GATE CS 2024 Set 1 | Question 6

MCQ · 2 marks · −0.66

In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)−(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks.

Steve was advised to keep his head ____(i)____ before heading ____(ii)____ to bat; for, while he had a head ____(iii)____ batting, he could only do so with a cool head ____(iv)____ his shoulders.

  1. Option A: (i) down (ii) down (iii) on (iv) for
  2. Option B: (i) on (ii) down (iii) for (iv) on
  3. Option C: (i) down (ii) out (iii) for (iv) on (correct)
  4. Option D: (i) on (ii) out (iii) on (iv) for

Answer

(C)

Explanation

Each blank completes a fixed English expression:

  • (i) to keep one’s head down is to stay focused and avoid distractions, so down.
  • (ii) a batter goes to the crease by heading out to bat, so out.
  • (iii) to have a head for something is to have a natural talent for it, so a head for batting.
  • (iv) a cool head on one’s shoulders means calm good sense, so on.

Only option C gives down, out, for, on. The other options use phrases such as “a head on batting” or “a cool head for his shoulders”, which are not idiomatic.

Answer: C