SarkariPYQ

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 7

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level 2022 - 2 Feb 2022 - Shift 2 • English • Q7

Back to paper

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and
select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games began (1) ______ Tuesday night with the opening
ceremony at Japan's National Stadium. The twelve-day sporting celebration (2) ______ a total
of 539 events in 22 para (3) ______. The opening ceremony took place in (4)______ empty
stadium. The Games should have (5) ______ place last year but were postponed because of
the coronavirus pandemic.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No. 4.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. an.
Context: The blank comes before the phrase “empty stadium.” Since “empty” starts with a vowel sound, it needs an appropriate article.

Meaning of the words:

  • An: Indefinite article used before vowel sounds (e.g., an elephant, an idea).

  • One: Cardinal number; not suitable here.

  • The: Definite article; used for something specific or previously mentioned.

  • A: Indefinite article used before consonant sounds.

Correct word: An

Reason: Though “empty” starts with the letter E, what matters is pronunciation, and the word begins with a vowel sound (/em/). Therefore, the correct article is “an.”

Final Sentence: The opening ceremony took place in an empty stadium.

Hence the chosen option is correct.