Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank…

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

The farmers in our village were fed up with the birds that used to eat ____[A]____ all their harvested grains. They tried to take turns watching, ____[B]____ still, they were not able to save the crops. One of the older men in our village suggested that we should build a scarecrow. The idea was well-received. The face of the scarecrow was made using an earthen pot, while bundles of straw ____[C]____ to create its arms. Finally, it was accessorised with a hat and a coat to perfect ____[D]____ illusion as a man. It was a ____[E]____ coat that used to belong to a beggar who stayed near the temple.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank marked [B].

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. but.

Context: The sentence indicates that despite the farmers taking turns watching, they still could not save the crops. The blank requires a conjunction that conveys contrast.

Meaning of the words:

as: Indicates reason or comparison; does not fit the context.
for: Indicates purpose or reason; inappropriate here.
but: Correctly conveys contrast between the farmers’ efforts and the outcome.
because: Indicates cause; not suitable here.

Correct word: but

Reason: The sentence expresses contrast, showing that even though the farmers tried, the birds still ate the grains. “But” is the appropriate conjunction.

Final sentence: They tried to take turns watching, but still, they were not able to save the crops.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC GD 2025 PYQ — Question 4