Meaning: 'Of' indicates belonging or association, in this case, linking the rise to the working profession, suggesting that the increase is specifically related to that field.

Wrong options:

• in: 'In' suggests a location or position, which does not fit the context of discussing a rise in a profession.
• to: 'To' implies direction or destination, which is not appropriate here as we are discussing a rise rather than a movement towards something.
• for: 'For' indicates purpose or benefit, which does not align with the context of describing an increase in the profession.

Correct answer: lacking

Explanation: The word 'lacking' fits grammatically as it describes the absence of allure in the industry previously, aligning with the context of the sentence that contrasts past and present.

Meaning: 'Lacking' means not having something, indicating that the industry did not possess the allure it has now.

Wrong options:

• vanished: 'Vanished' suggests something that has disappeared completely, which does not fit the context of describing a quality that was previously absent.
• polished: 'Polished' implies something that is refined or perfected, which contradicts the idea of absence of allure.
• humorous: 'Humorous' relates to being funny, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing the allure of the culinary profession.

Correct answer: macho

Explanation: The term 'macho' describes a strong or aggressive masculine attitude, fitting contextually as it highlights the tough environment of professional kitchens, particularly in relation to women.

Meaning: 'Macho' refers to a strong or aggressive masculine demeanor, indicating a challenging atmosphere for women in the culinary field.

Wrong options:

• hardworking: 'Hardworking' describes a diligent work ethic, which does not capture the specific cultural climate being discussed.
• hot: 'Hot' refers to temperature or attractiveness, which does not relate to the social dynamics of the kitchen environment.
• exhausting: 'Exhausting' describes something that is tiring, which does not specifically address the masculine culture implied in the context.

Correct answer: deal

Explanation: The word 'deal' fits grammatically and contextually as it is commonly used in phrases like 'a great deal,' indicating a significant amount of change since the past.

Meaning: 'Deal' in this context means a large quantity or extent, emphasizing the substantial changes that have occurred.

Wrong options:

• many: 'Many' is a quantifier for countable nouns, which does not fit the context of describing change in a general sense.
• number: 'Number' is a noun that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it requires a quantifier or adjective to describe change.
• lot: 'Lot' is informal and less precise than 'deal,' making it less suitable for the formal tone of the text.

Correct answer: away

Explanation: The word 'away' fits grammatically and contextually as it is commonly used in the phrase 'dying away,' indicating a gradual reduction or disappearance of split shifts in the culinary profession.

Meaning: 'Away' suggests a movement from a place or state, in this case, indicating that split shifts are gradually becoming less common.

Wrong options:

• today: 'Today' indicates the present time but does not fit grammatically or contextually in the phrase 'dying today.'
• up: 'Up' implies an increase or improvement, which contradicts the context of something diminishing or disappearing.
• too: 'Too' suggests excessiveness, which does not align with the context of describing the gradual decline of split shifts.