SarkariPYQ

SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 23

SSC CHSL 2023 - 03 Aug 2023 - Shift 4 • English • Q23

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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 Grim Reaper seems to have (1)_______ in Europe during the 14th century. It was during this time that Europe was dealing with what was then the world’s (2)_______ pandemic, the Black Death, believed to be the result of the plague. It is estimated that about one-third of Europe’s entire population (3)_________ as a result of the pandemic, with some areas of the continent suffering far greater losses than others. The original outbreak of the plague occurred during 1347–51, and outbreaks then (4)________ several other times after that. So, clearly, death was something that the surviving Europeans had on their mind, and it is not surprising that they (5)_______ an image to represent it.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

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

In the context of the passage, the word "perished" is used to describe what happened to a significant portion of Europe's population as a result of the Black Death pandemic. 

"Perished" means to die or be destroyed, often suddenly or tragically. In this case, it emphasizes the magnitude of the loss of life caused by the pandemic. The choice of "perished" suggests that the individuals affected by the Black Death did not just die but died in large numbers, contributing to a significant decline in Europe's population during that time.

Therefore, by using "perished," the sentence effectively communicates the scale of the devastation caused by the Black Death and underscores the severity of the impact it had on European society.

So, the completed sentence would be: "It is estimated that about one-third of Europe’s entire population perished as a result of the pandemic." This choice accurately reflects the idea that a significant portion of Europe's population died due to the Black Death pandemic.