Read the following passage and answer the given questions. The concept of…
2025
Read the following passage and answer the given questions.
The concept of cloud kitchens, also known as virtual or ghost kitchens, has become one of the fastest-growing trends in the food industry. Unlike traditional restaurants, cloud kitchens operate without a dine-in facility, focusing entirely on online orders and delivery services. This model has gained momentum due to changing consumer habits, technological integration, and the growing demand for convenience. One of the most significant economic advantages of cloud kitchens is cost efficiency. By eliminating the expenses of prime-location rentals, heavy decor, and customer service staff, businesses can focus resources on food quality, marketing, and delivery logistics. For many entrepreneurs, launching a restaurant earlier seemed like an elusive dream, but cloud kitchens have made it possible with lower investment and quicker setup. The global growth of cloud kitchens is impressive. In Britain, the industry witnessed a dramatic transformation in 2023, expanding nearly threefold compared to previous years. Much of this growth has been driven by the popularity of food delivery apps where customers need to tap once on their screens to get a meal delivered. Similarly, the United States has set an ambitious target, aiming to generate around $27 billion from cloud kitchen operations between 2027 and 2032. Such projections underline the crucial role cloud kitchens will play in the food economy of the future. Beyond profits, cloud kitchens contribute positively to the overall economy by creating jobs in cooking, packaging, logistics, and technology support. They also encourage collaborations with delivery platforms and boost allied sectors like packaging manufacturing and food supply chains. Much of this work is quietly done __________________, yet it strengthens multiple layers of the economy. However, this rapid growth has raised concerns. While governments have issued regulations concerning hygiene, licensing, and safety standards, many restaurants operating as cloud kitchens fail to comply strictly with these rules. The lack of regular inspections and the rush to meet demand often lead to corners being cut, raising questions about consumer safety and long-term sustainability. In conclusion, cloud kitchens represent a transformative shift in the food and service industry. They are cost-effective, scalable, and job-generating, making them vital for economic growth. Yet, their true potential will only be realized when strict adherence to regulations ensures that quality and safety are never compromised.
What is the most appropriate meaning of the word “tap” as used in this context?
- A.
Strike
- B.
Click
- C.
Extract
- D.
Control
- E.
Attach
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
Many English words are polysemous: their exact sense is fixed by the surrounding context, not by a single dictionary gloss. To find the intended meaning, substitute each candidate into the original sentence and keep the one that preserves the writer's idea without distorting it.
Application
In the passage the word appears as: “customers need to tap once on their screens to get a meal delivered.” Here the action is a single touch/press on a smartphone touchscreen that triggers an on-screen command. The everyday word for pressing or pointing at an on-screen element to activate it is “Click”, so “Click” carries the intended sense.
Why the other senses do not fit
“Strike” means to hit forcefully — too aggressive for a light touch on a screen.
“Extract” means to draw or pull something out (as in tapping a resource); it does not describe pressing a screen.
“Control” means to direct or regulate; a single screen touch is an action, not ongoing control.
“Attach” means to fasten or join two things; nothing is being joined when a user touches the screen.