Meaning: 'Impacts' refers to the strong effects or influences that something has on a situation or person.

Wrong options:

• expect: 'Expect' is a verb that indicates anticipation, which does not fit as it does not describe a consequence or effect.
• relax: 'Relax' is a verb that means to become less tense or anxious, which does not relate to the context of risks or effects on development.
• lessen: 'Lessen' is a verb that means to reduce, which does not fit as it does not serve as a noun in this context.
• commence: 'Commence' is a verb meaning to begin, which does not fit as it does not describe an effect or consequence.
• start: 'Start' is a verb that indicates the beginning of something, which does not fit as it does not describe the outcomes of disadvantages.
• probably: 'Probably' is an adverb indicating likelihood, which does not fit as it does not describe a noun related to effects or consequences.
• barriers: 'Barriers' is a plural noun that refers to obstacles, which does not fit as it does not describe the effects of the mentioned factors.

Correct answer: lessen

Explanation: The word 'lessen' is a verb that means to reduce or diminish, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of mitigating the effects of risk factors on children's development.

Meaning: 'Lessen' means to make something smaller or less intense.

Wrong options:

• expect: 'Expect' is a verb that indicates anticipation, which does not fit as it does not describe an action related to reducing effects.
• relax: 'Relax' is a verb that means to become less tense, which does not fit the context of reducing negative effects.
• impacts: 'Impacts' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe an action to reduce effects.
• prepare: 'Prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which does not fit as it does not relate to reducing effects.
• start: 'Start' is a verb that indicates the beginning of something, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of reducing effects.
• probably: 'Probably' is an adverb indicating likelihood, which does not fit as it does not describe an action.
• barriers: 'Barriers' is a plural noun that refers to obstacles, which does not fit as it does not describe an action.

Correct answer: barriers

Explanation: The term 'barriers' is a plural noun that refers to obstacles or hindrances, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes factors that prevent preschool attendance.

Meaning: 'Barriers' refers to obstacles that prevent progress or access to something.

Wrong options:

• expect: 'Expect' is a verb that indicates anticipation, which does not fit as it does not describe obstacles to attendance.
• relax: 'Relax' is a verb that means to become less tense, which does not fit the context of obstacles to attendance.
• impacts: 'Impacts' is a noun that refers to effects, which does not fit as it does not describe obstacles.
• lessen: 'Lessen' is a verb that means to reduce, which does not fit as it does not describe obstacles to attendance.
• prepare: 'Prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which does not fit as it does not describe obstacles.
• probably: 'Probably' is an adverb indicating likelihood, which does not fit as it does not describe obstacles.
• start: 'Start' is a verb that indicates the beginning of something, which does not fit as it does not describe obstacles.

Correct answer: prepare

Explanation: The word 'prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of getting children ready for compulsory schooling.

Meaning: 'Prepare' means to make someone or something ready for a particular purpose.

Wrong options:

• expect: 'Expect' is a verb that indicates anticipation, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of making ready.
• relax: 'Relax' is a verb that means to become less tense, which does not fit the context of preparing for schooling.
• impacts: 'Impacts' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe an action related to readiness.
• lessen: 'Lessen' is a verb that means to reduce, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of preparing.
• start: 'Start' is a verb that indicates the beginning of something, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of making ready.
• probably: 'Probably' is an adverb indicating likelihood, which does not fit as it does not describe an action.
• barriers: 'Barriers' is a plural noun that refers to obstacles, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of preparing.

Correct answer: commence

Explanation: The word 'commence' is a verb that means to begin, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of starting preschool before a certain age.

Meaning: 'Commence' means to begin or start something.

Wrong options:

• expect: 'Expect' is a verb that indicates anticipation, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of starting preschool.
• relax: 'Relax' is a verb that means to become less tense, which does not fit the context of starting preschool.
• impacts: 'Impacts' is a noun that does not fit grammatically as it does not describe an action related to starting.
• lessen: 'Lessen' is a verb that means to reduce, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of starting preschool.
• prepare: 'Prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of starting.
• probably: 'Probably' is an adverb indicating likelihood, which does not fit as it does not describe an action.
• barriers: 'Barriers' is a plural noun that refers to obstacles, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of starting.