SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 69

SSC Stenographer - 11/12/2024 (4:30 PM to 6:30 PM) • English • Q69

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Assam’s Kaziranga National Park was (1)__________ by severe floods in 2016 that destroyed 80 per cent of the park’s land and killed its wildlife.
World Heritage-listed Kaziranga National Park is in India. It is a (2)________ area with the highest tiger population in the world and is home to two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. In addition, there are a lot of elephants, swamp deer, and wild water buffalo in this area.
Nearly 250 animals, including at least 20 one-horned rhinos, were killed in the devastating 2016 floods. Over 200 animals were saved by the foresters, including nine rhino calves. Sadly, we have very little control over the annual flood phenomenon. Due to significant climatic changes, the possibility that it will only get worse in the coming years is (3)_________. Additionally, the dangers posed by road and highway encroachment as well as the increasing number of human settlements surrounding the Park’s core areas are a cause for concern.
In order to guarantee the complete safety of the wildlife and other inhabitants of the area, it is high time that we plan some risk reduction measures. Because they are familiar with the river, its course, and other relocation centres where wildlife can be sheltered, the local communities can support us. Additionally, we must ensure that no animals are chained up during the disaster. Their likelihood of surviving floods is increased by 50% as a result.
When combined with the (4)________ provided by the public authority, conventional information by the local people can undoubtedly prevent animals from succumbing to these devastating events.
The life cycle is extremely delicate. While preventing flooding would be beneficial for the animals, we must also recognise that these water levels supply the soil with essential nutrients. This, in turn, aids in the development of grasses. The base of the food chain is then formed by this. Animals would begin to die from a lack of essential nutrients if the floods stopped. While it is our responsibility to (5)________ wildlife, we must never negatively affect the life cycle.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. devastated

Context: The sentence is likely referring to someone’s emotional state after experiencing or witnessing something tragic or painful.

Meaning of the words:
Sheltered – protected or shielded from difficulties
Traumatised – severely emotionally disturbed due to distressing experience
Shocked – surprised or upset suddenly

Correct word: devastated

Reason: “Devastated” best fits when someone is experiencing extreme grief or emotional pain, especially in a context involving loss or destruction. It's more intense and long-lasting than 'shocked' and less clinical than 'traumatised.'

Final sentence: She was devastated by the news of her father’s sudden passing.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.