SSC CGL Preparation – Day 1

English: Fill in the Blanks

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✅ What are “Fill in the Blanks”?

• “Fill in the Blanks” questions test your understanding of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and logic.
• You are given a sentence with one or two blanks, and you have to choose the most suitable word(s) from the options provided.

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✅ Types of “Fill in the Blanks” Questions for SSC CGL:

1. Vocabulary-Based:
   Choose the correct word based on its meaning and usage.
2. Grammar-Based:
   Choose the correct form of the word (tense, preposition, conjunction, etc.).
3. Contextual Meaning:
   Fill the blank keeping the tone and theme of the sentence in mind.
4. Idiomatic Expressions/Phrasal Verbs:
   Some blanks require correct phrases or idiomatic usage.

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✅ Important Concepts to Master:

Concept	Key Points
Subject-Verb Agreement	Ensure the verb agrees with the subject. Singular/Plural forms.
Tense Consistency	The tense should match the timeline of the sentence.
Prepositions	Know common prepositions (in, on, at, with, etc.) usage.
Conjunctions	Words like although, because, however connect ideas properly.
Articles	Correct usage of “a”, “an”, and “the”.
Collocations	Common pairings (e.g., “make a decision”, “pay attention”).
Phrasal Verbs	“Break down”, “give up”, “bring about” — often tested.
Vocabulary Skills	Synonyms, antonyms, contextual meanings.

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✅ Strategy to Solve “Fill in the Blanks”:

1. Read the Sentence Carefully
   • Get the overall idea first.
2. Predict the Word Before Looking at Options
   • Think of a word that fits before checking the choices.
3. Eliminate Wrong Choices
   • Remove options that are grammatically wrong or make the sentence illogical.
4. Check for Clues in the Sentence
   • Look for contrasting words (however, but), cause-effect (because, therefore), or continuation words (and, also).
5. Double-Check Grammar and Meaning
   • Ensure both grammar and meaning are correct together.

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✅ Common Traps to Avoid:

• Don’t pick a word just because it looks fancy.
• Watch out for similar-sounding words with different meanings.
• Pay close attention to tone — is it positive, negative, or neutral?

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✅ Examples:

Example 1:

Question:
The team was __________ after losing the match.

Options:
(a) elated
(b) jubilant
(c) dejected
(d) triumphant

Answer:
(c) dejected
(Meaning sad/disappointed — fits the context of “losing”)

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Example 2:

Question:
She is very good __________ mathematics.

Options:
(a) in
(b) at
(c) with
(d) on

Answer:
(b) at
(Correct preposition usage: good at something)

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Example 3:

Question:
Despite the heavy rains, the match continued __________.

Options:
(a) regardless
(b) irregular
(c) discontinuous
(d) careless

Answer:
(a) regardless
(“Regardless” fits the logical meaning here.)

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✅ SSC CGL Previous Year Trends:

• 2–3 Fill in the Blanks questions appear every year.
• SSC loves testing prepositions, phrasal verbs, and contextual vocabulary.

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✅ Tips for Daily Practice:

• Learn 5 new words daily with usage examples.
• Revise common prepositions and collocations.
• Practice 10–15 Fill in the Blanks questions every day.
• Analyze mistakes — understand why an option was wrong.

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🚀 Practice Task for Today:

No.	Sentence	Blank Word Type
1	He was __________ by her kind words.	Emotion-based word
2	The thieves broke __________ the house at midnight.	Phrasal verb
3	She is interested __________ learning new languages.	Preposition
4	They decided to __________ the project due to lack of funds.	Vocabulary word
5	His answer was __________; it confused everyone even more.	Vocabulary word