Key Points

• Sustained means to support or uphold something, or to endure or persist through a difficult situation. (किसी चीज़ का समर्थन या समर्थन करना, या किसी कठिन परिस्थिति में सहना या बने रहना)
• The sentence suggests that something was supported or upheld, likely behind a curtain.
• This word is the most appropriate choice based on the context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 4.

Additional Information

• Curtained means to cover or conceal with a curtain. (पर्दे से ढकना या छिपाना)
• Abstained means to refrain from doing something, particularly from indulging in a certain behaviour or activity. (कुछ करने से बचना, विशेषकर किसी निश्चित व्यवहार या गतिविधि में शामिल होने से)
• Stained means to mark or discolour something, often with a substance that is difficult to remove. (किसी चीज़ पर निशान लगाना या उसका रंग फीका करना, अक्सर किसी ऐसे पदार्थ से जिसे हटाना मुश्किल होता है)

Key Points

• In the sentence, it discusses a sustained long-term downturn in economic activity.
• The word "economic activity" refers to the economic performance or condition of a particular region or country.
• To make the sentence grammatically correct and coherent, the word to fill in the blank should be "economies" because it accurately conveys that depression refers to a downturn in economic activity in one or more regions or countries.
• The correct word "economies" refers to the system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a particular region or country. (किसी विशेष क्षेत्र या देश में वस्तुओं और सेवाओं के उत्पादन, वितरण और उपभोग की प्रणाली)

Therefore, the correct answer is option 3.

Additional Information

• "Services" refer to the work done by one person or group that benefits another. (एक व्यक्ति या समूह द्वारा किया गया वह कार्य जिससे दूसरे व्यक्ति या समूह को लाभ होता है)
• "Autonomies" refers to the state of being self-governed or having independence. (स्वशासित या स्वतंत्र होने की अवस्था या भाव)
• "Astronomies" refers to the study of celestial objects and phenomena. (आकाशीय पिंडों और घटनाओं का अध्ययन)

Key Points

• "Severe" means very intense or extreme. (बहुत तीव्र या अत्यधिक)
• It is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
• The word is an adjective and can be used to describe various things, such as weather, punishment, or a medical condition.
  • Example: The severe storm caused widespread damage.

​Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Tamed means domesticated or trained. (पालतू या प्रशिक्षित)
• Feral means wild or untamed. (जंगली या अदम्य)
• Simple means easy or uncomplicated. (आसान या सरल)

Key Points

• The sentence in context is talking about the modern business cycle. The business cycle refers to the ups and downs of the economy, or alternatively, its periods of expansion (growth) and contraction (recession). Therefore, the word needed at blank number 4 should reflect these variations or changes that occur over time in the economy.
• Let's take a look at the options:

1. 'Firmness' is the quality of being unyielding or stiff, which doesn't really make sense in the context of changes over time in the economy.
2. 'Stability' represents a state of steadiness, which also doesn't reflect the cyclical and changing nature of the economy implied by the rest of the sentence.
3. 'Sustainability' suggests the capacity to endure or keep going over the long term, which is usually used in an environmental or resource-use context.
4. 'Fluctuations', on the other hand, implies a kind of irregular rising and falling or variability in number or amount, which accurately characterizes the ups and downs of a business cycle.

Hence, 'fluctuations' is the most appropriate choice in this context.

Additional Information

• Firmness: This term usually refers to the rigidity or resilience of a particular object or material, like firmness of a mattress or firmness of a handshake. In economic terms, it can also refer to strong or unwavering guidance or policies by a central bank or regulatory body. Here, it fails to adequately represent the cycles of growth and recession in an economy - which are variable, not firm or unchanging.
• Stability: This is a state of steadiness or balance. In an economic term, it may refer to a situation where key economic indicators (such as goods, services, and their prices) are not extremely changing. Application of 'stability' would refer to an absence of significant change which contradicts with the context of the sentence referring to the economic cycles of boom and bust.
• Sustainability: This term is widely used to express the idea of economic policies, strategies, or practices that are designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It usually refers to long-term goals - not fluctuations or cycles in the economy.

Key Points

• The sentence discusses shifts over time between two contrasting states or conditions: periods of relatively rapid economic growth and periods of relative stagnation or decline.
• To maintain the sentence's grammatical structure and coherence, the word to fill in the blank should be a noun that represents the contrasting states or conditions mentioned.
• "Periods" is a noun that means a length or portion of time, and it fits perfectly with the sentence. (समय की एक लम्बाई या भाग)
• "Periods" is the correct choice because it refers to distinct time intervals, making it clear that the shifts are occurring at different points in time.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

Additional Information

• Perpetually: Continuously or indefinitely. (लगातार या अनिश्चित काल तक)
• Perpetuity: Infinite duration or timelessness. (अनंत अवधि या कालातीतता)
• Prods: To poke or push. (ठोंकना या धकेलना)

The correct answer is Self-doubt.

Key Points

• Despite her talent, Eliana struggled with self-doubt.
• This challenge is specifically mentioned in the introduction, emphasizing it as her main personal battle.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Self-doubt".

Additional Information

• Options (1), (3), and (4) are not supported by the passage as Eliana's biggest challenge.

Key Points

• Eliana viewed the competition as an opportunity to overcome her fears.
• This decision is explained in the second paragraph, highlighting her intention behind participating.

Therefore, the correct answer is "To overcome her fears".

Additional Information

• Options (1), (3), and (4) do not accurately capture her primary motivation for participating in the competition.

Key Points

• She ingeniously used the raindrops to enhance her artwork.
• This act of creativity is detailed in the third paragraph.

Therefore, the correct answer is "By using the raindrops to enhance her painting".

Additional Information

• Options (1), (2), and (4) do not reflect the actual method Eliana used to save her painting.

Key Points

• Eliana learned the importance of embracing her vulnerabilities.
• This lesson is the culmination of her journey, mentioned in the final paragraph.

Therefore, the correct answer is "To embrace her vulnerabilities".

Additional Information

• Options (1), (2), and (4) do not align with Eliana's significant realization post-competition.

Key Points

• Eliana's paintings were known for their vibrant colours and ability to evoke emotions.
• Her talent as a painter is the main focus in the introduction.

Therefore, the correct answer is "Her paintings".

Additional Information

• Options (1), (2), and (4) are incorrect because the text specifically highlights her reputation as a painter.