Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank 4.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Students want (1)________ as the primary outcome of higher education. Hence, practical experience becomes (2)________ valuable to a student’s degree. Indian students are highly (3)________ at theoretical learning but lack practical training. This (4)________ an issue for decades in the Indian job market. In order to address this (5)________ issue, state governments have to take a lead. The AP government in the past three years have made efforts to bridge this long-lasting gap between theoretical and practical learning of the students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. has been.

Context: The passage discusses an issue that has persisted for decades in the Indian job market. The present perfect tense “has been” indicates an ongoing situation from the past continuing into the present, which fits the context.

Meaning of the words:

Is – simple present, does not convey the ongoing nature over decades.
Have been – plural subject needed; “issue” is singular, so incorrect.
Will be – future tense, incorrect here.
Has been – present perfect tense for singular subject, correct.

Correct word: Has been, because the issue has persisted for decades.

Final Sentence: This has been an issue for decades in the Indian job market.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 89