SSC Stenographer 13th Oct 2023 Shift 1

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.

Let others know ____1___ you are trying to routinely hold crucial conversations.___2___
what you are doing and why. Here it is worth to mention that over half a century ago, Dr. Kurt
Lewin, the father of social psychology, ___3___ that when subjects made a public ___4___ to
do something, they were more likely to stay the course than if they ___5___ their wishes to
themselves. Tell people what your goals are.

Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
When I first moved to the city, I was taken aback by the pace of life. Everything was always
moving, always in a rush. Cars honked their horns, people pushed and shoved their way
through the crowds, and the noise was constant. At first, I found it exhilarating. I felt like I was
part of something bigger than myself. But as the weeks turned into months, I began to feel
overwhelmed.

I noticed that I was becoming increasingly anxious. I was having trouble sleeping, and my
thoughts were constantly racing. I knew that I needed to do something to slow down and find
some peace. That's when I discovered meditation.
At first, I was sceptical. I had always thought of meditation as something only hippies and
yogis did. But I was desperate, so I gave it a try. I found a quiet place in my apartment, sat
down cross-legged, and closed my eyes. At first, my mind was still racing, but I focused on
my breath and tried to let go of my thoughts. Slowly, I felt my body relax, and my mind grew
calmer.

Over the next few weeks, I began to notice the effects of my meditation practice. I felt less
anxious and more centred. I was able to sleep better, and I felt more focused during the day. I
started to see the world around me with new eyes. The noise and chaos of the city no longer
bothered me as much. I felt more in control of my thoughts and emotions.
As I continued to meditate, I started to make other changes in my life. I started to eat
healthier, exercise more, and spend more time outside. I found that these small changes had
a big impact on my overall sense of well-being. I realised that the frenzied pace of city life had
been taking a toll on me, and that I needed to take better care of myself.
Looking back, I can see how my decision to start meditating had a ripple effect on my life. It
was the catalyst for a series of changes that have made me a happier and healthier person.
I'm still amazed at how something as simple as sitting down and closing my eyes for a few
minutes each day could have such a profound impact.

In conclusion, the fast-paced life of the city had a negative effect on my mental and physical
health. But by taking the time to meditate and make other positive changes, I was able to
improve my overall well-being. I encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed or stressed to give
meditation a try. You never know how it might change your life.