: 'Enlarge' means to make something bigger, which is the opposite of what is intended in this context.

Correct answer: barriers

Explanation: The word 'barriers' is a noun that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating obstacles that prevent access to preschool education.

Meaning: 'Barriers' refers to obstacles or hindrances that make it difficult to achieve something.

Wrong options:

• round about: 'Round about' is an idiomatic phrase that does not function as a noun and does not fit the context of obstacles.
• accesses: 'Accesses' is a verb and does not fit grammatically in this context where a noun is required.
• assessment: 'Assessment' refers to evaluation and does not convey the idea of obstacles, making it contextually inappropriate.

Correct answer: prepare

Explanation: The word 'prepare' is a verb that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating the action of getting children ready for compulsory schooling.

Meaning: 'Prepare' means to make someone ready for something, in this case, compulsory schooling.

Wrong options:

• undo: 'Undo' means to reverse an action, which does not align with the context of readiness for school.
• fix: 'Fix' implies repairing something, which does not relate to the concept of preparing for education.
• tie: 'Tie' does not convey the idea of readiness and is unrelated to the educational context.

Correct answer: commence

Explanation: The word 'commence' is a verb that fits grammatically and contextually, indicating the beginning of preschool attendance.

Meaning: 'Commence' means to begin or start something.

Wrong options:

• alter: 'Alter' means to change something, which does not fit the context of starting preschool.
• delay: 'Delay' means to postpone, which is the opposite of starting and does not fit the context.
• escape: 'Escape' implies getting away from something, which is unrelated to the idea of starting preschool.