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Question

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Can we see (1)_______ the earth is a globe? Yes, we can, when we watch a ship that sails out to sea, if we watch closely, we see that the ship begins to (2)_______. The bottom of the ship disappears first, and then the ship seems to sink lower and lower, (3)_______ we can only see the top of the ship, and then we see nothing at all. What is hiding the ship from us? It is the earth. Stick a pin most of the way into an orange, and (4)____ turn the orange away from you. You will see the pin disappear, (5)_____ a ship does on the earth.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

that

Understanding Fill in the Blanks in Passages

This question asks us to fill in the blanks in a passage that discusses how we can observe evidence that the Earth is a globe. We need to choose the most appropriate word for each blank based on the context and grammar.

Analyzing Blank 1 in the Earth Globe Passage

Let's focus on the first blank:

"Can we see (1)_______ the earth is a globe?"

We are given four options for blank (1):

  1. that
  2. clearly
  3. how
  4. where

We need to select the word that best completes the sentence grammatically and makes sense in the context of the passage.

Evaluating the Options for Blank 1

  • Option 1: that
  • If we insert 'that', the sentence becomes: "Can we see that the earth is a globe?"
  • The word 'that' can introduce a noun clause which functions as the object of the verb 'see'. The noun clause "the earth is a globe" states a fact. The sentence asks if we can perceive or find evidence for this fact. This structure is grammatically correct and fits the meaning of the passage, which goes on to provide evidence (the disappearing ship).
  • Option 2: clearly
  • If we insert 'clearly', the sentence becomes: "Can we see clearly the earth is a globe?"
  • 'Clearly' is an adverb modifying the verb 'see'. While grammatically possible, the typical structure would be "Can we clearly see that..." or "Can we see clearly that...". Inserting 'clearly' directly before "the earth is a globe" feels awkward and less natural than using 'that' to introduce the object clause.
  • Option 3: how
  • If we insert 'how', the sentence becomes: "Can we see how the earth is a globe?"
  • 'How' introduces a clause describing the manner or way something is done or exists. The sentence would then be asking if we can see *the method* or *process* by which the Earth is a globe, which doesn't align with the passage's intent. The passage aims to show evidence *that* it is a globe, not explain *how* it became a globe.
  • Option 4: where
  • If we insert 'where', the sentence becomes: "Can we see where the earth is a globe?"
  • 'Where' introduces a clause about location. The Earth being a globe is not a location, but a description of its shape. This option is grammatically incorrect and makes no sense in context.

Conclusion for Blank 1

Comparing the options, 'that' is the most appropriate word to fill blank (1). It introduces a clause stating the fact that the Earth is a globe, and the sentence asks if we can see (evidence for) this fact. The subsequent sentences provide this evidence.

Blank No. Sentence Part Options Most Appropriate Word Reasoning
1 Can we see _______ the earth is a globe? that, clearly, how, where that Introduces a noun clause as the object of 'see', asking if we can perceive the fact that the Earth is a globe.

Final Answer for Blank 1

The most appropriate option to fill blank no. 1 is that.

Revision Table: Checking Your Understanding

Review these key concepts related to sentence structure and conjunctions.

Term Explanation Example
Noun Clause A dependent clause that functions as a noun. It can be the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Often introduced by words like 'that', 'what', 'who', 'where', 'when', 'why', 'how'. I believe that he is honest. ('that he is honest' is the object of 'believe')
Conjunction 'that' Used to introduce a noun clause, often following verbs of thinking, knowing, saying, believing, seeing, etc. She knows that the train is late.
Adverb 'clearly' Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating manner, time, place, or degree. He speaks clearly.
Conjunction 'how' Used to introduce a clause about the manner or way something happens. Show me how you did that.

Additional Information: Observing Earth's Shape

The passage uses the example of a ship disappearing over the horizon as evidence for the Earth's curved surface, indicating it's a globe. Here are other ways the Earth's spherical shape is observed:

  • Lunar Eclipses: The Earth's shadow on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is always round.
  • Different Constellations: As you travel North or South, different constellations become visible or disappear below the horizon.
  • Altitude and View: The higher you go (like in a plane or on a mountain), the farther you can see, and the curvature of the Earth becomes more apparent.
  • Circumnavigation: It is possible to travel around the Earth and return to your starting point by continuously moving in one general direction.
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