Question

The company's initiative to improve employee work-life balance was________by many workers as a positive change, but it was________by management who feared it might reduce productivity.

• A. welcomed
• B. contested
• C. applauded
• D. discouraged
• E. resisted

Hint:

Look for contrasting viewpoints—positive words for approval and negative words for disapproval—when filling in blanks in such sentences

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, D

This sentence presents two differing perspectives on the company's initiative For the workers, the initiative is seen positively, so a positive term is appropriate
(A) supported — positive, general approval

(B) welcomed — warmly accepted, very fitting

(D) applauded — praised, also positive
Among these, "welcomed" (B) emphasizes acceptance as a positive change For management, concern about reduced productivity suggests a negative response
(C) contested — means disputed or challenged, somewhat negative

(E) discouraged — means disapproved or tried to prevent, fitting negative response

(F) resisted — actively opposed, also negative
"Discouraged" (E) fits best as management feared the consequences, showing disapproval Thus, the correct answers are welcomed and discouraged