The meaning of the word "motivated" in paragraph 4 aligns best with the option:
C: interested and empowered.
In this context, "motivated" typically refers to a state of being that involves a desire or drive to take action, which often includes feeling empowered or interested in the task at hand.
For Part B, the function of the word "motivated" in the sentence is:
D: It is an adjective referring to a characteristic of students.
In this case, "motivated" describes a quality of the students, indicating that they have a certain mindset or disposition towards their learning or activities.