Select the most appropriate option for blank No. 3.

Comprehension:

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.

The Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) has seen a 6% drop (1)____ passenger density after the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) reduced (2)____ bus fares recently. The drop, though small is enough to set the (3)____ bells ringing. TMT plies nearly 300 buses and is already facing (4)____ in managing regular schedules. The ticket cost cut by BEST (5)____ TMT routes that overlap that of the BEST.

Select the most appropriate option for blank No. 3.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. alarm.

Concept/Grammar rules

Application

The sentence conveys that ‘the drop in passenger density’ is a cause of concern.

And the word ‘Alarm’ is used for ‘an anxious awareness of danger’.

Hence, ‘alarm bells’ is the appropriate use here.

SSC MTS 2019 PYQ — Question 3