IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) · Topic Collection

English Comprehension PYQs

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

1460 Total Questions46 Official PapersYears: 2018–2026Search in English Comprehension
Showing questions 381–400 of 1460Page 20 of 73
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 381

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

Which of the following can be inferred about the role of societal norms in shaping emotional intelligence, based on the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Societal norms only affect women’s emotional intelligence, particularly in developing empathy and interpersonal skills.

  2. BOption (b)

    Boys and girls are socialized in a way that equally promotes both assertiveness and empathy in both genders.

  3. COption (c)

    Emotional intelligence is fixed and cannot be influenced or altered once societal norms have shaped it during childhood.

  4. DOption (d)

    Societal expectations reinforce gender-specific emotional skills, leading to men excelling in competitive environments and women in teamwork.

  5. EOption (e)

    Societal norms have no influence on emotional competencies, which are purely biologically determined.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Societal expectations reinforce gender-specific emotional skills, leading to men excelling in competitive environments and women in teamwork.

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 382

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

What is the antonym of “approach”?

  1. AOption (a)

    Withdraw

  2. BOption (b)

    Assist

  3. COption (c)

    Destroy

  4. DOption (d)

    Engage

  5. EOption (e)

    Leverage

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Withdraw

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 383

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

  1. AOption (a)

    persuaded

  2. BOption (b)

    discouraged

  3. COption (c)

    encouraged

  4. DOption (d)

    influenced

  5. EOption (e)

    restricted

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

encouraged

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 384

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (44-45): In each of the following questions, a sentence with four highlighted words is provided. These highlighted words may be either misspelled or used inappropriately. Select the incorrect word as the answer, and if all the highlighted words are correct in spelling and usage, choose ‘All are correct’ as answer.

The children's favorite activities at the camp was hiking through the forest trails.

  1. AOption (a)

    favorite

  2. BOption (b)

    activities

  3. COption (c)

    trails

  4. DOption (d)

    hiking

  5. EOption (e)

    All are correct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

activities

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 385

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (44-45): In each of the following questions, a sentence with four highlighted words is provided. These highlighted words may be either misspelled or used inappropriately. Select the incorrect word as the answer, and if all the highlighted words are correct in spelling and usage, choose ‘All are correct’ as answer.

She felt an overwhelming sense of joe as she watched the sunset, its vibrant colors painting the sky.

  1. AOption (a)

    watched

  2. BOption (b)

    vibrant

  3. COption (c)

    overwhelming

  4. DOption (d)

    joe

  5. EOption (e)

    All are correct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

joe

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 386

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

In the following questions, a few sentences are given. Identify the sentences that are grammatically and contextually correct.

(I) The team has worked really hard and deserves all of the praise they are receiving.

(II) She was excited to start her new job, but her nervousness was affecting her confidence.

(III) Each of the students were required to submit their projects before the deadline.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only (I)

  2. BOption (b)

    Both (I) and (III)

  3. COption (c)

    Only (III)

  4. DOption (d)

    Both (I) and (II)

  5. EOption (e)

    All (I), (II), and (III)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Both (I) and (II)

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 387

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

In the following questions, a few sentences are given. Identify the sentences that are grammatically and contextually incorrect.

(I) The manager, along with her team, were discussing the upcoming project in great detail.

(II) If I would have known about the event earlier, I would have definitely attended it.

(III) The city has experienced a significant drop in crime rates, largely due to new safety measures implemented last year.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only (I)

  2. BOption (b)

    Both (I) and (III)

  3. COption (c)

    Only (III)

  4. DOption (d)

    Both (I) and (II)

  5. EOption (e)

    All (I), (II), and (III)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Both (I) and (II)

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 388

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

In the following questions, a few sentences are given. Identify the sentences that are grammatically and contextually correct.

(I) If you would have studied harder, you could have passed the exam.

(II) Despite the rain, the outdoor event went on as planned, attracting a large crowd.

(III) The company's profits have been steadily increasing due to its new marketing strategy.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only (I)

  2. BOption (b)

    Both (II) and (III)

  3. COption (c)

    Only (III)

  4. DOption (d)

    Both (I) and (II)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Both (II) and (III)

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 389

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (49-53): Rearrange the following sentences in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.

(A) The government has therefore employed authorities to conduct fumigations, as the situation continues to escalate.
(B) Despite efforts to contain the situation, the bed bugs have infested public transport, popular tourist destinations, and even airports.
(C) Paris, a global tourist destination, has recently faced a troubling resurgence of bed bugs across various neighborhoods and popular attractions in the city.
(D) This outbreak has raised concerns not only among residents but also tourists, many of whom worry that the pests could travel with them back to their countries.
(E) Experts suggest that international travel and dense urban environments have facilitated the rapid spread of this infestation.
(F) Furthermore, bed bugs have become a common sight in metros and airports, making control measures even more challenging.

Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement?

  1. AOption (a)

    D

  2. BOption (b)

    A

  3. COption (c)

    B

  4. DOption (d)

    E

  5. EOption (e)

    C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

C

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 390

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (49-53): Rearrange the following sentences in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.

(A) The government has therefore employed authorities to conduct fumigations, as the situation continues to escalate.
(B) Despite efforts to contain the situation, the bed bugs have infested public transport, popular tourist destinations, and even airports.
(C) Paris, a global tourist destination, has recently faced a troubling resurgence of bed bugs across various neighborhoods and popular attractions in the city.
(D) This outbreak has raised concerns not only among residents but also tourists, many of whom worry that the pests could travel with them back to their countries.
(E) Experts suggest that international travel and dense urban environments have facilitated the rapid spread of this infestation.
(F) Furthermore, bed bugs have become a common sight in metros and airports, making control measures even more challenging.

Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement?

  1. AOption (a)

    A

  2. BOption (b)

    F

  3. COption (c)

    E

  4. DOption (d)

    D

  5. EOption (e)

    C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

D

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 391

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (49-53): Rearrange the following sentences in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.

(A) The government has therefore employed authorities to conduct fumigations, as the situation continues to escalate.
(B) Despite efforts to contain the situation, the bed bugs have infested public transport, popular tourist destinations, and even airports.
(C) Paris, a global tourist destination, has recently faced a troubling resurgence of bed bugs across various neighborhoods and popular attractions in the city.
(D) This outbreak has raised concerns not only among residents but also tourists, many of whom worry that the pests could travel with them back to their countries.
(E) Experts suggest that international travel and dense urban environments have facilitated the rapid spread of this infestation.
(F) Furthermore, bed bugs have become a common sight in metros and airports, making control measures even more challenging.

Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement?

  1. AOption (a)

    C

  2. BOption (b)

    E

  3. COption (c)

    D

  4. DOption (d)

    A

  5. EOption (e)

    F

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

E

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 392

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (49-53): Rearrange the following sentences in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.

(A) The government has therefore employed authorities to conduct fumigations, as the situation continues to escalate.
(B) Despite efforts to contain the situation, the bed bugs have infested public transport, popular tourist destinations, and even airports.
(C) Paris, a global tourist destination, has recently faced a troubling resurgence of bed bugs across various neighborhoods and popular attractions in the city.
(D) This outbreak has raised concerns not only among residents but also tourists, many of whom worry that the pests could travel with them back to their countries.
(E) Experts suggest that international travel and dense urban environments have facilitated the rapid spread of this infestation.
(F) Furthermore, bed bugs have become a common sight in metros and airports, making control measures even more challenging.

Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement?

  1. AOption (a)

    B

  2. BOption (b)

    E

  3. COption (c)

    D

  4. DOption (d)

    C

  5. EOption (e)

    A

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

B

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 393

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (49-53): Rearrange the following sentences in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.

(A) The government has therefore employed authorities to conduct fumigations, as the situation continues to escalate.
(B) Despite efforts to contain the situation, the bed bugs have infested public transport, popular tourist destinations, and even airports.
(C) Paris, a global tourist destination, has recently faced a troubling resurgence of bed bugs across various neighborhoods and popular attractions in the city.
(D) This outbreak has raised concerns not only among residents but also tourists, many of whom worry that the pests could travel with them back to their countries.
(E) Experts suggest that international travel and dense urban environments have facilitated the rapid spread of this infestation.
(F) Furthermore, bed bugs have become a common sight in metros and airports, making control measures even more challenging.

Which of the following should be the LAST sentence after rearrangement?

  1. AOption (a)

    C

  2. BOption (b)

    B

  3. COption (c)

    A

  4. DOption (d)

    D

  5. EOption (e)

    F

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

A

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 394

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

In the following questions, a few sentences are given. Identify the sentences that are grammatically and contextually correct.

(I) The children was playing in the garden while their parents watched.

(II) By the time we arrived, the concert had already started.

(III) Neither of the candidates were prepared for the final interview.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only (I)

  2. BOption (b)

    Both (II) and (III)

  3. COption (c)

    Only (III)

  4. DOption (d)

    Both (I) and (II)

  5. EOption (e)

    Only (II)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

Only (II)

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 395

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

In the following questions, a few sentences are given. Identify the sentences that are grammatically and contextually incorrect.

(I) The students who have completed the assignments on time will receive extra credit from their instructor.

(II) Despite of the heavy traffic, we managed to reach the airport on time for our flight.

(III) She has been working on the project since six months, but there is still a lot left to do.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only (I)

  2. BOption (b)

    Both (II) and (III)

  3. COption (c)

    Only (III)

  4. DOption (d)

    Both (I) and (III)

  5. EOption (e)

    All (I), (II), and (III)

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Both (II) and (III)

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 396

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (56-57): In each of the following questions, a sentence with four highlighted words is provided. These highlighted words may be either misspelled or used inappropriately. Select the incorrect word as the answer, and if all the highlighted words are correct in spelling and usage, choose ‘All are correct’ as answer.

When the crown on the head of the newest king, all of the people at the coronation went wild with priase.

  1. AOption (a)

    priase

  2. BOption (b)

    newest

  3. COption (c)

    crown

  4. DOption (d)

    coronation

  5. EOption (e)

    All are correct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

priase

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 397

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (56-57): In each of the following questions, a sentence with four highlighted words is provided. These highlighted words may be either misspelled or used inappropriately. Select the incorrect word as the answer, and if all the highlighted words are correct in spelling and usage, choose ‘All are correct’ as answer.

Because we did nothing but sit in the hotel room, our vaccation was vapid and uninteresting.

  1. AOption (a)

    vaccation

  2. BOption (b)

    vapid

  3. COption (c)

    hotel

  4. DOption (d)

    uninteresting

  5. EOption (e)

    All are correct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

vaccation

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 398

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (58-62): In each of the following sentences, a word is missing and replaced by a blank. Choose the best word from the given options that can fit into the sentence without altering the intended meaning.

She decided to donate a portion of her earnings to the local ___________ that supports underprivileged children.

  1. AOption (a)

    atrocity

  2. BOption (b)

    clarity

  3. COption (c)

    calamity

  4. DOption (d)

    acidity

  5. EOption (e)

    charity

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

charity

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 399

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (58-62): In each of the following sentences, a word is missing and replaced by a blank. Choose the best word from the given options that can fit into the sentence without altering the intended meaning.

The art gallery hosted an exhibition featuring works from some of the most ___________ artists in the world.

  1. AOption (a)

    ignorant

  2. BOption (b)

    latent

  3. COption (c)

    removable

  4. DOption (d)

    prestigious

  5. EOption (e)

    religious

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

prestigious

Explanation not yet available.
IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language
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Question 400

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (58-62): In each of the following sentences, a word is missing and replaced by a blank. Choose the best word from the given options that can fit into the sentence without altering the intended meaning.

The book had a/an ___________ impact on her perspective, changing the way she viewed the world.

  1. AOption (a)

    profound

  2. BOption (b)

    tripping

  3. COption (c)

    encroach

  4. DOption (d)

    oversea

  5. EOption (e)

    accurately

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

profound

Explanation not yet available.

How should I prepare for English Comprehension in IBPS Probationary Officer (PO)?

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.