SarkariPYQ

SSC CPO 2021 PYQ — Question 192

SSC CPO Tier II - 8 Nov 2021 • English • Q192

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In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.

Despite all the research every one of us catches cold and most of us catch (1) ______ frequently. Our failure to control one of (2) ______ commonest of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. (3) ______ science regularly practises transplant surgery and (4) ______ rid whole countries of such killing (5) ______ as Typhus and the Plague. But the (6) ______ of common cold is unusually difficult and (7) ______ is yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold (8) ______ caused by one of the number (9) ______ viral infections that affect the lining of the (10) ______ and the other passages leading to the lungs but the confusing variety of viruses makes study and remedy very difficult.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank no. 9.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

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

  • In the passage, the phrase "one of the number of" in blank no. 9 is used to refer to a specific type or category within a larger group.
  • "Of": This preposition is used to indicate a specific part or subset within a larger set. In the context, "one of the number of" means "one among several types or instances of," which correctly fits the context of discussing different viral infections causing a cold.

  • So, the phrase "one of the number of viral infections" correctly implies that a cold is caused by one type among various viral infections affecting the lining of the nose and other passages.

  • This usage of "of" helps to delineate the specific category within the broader set of viral infections.