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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #48431 Japan
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
Japan,  traditionally  characterized  by  its  intense  work  culture,  has  been  undergoing  a  significant  transformation  towards  achieving  a  more  harmonious  work-life  balance.  This  shift    growing  awareness  of  the  health  and  societal  implications  of  excessive  work  hours,  exemplified  by  the  phenomenon  of  karoshi.  In  ,  the  Japanese  government  and  corporate  sector  have  been  implementing  reforms  aimed  at  reducing  workplace  stress  and  promoting  well-being.  These  include  advocating  for  shorter  working  hours,    the  use  of  paid  vacations,  and  introducing  flexible  work  arrangements.  This  evolving  ethos  reflects  a  broader  cultural  shift,  balancing  Japan's  strong  work  ethic  with  an  increasing    on  personal  health  and  family  time.  These  changes  are  essential  for  addressing  Japan's  demographic  challenges,  including  an  aging  workforce  and  declining  birth  .  By  fostering  a  healthier  work  environment,  Japan  is  aiming  to  enhance  not  only  the  happiness  and  productivity  of  its  people  but  also  to  ensure  a  sustainable  and  vibrant  future  for  its  society.  

Result:

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Correct answer: is driven by

Explanation: The phrase 'is driven by' correctly indicates that the transformation is being motivated or influenced by the growing awareness. It fits grammatically as it uses the present passive form, which is appropriate for describing ongoing actions or states in this context.

Meaning: 'Is driven by' means that something is motivated or influenced by a particular factor, in this case, the growing awareness of health and societal implications.

Wrong options:

  • is driven: This option is incomplete as it lacks the necessary preposition 'by' to connect the subject with the cause of the transformation.
  • driven by: While this option is grammatically correct, it does not fit the sentence structure as it lacks the auxiliary verb 'is' needed to form the present passive voice.
  • which is driven: This option introduces an unnecessary relative clause that disrupts the flow of the sentence, making it less direct and clear.
Correct answer: response

Explanation: The word 'response' fits contextually as it indicates an action taken as a reaction to the growing awareness. It is also grammatically correct as it serves as a noun that aligns with the prepositional phrase 'in response to.'

Meaning: 'Response' refers to an action or change that occurs as a reaction to something, in this case, the awareness of work-related issues.

Wrong options:

  • consideration: This option implies a thought process rather than an action taken, making it contextually inappropriate for the sentence.
  • difference: This word does not convey a reaction or action, thus failing to fit the context of the sentence regarding reforms being implemented.
  • regard: While 'regard' can imply consideration, it does not fit the context of a proactive action taken by the government and corporate sector.
Correct answer: encouraging

Explanation: The word 'encouraging' is a gerund that fits grammatically as it serves as the subject of the clause, indicating the action being promoted. It aligns well with the context of advocating for the use of paid vacations.

Meaning: 'Encouraging' means to promote or support an action, in this case, the use of paid vacations.

Wrong options:

  • persuading: This option implies convincing someone to do something, which does not fit the context of advocating for a practice that is already being promoted.
  • retiring: This word does not relate to the context of promoting vacation use; instead, it refers to leaving a job or ceasing work, making it irrelevant here.
  • posing: This option suggests presenting a question or problem, which does not align with the context of promoting a positive action.
Correct answer: emphasis

Explanation: The word 'emphasis' fits well as it indicates a focus or importance placed on personal health and family time. It is grammatically correct as a noun that complements the structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Emphasis' refers to special importance or significance given to something, in this case, personal health and family time.

Wrong options:

  • omission: This word implies something being left out, which does not fit the context of highlighting the importance of health and family time.
  • prospect: This term refers to the possibility of something happening in the future, which does not align with the context of current cultural shifts.
  • code: This option does not relate to the context of personal health and family time, as it refers to a system of rules or principles.
Correct answer: rates

Explanation: The word 'rates' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the frequency or level of births, which is relevant to the demographic challenges mentioned. It is a noun that aligns with the plural context of 'birth.'

Meaning: 'Rates' refers to the statistical measure of occurrences, in this case, the number of births over a specific period.

Wrong options:

  • examples: This option does not fit as it refers to instances or cases, which is irrelevant to the context of demographic statistics.
  • impacts: While this word relates to effects or influences, it does not fit the context of measuring birth occurrences.
  • models: This term refers to representations or frameworks, which does not align with the context of demographic statistics regarding births.

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