SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 4

SSC GD Const 2025 (English) - 11 Feb 2025 - Shift 2 • English • Q4

 In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
In 1981, the US Surgeon General issued a public health warning that alcohol  use by women (1)______________________ pregnancy was the cause of physical and mental birth (2)__________________ in children.This warning came in (3)___________________ to growing recognition that a group of (4)__________________ physical and mental impairments in children, now commonly known as foetal alcohol syndrome, were correlated with maternal alcohol use during pregnancy.Today,  doctors and scientists (5)___________________ that as many as 1 in 20 US school children may exhibit some form of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, many of which cause lifelong challenges for those affected

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

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

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

Context: The line says: “…alcohol use by women (1) ____ pregnancy was the cause of physical and mental birth (2) ____ in children.”
The missing word must describe the negative outcomes at birth caused by alcohol use.

Meaning of the words:

  • Defects = faults, problems, or abnormalities (correct here).

  • Process = a series of actions (does not fit in context).

  • Collects = gathers (completely unrelated).

  • Affection = feeling of love (opposite meaning).

Correct word: The correct word is defects.

Reason: Alcohol use during pregnancy causes birth defects (physical and mental abnormalities). Other options don’t match the idea of harmful effects.

Final Sentence: “In 1981, the US Surgeon General issued a public health warning that alcohol use by women during pregnancy was the cause of physical and mental birth defects in children.”

Hence, the chosen option will be correct.