SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 6

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level 2022 - 3 Aug 2022 - Shift 1 • English • Q6

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

Countries should act to establish mechanisms (1) ______ women’s equal participation and equitable representation at all levels of the political process and public life in each community and society and enabling women to articulate their concerns and needs. Government and organisations should try (2) _______ all practices that discriminate (3) ________ women; assisting women to establish and realise their rights, including those that relate to reproductive and sexual health. Adopting appropriate measures to improve women’s ability to earn income beyond traditional occupations, achieve economic self-reliance and ensure women’s equal access to the labour market and social security systems IS NECESSARY... Also, violence and safety is a major (4) ________ to women in society. Domestic violence, rapes, etc are alarmingly increasing day by day. More so, because women are afraid to speak up. Similarly, the women who do the same work get paid less than their male counterparts. It is (5) ________ unfair and sexist to pay someone less for the same work because of their gender. Thus, we see how women’s empowerment is the need of the hour.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2, i.e. downright.

Context: The sentence says it is very unfair and sexist to pay women less for the same work — it needs a word that shows strong emphasis.

Meaning of the words:

  • Frank – honest or direct (not suitable here)

  • Downright – completely or absolutely (used for strong emphasis) → Correct choice

  • Laconic – using few words (not related to the meaning of the sentence)

  • Foursquare – firm and resolute, often used to describe support or opinion (not suitable for describing unfairness)

Correct word: Downright – means totally or absolutely, and it expresses how unfair the act is.

Reason: The sentence needs a strong negative word to show the level of unfairness. “Downright unfair and sexist” is a common, correct collocation in English.

Final Sentence: It is downright unfair and sexist to pay someone less for the same work because of their gender.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.