Combined Defence Services (CDS) · Topic Collection

English Comprehension PYQs

Reading comprehension, vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, idiom usage, error spotting, sentence improvement, and cloze tests.

4560 Total Questions38 Official PapersYears: 2016–2025Search in English Comprehension
Showing questions 1061–1080 of 4560Page 54 of 100
CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1061

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

He is diligent; therefore ________

  1. AOption (a)

    he will not succeed  

  2. BOption (b)

    he can’t succeed 

  3. COption (c)

    he will succeed 

  4. DOption (d)

    he succeed

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

he will succeed 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "he will succeed ".

Key Points

  • The most appropriate option to complete the sentence is "he will succeed".
  • "He will succeed" - In this sentence, the word "diligent" is used to describe the subject.
  • Diligence refers to a positive trait, often associated with careful and persistent work or effort.
  • The word "therefore" is used to introduce a logical conclusion or consequence based on the previous part of the sentence.
  • So, it is logical to conclude that a diligent person will reach success.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

Complete Sentence: He is diligent; therefore he will succeed.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1062

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

A bomb went off in the city centre, but fortunately _________

  1. AOption (a)

    only few hurt 

  2. BOption (b)

    somebody was hurt  

  3. COption (c)

    nobody was hurt 

  4. DOption (d)

    everybody was hurt

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

nobody was hurt 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "nobody was hurt".

Key Points

  • The most appropriate option to complete the sentence is "nobody was hurt".
  • "Nobody was hurt" - The use of the word 'fortunately' establishes that the following part of the sentence will be a good or positive outcome given the circumstance.
  • In the case of an explosion, a positive outcome would be if no one was hurt.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

Complete Sentence: A bomb went off in the city centre, but fortunately nobody was hurt.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1063

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

Each of the scholars ________

  1. AOption (a)

    have done well

  2. BOption (b)

    has done well

  3. COption (c)

    shall done well

  4. DOption (d)

    will done well

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

has done well

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "has done well".

Key Points

  • The most appropriate option to complete the sentence is "has done well".
  • When "each" is used, it refers to every one of two or more people or things, considered and identified separately, thus requiring a singular verb.
  • "Has" aligns with "each" as it's the correct singular form of the verb "to have" in the present perfect tense.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 2".

Complete Sentence: Each of the scholars has done well.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1064

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

He asked whether either of the brothers _______

  1. AOption (a)

    were at home

  2. BOption (b)

    are at home

  3. COption (c)

    was at home

  4. DOption (d)

    have come home

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

was at home

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "was at home".

Key Points

  • The most appropriate option to complete the sentence is "was at home".
  • "Was at home" - The word "either" refers to one or the other of two people or things and thus it requires a singular verb.
  • In this case**, "was"** is the correct past singular form of the verb "to be".

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

Complete Sentence: He asked whether either of the brothers was at home.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1065

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

One cannot be too careful of ________

  1. AOption (a)

    his good name

  2. BOption (b)

    their good name

  3. COption (c)

    whether good name

  4. DOption (d)

    one's good name

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

one's good name

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "one's good name".

Key Points

  • The most appropriate option to complete the sentence is "one's good name".
  • "One's good name" - The pronoun 'one' is an impersonal pronoun that is used to refer to people in general.
  • It is used when the speaker does not need to specify a particular person.
  • When we want to refer back to 'one', we use 'one's'.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 4".

Complete Sentence: One cannot be too careful of one's good name.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1066

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

The applicant is the native of this country, so he has the right ______

  1. AOption (a)

    to have vote 

  2. BOption (b)

    to vote

  3. COption (c)

    of vote

  4. DOption (d)

    at vote

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

to vote

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "to vote".

Key Points

  • The most appropriate phrase for indicating the act of participating in an election or referenda is "to vote."
  • The phrase "the right to vote" is often used in legal and governmental contexts to refer to an individual's legal entitlement to participate in democracy.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 2".

Complete Sentence: The applicant is the native of this country, so he has the right to vote.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1067

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

No sooner had he returned ________

  1. AOption (a)

    than he was off again

  2. BOption (b)

    but he was off again

  3. COption (c)

    therefore went away

  4. DOption (d)

    thence went away

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

than he was off again

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "than he was off again".

Key Points

  • The most appropriate phrase to fill in the blank is "than he was off again".
  • The expression "No sooner... than..." is used to denote that one event occurred immediately after another event.
  • In this case, the phrase "No sooner had he returned than he was off again" means that as soon as he had returned, he left again.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 1".

Complete Sentence: No sooner had he returned than he was off again.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1068

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

Fortunately the news _______

  1. AOption (a)

    wasn't as bad as we expected

  2. BOption (b)

    weren't as bad as we expected

  3. COption (c)

    couldn't as bad as we expected

  4. DOption (d)

    happened with as bad as we expected

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

wasn't as bad as we expected

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "wasn't as bad as we expected".

Key Points

  • In English, the word 'news' — despite referring to multiple pieces of information — is treated as a singular noun.
  • Therefore, it is paired with 'was,' the singular form of the verb 'to be,' not 'were,' the plural form.

Thus, the correct answer is "option 1".

Complete Sentence: Fortunately the news wasn't as bad as we expected.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1069

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

When I was on holiday _______

  1. AOption (a)

    my whole luggage were stolen

  2. BOption (b)

    my part luggage was stolen

  3. COption (c)

    all my luggage was stolen

  4. DOption (d)

    my some luggage was stolen

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

all my luggage was stolen

Why this answer is correct

The correct option is "all my luggage was stolen".

Key Points

  • The main matter here is agreement of subject and verb, as well as the correct placement and usage of qualifiers.
  • "all my luggage was stolen" is the correct choice.
  • It implies every piece of the person's luggage was stolen, and the usage of 'all' followed by 'my luggage' is grammatically correct.
  • Also, 'luggage' is being correctly followed by the singular verb 'was'.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

Complete Sentence: When I was on holiday all my luggage was stolen.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1070

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions

In this section, each sentence is incomplete and is followed by four options. Select one of the four options to complete the sentence.

I got up very early ________

  1. AOption (a)

    but Jack got up much before 

  2. BOption (b)

    but Jack got up even before  

  3. COption (c)

    but Jack got up earlier to me 

  4. DOption (d)

    but Jack got up even earlier 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

but Jack got up even earlier 

Why this answer is correct

The correct option is "but Jack got up even earlier".

Key Points

  • "but Jack got up even earlier" is correctly fills in the blank.
  • The word "even" further emphasizes the earliness in comparison to "I," concluding that Jack got up earlier than the speaker, who already got up very early.
  • It effectively communicates the degree of the earliness of Jack's waking time and is grammatically appropriate.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 4".

Complete Sentence: I got up very early but Jack got up even earlier.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1071

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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.

What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them, as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labour, which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon man's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favour; but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later school of the Grecians, examineth matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchants; but for the lie's sake. But I cannot tell; this same truth, is a naked, and open day-light, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs, of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle- lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds, of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?

What is the writers' idea of 'truth' in the paragraph?

  1. AOption (a)

    Truth and divinity go hand-in- hand

  2. BOption (b)

    Truth can be told and avoided conveniently

  3. COption (c)

    Truth is a compulsion sometimes

  4. DOption (d)

    Truth may be a choice of ancient Grecians

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Truth is a compulsion sometimes

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "Truth is a compulsion sometimes".

Key Points

  • The writer's idea of 'truth' in the paragraph seems to align closest with "Truth is a compulsion sometimes".
  • This can be inferred from lines such as "Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief", which suggests that truth can sometimes feel like a constraint or a compulsion.
  • Additionally, the line "nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon man's thoughts" reinforces the view that truth imposes itself on people's minds and can therefore be seen as an obligation or compulsion.

​Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1072

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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.

What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them, as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labour, which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon man's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favour; but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later school of the Grecians, examineth matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchants; but for the lie's sake. But I cannot tell; this same truth, is a naked, and open day-light, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs, of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle- lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds, of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?

Why do men love lies?

  1. AOption (a)

    For advantage

  2. BOption (b)

    For the love of lying

  3. COption (c)

    For the sake of lies

  4. DOption (d)

    A lie is imaginative

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

For the sake of lies

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "For the sake of lies".

Key Points

  • This can be inferred from the lines "One of the later school of the Grecians, examineth matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchants; but for the lie's sake."
  • This suggests that men love lies not for any particular advantageous or pleasurable outcome but for the lie's sake.
  • The author indicates that this is a perplexing phenomenon.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1073

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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.

What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them, as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labour, which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon man's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favour; but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later school of the Grecians, examineth matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchants; but for the lie's sake. But I cannot tell; this same truth, is a naked, and open day-light, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs, of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle- lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds, of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?

Which metaphor is used in the passage to compare the value of truth and lies? 

  1. AOption (a)

    Pearls versus diamonds

  2. BOption (b)

    Beauty versus plain unadorned truth

  3. COption (c)

    Ease versus difficulty

  4. DOption (d)

    Deception versus sincerity

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Pearls versus diamonds

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "Pearls versus diamonds".

Key Points

  • The metaphor used in this passage to compare the value of truth and lies is "Pearls versus diamonds".
  • The author uses this metaphor in the line: "Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights." In this line, truth is compared to a pearl, which is best revealed in the light of day, while lies are likened to diamonds or carbuncles, which appear most beautiful under varied lighting conditions.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 1".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1074

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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.

What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them, as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labour, which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon man's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favour; but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later school of the Grecians, examineth matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchants; but for the lie's sake. But I cannot tell; this same truth, is a naked, and open day-light, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs, of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle- lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds, of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?

What literary device does the author use when he says, "truth is naked"?

  1. AOption (a)

    symbolism

  2. BOption (b)

    personification

  3. COption (c)

    allegory

  4. DOption (d)

    paradox

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

personification

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "Personification".

Key Points

  • In the line, "this same truth, is a naked, and open day-light", the author uses personification.
  • This is a literary device where human-like qualities are attributed to non-human entities or abstract ideas.
  • Here, truth is personified as being "naked", implying that it's unadorned, open, and clear, much like how a person might be described as 'naked' when they are entirely truthful or exposed.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 2".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1075

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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.

What is truth? said jesting Pilate, and would not stay for an answer. Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief; affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain discoursing wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them, as was in those of the ancients. But it is not only the difficulty and labour, which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon man's thoughts, that doth bring lies in favour; but a natural though corrupt love of the lie itself. One of the later school of the Grecians, examineth matter, and is at a stand to think what should be in it, that men should love lies; where neither they make for pleasure as with poets, nor for advantage, as with the merchants; but for the lie's sake. But I cannot tell; this same truth, is a naked, and open day-light, that doth not show the masks, and mummeries, and triumphs, of the world, half so stately and daintily as candle- lights. Truth may perhaps come to the price of a pearl, that showeth best by day; but it will not rise to the price of a diamond, or carbuncle, that showeth best in varied lights. A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure. Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds, of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?

What would happen if truths were not mixed with lies?

  1. AOption (a)

    There would not be any pleasure in the pursuit of truth

  2. BOption (b)

    Truth would be clear and undiluted

  3. COption (c)

    Lies would no longer be necessary

  4. DOption (d)

    The beauty of truth would shine forth

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

There would not be any pleasure in the pursuit of truth

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "There would not be any pleasure in the pursuit of truth".

Key Points

  • In the passage, the line "A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure." suggests that mixing truth with lies brings some level of enjoyment.
  • It implies that the pursuit of truth, if not mixed or associated with lies, might not provide as much pleasure or intrigue to individuals.
  • In addition, the author further emphasizes the discomfort brought by the absence of lies by stating: "Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds, vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like, but it would leave the minds of a number of men, poor shrunken things, full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?".
  • Here, removing all the untruths (lies, vain opinions, false hopes, etc.) would leave people's minds in an impoverished and displeasing state.
  • This suggests that, according to the author's perspective, a certain level of falsity adds richness or pleasure to human experience.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 1".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1076

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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 'law' is an enterprise that seeks to rule us all from cradle to the grave, whether as constitution confronting custom, or as custom confronting constitution, and often indeed as the diverse combinatory prowess of both. The very notion of enterprise suggests risk- taking i.e., risk as a site for both opportunity as well as failure for regulation or felicitation of approved social conduct. At the same moment, this coupling of the constitutional and custom is at the outset designed to pluralise the notion of legal literacy, a message yet to be fully constructed and conveyed co-equally to those who govern us and those who would resist domination. As citizens, we are supposed to know the law made by the state, whether we intend to obey it or break it. As members of cultural and religious communities, we also need to know the norms that define our membership of these collectives. Often, our identity and obligations as members of a political society and of diverse memberships within cultural and religious communities constitute spheres of peaceful coexistence. Often, too these collide. To decide what obligations ought to have precedence, each one of us in collision situations has to know a great deal about the law of the state and that constituting community and identity other than the political. Literacy in state law is important but never enough for an understanding of multiple sources of obligations that constantly press upon us. This invites engagement with many difficult questions including what we may want to mean by literacy, law, domination, and resistance. Further, the question always is: how far do resources of legal literacy endow us with resources of justice for all and care of self and care for others?

According to the author, legal literacy

  1. AOption (a)

    needs to be interpreted and understood in consonance with elements of social custom and justice

  2. BOption (b)

    needs to be interpreted and understood in consonance with elements of economic and psychological factors and law

  3. COption (c)

    needs to be interpreted and understood in terms of unjust existence of human being and justice

  4. DOption (d)

    needs to be interpreted and understood in consonance with elements of environmental conservation and law 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

needs to be interpreted and understood in consonance with elements of social custom and justice

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "needs to be interpreted and understood in consonance with elements of social custom and justice".

Key Points

  • The lines from the passage that support this choice are: "As citizens, we are supposed to know the law made by the state, whether we intend to obey it or break it. As members of cultural and religious communities, we also need to know the norms that define our membership of these collectives."
  • These lines suggest that the understanding of law (legal literacy) should not be limited to the knowledge of state laws; it is equally crucial to comprehend the social norms, customs, and rules that define our membership in various communities.
  • This falls in line with the option that states legal literacy needs to be understood in relation to social custom and justice.
  • Moreover, another line states: "To decide what obligations ought to have precedence, each one of us in collision situations has to know a great deal about the law of the state and that constituting community and identity other than the political." This further underscores the need for legal literacy to encompass knowledge of multiple types of laws, including those based on social custom, not just those put forth by the state.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 1".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1077

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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 'law' is an enterprise that seeks to rule us all from cradle to the grave, whether as constitution confronting custom, or as custom confronting constitution, and often indeed as the diverse combinatory prowess of both. The very notion of enterprise suggests risk- taking i.e., risk as a site for both opportunity as well as failure for regulation or felicitation of approved social conduct. At the same moment, this coupling of the constitutional and custom is at the outset designed to pluralise the notion of legal literacy, a message yet to be fully constructed and conveyed co-equally to those who govern us and those who would resist domination. As citizens, we are supposed to know the law made by the state, whether we intend to obey it or break it. As members of cultural and religious communities, we also need to know the norms that define our membership of these collectives. Often, our identity and obligations as members of a political society and of diverse memberships within cultural and religious communities constitute spheres of peaceful coexistence. Often, too these collide. To decide what obligations ought to have precedence, each one of us in collision situations has to know a great deal about the law of the state and that constituting community and identity other than the political. Literacy in state law is important but never enough for an understanding of multiple sources of obligations that constantly press upon us. This invites engagement with many difficult questions including what we may want to mean by literacy, law, domination, and resistance. Further, the question always is: how far do resources of legal literacy endow us with resources of justice for all and care of self and care for others?

As a citizen one is supposed to

  1. AOption (a)

    make a balance between the legal aspects and cultural existence

  2. BOption (b)

    give a priority to our cultural existence.

  3. COption (c)

    give a priority to constitutional provisions.

  4. DOption (d)

    know that knowledge about constitutional regulation is an impediment to cultural existence.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

make a balance between the legal aspects and cultural existence

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "make a balance between the legal aspects and cultural existence."

Key Points

  • The passage highlights the necessity of knowing and understanding the laws made by the state and the norms of our communities. As citizens, we are often stuck in situations where we have to balance our knowledge of state law and our obligations within cultural and religious communities.
  • The author explicitly states that while it is important to know the law of the state (constitutional regulation), that knowledge is never sufficient by itself. To handle situations where we have to face multiple sources of obligations, understanding our cultural and community norms is equally crucial. This suggests a need to maintain a balance between state law and cultural norms.
  • The passage implies that in instances of clashes between our identities as members of a political society and cultural or religious community, each individual should have an understanding of both the law of the state and the customs of the community. This ability to navigate our complex identities and obligations is dependent on the equilibrium between our knowledge of legal aspects and cultural existence.
  • The text also prompts us to consider the concept of 'legal literacy', in which our understanding of law and domination is not firmly compartmentalized—it's a broad, interconnected concept, and it necessitates awareness of not just constitutional provisions but also cultural norms.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
View full paper

Question 1078

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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 'law' is an enterprise that seeks to rule us all from cradle to the grave, whether as constitution confronting custom, or as custom confronting constitution, and often indeed as the diverse combinatory prowess of both. The very notion of enterprise suggests risk- taking i.e., risk as a site for both opportunity as well as failure for regulation or felicitation of approved social conduct. At the same moment, this coupling of the constitutional and custom is at the outset designed to pluralise the notion of legal literacy, a message yet to be fully constructed and conveyed co-equally to those who govern us and those who would resist domination. As citizens, we are supposed to know the law made by the state, whether we intend to obey it or break it. As members of cultural and religious communities, we also need to know the norms that define our membership of these collectives. Often, our identity and obligations as members of a political society and of diverse memberships within cultural and religious communities constitute spheres of peaceful coexistence. Often, too these collide. To decide what obligations ought to have precedence, each one of us in collision situations has to know a great deal about the law of the state and that constituting community and identity other than the political. Literacy in state law is important but never enough for an understanding of multiple sources of obligations that constantly press upon us. This invites engagement with many difficult questions including what we may want to mean by literacy, law, domination, and resistance. Further, the question always is: how far do resources of legal literacy endow us with resources of justice for all and care of self and care for others?

The above passage deals in

  1. AOption (a)

    Law and Justice

  2. BOption (b)

    Legal Literacy

  3. COption (c)

    Literacy and Education

  4. DOption (d)

    Constitutional Law

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Legal Literacy

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "Legal Literacy".

Key Points

  • As highlighted in lines, "this coupling of the constitutional and custom is at the outset designed to pluralise the notion of legal literacy" and "Literacy in state law is important but never enough for an understanding of multiple sources of obligations that constantly press upon us."
  • The author’s main argument is centered around understanding and conveying the complexity behind legal literacy – interpreting laws (both state and community), understanding the nuances, and its effects on justice and societal relationships.
  • Legal Literacy covers not only the knowledge of laws, customs, and constitution, but also involves the deeper understanding of these elements as they interact with society and individuals, their impact on risk-taking, their role in determining obligations, and their influence on the broader dynamics of domination and resistance.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 2".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
View full paper

Question 1079

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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 'law' is an enterprise that seeks to rule us all from cradle to the grave, whether as constitution confronting custom, or as custom confronting constitution, and often indeed as the diverse combinatory prowess of both. The very notion of enterprise suggests risk- taking i.e., risk as a site for both opportunity as well as failure for regulation or felicitation of approved social conduct. At the same moment, this coupling of the constitutional and custom is at the outset designed to pluralise the notion of legal literacy, a message yet to be fully constructed and conveyed co-equally to those who govern us and those who would resist domination. As citizens, we are supposed to know the law made by the state, whether we intend to obey it or break it. As members of cultural and religious communities, we also need to know the norms that define our membership of these collectives. Often, our identity and obligations as members of a political society and of diverse memberships within cultural and religious communities constitute spheres of peaceful coexistence. Often, too these collide. To decide what obligations ought to have precedence, each one of us in collision situations has to know a great deal about the law of the state and that constituting community and identity other than the political. Literacy in state law is important but never enough for an understanding of multiple sources of obligations that constantly press upon us. This invites engagement with many difficult questions including what we may want to mean by literacy, law, domination, and resistance. Further, the question always is: how far do resources of legal literacy endow us with resources of justice for all and care of self and care for others?

According to the writer 'diverse combinatory prowess' means

  1. AOption (a)

    A process of evolving a legal and constitutional system of cohesive elements.

  2. BOption (b)

    A provision of evolving a law of customary practices by avoiding constitutional provisions

  3. COption (c)

    A provision of evolving constitutional laws by neglecting customary practices

  4. DOption (d)

    A process of combining contrasting elements into a competent legal mechanism

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

A process of combining contrasting elements into a competent legal mechanism

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "A process of combining contrasting elements into a competent legal mechanism".

Key Points

  • In the passage, the term 'diverse combinatory prowess' refers to the interplay of constitution and custom in the practice and conception of law.
  • As the author states, "The 'law' is an enterprise that seeks to rule us all from cradle to the grave, whether as constitution confronting custom, or as custom confronting constitution, and often indeed as the diverse combinatory prowess of both."
  • The phrase signifies that law is not just a product of formal written rules, i.e., the constitution, but also of customary practices that might sometimes confront the constitution and vice versa.
  • This process brings out the 'diverse combinatory prowess' of law as constitution and custom are combined to form the intricate body of legal mechanism that governs society.

​Therefore, the correct answer is "option 4".

CDS English 3 Sep 2023 Official Paper (Previous Year Paper)·English
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Question 1080

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2023• English• English

Directions: In this section you have short passages. In this passage, you will find some items based on the passage. First, 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 'law' is an enterprise that seeks to rule us all from cradle to the grave, whether as constitution confronting custom, or as custom confronting constitution, and often indeed as the diverse combinatory prowess of both. The very notion of enterprise suggests risk- taking i.e., risk as a site for both opportunity as well as failure for regulation or felicitation of approved social conduct. At the same moment, this coupling of the constitutional and custom is at the outset designed to pluralise the notion of legal literacy, a message yet to be fully constructed and conveyed co-equally to those who govern us and those who would resist domination. As citizens, we are supposed to know the law made by the state, whether we intend to obey it or break it. As members of cultural and religious communities, we also need to know the norms that define our membership of these collectives. Often, our identity and obligations as members of a political society and of diverse memberships within cultural and religious communities constitute spheres of peaceful coexistence. Often, too these collide. To decide what obligations ought to have precedence, each one of us in collision situations has to know a great deal about the law of the state and that constituting community and identity other than the political. Literacy in state law is important but never enough for an understanding of multiple sources of obligations that constantly press upon us. This invites engagement with many difficult questions including what we may want to mean by literacy, law, domination, and resistance. Further, the question always is: how far do resources of legal literacy endow us with resources of justice for all and care of self and care for others?

Which among the following is closest in meaning to the word 'resistance'?

  1. AOption (a)

    conforming

  2. BOption (b)

    promotion

  3. COption (c)

    defiance

  4. DOption (d)

    liberating

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

defiance

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "defiance".

Key Points

  • In the context of the passage, the term 'resistance' is introduced towards the end where the author refers to those who govern and those who may resist domination: "...a message yet to be fully constructed and conveyed co-equally to those who govern us and those who would resist domination."
  • Hence, the reference made here is about an opposition or defiance to the ruling power which may try to dominate, suggesting an unwillingness to simply submit or comply, i.e., defiance.

Therefore, the correct answer is "option 3".

Additional Information

  • Conforming: Behaviour in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards.
  • Promotion: The action of promoting someone or something to a higher position or rank or the fact of being so promoted.
  • Liberating: Set someone free from a situation, especially imprisonment or slavery, in which their liberty is severely restricted.

How should I prepare for English Comprehension in Combined Defence Services (CDS)?

Solving previous year questions by topic helps identify recurring concepts, question patterns, and frequently asked sub-topics. Attempt each question, review the step-by-step explanation, and note down key formulas or facts for quick revision before the exam.