SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 22

SSC CHSL 2023 - 03 Aug 2023 - Shift 4 • English • Q22

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

The Grim Reaper seems to have (1)_______ in Europe during the 14th century. It was during this time that Europe was dealing with what was then the world’s (2)_______ pandemic, the Black Death, believed to be the result of the plague. It is estimated that about one-third of Europe’s entire population (3)_________ as a result of the pandemic, with some areas of the continent suffering far greater losses than others. The original outbreak of the plague occurred during 1347–51, and outbreaks then (4)________ several other times after that. So, clearly, death was something that the surviving Europeans had on their mind, and it is not surprising that they (5)_______ an image to represent it.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

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

In the passage, the sentence describes the Black Death pandemic, which was a catastrophic event in Europe during the 14th century.

The word "worst" in this context is used to emphasize the severity or magnitude of the pandemic. It indicates that among all the pandemics that occurred up to that point in history, the Black Death was the most severe or deadliest.

By using "worst," the sentence highlights the unparalleled devastation caused by the Black Death, emphasizing the scale of its impact on Europe's population and society. This choice effectively communicates the gravity of the situation during that historical period.

So, the completed sentence would be: "It was during this time that Europe was dealing with what was then the world’s worst pandemic, the Black Death, believed to be the result of the plague." This choice emphasizes that the Black Death pandemic was the most severe or deadliest pandemic during that period.