Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2.

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 computer can become a threat to man. It can (1)______________ his survival and privacy. It also offers excellent encouragement for unethical or criminal activities. It can (2)_______________ the unemployment problem as employers prefer the computer and the 'computer- controlled robots' to humans for obvious reasons. The information storage facility the computer provides has (3)___________ to collection of personal information about individuals and storage of this information in data banks by several employing agencies. If care is not exercised (4)__________ data gathering, data integrity may suffer. That is, questionable or imperfect methods may be employed; as a result, incorrect or incomplete data may be stored, and this (5)____________ become a permanent source and used for any given purpose.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. worsen.

Context:
The sentence talks about computers and robots creating problems for human workers. The blank refers to the effect of computers on unemployment.

Meaning of the words:
• worsen – to make something more serious or severe
• beat – to defeat someone
• control – to manage or regulate
• improve – to make something better

Correct word: worsen

Reason: The use of computers and robots in place of humans will increase unemployment instead of reducing it. Therefore, “worsen” fits best in the context.

Final Sentence: It can worsen the unemployment problem as employers prefer the computer and the 'computer-controlled robots' to humans for obvious reasons.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 87