Meaning: The word 'in' indicates a change occurring within a particular area or aspect, in this case, the recruitment methods of orchestras.

Wrong options:

• around: The word 'around' implies a surrounding context rather than a specific change within a method, making it grammatically and contextually inappropriate here.
• beyond: 'Beyond' suggests a limit or extent that is surpassed, which does not align with the intended meaning of modifying existing practices.
• by: The preposition 'by' indicates a means or method, which does not fit the context of describing a change in the recruitment process.

Correct answer: conceal

Explanation: The verb 'conceal' appropriately describes the action of hiding or keeping the identity of the candidate secret, fitting grammatically and contextually with the phrase 'to conceal the identity of the candidate from the jury.'

Meaning: 'Conceal' means to hide something or keep it out of sight, which is the purpose of using a screen in auditions.

Wrong options:

• contain: The verb 'contain' means to hold or include, which does not convey the idea of hiding someone's identity and is therefore contextually incorrect.
• cancel: 'Cancel' means to annul or invalidate, which does not relate to the action of hiding a candidate's identity during auditions.
• check: The verb 'check' implies verifying or inspecting, which does not fit the context of hiding identity.

Correct answer: likely

Explanation: The adverb 'likely' is used to indicate a probability or chance, fitting grammatically and contextually with the phrase 'were more likely to be advanced and/or hired.' It suggests a higher probability of women being advanced in auditions.

Meaning: 'Likely' means having a high probability of occurring, indicating that women had a better chance of being advanced or hired due to the changes in audition practices.

Wrong options:

• moreover: 'Moreover' is a discourse marker used to add information, which does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence about probability.
• right: The word 'right' implies correctness or suitability, which does not convey the intended meaning of probability in this context.
• instance: 'Instance' refers to a specific occurrence, which does not relate to the likelihood of women being advanced or hired.

Correct answer: increase

Explanation: The noun 'increase' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the growth in the proportion of female hires, aligning with the phrase 'the increase in the proportion female among new hires.'

Meaning: 'Increase' refers to a rise or growth in quantity, which in this context pertains to the growing number of female musicians hired.

Wrong options:

• decrease: The word 'decrease' implies a reduction, which contradicts the context of discussing a rise in female hires and is therefore incorrect.
• number: 'Number' is a general term that does not specifically indicate growth or change, making it less precise in this context.
• amount: 'Amount' typically refers to a quantity of something uncountable, which does not fit the context of discussing a specific increase in proportion.