Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 2.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Scholars have long noted that International Monetary Fund (IMF) restructuring programmes (1)____________________ winners and losers, but always in (2)________________ to different sectors of the economy. For example, the fact that programmes (3)________________ to strengthen exports has been shown to favour farmers and business owners over urban middle class state employees like civil servants.The problem with purely (4)___________________ sectors is highlighted when you look at citizens’ experiences. One (5)_____________________ of the survey data, covering nine countries in Africa, showed that three out of ten civil servants actually thought IMF reforms made their lives better.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. relation.

Context:
The sentence talks about IMF programmes creating winners and losers, but always in relation to different sectors of the economy. The blank must express a connection or link.

Meaning of the words:

Relation – connection or link between things (fits perfectly).
Narration – telling a story (not suitable).
Objection – disagreement (not correct in this context).
Anticipation – expectation of something (doesn’t fit here).

Correct word:
The correct word is relation, because the idea is that the winners and losers are seen in relation to different sectors.

Reason:
Grammatically and logically, “in relation to different sectors of the economy” is the natural and correct phrase.

Final Sentence:
Scholars have long noted that International Monetary Fund (IMF) restructuring programmes create winners and losers, but always in relation to different sectors of the economy.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 4