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

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.
Something had always surprised me. There was no (1)______ reason why she should have
been the most (2)______ girl in the class. She was good (3)______ at studies nor in games. She
was not (4)______ a great dancer and could barely sing. Yet, girls (5)______ cluster around her
as if she were a celebrity.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

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

Filler Concept: Past habitual action or repeated behavior
Grammatical Explanation: "Would" is used to describe something that regularly happened in the past, which fits the context of girls frequently clustering around her
Word Usage:

could – incorrect; implies ability, not repeated action

should – incorrect; implies obligation or expectation

would – correct; expresses a habitual past action

will – incorrect; refers to the future, not suitable in a past context
Final Sentence: Yet, girls would cluster around her as if she were a celebrity
Conclusion: The correct answer is would.

SSC Selection Post 2020 PYQ — Question 6