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Para-Completion Questions
23. There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide in which blank (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: This has meant a lot of uncertainty around what a wide-scale return to office might look like in practice.
Paragraph: Bringing workers back to their desks has been a rocky road for employers and employees alike. The evolution of the pandemic has meant that best-laid plans have often not materialised.
___(1)___ The flow of workers back into offices has been more of a trickle than a steady stream.
___(2)___ Yet while plenty of companies are still working through their new policies, some employees across the globe are now back at their desks, whether on a full-time or hybrid basis.
___(3)___ That means we’re beginning to get some clarity on what return-to-office means - what’s working, as well as what has yet to be settled.
___(4)___
Solution with Explanation
Answer: B (Option 2)
Explanation:
The missing sentence talks about “uncertainty around what a wide-scale return to office might look like in practice.” This idea connects best with the sentence before Blank 2, which mentions that “the flow of workers back into offices has been more of a trickle than a steady stream.” The uncertainty in the missing sentence logically follows the observation that return-to-office has been inconsistent and slow.
Placing the sentence in Blank 2 allows for a smooth transition from the challenges and slow pace of return (trickle) to a broader reflection on the uncertainty this has caused. Then the next sentence continues naturally by noting that while some companies are still deciding, others have resumed office work — showing a gradual resolution of that uncertainty.
Correct sequence with the inserted sentence:
Bringing workers back to their desks has been a rocky road for employers and employees alike. The evolution of the pandemic has meant that best-laid plans have often not materialised.
The flow of workers back into offices has been more of a trickle than a steady stream.
This has meant a lot of uncertainty around what a wide-scale return to office might look like in practice.
Yet while plenty of companies are still working through their new policies, some employees across the globe are now back at their desks, whether on a full-time or hybrid basis.
That means we’re beginning to get some clarity on what return-to-office means - what’s working, as well as what has yet to be settled.
Word 1: Uncertainty
Context:
"This has meant a lot of uncertainty around what a wide-scale return to office might look like in practice."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "uncertainty" refers to a state of not knowing what is going to happen or being unsure about how things will unfold. It often relates to situations where information is incomplete, outcomes are unpredictable, or plans are not yet solidified. In this context, the word highlights the lack of clarity that organizations and individuals face while trying to understand and adapt to the new norms of office work after periods of remote or hybrid setups.
Meaning: The state of being unsure or not knowing what will happen (noun)
Pronunciation: un-SIR-tuhn-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *certus* meaning "sure," with the prefix *un-* expressing negation; literally “not sure.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Uncertainty” is a powerful word used in discussions of economics, policy, psychology, and personal decision-making. It’s crucial to recognize how this word reflects hesitation, unpredictability, and the stress that can accompany not knowing what comes next.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: doubt, ambiguity, unpredictability, insecurity, vagueness
Antonyms: certainty, clarity, assurance, confidence, predictability
Usage Examples:
- The uncertainty surrounding the new policy left employees anxious.
- Financial markets dislike prolonged periods of uncertainty.
- He spoke with uncertainty, unsure of how his words would be received.
- The pandemic brought a new level of uncertainty to travel plans.
Cultural Reference:
"In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." – Benjamin Franklin, humorously highlighting life’s unavoidable uncertainties.
Think About It:
How do you personally cope with uncertainty? Does it motivate you to prepare more, or cause you to hesitate?
Quick Activity:
List three situations from your life where uncertainty led to unexpected opportunities. What did you learn from them?
Memory Tip:
Uncertainty = “un” (not) + “certain” → literally means “not sure.” Just break the word down!
Real-World Application:
"Uncertainty" is commonly used in contexts like business forecasts, mental health, global crises, and personal relationships. Recognizing and managing uncertainty is a key life skill in both planning and communication.
Word 2: Materialised
Context:
"Bringing workers back to their desks has been a rocky road for employers and employees alike. The evolution of the pandemic has meant that best-laid plans have often not materialised."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "materialised" refers to something becoming real, visible, or actual after being only an idea, plan, or expectation. In this context, it suggests that the plans organizations had for returning to office work did not become a reality as intended—due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. The term often carries a sense of anticipation being either fulfilled or left unrealized depending on the outcome.
Meaning: To become actual or real; to happen or take form (verb)
Pronunciation: muh-TEER-ee-uh-lyzd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *materialis* meaning "of matter" + the suffix *-ise/-ize*, meaning “to make.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Materialise” is often used when discussing expectations, strategies, or possibilities that either do or don’t become reality. It's especially common in planning, policy-making, and forecasting scenarios. Keep in mind that it has a slightly formal tone and is more likely to appear in written or professional English.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: occur, happen, emerge, come into being, transpire
Antonyms: vanish, disappear, dissolve, fade, remain unrealised
Usage Examples:
- None of the early warnings materialised into serious problems.
- Her dreams of becoming a doctor never materialised due to financial constraints.
- A figure materialised out of the fog as they approached the house.
- The risks they feared eventually materialised during the project.
Cultural Reference:
“The fear of something is often worse than the thing itself—many worries never materialise.” – A paraphrased idea from Stoic philosophy that still rings true today.
Think About It:
How do we balance planning for the future with the reality that many plans may never materialise?
Quick Activity:
Write down two goals or plans you’ve had in the past year—one that materialised and one that didn’t. Reflect on what helped or hindered each outcome.
Memory Tip:
Think of "materialised" as something that turns into "material"—it becomes touchable, real, or visible.
Real-World Application:
"Materialised" is widely used in professional reports, journalism, and formal communication to describe whether expectations or plans have been fulfilled. It's useful when evaluating outcomes versus intentions.
Word 3: Policies
Context:
"Yet while plenty of companies are still working through their new policies, some employees across the globe are now back at their desks, whether on a full-time or hybrid basis."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "policies" refers to formal plans or rules adopted by an organization, government, or individual to guide actions and decision-making. In the context of the workplace, especially during and after the pandemic, companies have had to revise or create new policies to accommodate hybrid work models, health safety measures, and remote collaboration. These policies help standardize behavior and ensure consistent practices across teams or departments.
Meaning: A set of ideas or a plan of action adopted or pursued by a government, business, or individual (noun - plural)
Pronunciation: POL-uh-seez
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *polis* (city/state), via Latin *politia* and Old French *policie*, meaning “civil administration” or “method of government.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Policies are the backbone of organized functioning in workplaces, schools, and governments. The word is often used in formal contexts to indicate structured guidelines, and understanding it is crucial for discussions around governance, business strategy, and compliance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: guidelines, regulations, rules, procedures, protocols
Antonyms: chaos, disorganization, improvisation, arbitrariness
Usage Examples:
- The school has strict policies on attendance and discipline.
- Government policies on climate change are under intense scrutiny.
- The company updated its remote work policies after employee feedback.
- Understanding HR policies is essential for all new hires.
Cultural Reference:
"Public policy is what the government chooses to do or not to do." – Thomas Dye, political scientist
Think About It:
Can a policy ever be both fair and unpopular? How should organizations balance employee needs with policy enforcement?
Quick Activity:
Think of one policy from your school, workplace, or community. Write a sentence explaining what it aims to achieve and whether you think it is effective.
Memory Tip:
“Policies” help maintain “polished” practices—think of them as rules that keep things running smoothly.
Real-World Application:
The word "policies" is essential in contexts such as business management, government, education, and healthcare. Knowing how to interpret and follow policies is key for working in structured environments.
Word 4: Hybrid
Context:
"Yet while plenty of companies are still working through their new policies, some employees across the globe are now back at their desks, whether on a full-time or hybrid basis."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "hybrid" refers to a combination or mixture of two different things, often to take advantage of the strengths of both. In the workplace context, a "hybrid basis" typically means a blend of remote and in-office work. The term has gained widespread use during and after the pandemic, as many companies adopted flexible working models that merge traditional office environments with the freedom of remote work. This hybrid approach seeks to balance productivity, convenience, and collaboration.
Meaning: A combination of two different elements, especially in systems, methods, or species (noun/adjective)
Pronunciation: HAI-brid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *hybrida*, meaning “offspring of a tame sow and a wild boar,” later generalized to mean “a mixture.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Hybrid” is one of those buzzwords that has evolved beyond its original biological meaning. Whether it’s about cars (hybrid engines) or jobs (hybrid work), the key idea is combining the best of both worlds. Context is critical to understanding what the blend includes.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mixed, composite, combined, crossbred, blended
Antonyms: pure, uniform, singular, unblended
Usage Examples:
- The company adopted a hybrid work model combining remote and in-office days.
- Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient because they use both electricity and petrol.
- Her hybrid teaching style blends traditional lectures with interactive media.
- The event featured a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual attendance.
Cultural Reference:
“The future of work is hybrid.” – A common refrain in modern business publications, reflecting the shift in how work environments are being redefined post-2020.
Think About It:
Does the hybrid model offer the best of both worlds, or does it risk combining the worst aspects of each?
Quick Activity:
List two advantages and two challenges of hybrid work or hybrid learning environments. How can the challenges be managed?
Memory Tip:
Think of a “hybrid” car — it uses both fuel and electricity. Likewise, hybrid means “a mix of two sources.”
Real-World Application:
"Hybrid" is widely used in work, education, technology, agriculture, and even events. Understanding this word helps in grasping modern developments across industries where fusion and flexibility are key.
Word 5: Clarity
Context:
"That means we’re beginning to get some clarity on what return-to-office means — what’s working, as well as what has yet to be settled."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "clarity" refers to the quality of being clear, understandable, or free from confusion. It is often used when information, thoughts, or plans become easier to comprehend or more defined. In this context, it reflects the increasing understanding of what "return-to-office" strategies look like, including what elements are functioning well and what areas remain uncertain. Clarity helps in making informed decisions and reducing ambiguity in communication and planning.
Meaning: The quality of being clear, easily understood, or free from confusion (noun)
Pronunciation: KLAIR-uh-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *claritas*, from *clarus* meaning “clear, bright.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Clarity” is a powerful word in both writing and decision-making. When you aim for clarity, you strip away the clutter and confusion. Whether you’re writing a report, giving a speech, or setting a goal, clarity ensures your message or vision is received as intended.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: lucidity, transparency, precision, comprehensibility
Antonyms: confusion, ambiguity, obscurity, vagueness
Usage Examples:
- She spoke with clarity, making it easy for everyone to understand her point.
- The new report brought much-needed clarity to the ongoing debate.
- Clarity in communication is essential for effective teamwork.
- We still lack clarity about the long-term goals of the project.
Cultural Reference:
"Clarity affords focus." — Thomas Leonard, a pioneer in the field of life coaching, emphasizing the importance of clear thinking and goals.
Think About It:
Is clarity always the goal, or can some ambiguity be beneficial in certain situations?
Quick Activity:
Pick a paragraph from something you’ve written recently. Revise it to increase clarity by removing unnecessary words and simplifying complex phrases.
Memory Tip:
Think of “clarity” like a clear glass—when there’s clarity, you can see everything without distortion.
Real-World Application:
"Clarity" is essential in business, education, leadership, and personal communication. Whether drafting emails, policies, or strategic plans, clarity ensures that intentions are understood and confusion is avoided.
