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SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 10

SSC Selection Post - Higher Secondary Level 2022 - 10 Feb 2022 - Shift 2 • English • Q10

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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.
When trees are illegally or irresponsibly cut, forest ecosystems are (1)______. Their ability to
store carbon, shelter wildlife, filter water, and to provide food, products, and jobs for
(2)______ is compromised. Global forest loss also leads to more greenhouse gases in the
(3)______. This is much more than what comes from all cars, trucks, trains, planes and ships
in the world. But when forests thrive, they absorb carbon dioxide and (4)______ down climate
change. Protecting forests does much more than just keep trees standing because forests are
the (5)______ of the planet and serve as the home, market and apothecary of people living on
it.

 Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2, i.e. weakened.

Context: The sentence is about the negative impact of cutting trees illegally or irresponsibly. It says that forest ecosystems are affected.

Meaning of the words:

  • Created – Means something is made. Doesn’t show damage.

  • Weakened – Means made less strong or damaged. Suitable in this negative context.

  • Planned – Means arranged or decided in advance. Not relevant here.

  • Heightened – Means increased. Not suitable when talking about harm.

Correct word: “Weakened” fits best because it explains how forest ecosystems are damaged when trees are cut illegally.

Reason: The sentence is: “When trees are illegally or irresponsibly cut, forest ecosystems are (1)______.” Only “weakened” gives the correct idea that forests suffer damage in this situation.

Final Sentence: When trees are illegally or irresponsibly cut, forest ecosystems are weakened.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.