SSC Selection Post 2020 PYQ — Question 8

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level 2020 - 9 Nov 2020 - Shift 1 • English • Q8

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.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no 3.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. neither.

 

Filler Concept: Correlative conjunction; expressing exclusion of both options
Grammatical Explanation: The sentence implies she was not good in studies or games, so “neither” is used to introduce this negative correlation
Word Usage:

neither – correct; matches with “nor” to exclude both activities

both – incorrect; implies inclusion

either – incorrect; used with “or,” not “nor,” and doesn’t convey complete exclusion

also – incorrect; doesn’t express contrast or negation
Final Sentence: She was neither good at studies nor in games
Conclusion: The correct answer is neither.