Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
"It may seem __________ that the hours of women’s chores at home have not declined in spite of the availability of many appliances (gas, electric ranges, washing machines, etc.)."

Correct option is C

Explanation of the Correct Answer: · The sentence expresses surprise that despite modern appliances, household work has not reduced.
· "Perplexing" (c) means confusing or puzzling, which best fits the sentence.
Why Are the Other Options Incorrect? · (a) "perceiving" → Incorrect; it means recognizing or understanding, which doesn’t convey confusion.
· (b) "promising" → Incorrect; it means hopeful or positive, which does not fit the context.
· (d) "persisting" → Incorrect; it means continuing, but it does not convey confusion.
Thus, the correct sentence is:
"It may seem perplexing that the hours of women’s chores at home have not declined in spite of the availability of many appliances."