Meaning: 'However' means 'in spite of that' or 'on the other hand,' suggesting a contrast to the previous statement about the Mozart effect.

Wrong options:

• thus: 'Thus' implies a conclusion or result, which does not fit the contrasting context of the sentence.
• besides: 'Besides' suggests an addition rather than a contrast, making it unsuitable for the intended meaning here.
• instead: 'Instead' indicates a replacement, which does not align with the context of contrasting the previous idea.

Correct answer: suggests

Explanation: The verb 'suggests' is in the present tense, which is appropriate here as it indicates the ongoing relevance of the study's findings, aligning with the grammatical structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Suggests' means to propose or indicate something as a possibility, reflecting the study's findings about the benefits of music lessons.

Wrong options:

• suggested: 'Suggested' is in the past tense, which does not match the present context of the study's implications.
• suggesting: 'Suggesting' is a gerund form and does not fit grammatically as the main verb in this sentence.
• suggest: 'Suggest' is in the base form and does not agree with the subject 'study' in this context.

Correct answer: exhibited

Explanation: The word 'exhibited' is in the past tense, which correctly matches the context of the sentence describing a completed action in the past regarding the children’s IQ increase.

Meaning: 'Exhibited' means to show or display, indicating that the children demonstrated an increase in IQ points as a result of their lessons.

Wrong options:

• exhibiting: 'Exhibiting' is a present participle and does not fit the past tense structure required here.
• would exhibit: 'Would exhibit' implies a conditional situation, which is not appropriate for the factual statement being made.
• has exhibited: 'Has exhibited' suggests a present perfect tense, which does not align with the past context of the study.

Correct answer: either

Explanation: The word 'either' is used to indicate one of two options, fitting grammatically and contextually as it refers to the two groups of children being compared in the study.

Meaning: 'Either' means one or the other of two options, highlighting the choice between taking drama lessons or receiving no lessons at all.

Wrong options:

• neither: 'Neither' indicates not one nor the other, which contradicts the context of the sentence that presents two options.
• as well as: 'As well as' suggests an addition rather than a choice between two options, making it unsuitable here.
• both: 'Both' implies two items together, which does not fit the context of selecting one of the two options presented.