Meaning: 'Feared' means to be afraid of something or to have apprehension about it, indicating that some people were worried about the consequences of the printing press.

Wrong options:

• prepared: 'Prepared' implies readiness and does not convey the sense of worry or concern needed in this context.
• braved: 'Braved' suggests facing something difficult or dangerous, which does not fit the sentiment of apprehension expressed in the sentence.
• evident: 'Evident' means clear or obvious, which does not align with the context of expressing a fear or concern.

Correct answer: uncertain

Explanation: The word 'uncertain' fits well as it describes a lack of confidence or assurance regarding technology, which is the sentiment being conveyed. It aligns with the context of skepticism about online classes and is an adjective that matches the plural subject 'those.'

Meaning: 'Uncertain' means not sure or having doubts, indicating that some individuals may lack confidence in their ability to engage with technology.

Wrong options:

• assured: 'Assured' means confident or certain, which contradicts the context of skepticism being discussed.
• hopeful: 'Hopeful' implies a positive expectation, which does not match the sentiment of doubt or skepticism expressed in the sentence.
• embarrassed: 'Embarrassed' refers to feeling self-conscious or ashamed, which does not relate to the context of uncertainty about technology.

Correct answer: familiar

Explanation: The word 'familiar' is appropriate as it describes a state of being well-acquainted or knowledgeable about something, which fits the context of the audience's awareness of David Noble's criticisms. It is an adjective that correctly modifies 'us' in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Familiar' means having a good knowledge of something or being well-acquainted with it, indicating that many people know about Noble's work.

Wrong options:

• formal: 'Formal' refers to a structured or official manner, which does not fit the context of being acquainted with Noble's criticisms.
• family: 'Family' refers to a group of related individuals, which is irrelevant in this context as it does not describe knowledge or acquaintance.
• faltering: 'Faltering' means hesitating or wavering, which does not convey the intended meaning of being knowledgeable.

Correct answer: luddite

Explanation: The term 'luddite' is fitting as it refers to someone who is opposed to or skeptical of technology, which aligns with Noble's perspective on technology in teaching. It is a noun that correctly describes the subject of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Luddite' refers to a person who resists technological change, particularly in the context of education, indicating Noble's view on technology's role.

Wrong options:

• worker: 'Worker' is a general term for someone who performs tasks, which does not capture the specific connotation of resistance to technology.
• charmer: 'Charmer' refers to someone who is charming or attractive, which is unrelated to the context of technology skepticism.
• erudite: 'Erudite' means having or showing great knowledge, which contradicts the idea of being resistant to technology.

Correct answer: distracting

Explanation: The word 'distracting' is appropriate as it serves as an adjective describing the effect of technology on teaching, fitting grammatically after 'is.' It conveys the idea that technology diverts attention, which aligns with Noble's criticism.

Meaning: 'Distracting' means causing someone to lose focus or attention, indicating that Noble believes technology can hinder effective teaching.

Wrong options:

• distracts: 'Distracts' is a verb form that does not fit the grammatical structure required after 'is.'
• distracted: 'Distracted' is the past participle form, which does not fit the present tense context of the sentence.
• distract: 'Distract' is the base form of the verb, which is not suitable in this context where an adjective is needed.

Correct answer: fought

Explanation: The word 'fought' is the past tense of 'fight,' which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the actions of the Luddites in the past. The sentence requires a verb in the past tense to match the historical context.

Meaning: 'Fought' means to engage in a struggle or battle against something, indicating that the Luddites resisted technological advancements.

Wrong options:

• are fighting: 'Are fighting' is present continuous tense, which does not match the historical context of the Luddites' actions.
• is fighting: 'Is fighting' is present tense, which is inappropriate for describing a past event.
• fights: 'Fights' is present tense and does not align with the historical context of the Luddites.