Directions: In the following passage some of the words have been left out, each of which is indicated by a number. Find the suitable word from the options given against each number and fill up the blanks with appropriate words to make the paragraph meaningfully complete.

We still prefer job security and comfort (6) the (7) offices and fast (8) corporate lifestyles. The prestige, security and comfort of government jobs still (9) (10) for many Indians. Before the markets were liberalised in the 1990s, the government was one of the country’s most (11) employers. We believe that although the tide and (12) of private sector jobs may have strongly (13) in (14) the last three decades, but the government’s (15) as an employer still continues with many people. This appeal has become stronger over the past few years, in the face of recession induced layoffs and salary cuts in the private sector.

Q:

Fill the blank at 9.

• 1
  hold
• 2
  release
• 3
  dappled
• 4
  hampered
• 5
  provide