Question

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 1

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank. The standard of living of any country means the average (1)________ share of the goods and services which the country produces. A country’s standard of living, therefore, (2)________ first and foremost on its capacity to produce wealth. ‘Wealth’, in this sense, is not money, for we do not live (3)________ money but on things that money (4)________ buy; ‘goods’ such as food and clothing and ‘services’ such as transport and entertainment. A country’s capacity to produce wealth depends upon many factors, most of which have an effect on one another. Wealth depends to a great extent (5)________ a country’s natural resources, such as coal, gold and other minerals, water supply and so on.

• A. person
• B. person’s
• C. persons’
• D. per son

Answer 1

Answer:

B. person’s

In this context, the sentence refers to the share belonging to a single, average individual within a country. To show this relationship of "belonging" or "ownership" over the share of goods and services, we must use the possessive case. In English grammar, the possessive form of a singular noun is created by adding an apostrophe followed by the letter 's' ('s). Therefore, "average person's share" correctly indicates the portion attributed to one typical person. Option A ("person") is a simple noun that lacks the necessary possessive connection to the word "share." Option C ("persons'") is the possessive form for a plural group, which contradicts the use of the singular modifier "average." Option D ("per son") is a misspelling that splits a single word into two, making it structurally incorrect.