A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: of

Explanation: The phrase 'the rise of' is a common collocation that indicates an increase or growth in something, fitting grammatically and contextually as it refers to the increase in the working profession over the past couple of decades.

Meaning: 'Of' indicates belonging or association, in this case, linking the rise to the working profession, suggesting that the increase is specifically related to that field.

Wrong options:

• in: 'In' suggests a location or position, which does not fit the context of discussing a rise in a profession.
• to: 'To' implies direction or destination, which is not appropriate here as we are discussing a rise rather than a movement towards something.
• for: 'For' indicates purpose or benefit, which does not align with the context of describing an increase in the profession.

Correct answer: lacking

Explanation: The word 'lacking' fits grammatically as it describes the absence of allure in the industry previously, aligning with the context of the sentence that contrasts past and present.

Meaning: 'Lacking' means not having something, indicating that the industry did not possess the allure it has now.

Wrong options:

• vanished: 'Vanished' suggests something that has disappeared completely, which does not fit the context of describing a quality that was previously absent.
• polished: 'Polished' implies something that is refined or perfected, which contradicts the idea of absence of allure.
• humorous: 'Humorous' relates to being funny, which is irrelevant in the context of discussing the allure of the culinary profession.

Correct answer: macho

Explanation: The term 'macho' describes a strong or aggressive masculine attitude, fitting contextually as it highlights the tough environment of professional kitchens, particularly in relation to women.

Meaning: 'Macho' refers to a strong or aggressive masculine demeanor, indicating a challenging atmosphere for women in the culinary field.

Wrong options:

• hardworking: 'Hardworking' describes a diligent work ethic, which does not capture the specific cultural climate being discussed.
• hot: 'Hot' refers to temperature or attractiveness, which does not relate to the social dynamics of the kitchen environment.
• exhausting: 'Exhausting' describes something that is tiring, which does not specifically address the masculine culture implied in the context.

Correct answer: deal

Explanation: The word 'deal' fits grammatically and contextually as it is commonly used in phrases like 'a great deal,' indicating a significant amount of change since the past.

Meaning: 'Deal' in this context means a large quantity or extent, emphasizing the substantial changes that have occurred.

Wrong options:

• many: 'Many' is a quantifier for countable nouns, which does not fit the context of describing change in a general sense.
• number: 'Number' is a noun that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it requires a quantifier or adjective to describe change.
• lot: 'Lot' is informal and less precise than 'deal,' making it less suitable for the formal tone of the text.

Correct answer: away

Explanation: The word 'away' fits grammatically and contextually as it is commonly used in the phrase 'dying away,' indicating a gradual reduction or disappearance of split shifts in the culinary profession.

Meaning: 'Away' suggests a movement from a place or state, in this case, indicating that split shifts are gradually becoming less common.

Wrong options:

• today: 'Today' indicates the present time but does not fit grammatically or contextually in the phrase 'dying today.'
• up: 'Up' implies an increase or improvement, which contradicts the context of something diminishing or disappearing.
• too: 'Too' suggests excessiveness, which does not align with the context of describing the gradual decline of split shifts.