SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 171

SSC Stenographer - 09 Sep 2026 - Shift 2 • English • Q171

In the following passage, some words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer for blank (3) out of the four alternatives.
Graphic novels have revolutionised modern storytelling by combining the power of words with visual art. Unlike traditional text-only books, they tell a complete story using comic-strip formats, illustrations, and dialogue bubbles. This unique blend makes reading highly engaging and easier to understand, especially for students who find long blocks of text (1)_____. It also helps capture their attention for longer than text-only books do. Graphic novels gained popularity because of their ability to (2)_____ rather than just tell. A single drawing can instantly express deep emotions, set a mysterious mood, or showcase a complex action scene that might otherwise take pages to describe. This dual format activates different parts of the brain simultaneously, improving visual literacy and memory retention. This also helps enhance creative (3)_____ among students reading them and their ability to interpret context very well. Furthermore, graphic novels are not just for children; they tackle serious, mature themes like history, mental health, and social justice. They provide a voice to diverse perspectives, making complex global issues accessible to everyone. By weaving fine art with literature, graphic novels have proven that images can be just as powerful as written words in creating a deep, lasting (4)_____ impact on (5)_____.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

Correct Answer: Imagination
Explanation:
• The sentence discusses the cognitive and artistic benefits of reading graphic novels, which combine visual art and storytelling.
• The adjective creative naturally pairs with the noun imagination to form the common phrase creative imagination, referring to the ability to visualize and think of novel ideas.
• Other options do not fit the context: literacy is already specified earlier as 'visual literacy' and does not collocate well with 'creative' in this context; confusion conveys a negative sense; and calculation refers to mathematical or analytical problem-solving.