A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: assumed

Explanation: The word 'assumed' is the past tense of 'assume,' which fits grammatically as it indicates that the Australian Government took on the responsibility for funding higher education in 1974. This aligns with the context of discussing a significant change in funding responsibility.

Meaning: 'Assumed' means to take on or accept a responsibility or duty.

Wrong options:

• accentuated: 'Accentuated' is the past tense of 'accentuate,' meaning to make something more noticeable, which does not fit the context of taking responsibility.
• analysed: 'Analysed' is the past tense of 'analyze,' meaning to examine something in detail, which is not relevant to the action of taking responsibility.
• audacity: 'Audacity' is a noun referring to boldness or daring, which does not fit grammatically as a verb in this context.

Correct answer: abolishing

Explanation: The term 'abolishing' is a gerund that indicates the action of formally putting an end to tuition fees. It fits grammatically as it follows the structure of the sentence, showing the action taken by the government in conjunction with assuming responsibility.

Meaning: 'Abolishing' means to formally end or eliminate something, in this case, tuition fees.

Wrong options:

• accentuated: 'Accentuated' does not fit as it implies making something more noticeable rather than ending it.
• accessible: 'Accessible' is an adjective that describes something that can be reached or entered, which does not fit as a verb in this context.
• analysed: 'Analysed' is a verb that means to examine something in detail, which does not relate to the action of ending tuition fees.
• audacity: 'Audacity' is a noun and does not fit grammatically as it does not represent an action.

Correct answer: accessible

Explanation: The word 'accessible' is an adjective that describes the state of being able to be reached or entered. It fits grammatically as it describes the universities' availability to all Australians, aligning with the intention of the government.

Meaning: 'Accessible' means easy to approach or reach, particularly in the context of education.

Wrong options:

• accentuated: 'Accentuated' is a verb that means to make something more noticeable, which does not describe the state of universities.
• abolishing: 'Abolishing' is a gerund that refers to the act of ending something, which does not fit as a descriptor for universities.
• analysed: 'Analysed' is a verb that means to examine in detail, which does not describe the availability of education.
• audacity: 'Audacity' is a noun that refers to boldness, which does not fit as a description of accessibility.

Correct answer: ability

Explanation: The word 'ability' is a noun that refers to the capacity to do something. It fits grammatically as it indicates the qualifications required for participation in higher education, aligning with the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Ability' means the skill or capacity to do something, in this case, to participate in higher education.

Wrong options:

• accentuated: 'Accentuated' is a verb that means to make something more noticeable, which does not fit as a noun describing qualifications.
• abolishing: 'Abolishing' is a gerund that refers to the act of ending something, which does not fit as a noun in this context.
• accessible: 'Accessible' is an adjective that describes something that can be reached, which does not fit as a noun for qualifications.
• audacity: 'Audacity' is a noun that refers to boldness, which does not fit as a description of qualifications.