Meaning: 'Hang' in this context means to spend time casually with friends, often without a specific purpose.

Wrong options:

• find: The verb 'find' means to discover something, which does not fit the context of spending time with friends.
• take: The verb 'take' can imply a more active engagement, but it does not convey the casual nature of spending time with friends as 'hang out' does.
• pick: The verb 'pick' generally means to choose or select, which does not align with the context of socializing.

Correct answer: to starting

Explanation: The phrase 'looking forward to' requires the gerund form of the verb, which is 'starting.' This fits grammatically and contextually as it expresses anticipation for an upcoming event.

Meaning: 'To starting' means to anticipate the beginning of high school, indicating excitement about future experiences.

Wrong options:

• of starting: The phrase 'of starting' is incorrect because 'looking forward' is not followed by 'of' but rather 'to.'
• start of: The phrase 'start of' does not fit grammatically as it lacks the necessary gerund form to follow 'looking forward to.'
• to start: The phrase 'to start' is incorrect because it does not use the gerund form required after 'looking forward to.'

Correct answer: hit

Explanation: The verb 'hit' is appropriate here as it conveys the sudden and impactful nature of the pandemic's arrival. It fits grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Hit' means to strike or affect suddenly, indicating that the pandemic had a significant and immediate effect on Anna's life.

Wrong options:

• kicked: The verb 'kicked' is less commonly used in this context and does not convey the same sense of sudden impact as 'hit.'
• floated: The verb 'floated' implies a gentle or gradual movement, which does not match the abrupt nature of the pandemic's impact.
• raced: The verb 'raced' suggests speed but does not accurately describe the pandemic's effect, which was more about sudden disruption.

Correct answer: disrupted

Explanation: The verb 'disrupted' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the interruption of normal brain development due to the pandemic. It aligns with the overall theme of change and impact.

Meaning: 'Disrupted' means to interrupt or disturb the normal process, indicating that the pandemic affected the typical development of adolescent brains.

Wrong options:

• flavored: The verb 'flavored' does not fit contextually as it relates to taste, which is irrelevant to brain development.
• tightened: The verb 'tightened' implies constriction, which does not accurately describe the effects of the pandemic on brain development.
• deducted: The verb 'deducted' means to subtract, which is not relevant in this context of discussing developmental changes.

Correct answer: consequences

Explanation: The noun 'consequences' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the outcomes or effects of the changes mentioned. It aligns with the serious tone of the sentence regarding mental health.

Meaning: 'Consequences' means the results or effects of an action, indicating that the changes in brain development could lead to significant outcomes for health.

Wrong options:

• procedures: The noun 'procedures' refers to methods or processes, which does not relate to the effects of brain changes.
• tendencies: The noun 'tendencies' implies inclinations or habits, which does not capture the serious implications of the changes discussed.
• traditions: The noun 'traditions' refers to customs or practices, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing cognitive and mental health outcomes.