A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: according to

Explanation: The phrase 'according to' is used to indicate a source or basis for information, fitting grammatically as it introduces a relationship between graduates' earnings and their socioeconomic background. It aligns contextually with the sentence, which discusses how earnings may differ based on background.

Meaning: 'According to' means 'as stated by' or 'in agreement with,' indicating that the earnings are being evaluated based on socioeconomic background.

Wrong options:

• contrasting by: 'Contrasting by' implies a comparison between two different things, which does not fit the context of measuring earnings based on a single factor.
• abiding by: 'Abiding by' suggests compliance with rules or standards, which is irrelevant to the context of earnings variation.
• equaling to: 'Equaling to' is grammatically incorrect as 'equal' does not require 'to' in this context, and it does not convey the intended meaning of comparison.

Correct answer: thus far

Explanation: The phrase 'thus far' indicates up to the present time, fitting well in the context of the sentence as it describes the ongoing lack of understanding regarding graduates' earnings. It is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'Thus far' means 'up to this point' or 'so far,' indicating that the understanding has not improved until now.

Wrong options:

• hardly: 'Hardly' suggests something is barely true, which does not fit the context of discussing the extent of understanding.
• until then: 'Until then' implies a future point in time, which does not align with the present context of understanding.
• otherwise: 'Otherwise' indicates a different situation or outcome, which does not fit the context of the sentence.

Correct answer: addressing

Explanation: The word 'addressing' is used to indicate that the database is dealing with or tackling the crucial question, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the action taken regarding the question.

Meaning: 'Addressing' means 'dealing with' or 'tackling,' indicating that the database is focused on the question at hand.

Wrong options:

• uplifting: 'Uplifting' refers to raising spirits or morale, which does not fit the context of analyzing a question.
• uptaking: 'Uptaking' is not a standard term in this context and does not convey a clear meaning related to the question.
• observing: 'Observing' implies watching or monitoring, which does not convey the active engagement suggested by 'addressing'.

Correct answer: to help

Explanation: The phrase 'to help' indicates purpose, fitting grammatically as it shows the intention behind providing better information for schools. It aligns contextually with the goal of advising and guiding students.

Meaning: 'To help' means 'in order to assist,' indicating the purpose of providing information for schools.

Wrong options:

• help: 'Help' is an imperative form and does not fit grammatically in this context where a purpose is being expressed.
• have helped: 'Have helped' suggests a completed action, which does not align with the ongoing intention to assist.
• helped: 'Helped' is a past tense form that does not convey the intended purpose of providing information.