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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #47150 PA
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
What's    in    a    name?    In    the    case    of    the    secretary,    or    Personal    Assistant    (PA),    it    can    be    something    rather    surprising.    The    dictionary    calls    a    secretary    'anyone    who    correspondence,    keeps    records    and    does    clerical    work    for    others'.    But    while    this    particular    job    looks    a    bit  ,  the    word's    original    meaning    is    a    hundred    times    more    exotic    and    perhaps    more  .  The    word    itself    has    been    with    us    since    the    14th    century    and    comes    from    the    mediaeval    Latin    word    secretarius    meaning    'something    hidden'.    Secretaries    started    out    as    those    members    of    staff    with    knowledge    hidden    from    others,    the    silent    ones    mysteriously    the    secret    machinery    of    organisations.    Some    years    ago    'something    hidden'    probably    meant    out    of    sight,    tucked    away    with    all    the    other    secretaries    and    typists.    

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Correct answer: handles

Explanation: The word 'handles' fits grammatically as it is a verb that appropriately describes the action of managing correspondence. It aligns with the context of the sentence, which defines the role of a secretary.

Meaning: 'Handles' means to manage or deal with something, in this case, correspondence.

Wrong options:

  • orders: 'Orders' implies giving commands, which does not accurately describe the role of managing correspondence.
  • runs: 'Runs' suggests operating something, but it does not convey the specific action of managing correspondence.
  • controls: 'Controls' implies a level of authority that is not necessarily applicable to the role of a secretary in this context.
Correct answer: definition

Explanation: The word 'definition' is the correct choice as it refers to the meaning of the job, fitting grammatically and contextually within the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Definition' means a statement that explains the meaning of a term or concept.

Wrong options:

  • explanation: 'Explanation' refers to clarifying something but does not specifically denote the meaning of a term.
  • detail: 'Detail' refers to a specific item of information, which does not capture the essence of what a job title means.
  • characterstic: 'Characterstic' is a misspelling of 'characteristic' and does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Correct answer: outdated

Explanation: The word 'outdated' fits grammatically as it describes the perception of the job in a negative light, indicating that it is no longer in style or relevant.

Meaning: 'Outdated' means no longer in use or fashion; it suggests that the role may seem old-fashioned.

Wrong options:

  • elderly: 'Elderly' refers to age and does not appropriately describe the job's perception.
  • unfashionable: 'Unfashionable' implies a lack of style but does not convey the same sense of obsolescence as 'outdated.'
  • aged: 'Aged' refers to being old but does not capture the connotation of being out of touch or no longer relevant.
Correct answer: apptopriate

Explanation: The word 'apptopriate' fits grammatically and contextually, suggesting that the original meaning of the word secretary is suitable or fitting in a more exotic sense.

Meaning: 'Apptopriate' means suitable or proper in the circumstances.

Wrong options:

  • characterstic: 'Characterstic' is a misspelling of 'characteristic' and does not fit the context of describing suitability.
  • related: 'Related' implies a connection but does not convey the idea of being suitable or fitting.
  • likely: 'Likely' suggests probability and does not align with the context of appropriateness.
Correct answer: operating

Explanation: The word 'operating' fits grammatically as it describes the action of secretaries managing the inner workings of organizations, aligning well with the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Operating' means to control or manage the functioning of something.

Wrong options:

  • pushing: 'Pushing' implies a physical action that does not accurately describe the role of secretaries.
  • functioning: 'Functioning' refers to the state of working but does not convey the active role of secretaries.
  • effecting: 'Effecting' means to bring about but does not fit the context of managing or controlling.
Correct answer: kept

Explanation: The word 'kept' fits grammatically as it describes the action of maintaining something out of sight, which aligns with the context of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Kept' means to have or hold something in a particular state or condition.

Wrong options:

  • covered: 'Covered' implies being concealed but does not convey the same sense of possession as 'kept.'
  • packed: 'Packed' suggests being filled or stored away, which does not fit the context of maintaining something out of sight.
  • held: 'Held' implies grasping or retaining but does not accurately describe the action of keeping something out of sight.

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