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

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 many healthcare workers, (1) _______________ nurses, longer hours and shift work are the norm. Nurses are (2)___________________ expected to work on public holidays, and may have to work for six or seven (3)_________________ days before having a few days off, instead of the standard five days on, two days off.Also, many healthcare services, such as hospitals and aged care facilities, (4)______________ staffing seven days a week. It’s imperative any restructured work arrangements are designed to (5)___________________ continuous, adequate staffing. Consequently, a direct transition from a five-day to a four-day work week might not be immediately logical or applicable.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. often.
Context: The sentence explains that nurses are expected to work on public holidays. This is something that happens frequently, so the word must show regular occurrence.
Meaning of the words:
Often: means many times; frequently.
Hardly: means almost not; rarely.
Rarely: means not often; in very few cases.
Seldom: means not often; occasionally.
Correct word: Often
Reason: Since nurses are required to work on public holidays regularly, “often” correctly conveys the idea. The other options suggest rarity or almost never, which is opposite to the meaning.
Final Sentence: Nurses are often expected to work on public holidays, and may have to work for six or seven consecutive days before having a few days off.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 4