Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2

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 last one of this long procession (1)_________________silent men and women was a little wizened old man. Even he (2)_________________ a load of two baskets, slung on a pole on his shoulder. (3)_________________ he kept a folded quilt and a cauldron. In the other basket, there seemed to be a quilt, (4)_________________ ragged and patched, but still clean. There was no one with (5)_________________.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. carried.
Context: The sentence is describing a past event — the old man had a load of two baskets. Therefore, the verb should be in the past tense.
Meaning of the words:
Carrying: present participle, used for continuous actions.
Carried: past tense of carry, used for actions that happened in the past.
Carries: present tense, third person singular.
Carry: base form of the verb, used with auxiliary verbs or commands.
Correct word: Carried
Reason: Since the passage is written in past tense, “carried” correctly fits the narrative. Other forms do not match the tense of the passage.
Final Sentence: Even he carried a load of two baskets, slung on a pole on his shoulder.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 4