SarkariPYQ

SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 23

SSC Stenographer - 11/12/2024 (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) • English • Q23

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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.
Climate change, driven primarily by human activities, is a pressing global issue. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere, leading to the (1) ______ effect. Rising temperatures cause melting ice caps, (2) ______ sea levels and extreme weather patterns. Mitigating climate change requires a (3) ______ approach, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable practices and implementing policies to reduce emissions. Additionally, raising (4) ______ awareness about the importance of conservation is crucial. The collective effort to combat climate change will determine the quality of life for future (5) ______.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

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

The sentence reads:

“Additionally, raising (4) ______ awareness about the importance of conservation is crucial.”

In environmental and public‑policy writing, the standard collocation is raising public awareness—a widely used phrase that denotes informing and motivating society at large. This phrase is consistently employed in reports, campaigns, and educational materials to emphasize the role of collective attitudes in conservation. For example:

Campaigns often call for raising public awareness of biodiversity and sustainable practices as a key intervention for environmental protection.

International frameworks like the UNFCCC emphasize public awareness programmes as essential for climate and conservation goals.

By contrast:

commercial awareness applies to market or business contexts—not relevant here.

individual awareness also makes sense, but the passage is emphasizing a broader societal effort rather than just personal responsibility.

governmental awareness is not a recognized phrase in this setting—it suggests government officials’ awareness, not public outreach.

Thus, “raising public awareness” best completes the intended meaning:

‘Informing and engaging the general public to build understanding and support for conservation’.