Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are…
2024
Read the following passage and answer the given questions.
Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.
Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ___________ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.
As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies. These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.
What is the antonym of “approach”?
- A.
Withdraw
- B.
Assist
- C.
Destroy
- D.
Engage
- E.
leverage
Attempted by 6 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
An antonym is a word whose meaning is the opposite of another word. To choose an antonym you must first fix the sense of the target word, then find the option that expresses its directly opposite sense — not merely an unrelated or weakly related word.
Application
The verb “approach” means to come nearer to, or move toward, a person, place, or thing. Its opposite sense is to move away from or pull back. The word that captures “to move away / retreat” is “Withdraw”, which therefore is the antonym.
Note on sense: although the passage uses “approaches” as a noun (meaning ways or methods), this item tests the everyday verb sense of “approach” — to come nearer. Among the five choices, only one forms a true antonym pair with the word, and that is the word meaning to move away.
Contrast
“Assist” means to help — it is unrelated to nearness or movement, so it is not an opposite.
“Destroy” means to demolish or ruin — a contrast of a different kind, not the opposite of moving toward.
“Engage” means to involve or take part with — this is closer to a synonym of approaching, not its opposite.
“leverage” means to use something to maximum advantage — unrelated to direction of movement.
Hence the antonym of “approach” is Withdraw.