SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 86

SSC MTS - 13/11/2024 - (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM) • English • Q86

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


The eye of an ostrich is larger than its brain. Of all birds, ostriches have the 1.________ eyes. Their eyes are the size of a pool ball, measuring around 2 inches in diameter. Their size is five times greater than that of human eyes. Ostriches have excellent vision, so their enormous eyes aren't just for show. Because of their height and keen 2.________, the birds can see well over great distances, enabling them to identify potential 3._________ before they approach.
In general, compared to mammals of comparable size, birds often have smaller brains. Ostrich brains are approximately 1.5 inches in width, the study found. Additionally, their average brain weight is almost 17 times lower than that of the three other 4._____. When comparing the brain-to-body weight ratio of the other birds, the ostrich's brain was lighter than their body weight.
Some other facts concerning these birds are what set them apart. All other birds have three or four toes; this magnificent creature has only two. Ostriches bend their knees in a forward orientation; thus, they kick forward rather than backward. Furthermore, ostriches do not require water because they produce some of it internally and obtain the 5._______ from the plants they consume.

Select the most appropriate option for blank 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. biggest.

Context: The sentence compares ostrich eyes to all other birds, so the superlative form is needed to indicate the largest among all.

Meaning of the words:

  • Big – simple adjective, does not indicate comparison.

  • More big – incorrect comparative form.

  • Bigger – comparative form, used when comparing two things, not all birds.

  • Biggest – correct superlative form, indicates largest among many.

Correct word: Biggest, because ostrich eyes are the largest of all birds.

Final Sentence: Of all birds, ostriches have the biggest eyes.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.