SarkariPYQ

SSC CPO 2022 PYQ — Question 2

SSC CPO - 10 Nov 2022 - Shift 1 • English • Q2

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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.

All elephants (1) ______ several distinctive features, the most notable of which is a long trunk or proboscis, used for many (2) _______, particularly breathing, lifting water and grasping objects. Their incisors grow (3) _______ tusks, which can serve as weapons and as tools for moving objects and digging. Elephants' large ear flaps help to control their body temperature. Their pillar-like legs (4) _______ carry their great weight. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs while Asian elephants have smaller ears and convex or level backs. One of the biggest threats to elephant populations is the ivory trade, as the animals are poached for their ivory tusks. Other threats to (5) ________ elephants include habitat destruction and conflicts with local people. Elephants are used as working animals in Asia. In the past they were used in war; today, they are often put on display in zoos and circuses.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.

 

 

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

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

Their pillar-like legs (4) _______ carry their great weight. 

  1. Can - Ability to do something, a general truth
  2. Should - Obligatory or imperative nature of doing something (like must do)
  3. Would - occurrence of events in the past
  4. Could - making suggestions or stating a possibility

The passage talks about the characteristics of elephants. Since the word 'can' states a general possibility, it is the most suitable word.

Hence, can is the correct answer.