SSC Selection Post 2019 PYQ — Question 16

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level 2019 - 17 Jan 2019 - Shift 1 • English • Q16

Fill in the blanks with the most suitable words.

Dolphins are regarded as the ______________creatures in the sea and stories of them helping ______________sailors have been ___________________ since Roman times.

 

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1, i.e. friendliest, drowning, common.

Context: The sentence talks about dolphins and their helpful nature towards humans, especially sailors. It also mentions that such stories have been told since Roman times.

Meaning of the words:

  • Friendliest: Most kind and helpful in nature.

  • Drowning: Struggling in water and about to die due to sinking.

  • Common: Happening often or frequently.

Correct word:

  • Dolphins are often known for their intelligence and helpful nature, especially towards humans. So, "friendliest" fits well.

  • The phrase "helping drowning sailors" makes logical sense because dolphins are often said to save people from drowning.

  • Since the stories have been told since Roman times, the word "common" fits best to show frequency.

Reason:
Option 1 fits grammatically and logically with the context. The other options either do not fit the context or have incorrect combinations:

  • Option 2: “worried sailors” doesn’t fit as much as “drowning sailors”.

  • Option 3: “dangerous” is the opposite of the idea being conveyed.

  • Option 4: “occasional” doesn’t show the frequency implied in the sentence.

Final Sentence: Dolphins are regarded as the friendliest creatures in the sea and stories of them helping drowning sailors have been common since Roman times.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.