IV. READING Task 1. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks. Investing in girls' education transforms communities countries and the entire world. Girls who receive an education are less likely to marry (1) __ and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives They (2) __ higher incomes, participate in the decisions (3) __ most affect them, and build better futures for themselves and their families. Girls' education strengthens economies and reduces (4) __ . It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals - including boys and men-the opportunity to fulfil their potential. (5) __ education for girls is about more than access (6) __ school. It's also about girls feeling safe in classrooms and supported in the subjects and careers t they choose to pursue - including those in which they are not often dominant. The reasons are many barriers to girls' education - like poverty, child (7) __ and gender-based violence - vary among countries and communities Poor families often favour boys when investing in education. In some places,schools do not meet the safety, hygiene or sanitation needs of girls.In (8) __ , teaching practices are not gender-responsive and result in gender gaps in learning and skills development. Gender equality in education empowers girls and boys and promotes the development of life skills - like self-management,communication, negotiation and critical thinking -that young people need to succeed. They close skill gaps that lead to pay gaps,and build (9) __ for entire countries. Gender equality in education (10) __ contribute to reducing school-related gender-based violence and harmful practices like child marriage.