Meaning: 'Attentive' means paying close attention to something, showing care and consideration, which is appropriate for a mother concerned about her child's well-being.

Wrong options:

• engrossed: 'Engrossed' means completely absorbed or involved in something, which does not fit here as it implies distraction rather than awareness.
• mindful: 'Mindful' suggests being aware or conscious of something, but it lacks the direct implication of active concern that 'attentive' conveys in this context.
• riveted: 'Riveted' means being completely focused or fascinated, which does not accurately reflect the nurturing aspect of a mother's awareness.

Correct answer: underline

Explanation: The word 'underline' is appropriate as it conveys the idea of emphasizing or highlighting the seriousness of Eric's poor performance. It fits grammatically and contextually, indicating that the school reports are making clear the extent of his difficulties.

Meaning: 'Underline' means to emphasize or make something more noticeable, which is fitting in the context of the reports revealing Eric's academic struggles.

Wrong options:

• proclaim: 'Proclaim' means to announce something officially or publicly, which does not fit the context of a report that highlights or emphasizes information.
• advocate: 'Advocate' means to support or argue for something, which does not align with the function of a report that simply presents facts about Eric's performance.
• denote: 'Denote' means to indicate or refer to something, but it lacks the connotation of emphasis that 'underline' provides.

Correct answer: announced

Explanation: The word 'announced' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the report's function of delivering information about Eric's ranking. It conveys a formal declaration, which is appropriate for a school report.

Meaning: 'Announced' means to make something known publicly or officially, which is suitable for the context of a report stating Eric's position among his peers.

Wrong options:

• professed: 'Professed' implies a declaration of belief or opinion, which does not fit the context of a factual report about academic performance.
• aired: 'Aired' suggests broadcasting or expressing something, which is not the correct term for a formal report that presents information.
• uttered: 'Uttered' means to speak or say something, but it lacks the formal connotation needed for a report's presentation of facts.

Correct answer: drain

Explanation: The word 'drain' fits both grammatically and contextually, as it is a common idiomatic expression meaning that money would be wasted. It aligns with the sentiment of futility expressed in the rejection of Sadie's offer.

Meaning: 'Drain' in this context refers to a waste of resources, particularly money, suggesting that investing in further tuition would not yield positive results.

Wrong options:

• pipe: 'Pipe' does not convey the same idiomatic meaning as 'drain' and is not commonly used in this context.
• sink: 'Sink' implies a downward movement but does not carry the idiomatic connotation of wastefulness that 'drain' does.
• gutter: 'Gutter' refers to a channel for water but does not fit the idiomatic expression regarding wasting money.

Correct answer: spur

Explanation: The word 'spur' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates motivation or encouragement for Sadie to continue her search for a suitable career for Eric. It conveys a sense of urgency and determination.

Meaning: 'Spur' means to encourage or stimulate someone to take action, which is appropriate given Sadie's reaction to the setback.

Wrong options:

• press: 'Press' implies applying pressure, which does not convey the same sense of motivation or encouragement as 'spur.'
• incite: 'Incite' means to provoke or stir up, which carries a negative connotation and does not fit the supportive context of Sadie's actions.
• boost: 'Boost' suggests an increase or improvement, but it does not capture the proactive sense of motivation that 'spur' conveys.

Correct answer: bitter

Explanation: The word 'bitter' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the emotional response Sadie has to the disappointment. It conveys a sense of deep disappointment and resentment, which aligns with the context of her reaction.

Meaning: 'Bitter' refers to a feeling of anger or disappointment, especially in response to unfair treatment, which is fitting for Sadie's reaction to the setback.

Wrong options:

• vivid: 'Vivid' means producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images, which does not accurately describe the emotional tone of disappointment.
• stark: 'Stark' implies something severe or extreme, but it lacks the emotional depth that 'bitter' conveys in this context.
• hard: 'Hard' can refer to something difficult or tough, but it does not capture the emotional nuance of disappointment that 'bitter' does.