Comprehension

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most
appropriate option for each number.

How environmental problems ____1_____ different groups is a function of social inequality. Social status and power determine the
 _______2____ to which people can insulate themselves from environmental crises or overcome them. In some cases, their ‘solutions’
 may actually worsen environmental disparities. In Kutch, Gujarat, where water is scarce, richer farmers have ____3____ in deep bore
 tubewells to tap groundwater to irrigate their fields and grow cash crops. When the rains fail, the earthen wells of the poorer villagers
 run dry and they do not even have water to drink. At such times, the moist green fields of the rich farmers seem to mock them. Certain
 environmental concerns sometimes appear to be universal concerns, not particular to ____4_____ social groups. For instance,
 ______5_______ air pollution or protecting biodiversity seems to be in the public interest. A sociological analysis shows, however, that
 how public priorities are set and how they are pursued may not be universally beneficial.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

This question was previously asked in
SSC MTS 2024 Official Paper (Held On: 23 Oct, 2024 Shift 1)
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  1. Extent
  2. Various
  3. Scope
  4. Expanse

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Extent
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SSC MTS 2024 Official Paper (Held On: 01 Oct, 2024 Shift 1)
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90 Questions 150 Marks 90 Mins

Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 'Extent'.
 
Key Points 
  • The sentence is: "Social status and power determine the ___2 to which people can insulate themselves from environmental crises or overcome them."
  • We need a word that fits the phrase "the ____ to which," indicating the degree or measure.
  • "Extent" (noun) is commonly used in the phrase "the extent to which," meaning the degree or range over which something extends or to which something is true. This fits the context perfectly, as social status determines the degree to which people can protect themselves.
  • "Various" (adjective) means different kinds, and does not fit grammatically or semantically in this construction.
  • "Scope" (noun) refers to the range or breadth of something, but "the scope to which" is not a standard idiomatic expression.
  • "Expanse" (noun) refers to a wide area or range, typically physical, and does not fit the context of a degree of ability or insulation.
Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.
 
Complete Passage: How environmental problems 1. affect different groups is a function of social inequality. Social status and power determine the 2. extent to which people can insulate themselves from environmental crises or overcome them. In some cases, their ‘solutions’ may actually worsen environmental disparities. In Kutch, Gujarat, where water is scarce, richer farmers have 3____ in deep bore tubewells to tap groundwater to irrigate their fields and grow cash crops. When the rains fail, the earthen wells of the poorer villagers run dry and they do not even have water to drink. At such times, the moist green fields of the rich farmers seem to mock them. Certain environmental concerns sometimes appear to be universal concerns, not particular to 4____ social groups. For instance, 5____ air pollution or protecting biodiversity seems to be in the public interest. A sociological analysis shows, however, that how public priorities are set and how they are pursued may not be universally beneficial.
 
Additional Information 
  • Various: An adjective meaning different; unsuitable here.
  • Scope: Refers to the range or breadth, but not typically used with "to which" in this sense.
  • Expanse: Refers to a large, open area; semantically incorrect for this context.
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