Meaning: 'During' is used to specify the time in which something happens.

Wrong options:

• before: 'Before' indicates a time prior to an event, which does not fit as it contradicts the context of discussing the critical period.
• In summary: 'In summary' is a phrase used to conclude or summarize points, which is not appropriate for introducing a time frame.
• One rumour: 'One rumour' is a noun phrase that does not relate to time and does not fit grammatically in this context.
• An important point: 'An important point' is a phrase that introduces a statement rather than indicating a time frame.
• Specially: 'Specially' is an adverb that indicates a specific purpose or reason, which does not fit the context of time.
• However: 'However' is a conjunction used to contrast ideas, which does not fit as it does not indicate a time frame.
• Consequently: 'Consequently' is an adverb that indicates a result or effect, which does not fit as it does not refer to a time period.

Correct answer: Consequently

Explanation: The word 'Consequently' is an adverb that indicates a result or effect of the previous statement about the critical period. It fits logically and contextually as it connects the rapid brain development to the ease of language learning.

Meaning: 'Consequently' means as a result or effect.

Wrong options:

• before: 'Before' indicates a time prior to an event, which does not logically connect to the cause-and-effect relationship being described.
• In summary: 'In summary' is used to conclude a discussion, which does not fit the context of explaining a result.
• One rumour: 'One rumour' does not relate to the context of cause and effect and is irrelevant here.
• During: 'During' indicates a time frame rather than a result, which does not fit the logical flow of the sentence.
• An important point: 'An important point' introduces a statement rather than indicating a consequence.
• Specially: 'Specially' indicates a specific purpose, which does not fit the context of describing a result.
• However: 'However' is a conjunction used to contrast ideas, which does not fit as it does not indicate a consequence.

Correct answer: However

Explanation: The word 'However' is a conjunction that introduces a contrast to the previous statement about language learning. It fits grammatically and contextually as it signals a shift in the discussion regarding the end of the critical period.

Meaning: 'However' means in contrast or on the other hand.

Wrong options:

• before: 'Before' indicates a time prior to an event, which does not fit the context of contrasting ideas.
• In summary: 'In summary' is used to conclude a discussion, which does not fit the context of introducing a contrast.
• One rumour: 'One rumour' is irrelevant and does not relate to the contrast being made in the sentence.
• During: 'During' indicates a time frame rather than a contrasting idea, which does not fit the context.
• An important point: 'An important point' introduces a statement rather than contrasting ideas.
• Specially: 'Specially' indicates a specific purpose, which does not fit the context of contrasting statements.
• Consequently: 'Consequently' indicates a result rather than a contrast, which does not fit the logical flow of the sentence.

Correct answer: An important point

Explanation: The phrase 'An important point' introduces a significant statement regarding the critical period. It fits grammatically and contextually as it highlights a key aspect of the discussion.

Meaning: 'An important point' is used to emphasize a significant piece of information.

Wrong options:

• before: 'Before' does not introduce a significant point and is irrelevant in this context.
• In summary: 'In summary' is used to conclude a discussion, which does not fit the context of introducing an important statement.
• One rumour: 'One rumour' is irrelevant and does not relate to the critical period being discussed.
• During: 'During' indicates a time frame rather than introducing a significant point.
• Specially: 'Specially' indicates a specific purpose, which does not fit the context of emphasizing a point.
• However: 'However' is a conjunction used to contrast ideas, which does not fit as it does not introduce a point.
• Consequently: 'Consequently' indicates a result rather than introducing an important point, which does not fit the context.

Correct answer: In summary

Explanation: The phrase 'In summary' is used to conclude the discussion and encapsulate the main idea presented in the text. It fits grammatically and contextually as it signals a final thought.

Meaning: 'In summary' means to conclude or restate the main points.

Wrong options:

• before: 'Before' indicates a time prior to an event, which does not fit the context of summarizing.
• One rumour: 'One rumour' is irrelevant and does not relate to summarizing the discussion.
• During: 'During' indicates a time frame rather than a concluding statement, which does not fit the context.
• An important point: 'An important point' introduces a significant statement rather than summarizing the discussion.
• Specially: 'Specially' indicates a specific purpose, which does not fit the context of summarizing.
• However: 'However' is a conjunction used to contrast ideas, which does not fit as it does not summarize the discussion.
• Consequently: 'Consequently' indicates a result rather than summarizing the main points, which does not fit the context.