A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: already

Explanation: The word 'already' is an adverb that indicates something has happened before the present time, which fits the context of discussing the current status of boarding pupils. It aligns with the grammatical structure of the sentence, emphasizing that a significant portion of pupils comes from overseas at this moment.

Meaning: 'Already' means that something has occurred before now, indicating the current presence of overseas pupils.

Wrong options:

• ready: 'Ready' is an adjective that describes a state of preparedness, which does not fit the context of indicating a current situation.
• instead: 'Instead' is an adverb used to indicate an alternative, which does not apply here as the sentence is not presenting an alternative scenario.

Correct answer: unwilling

Explanation: The term 'unwilling' is an adjective that describes a lack of desire or reluctance, which fits the context of UK residents not wanting to pay the fees. It maintains grammatical consistency with 'unable' as both describe the residents' situation.

Meaning: 'Unwilling' means not wanting to do something, in this case, not wanting to afford the fees.

Wrong options:

• place: 'Place' is a noun that refers to a location, which does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
• group: 'Group' is a noun that refers to a collection of individuals, which does not relate to the context of affordability.

Correct answer: shift

Explanation: The word 'shift' is a noun that refers to a change in position or direction, which fits the context of a cultural change away from boarding schools. It aligns with the overall theme of transformation in the education sector.

Meaning: 'Shift' means a change or movement from one state to another, in this case, a cultural change regarding boarding schools.

Wrong options:

• vanish: 'Vanish' is a verb that means to disappear, which does not fit the context of describing a cultural change.
• instead: 'Instead' is an adverb that indicates an alternative, which does not apply to the context of describing a cultural transition.

Correct answer: account

Explanation: The word 'account' is a verb that means to constitute or make up a part of something, which fits the context of overseas students contributing to fee income. It maintains grammatical coherence with the subject of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Account' means to represent or make up a certain amount of something, in this case, the financial contribution of overseas students.

Wrong options:

• ready: 'Ready' is an adjective that describes a state of preparedness, which does not fit the context of financial contribution.
• place: 'Place' is a noun that refers to a location, which does not relate to the context of accounting for income.