SarkariPYQ

SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 21

SSC CHSL 2023 - 03 Aug 2023 - Shift 4 • English • Q21

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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 Grim Reaper seems to have (1)_______ in Europe during the 14th century. It was during this time that Europe was dealing with what was then the world’s (2)_______ pandemic, the Black Death, believed to be the result of the plague. It is estimated that about one-third of Europe’s entire population (3)_________ as a result of the pandemic, with some areas of the continent suffering far greater losses than others. The original outbreak of the plague occurred during 1347–51, and outbreaks then (4)________ several other times after that. So, clearly, death was something that the surviving Europeans had on their mind, and it is not surprising that they (5)_______ an image to represent it.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank number 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. appeared.

In the context of the passage, the sentence is discussing the emergence or appearance of the Grim Reaper in Europe during the 14th century. The Grim Reaper is a symbolic representation of death, often depicted as a cloaked figure wielding a scythe. 

The word "appeared" in this context means that the concept or image of the Grim Reaper became noticeable or came into existence during that specific historical period.

It suggests a gradual introduction or manifestation rather than a sudden appearance, aligning with the idea that the Grim Reaper became a prominent symbol when Europe was grappling with the devastating effects of the Black Death pandemic.

So, the completed sentence would be: "The Grim Reaper seems to have appeared in Europe during the 14th century." This choice indicates that the Grim Reaper came into existence or became noticeable during that time.