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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #37585 Global Supply Chains
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Today’s  globally    economy  makes  it  necessary  for  businesses  to  look  as  far  as  possible  for  both  the  cheapest  and  the  best  resources.  The  benefit  of  global  supply  chains  is  that  businesses  can  take    of  low-cost  goods  and  services  in  foreign  locations  to  bring  down  operating  costs.  However,  when  a  business  depends  on  outsourcing,  it  increases  the  number  of  risk  factors  outside  of  its  control.  Tsunamis  in  Japan  shut  down  an  auto  assembly  plant  in  Ohio  when  essential  parts  couldn’t  be  shipped;  severe  flooding  in  Thailand    the  manufacture  of  computers  for  the  US  market  when  hard  drives  failed  to  appear.  Ethical  considerations  can  also  be  a  factor.  Even  when  a  firm  tries  to  ensure  that  the  factory  owners  it  contracts  with  provide  fair  wages  and  safe  working  conditions,    still  occur,  and  responsibility  is  hard  to  assess.  A  series  of  factory  fires  and  disasters  killed  hundreds  of  workers  in  Bangladesh  in  2013  and  led  to  the  Disney  Company  canceling  the  production  of  its  licensed  products  in  that  country.

Result:

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Correct answer: integrated

Explanation: The term 'integrated' fits grammatically as it describes the economy as being interconnected and unified, which aligns with the context of globalization. It indicates that various markets and resources are combined into a single system, making it necessary for businesses to seek resources globally.

Meaning: 'Integrated' means combined or unified, suggesting that the global economy is interconnected and that businesses must operate within this framework.

Wrong options:

  • weak: The word 'weak' suggests a lack of strength or stability, which does not accurately describe a global economy that necessitates resource searching.
  • rural: 'Rural' refers to areas that are countryside or not urban, which is irrelevant in the context of a global economy.
  • digital: While 'digital' relates to technology, it does not encompass the broader concept of an interconnected economy, making it less suitable.
Correct answer: advantage

Explanation: The word 'advantage' is appropriate here as it indicates a benefit or favorable condition that businesses can leverage from global supply chains. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it highlights the positive aspect of utilizing low-cost goods and services.

Meaning: 'Advantage' means a beneficial factor or condition that gives a favorable position, particularly in a competitive context.

Wrong options:

  • precedence: 'Precedence' refers to the condition of being considered more important, which does not fit the context of taking benefit from resources.
  • sample: 'Sample' implies a small part or example of something, which does not convey the idea of utilizing resources effectively.
  • command: 'Command' suggests control or authority, which does not align with the context of benefiting from resources.
Correct answer: delayed

Explanation: The word 'delayed' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates that the manufacture of computers was postponed due to flooding. It accurately describes the impact of external factors on production timelines.

Meaning: 'Delayed' means to be made late or postponed, indicating that the manufacturing process was hindered.

Wrong options:

  • displayed: 'Displayed' means to show or exhibit, which does not relate to the context of manufacturing being affected.
  • outplayed: 'Outplayed' suggests being defeated in a game or competition, which is irrelevant in this context.
  • relayed: 'Relayed' means to pass on information, which does not fit the context of manufacturing delays.
Correct answer: abuses

Explanation: The term 'abuses' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to mistreatment or unethical practices that can occur in factories. It highlights the ongoing issues despite attempts to ensure fair conditions.

Meaning: 'Abuses' refers to improper or unethical treatment, particularly in the context of labor practices.

Wrong options:

  • errors: 'Errors' implies mistakes, which does not capture the severity of unethical practices in labor contexts.
  • infections: 'Infections' relates to diseases, which is unrelated to the context of labor and ethical considerations.
  • miracles: 'Miracles' suggests extraordinary events, which does not fit the serious tone of discussing ethical abuses in factories.

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