SSC CGL 2023 PYQ — Question 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.

In today's world, handling money and making purchases and sales come naturally to us. However, prior to the development of any kind of currency, people _____(1)______ in a variety of ways. The barter trade was the simplest of them all. People would trade the things they owned for the things they wanted in this kind of _____(2)______. For example, if someone wanted a set of clothes and had a cow left over, he would have to find someone who would want a cow and be willing to give away a set of clothes. However, it wasn't as straightforward as 'give-and-take', and people would be cheated. The ______(3)_____ of money finally took root in people's minds after many years. The usually erratic barter trade eventually gave way to the monetary method of exchange as such. At first, anything could be used such as hooks, money beads, shells or trinkets. The first gold coins were used as currency near Turkey, and each coin had a different denomination. In the kingdom of Lydia, the value of each coin was first standardised around 700 BC. However, as time passed, the idea of carrying a bulky coin pouch became less _____(4)_____ because it attracted robbers. Checks were first created at that time by Greek and Roman traders who purchased goods from distant cities. Because they could only be used by the person whose name was on them, these were not only lightweight but also deterred robberies. In accordance with this concept, banks later issued notes in exchange for ______(5)______ gold that could be used as cash.