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. 4.

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. ought
• B. can
• C. must
• D. should

Answer 1

Answer:

B. can

The sentence discusses the functional relationship between money and the items it is used to acquire. The word "can" is a modal verb used to express ability or possibility. In this context, the author is explaining that we do not live on the physical currency itself, but on the goods and services that money has the power or potential to purchase. Option A ("ought") and Option D ("should") are used to express moral obligation or advice, which does not fit an objective economic description. Option C ("must") implies a strict necessity or a logical certainty that is too forceful for this general explanation. Therefore, "can" is the most natural fit as it describes the inherent capability of money to be exchanged for things like food, clothing, and entertainment.