Meaning: 'Specifically' means in a detailed and exact manner, indicating a particular focus.

Wrong options:

• create: The verb 'create' does not fit grammatically as it does not serve as an adverb to modify the sentence.
• by: The preposition 'by' does not introduce a specific detail and does not fit the grammatical structure required here.
• visual: The adjective 'visual' does not relate to the context of detailing how the text functions and does not fit grammatically.
• Positively: The adverb 'Positively' does not convey the specific focus needed in this context.

Correct answer: by

Explanation: The preposition 'by' indicates the means through which the action of teaching critical thinking occurs. It fits grammatically as it introduces the method of exploring components of arguments.

Meaning: 'By' indicates the method or means of doing something, in this case, how students learn to think critically.

Wrong options:

• respond to: The phrase 'respond to' does not fit grammatically as it does not indicate a method of teaching.
• create: The verb 'create' does not convey the means of teaching critical thinking and does not fit the context.
• to: The preposition 'to' does not indicate the means of action and does not fit the grammatical structure here.
• visual: The adjective 'visual' does not relate to the method of teaching and does not fit grammatically.
• Specifically: The adverb 'Specifically' does not indicate a means of action and does not fit the context.
• Positively: The adverb 'Positively' does not convey the means of teaching critical thinking.

Correct answer: to

Explanation: The preposition 'to' indicates the direction or purpose of the obstacles mentioned. It fits grammatically as it connects the obstacles with the action of critical thinking.

Meaning: 'To' indicates direction or purpose, in this case, referring to the obstacles that hinder critical thinking.

Wrong options:

• respond to: The phrase 'respond to' does not fit grammatically as it does not indicate direction or purpose in this context.
• by: The preposition 'by' does not convey the intended direction or purpose and does not fit the grammatical structure here.
• create: The verb 'create' does not relate to the context of obstacles and does not fit grammatically.
• visual: The adjective 'visual' does not connect with the concept of obstacles in critical thinking and does not fit.
• Specifically: The adverb 'Specifically' does not indicate direction or purpose and does not fit the context.
• Positively: The adverb 'Positively' does not convey the intended direction or purpose.

Correct answer: respond to

Explanation: The phrase 'respond to' indicates an action that students are taught to take regarding alternative points of view. It fits grammatically as it describes what students should do with those views.

Meaning: 'Respond to' means to reply or react to something, in this case, alternative points of view.

Wrong options:

• by: The preposition 'by' does not indicate an action and does not fit the grammatical structure required here.
• create: The verb 'create' does not relate to the action of engaging with alternative points of view and does not fit.
• to: The preposition 'to' does not convey an action and does not fit the context of responding.
• visual: The adjective 'visual' does not relate to the action of responding and does not fit grammatically.
• Specifically: The adverb 'Specifically' does not indicate an action and does not fit the context.
• Positively: The adverb 'Positively' does not convey the action of responding.