Meaning: 'Of' indicates belonging or association, in this case, showing that the rise pertains to the celebrity chef.

Wrong options:

• in: 'In' would suggest a location or state, which does not fit the context of discussing the rise of a phenomenon.
• to: 'To' implies direction or purpose, which is not appropriate here as we are discussing an increase in status, not a movement towards something.
• for: 'For' indicates purpose or benefit, which does not align with the context of describing the rise of celebrity chefs.

Correct answer: lacking

Explanation: The word 'lacking' fits grammatically as it describes a deficiency in allure, making sense in the context of comparing past and present perceptions of the culinary industry.

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

Wrong options:

• vanished: 'Vanished' suggests something that has disappeared entirely, which does not accurately describe the allure that was simply not present before.
• polished: 'Polished' implies refinement or sophistication, which contradicts the idea of a lack of allure; it suggests the opposite of what is intended.
• humorous: 'Humorous' relates to being funny, which is irrelevant in this context where we are discussing allure and appeal.

Correct answer: macho

Explanation: The term 'macho' describes a strong or aggressive masculine attitude, which fits contextually as it highlights the tough environment of professional kitchens, aligning with the sentence's theme of gender dynamics.

Meaning: 'Macho' refers to a strong or aggressive masculine demeanor, indicating a culture that may be unwelcoming to women.

Wrong options:

• hardworking: 'Hardworking' describes diligence, which does not capture the aggressive or masculine culture implied in the context.
• hot: 'Hot' refers to temperature or attractiveness, neither of which accurately describes the climate of professional kitchens in terms of gender dynamics.
• exhausting: 'Exhausting' describes fatigue, which is relevant but does not convey the specific cultural aspect of masculinity that 'macho' does.

Correct answer: deal

Explanation: The word 'deal' is commonly used in informal contexts to indicate a significant amount or extent, fitting well in the sentence to express the extent of change in the culinary profession.

Meaning: 'Deal' means a large amount or extent, indicating that many changes have occurred since the past.

Wrong options:

• many: 'Many' is a quantifier but does not fit grammatically in this context where a noun is needed to complete the phrase.
• number: 'Number' is a noun that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it requires a quantifying term that can express extent.
• lot: 'Lot' is similar to 'deal' but is less formal and does not fit as smoothly in the sentence structure.

Correct answer: away

Explanation: The word 'away' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates the gradual cessation of split shifts, aligning with the overall positive changes in the culinary profession.

Meaning: 'Away' suggests removal or elimination, indicating that split shifts are becoming less common.

Wrong options:

• today: 'Today' indicates the present time but does not convey the sense of gradual change that 'away' does.
• up: 'Up' implies an increase or improvement, which does not fit the context of discussing the decline of split shifts.
• too: 'Too' suggests excessiveness, which does not logically fit in this context where we are discussing a reduction.