fill in the blanks questions for ssc
- Rising gold prices over the last few months have been _______ hitting demand in large consumer ______ for jewelry including China and India.
A. overturned, makers
B. observed, markets
C. assumed, dices
D. sent, directions
E. None of the above
Correct answer: (B) observed, markets
The sentence is:
Rising gold prices over the last few months have been _______ hitting demand in large consumer ______ for jewelry including China and India.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with an adverb or verb form that describes how rising prices have been affecting demand. The second blank must be filled with a noun that refers to regions or countries where gold is consumed.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence discusses rising gold prices and their effect on demand. The first word should indicate that this effect has been noticed or observed. The second word should refer to consumer regions or countries. China and India are major gold consumer markets.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning and collocation:
• Observed, markets – “Observed” means noticed or recorded, which fits the idea that the effect on demand has been seen. “Markets” refers to countries or regions where goods are bought, and China and India are large consumer markets for jewelry. This pair is logical and natural.
• Overturned, makers – “Overturned” means reversed or upset, which does not fit the meaning here. “Makers” refers to producers, not consumers.
• Assumed, dices – “Assumed” means supposed, which is weaker than “observed.” “Dices” is not relevant; it may be a misspelling of “dices” or unrelated.
• Sent, directions – “Sent hitting” is not a standard collocation. “Directions” does not refer to countries or regions.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
Rising gold prices over the last few months have been observed hitting demand in large consumer markets for jewelry including China and India.
The verb “observed” is used in the passive continuous form, and “markets” correctly refers to consumer regions.
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness (First Blank): The sentence describes a situation where rising gold prices are affecting demand. This effect would be “observed,” meaning noticed or perceived through evidence.
• Contextual Appropriateness (Second Blank): The sentence mentions “large consumer ______ for jewelry including China and India.” These countries are major “markets” for gold jewelry. “Markets” in this context refers to areas or arenas where goods are sold and bought.
- Though Fed Chairman Jerome Powell suggested that a ______ of rate cuts may not happen, Trump’s action against China in the last few days is suggesting that more rate cuts from the Fed can’t be ___ out.
A. series, ruled
B. herd, ruined
C. scheme, resisted
D. status, retained
E. None of the above
Correct answer: (A) series, ruled
The sentence is:
Though Fed Chairman Jerome Powell suggested that a ______ of rate cuts may not happen, Trump’s action against China in the last few days is suggesting that more rate cuts from the Fed can’t be ___ out.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a noun that refers to multiple rate cuts happening one after another. The second blank must be filled with a verb in the past participle form that pairs with the preposition “out” to form a phrasal verb meaning “excluded or dismissed.”
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence talks about the possibility of rate cuts. The first part says Powell suggested that a sequence of rate cuts may not happen. The second part says Trump’s actions suggest that more rate cuts cannot be dismissed or excluded. The words must fit this logical contrast.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning and collocation:
• Series, ruled – “Series” means a number of events coming one after another, which fits the idea of multiple rate cuts. “Ruled out” is a standard phrasal verb meaning to exclude or dismiss a possibility. This pair fits perfectly.
• Herd, ruined – “Herd” refers to a group of animals, not rate cuts. “Ruined out” is not a standard phrase.
• Scheme, resisted – “Scheme” means a plan, often secretive, which does not fit the context. “Resisted out” is not a standard phrase.
• Status, retained – “Status” means the current state, not a sequence of cuts. “Retained out” is not a standard phrase.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
Though Fed Chairman Jerome Powell suggested that a series of rate cuts may not happen, Trump’s action against China in the last few days is suggesting that more rate cuts from the Fed can’t be ruled out.
The noun phrase “a series of rate cuts” is the object of the verb “suggested,” and “ruled out” is a phrasal verb in passive voice.
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness (First Blank): A “series of rate cuts” refers to a sequence of reductions in interest rates. This is a common and appropriate phrase in monetary policy discussions.
• Phrasal Verb/Idiom: The phrase “ruled out” means to exclude a possibility. The sentence implies that, despite initial statements, the possibility of more rate cuts cannot be entirely dismissed due to recent developments (Trump’s actions against China).
- This means that the rate level is still below _______ inflation rate of 4 percent with 2 percent movement in both the ______.
A. tackled, dimensions
B. terming, destination
C. targeted, directions
D. charming, tragedy
E. None of the above
Correct answer: (C) targeted, directions
The sentence is:
This means that the rate level is still below _______ inflation rate of 4 percent with 2 percent movement in both the ______.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with an adjective that describes the inflation rate. The second blank must be filled with a noun that refers to the two possible directions of movement (i.e., upward or downward).
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence discusses the rate level in relation to an inflation rate. The phrase “targeted inflation rate” is commonly used in economic policy, referring to a specific inflation goal set by a central bank. The second part mentions “2 percent movement in both the ______,” which logically refers to “directions” (both upward and downward movement).
Evaluation of each option based on meaning and collocation:
• Targeted, directions – “Targeted” means aimed at or set as a goal, which fits the context of an inflation target. “Directions” refers to the two possible ways movement can go (up or down). This pair fits perfectly.
• Tackled, dimensions – “Tackled” means dealt with, which does not describe an inflation rate. “Dimensions” refers to measurements, but is less precise than “directions” here.
• Terming, destination – “Terming” is a verb form and does not fit as an adjective. “Destination” refers to a place, not movement directions.
• Charming, tragedy – Both are unrelated to the economic context.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
This means that the rate level is still below targeted inflation rate of 4 percent with 2 percent movement in both the directions.
The adjective “targeted” modifies “inflation rate,” and the noun “directions” completes the prepositional phrase.
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness (First Blank): “Targeted inflation rate” refers to a specific level of inflation that monetary policy aims to achieve. This is a common term used in discussions about inflation and monetary policy.
• Contextual Appropriateness (Second Blank): The phrase “2 percent movement in both the ______” implies movement in two opposing or specified ways. “Directions” is a general term for the course along which someone or something moves, and fits this description of movement around a central point, implying a range or deviation from the central point (4 percent).
- RTO officials have taken _______ of the video and plan a massive drive from this week to _____ out the rogues.
A. cognizance, weed
B. concern, figure
C. action, single
D. issue, fight
E. note, remove
Correct answer: (A) cognizance, weed
The sentence is:
RTO officials have taken _______ of the video and plan a massive drive from this week to _____ out the rogues.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a noun that pairs with the verb “taken” to form a fixed phrase meaning “noticed or acknowledged.” The second blank must be filled with a verb that pairs with the particle “out” to form a phrasal verb meaning “to remove or eliminate.”
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence describes RTO (Regional Transport Office) officials taking action based on a video. The first part should mean they have taken notice or cognizance of the video. The second part should mean they plan to eliminate or remove the wrongdoers (rogues).
Evaluation of each option based on meaning and collocation:
• Cognizance, weed – “Taken cognizance of” is a standard phrase meaning to take notice of or acknowledge something. “Weed out” is a phrasal verb meaning to remove or eliminate undesirable elements. This pair fits perfectly.
• Concern, figure – “Taken concern” is not a standard phrase. “Figure out” means to understand or solve, not to remove.
• Action, single – “Taken action” is correct, but “single out” means to choose or distinguish, not to eliminate rogues.
• Issue, fight – “Taken issue” means to disagree, which does not fit the context. “Fight out” is not a standard phrasal verb for removing rogues.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
RTO officials have taken cognizance of the video and plan a massive drive from this week to weed out the rogues.
The phrase “taken cognizance of” functions as a verb phrase, and “weed out” is a phrasal verb.
Grammar Rules:
• Fixed Idioms/Phrasal Verbs:
o “Take cognizance of” is a formal idiom meaning to take notice of something and consider it, especially in an official or legal capacity. This perfectly fits the context of RTO officials dealing with a video that shows wrongdoing.
o “Weed out” is a phrasal verb meaning to remove undesirable members from a group or things from a collection. This fits the context of removing “rogues” (dishonest or unprincipled persons) through a drive.
• Contextual Appropriateness: The words “cognizance” and “weed” fit the formal and decisive tone implied by “RTO officials” planning a “massive drive” to deal with “rogues.”
- You should not ______ the streets with rubbish; you should treat the public space the same way you would treat your own home.
I. garbage
II. loiter
III. litter
A. Only I
B. Only II
C. Only III
D. Only I and III
E. I, II and III
Correct answer: C. Only III
The sentence is:
You should not ______ the streets with rubbish; you should treat the public space the same way you would treat your own home.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with a verb that means to discard trash carelessly in public places. The object of the verb is “the streets,” and the sentence also mentions “rubbish,” which indicates the action of throwing waste improperly.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence advises against throwing rubbish on the streets and compares public spaces to one’s own home. The correct verb must mean “to throw away waste in an inappropriate place.” It must also collocate with the preposition “with” in the sentence (i.e., “litter the streets with rubbish”).
Evaluation of each option based on meaning and collocation:
• Litter – This verb means to throw waste in a public place. It also takes the preposition “with” to indicate what is being thrown (e.g., “litter the streets with rubbish”). This fits perfectly.
• Garbage – This is a noun meaning waste or trash, not a verb. It cannot be used in the blank because the sentence requires a verb.
• Loiter – This means to stand or wait around without purpose. It does not relate to throwing rubbish.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
You should not litter the streets with rubbish…
The verb “litter” is used transitively with the object “the streets” and the prepositional phrase “with rubbish.”
Grammar Rules:
• Verb Precision: The verb “litter” means to scatter rubbish in a public place. It directly refers to discarding waste on streets, which is the exact meaning required by the sentence. The sentence’s context clearly points to the act of making streets dirty with rubbish.
- In ancient times, remaining alone was dangerous as ______ animals could easily attack their solitary prey.
I. domesticated
II. wild
III. herbivorous
A. Only I
B. Only II
C. Only II and III
D. Only I and II
E. I, II and III
Correct answer: B. Only II
The sentence is:
In ancient times, remaining alone was dangerous as ______ animals could easily attack their solitary prey.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with an adjective that describes animals that pose a threat to humans or other animals. The sentence says these animals could “attack their solitary prey,” which indicates they are predatory and dangerous.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence explains why being alone was dangerous in ancient times. The animals mentioned must be those that hunt and attack humans or other animals. The adjective should indicate animals that are not domesticated and are capable of attacking.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Wild – This means untamed, living in nature, and often dangerous or predatory. Wild animals are known to attack solitary prey, so this fits perfectly.
• Domesticated – This means tamed and kept by humans, such as pets or farm animals. Domesticated animals are not typically dangerous or predators of humans, so they do not fit the context.
• Herbivorous – This means plant-eating. Herbivorous animals generally do not attack or prey on other animals, so they do not fit the context.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
In ancient times, remaining alone was dangerous as wild animals could easily attack their solitary prey.
The adjective “wild” correctly modifies the noun “animals” and fits the logical meaning.
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness: The sentence describes a dangerous situation in ancient times where animals attack “solitary prey.” This points to predatory animals, which are typically “wild” and not “domesticated” or “herbivorous.” The adjective “wild” accurately describes the nature of the animals that would pose such a threat.
- India has strengthened its cellular internet connectivity in recent years, and it is a milestone in its ___ rise on the global stage.
I. meteoric
II. stagnating
III. monetary
A. Only I
B. Only I and III
C. Only II and III
D. Only I and II
E. I, II and III
Correct answer: A. Only I
The sentence is:
India has strengthened its cellular internet connectivity in recent years, and it is a milestone in its ___ rise on the global stage.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with an adjective that describes India’s rise on the global stage. The sentence mentions strengthening connectivity as a milestone, indicating that India’s rise has been rapid and impressive.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence describes India’s progress in a positive light. The word should convey speed, swiftness, or rapid growth. The phrase “meteoric rise” is a common idiom meaning a sudden and rapid increase in success or prominence.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Meteoric – This means rapid, swift, or sudden, like a meteor. It is commonly used with “rise” to describe quick and impressive growth. This fits the positive context perfectly.
• Stagnating – This means not growing or developing, staying the same. It is the opposite of a positive rise and does not fit the context.
• Monetary – This means related to money or currency. While India’s growth may have monetary aspects, “monetary rise” is not a standard phrase, and it does not describe the type of rise in a global sense.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… it is a milestone in its meteoric rise on the global stage.
The adjective “meteoric” correctly modifies the noun “rise.”
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness: The sentence describes India’s “rise on the global stage” as a positive outcome of improved internet connectivity. “Meteoric” accurately conveys a rapid, impressive ascent, fitting the idea of a “milestone.” “Stagnating” is contradictory, and “monetary” is too narrow in scope compared to a general global rise.
- People of different communities should not harbor grudge against each other, rather, they should celebrate fellow-feeling and ___ amongst each other.
I. friendship
II. fraternity
III. brotherhood
A. Only I
B. Only I and III
C. Only II and III
D. Only I and II
E. I, II and III
Correct answer: E. I, II and III
The sentence is:
People of different communities should not harbor grudge against each other, rather, they should celebrate fellow-feeling and ___ amongst each other.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with a noun that means a sense of unity, mutual respect, and close connection among people. The sentence contrasts holding grudges with positive feelings, so the word should describe harmony and goodwill.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence encourages people to celebrate positive relationships and unity. The word should be a synonym of “fellow-feeling” or closely related to it, meaning a bond of common interest, support, and friendship. All three options carry that meaning.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Friendship – This means a relationship of mutual affection and support. It fits the context of positive interaction between communities.
• Fraternity – This means a sense of brotherhood or unity, often among people with common interests. It fits the context of community harmony.
• Brotherhood – This means a bond of solidarity and mutual support, similar to fraternity. It fits the context perfectly.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… they should celebrate fellow-feeling and friendship/fraternity/brotherhood amongst each other.
All three nouns are grammatically correct and logically fit the sentence, either alone or together.
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness: The sentence requires words that signify positive relationships and a sense of unity or camaraderie among people, particularly those from different backgrounds. All three words – friendship, fraternity, and brotherhood – effectively convey this meaning in the given context. They represent desirable qualities to celebrate in inter-community relationships.
- Change in weather patterns is a definitive signal that climate change is not the ___ of paranoid scientists, but a very real phenomenon.
I. drivel
II. prattle
III. warnings
A. Only I
B. Only II
C. Only III
D. Only I and II
E. Only II and III
Correct answer: D. Only I and II
The sentence is:
Change in weather patterns is a definitive signal that climate change is not the ___ of paranoid scientists, but a very real phenomenon.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with a noun that refers to speech or ideas that are considered foolish, nonsensical, or without value. The sentence contrasts “paranoid scientists” with the reality of climate change, suggesting that climate change is not merely empty talk or nonsense.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence states that climate change is real, not just something made up by scientists. The word in the blank should mean “nonsense” or “foolish talk” to convey that climate change is not a baseless idea. The phrase “the ___ of paranoid scientists” fits this dismissive tone.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Drivel – This means nonsense or foolish talk. It fits perfectly because it implies that climate change is not just meaningless chatter.
• Prattle – This means meaningless or childish talk. It also fits the context of dismissing climate change as empty talk.
• Warnings – This means statements of caution or advice about danger. It does not fit the dismissive tone of the sentence. “Warnings” would suggest that scientists are giving legitimate alerts, which contradicts the idea that climate change is not just something paranoid scientists say.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… climate change is not the drivel/prattle of paranoid scientists…
Both “drivel” and “prattle” fit grammatically and logically.
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness: The sentence is built around a contrast: climate change is a real phenomenon, implying it’s not just empty talk from scientists. “Drivel” and “prattle” both refer to foolish or nonsensical talk, fitting the idea of dismissing the scientists’ claims as unfounded. “Warnings” would imply the scientists are correct, which contradicts the initial dismissive phrasing.
- Several members of the film and theatre fraternity ___ his house on Monday as well as on Tuesday morning to mourn his death.
I. Thronged
II. Flocked
III. Hosted
A. Both I and II
B. Only I
C. Only III
D. Both II and III
E. All I, II and III
Correct answer: A. Both I and II
The sentence is:
Several members of the film and theatre fraternity ___ his house on Monday as well as on Tuesday morning to mourn his death.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with a verb that describes people gathering in large numbers at a place. The sentence says that members went to his house on multiple days to mourn, so the verb should indicate a large crowd arriving or gathering.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence describes people visiting his house to pay respects. The verb should convey the idea of moving or gathering in large numbers. “Thronged” and “flocked” are used for crowds of people going to a place. “Hosted” means to receive or entertain guests, which would put the subject in the role of the host, not the visitors.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Thronged – This means to gather or move in a large crowd. It fits because several members went to his house.
• Flocked – This means to move or gather in large numbers. It also fits the context of people going to mourn.
• Hosted – This means to receive or entertain visitors. It does not fit because the members are visitors, not hosts.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
Several members … thronged/flocked his house…
Both “thronged” and “flocked” take a direct object (his house) and correctly describe the action.
Grammar Rules:
• Verb Precision and Context: The sentence describes people gathering at a house to mourn a death. Both “thronged” and “flocked” are appropriate verbs to describe a large group of people gathering together. “Hosted” implies a different role, which doesn’t fit the actions of the mourners.