Meaning: 'Usually' means generally or most of the time.

Wrong options:

• separate: 'Separate' is an adjective that does not fit the context of frequency or specificity in this sentence.
• obviously: 'Obviously' is an adverb that indicates something is clear or evident, but it does not convey frequency.
• severely: 'Severely' is an adverb that describes the intensity of an action, which does not apply here.
• quite: 'Quite' is an adverb that modifies the degree of an adjective or another adverb, but it does not indicate frequency.
• actually: 'Actually' is an adverb that emphasizes the truth of a statement, which does not fit the context of describing frequency.

Correct answer: actually

Explanation: The word 'actually' serves as an adverb that emphasizes the reality of the situation, fitting well in the context of people starting to tell stories. It adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative being shared.

Meaning: 'Actually' means in fact or really, used to emphasize the truth of a statement.

Wrong options:

• usually: 'Usually' indicates frequency but does not emphasize the reality of the situation as needed here.
• separate: 'Separate' is an adjective that does not fit the context of storytelling.
• certainly: 'Certainly' is an adverb that expresses certainty but does not convey the same emphasis as 'actually.'
• something: 'Something' is a pronoun that does not fit grammatically in this context.
• quite: 'Quite' is an adverb that modifies the degree of an adjective or another adverb, which does not apply here.

Correct answer: quite

Explanation: The word 'quite' functions as an adverb that modifies the adjective 'disturbed,' indicating a significant degree of disturbance. This fits grammatically and contextually, enhancing the description of the children's condition.

Meaning: 'Quite' means to a certain extent or degree, often used to emphasize an adjective.

Wrong options:

• separate: 'Separate' is an adjective that does not fit the context of describing the degree of disturbance.
• obviously: 'Obviously' does not modify the adjective 'disturbed' appropriately in this context.
• actually: 'Actually' does not fit as it does not modify the degree of disturbance.
• severely: 'Severely' is an adverb that indicates intensity but does not fit the context of describing disturbance as 'quite' does.

Correct answer: severely

Explanation: The word 'severely' is an adverb that describes the extent to which the children are behind at school. It fits grammatically and contextually, indicating a serious level of delay.

Meaning: 'Severely' means to a very great degree; intensely.

Wrong options:

• usually: 'Usually' indicates frequency but does not convey the seriousness of being behind at school.
• quite: 'Quite' modifies the degree but does not indicate the severity needed in this context.
• obviously: 'Obviously' does not convey the intensity of being behind at school.
• separate: 'Separate' is an adjective that does not fit the context of describing academic performance.

Correct answer: obviously

Explanation: The word 'obviously' serves as an adverb that emphasizes the clarity of the statement regarding children not being impaired. It fits grammatically and contextually, reinforcing the speaker's assertion about the lack of evidence.

Meaning: 'Obviously' means in a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly.

Wrong options:

• separate: 'Separate' is an adjective that does not fit the context of emphasizing clarity.
• usually: 'Usually' indicates frequency but does not emphasize the clarity of the statement.
• certainly: 'Certainly' expresses assurance but does not convey the same clarity as 'obviously.'
• something: 'Something' is a pronoun that does not fit grammatically in this context.