SarkariPYQ

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 8

SSC Selection Post - Graduation Level - 2 Aug 2022 - Shift 3 • English • Q8

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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.

The soft layer of the earth's (1)____________ on which plants grow is referred to as soil. Soil includes a huge amount of both organic and inorganic (2)________. In the soil, the organic components known as humus are formed from (3)____________ plant and animal remnants. These are combined with weathered particles of various rocks to form soil. Weathering occurs as a result of different chemical and physical (4)__________ that occur on the earth's surface. Soil formation is a (5)__________ process in general. For example, the creation of a 2.5 cm thick soil layer might take more than 1000 years.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 3.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. decomposed.

Context: The sentence is about how humus is formed in the soil. Since humus is created from broken-down plant and animal remains, the word must reflect decay or breakdown.

Meaning of the words:
Deformed: Misshaped or distorted.
Desterilised: (Not a standard English word).
Deoxidised: Removed of oxygen.
Decomposed: Broken down by natural processes.

Correct word: Decomposed

Reason: Only “decomposed” fits the meaning of organic matter breaking down naturally, which forms humus. The other words are unrelated or incorrect.

Final Sentence: Humus is formed from decomposed plant and animal remnants.

Hence, the chosen option will be correct.