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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #38300 A good secretary
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
A    good    secretary    was    an    unremarkable    one    efficiently    orders    and    then    retuming    mouse-like    to    his    or    her    station    behind    the    typewriter    but    with    the    of    new    office    technology    the    job    upgraded    itself    and    the    role    has    changed    to    one    closer    to    the    original    meaning.    The    skills    required    are    more    demanding    and    more    technical.    Companies    are    that    secretarial    staff    should    already    be  highly  trained    in    and    accustomed    to    working    with    a    of    word    processing    packages.    Professionals    in    the    business    point    out    that    nowadays    secretarial    staff    may    even    need    some    management    skills    to    take    on    administration,    personnel    work    and    research.

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: obeying

Explanation: The word 'obeying' fits grammatically as it is a gerund that describes the action of following orders, aligning with the structure of the sentence. It indicates compliance, which is essential for a secretary's role, making it contextually appropriate.

Meaning: 'Obeying' means to follow or comply with commands or orders, which is a fundamental duty of a secretary.

Wrong options:

  • satisfying: 'Satisfying' implies fulfilling a requirement or need, but it does not directly relate to following orders, making it contextually irrelevant.
  • completing: 'Completing' suggests finishing tasks but does not convey the idea of following directives, thus lacking the necessary context.
  • minding: 'Minding' typically means to take care of or pay attention to something, which does not accurately reflect the action of following orders.
Correct answer: advent

Explanation: The term 'advent' signifies the arrival or introduction of something new, which fits well in the context of new office technology emerging. It is grammatically correct and contextually relevant as it indicates a significant change.

Meaning: 'Advent' refers to the beginning or arrival of an important event or change, in this case, new technology in the office.

Wrong options:

  • approach: 'Approach' refers to a way of dealing with something, which does not convey the sense of arrival or introduction needed in this context.
  • entrance: 'Entrance' implies a physical entry, which is not suitable when discussing the introduction of technology.
  • opening: 'Opening' suggests a gap or space, which does not accurately represent the concept of the arrival of new technology.
Correct answer: effectively

Explanation: The word 'effectively' describes the manner in which the job has upgraded itself, indicating that it has done so in a successful and efficient way. This adverb fits grammatically and contextually, as it modifies the verb 'upgraded.'

Meaning: 'Effectively' means in a way that produces a desired result, highlighting the successful adaptation of the job role.

Wrong options:

  • truly: 'Truly' conveys sincerity but does not relate to the efficiency or success of the job upgrade, making it contextually inappropriate.
  • validly: 'Validly' suggests legitimacy but does not fit the context of how the job has improved, lacking the necessary meaning.
  • correctly: 'Correctly' implies accuracy but does not capture the essence of successful adaptation, making it less suitable.
Correct answer: insisting

Explanation: The word 'insisting' conveys a strong demand or requirement, which aligns with the context of companies emphasizing the need for trained secretarial staff. It fits grammatically as it indicates an ongoing action.

Meaning: 'Insisting' means to demand something forcefully, indicating that companies are making a strong case for the training of their staff.

Wrong options:

  • ordering: 'Ordering' implies giving commands, which does not capture the nuance of a demand for training, making it less fitting.
  • claiming: 'Claiming' suggests stating something as a fact but lacks the forceful connotation needed in this context.
  • pressing: 'Pressing' indicates urgency but does not convey the same level of demand as 'insisting,' making it less appropriate.
Correct answer: range

Explanation: The term 'range' refers to a variety or selection of items, which fits well in the context of different word processing packages. It is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate as it indicates diversity.

Meaning: 'Range' means a variety or selection of different things, highlighting the multiple software options available for secretarial work.

Wrong options:

  • group: 'Group' implies a collection of items but does not convey the diversity needed in this context, making it less suitable.
  • collection: 'Collection' suggests a gathering of items but lacks the nuance of variety that 'range' provides.
  • cluster: 'Cluster' implies a close grouping, which does not accurately reflect the idea of a diverse selection of software.
Correct answer: recruitment

Explanation: The word 'recruitment' refers to the process of finding and hiring staff, which is relevant in the context of secretarial roles evolving. It fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the business area concerned with hiring.

Meaning: 'Recruitment' means the process of finding and hiring new employees, highlighting the focus on staffing in the context of secretarial work.

Wrong options:

  • appointment: 'Appointment' refers to a scheduled meeting or the act of assigning a role, which does not fit the context of hiring staff.
  • hiring: 'Hiring' is similar but is more specific to the act itself rather than the broader process, making it less suitable in this context.
  • engagement: 'Engagement' implies involvement or participation but does not relate directly to the process of recruiting staff, making it contextually irrelevant.

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