Meaning: 'Either' means one or the other of two options, suggesting that talents can be something you are born with or not.

Wrong options:

• whether: 'Whether' introduces a condition or choice but does not fit the grammatical structure needed here as it does not indicate a clear choice between two options.
• both: 'Both' implies two items that are included together, which does not apply here since we are discussing the possibility of being born with talent or not, not two items that are both true.
• alternatively: 'Alternatively' suggests a different option but does not fit grammatically in this context, as it does not indicate a choice between two states.

Correct answer: evidence

Explanation: The word 'evidence' fits contextually as it refers to data or information that supports a claim, aligning with the sentence's focus on research findings. It is grammatically correct as it serves as a noun that complements the verb 'supporting.'

Meaning: 'Evidence' means information or facts that help to prove something, in this case, supporting the idea that belief in skill development leads to success.

Wrong options:

• clues: 'Clues' refers to hints or indications but does not convey the same level of substantiation as 'evidence,' making it less appropriate in this context.
• certification: 'Certification' implies an official recognition or qualification, which does not fit the context of supporting a claim with research findings.
• document: 'Document' refers to a written record but does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not serve as a supporting element in the same way 'evidence' does.

Correct answer: separates

Explanation: The word 'separates' is appropriate as it indicates the action of distinguishing between experts and amateurs, fitting grammatically as a verb that describes what differentiates the two groups. It aligns with the context of discussing skill levels.

Meaning: 'Separates' means to distinguish or set apart, indicating what makes experts different from amateurs in terms of practice and skill.

Wrong options:

• disconnects: 'Disconnects' implies a break or lack of connection, which does not accurately describe the relationship between experts and amateurs in this context.
• groups: 'Groups' suggests putting things together, which contradicts the idea of distinguishing between different skill levels.
• identifies: 'Identifies' means to recognize or point out, but it does not convey the same sense of differentiation as 'separates' does.

Correct answer: accounted

Explanation: The word 'accounted' fits grammatically as it serves as a past tense verb that indicates the role of talent in explaining differences in skill development. It aligns contextually with the discussion of how much talent influences musical skill.

Meaning: 'Accounted' means to explain or justify, indicating that talent plays a significant role in the differences observed in musical skill development.

Wrong options:

• showed: 'Showed' implies demonstrating or revealing, which does not fit the context of explaining the influence of talent on skill differences.
• explained: 'Explained' suggests providing a reason but does not fit grammatically as it does not align with the structure of the sentence as well as 'accounted' does.
• predicted: 'Predicted' means to forecast or anticipate, which does not apply here as the sentence discusses the influence of talent rather than making a prediction.

Correct answer: although

Explanation: The word 'although' is a conjunction that introduces a contrast, fitting grammatically and contextually as it sets up a comparison between the possibility of becoming a musician and the limitation of not everyone being able to be the best.

Meaning: 'Although' means in spite of the fact that, indicating a contrast between two statements.

Wrong options:

• when: 'When' indicates a time frame but does not convey the contrast needed in this context, making it grammatically incorrect here.
• anyway: 'Anyway' suggests a disregard for previous statements but does not fit the formal tone or structure of the sentence.
• therefore: 'Therefore' indicates a conclusion or result, which does not align with the contrasting nature of the statements being made.