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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #36558 School literature
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Are  school  initiatives  aimed  at  developing  pupils’  so-called  employability  skills  a  waste  of  vital  school  resources?  After  all,  what  companies  actually  expect  from  prospective  employees  can  be    to  one  thing,  namely  critical  thinking  skills.  If  schools  spend  more  time  focusing  on  this,  then  students  will  be    to  enter  the  job  market.
With  this  in  mind,  literature  has  to  be  at  the  forefront  of  the  national  curriculum.  No  other  subject  encourages  students  to  evaluate,  assess  and  imagine  issues  from  such  a  wide  variety  of  perspectives  .
While  recent  efforts  to  extend  the  school  literature  syllabus  are  laudable,  many  education  authorities  seem  to  be  missing  the  point.  At  present,  literature  classes  are    into  the  school  schedule  with  the  direct  purpose  of  ‘filling’  students  with  memorised  facts,  rather  than  focusing  on  developing  students’  long-term  critical  thinking  skills,  presumably  because  the  latter  would  require  too  much  time.  And  far  more  resources.  This  is  a  missed  opportunity  for  schools,  students  and  society.

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: boiled down

Explanation: The phrase 'boiled down' is an idiomatic expression that means to reduce something to its essential elements. In this context, it fits grammatically as it follows the modal verb 'can be' and logically conveys that companies' expectations can be simplified to one key skill, which is critical thinking.

Meaning: 'Boiled down' means to simplify or condense something to its most important parts or essence.

Wrong options:

  • signed out: The phrase 'signed out' refers to logging off or ending a session, which does not relate to summarizing expectations and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
  • summed up: While 'summed up' could imply summarizing, it does not carry the same idiomatic weight as 'boiled down' in this context, making it less suitable.
  • tied in: The phrase 'tied in' suggests a connection or relationship, which does not fit the context of summarizing expectations.
Correct answer: more than equipped

Explanation: The phrase 'more than equipped' indicates that students will have ample preparation and resources to enter the job market. It fits grammatically as it follows 'will be' and contextually emphasizes readiness beyond mere adequacy.

Meaning: 'More than equipped' means having more than enough skills or resources to handle a situation, in this case, entering the job market.

Wrong options:

  • all too ready: The phrase 'all too ready' implies excessive eagerness, which does not convey the same sense of preparedness as 'more than equipped.'
  • fully geared up: While 'fully geared up' suggests readiness, it lacks the comparative strength of 'more than equipped' in this context.
  • fully provided: The phrase 'fully provided' suggests having all necessary items but does not convey the same sense of skill readiness as 'more than equipped.'
Correct answer: to the same degree

Explanation: The phrase 'to the same degree' indicates that literature encourages evaluation and imagination equally across various perspectives. It fits grammatically and contextually, emphasizing the extent of literature's impact on critical thinking.

Meaning: 'To the same degree' means equally or to the same extent, highlighting the comprehensive nature of literature's influence.

Wrong options:

  • to some extent: The phrase 'to some extent' implies a limitation, which contradicts the idea of equal encouragement across perspectives.
  • in this way: 'In this way' suggests a method rather than the extent of influence, making it less precise in this context.
  • such as these: The phrase 'such as these' introduces examples rather than indicating degree, which does not fit the intended meaning.
Correct answer: inserted

Explanation: The word 'inserted' indicates that literature classes are placed into the schedule without proper integration or consideration. It fits grammatically and contextually, suggesting a lack of thoughtful placement in the curriculum.

Meaning: 'Inserted' means placed or added into something, often without proper consideration or integration.

Wrong options:

  • stuffed: The word 'stuffed' implies excessive filling, which carries a negative connotation and does not fit the formal context of scheduling classes.
  • jammed: 'Jammed' suggests overcrowding, which does not accurately describe the intended placement of classes in the schedule.
  • shoved: The word 'shoved' implies a forceful or careless placement, which is too informal and negative for the context of educational scheduling.

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