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

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 computer can become a threat to man. It can (1)______________ his survival and privacy. It also offers excellent encouragement for unethical or criminal activities. It can (2)_______________ the unemployment problem as employers prefer the computer and the 'computer- controlled robots' to humans for obvious reasons. The information storage facility the computer provides has (3)___________ to collection of personal information about individuals and storage of this information in data banks by several employing agencies. If care is not exercised (4)__________ data gathering, data integrity may suffer. That is, questionable or imperfect methods may be employed; as a result, incorrect or incomplete data may be stored, and this (5)____________ become a permanent source and used for any given purpose.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. may.

Context: The sentence explains that if wrong or incomplete data is stored, it has the possibility of becoming a permanent source for use. The blank should express possibility, not certainty.

Meaning of the words:
• may – expresses possibility
• must – expresses compulsion or necessity
• have to – shows obligation
• should – expresses advice or recommendation

Correct word: may

Reason: Here the writer is warning that incorrect data may become a permanent source, meaning it is possible but not guaranteed. Words like must or have to would make the statement too forceful and incorrect in this context.

Final Sentence: Incorrect or incomplete data may be stored, and this may become a permanent source and used for any given purpose.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.

SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 90