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GATE 2024 CH – Question 6

General Aptitude · Verbal Aptitude: Grammar and Vocabulary · 2 marks · Multiple choice

In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)−(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks.
From the ancient Athenian arena to the modern Olympic stadiums, athletics (i) the potential for a spectacle. The crowd (ii) with bated breath as the Olympian artist twists his body, stretching the javelin behind him. Twelve strides in, he begins to cross-step. Six cross-steps (iii) in an abrupt stop on his left foot. As his body (iv) like a door turning on a hinge, the javelin is launched skyward at a precise angle.

  1. (i) hold (ii) waits (iii) culminates (iv) pivot
  2. (i) holds (ii) wait (iii) culminates (iv) pivot
  3. (i) hold (ii) wait (iii) culminate (iv) pivots
  4. (i) holds (ii) waits (iii) culminate (iv) pivots

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Correct answer: (D) (i) holds (ii) waits (iii) culminate (iv) pivots

Explanation

Each verb must agree with its subject. "Athletics" is treated as a singular noun here, so "holds". "The crowd" is a collective noun taken as singular, so "waits". "Six cross-steps" is plural, so "culminate". "His body" is singular, so "pivots". Only option D has all four right.