Meaning: 'Spare' means to have or give up time or resources that are not being used, in this case, referring to the time needed for a lunch break.

Wrong options:

• lapse: 'Lapse' refers to a temporary failure or a slip, which does not fit the context of allowing time for a break.
• grant: 'Grant' means to give or allow something, but it does not convey the idea of having time available in this context.
• miss: 'Miss' implies failing to notice or take advantage of something, which does not align with the idea of having time to take a break.

Correct answer: fare

Explanation: The word 'fare' is used here to indicate how well men are doing in terms of taking breaks, fitting grammatically and contextually with the sentence structure. It suggests a comparison of performance, which is appropriate in this context.

Meaning: 'Fare' means to perform in a specified way, particularly in terms of success or progress, in this case, referring to how men manage their lunch breaks.

Wrong options:

• surpass: 'Surpass' means to exceed or go beyond, which does not fit the grammatical structure needed here as it implies a direct comparison rather than a general performance.
• exceed: 'Exceed' suggests going beyond a limit, which is not the intended meaning in this context of comparing break times.
• excel: 'Excel' means to be exceptionally good at something, but it does not fit the context of discussing the amount of time taken for breaks.

Correct answer: trend

Explanation: The word 'trend' fits well as it refers to a general direction in which something is developing or changing, which is appropriate in the context of discussing a worrying pattern regarding lunch breaks. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the sentence.

Meaning: 'Trend' refers to a general tendency or direction in which something is developing, in this case, the concerning behavior of working through lunch.

Wrong options:

• scale: 'Scale' refers to the size or level of something, which does not fit the context of discussing a pattern of behavior.
• rate: 'Rate' implies a measure or frequency, which does not convey the same sense of a developing pattern as 'trend' does.
• extent: 'Extent' refers to the degree to which something is the case, but it does not capture the ongoing nature of the behavior being discussed.

Correct answer: cutting

Explanation: The word 'cutting' fits grammatically as it indicates the action of reducing the length of breaks, which aligns with the context of the sentence discussing the negative impact of short breaks. It is the correct verb form needed here.

Meaning: 'Cutting' means to reduce or shorten something, in this case, referring to the act of shortening breaks taken during work.

Wrong options:

• running: 'Running' implies managing or operating, which does not fit the context of discussing the duration of breaks.
• taking: 'Taking' suggests the act of having breaks, but it does not convey the idea of reducing their length as required in this context.
• limiting: 'Limiting' means to restrict, but it does not fit as smoothly in the sentence structure as 'cutting' does.

Correct answer: scene

Explanation: The word 'scene' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to a change in environment or surroundings, which is essential for a mental break. It aligns with the idea of needing a different perspective to enhance productivity.

Meaning: 'Scene' refers to the physical environment or setting, suggesting that a change in surroundings can help refresh one's mind.

Wrong options:

• view: 'View' refers to a sight or perspective, but it does not convey the physical change in environment as effectively as 'scene'.
• prospect: 'Prospect' implies a possibility or expectation, which does not fit the context of needing a change in physical surroundings.
• sight: 'Sight' refers to the ability to see or a visual perception, which does not align with the idea of changing one's environment for a break.