Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 3.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Research on infections over the past few decades has focused on hospitals, day-care facilities and schools, but (1)_____ attention was paid to the home. Today, the increase of foodborne illness and a (2)_____ need for home health care have focused interest on hygiene and cleanliness in the home. ‘Hygiene’ refers to conditions or practices by which people maintain or promote good health by keeping themselves and their surroundings (3)____. Even in our contemporary society, good hygiene practices continue to be the primary disease-prevention strategy. Hygiene is one of the silent victories of public health. Personal hygiene and household cleanliness practices affect the risk (4)____spreading infectious disease. There are many disease-causing microbes whose transmission can be controlled by proper personal hygiene and household cleaning practices. A framework for developing practical home strategies to manage risk from infections is (5)_____.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3, i.e. clean.

The term “hygiene” is directly associated with cleanliness—it refers to practices that keep people and their surroundings clean to promote good health. This aligns perfectly with the definition provided in the passage: “‘Hygiene’ refers to conditions or practices by which people maintain or promote good health by keeping themselves and their surroundings (3) ____.”

Let’s compare the options:

- cluttered – means messy, which is the opposite of hygiene.

- close – unrelated in this context.

- clean – accurate descriptor of hygienic conditions.

- clear – means transparent or empty; doesn’t fit the intended meaning.

SSC Stenographer 2024 PYQ — Question 73