Meaning: 'Lagged' means to fall behind in progress or development, suggesting that Britain was slower to adopt self-service stores compared to other regions.

Wrong options:

• dwelled: 'Dwelled' implies a prolonged stay in a place or state, which does not convey the idea of falling behind in progress.
• clung: 'Clung' suggests holding on tightly, which does not fit the context of progress or development in relation to self-service stores.
• deferred: 'Deferred' means to postpone or delay, which does not accurately describe Britain's position in relation to the adoption of self-service stores.

Correct answer: shoved

Explanation: 'Shoved' fits contextually as it conveys a forceful action that aligns with the discomfort British shoppers felt, and grammatically it follows the structure of the sentence appropriately.

Meaning: 'Shoved' means to push someone or something with force, indicating the aggressive behavior that British shoppers objected to in stores.

Wrong options:

• thrust: 'Thrust' implies a sudden or strong push, but it carries a more aggressive connotation that may not align with the general discomfort expressed by shoppers.
• heaved: 'Heaved' suggests lifting or throwing with effort, which does not fit the context of being pushed by other customers.
• jerked: 'Jerked' implies a sudden, sharp movement, which does not accurately represent the action of being pushed in a shopping context.

Correct answer: essence

Explanation: 'Essence' refers to the fundamental nature or most important quality of something, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the core idea of supermarket shopping.

Meaning: 'Essence' means the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, highlighting the impersonal nature of supermarket shopping.

Wrong options:

• crust: 'Crust' refers to the outer layer of something, which does not relate to the core concept of supermarket shopping.
• key: 'Key' implies something crucial or important, but it does not capture the fundamental nature as effectively as 'essence' does.
• gist: 'Gist' refers to the main point or essence of a matter, but it is less formal and does not convey the depth of meaning that 'essence' does.

Correct answer: trend

Explanation: 'Trend' indicates a general direction in which something is developing or changing, fitting well grammatically and contextually as it describes the current movement towards personal service in supermarkets.

Meaning: 'Trend' means a general tendency or direction in which something is developing, highlighting the shift towards more personalized shopping experiences.

Wrong options:

• momemtum: 'Momemtum' is a misspelling of 'momentum,' which refers to the force or speed of movement, but does not fit the context of a current movement or direction.
• craze: 'Craze' implies a temporary fashion or trend, which does not accurately reflect the ongoing shift towards personal service in supermarkets.
• vogue: 'Vogue' refers to the prevailing fashion or style, but it lacks the broader implication of a developing direction that 'trend' conveys.

Correct answer: comeback

Explanation: 'Comeback' refers to a return to popularity or prominence, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the resurgence of small shops and markets in Britain.

Meaning: 'Comeback' means a return to a previous state of success or popularity, indicating that small shops are regaining their place in the market.

Wrong options:

• rebound: 'Rebound' implies a recovery after a decline, but it is less commonly used in the context of shops or markets compared to 'comeback.'
• rally: 'Rally' suggests a gathering or increase in support, which does not fit the context of shops returning to popularity.
• pick-up: 'Pick-up' refers to an increase or improvement, but it is more informal and does not convey the same sense of a return to prominence as 'comeback.'

Correct answer: self-respecting

Explanation: 'Self-respecting' describes someone who has a proper respect for themselves, fitting grammatically and contextually as it characterizes the towns that maintain their specialist shops.

Meaning: 'Self-respecting' means having pride in oneself and one's values, indicating that these towns value their traditional shops despite the presence of supermarkets.

Wrong options:

• self-regarding: 'Self-regarding' implies being concerned with oneself, which does not convey the pride and value associated with maintaining traditional shops.
• self-appointed: 'Self-appointed' refers to someone who takes on a role without being officially designated, which does not fit the context of towns retaining their shops.
• self-conscious: 'Self-conscious' means being overly aware of oneself, which does not align with the positive connotation of pride and respect implied by 'self-respecting.'