Meaning: 'Than' is a conjunction used to introduce the second element in a comparison, indicating a preference for one activity over another.

Wrong options:

• for: The word 'for' indicates purpose or reason, which does not fit the comparative structure needed here.
• as: The word 'as' is used for comparisons but does not convey the preference structure required in this context.
• to: The word 'to' indicates direction or intention, which does not align with the comparative nature of the sentence.

Correct answer: ironically

Explanation: The word 'ironically' introduces a contrast between the decline in reading and the increase in online writers, fitting well contextually and logically. It highlights the unexpected nature of the survey results, aligning with the overall sentiment of contradiction in the passage.

Meaning: 'Ironically' means in a way that is contrary to what is expected, emphasizing the surprising nature of the survey findings.

Wrong options:

• thoroughly: The word 'thoroughly' means completely or in detail, which does not convey the contrast needed in this context.
• radically: The word 'radically' implies a significant change, which does not fit the context of highlighting an unexpected situation.
• respectively: The word 'respectively' is used to indicate a correspondence between two items, which does not apply to the contrasting idea presented.

Correct answer: losing

Explanation: The word 'losing' is the correct form of the verb that indicates a decline in popularity, fitting grammatically as it aligns with the present continuous tense used in the sentence. It accurately describes the current trend regarding novels.

Meaning: 'Losing' means to be in the process of becoming less in quantity or quality, indicating a decline in popularity.

Wrong options:

• maintaining: The word 'maintaining' suggests keeping something at the same level, which contradicts the idea of a decline in popularity.
• loosing: The word 'loosing' is a misspelling of 'losing' and does not convey the intended meaning of decline.
• regaining: The word 'regaining' implies recovering something lost, which is the opposite of the intended meaning of a decline.

Correct answer: away

Explanation: The word 'away' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates distance or removal, aligning with the idea that literature is not disappearing but evolving. The phrase 'fading away' is a common idiomatic expression that conveys the notion of gradually disappearing.

Meaning: 'Away' indicates a state of being distant or removed, suggesting that literature is not disappearing but rather changing.

Wrong options:

• upon: The word 'upon' indicates a position or condition, which does not fit the context of fading or disappearing.
• on: The word 'on' suggests a surface or continuation, which does not convey the idea of fading or disappearing.
• up: The word 'up' typically indicates direction or completion, which does not align with the context of fading away.