Meaning: A 'scheme' refers to a systematic plan or arrangement, particularly in the context of benefits provided by employers.

Wrong options:

• consideration: 'Consideration' is a noun that refers to careful thought or deliberation, which does not fit the context of a structured benefit plan.
• allowance: 'Allowance' is a noun that typically refers to a sum of money given regularly, which does not specifically denote a structured benefit like a pension or insurance scheme.
• treatment: 'Treatment' refers to the manner in which someone is treated, which does not fit as a noun describing a benefit plan.
• includes: 'Includes' is a verb that indicates the act of containing or comprising, which does not fit as a noun in this context.
• allows: 'Allows' is a verb that means to permit, which does not fit grammatically as a noun for this blank.

Correct answer: ensure

Explanation: The verb 'ensure' is appropriate here as it conveys the necessity of guaranteeing fairness in providing benefits. It fits grammatically as it follows the modal 'must,' indicating obligation.

Meaning: To 'ensure' means to make certain that something will happen or be the case, particularly in terms of fairness in benefits.

Wrong options:

• consideration: 'Consideration' is a noun and does not fit grammatically as a verb that indicates an action of guaranteeing.
• avoid: 'Avoid' is a verb that means to keep away from or prevent, which does not fit the context of guaranteeing fairness.
• allowance: 'Allowance' is a noun that does not convey the action of ensuring fairness and does not fit grammatically.
• scheme: 'Scheme' is a noun that does not fit as a verb in this context.
• includes: 'Includes' is a verb that indicates containing something, which does not fit the requirement of guaranteeing fairness.
• allows: 'Allows' is a verb that means to permit, which does not convey the necessity of ensuring fairness.

Correct answer: avoid

Explanation: The verb 'avoid' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates the action of preventing discrimination. It follows logically from the need to ensure fairness in benefits.

Meaning: To 'avoid' means to keep away from or prevent something from happening, in this case, discrimination.

Wrong options:

• consideration: 'Consideration' is a noun that does not fit as an action to prevent discrimination.
• ensure: 'Ensure' is a verb that means to guarantee, which does not fit the context of preventing discrimination.
• allowance: 'Allowance' is a noun that does not convey the action of preventing discrimination.
• scheme: 'Scheme' is a noun that does not fit as a verb in this context.
• includes: 'Includes' is a verb that indicates containing something, which does not fit the requirement of preventing discrimination.
• allows: 'Allows' is a verb that means to permit, which does not convey the action of preventing discrimination.

Correct answer: includes

Explanation: The verb 'includes' fits grammatically as it indicates the act of comprising or containing something within the contracts. It is contextually appropriate as it describes the action of adding benefits to employee contracts.

Meaning: To 'include' means to contain or comprise as part of a whole, particularly in the context of benefits in contracts.

Wrong options:

• consideration: 'Consideration' is a noun that does not fit as a verb indicating the act of comprising something.
• avoid: 'Avoid' is a verb that means to keep away from, which does not fit the context of adding benefits to contracts.
• allowance: 'Allowance' is a noun that does not fit as a verb in this context.
• scheme: 'Scheme' is a noun that does not fit as a verb indicating the act of including something.
• allows: 'Allows' is a verb that means to permit, which does not fit the context of comprising benefits in contracts.

Correct answer: treatment

Explanation: The noun 'treatment' fits grammatically as it refers to the manner in which employees are treated, which is the focus of the sentence regarding fairness in benefits. It aligns contextually with the discussion of discrimination.

Meaning: 'Treatment' refers to the manner in which someone is treated, particularly in the context of fairness and equality in the workplace.

Wrong options:

• consideration: 'Consideration' is a noun that refers to careful thought, which does not fit the context of how employees are treated.
• avoid: 'Avoid' is a verb that does not fit as a noun describing the manner of treatment.
• allowance: 'Allowance' is a noun that typically refers to a sum of money given regularly, which does not fit the context of employee treatment.
• scheme: 'Scheme' is a noun that refers to a structured plan, which does not fit the context of treatment.
• includes: 'Includes' is a verb that indicates containing something, which does not fit as a noun for this blank.
• allows: 'Allows' is a verb that means to permit, which does not fit the context of describing treatment.