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SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 87

SSC MTS - 01/10/2024 - (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) • English • Q87

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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.

It was one January morning, very early — a pinching, frosty morning — the cove all grey ____ 1 ____ hoar-frost and the ripple lapping softly on the stones. The captain had _____ 2____ earlier than usual and set out down the beach. Mother was upstairs with father and I was _____ 3____ the breakfast table against the captain’s return when the parlour door opened and a man stepped in on whom I had never set my eyes before. He was a pale, tallowy creature, wanting two fingers of the left hand, and ______ 4____ he wore a cutlass, he did not look much like a fighter. I had always my eye open for seafaring ______ 5_____ with one leg or two, and I remember this one puzzled me.
 

Fill in the blank number 3.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

Correct Answer: Option 1 i.e. laying

Context: The narrator is describing how he was preparing things while waiting for the captain’s return. The action required here is setting up the breakfast table.

Meaning of the words:

  • Laying – arranging or putting something in place (e.g., laying the table = setting it for a meal).

  • Playing – to engage in an activity/game (not suitable here).

  • Throwing – to hurl something (illogical here).

  • Lying – to rest/recline (doesn’t match the context of preparing breakfast).

Correct word: Laying

Reason:
The phrase laying the table is an idiomatic expression in English which means arranging the table for a meal. Since the narrator was preparing for the captain’s return, laying the breakfast table is the most contextually accurate choice.

Final Sentence: Mother was upstairs with father and I was laying the breakfast table against the captain’s return.

Hence, the chosen option (1) will be correct