Meaning: 'Associated' means to be connected or linked with something else, indicating that education and well-being are related concepts.

Wrong options:

• allocated: 'Allocated' means to distribute resources or duties, which does not fit the context of a relationship between education and well-being.
• distributed: 'Distributed' refers to spreading something over an area, which is not relevant to the relationship being described here.
• communicated: 'Communicated' means to convey information, which does not apply to the connection between education and well-being.

Correct answer: improving

Explanation: The word 'improving' is the correct choice as it indicates the action of making something better, which fits contextually with the idea of education enhancing earnings.

Meaning: 'Improving' means to make or become better, suggesting that education can lead to better earnings.

Wrong options:

• applying: 'Applying' refers to putting something into action, which does not directly relate to the enhancement of earnings in this context.
• discussion: 'Discussion' implies talking about a topic, which does not fit the action of enhancing earnings.
• accepting: 'Accepting' means to receive or agree to something, which does not convey the idea of enhancement.

Correct answer: social

Explanation: The word 'social' is appropriate as it describes the type of mobility being discussed, aligning with the context of education promoting societal benefits.

Meaning: 'Social' refers to anything related to society or its organization, indicating that the mobility discussed is within a societal framework.

Wrong options:

• bung: 'Bung' is a slang term that does not fit the context of mobility and has no relevant meaning here.
• distrait: 'Distrait' means distracted or absent-minded, which does not relate to the concept of mobility in education.
• postil: 'Postil' refers to a comment or annotation, which is irrelevant to the context of mobility.

Correct answer: contributing to

Explanation: The phrase 'contributing to' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates an action that supports economic growth and equality, aligning with the overall message of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Contributing to' means to help bring about a result, suggesting that education plays a role in fostering economic growth and equality.

Wrong options:

• put up: 'Put up' generally means to raise or erect something, which does not fit the context of supporting economic growth.
• come up with: 'Come up with' means to devise or think of something, which does not convey the idea of support or contribution in this context.
• hand out: 'Hand out' means to distribute something, which does not align with the idea of contributing to growth and equality.