Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. The China pet food market was valued at USD 1,225 million in 2021, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period (2022-2027).
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching implications within the pet food supply chain. However, the pet food industry suppliers increased their use of electronic communications technologies as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly halted traditional forms of business. Although major international pet shows got cancelled early in 2020 due to the travel bans and social distancing as a result of the pandemic, the organizers of the China International Pet Show introduced an online trade show platform where buyers can search for pet products and communicate.
Over the long term, pet humanization, the increasing trend of e-commerce, and the rise in demand for natural pet food are some of the major factors driving the market for pet food in the country. The demographic changes have pushed Chinese pet owners to treat their pets as surrogate children.
Dogs have always been the prefer pets globally and account for a large chunk of the Chinese pet food revenue. China ranks third in terms of dog ownership, with more than 27 million dogs as pets in 2018. Cats and birds were the next category of pets, which accounted for significant revenue shares.
Among the product types, the wet pet food segment is estimated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. As dogs and cats are treated as family members, Chinese pet owners are increasingly willing to spend lavishly on them, thus, the demand for wet pet food is likely to witness sharp increase in China in the coming years.
Furthermore, pet owners prefer online shopping due to the convenience it provides in their busy lifestyles. Increasing pet humanization and the rise in demand for natural pet food are some of the drivers boosting the sales of pet food in the country.
Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning of the word ' projected to '.
expected
The question asks to identify the word that has a meaning closest to the phrase 'projected to' as used in the passage.
Understanding 'Projected To' in Context
The passage states, "The China pet food market was valued at USD 1,225 million in 2021, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period (2022-2027)." In this sentence, 'projected to' indicates an estimation or forecast about future growth based on current data and trends. It suggests what is expected to happen.
Analyzing the Options for Meaning
Let's look at each option to see which one best matches the meaning of 'projected to' in this context:
- decided: This means a firm choice has been made. Growth cannot be 'decided' in the same way a plan is; it's an estimation. So, 'decided' is not a good fit.
- quandary: This refers to a state of uncertainty or confusion about what to do. This word relates to a dilemma, not a future prediction. Thus, it is incorrect.
- profuse: This means abundant or plentiful. While growth can be abundant, 'profuse' doesn't capture the predictive aspect of 'projected to'. It describes a quantity, not a forecast. Therefore, it's not the best synonym.
- expected: This word means regarded as likely to happen or come about. This aligns perfectly with the idea of forecasting or estimating future growth, as used in the passage. The market is anticipated to grow.
- dither: This means to be indecisive or agitated. It has no relation to predicting market growth. So, this option is incorrect.
Selecting the Best Synonym
Comparing the meanings, 'expected' is the word that most closely matches 'projected to' in the given context. Both terms imply a forecast or anticipation of a future event or trend.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
