SarkariPYQ

SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 3

SSC CHSL - 08 Aug 2023 - Shift 1 • English • Q3

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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 know these authors to _____1_____ outstanding individuals and remarkable teachers and consultants and have even_____2_____ them work their magic in training seminars, but I didn’t know if they _____3_____ take this complex topic and fit into a book. They did. I _____4_____ you to really dig into this material, to pause and think deeply about each part and how the parts are _____5_____.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank 3.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

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

"Didn’t know if" introduces uncertainty in the past, requiring a past-tense modal verb.

"Could" (past tense of "can") correctly expresses doubt about their ability.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

Had – "Had take" is grammatically incorrect.
Are – Present tense does not match the past context of "didn’t know."
Have – "Have take" is incorrect; "have taken" would be correct in a different structure.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.