All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Direction: In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.

Corruption is one of the (1)______ problems of our country. It is an act done with (2)______ to gain some undue advantages, inconsistent with official duty. Government has (3)______ many schemes for the welfare of the people but corruption seems impossible to be (4)______ India can become a corruption-free nation only when all the citizens (5)______ rules and regulations with a strong will power and cooperate whole heartedly.

Select the most appropriate option for blank No. 1.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

major

Solving Fill in the Blanks: Understanding Context in Passage Completion

This question asks us to complete a passage about corruption by selecting the most appropriate words for the blanks. We need to analyze the context of each sentence and the overall theme of the passage to make the correct choices. Let's focus on blank No. 1.

The first sentence says: "Corruption is one of the (1)______ problems of our country."

We need to choose a word that describes the significance or nature of corruption as a problem for a country. Let's look at the options:

  1. powerful
  2. strong
  3. major
  4. minor

Analyzing Options for Blank No. 1

  • powerful: While corruption can be powerful in its effects, describing a 'problem' as 'powerful' isn't the most standard or fitting adjective in this context. Problems are usually described by their scale, impact, or nature rather than their 'power'.
  • strong: Similar to 'powerful', describing a 'problem' as 'strong' is not the most common or appropriate phrasing. We usually say someone has a strong will, or a strong argument, but not a strong problem.
  • major: This word means significant, principal, or very important. Describing corruption as a 'major problem' is a very common and appropriate way to indicate that it is one of the most important or significant issues facing the country.
  • minor: This word means small, unimportant, or insignificant. The passage describes government schemes to tackle it and citizens needing a strong will to overcome it, implying it is a significant issue, not a minor one.

Based on the analysis, 'major' is the most suitable word to describe corruption as a problem because it indicates its significance and scale, which fits the overall tone and topic of the passage.

Conclusion for Blank No. 1

The word 'major' effectively conveys that corruption is a significant and important problem for the country, fitting the context of the passage which discusses efforts to combat it.

The completed first sentence reads: "Corruption is one of the major problems of our country."

Blank Number Context Sentence Most Appropriate Word Reasoning
1 Corruption is one of the (1)______ problems of our country. major Describes corruption as a significant or important problem.

Therefore, the most appropriate option for blank No. 1 is 'major'.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Meaning in Context Why it fits/doesn't fit Blank 1
Powerful Having great strength or influence Less common adjective for describing the scale of a problem.
Strong Having great physical power or robust Inappropriate adjective for describing the scale of a problem.
Major Significant, principal, important Appropriate for describing a significant problem.
Minor Small, unimportant Contradicts the context suggesting a significant issue.

Additional Information: Understanding Context Clues

When filling in blanks in a passage, it is crucial to look for context clues. These are hints within the text that help you understand the meaning and choose the correct word. In this passage, words and phrases like "schemes for the welfare of the people", "impossible to be", and "citizens ... with a strong will power and cooperate whole heartedly" all suggest that corruption is a serious and significant issue, reinforcing the choice of 'major' for blank 1.

Understanding common collocations (words that often go together, like 'major problem') is also helpful in passage completion tasks.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.(2)

  2. _____have attempted to define a happy life

  3. on this earth. Everyman tends to define a happy life in a _____ individualistic fashion.

  4. National integration means _____ all the people of the nation into a single whole.

  5. It is a _____ that binds together

  6. all people in one _____ bond no matter what their religion, caste, language or history

  7. Select the most appropriate option for blank No. 4.

  8. Select the most appropriate option for blank No. 5.

  9. This was enough ___________ the book store-owner-turned librarian

  10. Select the correct option to fill in blank 2.


Important Questions from Vocab Based Questions

  1. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (1)

  2. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (2)

  3. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (3)

  4. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (4)

  5. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank (5)

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSSSC PET
October 25, 2026
SSC JE
November 02, 2026
SSC CPO
November 20, 2026
SSC CHSL
November 30, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2503 Tests 6 Tests Free
7960 Attempts
4.2(909)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App