Reading comprehension is one of the important topics of various competitive exams, including those conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). This topic consists of a small paragraph with some words missing in it and is designed to assess a candidates ability to understand and interpret written passages. This topic is also used to evaluate candidates' reading proficiency, comprehension abilities, and critical thinking skills. The reading comprehension passages in SSC exams can vary in length and complexity, covering a wide range of topics such as science, history, social issues, technology, literature, and more. These passages may be extracted from articles, essays, reports, fictional narratives, or any other form of written content.
Directions (Qs. 1 - 5): In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. The ........ (1) ........ of renewable energy sources has gained ........ (2) ........ attention in recent years. As the world faces ........ (3) ........ challenges like climate change and energy ........ (4) ........, the importance of transitioning to sustainable and clean energy options becomes evident. Governments and organizations are investing heavily in research and development to ........ (5) ........ innovative solutions.
1. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (1) .....
A) adoption B) extortion C) distortion D) contraction
Explanation: The word "adoption", which means the act of accepting or implementing something (here renewable energy sources), fits appropriately in the blank. In the context of renewable energy sources, the word "adoption" refers to the acceptance and implementation of such sources. It signifies the act of embracing and utilizing renewable energy options, such as solar power, wind energy, or hydropower, as alternatives to traditional non-renewable sources like fossil fuels. The term "adoption" in this context highlights the increasing use and integration of renewable energy technologies, indicating a shift towards sustainable and clean energy practices.
Ans: A
2. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (2) .....
A) minimum B) significant C) trivial D) useless
Explanation: The word "significant", which means notable or noteworthy, is the appropriate choice for this blank. This context indicates that there has been considerable attention given to renewable energy sources. The sentence highlights the increasing importance of renewable energy in recent times.
Ans: B
3. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (3) .....
A) choosing B) running C) pressing D) tempting
Explanation: The word "pressing" is the correct answer here. In the context of the paragraph, the word "pressing" refers to challenges or issues that are urgent, compelling, or demanding immediate attention. It implies that climate change and energy challenges are critical and require immediate action. The word highlights the sense of urgency and emphasizes the need to address these challenges promptly.
Ans: C
4. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (4) .....
A) abundant B) magnanimous C) required D) scarcity
Explanation: The word "scarcity" is the suitable option for this blank. In the given context, "scarcity" refers to a situation where there is a limited or inadequate supply of something, specifically in terms of energy. It suggests that there is a shortage or insufficiency of energy resources which are non-sustainable, highlighting the challenges and the need to address them. The word "scarcity" emphasizes the idea that energy resources are not abundant and non-sustainable, and their alternative, the sustainable sources are crucial to overcome this shortage and ensure a reliable energy supply for the future.
Ans: D
5. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (5) .....
A) create B) admit C) exchange D) evict
The word "create" fills the blank appropriately. In this context, "create" refers to the act of designing, inventing, or producing creative and effective solutions to address the challenges posed by renewable energy adoption. It suggests that governments and organizations are actively engaged in exploring new technologies, strategies, and approaches that can contribute to the advancement and implementation of renewable energy sources.
Ans: A
Directions (Qs. 6 - 10): In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. In recent years, E-commerce exports have witnessed a remarkable surge in India, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth. The convenience and accessibility of online platforms have enabled Indian businesses to tap into international markets and establish a global presence. E-commerce has acted as a catalyst, ..... (6) ..... micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their customer base beyond borders. The government's initiatives and policies have further ..... (7) ..... the growth of E-commerce exports, fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. However, challenges such as ..... (8) ..... logistics infrastructure and ..... (9) ..... regulatory frameworks need to be addressed to unleash the full potential of Ecommerce exports. With the ever-increasing internet penetration and ..... (10) ..... in digital payments, the future of E-commerce exports in India appears promising. 6. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank .....
(6) ..... A) disgusting B) empowering C) imploring D) dissipating
Explanation: The word "empowering" is the suitable option for this blank. The word "empowering" means giving power or authority to someone or something. In the context of the paragraph, Ecommerce has acted as a catalyst, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their customer base beyond borders.
Ans: B
7. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (7) .....
A) fluctuated B) felicitated C) facilitated D) fractured
Explanation: The word "facilitated" fills the blank appropriately. In the context of the paragraph, the word "facilitated" means that the government's initiatives and policies have made it easier or more convenient for the growth of E-commerce exports. It suggests that the government has implemented measures or created an environment that supports and encourages the expansion of E-commerce exports in India. These initiatives could include providing incentives, simplifying regulations, offering financial assistance, or improving infrastructure, all of which contribute to facilitating the growth of E-commerce exports.
Ans: C
8. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (8) .....
A) efficient B) excellent C) surplus D) inadequate
Explanation: The word "inadequate" is the suitable option for this blank. In the context of the paragraph, the word "inadequate" refers to the insufficient or inadequate state of the logistics infrastructure. It suggests that the existing logistics facilities may not be enough or may not meet the requirements to support the increasing demands of E-commerce exports. This could imply that there is a lack of proper infrastructure, resources, or capacity to handle the growing volume of exportrelated activities efficiently. As a result, the inadequate logistics infrastructure becomes a challenge that needs to be addressed to fully unlock the potential of E-commerce exports in India.
Ans: D
9. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (9) .....
A) cumbersome B) useful C) viable D) awesome
Explanation: The word "cumbersome" fills the blank appropriately. In the context of the paragraph, the word "cumbersome" refers to the complex regulatory frameworks related to E
commerce exports. It means that these frameworks are complex, intricate, and burdensome, making it difficult for businesses to navigate and comply with the regulations. The use of the term suggests that the existing regulatory processes may be time-consuming, involve excessive paperwork, or require businesses to fulfil multiple requirements, which can pose challenges and hinder the smooth operation of E-commerce exports.
Ans: A
10. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank ..... (10) .....
A) reduction B) proliferation C) contraction D) suppression
Explanation: The word "proliferation" is the suitable option for this blank. In the given context, the word "proliferation" refers to the rapid increase or widespread adoption of internet usage and digital payment transactions in India. It indicates that more people are accessing the internet and engaging in digital payments, leading to significant growth in E-commerce exports. The term highlights the expansion and prevalence of online transactions, which contribute to the promising future of E-commerce exports in India.
Ans: B
