Fill in the blank with an appropriate option.

I try to retrieve the note from my pocket while ______ the tray steady on my palm.

holding

The correct answer is holding.

The sentence is about trying to do two things at once: retrieve a note from your pocket and hold a tray steady on your palm. The verb "holding" is the most accurate description of the physical action required to do both of these things simultaneously.

The other options are not as appropriate.

• Noting means to make a mental note of something. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence because the speaker is not trying to make a mental note of anything.
• Plotting means to plan something secret or harmful. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence because the speaker is not trying to plan anything secret or harmful.
• Scolding means to say something in a sharp way to someone who has done something wrong. It does not make sense in the context of the sentence because the speaker is not trying to scold anyone.