SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 87

SSC MTS - 07/10/2024 - (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM) • English • Q87

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 newspaper is one of the significant signs of (1) ________ civilisation. It is the most popular form of reading in the (2) ________ times because it interests all sorts of people. It is full of political news, sports and commercial news, as well as articles by well-known writers. A newspaper keeps us (3) ______ entertained and informed.
In these days of democracy, public opinion rules everywhere. (4) ________ government can long withstand the pressure of a strong public opinion. It is, therefore, quite clear that the press controls public opinion, and public opinion, in turn, controls the government. Ultimately, the press controls the government. It acts as an interpreter between the government and the people and brings the rulers and the ruled (5) ________.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

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

Context: It refers to the popularity of newspapers in today's world.

Meaning of the words:
Future: Time yet to come — doesn't match.
Dark: Vague and not temporal.
Present: Current time — correct.
Past: Refers to time gone by — incorrect here.

Correct word: Present

Reason: The popularity is being described in current times.

Final Sentence: It is the most popular form of reading in the present times.

Hence, the chosen option is correct