SarkariPYQ

SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 2

SSC CHSL - 10 March 2023 - Shift 2 • English • Q2

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In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.

Through the (1) _______ , lonely years of my childhood, when my father’s palace (2) ______to tighten its grip (3) _______ me until I couldn’t (4) _______, I would go to my nurse and ask for a story. And though she knew many wondrous and edifying tales, the one I made her tell me over and over was the (5) _______ of my birth.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No. 4.

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Correct answer: D

Explanation

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

The natural and meaningful expression is "couldn’t breathe", which means feeling suffocated or under extreme pressure or stress.

This fits perfectly as the author uses a metaphor to describe the oppressive atmosphere during their lonely childhood years.