SarkariPYQ

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 9

SSC Selection Post - Higher Secondary Level - 3 Aug 2022 - Shift 4 • English • Q9

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.
Thousands of persons must (1) __________ the same thing to her since, but I happened to
be the first in the line. Anyone likes to hear flattering sentiments, and more than others, I
suppose, dancers. They like (2) __________ every hour of the day how well they keep their
steps. I praised her art whenever I could (3) ___________ alone with her and whisper in her
ear, out of range of that husband of hers. Oh, what a man! I have not met a more grotesque
creature in my life. Instead of calling herself Rosie, she could more logically (4)
____________ him Marco Polo. He dressed like a man about to undertake an expedition—
with his thick coloured glasses, thick jacket and a thick helmet over which was perpetually
stretched a green, shiny waterproof cover, giving him the appearance of a space traveller. I
have, of course, no idea of the original Marco Polo’s appearance, but I wanted to call this man
Marco (5) ___________, and I have not bothered to associate him with any other name since.

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

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. to be told.

Structure Concept: The phrase is “They like (2) _____ every hour of the day how well they keep their steps.” This requires a passive infinitive form.
Grammatical Explanation:
– After "like", we can use either "to + base verb" or "to be + past participle" depending on the meaning.
– Since “how well they keep their steps” is something dancers like hearing from others, the passive form is correct.
– So, “They like to be told every hour...” means they enjoy being told (by someone else) how well they dance.
Incorrect Options:
to have told – incorrect tense and active voice
tell – missing “to”, also active voice
told – grammatically incomplete without auxiliary
Final Sentence: They like to be told every hour of the day how well they keep their steps
Conclusion: The correct answer is to be told