Meaning: 'Lack' means to be without or not have something, indicating that the son does not possess basic life skills despite his culinary abilities.

Wrong options:

• deny: 'Deny' means to refuse or reject something, which does not fit the context of discussing the absence of skills.
• remove: 'Remove' implies taking something away, which does not convey the idea of not having skills.
• embrace: 'Embrace' means to accept or support something willingly, which contradicts the context of lacking skills.

Correct answer: lies in

Explanation: The phrase 'lies in' is used to indicate the source or reason for something, making it grammatically and contextually appropriate here. It suggests that the answer to the question is found in the relationship between passion and practicality.

Meaning: 'Lies in' means to be located or found in a particular place or situation, indicating that the answer is rooted in the dynamics of passion and practicality.

Wrong options:

• bases on: 'Bases on' is incorrect because it should be 'based on,' and it does not convey the same meaning as 'lies in.'
• puts forward: 'Puts forward' means to suggest or propose, which does not fit the context of identifying a source or reason.
• sticks to: 'Sticks to' implies adherence to something, which does not align with the idea of explaining where the answer is found.

Correct answer: eager

Explanation: The word 'eager' fits grammatically as it describes the young mind's readiness and enthusiasm to explore new domains. It aligns contextually with the idea of youthful enthusiasm and potential.

Meaning: 'Eager' means having a keen or enthusiastic desire to do something, indicating the young mind's strong interest in learning and exploring.

Wrong options:

• potential: 'Potential' refers to the capacity to develop into something in the future, which does not fit the context of describing the current state of the young mind.
• typical: 'Typical' means characteristic or usual, which does not convey the sense of enthusiasm present in the context.
• liable: 'Liable' means likely to do something, which does not match the context of describing eagerness.

Correct answer: responsible

Explanation: The word 'responsible' fits grammatically as it describes the areas of the brain that have a duty or role in creativity and exploration. It is contextually appropriate as it indicates which parts of the brain are active in these functions.

Meaning: 'Responsible' means having control over or being accountable for something, indicating that these brain areas play a key role in creativity and exploration.

Wrong options:

• responding: 'Responding' is a present participle that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it does not describe the brain areas directly.
• responsible: 'Responsible' is the correct form, but if used incorrectly, it would not convey the intended meaning.
• are responsible: 'Are responsible' is grammatically correct but does not fit the structure of the sentence as it requires a single adjective.

Correct answer: behind

Explanation: The word 'behind' fits grammatically as it indicates a position of lagging or being slower than something else. It is contextually appropriate as it describes how the regions for planning and organization are not keeping pace with creativity.

Meaning: 'Behind' means to be at the back of or not as advanced as something else, indicating that these regions are not developing as quickly as the areas for creativity.

Wrong options:

• before: 'Before' implies a time or position in front of something, which does not convey the idea of lagging behind.
• within: 'Within' suggests being inside something, which does not fit the context of comparing development rates.
• beyond: 'Beyond' means further away or outside of something, which contradicts the idea of being slower or lagging.