Meaning: 'Sick' means being ill or unwell.

Wrong options:

• disabled: The term 'disabled' refers to a condition that limits physical or mental abilities, which does not accurately describe a temporary illness.
• spread: 'Spread' is a verb that does not describe a state of being and is not appropriate in this context.
• discover: 'Discover' is a verb that means to find out something, which does not relate to the condition of being unwell.
• hoped: 'Hoped' is a verb that indicates a desire for something to happen, which does not fit as a description of the son's condition.
• pass: 'Pass' is a verb that does not describe a state of health and is irrelevant here.
• period: 'Period' is a noun that refers to a length of time, which does not describe the son's health.

Correct answer: spread

Explanation: The verb 'spread' indicates the action of transmitting the disease to others. It fits contextually as the mother expresses concern about her son potentially infecting other children.

Meaning: 'Spread' means to transmit or distribute something, in this case, a disease.

Wrong options:

• sick: 'Sick' is an adjective that describes a state of health, not an action, and does not fit in this context.
• disabled: 'Disabled' is an adjective that refers to a limitation, which does not relate to the action of transmitting a disease.
• discover: 'Discover' is a verb that means to find out, which does not apply to the context of disease transmission.
• hoped: 'Hoped' is a verb that expresses a desire, which does not fit as an action related to disease.
• pass: 'Pass' is a verb that could imply sharing but does not specifically indicate the act of spreading a disease.
• period: 'Period' is a noun that refers to a length of time, which does not relate to the action of spreading.

Correct answer: hoped

Explanation: The verb 'hoped' expresses the mother's desire for the authorities to assist her son during his illness. It fits grammatically and contextually as it conveys her expectations.

Meaning: 'Hoped' means to wish for something to happen.

Wrong options:

• sick: 'Sick' is an adjective that describes a state of health, not an action or desire, and does not fit here.
• disabled: 'Disabled' is an adjective that does not convey a desire or expectation, making it inappropriate in this context.
• spread: 'Spread' is a verb that indicates an action, which does not fit as a statement of hope.
• discover: 'Discover' is a verb that means to find out, which does not relate to expressing a desire or expectation.
• pass: 'Pass' is a verb that indicates an action but does not convey hope or desire.
• period: 'Period' is a noun that refers to a length of time, which does not express a desire.

Correct answer: pass

Explanation: The verb 'pass' indicates the action of conveying lessons to the son. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes what the authorities are expected to do during his absence.

Meaning: 'Pass' means to convey or transfer something, in this case, lessons.

Wrong options:

• sick: 'Sick' is an adjective that does not relate to the action of conveying lessons and is irrelevant here.
• disabled: 'Disabled' is an adjective that does not indicate an action and does not fit in this context.
• spread: 'Spread' is a verb that refers to transmitting something, which does not apply to the context of passing lessons.
• discover: 'Discover' is a verb that means to find out, which does not relate to the action of conveying lessons.
• hoped: 'Hoped' is a verb that expresses a desire, not an action related to lessons.
• period: 'Period' is a noun that refers to a length of time, which does not indicate an action.

Correct answer: period

Explanation: The noun 'period' refers to a specific length of time during which the son is expected to be absent from school. It fits contextually as it describes the duration of his illness.

Meaning: 'Period' means a length of time.

Wrong options:

• sick: 'Sick' is an adjective that describes a state of health, not a duration of time, making it inappropriate here.
• disabled: 'Disabled' is an adjective that refers to a limitation, which does not describe a length of time.
• spread: 'Spread' is a verb that refers to an action, which does not fit as a description of time.
• discover: 'Discover' is a verb that means to find out, which does not relate to a duration of absence.
• hoped: 'Hoped' is a verb that expresses a desire, not a time frame, and is irrelevant here.
• pass: 'Pass' is a verb that indicates an action, which does not describe a length of time.