Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no 1.

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

There is a (1)__________ sense of freedom about being alone in a carriage that is jolting
noisily through the night. It is liberty unrestrained in a very (2)________ form. You can do
anything you like. You can talk to (3)__________ as loud as you please and no one will hear
you. You can have that argument out with Jones and roll him triumphantly in the dust
(4)___________ fear of a counterstroke. You can stand on your head and no one will see you.
You can sing or dance a two-step or practise a golf stroke, (5)_____________ play marbles on
the floor without let or hindrance.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. pleasant.

Context: The passage is talking about the joy and freedom of being alone in a moving train carriage at night. The tone is positive and light. So, the word for blank (1) should describe a nice or enjoyable feeling.

Meaning of the words:

Tedious – boring and tiring
Contemptuous – showing disrespect or dislike
Baleful – threatening or harmful
Pleasant – enjoyable or giving a good feeling

Correct word: Pleasant is the correct word because it fits the positive mood of the sentence. The writer is describing a sense of freedom that feels good, not something negative.

Reason: All other options are negative in meaning and do not match the tone. A tedious or baleful feeling would not match the freedom and joy described in the next lines.

Final Sentence: There is a pleasant sense of freedom about being alone in a carriage that is jolting noisily through the night.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 5