SSC Selection Post 2023 PYQ — Question 17

SSC Selection Post - Graduation Level - 28 June 2023 - Shift 3 • English • Q17

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 earliest kind of print technology was developed in China. This was a system of hand (1)_____. From AD 594 onwards, (2)______ in China were printed by (3)______ paper, against the inked surface (4)______ woodblocks. As both sides of (5)______ thin, porous sheet could not be printed, the traditional Chinese ‘accordion book’ was folded and stitched at the side.

Select the most appropriate option for blank number 2.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2, i.e., books.

 

Passage Context:
From AD 594 onwards, (2)______ in China were printed by (3)______ paper, against the inked surface (4)______ woodblocks.

Grammar Explanation:
The blank refers to what was printed in China.
books is plural and fits naturally because many books were printed using woodblock printing.

Incorrect options:
page is singular and doesn’t fit the idea of mass production
paper refers to the material, not the printed item
book is singular but the context suggests many items

Correct sentence: From AD 594 onwards, books in China were printed.

Conclusion: The correct option is books.