SarkariPYQ

SSC CGL 2023 PYQ — Question 5

SSC CGL - 21 July 2023 - Shift 3 • English • Q5

Back to paper

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

I went on (1)___________ trying to 'find out how to'; but I wrote two or three novels without feeling that I had made (2)_______ progress. It was not until I wrote 'Ethan Frome' that I suddenly felt the artisan's full (3)________ of his implements. When 'Ethan Frome' first appeared, I was (4)_______  criticised by the reviewers for what was considered the clumsy structure of the tale. I had pondered long on this structure, had felt its peculiar difficulties, and possible awkwardness, but could think of no (5)________which would serve as well in the given case: and though I am far from thinking 'Ethan Frome' is my best novel, and am bored and even exasperated when I am told that it is, I am still sure that its structure is not its weak point.

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

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

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

The context indicates a progression in the narrator's writing journey. The use of "I went on" suggests a continuation of efforts, implying persistence over time.

The narrator feels they have made some progress or achievement but recognizes that they still have a long way to go. They mention writing several novels without progress until eventually writing 'Ethan Frome', which suggests a period of consistent, ongoing effort.

"Steadily" fits this context perfectly because it implies that the narrator continued their efforts in a consistent, determined manner despite challenges and without immediate success.