SarkariPYQ

SSC CGL 2023 PYQ — Question 1

SSC CGL - 21 July 2023 - Shift 3 • English • Q1

Back to paper

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

I went on (1)___________ trying to 'find out how to'; but I wrote two or three novels without feeling that I had made (2)_______ progress. It was not until I wrote 'Ethan Frome' that I suddenly felt the artisan's full (3)________ of his implements. When 'Ethan Frome' first appeared, I was (4)_______  criticised by the reviewers for what was considered the clumsy structure of the tale. I had pondered long on this structure, had felt its peculiar difficulties, and possible awkwardness, but could think of no (5)________which would serve as well in the given case: and though I am far from thinking 'Ethan Frome' is my best novel, and am bored and even exasperated when I am told that it is, I am still sure that its structure is not its weak point.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 5.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

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

The passage describes the author's journey of writing and feeling like they had found their stride after struggling initially.

It specifically focuses on the author's experience with writing 'Ethan Frome', a novel that was criticized for its structure. 

The author is reflecting on the structure and mentioning that despite recognizing its challenges, they could not find any other structure (alternative) that would work better for the story.

"Alternative" directly refers to another option, which is what the author is talking about.