SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 98

SSC Stenographer - 10/12/2024 (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) • English • Q98

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
For most of us who are born and live in India, social inequality and (1)_____are facts of life. We see (2)___ on the streets and on railway platforms. We see young children (3)____ as domestic workers, construction helpers, cleaners and helpers in streetside restaurants (dhabas) and tea-shops. We are not (4)____ at the sight of small children, who work as domestic workers in middle class urban homes, carrying the school bags of older children to school. It does not immediately (5)_______ us as unjust that some children are denied schooling.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1, i.e. “labouring.”

The sentence reads:

“We see young children (3) ____ as domestic workers, construction helpers, cleaners and helpers in streetside restaurants (dhabas) and tea-shops.”

In this context, “labouring” is the most appropriate choice, as it describes the children working in physically demanding or low‑paid jobs—such as domestic work—reflecting the exploitation being discussed. This aligns with sources indicating that children are commonly seen labouring in these roles across India, for instance as domestic workers or helpers in eateries and on streets.

The other options don’t fit contextually:

cheating – unrelated to the idea of performing labor.

revolting – suggests rebelling; irrelevant here.

excelling – implies success; not aligned with the hardship described.