SarkariPYQ

SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 97

SSC Stenographer - 10/12/2024 (4:30 PM to 6:30 PM) • English • Q97

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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 two children lost their way in the woods. They had heard tales about a witch residing in a remote corner of _____[A] woods. The witch was notorious for eating children. They became afraid as the sky _______[B] dark. They were getting hungry and tired as well. Soon after, they came across _____[C] old cottage. The chimney of the house was emitting smoke. It started to rain heavily, and they rushed inside the cottage without giving it a second thought. To _______[D] surprise, they found a ______[E1], __________[E2], _______________[E3] woman inside the house. She offered them chocolates to eat.

Fill in the blank marked [B] using the most appropriate option.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. “turned.”

The sentence reads:

“They became afraid as the sky ______ dark.”

The most natural and grammatically correct phrasing is “as the sky turned dark”, indicating a change in state.

Grammar authorities note that “grew dark” and “turned dark” are both common linking-verb constructions describing how the sky changes from light to dark.

Option 1 (“were turning”) suggests an ongoing process that doesn't align with the sudden shift implied in the narrative.

Option 2 (“have turned”) is present perfect tense, which is inconsistent with the simple past narrative.

Option 4 (“does turn”) is present tense and inappropriate here.