Fill In The Blanks part – 8

41. James Bernard was undoubtedly one of the greatest elocutionists of the world. Everyone agreed that possessed the _________ [SSC CPO 10/11/2022 (Morning)]

(a) yellow press
(b) fourth estate
(c) curtain lecture
(d) gift of the gab

Correct Answer: (d) gift of the gab

Solution:'Gift of the gab' is an idiom that means the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency. The given sentence states that James Bernard was undoubtedly one of the greatest elocutionists of the world. Everyone agreed that he possessed the ability to speak with eloquence. Hence, 'gift of the gab' is the most appropriate answer.

42. It is never advisable to have an axe to_________ [SSC CPO 11/11/2022 (Evening)]

(a) kill
(b) rotate
(c) replace
(d) grind

Correct Answer: (d) grind

Solution:'An axe to grind' is an idiom that means to have a private reason for doing or being involved in something. The given sentence states that it is never advisable to have a private reason for doing something.

43. The annual meeting of our club has been__________ till next month. [SSC CGL Tier II (08/08/2022)]

(a) dragged
(b) deferred
(c) disrupted
(d) deranged

Correct Answer: (b) deferred

Solution:'Defer' means to postpone. The given sentence states that the annual meeting of our club has been postponed till next month. Hence, 'deferred' is the most appropriate answer.

44. The boy __________to take the money. [SSC CGL Tier II (08/08/2022)]

(a) ordered
(b) denied
(c) reminded
(d) refused

Correct Answer: (d) refused

Solution:'Refused' means to say or show that you are not willing to accept something. The given sentence states that the boy refused(not willing) to take the money. Hence, 'refused' is the most appropriate answer.

45. Easter eggs used to be painted chicken eggs, but a modern___________ is to substitute them with chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans. [Graduate Level 02/08/2022 (Shift - 3)]

(a) legacy
(b) ethic
(c) lore
(d) custom

Correct Answer: (d) custom

Solution:"Custom" means a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time. The given sentence states that Easter eggs used to be painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute them with chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans. Hence, "Custom" is the most appropriate answer.

46. In the given sentence, a word is given in brackets. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word to fill in the blank. The kids are feeling bored, but they are_________ (eager) to participate in the activities. [Graduate Level 02/08/2022 (Shift - 3)]

(a) passive
(b) reluctant
(c) nervous
(d) repulsive

Correct Answer: (b) reluctant

Solution:Eager having or showing desire or interest. Reluctant- not wanting to do something and therefore slow to do it. Passive lacking in energy or will; lethargic. Nervous appearing or acting unsteady, erratic, or irregular.

47. Countries like China and the United States invest__________ in wind, hydro, solar and biofuels. [Graduate Level 02/08/2022 (Shift - 3)]

(a) profoundly
(b) achingly
(c) absolutely
(d) heavily

Correct Answer: (d) heavily

Solution:'Heavily' means to a great degree or in a heavy manner. Hence, 'Heavily' is the most appropriate answer.

48. Freud's work with free association, dream analysis and the unconscious was of ________- importance to the Surrealists in developing methods to liberate Imagination. [Graduate Level 03/08/2022 (Shift - 3)]

(a) farthest
(b) hugest
(c) remotest
(d) utmost

Correct Answer: (d) utmost

Solution:'Utmost' means the most extreme; greatest. The given sentence states that Freud's work with free association, dream analysis and the unconscious was of utmost importance. Hence, 'utmost' is the most appropriate answer.

49. New York ________- its roots back to 1624, when it was founded as a trading post by colonists of the Dutch Republic. [Graduate Level 04/08/2022 (Shift - 2)]

(a) traces
(b) dates
(c) sketches
(d) recalls

Correct Answer: (a) traces

Solution:'Traces' means a sign or evidence of some past thing. The given sentence states that New York traces its roots back to 1624, when it was founded as a trading post by colonists of the Dutch Republic. Hence, 'traces' is the most appropriate answer.

50. According to the traditions, Easter Sunday is celebrated by________ part in an Easter vigil, lighting a new fire outside the church early on Sunday morning. [Graduate Level 04/08/2022 (Shift - 4)]

(a) taking
(b) being
(c) bearing
(d) making

Correct Answer: (a) taking

Solution:The phrase 'take part' means to join in an activity or be involved. The given sentence states that Easter Sunday is celebrated by taking part in an Easter vigil. Hence, 'taking' is the most appropriate answer.