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Practice Reading: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) ID: #50174 Population 3
Instructions ›
Below is a text with blanks. Click on each blank, a list of choices will appear. Select the appropriate choice for each blank.
* Select the correct answer into all dropdown fields. You need to answer all questions before clicking verify button.
Population  composition  is  changing  at  every  level  of  society.  Births  increase  in  one  nation  and  decrease  in  another.  Some  families    childbirth  while  others  start  bringing  children  into  their  folds  early.  Population  changes  can  be  due  to  random  external  ,  like  an  epidemic,  or  shifts  in  other  social  institutions,  as  described  above.  But  regardless  of  why  and  how  it  happens,  population  trends  have  a    interrelated  impact  on  all  other  aspects  of  society.  For  example,  because  we  are  experiencing  an  increase  in  our    population  as  baby  boomers  begin  to  retire,  this  will  in  turn  change  the  way  many  of  our  social  institutions  are  organized.  For  instance,  there  is  an  increased  demand  for  housing  in  warmer  climates,  a  massive  shift  in  the  need  for  elder  care  and  assisted  living  facilities,  and  growing  awareness  of  elder  abuse.  There  is  concern  about  labor    as  boomers  retire,  not  to  mention  the  knowledge  gap  as  the  most  senior  and  accomplished  leaders  in  different  sectors  start  to  leave.  Further,  as  this  large  generation  leaves  the  workforce,  the  loss  of  tax  income  and  pressure  on  pension  and  retirement  plans  means  that  the  financial  stability  of  the  country  is  threatened.

Result:

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Correct answer: delay

Explanation: The word 'delay' fits grammatically as it is a verb that indicates postponing an action, which aligns with the context of families choosing to postpone childbirth. The sentence structure requires a verb that conveys this action, making 'delay' the appropriate choice.

Meaning: 'Delay' means to put off or postpone something to a later time, in this case, childbirth.

Wrong options:

  • demand: 'Demand' implies a strong request or need, which does not fit the context of families postponing childbirth.
  • default: 'Default' refers to a failure to fulfill an obligation, which is unrelated to the context of childbirth timing.
  • deliver: 'Deliver' means to give birth or provide something, which does not convey the idea of postponement.
Correct answer: forces

Explanation: The term 'forces' is suitable as it refers to external influences that can affect population changes, fitting well within the context of the sentence. It is a noun that aligns with the plural form required here, indicating various external factors.

Meaning: 'Forces' refers to influences or factors that can cause changes, such as epidemics or social shifts.

Wrong options:

  • variations: 'Variations' suggests differences or changes but does not convey the idea of external influences affecting population dynamics.
  • fortune: 'Fortune' refers to luck or chance, which does not fit the context of external factors impacting population changes.
  • formation: 'Formation' implies the act of forming or creating, which does not align with the idea of external influences.
Correct answer: tremendous

Explanation: The word 'tremendous' is an adjective that conveys a significant or great impact, which is appropriate in this context. It matches the tone of the sentence, emphasizing the substantial effects of population trends on society.

Meaning: 'Tremendous' means very large or great, indicating a significant impact on society.

Wrong options:

  • tenuous: 'Tenuous' means weak or insubstantial, which contradicts the idea of a strong impact on society.
  • tremulous: 'Tremulous' refers to shaking or quivering, which does not fit the context of describing an impact.
  • spontaneous: 'Spontaneous' means occurring without external cause, which does not accurately describe the nature of population trends.
Correct answer: senior

Explanation: The term 'senior' is appropriate as it refers to older individuals, particularly in the context of the aging population. It fits grammatically and contextually, indicating the demographic shift as baby boomers retire.

Meaning: 'Senior' refers to older adults, especially those who are retired or nearing retirement age.

Wrong options:

  • tertiary: 'Tertiary' refers to the third level or rank, which does not relate to age or population demographics.
  • junior: 'Junior' implies younger individuals, which contradicts the context of an aging population.
  • primary: 'Primary' refers to the first or main level, which does not accurately describe the older demographic.
Correct answer: shortages

Explanation: The word 'shortages' fits well as it refers to a lack of something, specifically labor in this context. It is a noun that aligns with the concerns about the workforce as baby boomers retire, making it the correct choice.

Meaning: 'Shortages' means a lack of sufficient quantity, indicating that there will be fewer workers available as boomers retire.

Wrong options:

  • shortcuts: 'Shortcuts' refers to quicker methods or routes, which does not relate to the context of labor availability.
  • shortfalls: 'Shortfalls' implies a failure to meet a required amount, which is similar but less commonly used in this context than 'shortages.'
  • shorthand: 'Shorthand' refers to a method of rapid writing or a brief way of expressing something, which is unrelated to labor issues.

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