SarkariPYQ

SSC CGL 2021 PYQ — Question 5

SSC CGL - 23 Aug 2021 - Shift 2 • English • Q5

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In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.
Essaouira's origins stretch back to prehistoric times, and this spot on Morocco's Atlantic
coast (1)______ a centre of culture and commerce ever since. (2)______ centuries, the harbour town was an important trading post (3)______ both a seaport and as the north-western terminus of a caravan (4)______ stretching across the desert to Timbuktu (5)______ Africa’s interior.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. has been.

  • The given blank needs the present perfect continuous tense to refer to an action that began at some time in the past and is still in progress.
  • Now, in the option both "has been" and "have been" are present perfect continuous tense forms.
  • But "have been" is used for plural subject whereas, "has been" is used for singular subject.
  • Therefore, in the given blank, "has been" is the correct phrase as the subject is singular in the sentence.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 2 i.e. has been.