SarkariPYQ

SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 86

SSC MTS - 09/10/2024 - (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM) • English • Q86

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

He knew everyone on the island. Whenever his car stopped, half a dozen voices ____ 1 _____ shout out his name. Policemen, agricultural labourers of low social status and priests waved and smiled ____ 2 ____ he passed; everyone greeted him as a brother. They respected his honesty, and belligerence, and above all, they adored his typically Greek scorn and fearlessness when dealing with any _____ 3 ____ of Governmental red tape. On arrival, two of our cases containing linen and other things had been ______ 4 ____ by the Customs on the curious ground that they were merchandise. So, when we moved out to the villa and the problem of bed linen arose, Mother told Spiro ______ 5 _____ our cases in the Customs and asked for his advice.
 

Fill in the blank number 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. would.

Context: The sentence describes a habitual or repeated action in the past — whenever his car stopped, voices used to shout out his name. The modal verb would is often used to describe such repeated actions in the past.

Meaning of the words:

  • Would: Used to talk about a habitual action in the past.

  • Should: Used to give advice or express obligation.

  • Can: Shows present ability.

  • Could: Shows past ability or possibility.

Correct word: Would

Reason: Since the action of shouting his name happened regularly whenever the car stopped (past habit), would is the correct choice.

Final Sentence: Whenever his car stopped, half a dozen voices would shout out his name.

Hence the chosen option is correct.