Directions: In a question given below an incomplete sentence that must be filled/completed with one of the sentence /phrases can be fit into the given blanks. Choose the correct option and complete the given sentence.

Due to the rapid mechanisation of low-skill jobs in the construction and retail sectors, employment prospects________________________________.

The correct answer is 'for the poor appear increasingly dismal'.

Key Points

• The sentence states that "there is an increase in the use of machinery for the construction work hence employment prospect ___"
• Hence, the blank will need the phrase which will link the given sentence.
• In option 1, it is given that 'for the poor appearing increasingly dismal.' 
  • When we check option 1 in the blank we will get the meaning as "there is an increase in the use of machinery for the construction work hence employment prospects for the poor appearing increasingly dismal."
  • This option is grammatically incorrect as the subject (employment prospects) is plural hence verb will also be plural. 
  • Hence, option 1 is grammatically incorrect.
• In option 2, it is given that 'for the poor appear increasingly dismal.' ​
  • ​When we check option 2 in the blank we will get the meaning as "there is an increase in the use of machinery for the construction work hence employment prospects for the poor appear increasingly dismal."
  • After checking option 2 we can conclude that it fits in the blank correctly as per context and grammar.
  • Hence, option 2 is contextually and grammatically correct.
• In option 3, it is given that 'for them poor appear increasingly dismal.'. ​
  • ​When we check option 3 in the blank we will get the meaning as "there is an increase in the use of machinery for the construction work hence employment prospects for them poor appear increasingly dismal."
  • This option is grammatically incorrect as 'them' should be replaced by article 'the'.
  • Hence, option 3 is grammatically incorrect.
• In option 4, it is given that 'for the poor appear increasing dismal.'. ​
  • ​When we check option 4 in the blank we will get the meaning as "there is an increase in the use of machinery for the construction work hence employment prospects for the poor appear increasing dismal."
  • This option is grammatically incorrect as 'increasing' is a verb and it should be replaced by the adjective 'increasingly'.
  • Hence, option 4 is grammatically incorrect.
• In option 5, it is given that 'for these poor appear increasing dismal'. ​
  • ​When we check option 5 in the blank we will get the meaning as "there is an increase in the use of machinery for the construction work hence employment prospects for these poor appear increasing dismal."
  • This option is grammatically incorrect as 'increasing' is a verb and it should be replaced by the adjective 'increasingly'. 'these' should be replaced by 'the'.
  • Hence, option 5 is grammatically incorrect.
• Therefore, the most appropriate option is option 2 i.e. "for the poor appear increasingly dismal.".

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.