SarkariPYQ

SSC CGL 2024 PYQ — Question 4

SSC CGL - 19 Sep 2024 - Shift 2 • English • Q4

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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.

Recently, the (1)________ of heart-attacks in young Indians (2)________ increased tremendously. Doctors are surprised to note that young men and women with seemingly healthy lifestyle are suffering deadly heart attacks. (3)________ diet and exercise play a (4)________ role in a person’s overall well being, mental health is also a valuable factor. The (5)________ urban lifestyle is causing anxiety and depression in young Indians which may be a major factor behind the increased numbers.

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

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. has.

Context: The blank is part of a sentence that talks about a recent trend in heart-attacks among young Indians. The blank (2) must take a verb that agrees with the subject and shows that the trend continues into the present.

Analysis of the given options:

  • have been: present perfect plural; incorrect as the subject is singular

  • had: past perfect; does not suit the “recently” + present relevance

  • has: present perfect singular; grammatically correct

  • have: incorrect as it lacks a past participle after it

Correct word: has

Reason:
The subject is “The number”, which is singular, not “heart-attacks”. So, it takes a singular verb: has.
Also, “has increased” is the present perfect tense, which is appropriate with the word “recently” to show a trend continuing to the present.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.