SarkariPYQ

SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 7

SSC Selection Post - Higher Secondary Level - 3 Aug 2022 - Shift 4 • English • Q7

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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.
Thousands of persons must (1) __________ the same thing to her since, but I happened to
be the first in the line. Anyone likes to hear flattering sentiments, and more than others, I
suppose, dancers. They like (2) __________ every hour of the day how well they keep their
steps. I praised her art whenever I could (3) ___________ alone with her and whisper in her
ear, out of range of that husband of hers. Oh, what a man! I have not met a more grotesque
creature in my life. Instead of calling herself Rosie, she could more logically (4)
____________ him Marco Polo. He dressed like a man about to undertake an expedition—
with his thick coloured glasses, thick jacket and a thick helmet over which was perpetually
stretched a green, shiny waterproof cover, giving him the appearance of a space traveller. I
have, of course, no idea of the original Marco Polo’s appearance, but I wanted to call this man
Marco (5) ___________, and I have not bothered to associate him with any other name since.

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

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3i.e. have called.

Tense Concept: The sentence is in present perfect narrative tone and contrasts Rosie’s name with what the speaker thinks it could more logically have been.
Grammatical Explanation:
– The sentence is: "Instead of calling herself Rosie, she could more logically (4) _____ him Marco Polo."
– The phrase "could more logically have called" uses the modal "could" followed by perfect infinitive (have + past participle) to indicate a past unreal action.
– So, the correct form is "have called" (following "could").
Incorrect Options:
been called – passive, doesn’t match subject or structure
had called – past perfect, not used with "could" like this
called – base past form, incomplete after "could"
Final Sentence: She could more logically have called him Marco Polo
Conclusion: The correct answer is have called.