SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 3

SSC CHSL - 09 March 2023 - Shift 2 • English • Q3

In the following passage some of the words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully
and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

In a new study (1)____in Nature Human Behaviour, we have now shown that, in 2021,
(2)__ expectancy rebounded somewhat in most western European countries (3)__
eastern Europe and the US witnessed additional losses. However, only Norway (4) __ its
pre-pandemic life expectancy in 2021, and everywhere is worse off than it would (5) __
have been without the pandemic.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
 

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

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

 

Context: The sentence is contrasting two different observations:

  • Western European countries saw an improvement in life expectancy.

  • Eastern Europe and the US saw additional losses.

The word in the blank must show this contrast clearly.

“While” is a subordinating conjunction that shows contrast between two clauses or actions happening at the same time.

Example: She was smiling while he was crying.
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.