Previous Year Paper

CDS English 16 April 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)

Held in 2023

120 questions120 minutes
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English (120 questions)

Question 1

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

They were informed that the inaugural version of the scheme

  1. AOption (a)

    had three parts.

  2. BOption (b)

    was three parts.

  3. COption (c)

    have three parts.

  4. DOption (d)

    had has three parts.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

had three parts.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'had three parts.'.

Key Points

  • The sentence is in the past tense because it refers to something that happened in the past.
  • Specifically, it says "They were informed," which implies that someone told them about the inaugural version of the scheme in the past.
  • Therefore, the correct verb form to use after "inaugural version of the scheme" is "had," which is the past tense of "have."
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Option 2) "was three parts" is not correct because "was" is the past tense of "is," which is not the correct verb to use in this context. The inaugural version of the scheme is not a singular entity that can be described as "is" or "was," so this option is not grammatically correct.
  • Option 3) "have three parts" is not correct because "have" is the present tense of the verb and does not match the past tense of the sentence. Using "have" in this context would suggest that the inaugural version of the scheme still exists, which is not what the sentence implies.
  • Option 4) "had has three parts" is not correct because it is redundant and ungrammatical to use "had" and "has" together. "Has" is the present tense of "have," and using it in this sentence would suggest that the inaugural version of the scheme still exists, which is not what the sentence implies. Using both "had" and "has" together creates a grammatically incorrect sentence.

Question 2

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

What would you do

  1. AOption (a)

    if you would won a lot of money?

  2. BOption (b)

    if you have won a lot of money?

  3. COption (c)

    if you will win a lot of moneys?

  4. DOption (d)

    if you won a lot of money?

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

if you won a lot of money?

Why this answer is correct

The correct alternative to complete the sentence is 'if you won a lot of money?'.

Key Points

  • The correct answer is - if you won a lot of money?
  • This sentence is in the second conditional, which is used to talk about hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future.
  • The correct form of the verb to use in this case is the past simple.
  • The correct structure for the second conditional is "if + simple past, would + base form of the verb."
  • Therefore, the correct sentence is: "What would you do if you won a lot of money?"

Additional Information

  • The other options are explained below:
  • "If you would won a lot of money?" This option is not grammatically correct. In the second conditional form, the word "would" is used to express the hypothetical or unreal nature of the situation. However, in this option, "would" is used incorrectly with the verb "won." Instead, the correct form is "if you won a lot of money."
  • "If you have won a lot of money?" This option is in the present perfect tense, which is used to talk about actions or events that happened in the past but have a connection to the present. However, the second conditional form is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations. Therefore, this option does not fit with the context of the sentence.
  • "If you will win a lot of moneys?" This option is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "If you will win a lot of money," but this does not fit with the context of the sentence. The second conditional form is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future, so "will win" does not fit.

Therefore, the correct option to complete the sentence is "if you won a lot of money."

Question 3

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

If it stopped raining

  1. AOption (a)

    we had gone out.

  2. BOption (b)

    we could go out.

  3. COption (c)

    we should go out.

  4. DOption (d)

    we ought to go out.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

we could go out.

Why this answer is correct

The correct alternative to complete the sentence is: 2) we could go out.

Key Points

  • The sentence is in the third conditional form, which is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past. In this case, the situation is that it was raining, but it stopped.
  • The correct structure for the third conditional is "if + past perfect, would/could/should/might + have + past participle."
  • Therefore, the correct option is "If it stopped raining, we could go out."

Additional Information

  • Let's examine the other options to understand why they are incorrect:
  • "If it stopped raining, we had gone out." This option is not grammatically correct. The past perfect tense is used to talk about an action that was completed before another action in the past. However, in this sentence, the action of going out is hypothetical and did not actually happen. Therefore, the correct form is "could have gone out."
  • "If it stopped raining, we should go out." This option is not grammatically incorrect, but it does not fit the context of the sentence. "Should" is used to give advice or make a suggestion, but in this sentence, the situation is hypothetical. Therefore, the correct option is "could go out."
  • "If it stopped raining, we ought to go out." This option is not grammatically incorrect, but it does not fit the context of the sentence. "Ought to" is used to talk about an obligation or duty, but in this sentence, the situation is hypothetical. Therefore, the correct option is "could go out."

Question 4

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

Let me know

  1. AOption (a)

    if you have any further news.

  2. BOption (b)

    if you had any further news.

  3. COption (c)

    if you has any further news.

  4. DOption (d)

    if you had have any further news.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

if you have any further news.

Why this answer is correct

The correct alternative to complete the sentence is: 1) if you have any further news.

Key Points

  • The sentence is in the imperative form, which is used to give a command or make a request. In this case, the request is to let the speaker know if the listener has any further news.
  • The correct structure for this type of sentence is "let + object pronoun + verb."
  • Therefore, the correct option is "Let me know if you have any further news."

Additional Information

  • Let's examine the other options to understand why they are incorrect:
  • "Let me know if you had any further news." This option is in the past simple tense, which is used to talk about actions or events that happened and were completed in the past. However, the request in the sentence is about present or future news, so the correct form is "if you have any further news."
  • "Let me know if you has any further news." This option is not grammatically correct. The verb "has" is incorrect because it does not agree with the subject "you," which requires the verb "have" in the present tense.
  • "Let me know if you had have any further news." This option is not grammatically correct. The use of "had have" is redundant, and the correct form is "if you had any further news."
  • Therefore, the correct option to complete the sentence is "Let me know if you have any further news."

Question 5

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

We stayed

  1. AOption (a)

    at the cheap hotel in the town.

  2. BOption (b)

    at the cheaper hotel in the town.

  3. COption (c)

    at the cheapest hotel in the town.

  4. DOption (d)

    at a cheapest hotel in the town.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

at the cheapest hotel in the town.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'at the cheapest hotel in the town. '.

Key Points

  • The sentence "We stayed" is incomplete without further information. It requires an object or a prepositional phrase to specify where the speaker stayed. The four alternatives given in the question provide different options to complete the sentence based on the quality of the hotel.
  • Option 1: "at the cheap hotel in the town" suggests that the hotel was inexpensive but does not provide any comparison to other hotels in the town.
  • Option 2: "at the cheaper hotel in the town" implies that there are at least two hotels in the town and the speaker chose the one that was less expensive than the other. However, it does not indicate whether it was the cheapest hotel.
  • Option 3: "at the cheapest hotel in the town" implies that there are at least two or more hotels in the town, and the speaker stayed at the one with the lowest price. This option uses the superlative form of the adjective "cheap" and indicates that the hotel is the least expensive among all the hotels in the town.
  • Option 4: "at a cheapest hotel in the town" is grammatically incorrect, as the word "cheapest" is already a superlative, and using an article "a" before a superlative adjective is not correct.
  • Therefore, the correct option to complete the sentence is "at the cheapest hotel in the town." (Option 3)

Question 6

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

Julia got married

  1. AOption (a)

    as she was 22.

  2. BOption (b)

    when she was 22.

  3. COption (c)

    because she was 22.

  4. DOption (d)

    since she was 22.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

when she was 22.

Why this answer is correct

The correct alternative to complete the sentence is: "when she was 22."

Key Points

  • Option 2, "when she was 22," is the most appropriate choice because it specifies a particular time when Julia got married. The use of "when" indicates a specific moment in time, which in this case is Julia's age of 22. This option provides a clear and concise reason for Julia's marriage without making any assumptions or drawing any vague conclusions.
  • Option 1, "as she was 22," is not the best option because it does not provide any clear reason for Julia's marriage. The word "as" can be used to indicate a causal relationship, but it is not clear what that relationship is in this context.
  • Option 3, "because she was 22," is not a logical reason for Julia's marriage because being 22 years old is not a sufficient reason to get married. This option implies that Julia got married solely because of her age, which is not a logical or reasonable conclusion.
  • Option 4, "since she was 22," suggests that Julia got married because of her age, but it is not necessarily true that age was the only reason for her marriage. This option leaves room for other possible reasons for Julia's marriage, which may or may not be related to her age.
  • In conclusion, option 2, "when she was 22," is the best option because it clearly indicates the time when Julia got married without making any assumptions or vague conclusions.

Question 7

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

What time

  1. AOption (a)

    does this train get at London?

  2. BOption (b)

    does this train get in London?

  3. COption (c)

    does this train get into London?

  4. DOption (d)

    does this train get to London?

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

does this train get to London?

Why this answer is correct

The correct alternative to complete the sentence is: "does this train get to London?"

Key Points

  • When referring to the arrival of a mode of transport such as a train or a bus, the correct preposition is 'to'.
  • So, Option 4, "does this train get to London?" is a valid option and can be used to ask about the arrival time of a train at its destination.
  • The phrase "get to" is commonly used to refer to arriving at a destination.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

  • Option 1, "does this train get at London?" is not the best option because "at" is not the correct preposition to use in this context. "At" is used to indicate a specific location, but not a destination.
  • Option 2, "does this train get in London?" is a common way to ask about the arrival time of a train at its destination. However, it can also be interpreted as asking about the location of the train within London, which is not what is intended in this context.
  • Option 3, "does this train get into London?" is the incorrect option because 'into' is used in the sense of 'moving to a position inside or in something'.

Question 8

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

How are you

  1. AOption (a)

    getting on in your new job?

  2. BOption (b)

    getting of in your new job?

  3. COption (c)

    getting along your new job?

  4. DOption (d)

    getting off in your new job?

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

getting on in your new job?

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'getting on in your new job?'.

Key Points

  • The phrase "getting on" is commonly used to inquire about someone's progress or experience in a specific context or activity, like a job.
  • The preposition "in" is appropriately used to specify the context, which in this case is the "new job."
  • The correct option to complete the sentence is: getting on in your new job?
  • This is a common way of asking someone about their progress or experience in a new job.
  • So the full sentence would be: "How are you getting on in your new job?"

Additional Information

  • The other options are not correct as they do not fit the structure of the sentence or the idiomatic usage of the phrase.
  • "Getting of in your new job?" has a grammatical error. The word "of" should be "off" or "on", but even with "off", the sentence would not convey the intended meaning.
  • "Getting along your new job?" is incorrect as it is missing a preposition. The correct phrase should be "getting along in your new job" or "getting along with your new job".
  • "Getting off in your new job?" is also not a standard way to inquire about someone's experience or progress in a new job. "Getting off" is typically used in contexts like departing from a vehicle or place.

Question 9

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

I am trying to

  1. AOption (a)

    shut down on coffee.

  2. BOption (b)

    cut down on coffee.

  3. COption (c)

    break down on coffee.

  4. DOption (d)

    turn down on coffee.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

cut down on coffee.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'cut down on coffee.'.

Key Points 

  • The correct alternative to complete the sentence is: cut down on coffee.
  • The complete sentence would be: "I am trying to cut down on coffee." This means that the person is attempting to reduce the amount of coffee they consume, either because they want to be healthier or because they think they are drinking too much.

Additional Information

  • "Shut down on coffee" doesn't make sense in this context. "Shut down" usually means to close or turn off, which doesn't really apply to coffee consumption.
  • "Cut down on coffee" is the correct choice because it means to reduce the amount of coffee that you consume. This could be because of health reasons, or because you simply want to consume less caffeine. For example, you might say "I'm drinking too much coffee and I need to cut down."
  • "Break down on coffee" also doesn't make sense in this context. "Break down" usually means to stop working or functioning properly, which doesn't apply to coffee consumption.
  • "Turn down on coffee" doesn't make sense either. "Turn down" usually means to decline or reject something, which doesn't make sense in the context of coffee consumption.
  • So, in summary, "cut down on coffee" is the correct choice because it means to reduce the amount of coffee that you consume.

Question 10

Direction: The following item features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative.

Many accidents

  1. AOption (a)

    cause careless driving.

  2. BOption (b)

    have caused careless driving.

  3. COption (c)

    are caused by careless driving.

  4. DOption (d)

    will cause careless driving.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

are caused by careless driving.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'are caused by careless driving.'.

Key Points

  • The correct alternative to complete the sentence is: are caused by careless driving.
  • The complete sentence would be: "Many accidents are caused by careless driving." This means that a significant number of accidents happen because of drivers who are not paying enough attention or being reckless on the road.

Additional Information

  • Here is more information about each of the options:
  • "Cause careless driving" doesn't make sense in this context. It suggests that the accidents are the result of someone driving carelessly, rather than the other way around.
  • "Have caused careless driving" is grammatically correct, but it suggests that the careless driving has already occurred as a result of the accidents, rather than the other way around.
  • "Are caused by careless driving" is the correct choice because it correctly identifies careless driving as the cause of the accidents. This is a common way to express this idea.
  • "Will cause careless driving" doesn't make sense in this context because it suggests that the accidents will lead to future instances of careless driving, which is not necessarily the case.

Direction: Read a passage and answer the items based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and the opinion of the author only.

The third great defect of our civilization is that it does not know what to do with its knowledge. Science has given us powers fit for the gods, yet we use them as small children. For example, we do not know how to manage our machines. Machines were made to be humanity's servants, yet man has grown so dependent on them that they are in a fair way to become his masters. Already most people spend most of their lives looking after and waiting upon machines. And the machines are very stern masters. They must be kept at the right temperature. And if they do not get their meals when they expect them, they grow sulky and refuse to work or burst with rage and blow up and spread ruin and destruction all around. So we have to wait upon them very attentively and do all that we can to keep them in a good temper. Already we find it difficult either to work or play without the machines, and a time may come when they will rule us altogether, just as we rule the animals.

And this brings me to the point at which I asked, "What do we do with all the time which the machines have saved for us, and the new energy they have given us?" On the whole, it must be admitted, we do very little. For the most part, we use our time and energy to make more and better machines which will give us still more time and still more energy, and what are we to do with them? The answer, I think, is that we should try to become more civilized. For the machines themselves, and the power which the machines have given us, are not civilization but aids to civilization. But you will remember that we agreed at the beginning that being civilized meant making and linking beautiful things, thinking freely and living rightly and maintaining justice equally among people. A person has a better chance today to do these things than he/she ever had before; he/she has more time, more energy, less to fear and less to fight against. If he/she will give his/her time and energy which his/her machines have won for him/her to make more beautiful things, to find out more and more about the universe, to remove the cause of quarrels between nations, to discover how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be the greater as it would be more lasting than it has ever been.

Question 11

The general tone of the passage is

  1. AOption (a)

    critical

  2. BOption (b)

    descriptive

  3. COption (c)

    demonstrative

  4. DOption (d)

    informational

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

critical

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'critical'.

Key Points

  • The passage takes a critical tone towards the modern civilization and its relationship with machines. The author argues that although science has given humans immense power, the society is not making proper use of that power. The author points out that despite having machines as servants, people have become too reliant on them, and the machines are slowly becoming their masters. The author is critical of the fact that people have not learned to manage their machines, and instead of using the extra time and energy they have, they continue to create more machines that they do not know what to do with.
  • Furthermore, the author argues that the society is failing to use the power of machines to become more civilized. Instead, people have become more dependent on machines and less concerned with important matters such as justice and creativity. Therefore, the overall tone of the passage is critical of modern civilization and its shortcomings.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

Question 12

The use of machines has failed to bring us

  1. AOption (a)

    spiritual freedom

  2. BOption (b)

    more leisure and more energy

  3. COption (c)

    slavery and destruction

  4. DOption (d)

    culture and civilization

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

culture and civilization

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'culture and civilization'.

Key Points 

  • The given passage is about the problems with civilization. It tells us that the machines and our dependency on them. With the help of machines most of our time is saved but we do little with that time. It concludes with a note that if humans will give their time and energy which their machines have won for them to make more beautiful things, such as to find out more and more about the universe, to remove the cause of quarrels between nations, to discover how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be the greater as it would be more lasting than it has ever been.
  • Read the lines of the passage,"And this brings me to the point at which I asked, "What do we do with all the time which the machines have saved for us, and the new energy they have given us?" On the whole, it must be admitted, we do very little. For the most part, we use our time and energy to make more and better machines which will give us still more time and still more energy, and what are we to do with them? The answer, I think, is that we should try to become more civilized. "
  • After reading the above sentences we can conclude that the use of machines has failed to bring us culture and civilization.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.

Question 13

According to the passage, our civilization would be made greater

  1. AOption (a)

    if man devotes his time to make more beautiful things

  2. BOption (b)

    if man looks after and waits upon machines

  3. COption (c)

    if man discovers how to prevent poverty

  4. DOption (d)

    if man discovers how to prevent economical crisis

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

if man devotes his time to make more beautiful things

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'if man devotes his time to make more beautiful things​'.

Key Points

  • The given passage is about the problems with civilization. It tells us that the machines and our dependency on them. With the help of machines most of our time is saved but we do little with that time. It concludes with a note that if humans will give their time and energy which their machines have won for them to make more beautiful things, such as to find out more and more about the universe, to remove the cause of quarrels between nations, to discover how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be the greater as it would be more lasting than it has ever been.
  • Read the lines of the passage," A person has a better chance today to do these things than he/she ever had before; he/she has more time, more energy, less to fear and less to fight against. If he/she will give his/her time and energy which his/her machines have won for him/her to make more beautiful things, to find out more and more about the universe, to remove the cause of quarrels between nations, to discover how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be the greater as it would be more lasting than it has ever been. "
  • After reading the above sentences we can conclude that according to the passage, our civilization would be made greater if man devotes his time to make more beautiful things.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

Mistake Points

  • According to the passage, The main thing a man can do for our civilization to make it greater' is - 'giving their time and energy which their machines have won for them to make more beautiful things' and the statement given in option 4 comes under the suggestions of 'beautiful things man can make'.
  • "preventing poverty" is the one way of making "more beautiful things" others are 'to find out more and more about the universe, to remove the cause of quarrels between nations'. This all comes under the 'suggestive points' for how man will give their time and energy to make more beautiful things'
  • Hence, we can say that the statement given in Option 1 is the super set and statement is option 4 is its sub-set.

Question 14

According to the passage, which one of the following descriptions about machines is true?

  1. AOption (a)

    They already rule us like we rule animals.

  2. BOption (b)

    They wait upon us attentively.

  3. COption (c)

    They are inexorable masters.

  4. DOption (d)

    They have made man more civilized.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

They are inexorable masters.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'demonstrative '.

Key Points 

  • The given passage is about the problems with civilization. It tells us that the machines and our dependency on them. With the help of machines most of our time is saved but we do little with that time. It concludes with a note that if humans will give their time and energy which their machines have won for them to make more beautiful things, such as to find out more and more about the universe, to remove the cause of quarrels between nations, to discover how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be the greater as it would be more lasting than it has ever been.
  • Read the lines of the passage," Machines were made to be humanity's servants, yet man has grown so dependent on them that they are in a fair way to become his masters. Already most people spend most of their lives looking after and waiting upon machines. And the machines are very stern masters."
  • After reading the above sentences we can conclude that according to the passage, machines work relentlessly on human command hence they are inexorable masters.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • inexorable: impossible to stop or prevent.
  • "the seemingly inexorable march of new technology"

Question 15

According to the passage, how do we use the powers bestowed upon us by science?

  1. AOption (a)

    Judiciously

  2. BOption (b)

    Temperamentally

  3. COption (c)

    Divinely

  4. DOption (d)

    Irrationally

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Irrationally

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Irrationally'.

Key Points

  • The given passage is about the problems with civilization. It tells us that the machines and our dependency on them. With the help of machines most of our time is saved but we do little with that time. It concludes with a note that if humans will give their time and energy which their machines have won for them to make more beautiful things, such as to find out more and more about the universe, to remove the cause of quarrels between nations, to discover how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be the greater as it would be more lasting than it has ever been.
  • Read the lines of the passage," Machines were made to be humanity's servants, yet man has grown so dependent on them that they are in a fair way to become his masters. Already most people spend most of their lives looking after and waiting upon machines."
  • After reading the above sentences we can conclude that according to the passage, we use the powers in a way that does not use reason or clear thinking.
  • Hence, we can say that we use the powers bestowed upon us by science irrationally.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

  • inexorable: impossible to stop or prevent.
  • "the seemingly inexorable march of new technology"

Direction: Read a passage and answer the items based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and the opinion of the author only.

Plastic is an essential commodity with multiple uses based on its key qualities of malleability, flexibility, and durability. Plastics are omnipresent in agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, transport, technology, retail, textiles, personal care products, and all the other sectors and industries that directly or indirectly affect our daily life. Plastic has indeed made our lives more convenient, but it has come at a higher price than we imagined. The plastic pollution overflowing our landfills, clogging waterways, and infiltrating the ocean is primarily made of discarded items and packaging. Plastic lasts for hundreds of years, slowly disintegrating into smaller and smaller pieces, but never fully degrading. Indeed, one of the key perks of plastic is its longevity. And yet, the plastic packaging of nearly every product we purchase and many plastic products themselves are intended to be discarded after a single use. Throwaway plastic is an oxymoron, but it has become our sad, increasingly dangerous reality.

Plastic pollution should make everyone angry. This is a crisis we can see with the naked eye, day in and day out. Plastic has been found on even the most remote, uninhabited islands, and in the deepest parts of the ocean. Because we can see it, we are more keenly aware of it, unlike some other forms of pollution. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for further studies on the impacts of microplastics on human health. An initial study, hampered by a lack of adequate data, concluded microplastics pose no danger at current levels (WHO, 2019). Although the WHO report was inconclusive about the effects of plastic on human health, other studies have linked the chemicals in plastic to negative health outcomes including endocrine disruption (Dabre 2020). Plastic particles have been detected in drinking water and in the food we eat, with a 2019 study commissioned by WWF estimating humans consume about five grams (or one credit card in weight) of plastic every week. 

We have seen the devastating effects plastic has on marine life. For instance, unable to process ingested plastic waste pieces, seabirds and other sea creatures starve to death. We have seen sea turtles and other animals tangled in fishing nets or trapped in plastic pack rings. Plastic pollution also wreaks havoc on land, clogging drains and preventing rainwater from soaking into the soil, which leads to flooding. Terrestrial creatures also suffer the effects of plastic waste, with some getting trapped in discarded plastic bags and suffocating to death.

Question 16

Plastic has distressing effects on

  1. AOption (a)

    only humans

  2. BOption (b)

    only marine life

  3. COption (c)

    both humans and marine life

  4. DOption (d)

    None of the above

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

both humans and marine life

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'both humans and marine life'.

Key Points

  • According to the passage, "Plastic is a versatile and essential commodity with multiple uses that have made our lives more convenient. However, plastic pollution is a crisis that is overflowing our landfills, clogging waterways, and infiltrating the ocean. Plastic particles have been detected in drinking water and in the food we eat, and studies have linked the chemicals in plastic to negative health outcomes, including endocrine disruption. The devastating effects of plastic on marine life have been observed, with animals ingesting plastic waste and getting tangled in fishing nets or plastic pack rings. The plastic pollution crisis affects both humans and marine life and needs to be addressed urgently."
  • The passage clearly states that plastic pollution has negative effects on both humans and marine life.
  • Plastic particles have been found in drinking water and the food we eat, and studies have linked the chemicals in plastic to negative health outcomes including endocrine disruption.
  • In addition, plastic pollution has devastating effects on marine life, with animals ingesting plastic waste and getting tangled in fishing nets or plastic pack rings, ultimately leading to starvation or suffocation.
  • Therefore, it can be concluded that plastic pollution affects both humans and marine life.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.

Question 17

Plastic and plastic particles can be found

  1. AOption (a)

    in the oceanic depths

  2. BOption (b)

    on mountain tops a aby

  3. COption (c)

    in metals and minerals

  4. DOption (d)

    All of the above

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

in the oceanic depths

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'in the oceanic depths​'.

Key Points 

  • According to the passage, "Plastic is a versatile and essential commodity with multiple uses that have made our lives more convenient. However, plastic pollution is a crisis that is overflowing our landfills, clogging waterways, and infiltrating the ocean. Plastic particles have been detected in drinking water and in the food we eat, and studies have linked the chemicals in plastic to negative health outcomes, including endocrine disruption. The devastating effects of plastic on marine life have been observed, with animals ingesting plastic waste and getting tangled in fishing nets or plastic pack rings. The plastic pollution crisis affects both humans and marine life and needs to be addressed urgently."
  • The passage states that plastic pollution can be found in the ocean, even in the deepest parts of the ocean.
  • It is mentioned that plastic has been found on remote and uninhabited islands as well, indicating that plastic pollution is widespread and affects many different environments.
  • Therefore, the passage emphasizes the seriousness of plastic pollution and its negative impact on both the environment and human health.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 1

Question 18

Plastic pollution appears to be

  1. AOption (a)

    an epidemic

  2. BOption (b)

    a pandemic

  3. COption (c)

    a small menace

  4. DOption (d)

    a temporal health issue

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

a pandemic

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'a pandemic​​'.

Key Points 

  • According to the passage, "Plastic is a versatile and essential commodity with multiple uses that have made our lives more convenient. However, plastic pollution is a crisis that is overflowing our landfills, clogging waterways, and infiltrating the ocean. Plastic particles have been detected in drinking water and in the food we eat, and studies have linked the chemicals in plastic to negative health outcomes, including endocrine disruption. The devastating effects of plastic on marine life have been observed, with animals ingesting plastic waste and getting tangled in fishing nets or plastic pack rings. The plastic pollution crisis affects both humans and marine life and needs to be addressed urgently."
  • While the term "pandemic" is typically used to describe a disease outbreak, it can also be used more broadly to describe a widespread and global issue affecting multiple areas of life.
  • In the passage, the author describes plastic pollution as a crisis that is visible and affects various aspects of daily life, and it highlights the devastating effects of plastic on marine and terrestrial life.
  • Therefore, it can be seen as a pandemic issue.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 2.

Question 19

Plastic is considered an essential commodity because

  1. AOption (a)

    it has made our lives easier

  2. BOption (b)

    it causes health hazard

  3. COption (c)

    it clogs natural ecosystem

  4. DOption (d)

    it has multiple uses in our everyday lives

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

it has multiple uses in our everyday lives

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'it has multiple uses in our everyday lives'.

Key Points 

  • According to the passage, "Plastic is a versatile and essential commodity with multiple uses that have made our lives more convenient. However, plastic pollution is a crisis that is overflowing our landfills, clogging waterways, and infiltrating the ocean. Plastic particles have been detected in drinking water and in the food we eat, and studies have linked the chemicals in plastic to negative health outcomes, including endocrine disruption. The devastating effects of plastic on marine life have been observed, with animals ingesting plastic waste and getting tangled in fishing nets or plastic pack rings. The plastic pollution crisis affects both humans and marine life and needs to be addressed urgently."
  • The passage states that plastic is an essential commodity with multiple uses based on its key qualities of malleability, flexibility, and durability.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 4.

Question 20

The word 'clogging' in the passage means

  1. AOption (a)

    obstruction

  2. BOption (b)

    flow

  3. COption (c)

    opening

  4. DOption (d)

    clearing

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

obstruction

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'it has multiple uses in our everyday lives'.

Key Points 

  • According to the passage, "Plastic is a versatile and essential commodity with multiple uses that have made our lives more convenient. However, plastic pollution is a crisis that is overflowing our landfills, clogging waterways, and infiltrating the ocean. Plastic particles have been detected in drinking water and in the food we eat, and studies have linked the chemicals in plastic to negative health outcomes, including endocrine disruption. The devastating effects of plastic on marine life have been observed, with animals ingesting plastic waste and getting tangled in fishing nets or plastic pack rings. The plastic pollution crisis affects both humans and marine life and needs to be addressed urgently."
  • In the given passage, the term "clogging" has been used to refer to the action of something getting stuck and blocking a passage or channel.
  • It refers to the process of plastic waste blocking waterways and causing flooding or suffocating animals that get trapped in it.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is option 1) obstruction.
  • Obstruction: Something that blocks or hinders the passage or progress of something else.
  • Hence, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Flow: The movement of a liquid, gas, or electricity in a particular direction.
  • Opening: An empty space or gap in something, which allows passage or access to something else.
  • Clearing: The act of removing obstructions or objects from a place, making it open and accessible.

Question 21

Direction: The following sentence has word/words underlined. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word/words belongs/belong to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

I like that boy.

  1. AOption (a)

    Noun

  2. BOption (b)

    Demonstrative Adjectives

  3. COption (c)

    Participle

  4. DOption (d)

    Conjunction

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Demonstrative Adjectives

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Demonstrative Adjectives'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "that" belongs to the word class of Demonstrative Adjectives as this is used before noun 'boy'.
  • In the sentence "I like that boy," the word "that" is used to point out or identify a specific boy.
  • In this context, it is modifying the noun "boy" and indicating a particular boy being referred to.
  • Examples of demonstrative adjectives are this, that, these and those (if they come before noun).
  • Their position and function in a sentence is what differentiates them from demonstrative pronouns.
  • Eg: Can I take this bag to put in all my clothes? Here, ‘this’ describes the bag.

Additional Information

  • Here are brief explanations of the other options:
  • Noun: A noun is a word used to identify a person, place, thing, or idea. In the sentence "I like that boy," "boy" is a noun, referring to a male child.
  • Participle: A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective. In the sentence "I saw the crying baby," "crying" is a participle, modifying the noun "baby."
  • Conjunction: A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. In the sentence "I like pizza and pasta," "and" is a conjunction, connecting the two food items. However, "that" cannot function as a conjunction in the sentence "I like that boy" because it is not connecting anything.

Important Points

  • Let's learn about Demonstrative pronouns:
  • Demonstrative pronouns always identify nouns, whether those nouns are named specifically or not.
  • For example: “I can’t believe this.”
  • We have no idea what “this” is, but it’s definitely something the writer cannot believe. It exists, even though we don’t know what it is.
  • When DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUN (This, that, these, those, such, and the same.) are used before nouns, they function as Demonstrative Adjectives.

Question 22

Direction: The following sentence has word/words underlined. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word/words belongs/belong to. Indicate your response accordingly.

Without health there is no happiness.

  1. AOption (a)

    Noun

  2. BOption (b)

    Pronoun

  3. COption (c)

    Adjective

  4. DOption (d)

    Adverb

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Noun

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Noun'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence "Without health there is no happiness," the word "happiness" refers to an idea or feeling.
  • It is the object of the verb "is" and is the thing that is lacking when health is absent.
  • Noun: A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.
  • In the sentence "Without health there is no happiness," "happiness" refers to an idea or feeling, making it a noun.
  • Therefore, "happiness" is a noun in this sentence.

Additional Information

  • Pronoun: A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun to avoid repetition. For example, "he" can be used in place of "John." However, there are no pronouns in the given sentence.
  • Adjective: An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun. In the given sentence, "happiness" is not being described or modified by any other word, so it cannot be an adjective.
  • Adverb: An adverb is a word that describes or modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. In the given sentence, "happiness" is not modifying a verb, adjective, or other adverb, so it cannot be an adverb.

Question 23

Direction: The following sentence has word/words underlined. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word/words belongs/belong to. Indicate your response  accordingly.

You have no sense.

  1. AOption (a)

    Noun

  2. BOption (b)

    Determiner

  3. COption (c)

    Adverb

  4. DOption (d)

    Preposition

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Determiner

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Determiner'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "no" is a determiner in the sentence "You have no sense."
  • Here are more detailed explanations of the different word classes and why "no" is a determiner in this sentence:
  • Noun: A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. "No" cannot be a noun in this sentence because it is not representing a person, place, thing, or idea.
  • Determiner: A determiner is a word that is used before a noun to indicate the reference of the noun in the context. In the sentence "You have no sense," "no" is a determiner modifying the noun "sense." It indicates that there is an absence of sense.
  • Adverb: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. "No" cannot be an adverb in this sentence because it is not modifying a verb, adjective, or other adverb.
  • Preposition: A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. "No" cannot be a preposition in this sentence because it is not showing a relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence.

Question 24

Direction: The following sentence has word/words underlined. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word/words belongs/belong to. Indicate your response accordingly.

None of these cars is in use.

  1. AOption (a)

    Reflexive Pronoun

  2. BOption (b)

    Demonstrative Pronoun

  3. COption (c)

    Distributive Pronoun

  4. DOption (d)

    Indefinite Pronoun

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Indefinite Pronoun

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Indefinite Pronoun'.

Key Points

  • Indefinite pronouns are a type of pronoun that does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. Instead, they refer to an unspecified or unknown person, place, or thing.
  • "None" is an indefinite pronoun that means "not any" or "no one" and refers to an unspecified number of things or people.
  • In the sentence "None of these cars is in use," "none" is used to refer to the fact that there are no cars that are currently being used.
  • It is not referring to a specific car or group of cars, but rather to a general absence of cars being used.
  • Therefore, "none" is an indefinite pronoun in this sentence.

Additional Information

  • Reflexive Pronoun: A reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject of the sentence. Examples include "myself," "yourself," "himself," "herself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves." None of these are reflexive pronouns.
  • Demonstrative Pronoun: A demonstrative pronoun is used to point to or identify a specific noun or pronoun. Examples include "this," "that," "these," and "those." "None" is not a demonstrative pronoun because it doesn't point to or identify a specific noun or pronoun.
  • Distributive Pronoun: A distributive pronoun refers to members of a group individually, rather than collectively. Examples include "each," "either," and "neither." "None" is not a distributive pronoun because it does not refer to members of a group individually.

Question 25

Directions

Match the underlined word in each of the following sentences with the correct parts of speech and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.

We shall now begin to work.

  1. AOption (a)

    Adverb

  2. BOption (b)

    Adjective

  3. COption (c)

    Conjunction

  4. DOption (d)

    Pronoun

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Adverb

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Adverb'.

Key Points

  • In the sentence "We shall now begin to work," the word "now" modifies the verb "begin."
  • An adverb is a word that typically modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
  • In this case, "now" modifies the verb "begin," indicating that the action is starting at the present time.
  • Other examples of adverbs include words like "quickly," "slowly," "quietly," "loudly," and "happily." These words all modify verbs to provide more information about how the action is being carried out.
  • Hence, the correct answer will be Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Adjective: An adjective is a word that describes a noun or pronoun. For example, in the sentence "She has a beautiful voice," the word "beautiful" is an adjective that describes the noun "voice." However, "now" does not describe a noun or pronoun in the sentence "We shall now begin to work," so it cannot be an adjective.
  • Conjunction: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. For example, in the sentence "She went to the store and bought some bread," the word "and" is a conjunction that connects the two verbs "went" and "bought." However, "now" does not connect any words, phrases, or clauses in the sentence "We shall now begin to work," so it cannot be a conjunction.
  • Pronoun: A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun. For example, in the sentence "He gave me the book," the word "he" is a pronoun that takes the place of a person's name. However, "now" does not take the place of a noun in the sentence "We shall now begin to work," so it cannot be a pronoun.

Question 26

Directions

Match the underlined word in each of the following sentences with the correct parts of speech and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.

Owing to his ill health, he retired from business.

  1. AOption (a)

    Conjunction

  2. BOption (b)

    Preposition

  3. COption (c)

    Participle

  4. DOption (d)

    Determiner

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Preposition

Why this answer is correct

In this sentence, 'Owing to' functions as a complex preposition (or a prepositional phrase). A complex preposition is a group of words that functions as a single preposition. 'Owing to' is synonymous with 'because of' or 'due to' and is used to introduce the cause or reason for the action described in the main clause ('he retired from business'). It links the noun phrase 'his ill health' to the rest of the sentence, establishing a causal relationship, which is the primary function of a preposition.

Question 27

Directions

Match the underlined word in each of the following sentences with the correct parts of speech and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.

My sister is just sixteen and therefore not eligible to vote.

  1. AOption (a)

    Gerund

  2. BOption (b)

    Conjunction

  3. COption (c)

    Adjective

  4. DOption (d)

    Adverb

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Adverb

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Adverb'..

 

Key Points

  • "Therefore" is used to introduce a logical conclusion or result based on the information given before it in the sentence.
  • In the sentence "My sister is just sixteen and therefore not eligible to vote," "therefore" indicates the reason why the sister cannot vote.
  • Adverbs often modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, but they can also modify whole sentences, as is the case with "therefore," which connects two parts of a sentence logically.
  • "Therefore" does not act as a gerund (noun), an adjective (describing a noun), or a conjunction (connecting two clauses or sentences) in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Additional Information

  • Gerund: A gerund acts as a noun and is the -ing form of a verb, for example, "Swimming is fun." "Therefore" does not fit this description.
  • Adjective: Adjectives describe or modify nouns, such as "tall" in "tall building." "Therefore" does not describe a noun in the sentence.
  • Conjunction: Conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses, like "and" in "She bought apples and oranges." While "therefore" does connect two parts of a sentence logically, it functions as an adverb, not a conjunction, because it modifies the entire clause and indicates a cause-effect relationship rather than simply joining parts of a sentence.

Question 28

Directions

Match the underlined word in each of the following sentences with the correct parts of speech and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.

They tried to find fault with us.

  1. AOption (a)

    Participle

  2. BOption (b)

    Verb

  3. COption (c)

    Infinitive

  4. DOption (d)

    Gerund

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Infinitive

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Infinitive'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence, "to" is used before the verb "find" to create an infinitive phrase "to find fault with us".
  • An infinitive is a verb form that typically starts with "to" and can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
  • In this sentence, the infinitive phrase acts as the object of the verb "tried". The sentence means that someone attempted to find fault with the speaker and their group.
  • Here's another example of an infinitive used as a noun: "To swim in the ocean is my favorite summer activity."
  • In this sentence, "to swim" is the subject of the sentence and acts as a noun.

Hence, the correct answer will be Option 3.

Question 29

Direction: The following sentence has word/words underlined. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word/words belongs/belong to. Indicate your response  accordingly.

Which way shall we go?

  1. AOption (a)

    Noun

  2. BOption (b)

    Gerund

  3. COption (c)

    Conjunction

  4. DOption (d)

    Adjective

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Adjective

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'adjective '.

Key Points

  • "Which" is an adjective in the sentence "Which way shall we go?".
  • In the sentence "Which way shall we go?", "which" is an adjective that modifies the noun "way." It is used to ask about a specific choice or direction among multiple options. The adjective "which" is commonly used to ask questions about things or people when there are multiple options available.
  • In this sentence, "which" helps to clarify the question being asked and indicates that the speaker is looking for a specific answer or direction. Without the adjective "which," the sentence would simply be "Way shall we go?" which is not as specific or clear.

Additional Information

  • Noun: A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. "Which" is not a person, place, thing, or idea, so it cannot be a noun in this sentence.
  • Gerund: A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun. "Which" is not a verb form ending in "-ing," so it cannot be a gerund in this sentence.
  • Conjunction: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. "Which" is a subordinating conjunction in this sentence because it introduces the subordinate clause "which way shall we go?"

Question 30

Direction: The following sentence has word/words underlined. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word/words belongs/belong to. Indicate your response  accordingly.

Alas! He is dead.

  1. AOption (a)

    Determiner

  2. BOption (b)

    Conjunction

  3. COption (c)

    Preposition

  4. DOption (d)

    Interjection

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Interjection

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Interjection'.

Key Points

  • An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses strong emotions or sentiments.
  • It can stand alone as a sentence or be used in conjunction with other words to convey a particular tone or mood.
  • "Alas" is an interjection used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment, especially in response to a negative situation or news.
  • In the sentence "Alas! He is dead.", "Alas" is used to convey the speaker's grief and sorrow about the news of someone's death.
  • Hence, the correct answer will be Option 4.

Additional Information

  • Determiner: A determiner is a word that is used before a noun to indicate which things or people we are talking about. Examples of determiners are 'a', 'an', 'the', 'this', 'that', 'these', 'those', etc. The word "Alas" is not a determiner because it does not modify a noun or indicate which thing or person we are talking about.
  • Conjunction: A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Examples of conjunctions are 'and', 'but', 'or', 'yet', etc. The word "Alas" is not a conjunction because it is not used to connect words, phrases or clauses.
  • Preposition: A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. Examples of prepositions are 'in', 'on', 'at', 'with', 'by', etc. The word "Alas" is not a preposition because it does not show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence.

Question 31

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

He was ________ speaker that I had ever heard.

  1. AOption (a)

    the most eloquent

  2. BOption (b)

    the more eloquent

  3. COption (c)

    very eloquent

  4. DOption (d)

    eloquent

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

the most eloquent

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'the most eloquent'.

Key Points

  • The sentence is comparing the speaker to others the speaker has heard before. Therefore, the superlative form "the most" is required. Also, the adjective "eloquent" needs to be in its superlative form, which is "most eloquent".
  • This is the correct option because it uses the superlative form of the adjective "eloquent" and the article "the" to indicate that the speaker is the most eloquent out of all the speakers the speaker has ever heard.
  • Choice 1) "the most eloquent" fits these requirements and is the correct choice.

 

Additional Information

  • Choice 2) "the more eloquent" is incorrect because it uses the comparative form, not the superlative form.
  • Choice 3) "very eloquent" is not a superlative form and does not express the comparison that the sentence requires.
  • Choice 4) "eloquent" is not in the superlative form and does not express the comparison required by the sentence.

Question 32

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

What was the name of the person to ________ you spoke on the phone?

  1. AOption (a)

    who

  2. BOption (b)

    whom

  3. COption (c)

    whose

  4. DOption (d)

    which

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

whom

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'whom'.

 

Key Points

  • The most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space is "whom."
  • The sentence is asking for the name of the person with whom the speaker spoke on the phone.
  • The word "whom" is used as the object of the preposition "to" and is the correct pronoun to use in formal English when referring to the object of a sentence or preposition.

Hence, the correct answer will be Option 2.

Additional Information

  • "Who" is used as the subject of a sentence or question. For example: "Who is going to the party?" In the given sentence, "who" is not the correct option as it is not the subject of the sentence. Instead, we are referring to the object of the sentence or preposition.
  • "Whom" is the correct pronoun to use in formal English when referring to the object of a sentence or preposition. For example: "Whom did you see at the party?" In the given sentence, "whom" is the correct choice to refer to the person the speaker spoke to on the phone.
  • "Whose" is used to indicate possession. For example: "Whose car is this?" In the given sentence, "whose" is not the correct choice as we are not referring to possession, but rather to the person with whom the speaker spoke on the phone.
  • "Which" is used to refer to things, not people. For example: "Which book do you want to read?" In the given sentence, "which" is not the correct choice as we are referring to a person, not a thing.

Question 33

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

Have you seen Mohan________?

  1. AOption (a)

    lately

  2. BOption (b)

    yesterday

  3. COption (c)

    lastly

  4. DOption (d)

    late

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

lately

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'lately'.

Key Points

  • The sentence is asking if the person being addressed (you) has seen Mohan recently.
  • The word "lately" means "recently," so it fits the context of the sentence.
  • Option 2, "yesterday," is not the best choice because it specifies a particular day in the past and may not be recent enough depending on when the conversation is taking place.
  • Option 3, "lastly," is not the best choice either because it means "finally" or "in conclusion" and does not fit the context of the sentence.
  • Option 4, "late," does not make sense in this context because it is an adjective that describes something occurring after the expected or usual time, but it doesn't convey the idea of when someone was last seen.

Question 34

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

We live in ________ an old house.

  1. AOption (a)

    rather

  2. BOption (b)

    fairly

  3. COption (c)

    quite

  4. DOption (d)

    pretty

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

quite

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'quite'.

Key Points

  • In this context, "quite" is used as an intensifier, which means that it is used to add emphasis to the degree of oldness of the house.
  • For example, if someone were to ask, "How old is your house?" and the speaker responds, "We live in quite an old house," it conveys that the house is old, but not extremely old.
  • This suggests that the house may have some age-related issues, but it is not necessarily falling apart or in need of major repairs.
  • Therefore, the use of "quite" in this context helps to convey a specific degree of oldness for the house, which can be useful in providing a more detailed description.
  • Therefore, the context implies that the house is very old, "quite" would be the correct answer.

Question 35

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

I'm playing tennis tomorrow unless ________.

  1. AOption (a)

    it rains

  2. BOption (b)

    it doesn't rain

  3. COption (c)

    it rained

  4. DOption (d)

    it may rain

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

it rains

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'it rains'.

Additional Information

  • The sentence is in the first conditional form, which is used to talk about possible future situations and their likely results. The first conditional is formed by using the present tense after "if" or "unless" and the future tense in the other clause.
  • In this case, the sentence is structured with "unless" + present tense + future tense.
  • The present tense clause "it rains" expresses a possible future event that would prevent the speaker from playing tennis.
  • The future tense clause "I'm playing tennis tomorrow" expresses the planned activity that is dependent on the condition being met or not.

Hence, the correct answer will be Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Option (2) "it doesn't rain" would be incorrect as it expresses the opposite condition of what the sentence is trying to convey. If it doesn't rain, the speaker will play tennis.
  • Option (3) "it rained" would also be incorrect as it is in the past tense, which doesn't fit the sentence structure. The sentence is talking about a future possibility, not a past event.
  • Option (4) "it may rain" is also incorrect. Although it expresses a possibility, it does not make a clear condition for the planned activity. It does not provide a definite result that will prevent the speaker from playing tennis.

Question 36

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

The ________ of the car is unknown.

  1. AOption (a)

    make up

  2. BOption (b)

    making

  3. COption (c)

    made up

  4. DOption (d)

    make

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

make

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'make'.

Key Points

  • The sentence "The ________ of the car is unknown" suggests that we need to fill in the blank with a noun that describes the car.
  • The first option "make up" is a phrasal verb that means "to invent" or "to fabricate," and does not make sense in this context.
  • The second option "making" is a gerund, which functions as a noun, but does not fit grammatically in the sentence.
  • The third option "made up" is a past participle form of the verb "make," which is used to form passive voice or perfect tenses, and also does not make sense in this context.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is "make" (option 4), which is a noun that refers to the brand or manufacturer of the car.
  • For example, "The make of the car is unknown" implies that we do not know the brand or manufacturer of the car.
  • Hence, the correct answer will be Option 4.

Question 37

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

He paid his debts ________ to the last penny.

  1. AOption (a)

    down

  2. BOption (b)

    over

  3. COption (c)

    full

  4. DOption (d)

    fully

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

down

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'down'

 

Key Points

  • The correct answer to fill in the blank space in the sentence "He paid his debts ________ to the last penny" is "down."
  • The word "down" in this context means completely or to the full extent. So, the phrase "paid his debts down to the last penny" means that he paid all of his debts in full without leaving any unpaid balance.
  • Therefore, the sentence "He paid his debts down to the last penny" implies that the person was very careful with his finances and made sure to pay off all of his debts in full, leaving no debts behind.
  • This phrase indicates that the person was very diligent and committed to managing his finances well.

Question 38

Direction: The following sentence has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

Developing ________ in a diverse country requires detailed planning.

  1. AOption (a)

    growth

  2. BOption (b)

    scarcity

  3. COption (c)

    poverty

  4. DOption (d)

    infrastructure

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

infrastructure

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'infrastructure'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence, "Developing ________ in a diverse country requires detailed planning," the blank space needs to be filled with a word that relates to development in a diverse country and requires planning.
  • Out of the given options, "infrastructure" could fit in the sentence.
  • Infrastructure includes various systems such as transportation, communication, energy, and water supply, and it is essential for a country's economic growth and social progress.
  • Developing infrastructure in a diverse country requires detailed planning because different regions and communities have different needs and challenges. For instance, building transportation systems in remote areas or developing healthcare facilities in underprivileged regions requires careful planning to ensure that the infrastructure meets the unique needs of each area. Without proper planning, infrastructure development can lead to inefficiencies, inequalities, and wastage of resources.
  • Therefore**, "infrastructure" is the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space** in the given sentence, as it conveys the idea that developing infrastructure in a diverse country requires detailed planning to ensure that the needs of all communities and regions are addressed.

Question 39

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

________ provisions have been made to support agriculture.

  1. AOption (a)

    Procurement

  2. BOption (b)

    Subsidized

  3. COption (c)

    Adequate

  4. DOption (d)

    Capital

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Adequate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'adequate'.

Key Points

  • The most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space would be "Adequate." The sentence is discussing support for agriculture, and "adequate" means sufficient or satisfactory, indicating that the necessary measures have been taken to support agriculture.
  • "Procurement" refers to the process of obtaining goods or supplies, which may or may not relate to supporting agriculture.
  • "Subsidized" means that something is supported by a subsidy, which may be relevant to agriculture but does not indicate that provisions have been made.
  • "Capital" refers to money or resources that can be used to fund projects, but again, it does not specifically indicate that provisions have been made to support agriculture.
  • In summary, the sentence requires an adjective that suggests that the necessary measures have been taken to support agriculture, and "adequate" is the best choice among the options given.

Question 40

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space and is followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space.

The ________ growth in the Indian financial markets can be attributed to a number of reforms.

  1. AOption (a)

    efficiency

  2. BOption (b)

    phenomenal

  3. COption (c)

    catastrophe

  4. DOption (d)

    meteor

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

phenomenal

Why this answer is correct

The most appropriate choice to fill in the blank space in the sentence is "phenomenal".

Key Points

  • The sentence talks about the growth in the Indian financial markets and how it can be attributed to a number of reforms.
  • The word "phenomenal" means extraordinary or remarkable, and it fits perfectly in the context of the sentence. It indicates that the growth in the Indian financial markets has been significant and noteworthy.
  • Option 1, "efficiency," does not convey the sense of extraordinary growth that is being talked about in the sentence.
  • Option 3, "catastrophe," is the opposite of growth and is therefore not suitable in the context of the sentence.
  • Option 4, "meteor," is also not appropriate as it does not convey the sense of growth and development in the financial markets.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2, "phenomenal."

Direction: In this section, there is a passage having some blank spaces with four words or groups of words given. Select whichever word or group of words you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.

It is necessary, (1)_______ any war, to consider, not its proper justification in past agreements, (2)_______ its real justification in the balance of good which it is to bring to mankind. At the beginning of a war, each nation, under the influence of what is called (3)_______ believes that its own victory is (4)_______ certain and of great importance to mankind. The praiseworthiness of this belief has become an accepted maxim of common sense : even when war is actually in progress it (5)_______ to be natural and right that a citizen of an enemy country should regard the victory of his side as assured and highly (6)_______ By concentrating attention upon the supposed advantages of the victory of our own side, we (7)_______ more or less blind to the evils inseparable from war and equally certain whichever side may ultimately prove (8)_______ Yet so long as these are not fully realized, it is impossible (9)_______ justly (10)_______ a war is or is not likely to be beneficial to the human race. Although the theme is trite, it is necessary therefore briefly to remind ourselves what the evils of war really are.

Question 41

Choose the appropriate option for (1) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    in regard to

  2. BOption (b)

    connecting

  3. COption (c)

    describing

  4. DOption (d)

    linking

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

in regard to

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'in regard to.'.

Key Points

  • The phrase "in regard to" means "with respect to" or "in relation to".
  • In the given context, the sentence is discussing the necessity of considering the justification of a war, and the phrase "in regard to" fits appropriately in this context, as it implies that it is important to consider the justification of a war with respect to its potential impact on mankind.
  • Hence, the correct answer will be 'in regard to'.

Additional Information

  • "Connecting" means linking two or more things together. However, it doesn't fit well in the given context, as the sentence is not about linking things together, but rather about considering the justification of a war.
  • "Describing" means explaining or detailing something. This option doesn't fit well in the given context, as the sentence is not about describing something, but rather about considering the justification of a war.
  • "Linking" means connecting or associating two or more things together. However, it doesn't fit well in the given context, as the sentence is not about linking things together, but rather about considering the justification of a war.

Question 42

Choose the appropriate option for (2) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    and

  2. BOption (b)

    until

  3. COption (c)

    but

  4. DOption (d)

    unless

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

but

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'but'.

Key Points

  • In the given passage, it talks about the importance of considering the real justification of a war, not just its proper justification in past agreements. The sentence with the blank space (2) then continues this argument by contrasting the belief of each nation at the beginning of a war with the accepted maxim of common sense that it is praiseworthy to believe in the victory of one's own side.
  • The word "but" in this context serves to indicate a contrast or a contradiction between the two ideas presented in the sentence.
  • Therefore, "but" is the appropriate option for the blank space.

Question 43

Choose the appropriate option for (3) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    disloyalty,

  2. BOption (b)

    patriotism,

  3. COption (c)

    infidelity,

  4. DOption (d)

    falseness,

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

patriotism,

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'patriotism,'.

Key Points

  • In the given passage, the blank space (3) requires a word or phrase that can fill the gap logically and grammatically, and convey the intended meaning of the sentence. Among the options provided, "patriotism" is the most suitable word to fit in the blank.
  • The sentence following the blank mentions that at the beginning of a war, each nation believes that its victory is certain and of great importance to mankind. This belief is commonly known as patriotism, which is a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to one's country. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that patriotism is the intended word for the blank.
  • The other options - "disloyalty," "infidelity," and "falseness" - do not fit in the context and are not synonymous with the intended meaning of the sentence. Hence, the correct answer is 2) patriotism.

Question 44

Choose the appropriate option for (4) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    nationally

  2. BOption (b)

    individually

  3. COption (c)

    autonomously

  4. DOption (d)

    both

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

both

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'both'.

Key Points

  • The appropriate option for (4) is indeed "both."
  • The sentence "each nation, under the influence of what is called (3)_______ believes that its own victory is (4)_______ certain and of great importance to mankind" implies that both nations involved in the war believe their victory to be important and certain.
  • Therefore, the correct answer for (4) is "both."

Additional Information

  • Nationally - This option is partially correct, as it highlights the fact that each nation involved in a war believes its own victory to be important. However, it does not acknowledge that the other nation involved in the war likely also believes its victory to be important.
  • Individually - This option does not accurately capture the nature of war, which involves entire nations or groups of people rather than individuals. While individuals may have personal motivations for supporting a war effort, the decision to go to war is typically made by political leaders on behalf of their respective nations.
  • Autonomously - This option does not fit in the context of the sentence, as it suggests that each nation believes its victory is important and certain based on its own independent judgment, rather than in response to the influence of external factors such as propaganda or nationalistic sentiment.

Question 45

Choose the appropriate option for (5) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    is held

  2. BOption (b)

    has been withheld

  3. COption (c)

    was held

  4. DOption (d)

    had been withheld

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

is held

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'is held'.

Key Points

  • The correct answer for the blank space is "is held."
  • The complete sentence reads: "Even when war is actually in progress it is held to be natural and right that a citizen of an enemy country should regard the victory of his side as assured and highly desirable."
  • The phrase "is held" refers to the belief that a citizen of an enemy country should regard the victory of their side as assured and highly desirable. The use of the present tense "is held" indicates that this belief is still held by people, and that it is a widely accepted belief.
  • The phrase "is held" also conveys the idea that this belief is considered normal or common, which is appropriate in the context of the sentence. The sentence is discussing the mindset of citizens of countries at war, and the phrase "is held" suggests that this belief is a widespread one that many people hold.
  • Overall, the use of "is held" accurately conveys the idea that this belief is currently held and widely accepted.

Question 46

Choose the appropriate option for (6) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    unpleasant.

  2. BOption (b)

    unlikely.

  3. COption (c)

    desirable.

  4. DOption (d)

    malignant.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

desirable.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'desirable.'.

Key Points

  • In the given passage, the sentence containing the blank space (6) is discussing the common belief of citizens of a country at the beginning of a war.
  • The sentence says that each nation believes its own victory to be certain and of great importance to mankind, and this belief is praiseworthy.
  • The passage further explains that this belief is natural and right, and it is desirable for citizens of an enemy country to regard the victory of their own side as assured and highly desirable.
  • In this context, the word "desirable" means that people view the victory of their own side as something that would bring good or benefits to their country and their fellow citizens.
  • It implies that they consider the outcomes of the war to be favorable, and they would want their side to win.
  • The word "desirable" is the most appropriate choice for the blank space (6) because it accurately conveys the intended meaning of the sentence in the given context.

Question 47

Choose the appropriate option for (7) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    becoming

  2. BOption (b)

    become

  3. COption (c)

    had become

  4. DOption (d)

    have been becoming

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

become

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'become'.

Key Points

  • The sentence in question is: "By concentrating attention upon the supposed advantages of the victory of our own side, we (7)_______ more or less blind to the evils inseparable from war and equally certain whichever side may ultimately prove (8)_______".
  • The blank space in question is asking for the appropriate verb tense to complete the sentence. The four options provided are: "becoming", "become", "had become", and "have been becoming".
  • Of these options, "become" is the most appropriate choice. This is because the sentence is written in the present tense, and "become" is a present tense verb.
  • Using "had become" would suggest that the action of becoming blind to the evils of war happened in the past and is now finished, which doesn't fit with the present tense of the rest of the sentence.
  • Similarly, "have been becoming" suggests an ongoing process that is still happening, which also doesn't fit with the tense of the rest of the sentence.
  • Therefore, the best option is "become", which indicates that by concentrating on the advantages of their own side winning, people are currently becoming blind to the inevitable evils of war.

Question 48

Choose the appropriate option for (8) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    successful.

  2. BOption (b)

    thriving.

  3. COption (c)

    victorious.

  4. DOption (d)

    failing.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

victorious.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'victorious'.

Key Points

  • In the context of the passage, the word "victorious" would be the most appropriate option for the blank space in sentence (8).
  • The author is discussing the belief held by each nation at the beginning of a war that their own victory is certain and of great importance to mankind.
  • The author goes on to argue that this belief causes people to focus solely on the supposed advantages of their own victory and to be blind to the evils of war, which are equally certain whichever side ultimately proves victorious.
  • Therefore, the word "victorious" is the most appropriate choice to describe the side that ultimately succeeds in the war.

Additional Information

  • successful - This option is similar in meaning to "victorious," but it is not as appropriate in this context. "Successful" implies achieving a desired result or goal, while "victorious" specifically refers to winning a conflict or battle. In the context of the passage, the author is discussing the outcome of a war, so "victorious" is the more appropriate word.
  • thriving - This option does not make sense in the context of the passage. "Thriving" means to grow or develop vigorously or to prosper, and it does not relate to the outcome of a war. Therefore, it is not an appropriate option for the blank space in sentence (8).
  • failing - This option is the opposite of "victorious" and would not make sense in this context. The author is discussing the belief held by each nation at the beginning of a war that their own victory is certain and of great importance to mankind, and the idea that the evils of war are equally certain whichever side ultimately proves victorious. Therefore, "failing" would be an inappropriate option for the blank space in sentence (8).

Question 49

Choose the appropriate option for (9) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    to judge

  2. BOption (b)

    to be judged

  3. COption (c)

    to judging

  4. DOption (d)

    having judged

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

to judge

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'to judge'.

Key Points

  • In the context of the sentence, the phrase "to judge" means to form an opinion or conclusion about something after careful consideration of all the available facts and arguments.
  • The sentence is discussing the need to fully understand the negative consequences of war before making a judgment about whether it can be considered beneficial to humanity.
  • Therefore, "to judge" is an appropriate option for the blank space, as it fits in with the idea of making a well-informed decision about the nature and impact of war.

Question 50

Choose the appropriate option for (10) ?

  1. AOption (a)

    whether

  2. BOption (b)

    therefore

  3. COption (c)

    however

  4. DOption (d)

    since

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

whether

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'whether'.

Key Points

  • In the given passage, the sentence is discussing the need to fully realize the evils of war in order to determine whether a war is likely to be beneficial to the human race.
  • The word "whether" is used to introduce a clause that expresses doubt or uncertainty and is often used to present alternative possibilities or options.
  • In this context, "whether" is appropriate because it sets up a conditional relationship between realizing the evils of war and being able to make an informed judgment about whether war is beneficial or not.
  • Therefore, the correct option for the blank space (10) is whether.

Additional Information

  • therefore: for that reason
  • however: (used for adding a comment to what you have just said) although something is true
  • since: from a particular time in the past until a later time in the past or until now

Question 51

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response  accordingly.

Steve has gone away. He will be away ________ Monday.

  1. AOption (a)

    on

  2. BOption (b)

    by

  3. COption (c)

    until

  4. DOption (d)

    from

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

until

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'until'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence, "Steve has gone away. He will be away ________ Monday," we need a preposition or determiner to indicate the period of time during which Steve will be away.
  • Option 1) "on" is not appropriate because it refers to a specific day, not a period of time. It would be correct to say, "He will be away on Monday," but this does not convey the same meaning as the original sentence.
  • Option 2) "by" is not appropriate either because it indicates a deadline or time limit, such as "I need to finish this report by Monday." It doesn't convey the same meaning as the original sentence, which is about the period of time during which Steve will be away.
  • Option 4) "from" is also not appropriate because it indicates the starting point of a period of time, such as "I will be on vacation from Monday to Friday." It doesn't convey the same meaning as the original sentence, which is about the period of time during which Steve will be away.
  • Option 3) "until" is the most appropriate preposition in this context. It indicates the end of a period of time, such as "I won't be available until Monday." In this case, it means that Steve will be away for the entire period of time leading up to Monday and will not return until that day.
  • So the completed sentence with the correct preposition is: "Steve has gone away. He will be away until Monday." This means that Steve will not return until Monday.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3.

Question 52

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

I'll see you ________ Friday morning.

  1. AOption (a)

    in

  2. BOption (b)

    on

  3. COption (c)

    along

  4. DOption (d)

    at

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

on

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'on'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence, "I'll see you ________ Friday morning," we need a preposition or determiner to indicate the time or date when the speaker plans to see the person they are addressing.
  • Option 1) "in" is not appropriate in this context because it generally refers to a longer period of time, such as "I'll see you in the summer." It would not convey the same meaning as the original sentence.
  • Option 3) "along" is also not appropriate because it suggests movement together with the person being addressed, such as "Let's walk along the beach." It doesn't convey the same meaning as the original sentence, which is about meeting at a specific time.
  • Option 4) "at" is also a possible choice, but "on" is more commonly used in this context. "At" is used to indicate a specific point in time, such as "I'll see you at noon." In the given sentence, "on" is more appropriate because it indicates the day of the week when the speaker plans to see the person.
  • Option 2) "on" is the most appropriate preposition in this context because it indicates the specific day of the week when the speaker plans to see the person. The phrase "on Friday" means that the speaker plans to see the person on a specific Friday, rather than just any day in general.
  • So the completed sentence with the correct preposition is: "I'll see you on Friday morning." This means that the speaker plans to see the person they are addressing on a specific Friday morning.
  • Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Question 53

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Write your name ________ the top of the page.

  1. AOption (a)

    at

  2. BOption (b)

    in

  3. COption (c)

    by

  4. DOption (d)

    with

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

at

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'at'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence, "Write your name ________ the top of the page," we need a preposition or determiner to indicate where on the page the person should write their name.
  • Option 2) "in" is not appropriate in this context because it suggests that the person should write their name inside a specific area or container, such as "Write your name in the box."
  • Option 3) "by" is also not appropriate because it suggests that the person's name will be written by someone else or with someone's assistance. For example, "Your name will be written by the teacher."
  • Option 4) "with" is also not appropriate because it suggests that the person should write their name using a specific tool or instrument, such as "Write your name with a pen."
  • Option 1) "at" is the most appropriate preposition in this context because it indicates the specific location where the person should write their name. In this case, it means that the person should write their name at the highest point on the page.
  • So the completed sentence with the correct preposition is: "Write your name at the top of the page." This means that the person should write their name at the highest point on the page.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Question 54

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Sohan is studying ________ the university.

  1. AOption (a)

    in

  2. BOption (b)

    at

  3. COption (c)

    on 

  4. DOption (d)

    from

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

at

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'at'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence, "Sohan is studying ________ the university," we need a preposition or determiner to indicate where Sohan is studying.
  • Option 1) "in" could also be a possible choice, but "at" is more commonly used to refer to the location of a university. "In" is often used to refer to a city or country where the university is located.
  • Option 3) "on" is not appropriate in this context because it generally refers to a surface, such as "I put my books on the table." It doesn't convey the same meaning as the original sentence, which is about the location of where Sohan is studying.
  • Option 4) "from" is also not appropriate in this context because it suggests that Sohan is not currently at the university but is studying remotely from another location.
  • Option 2) "at" is the most appropriate preposition in this context because it indicates the specific location where Sohan is studying. In this case, it means that Sohan is a student and is currently attending the university.

Hence the correct answer is Option 2.

Question 55

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

He is indebted ________ his friend.

  1. AOption (a)

    from

  2. BOption (b)

    with

  3. COption (c)

    by

  4. DOption (d)

    to

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

to

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'to'.

  • In the given sentence, "He is indebted ________ his friend," we need a preposition or determiner to indicate the relationship between the subject (he) and his friend.
  • Option 1) "from" is not appropriate in this context because it suggests that the subject has received something from his friend, but it doesn't convey the sense of owing something.
  • Option 2) "with" is also not appropriate because it suggests a joint ownership or partnership, such as "We started a business with my friend."
  • Option 3) "by" is not appropriate because it suggests that the friend has done something to help the subject, but it doesn't convey the sense of owing something.
  • Option 4) "to" is the most appropriate preposition in this context because it indicates the direction of the subject's obligation or debt. In this case, it means that the subject owes something to his friend, such as money or a favor.
  • So the completed sentence with the correct preposition is: "He is indebted to his friend." This means that he owes his friend something, such as money or a favor.

Question 56

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Can I be held responsible ________ my spouse's debts?

  1. AOption (a)

    for

  2. BOption (b)

    to

  3. COption (c)

    by

  4. DOption (d)

    with

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

for

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'for'.

Key Points

  • In the given sentence, "Can I be held responsible ________ my spouse's debts?", we need a preposition to indicate the relationship between the subject (the speaker) and their spouse's debts.
  • Option 1) "for" is the most appropriate preposition in this context because it indicates that the speaker may be legally obligated to pay their spouse's debts. In this case, the speaker is being held responsible for their spouse's debts.
  • Option 2) "to" is not appropriate in this context because it suggests that the debts are owed to the speaker, rather than the other way around.
  • Option 3) "by" is not appropriate in this context because it suggests that someone else is holding the speaker responsible for their spouse's debts.
  • Option 4) "with" is also not appropriate in this context because it doesn't convey the same meaning as "for" in this context. "With" suggests a joint ownership or partnership, such as "We started a business with my friend."
  • So the completed sentence with the correct preposition is: "Can I be held responsible for my spouse's debts?" This means that the speaker is asking if they can be legally obligated to pay their spouse's debts.

Question 57

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.

It was fun to hang out ________ the pier.

  1. AOption (a)

    down

  2. BOption (b)

    with

  3. COption (c)

    in

  4. DOption (d)

    beneath

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

beneath

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'beneath'.

Key Points

  • Pier: a large wooden or metal structure that is built out into the sea from the land. Boats can stop at piers so that people or goods can be taken on or off.
  • In this sentence, "beneath" is the preposition that best fits the context of the sentence.
  • "Beneath" means "under" or "below", and in this case it suggests that the speaker and their companions were hanging out in the area below the pier, which might be a fun place to explore or relax.
  • In the context of this sentence, "beneath the pier" suggests that the speaker and their companions were hanging out in the area below the pier, perhaps on the beach or rocks that are located there. This could be a fun place to hang out and explore, as long as it is safe to do so.

Therefore the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

  • The other prepositions listed as options, such as "in", "with", or "down", don't quite fit the context of the sentence as well.
  • "**With the pier" (**Option 2) does not fit because "with" generally refers to being in the company of someone or something, and it's not natural to say you're in the company of an inanimate object like a pier.

"In the pier" (Option 3) would be incorrect because it implies being inside the structure of the pier itself.

  • "Down" suggests that they were hanging out in a lower area than the pier, but not necessarily beneath it.

Question 58

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Can you pass ________ sugar, please?

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    an

  3. COption (c)

    the

  4. DOption (d)

    No article

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

the

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'the​'.

Key Points

  • The correct option to fill in the blank is 3) "the".
  • In English, we use "the" when we are talking about a specific object that both the speaker and the listener are aware of.
  • In this case, "the sugar" refers to a specific sugar that both the speaker and the listener know is there. It's also common to use "the" with singular and plural nouns when the noun is specific or particular.
  • The completed sentence would be "Can you pass the sugar, please?"

Confusion Points

  • In the sentence "Can you pass the sugar, please?" the noun "sugar" is indeed considered specific.
  • The specificity comes from the context of the situation rather than the noun itself. If you are sitting at a dining table and you ask for "the sugar," it's assumed that there is a specific container or packet of sugar on the table that you're referring to. Therefore, everyone at the table understands that "the sugar" refers to this particular sugar on the table.
  • Using "the" before "sugar" in this context makes it a specific noun because it refers to a particular item in a specific situation that is understood by everyone involved in the conversation. It's different from a sentence like "Sugar is sweet," where "sugar" is a general, non-specific noun because it refers to any sugar, not a particular packet or container of sugar.

Question 59

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Our train leaves from ________ platform number 5.

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    an

  3. COption (c)

    the

  4. DOption (d)

    No article

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

the

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'the'.

Key Points

  • 'The' is a definite article in English.
  • It is used to specify or make clear which particular person, thing etc we are referring to.
  • In this case, 'the' helps specify which platform ('platform number 5') the train is leaving from.
  • Using 'a' before 'platform number 5' would not accurately define which platform the train is departing from, as 'a' is an indefinite article used typically when the noun it's referring to is non-specific.
  • 'An' would be grammatically incorrect before 'platform number 5' because 'an' is an indefinite article used before nouns that start with vowel sounds.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3 ('the').

Question 60

Direction: The following sentence in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

________ children learn very quickly.

  1. AOption (a)

    Some

  2. BOption (b)

    A

  3. COption (c)

    Any

  4. DOption (d)

    Much

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Some

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer for the blank space is 'some'.

Key Points

  • The correct answer for the blank space in the sentence "________ children learn very quickly" is "Some".
  • The completed sentence(पूरा वाक्य) would be "Some children learn very quickly."
  • "Some" is an indefinite determiner that refers to an unspecified quantity of children. It suggests that there are at least a few children who learn quickly, but doesn't provide a specific number.("Some i.e.कुछ" एक अनिश्चित निर्धारक है जो बच्चों की अनिर्दिष्ट मात्रा को संदर्भित करता है। यह सुझाव देता है कि कम से कम कुछ बच्चे ऐसे हैं जो जल्दी सीखते हैं, लेकिन कोई विशिष्ट संख्या प्रदान नहीं करते हैं।)
  • The other options listed as possible answers, such as "a", "any", and "much", are not appropriate for this sentence. "A" suggests singularity, which doesn't fit with the context of the sentence. "Any" implies an open or unlimited number of children, which also doesn't fit with the intended meaning. "Much" refers to quantity, but not in a way that makes sense in this context.

Question 61

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

India has become (P) / with time (Q) / accounting for 25 per cent of the total available water (R) / the world's largest extractor of groundwater (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    PQRS

  2. BOption (b)

    PRSQ

  3. COption (c)

    QPSR

  4. DOption (d)

    QRPS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

QPSR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'QPSR'.

Key Points

  • The rearranged sentence is: "With time (Q), India has become the world's largest extractor of groundwater (P), accounting for 25 per cent of the total available water (S), accounting for 25 per cent of the total available water (R)."
  • This rearrangement creates a grammatically correct and coherent sentence.
  • The phrase "with time" introduces the idea that India's status as the world's largest extractor of groundwater is a development that has happened over a period of time.
  • The sentence then goes on to provide supporting information in the form of India's extraction of 25% of the total available water, before concluding with the main point of the sentence - that India is the largest extractor of groundwater in the world.

Question 62

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

present existential perils (P) / all over the world (Q) / the extremes (R) / of climate change (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    PRSQ

  3. COption (c)

    QPSR

  4. DOption (d)

    QRPS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

RSPQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'RSPQ'.

Key Points

  • The given sentence is talking about the dangers posed by the extremes of climate change all over the world. Let's break down the sentence into its constituent parts:
  • "The extremes": This refers to the most severe effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events (e.g. heat waves, hurricanes, droughts), rising sea levels, and more.
  • "of climate change": This specifies that the sentence is referring to the effects of climate change, which is the long-term change in the Earth's climate that is primarily caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
  • "present existential perils": This means that the extremes of climate change pose a serious threat to the existence of human beings and other living organisms. For example, rising temperatures can lead to crop failures, water shortages, and the spread of diseases, which can in turn lead to famine, displacement, and conflict.
  • "all over the world": This emphasizes that climate change is a global issue that affects all countries, regardless of their level of development or geographic location.
  • So, when we put these parts together in the correct sequence, we get the following sentence: "The extremes (R) of climate change (S) present existential perils (P) all over the world (Q)." This sentence clearly conveys the message that the most severe effects of climate change are posing a serious threat to the survival of human beings and other living organisms all around the world.

Question 63

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

the company forecasts (P) / aviation market amongst (Q) / the G20 countries (R) / that India will be the fastest growing (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    PSQR

  3. COption (c)

    SPQR

  4. DOption (d)

    QRPS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

PSQR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'PSQR'.

Key Points

 

  • "The company forecasts (P) that India will be the fastest growing (S) aviation market amongst (Q) the G20 countries (R)."
  • This sentence is discussing the growth of the aviation market in India in comparison to other G20 countries, as predicted by a company's forecast. The sentence can be broken down into the following parts:
  • "The company forecasts": This indicates that a company has made a prediction about something.
  • "that India will be the fastest growing": This specifies what the company has predicted - that India's aviation market will grow faster than that of any other G20 country.
  • "aviation market amongst": This describes what the prediction is specifically about - the aviation market in India as compared to other G20 countries.
  • "the G20 countries": This specifies the group of countries being compared - the G20, which is a forum of the world's major economies.
  • Putting these parts together in the correct sequence, we get: "The company forecasts (P) that India will be the fastest growing (S) aviation market amongst (Q) the G20 countries (R)." This sentence clearly conveys the message that the company is predicting that India's aviation market will grow faster than any other G20 country's aviation market.

Question 64

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

near villages or herder camps (P) / shangdongs are traditional (Q) / stonewalls, usually built (R) / trapping pits with inverted funnel-shaped (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    SPQR

  3. COption (c)

    PRSQ

  4. DOption (d)

    QSRP

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

QSRP

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'QSRP'.

Key Points

  • The correct answer is indeed QSRP: "Shangdongs are traditional (Q) trapping pits with inverted funnel-shaped (S) stonewalls, usually built (R), near villages or herder camps (P)."
  • The sentence is discussing the traditional method of trapping using shangdongs, which are funnel-shaped pits, and stonewalls. The sentence describes how this trapping method is typically located near villages or herder camps, and that it is a traditional method.
  • Breaking the sentence down into its parts, we have:
  • "Shangdongs are traditional": This introduces the topic of the sentence, which is the traditional trapping method using shangdongs.
  • "trapping pits with inverted funnel-shaped": This describes the shape of the shangdongs, which are funnel-shaped pits.
  • "stonewalls, usually built": This describes the additional element of the trapping method, which involves constructing stonewalls.
  • "near villages or herder camps": This specifies the location of the trapping method, which is typically near villages or herder camps.

Question 65

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

several antiquities from other (P) / nations over the years (Q) / India has (R) / brought back (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    RQSP

  3. COption (c)

    QRSP

  4. DOption (d)

    QSPR

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

RSPQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'RSPQ'.

Key Points

  • The sentence is discussing how India has brought back several antiquities from other nations over the years. Breaking the sentence down into its parts, we have:
  • "India has": This introduces the subject of the sentence, which is India.
  • "brought back": This describes the action that India has taken, which is bringing back antiquities.
  • "several antiquities": This specifies what India has brought back, which is several antiquities.
  • "from other nations over the years": This specifies where India has obtained the antiquities from, which is from other nations over the years.
  • Therefore, the correct sequence is RSPQ.

Question 66

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

the Aravalli hill ranges (P) / of the Yamuna river and  (Q) / are spread out over the natural landscapes (R) / the biodiversity parks (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    PRSQ

  2. BOption (b)

    QRSP

  3. COption (c)

    SRQP

  4. DOption (d)

    QSPR

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

SRQP

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'SRQP'.

Key Points

  • To make sense of the sentence, we need to figure out the right order in which to place these phrases.
  • Looking at the options provided, we see that option (3) - SRQP - is the correct answer.
  • First, we start with the phrase that describes the location: "the biodiversity parks (S) of the Yamuna river and (R) the natural landscapes".
  • Next, we mention what the parks are located on or around: "are spread out over (Q) the Aravalli hill ranges (P)".
  • So the complete sentence reads: "The biodiversity parks (S) of the Yamuna river and (R) the natural landscapes are spread out over (Q) the Aravalli hill ranges (P)."

Question 67

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

the family found out (P) / their mother's friends were going to  (Q) / that some of (R) / Poland in a car (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    PRQS

  2. BOption (b)

    QSPR

  3. COption (c)

    SPRQ

  4. DOption (d)

    RQSP

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

PRQS

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'PRQS'.

Key Points

  • Looking at the sentence chunks, it becomes clear that 'the family found out' (P) is a leading part because it sets up the action, what the family did. This chunk is independent and makes sense on its own so it should start the sentence.
  • The phrase 'that some of' (R) fits well after 'the family found out' (P) because it brings out the essence of what the family came to know about. This connection gives a sense of someone's action that the family discovered or found out.
  • After PR, 'their mother's friends were going to' (Q) gives us an idea of what the family just found out, revealing the action performed by 'their mother's friends'. This chunk essentially provides the verb (were going to) for the subject introduced in R (some of their mother's friends).
  • Finally, 'Poland in a car' (S) is the concluding part of the sentence - it gives the destination of the mother's friends and the mode they planned to use, adding depth to the action mentioned in Q.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Question 68

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

earth may seem immense (P) /  from the perspective of humans (Q) / and almost limitless (R) / living on its surface (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    PQRS

  2. BOption (b)

    SPRQ

  3. COption (c)

    QSPR

  4. DOption (d)

    RPSQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

QSPR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'QSPR'.

Key Points

  • The original sentence is "From the perspective of humans, earth may seem immense and almost limitless living on its surface." The sentence has been divided into four chunks - P, Q, R and S - and jumbled up.
  • The correct rearrangement of the chunks is QSPR, which gives us the sentence "From the perspective of humans (Q), living on its surface (S) earth may seem immense (P) and almost limitless (R) ."
  • This rearrangement maintains the proper subject-verb-object order of the sentence and gives us a coherent and grammatically correct sentence. The sentence starts with the perspective of humans (Q), "living on its surface" (S) followed by the description of the earth seeming immense (P) and ends with the phrase 'almost limitless'(R).

Question 69

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

in terms of trading volumes, (P) / have grown substantially (Q) / market capitalization and  turnover (R) / the Indian financial markets (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    PQRS

  2. BOption (b)

    QRPS

  3. COption (c)

    RSPQ

  4. DOption (d)

    SQPR

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

SQPR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'SQPR'.

Key Points

  • The correct rearrangement is 4) SQPR: "The Indian financial markets (S) have grown substantially (Q), in terms of trading volumes (P), market capitalization and turnover  (R).
  • This rearrangement provides a clear and concise sentence structure, starting with the subject (the Indian financial markets), followed by the three components in order - trading volumes, turnover, and market capitalization - which have grown substantially.

Question 70

Direction: The following item in this section consists of a sentence, chunks of which have been jumbled up. These chunks have been labelled as P, Q, R and S. Each sentence is followed by four sequences, namely (1), (2), (3) and (4) indicating the rearrangement of the chunks. You are required to select the most appropriate option.

emerge at last into a (P) / those who passed through (Q) / country of unearthly beauty (R) / that valley of darkness (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    PRQS

  2. BOption (b)

    QSPR

  3. COption (c)

    RPQS

  4. DOption (d)

    SQRP

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

QSPR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'QSPR '.

Key Points

  • Let's break down the jumbled sentence and the correct rearrangement.
  • The sentence talks about a transition from a valley of darkness to a beautiful country. Here are the chunks:
  • P: "emerge at last into a"
  • Q: "those who passed through"
  • R: "country of unearthly beauty"
  • S: "that valley of darkness"
  • To form a grammatically correct sentence, we need to arrange these chunks in the correct order.
  • Option (1) PRQS puts the chunks in the order "emerge at last into a country of unearthly beauty that valley of darkness those who passed through," which doesn't make sense because it places the valley of darkness after the country of beauty.
  • Option (2) QSPR puts the chunks in the order "those who passed through that valley of darkness emerge at last into a country of unearthly beauty," which is a valid sentence and conveys the intended meaning.
  • Option (3) RPQS puts the chunks in the order "Those who passed through that valley of darkness emerge at last into a country of unearthly beauty," which is the same as option (2) but with the subject (those who passed through) at the end. Although it is still a valid sentence, it places a greater emphasis on the beauty of the country rather than the people who went through the difficult journey.
  • Option (4) SQRP puts the chunks in the order "that valley of darkness emerge at last into a country of unearthly beauty those who passed through," which is grammatically incorrect because it places the verb "emerge" before its subject "those who passed through."

Therefore, the most appropriate option is QSPR.

Question 71

Direction: Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response accordingly.

Have an axe to grind

  1. AOption (a)

    to have a selfish aim or motive

  2. BOption (b)

    a thing that causes problems

  3. COption (c)

    an essential equipment for work

  4. DOption (d)

    to behave arrogantly

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

to have a selfish aim or motive

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'to have a selfish aim or motive'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "have an axe to grind" means to have a selfish or ulterior motive for doing something. It is often used to describe someone who is pursuing a particular goal or agenda that may not be immediately obvious to others, or who has a personal interest in a matter that goes beyond what is apparent on the surface.
  • The phrase can also imply a certain level of deception or hidden agenda, as the person with the "axe to grind" may not be forthcoming about their true motivations.
  • For example, "He has an axe to grind with the company, so he's always looking for ways to criticize their decisions."

Question 72

Direction: Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response accordingly.

Bite the bullet

  1. AOption (a)

    to be angry and unhappy

  2. BOption (b)

    to start doing something in a very keen way

  3. COption (c)

    to accept something unpleasant and difficult

  4. DOption (d)

    to try to do more than you are able to do

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

to accept something unpleasant and difficult

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'to accept something unpleasant and difficult'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "bite the bullet" means to confront and endure an unpleasant or difficult situation or decision with courage and determination. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has to face a difficult or painful choice, but decides to face it head-on, even though it may be uncomfortable or painful.
  • The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the days before modern anesthesia, when soldiers had to bite on a bullet during surgery to help them endure the pain.
  • It was a way for them to show their courage and determination in the face of a difficult situation.
  • In modern usage, the phrase "bite the bullet" is often used to encourage someone to face a difficult situation with courage and determination.
  • For example, if a person has to go through a painful medical procedure, someone might encourage them to "bite the bullet" and endure the discomfort, knowing that it will be better for them in the long run.

Question 73

Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Laughing stock

  1. AOption (a)

    someone who does something very stupid and is made fun of

  2. BOption (b)

    to avoid conflict

  3. COption (c)

    to laugh at someone secretly

  4. DOption (d)

    a jovial and respected person

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

someone who does something very stupid and is made fun of

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'someone who does something very stupid and is made fun of'.

Key Points

  • The phrase "laughing stock" means a person or thing that is ridiculed or made fun of by others. It refers to a person who is seen as foolish or incompetent, and is therefore an object of ridicule or amusement. (व्‍यक्ति या वस्‍तु जिसका लोग मज़ाक़ उड़ाएँ; हँसी का पात्र, हास्‍यास्‍पद)
  • This idiom is often used to describe a person who has done something embarrassing or silly, and as a result, has become the subject of mocking and laughter by others. It does not imply any sense of respect or admiration.

Question 74

Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Pay over the odds

  1. AOption (a)

    to get dividends for investments

  2. BOption (b)

    to work hard to make payments

  3. COption (c)

    to treat someone in the bad way

  4. DOption (d)

    to pay more for something than it is worth

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

to pay more for something than it is worth

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'to pay more for something than it is worth'.

Key Points

  • To expand further on the meaning of "paying over the odds", it is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe a situation where someone pays more for something than it is actually worth.
  • This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of knowledge about the item's value, a desire to own the item regardless of cost, or simply being taken advantage of by a seller.
  • Here's an example sentence that uses the idiom "pay over the odds":

"I really wanted that designer handbag, so I ended up paying over the odds for it at the luxury boutique."

Question 75

Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Play to the gallery

  1. AOption (a)

    to do something alone

  2. BOption (b)

    to say things that will make people admire you

  3. COption (c)

    to behave in a very annoying way

  4. DOption (d)

    to take big risks in business

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

to say things that will make people admire you

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'to say things that will make people admire you'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "play to the gallery" means to do or say something that will win approval or admiration from an audience, rather than acting sincerely or honestly.
  • The phrase originates from the practice of actors performing for the audience seated in the gallery of a theater, and thus trying to win their approval by overacting or delivering lines that are designed to impress them.
  • In other words, when someone is said to be "playing to the gallery", they are trying to gain attention, popularity, or applause from others by saying or doing things that they think the audience will like, even if those actions or words do not reflect their true feelings or opinions.

Question 76

Direction: Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response accordingly.

Be in the soup

  1. AOption (a)

    to be in trouble

  2. BOption (b)

    to be very healthy

  3. COption (c)

    to be good at the workplace

  4. DOption (d)

    to be honest to people

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

to be in trouble

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'to be in trouble'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "be in the soup" means to be in trouble or difficulty, often due to one's own mistakes or misjudgments. It can refer to a variety of situations, such as being caught in a lie, facing a difficult problem or challenge, or experiencing financial or personal troubles.
  • When someone is said to be "in the soup", it means they are facing a difficult situation that they may struggle to get out of without help. The phrase often implies that the situation is of their own making, and that they may have to face the consequences of their actions or decisions.

Question 77

Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response accordingly.

A turn of the screw

  1. AOption (a)

    to begin to behave in a more positive way

  2. BOption (b)

    to change people's opinions in your favour

  3. COption (c)

    to become unpopular

  4. DOption (d)

    an action which makes a bad situation worse

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

an action which makes a bad situation worse

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'an action which makes a bad situation worse'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "a turn of the screw" means to make a bad situation worse by adding further complications or difficulties to it. It is often used to describe a situation where things are already bad, but someone or something makes it even worse by taking an action that aggravates the situation.
  • For example, imagine a company that is struggling financially. The CEO decides to lay off a large number of employees, which causes widespread outrage and negative publicity. This action could be described as "a turn of the screw" because it made an already bad situation worse by adding more problems to the mix.
  • Therefore, the most appropriate meaning of "a turn of the screw" is (4) an action which makes a bad situation worse.

Question 78

Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

A white elephant

  1. AOption (a)

    someone who is completely good and honest

  2. BOption (b)

    something that has cost a lot of money but has no useful purpose

  3. COption (c)

    a situation where you waste time looking for something

  4. DOption (d)

    to make someone feel anxious

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

something that has cost a lot of money but has no useful purpose

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'something that has cost a lot of money but has no useful purpose'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "white elephant" refers to something that is expensive and impressive, but ultimately useless or burdensome to the owner. It may also refer to a costly possession that is difficult to maintain or dispose of.
  • The term comes from the practice of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) who would give white elephants as gifts to courtiers who had displeased them, as a way of causing financial ruin to the recipient due to the high cost of caring for the animal.
  • Therefore, the most appropriate meaning of this idiom from the given options is "something that has cost a lot of money but has no useful purpose."

Question 79

Direction: Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response accordingly.

A hot potato

  1. AOption (a)

    someone who is very angry

  2. BOption (b)

    something that is difficult to deal with

  3. COption (c)

    someone who is holier than appears to be

  4. DOption (d)

    to be unable to decide

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

something that is difficult to deal with

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'something that is difficult to deal with'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "a hot potato" means something that is difficult or risky to handle or deal with. Just like a hot potato is difficult to hold and handle because it's hot and might burn you, a difficult or controversial topic or situation can be described as a "hot potato" because it is sensitive and can cause problems if handled improperly.
  • For example, a political issue or a scandal involving a company might be described as a "hot potato" for those involved because it's a difficult and potentially dangerous situation to handle.

Question 80

Direction: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (1), (2), (3) or (4) which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Apples and oranges

  1. AOption (a)

    people who are close to each other

  2. BOption (b)

    people who argue a lot

  3. COption (c)

    people who are different and thus incomparable

  4. DOption (d)

    people who fight over minor issues

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

people who are different and thus incomparable

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'people who are different and thus incomparable'.

Key Points

  • The idiom "apples and oranges" is used to compare two things that are so different from each other that they cannot be compared in a meaningful way.
  • Just as apples and oranges are two different types of fruit that have distinct differences in taste, texture, and appearance, two things or people that are very different from each other may also be described as "apples and oranges".
  • For example, you cannot compare the intelligence of a dog and a cat because they are different types of animals, just like you cannot compare the skills of a chef and a mathematician because they have different areas of expertise.

Question 81

Direction: The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : Like many of its tropical counterparts, India was a colony of Britain, which ruled out any move to adjust the exchange rate.

S6 : Banks were left with unrecoverable assets.

P : Indebted business failed.

Q : With devaluation made politically impossible, fall in export demand led to sustained and deep deflation.

R : Indebted households liquidated a variety of assets to repay loans when they could.

S : Real interest rates rose.

The correct sequence should be and

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    QSRP

  3. COption (c)

    SQPR

  4. DOption (d)

    PSRQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

SQPR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'SQPR'.​

Key Points

  • The passage talks about India being a colony of Britain, which ruled out any move to adjust the exchange rate. This sets the context for the following events that led to the banks being left with unrecoverable assets.
  • Sentence S says that real interest rates rose, which made it harder for indebted households and businesses to repay their loans.
  • Sentence Q states that with devaluation made politically impossible, fall in export demand led to sustained and deep deflation. This led to a decrease in the demand for exports, causing a fall in export earnings and worsening the balance of payments situation.
  • Sentence P mentions that indebted businesses failed, and sentence R says that indebted households liquidated a variety of assets to repay loans when they could. These events further exacerbated the economic situation.
  • Finally, the passage concludes by saying that the banks were left with unrecoverable assets, which implies that the economic situation had become quite dire. Therefore, the correct sequence is SQPR.

Question 82

Direction: The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : Consider the potential effect of just a small increase in the earth's atmospheric temperature.

S6 : If the sea level rose only a few feet, dozens of coastal cities would be destroyed and life would change utterly.

P : Some deserts might anyway bloom.

Q : But lands now fertile might turn to deserts, and many hot climates could become uninhabitable.

R : A rise of only a few degrees could melt the polar ice caps and submerge the planet in a short time.

S : Rainfall patterns would change.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    SQPR

  2. BOption (b)

    RQSP

  3. COption (c)

    RSPQ

  4. DOption (d)

    QRSP

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

RSPQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'RSPQ'.

Key Points

  • The passage discusses the potential effects of a small increase in the earth's atmospheric temperature. The opening sentence sets the context for the following sentences that describe the possible consequences of this increase.
  • Sentence R states that a rise of only a few degrees could melt the polar ice caps and submerge the planet in a short time.
  • Sentence S says that rainfall patterns would change, which would have significant consequences for agriculture and other areas that depend on predictable patterns of rainfall.
  • Sentence P mentions that some deserts might bloom anyway, implying that there could be both positive and negative effects of the temperature increase.
  • Sentence Q suggests that while some areas might become more habitable, others could become uninhabitable. Specifically, it mentions that lands now fertile might turn to deserts and hot climates could become uninhabitable.
  • Finally, the passage concludes by stating that even a small increase in the earth's atmospheric temperature could have significant consequences, including the destruction of many coastal cities if the sea level were to rise. Therefore, the correct sequence is RSPQ.

Question 83

**Direction:**The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : In the ancient times, the kings and the royal families had their own banner and seal.

S6 : So the high officials commanded great respect because of the descent, ability and character.

P : All the members of the royal family shared in the administration as far as possible.

Q : The royal palace was maintained in a great state.

R: The king was in theory an autocrat.

S : There were opportunities to influence the king in the formulation of policies.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    QRPS

  3. COption (c)

    PQSR

  4. DOption (d)

    QPSR

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

QRPS

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'QRPS'.

Key Points

  • The first sentence introduces the topic of ancient times and the importance of banners and seals for the kings and royal families.
  • The next sentence (Q) explains that the royal palace was maintained in a great state.
  • Then, (R) describes that the king was an autocrat in theory.
  • (P) explains that all the members of the royal family shared in the administration as far as possible.
  • (S) describes the opportunities available to influence the king in the formulation of policies.
  • Finally, (S6) concludes the passage by stating that high officials commanded respect because of their descent, ability, and character.
  • Therefore, the correct sequence is QRPS.

Question 84

Direction: In this section, item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : The rise of East Asia in the late twentieth century may ultimately prove to be a more important world-historical event than the collapse of communism.

S6 : Translated into political terms, this means that industrial capitalism is always accompanied by liberal democracy.

P : In the final two decades of the twentieth century, economic growth rates on the western rim of the Pacific Basin were between two and four times higher than those in the 'developed' economies of Europe and North America.

Q: The widespread assumption has been that modernization means westernization.

R : Certainly, the balance of the world's economy shifted markedly but from the West to the East in this period.

S : However, the notion that there is distinctively East Asian political form is less familiar one.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    PQSR

  3. COption (c)

    SPQR

  4. DOption (d)

    RPSQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

RPSQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'RPSQ'.

 

Key Points

  • S1 introduces the topic of the rise of East Asia in the late twentieth century and its potential significance.
  • R follows by stating that the balance of the world's economy shifted markedly from the West to the East during this period.
  • P provides data to support the shift in economic power from the West to the East.
  • S introduces the idea that there is no distinctively East Asian political form, which contrasts with the common assumption that modernization means westernization.
  • S6 concludes the passage by stating that industrial capitalism is always accompanied by liberal democracy.
  • Therefore, the correct sequence is RPSQ.

Question 85

Direction: In this section, item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : Manipur has a long and glorious history from before the beginning of the Christian Era.

S6 : Manipur regained its independence in 1947 and merged into Indian Union in 1949.

P : Then, Manipur came under the British rule in 1891.

Q : The independence and sovereignty remained uninterrupted until the Burmese invasion and occupation for around seven years in the first quarter of the 19th century (1819-1826).

R : The political history of Manipur could be traced back to 33 AD with the coronation of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.

S : After Pakhangba, a number of kings ruled over the Kingdom of Manipur.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    RSPQ

  2. BOption (b)

    PQRS

  3. COption (c)

    RSQP

  4. DOption (d)

    QPRS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

RSQP

Why this answer is correct

The correct sequence is: RSQP

 Key Points

  • S1 introduces the topic of the political history of Manipur, while S6 concludes it.
  • R talks about the early history of Manipur and the coronation of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, which sets the foundation for the political history of Manipur.
  • S talks about the subsequent rule of kings after Pakhangba.
  • Q talks about the Burmese invasion and occupation, which interrupted the independence and sovereignty of Manipur.
  • P mentions the period of British rule in Manipur.
  • Therefore, the correct sequence is RSPQ.

Question 86

Direction: In this section, item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : In agriculture, water is mainly used for irrigation.

S6 : Hence, it is difficult to practice agriculture without assured irrigation during dry seasons.

P : The large tracts of the country are deficient in rainfall and are drought prone.

Q : Winter and summer seasons are more or less dry in most part of the country.

R : Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country.

S: North-Western India and Deccan Plateau constitute such areas.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    RPSQ

  2. BOption (b)

    RSPQ

  3. COption (c)

    SPQR

  4. DOption (d)

    QPRS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

RPSQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'RPSQ'.

Key Points

  • Sentence R introduces the reason why irrigation is needed in agriculture - the spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country.
  • Sentence P provides further information about how some areas in the country are deficient in rainfall and are prone to droughts.
  • Sentence S specifies which regions of the country are most affected - North-Western India and Deccan Plateau.
  • Finally, sentence Q summarizes that most parts of the country have dry winter and summer seasons, which emphasizes the need for irrigation in agriculture.
  • So, the correct sequence is RPSQ.

Question 87

Direction: In this section, item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : Vijayanagara or 'city of victory' was the name of both a city and an empire.

S6 : They remembered it as Hampi, a name derived from that of the local Mother Goddess, Pampadevi.

P : In its heyday, it stretched from send the river Krishna in the North to the extreme South of the peninsula.

Q : The empire was founded in the fourteenth century.

R : In 1565, the city was destroyed and subsequently deserted.

S :  Although it fell into ruin in the seventeenth-eighteenth centuries, it lived on in the memories of people living in the Krishna-Tungabhadra Doab.)

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    PRQS

  2. BOption (b)

    SPRQ

  3. COption (c)

    QPRS

  4. DOption (d)

    RSPQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

QPRS

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'QPRS'.

Key Points

  • The sequence QPRS is the most appropriate one based on the context of the passage.
  • Sentence Q introduces the empire and should be followed by information about the empire. Sentence P provides information about the extent of the empire, which logically follows sentence Q. Sentence R talks about the destruction and desertion of the city, which can be placed after the information about the empire. Finally, sentence S concludes the passage by stating that although the city fell into ruin, it continued to live on in people's memories.
  • So, the correct sequence is: QPRS

Question 88

Direction: In this section, item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : During the past two decades, many organizations in both the manufacturing and service sectors have faced dramatic changes in their business environment.

S6 : These changes have had a significant influence on management accounting systems.

P : To succeed in today's highly competitive environment, companies have made customer satisfaction an overriding priority.

Q : They have also adopted new management approaches and manufacturing companies have changed their manufacturing systems and invested in new technologies.

R : Deregulation and extensive competition from overseas companies in domestic markets have resulted in a situation in which most companies now operate in a highly competitive global market.

S : At the same time there has been a significant reduction in product life cycles arising from techno-logical innovations and the need to meet increasingly discriminating customer demands.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    PQRS

  2. BOption (b)

    RSPQ

  3. COption (c)

    SRQP

  4. DOption (d)

    QPRS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

RSPQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct sequence should be 2) RSPQ.

Key Points

  • S1: During the past two decades, many organizations in both the manufacturing and service sectors have faced dramatic changes in their business environment.
  • R: Deregulation and extensive competition from overseas companies in domestic markets have resulted in a situation in which most companies now operate in a highly competitive global market.
  • S: At the same time there has been a significant reduction in product life cycles arising from technological innovations and the need to meet increasingly discriminating customer demands.
  • P: To succeed in today's highly competitive environment, companies have made customer satisfaction an overriding priority.
  • Q: They have also adopted new management approaches and manufacturing companies have changed their manufacturing systems and invested in new technologies.
  • S6: These changes have had a significant influence on management accounting systems.

Question 89

Direction: In this section, item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : Gregor Johann Mendel was born on July 22, 1822 in Austria.

S6 : Based on his experiments on a total of seven characteristics in garden pea, he established Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment.

P : His pioneering work laid the  foundation of science of genetics and therefore, he is known as the Father of Genetics'.

Q : There he was exposed to the lab facilities and got interested in research and teaching.

R : In 1843, Mendel began studying even while being a monk at St. Thomas Monastery in Brno.

S : His experiments focussed on cross-breeding of pea plants and gathering data on the variations of several generations.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    RQSP

  2. BOption (b)

    PQSR

  3. COption (c)

    PRQS

  4. DOption (d)

    SPQR

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

RQSP

Why this answer is correct

The Correct Answer is: The correct answer is 'RQSP'.

Key Points

  • R: In 1843, Mendel began studying even while being a monk at St. Thomas Monastery in Brno.
  • This sentence introduces Mendel's early life and the beginning of his academic pursuits.
  • It sets the stage for understanding Mendel's background and the environment in which he conducted his studies.
  • Q: There he was exposed to the lab facilities and got interested in research and teaching.
  • This sentence elaborates on Mendel's time at St. Thomas Monastery.
  • It explains how exposure to laboratory facilities sparked Mendel's interest in research and teaching, laying the foundation for his future work in genetics.
  • S: His experiments focused on cross-breeding of pea plants and gathering data on the variations of several generations.
  • This sentence describes Mendel's scientific endeavors.
  • It highlights the core of Mendel's work, which involved conducting experiments on pea plants to understand inheritance patterns and variation.
  • P: His pioneering work laid the foundation of the science of genetics and therefore, he is known as the Father of Genetics'.
  • This sentence summarizes the significance of Mendel's contributions.
  • It acknowledges Mendel's groundbreaking research, which established the fundamental principles of heredity and laid the groundwork for the field of genetics.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Question 90

Direction: In this section, item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are marked as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. This is followed by four options each suggesting a sequence of the sentences. Identify the most appropriate option.

S1 : Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation.

S6 : The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production, Mahatma Gandhi declared, revealed the most oppressive face of the British rule.

P : On 31 January, 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands.

Q : The idea was to make the demands wide-ranging, so that all classes within Indian society could identify with them and everyone could be brought together in a united campaign.

R : Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike, and it was one of the most essential items of food.

S : The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax.

The correct sequence should be

  1. AOption (a)

    PQSR

  2. BOption (b)

    SRQP

  3. COption (c)

    RPQS

  4. DOption (d)

    QPRS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

RPQS

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'RPQS'.

Key Points

  • The logical sequence is as follows:
  • Mahatma Gandhi's interest in salt (S1) is followed by the reason why he chose it as a symbol (R).
  • Then, it explains what he did on 31st January 1930 (P).
  • This is followed by the idea behind the demands he made (Q).
  • Finally, the most important demand of all is highlighted (S), and it concludes with the reason why it was significant (S6).
  • Therefore, the correct sequence is RPQS.

Question 91

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Brevity is the soul of wit.

  1. AOption (a)

    concision

  2. BOption (b)

    economy

  3. COption (c)

    terseness

  4. DOption (d)

    verbosity

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

verbosity

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'verbosity'.

Key Points

  • The word "Brevity" means that being concise and to the point.
  • The opposite of brevity is verbosity, which refers to using more words than necessary or being excessively long-winded.
  • So, option 4, verbosity, is the opposite in meaning to the underlined word, brevity.
  • Options 1, 2, and 3 (concision, economy, and terseness) are all synonyms of brevity and do not convey the opposite meaning.

Question 92

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Blend the grains to make a smooth paste.

  1. AOption (a)

    separate

  2. BOption (b)

    mingle

  3. COption (c)

    coalesce

  4. DOption (d)

    amalgamate

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

separate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'separate.'

Key Points

  • Blend refers to the process of mixing or combining various elements together to form a unified whole. (विभिन्न तत्वों को मिलाना या जोड़ना ताकि एक एकीकृत समूह बने।)
  • Synonyms: Combine, mix, fuse, merge.
  • Example Sentence: To make the soup, blend the vegetables and broth until smooth.
  • Separate means to cause to move or be apart, or to become disunited. (अलग होने या अलग करने का कारण बनना, या असंघटित हो जाना।)
  • Synonyms: Divide, part, disjoin, disconnect.
  • Example Sentence: You need to separate the egg whites from the yolks for this recipe.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Mingle: Mix or cause to mix together. (मिलाना या मिलाने का कारण बनना।)
  • Coalesce: Come together and form one mass or whole. (एक द्रव्यमान या समूह बनाने के लिए एक साथ आना।)
  • Amalgamate: Combine or unite to form one organization or structure. (एक संगठन या संरचना बनाने के लिए जोड़ना या एकीकृत करना।)

Question 93

Direction:  Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The project wasted a considerable amount of time and money.

  1. AOption (a)

    substantial

  2. BOption (b)

    trifling

  3. COption (c)

    plentiful

  4. DOption (d)

    abundant

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

trifling

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'trifling'.

Key Points

  • Considerable means large or significant, so the opposite of "considerable" would be something that is small or insignificant.
  • Among the given options, "trifling" best represents the opposite meaning of considerable.
  • Trifling means of little importance, trivial or insignificant. It refers to something that is of minor or negligible importance or value.
  • Therefore, option 2, trifling, is the correct answer.

Question 94

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

She has always been disdainful of people who haven't been to college.

  1. AOption (a)

    contemptuous

  2. BOption (b)

    dismissive

  3. COption (c)

    scornful

  4. DOption (d)

    respectful

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

respectful

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'respectful'.

Key Points

  • The word "disdainful" is an adjective that describes a feeling of contempt or lack of respect towards someone or something that is considered unworthy, inferior or undesirable.
  • Example: His disdainful attitude towards his colleagues made it difficult for him to build good working relationships with them.
  • In this example, "disdainful" describes the negative attitude of the person towards their colleagues, suggesting that they regard them as inferior or unworthy of respect.
  • The opposite of "disdainful" is "respectful", which means showing admiration, deference or esteem towards someone or something.
  • Example: The teacher was respectful of all her students, regardless of their background or academic level.
  • In this example, "respectful" describes the positive attitude of the teacher towards her students, suggesting that she treats them with esteem and consideration.

Question 95

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

He had a frugal lunch.

  1. AOption (a)

    sparing

  2. BOption (b)

    extravagant

  3. COption (c)

    meagre

  4. DOption (d)

    delicious

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

extravagant

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (2) i.e. 'extravagant'.

Key Points

  • The word "frugal" (मितव्ययी) is an adjective that describes someone who is careful about spending money and resources. A frugal person is someone who avoids wasteful spending and instead focuses on being economical and thrifty.
  • Example sentence: Despite earning a high salary, Sarah lived a frugal lifestyle, always looking for ways to save money and reduce her expenses.
  • The word "extravagant" (फिजूलखर्च) is an adjective that describes someone who spends a lot of money or resources in a way that is unnecessary, excessive, or lacking restraint. An extravagant person is someone who is willing to spend a lot of money to indulge in luxuries and other pleasures.
  • Example sentence: John's extravagant spending habits have left him with a lot of debt and financial problems.

Additional Information

  • Sparing - Using or giving in moderate amounts; not wasteful. (मितव्ययी)
  • Meagre - Lacking in quantity or quality; inadequately small. (अल्प)
  • Delicious - Highly pleasant to the taste. (स्वादिष्ट)

Question 96

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

He is forced to lead an itinerant life.

  1. AOption (a)

    vagrant

  2. BOption (b)

    roving

  3. COption (c)

    settled

  4. DOption (d)

    nomadic

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

settled

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'settled'.

Key Points

  • The word "itinerant" refers to someone who travels from place to place, often for work or because they have no permanent home. An itinerant person may move frequently, have no fixed address, and rely on temporary accommodations such as hotels or staying with friends.
  • On the other hand, the word "settled" refers to someone who has a permanent residence and does not move around frequently. A settled person usually lives in one place for an extended period and has a fixed address, such as a house or an apartment.
  • Therefore, in the given sentence, "He is forced to lead an itinerant life," the word "itinerant" indicates that the person is constantly on the move, without a permanent home or a fixed address. The opposite of this would be someone who has a permanent residence and does not move around frequently, which is described by the word "settled".

Question 97

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

His malicious intentions were aborted.

  1. AOption (a)

    pernicious

  2. BOption (b)

    spiteful

  3. COption (c)

    benevolent

  4. DOption (d)

    vindictive

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

benevolent

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'benevolent'.

Key Points

  • The word "malicious" means having or showing a desire to harm or hurt others. Therefore, when we say "his malicious intentions were aborted," it means that the person had a harmful or hurtful intention, but it was stopped or prevented from happening.
  • Now, we need to find the option that is opposite in meaning to "malicious." The word "benevolent" means well-meaning and kindly. It describes someone who has good intentions towards others and seeks to do good or help others. Therefore, if we say "his benevolent intentions were successful," it means that the person had good intentions towards others, and they were successfully carried out.
  • On the other hand, the options "pernicious," "spiteful," and "vindictive" are all similar in meaning to "malicious" and describe negative qualities. "Pernicious" means causing harm or ruin, "spiteful" means having or showing a desire to hurt or annoy others, and "vindictive" means having or showing a strong desire for revenge. Therefore, these options are not opposite in meaning to "malicious."
  • In conclusion, the opposite of "malicious" is "benevolent," as it describes someone with good intentions towards others, seeking to do good or help them.

Question 98

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Comics tend to perpetuate several myths.

  1. AOption (a)

    cease

  2. BOption (b)

    conserve

  3. COption (c)

    sustain

  4. DOption (d)

    maintain

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

cease

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'cease'.

Key Points

  • The word "perpetuate" means to make something continue or last indefinitely. In the sentence "Comics tend to perpetuate several myths," the word "perpetuate" implies that comics contribute to the continuation or maintenance of several myths.
  • The question asks for the option that is opposite in meaning to "perpetuate." The word that best expresses the opposite of "perpetuate" is "cease." "Cease" means to stop doing something, to put an end to something, or to bring something to a conclusion.
  • Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 1) cease. Comics that cease perpetuating several myths would not contribute to their continuation or maintenance.

Question 99

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Krishna is a redoubtable person.

  1. AOption (a)

    formidable

  2. BOption (b)

    fearsome

  3. COption (c)

    awe inspiring

  4. DOption (d)

    unimpressive

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

unimpressive

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'unimpressive'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "redoubtable" is an adjective that describes someone or something that is worthy of respect or admiration due to their impressive qualities or achievements. Therefore, the opposite meaning of "redoubtable" would be "unimpressive", meaning that someone or something does not inspire respect or admiration.
  • In the given sentence, "Krishna is a redoubtable person", the word "redoubtable" indicates that Krishna is an impressive and respectable person. Therefore, the option that is opposite in meaning to "redoubtable" is "unimpressive". This means that if we describe Krishna as unimpressive, it would imply that he does not possess any remarkable qualities or achievements that are worthy of respect or admiration.

Question 100

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The movie is about fusion of old and contemporary ideas.

  1. AOption (a)

    joining

  2. BOption (b)

    bonding

  3. COption (c)

    separation

  4. DOption (d)

    blending

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

separation

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'separation'.

Key Points

  • "Fusion" generally refers to the act of combining two or more things together to form a single entity. In the context of the sentence provided, "fusion of old and contemporary ideas" suggests that the movie combines traditional and modern ideas to create something new and unique.
  • Therefore, the opposite of "fusion" would be "separation", which means to keep things apart or to keep them from being combined.
  • The other options - "joining", "bonding", and "blending" - all suggest some level of combination or unification, which is not opposite in meaning to "fusion".

Question 101

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

Guest is (a) /  unwelcome (b) / when he stays too long. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

a

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'a'.

Key Points

  • The only error in the sentence occurs in part (a), where the indefinite article "a" is missing before the noun "guest."
  • The correct expression for conveying a general statement about guests should be "A guest is."
  • Correct sentence- A guest is unwelcome when he stays too long

Question 102

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

My friend and benefactor (a) / has (b) / come. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

d

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'd' (No error).

Key Points

  • (a) "My friend and benefactor" is grammatically correct and acceptable.
  • There is no error in this part of the sentence. According to English grammar, two nouns ('friend' and 'benefactor') describing the same person can be connected using the conjunction 'and'.
  • (b) The singular verb 'has' is the appropriate choice to use here.
  • Given that the subject ('My friend and benefactor') is singular, a singular verb must follow this according to subject-verb agreement rules in English grammar.
  • (c) The word 'come' is the correct form to use after 'has'.
  • This is because 'has' is an auxiliary verb used to form the present perfect tense, and 'come' is the past participle of the verb 'come', which is required for the present perfect tense.
  • There is coherence and agreement in the subject-verb relationship. The subject 'My friend and benefactor' is singular, and the verb 'has come' is in appropriate form and tense.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4 (No Error).

Question 103

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

Either he (a) /  or I (b) / am mistaken. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

d

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'd'.

Key Points

  • This sentence is grammatically correct and there is no error in any of the underlined parts.
  • When two subjects are connected by 'neither...nor', 'either...or', 'not only...but also', 'nor', 'or', or 'none-but', the verb should agree with the subject closer to it.
  • For instance:
  • Neither Ram nor Shyam has come.
  • Either Ram or his friends have come.
  • Has Ram or Shyam come?
  • The sentence uses the singular verb "am" to match the singular subject "either he or I", which is grammatically correct.
  • "Mistaken" is an adjective. The structure "am/is/are + adjective" is common in English, such as "I am happy," "She is sad," or "They are excited."
  • In the sentence "Either he (a) / or I (b) / am mistaken. (c) / No error (d)," the verb must agree with the subject closer to it when "either...or" is used.
  • In this case, the subject closer to the verb is "I," so the verb "am" is appropriate.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is (d) No error.

Confusion Points 

  • In English, when using paired conjunctions like "either...or" or "neither...nor" with multiple pronouns, there's a traditional order of pronouns based on politeness or emphasis, often referred to as the "2-3-1" order for pronouns.
  • This means that second person ("you") generally comes first, third person ("he", "she", "it", "they") comes next, and first person ("I", "we") comes last.
  • For the given sentence "Either he or I am mistaken", switching the places of the pronouns would result in "Either I or he is mistaken." While this structure might seem less common, it is not ungrammatical. Both constructions are correct, but the original "Either he or I am mistaken" is more traditionally and commonly accepted. However, both versions are understood and used in contemporary English.

Question 104

Direction: Choose the part with the error. 

Each of (a) / these substances (b) / are found in India. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

c

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'c'.

Key Points

  • The sentence given is: "Each of these substances are found in India."
  • When pronouns such as Each, Every, Everyone, Someone, Somebody, Nobody, None, One, Any, Many a, and More than one are used they follow singular verb rules.
  • In other words, singular verbs, nouns, and pronouns should be used with them.
  • Exception: Each as a demonstrative pronoun and when used with 'each of the', follows a plural verb.
  • However, the verb used here is "are," which is plural. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
  • The correct sentence would be: "Each of these substances is found in India." Here, the singular verb "is" matches the singular subject "each."
  • Therefore, the error is in the underlined part (c) and the correction is to replace the plural verb "are" with the singular verb "is".
  • The correct response is option 3, "c".

Question 105

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

Who (a) / do you wish (b) / to see? (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

a

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'a'.

Key Points

  • The sentence is: "Who do you wish to see?" This sentence is a question, and the pronoun "who" is used as the subject of the sentence. In this case, "who" is used to refer to the person being wished to be seen.
  • However, the use of "who" as the subject pronoun in this sentence is incorrect. The correct pronoun to use here is "whom" because it is the object of the verb "to see." The correct sentence would be: "Whom do you wish to see?"
  • In formal writing, it is important to use the correct pronoun to avoid grammatical errors. In formal writing, "whom" should be used as the object pronoun, while "who" should be used as the subject pronoun.

Question 106

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

It was one of the best speeches (a) / that has ever been (b) / made in the Parliament. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

b

Why this answer is correct

The error is in part (b) of the sentence.

Key Points

  • The sentence is in the past tense, as indicated by the use of the past tense verb "was" in part (a) of the sentence.
  • Therefore, the verb in part (b) should also be in the past tense.
  • However, the word "has" is in the present perfect tense, which is incorrect.
  • The correct form of the verb in this context is "had", which is the past perfect tense.
  • This tense is used to refer to an action that was completed before another action in the past.
  • ​In this case, the action of making the speech happened before the time being referred to in the sentence, which is the past.
  • Therefore, the correct sentence is "It was one of the best speeches that had ever been made in the Parliament."
  • The correct response is option 2) b.

Question 107

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

​I played (a) / with same bat (b) / that you used. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

b

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'b'.

Key Points

  • The error is in part (b) of the sentence.
  • The adjective "same" should be preceded with "the" to indicate that the bat being referred to is a specific one that was previously mentioned or known to both the speaker and the listener. (विशेषण "same" को "the" से पहले होना चाहिए यह इंगित करने के लिए कि जिस बल्ले को संदर्भित किया जा रहा है वह एक विशिष्ट है जिसका पहले उल्लेख किया गया था या वक्ता और श्रोता दोनों को पता था।)
  • The correct sentence would be: "I played with the same bat that you used."
  • Thus, the correct answer is Option b.

Question 108

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

His written statement (a) / defers in several important respects (b) / from his oral statement. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

b

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'b'.

Key Points

  • The error is in part (b) of the sentence.
  • The verb "defers" should be replaced with "differs" to convey the intended meaning of being different from or not the same as something else.
  • The correct sentence would be: "His written statement differs in several important respects from his oral statement."
  • The correct response is option 2) b.

Question 109

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

I have ordered for (a) / three cups (b) / of coffee. (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

a

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'a'.

Key Points

  • The error is in part (a).
  • The correct phrase is "I have ordered three cups of coffee."
  • The use of "for" after "ordered" is unnecessary and incorrect in this context. Therefore, the correct answer is (a).
  • So the correct sentence is: "I have ordered three cups of coffee."
  • "Ordered for" is not the correct phrase to use in this context.
  • The correct answer is option (a).

Question 110

Direction: Item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

One must not (a) / boast of (b) / one's own success.  (c) / No error (d)

  1. AOption (a)

    a

  2. BOption (b)

    b

  3. COption (c)

    c

  4. DOption (d)

    d

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

d

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'd'.

Key Points

  • In this sentence, all the underlined parts are grammatically correct and there is no error. The sentence means that it is not considered appropriate to talk in a proud or arrogant way about one's own success.
  • Let's look at each of the underlined parts:
  • (a) "One must not" is a modal verb construction that expresses a prohibition or a rule. It is followed by the base form of the verb, which in this case is "boast". This means that the sentence is stating that it is prohibited to boast.
  • (b) "Boast of" is a phrasal verb that means to speak with excessive pride or satisfaction about one's own achievements, possessions, or abilities. The preposition "of" is used after the verb "boast" to indicate what the person is boasting about.
  • (c) "One's own success" means one's own achievements or accomplishments. In this context, it refers to the things that a person has accomplished that they might be tempted to boast about.
  • In summary, this sentence is error-free.

Question 111

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

There are plenty of graduates anxious for work.

  1. AOption (a)

    composed

  2. BOption (b)

    eager

  3. COption (c)

    indifferent

  4. DOption (d)

    prominent

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

eager

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'eager'.

Key Points

  • The word "anxious" in this sentence means that the graduates are eager or anxious to find work. Therefore, option 2, "eager", is the closest in meaning to the underlined word.
  • "Eager" means having a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. It is often used to describe someone who is excited or keen to do something, such as eager to learn, eager to please, or in this case, eager to find work. It implies a sense of anticipation and eagerness to start or engage in an activity.
  • Option 1, "composed", means calm and in control, which is opposite in meaning to "anxious".
  • Option 3, "indifferent", means having no interest or concern, which is also opposite in meaning to "anxious".
  • Option 4, "prominent", means important or well-known, which does not convey the same meaning as "anxious".

Question 112

Direction: Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The power of the monarchy was circumscribed by the new law.

  1. AOption (a)

    constrained

  2. BOption (b)

    naturalized

  3. COption (c)

    circumvented

  4. DOption (d)

    notified

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

constrained

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'constrained '.

Key Points

  • The word "circumscribed" in this context means that the power of the monarchy was limited or restricted by the new law.
  • It suggests that the monarchy's authority was not absolute, and that the new law placed boundaries or limits on the monarch's power.
  • The word "constrained" means to limit or restrict someone or something's freedom or action.
  • Therefore, it is the closest in meaning to "circumscribed" in the given sentence.
  • The other options, "naturalized," "circumvented," and "notified," do not have the same meaning as "circumscribed" and are not appropriate in this context. "Naturalized" means to grant citizenship to a foreigner, "circumvented" means to avoid or bypass something, and "notified" means to inform someone about something.

Question 113

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

We caught him eavesdropping outside the window.

  1. AOption (a)

    wandering aimlessly

  2. BOption (b)

    talking loudly

  3. COption (c)

    listening secretly

  4. DOption (d)

    reflecting calmly

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

listening secretly

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'listening secretly'.

Key Points

  • "Eavesdropping" is a term used to describe the act of secretly listening to a conversation that you are not a part of.
  • It typically involves standing or being positioned in a location where you can hear what is being said without the knowledge or consent of the speakers.
  • In the given sentence, "We caught him eavesdropping outside the window," it means that the person was listening secretly to a conversation that was happening inside the building, and he was caught doing so outside the window.
  • Therefore, the option that is closest in meaning to "eavesdropping" is 3) listening secretly.

Question 114

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The party leader exhorted his members to start preparing for the formation of their government.

  1. AOption (a)

    expected

  2. BOption (b)

    urged

  3. COption (c)

    facilitated

  4. DOption (d)

    discouraged

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

urged

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'urged'.

Key Points

  • To "exhort" means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
  • In this sentence, the party leader is urging or encouraging his members to start preparing for the formation of their government.
  • Therefore, the most appropriate option is "urged".
  • The other options do not convey the same meaning as "exhorted".
  • For instance, "expected" means something different, as it suggests that the party leader anticipated that his members would start preparing for the formation of their government, but does not necessarily imply that he encouraged them to do so.
  • Similarly, "facilitated" means to make something easier or more possible, but it does not capture the sense of urging or encouraging that is present in the sentence.
  • Finally, "discouraged" means to dissuade someone from doing something, which is the opposite of what the party leader is doing in this sentence.

Question 115

Direction: Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

The local people are hospitable to strangers.

  1. AOption (a)

    surly

  2. BOption (b)

    distant

  3. COption (c)

    frosty

  4. DOption (d)

    cordial

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

cordial

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'cordial'.

Key Points

  • The word "hospitable" means to be friendly, welcoming, and generous towards guests or strangers. In this sentence, the author is describing the local people as being hospitable to strangers, which means that they are friendly and welcoming to those who are not from the area.
  • The most appropriate option that is nearest in meaning to "hospitable" is "cordial".
  • Cordial means being warm and friendly, and therefore it accurately describes the local people's behavior towards strangers.
  • The other options - "surly," "distant," and "frosty" - are all antonyms of "hospitable".
  • Surly means rude or bad-tempered, distant means cold or aloof, and frosty means unfriendly or unwelcoming.
  • None of these options accurately convey the idea of friendliness or warmth that is present in the word "hospitable", and are therefore not suitable alternatives for it.

Question 116

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Such traditional methods seem incongruous in our technical age.

  1. AOption (a)

    unswerving

  2. BOption (b)

    constant

  3. COption (c)

    unvarying

  4. DOption (d)

    inappropriate

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

inappropriate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'inappropriate'.

Key Points

  • The word "incongruous" means not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. In this sentence, the author is saying that traditional methods seem out of place or inappropriate in our technical age.
  • The most appropriate option that is nearest in meaning to "incongruous" is "inappropriate".
  • The other options - "unswerving," "constant," and "unvarying" - do not accurately convey the meaning of "incongruous".
  • They all refer to something that is consistent or unchanging, which is not the same as being out of place or inappropriate.
  • Therefore, the best answer is "inappropriate", as it captures the sense of something being unsuitable or not fitting in with its surroundings or context.

Question 117

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Mohan has mercurial temperament.

  1. AOption (a)

    volatile

  2. BOption (b)

    pleasant

  3. COption (c)

    agreeable

  4. DOption (d)

    merciful

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

volatile

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'volatile'.

Key Points

  • The word "mercurial" refers to something or someone that is unpredictable, unstable, or quick to change moods or opinions.
  • In the given sentence, the phrase "mercurial temperament" suggests that Mohan's personality or behavior is subject to sudden or unpredictable changes, possibly characterized by rapid mood swings or varying levels of enthusiasm.
  • Therefore, the word "volatile" which means liable to change rapidly and unpredictably is the closest in meaning to the underlined word.
  • The other options - "pleasant," "agreeable," and "merciful" - do not convey the sense of unpredictability or instability that is implied by the word "mercurial."

Question 118

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

It is obligatory for all employees to wear protective clothing.

  1. AOption (a)

    voluntary

  2. BOption (b)

    elective

  3. COption (c)

    optional

  4. DOption (d)

    essential

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

essential

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'essential'.

Key Points

  • When something is described as "obligatory," it means that it is required or mandatory.
  • In the given sentence, the use of "obligatory" indicates that all employees are required to wear protective clothing, and it is not optional.
  • If an employee chooses not to wear protective clothing, it could result in disciplinary action.
  • Therefore, the use of "essential" (option 4) as the nearest meaning to "obligatory" is appropriate, as it conveys the idea that wearing protective clothing is necessary and indispensable.

Question 119

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

She has a genetic predisposition to liver disease.

  1. AOption (a)

    resistance

  2. BOption (b)

    immunity

  3. COption (c)

    vulnerability

  4. DOption (d)

    exemption

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

vulnerability

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'vulnerability'.

Key Points

  • predisposition: a condition that makes somebody/something likely to behave in a particular way or suffer from a medical condition.
  • vulnerability: the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
  • Hence,  the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word is 'vulnerability'.

Question 120

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

She wore a sardonic smile on her face.

  1. AOption (a)

    mocking

  2. BOption (b)

    respectful

  3. COption (c)

    reverential

  4. DOption (d)

    deferential

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

mocking

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'mocking'.

Key Points

  • sardonic means showing that you think you are better than other people and not taking others seriously

ख़ुद को श्रेष्ठ समझनेवाला तथा दूसरों के प्रति आदर भाव न रखनेवाला; निरादरपूर्ण

  • to laugh at somebody/something in an unkind way or to make other people laugh at him/her/it

किसी की हँसी उड़वाना, परिहास का पात्र बनाना या बनवाना

  • Hence,  the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word is 'mocking'.

120 questions in the full paper