Meaning: 'Corresponds' means to be in agreement or to relate to something else, in this case, the decrease in the death rate and the number of deaths averted.

Wrong options:

• attributes: 'Attributes' is a verb that means to regard something as being caused by someone or something, which does not fit the context of relating the death rate to the number of deaths.
• committed: 'Committed' is an adjective that means dedicated or devoted, which does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• compares: 'Compares' is a verb that suggests a comparison, which does not logically fit as we are not comparing but stating a relationship.
• responds: 'Responds' is a verb that implies a reply or reaction, which does not fit the context of establishing a correlation.

Correct answer: attributes

Explanation: The verb 'attributes' fits grammatically as it agrees with the subject 'the report' in number and tense. Contextually, it indicates that the report assigns the cause of the progress to specific factors, which is coherent with the information provided.

Meaning: 'Attributes' means to regard something as being caused by someone or something, in this case, the report is attributing progress to various improvements.

Wrong options:

• corresponds: 'Corresponds' does not fit here as it implies a relationship rather than assigning a cause, which is what the sentence requires.
• committed: 'Committed' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically or contextually as it does not convey the action of assigning causes.
• compares: 'Compares' suggests a comparison, which is not relevant in this context where we are discussing causation.
• responds: 'Responds' implies a reaction, which does not align with the context of attributing causes.

Correct answer: connected

Explanation: The adjective 'connected' fits grammatically as it describes the relationship between HPV vaccinations and reductions in cancer deaths. Contextually, it indicates that there is a link between the two, which is coherent with the overall message of the passage.

Meaning: 'Connected' means to be linked or related to something else, in this case, HPV vaccinations and their impact on cancer death rates.

Wrong options:

• attributes: 'Attributes' does not fit as it refers to assigning a cause rather than describing a relationship, which is what is needed here.
• committed: 'Committed' is an adjective that does not convey a relationship and does not fit the context of linking vaccinations to cancer deaths.
• compares: 'Compares' suggests a comparison, which is not relevant in this context where we are discussing a connection.
• responds: 'Responds' implies a reaction, which does not align with the context of establishing a link.