Question

Fill in the blank with an appropriate word:
Sheila's grandmother found it difficult to climb _________ the steep staircase.

Answer 1

There are two possible answers to this: 'up' and 'down':
Sheila's grandmother found it difficult to climb up the steep staircase.
Sheila's grandmother found it difficult to climb down the steep staircase.
It's not indicated whether the person is climbing upwards or downwards. However, usually, climbing is an action done upwards (unless the stairs or slope is steep, then one climbs downwards as well).