SBI Clerk 2012 June 3

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage, and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

The ‘Fool of the Year’ contest was (71) to all the courtiers of king Krishnadeva Raya. All of them looked forward to the event as the winner would (72) a handsome prize of 5000 gold coins. The trouble was that Raman (73) won the contest. One year the other courtiers decided that he must kept out of it and (74) his servant to lock him in his room to prevent him from reaching the palace in time for the event. Consequently, Raman reached the palace (75) the contest was over. Just as the (76) of the winner was about to be announced the king noticed Raman. Seeing him come in, the king asked him why he was so late. Raman told him he was in need of a hundred gold coins and had been engaged in trying to (77) the amount.
‘’If you had participated in the contest, you might have won the prize money and your problem would have been solved,’’ said the king. ‘’You’ve behaved very foolishly, Raman.’’ ‘’Sir! That means I am a fool,’’ said Raman. ‘’You’re the greatest fool I’ve ever seen!’’ said the king. ‘’In that case all the others are here are (78) than me. That means I have won the contest!’’ said Raman. The king realised that he had (79) a slip but he was too proud to acknowledge it. To the chagrin of the other courtiers, the king (80) Raman the winner of the ‘’Fool of the Year’ contest!