Direction: In the following three passages some of the words have been left out. First read the passage over and try to understand what it is about. Then fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given.

PASSAGE - I
The last decade has been 481 for management education and development. When the economies of most western countries were 482 in the early 1980’s there were 483 cuts both in corporate training and in higher education. During the boom years of the mid 1980’s there were some 484 in both areas. In the early 1990’s industrialized countries were in the 485 of another severe recession and a 486 retrenchment was to be reasonably 487 throughout the training world. But this has not been the case so far. Many leading companies are 488 their belief in training as the key to future competitiveness and governments are 489 an era of rapid 490 in higher education.

PASSAGE -II
One of the oldest cities of Asia, Srinagar is known for its unique wooden architecture. Its 491 network of narrow streets amid multi-storey wooded houses 492 out its waterways, make it look like medieval Islamic 493 centres. The large-scale demolition of traditional buildings and bazaars 494 the quest for modernity have, however, 495 to their disappearance.

PASSAGE - III
More than 7,000 people died within a matter of days when toxic gas leaked 496 a chemical plant in Bhopal, India. The leak began late at night and 497 for several hours unnoticed. Since then, 498 to the toxins created by the leak has resulted in innumerable deaths. Many more are sick and 499 to live normal lives. Despite trying to get 500 for the disaster, the people have seen no real attempt to compensate them. The company involved, UCC, has publicly 501 all responsibility for the leak. No one till date has been held 502 . Was it the 503 of the machinery or simply human error ? Many questions remain 504. The investigation has been dealt with in a very 505 manner.