Meaning: 'Fewer' means a smaller number of something that can be counted, in this case, children who are skipping school.

Wrong options:

• Same: The word 'same' implies no change, which contradicts the context of a comparison indicating a decrease in truancy.
• More: The word 'more' suggests an increase, which is not supported by the context of the sentence that indicates a decrease in truancy.
• Less: The word 'less' is used for uncountable nouns, making it grammatically incorrect here since 'children' is countable.

Correct answer: hardcore

Explanation: The term 'hardcore' describes a committed or extreme group, which fits well in the context of truants who are significantly absent from school. This aligns with the grammatical structure and the context of the sentence, emphasizing the severity of their truancy.

Meaning: 'Hardcore' refers to a group that is very dedicated or extreme in their behavior, in this case, truants who frequently miss school.

Wrong options:

• mere: The word 'mere' implies insignificance, which does not accurately describe the serious nature of the truants being discussed.
• residual: The term 'residual' suggests something remaining after a process, which does not fit the context of describing a group of truants.
• flimsy: The word 'flimsy' implies weakness or lack of substance, which contradicts the strong implication of commitment in the context.

Correct answer: period

Explanation: The word 'period' refers to a specific duration of time, which fits grammatically and contextually as it aligns with the comparison being made to the same timeframe last year.

Meaning: 'Period' means a length of time during which something occurs, in this case, the time frame for truancy comparisons.

Wrong options:

• time: While 'time' could fit, it is too vague and does not specifically indicate a defined duration like 'period' does.
• span: The word 'span' refers to the extent or range of time, but it is less commonly used in this context compared to 'period'.
• duration: The term 'duration' refers to the length of time something lasts, but it does not fit as smoothly in the context of comparing specific timeframes.

Correct answer: agreed

Explanation: The word 'agreed' indicates that the family holidays were not approved by the school, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the nature of the absences being unauthorized.

Meaning: 'Agreed' means that something has been accepted or approved, and in this context, it indicates that the holidays were not sanctioned by the school.

Wrong options:

• consent: The word 'consent' implies permission but does not fit grammatically as it would require a different structure in the sentence.
• recommended: The term 'recommended' suggests a suggestion rather than an approval, which does not accurately reflect the context of unauthorized absences.
• contradicted: The word 'contradicted' implies a denial or opposition, which does not fit the context of discussing approval for absences.