In the given passage, ‘when words fail’ means:

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

‘War is what happens when words fail’ says Margaret Atwood. After war what remains is only
unimaginable damage. The innocent lives, livestock and property of citizens will be lost filling
every spot with bloodshed and misery. It takes decades to normalise the psychological terrors
of the victims of war. The consequences, in one form or the other, will bring bitterness even to
the rest of the world. So, it is the responsibility of a nation’s leader to protect his/her own
people from the bitter wars. Impactful leadership, commitment to provide peace and comfort
to the citizens, diplomatic strength and awareness of happenings around the world and
neighbourhood are essential to any nation’s leader. Nowadays, one who wins the battlefield is
not the winner, in fact he is the first loser. One who endeavours to prevent war is a real hero.
The nations of the modern world are in need of real heroes. So, the words ‘bravery’, ‘tactics’,
and ‘generalship’ should be used for those who sacrifice anything for protecting his nation,
other nations and mother earth from devastating results of war.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. when discussions are not fruitful.

Line to refer: “‘War is what happens when words fail’ says Margaret Atwood.”

Explanation:
This means that war begins when people or countries can no longer solve problems through talking, discussion, or peaceful ways. So, when words fail, it means discussions or negotiations did not work, and people chose violence instead.

Hence, the chosen option will be correct.

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 3