Choose the most appropriate combination of words for the blanks in the following sentences from the options given :-
1. A good citizen is always ______ for liberty and freedom.
2. Prices will _____ higher and higher in coming days.
3. Ashoka's _____ was full of peace.
4. The funeral _______ were performed by the eldest son.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 1. zealous 2. soar 3. reign 4. rites
The four blanks test homophones, words that sound alike but differ in spelling and meaning.
- Blank 1 — zealous: Zealous means full of eager, active support for a cause, so a good citizen is zealous for liberty. Jealous means envious of what others have.
Example: She is a zealous supporter of education for girls. - Blank 2 — soar: Soar means to rise quickly to a high level, so prices soar. Sore means painful.
Example: Ticket prices soar during the festival season. - Blank 3 — reign: Reign is the period during which a king or queen rules, so Ashoka's reign was full of peace. A rein is a long leather band used to control a horse.
Example: The fort was built during the reign of Akbar. - Blank 4 — rites: Rites are religious ceremonies, so funeral rites are performed. Rights are what a person is entitled to.
Example: The wedding rites went on till midnight.