Replace the highlighted words in the sentence with the most appropriate set of words that best fit the context of the sentence. If the sentence is correct as it stands, select “No improvement required”.

The CEO’s (A) thunderstorm was meant to (B) spaghetti the team, but it only led to (C) doorknobs and reduced overall (D) paperclips.

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Key Points

• Thunderstorm (A) is an irrelevant metaphor in this context. The appropriate replacement is "speech" as it correctly refers to what the CEO delivered to the team.
• Spaghetti (B) is a literal food item and illogical in the sentence. The correct verb is "motivate", which fits the intended purpose of a CEO's address to a team.
• Doorknobs (C) is out of context. "Confusion" is more meaningful and logically represents the unintended outcome of the speech.
• Paperclips (D) does not convey any emotional or productivity-related implication. "Productivity" is the accurate word that aligns with the workplace context.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Correct Sentence: The CEO’s speech was meant to motivate the team, but it only led to confusion and reduced overall productivity.

Additional Information

• Option 1: “Meeting, discipline, chaos, morale” partially fits but the tone and implication of the original sentence are more suited to a motivational attempt, not disciplinary action.
• Option 2: “Memo” and “focus” are weaker choices compared to the more engaging “speech” and “productivity.”
• Option 3: Though “announcement” and “uncertainty” fit somewhat, “empower” doesn’t align with the intended effect of trying to motivate and failing.
• Option 5: “No improvement required” is incorrect due to the presence of nonsensical terms like “thunderstorm,” “spaghetti,” “doorknobs,” and “paperclips.”