Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 3.

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

Scholars have long noted that International Monetary Fund (IMF) restructuring programmes (1)____________________ winners and losers, but always in (2)________________ to different sectors of the economy. For example, the fact that programmes (3)________________ to strengthen exports has been shown to favour farmers and business owners over urban middle class state employees like civil servants.The problem with purely (4)___________________ sectors is highlighted when you look at citizens’ experiences. One (5)_____________________ of the survey data, covering nine countries in Africa, showed that three out of ten civil servants actually thought IMF reforms made their lives better.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. attempt.

Context:
The sentence is talking about IMF programmes whose purpose is to strengthen exports. The blank needs a word that means try/effort.

Meaning of the words:

Separate – to divide, not suitable here.
Integrate – to combine, does not fit with the idea of strengthening exports.
Attempt – to try, make an effort (fits perfectly).
Negate – to cancel/deny, not suitable here.

Correct word:
The correct word is attempt, because the sentence is about programmes that attempt to strengthen exports.

Reason:
Grammatically and logically, “programmes attempt to strengthen exports” makes sense. It clearly shows IMF is trying to boost exports.

Final Sentence:
For example, the fact that programmes attempt to strengthen exports has been shown to favour farmers and business owners over urban middle class state employees like civil servants.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 3