SSC IMD SA 2017 – Question 71

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the
four alternatives.
Science is all about details, precision, accuracy, and it is ____________ 99 per cent perspiration. The beauty and joy in doing science lies in those rare moments
_____________ the pieces of a puzzle magically come together. To adapt from Shelley, the shadow indeed becomes ____________ important than the substance. I
suppose one could put some of this together and disseminate a simplified, sanitised version to the public but in the end, science is a ___________ individualistic,
personal affair. Most honest scientists will tell you that they are ever so grateful that they are _____________ by their governments to do something that they would
have done anyhow for free.
Science is all about details, precision, accuracy, and it is ____________ 99 percent

• in
• indeed
• into
• inside

Detailed Explanation:

The correct option according to the official SSC answer key is a) in.

• Context of the Passage: The passage refers to Thomas Alva Edison’s celebrated quote: “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
• Grammatical & Official Key Analysis: While in standard stylistic English the adverb “indeed” provides a natural emphatic transition (“and it is indeed 99 per cent perspiration”), the official answer key for SSC IMD SA 2017 designates a) in as the key answer.
• Option Breakdown:
  • in (Preposition): Designated as the correct answer in the official SSC key.
  • indeed (Adverb): Means truly or unquestionably.
  • into / inside: Prepositions of physical location or movement, not suited to abstract composition.

Hence, following the official key, the answer is a) in.