Meaning: 'Key' means crucial or essential, highlighting the significance of the skills mentioned.

Wrong options:

• devote: 'Devote' is a verb that means to dedicate time or effort, which does not fit grammatically as an adjective in this context.
• prepare: 'Prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which does not describe the skills and is not grammatically suitable here.
• lag: 'Lag' is a verb that means to fall behind, which does not fit as it does not describe the skills themselves.
• pull: 'Pull' is a verb that means to exert force to move something, which is unrelated to the context of skills.
• overcome: 'Overcome' is a verb that means to succeed in dealing with a problem, which does not fit as it does not describe the skills.
• make: 'Make' is a verb that means to create or form, which does not fit as it does not describe the skills.

Correct answer: lag

Explanation: The word 'lag' is a verb that indicates a delay or falling behind in development. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes the struggle some children may face in developing their skills.

Meaning: 'Lag' means to fall behind or to progress more slowly than others.

Wrong options:

• key: 'Key' is an adjective that describes importance, which does not fit as a verb in this context.
• devote: 'Devote' is a verb that means to dedicate time or effort, which does not fit the context of struggling or falling behind.
• pull: 'Pull' is a verb that means to exert force to move something, which does not relate to the context of skill development.
• prepare: 'Prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which does not fit the context of struggling in development.
• overcome: 'Overcome' is a verb that means to succeed in dealing with a problem, which does not fit as it does not describe falling behind.
• make: 'Make' is a verb that means to create or form, which does not fit in the context of struggling.

Correct answer: make

Explanation: The word 'make' is a verb that indicates the action of creating or causing something to happen. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes the positive impact of early intervention.

Meaning: 'Make' means to cause something to happen or to create a change.

Wrong options:

• key: 'Key' is an adjective that describes importance, which does not fit as a verb in this context.
• devote: 'Devote' is a verb that means to dedicate time or effort, which does not fit the context of creating a difference.
• lag: 'Lag' is a verb that means to fall behind, which does not fit as it does not relate to making a difference.
• pull: 'Pull' is a verb that means to exert force to move something, which does not relate to the context of making a difference.
• overcome: 'Overcome' is a verb that means to succeed in dealing with a problem, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of making a difference.
• prepare: 'Prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which does not fit in the context of creating a difference.

Correct answer: overcome

Explanation: The word 'overcome' is a verb that means to succeed in dealing with difficulties. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes the action children can take regarding their challenges.

Meaning: 'Overcome' means to successfully deal with or conquer a difficulty or obstacle.

Wrong options:

• key: 'Key' is an adjective that describes importance, which does not fit as a verb in this context.
• devote: 'Devote' is a verb that means to dedicate time or effort, which does not fit the context of overcoming difficulties.
• lag: 'Lag' is a verb that means to fall behind, which does not fit as it does not describe the action of overcoming.
• pull: 'Pull' is a verb that means to exert force to move something, which does not relate to the context of overcoming difficulties.
• make: 'Make' is a verb that means to create or form, which does not fit in the context of overcoming challenges.
• prepare: 'Prepare' is a verb that means to make ready, which does not fit in the context of overcoming difficulties.