Meaning: 'Spur' means to encourage or stimulate someone to do something, often in a positive way.

Wrong options:

• motivate: 'Motivate' is similar in meaning but is less specific in this context, as 'spur' conveys a more immediate sense of encouragement.
• incite: 'Incite' has a negative connotation, suggesting provocation or instigation, which does not fit the positive context of working better.
• encourage: 'Encourage' is a synonym but is too general and does not convey the same urgency or immediacy as 'spur' in this context.

Correct answer: blame

Explanation: The word 'blame' is appropriate here as it indicates that the public holds Catherine responsible for the delays, fitting both grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'Blame' means to hold someone responsible for a fault or wrong.

Wrong options:

• accuse: 'Accuse' implies a formal charge or claim, which is too strong for the context of casual complaints about delays.
• enrage: 'Enrage' means to make someone extremely angry, which does not fit the structure of the sentence as it does not indicate a direct action towards Catherine.
• fault: 'Fault' is a noun and does not fit grammatically as the sentence requires a verb to describe what the public does to Catherine.

Correct answer: over

Explanation: The word 'over' fits grammatically as it indicates the supervisor's position relative to Catherine, suggesting a sense of scrutiny or oversight.

Meaning: 'Over' means above or in a position to observe something closely.

Wrong options:

• around: 'Around' implies a more general area and does not convey the specific action of looking closely at someone.
• across: 'Across' suggests a distance or separation, which does not fit the context of direct supervision.
• above: 'Above' can imply a physical position but lacks the connotation of direct observation that 'over' provides.

Correct answer: recession

Explanation: The word 'recession' is contextually appropriate as it refers to an economic decline, which aligns with the stressors affecting Catherine's job security.

Meaning: 'Recession' refers to a period of economic decline, typically characterized by reduced trade and industrial activity.

Wrong options:

• boom: 'Boom' indicates economic growth, which contradicts the context of worry about job security.
• cutback: 'Cutback' refers to a reduction in spending or services, but it is not a broad economic term like 'recession' that encompasses the overall situation.
• retreat: 'Retreat' implies withdrawal or pulling back, which does not accurately describe an economic condition affecting the industry.

Correct answer: constantly

Explanation: The word 'constantly' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates that Catherine is always worried about her job security, emphasizing the ongoing nature of her concern.

Meaning: 'Constantly' means continuously or without interruption.

Wrong options:

• steadily: 'Steadily' implies a gradual or consistent pace, which does not convey the urgency of her worry as effectively as 'constantly.'
• habitually: 'Habitually' suggests a routine or regular occurrence, which does not fit the context of her worry about job security.
• currently: 'Currently' refers to the present time but does not capture the ongoing nature of her worry as 'constantly' does.

Correct answer: steps

Explanation: The word 'steps' is appropriate as it refers to actions taken to address a problem, fitting both grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'Steps' means actions or measures taken to achieve a goal or solve a problem.

Wrong options:

• plans: 'Plans' implies a future intention rather than immediate actions being taken, which does not fit the context.
• means: 'Means' refers to methods or resources, but it is less specific than 'steps' in indicating actionable measures.
• causes: 'Causes' refers to reasons for something happening, which does not fit the context of taking action to deal with stress.