Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 5.

Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and
select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Naval architects never claim that a ship is unsinkable, but the sinking of the passenger-and-car
ferry Estonia (1) ____ the Baltic surely (2) ______ never have happened. It was well designed
and (3) ______ maintained. It carried the proper number of lifeboats. It (4)______ thoroughly
inspected on the day of its fatal voyage. Yet hours later, the Estonia rolled over and (5)
_______ in a cold and stormy night.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

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

Context: The sentence is about the tragic incident of a ship (Estonia). After rolling over, the ship could only sink, not improve, march, or upgrade.

Meaning of the words:

Improved: Made better.
Marched: Walked in a military manner.
Upgraded: Raised to a higher standard.
Sank: Went down below the surface of water.

Correct word: Sank

Reason: Since the Estonia ship rolled over in the storm, the natural outcome is that it sank. This word perfectly matches the tragic event.

Final Sentence: Yet hours later, the Estonia rolled over and sank in a cold and stormy night.

Hence the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 1