Cloze Test part-17

Total Questions: 41

21. What are the future possibilities for space travel in the long term? Where will humans go after they have explored our solar system? It is said that ‘Star Trek’ could hold the answer to these questions. It is predicted that travel to other galaxies will only be possible in huge ‘starships’. These will wander through space for hundreds or even thousands of years. Each of them will carry a large human population. Some of those people will take over a suitable new planet and settle down there. This search for new planets to settle in will continue until life on planet Earth could be just a _______memory. [SSC CHSL 11/08/2021 (Afternoon)]

Correct Answer: (a) distant
Solution:Distant - a long way away in space or time. Imaginary - existing only in the mind; not real. Factual - based on or containing things that are true or real. Here the author is talking about the time when people will start living on different planets except earth then life on the earth will become a distant memory in their minds.

22. Let us take a brief look at the planet _________ which we live. As the earth hurtles through space at a speed of 70,000 miles per hour, it spins, as we all know, on its axis, which causes it to be flattened at the Poles. Thus, if you were to stand at the North or South Pole you would be 13 miles nearer the centre of the earth than if you stood on the Equator. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Morning)]

Correct Answer: (c) on
Solution:We use the preposition 'on' when we have to refer to something that is placed on a surface like the ball is on the table, someone is sleeping on the bed etc. Similarly, we live on the surface of the earth. Hence, on is the most appropriate answer. Whereas, all the other options do not fit in the context of the statement.

23. Let us take a brief look at the planet on which we live. As the earth hurtles through space at a _________ of 70,000 miles per hour, it spins, as we all know, on its axis, which causes it to be flattened at the Poles. Thus, if you were to stand at the North or South Pole you would be 13 miles nearer the centre of the earth than if you stood on the Equator. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Morning)]

Correct Answer: (c) speed
Solution:Whenever something/someone is in motion we use the terms speed/velocity to state how fast or slow it is moving for example the car is moving at a speed of 50km/hr, the aeroplane is flying at the speed of 500km/hr. Similarly in this passage, we are talking about the speed at which the earth revolves in the space. Hence, speed is the most appropriate answer.

24. Let us take a brief look at the planet on which we live. As the earth hurtles through space at a speed of 70,000 miles per hour, it spins, as we all know, on its axis, ________ causes it to be flattened at the Poles. Thus, if you were to stand at the North or South Pole you would be 13 miles nearer the centre of the earth than if you stood on the Equator. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Morning)]

Correct Answer: (b) which
Solution:We generally use 'which' for things and 'who' for people. For example, the carpet which you bought was beautiful. He is the same boy who stole my pen. Similarly in the passage, which will be used for the axis of the earth. Hence, all other options are eliminated.

25. Let us take a brief look at the planet on which we live. As the earth hurtles through space at a speed of 70,000 miles per hour, it spins, as we all know, on its axis, which causes it to be flattened at the Poles. Thus, if you ________ to stand at the North or South Pole you would be 13 miles nearer the centre of the earth than if you stood on the Equator. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Morning)]

Correct Answer: (d) were
Solution:We use 'subjunctive mood' when we want to express wishes or desires. For example, I wish I were the Prime Minister. We also use subjunctive to express that conditions are false or unlikely.

For example, If I were rich, I would buy an island. Similarly in the passage, it is an assumption to stand at the North pole of the earth and hence, if you 'were' to stand at the north pole is the most appropriate answer. Hence, (d) is the most appropriate answer.

26. Let us take a brief look at the planet on which we live. As the earth hurtles through space at a speed of 70,000 miles per hour, it spins, as we all know, on its axis, which causes it to be flattened at the Poles. Thus, if you were to stand at the North or South Pole you would be 13 miles nearer the centre of the earth ________ if you stood on the Equator. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Morning)]

Correct Answer: (d) than
Solution:In the passage, the distance from the center of the earth is compared from two different locations and we use 'than' to compare two conditions. Hence, 'than' is the most appropriate answer.

27. The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It is _________ the size of the continent of Australia and covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles. The Amazon rainforest gets its life from the majestic Amazon River which runs through the heart of the region. The rainforest is simply the drained basin for the river and its tributaries . The vast forest consists of four layers, each featuring its own ecosystems and specially adapted plants and animals. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Evening)]

Correct Answer: (c) roughly
Solution:Roughly means not exact or approximate. In this sentence, the size of the Amazon forest is compared with the size of the continent of Australia but the comparison is approximate. Hence, roughly is the most appropriate answer.

28. The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It is roughly the size of the continent of Australia and covers _________ area of nearly 2.8 million square miles. The Amazon rainforest gets its life from the majestic Amazon River which runs through the heart of the region. The rainforest is simply the drained basin for the river and its tributaries . The vast forest consists of four layers, each featuring its own ecosystems and specially adapted plants and animals. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Evening)]

Correct Answer: (a) an
Solution:'A' is used before words that start with a consonant ("a trick" or "a magic"). But, 'An' is used before words that start with a vowel ("an area" or "an imminent danger"). Hence, in the given question, 'an area' will be the most appropriate answer because area is a word that starts with a vowel.

29. The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It is roughly the size of the continent of Australia and covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles. The Amazon rainforest gets its life from the __________ Amazon River which runs through the heart of the region. The rainforest is simply the drained basin for the river and its tributaries . The vast forest consists of four layers, each featuring its own ecosystems and specially adapted plants and animals. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Evening)]

Correct Answer: (b) majestic
Solution:Majestic means impressive/grand because of its size or beauty. As we know, the Amazon river is the second largest river in the world. Hence, majestic is used to describe the size of the river.

30. The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It is roughly the size of the continent of Australia and covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles. The Amazon rainforest gets its life from the majestic Amazon River which runs through the heart ___________ the region. The rainforest is simply the drained basin for the river and its tributaries . The vast forest consists of four layers, each featuring its own ecosystems and specially adapted plants and animals. [SSC CPO 23/11/2020 (Evening)]

Correct Answer: (d) of
Solution:Of The other options do not fit in the context of the passage. Whereas, of' is used to indicate relating to/ belonging to something or to indicate reference. Similarly in this sentence, 'of' will be used to indicate reference to the region through where the river flows.