SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 2

SSC CHSL - 08 Aug 2023 - Shift 2 • English • Q2

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

Following in the footsteps of France, Italy has ________(1)________ a new tax to be ________(2)________ on large tech companies, a move that is likely to put more strain on the country's relations with the USA. The Italian parliament has approved a 3% digital tax on some digital revenue of technology companies that make over $831 million in global revenue, including at least $6 million in Italy. The tax ________(3)________ similar to the one France implemented earlier this year, which has attracted ________(4)________ criticism from the USA. According to a report in The Epoch Times, dozens of countries are working on proposals to change corporate tax schemes to ________(5)________ money from tech firms that have users across the world, such as Facebook and Google’s parent company Alphabet.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

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

The sentence suggests that the USA has strongly opposed this tax.

Severe: Very strong, intense, or harsh.
Example: The new policy faced severe criticism from business leaders.

Why other options are incorrect?

Mild: Opposite in meaning (mild criticism means it is not harsh).
Critical: While "critical" can mean disapproving, "severe criticism" is the standard phrase.
Firm: Does not fit well in the context of opposition or disapproval.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.