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 41–60 of 1460Page 3 of 73
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 41

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

According to the passage, what has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks over the past decade?

  1. AOption (a)

    Increased environmental regulations

  2. BOption (b)

    International trade agreements

  3. COption (c)

    The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector

  4. DOption (d)

    Advances in sustainable packaging

  5. EOption (e)

    Reduction in tariff barriers

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option C.

 

Key Points

  • The answer can be found in the very first sentence of the passage: "The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks."
  • The passage explicitly attributes the restructuring of these three areas to the rapid growth of digital retail.
  • While the passage later discusses environmental regulations and trade agreements, these are presented as responses to the growth of e-commerce, not the primary cause of the initial restructuring.
  • Therefore, Option C is the only choice that directly reflects the information provided in the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

 

Correct Answer: The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector

 

Additional Information

  • A: Increased environmental regulations – These are being integrated into agreements because of the growth of e-commerce, but they are not the cause of the restructuring mentioned in the first sentence.
  • B: International trade agreements – The passage mentions these are now including environmental clauses, but they are not cited as the primary driver of the decade-long shift in consumer behavior.
  • D: Advances in sustainable packaging – This is a specific detail related to environmental standards, not the broad driver of economic restructuring.
  • E: Reduction in tariff barriers – The passage mentions that frameworks historically prioritized this, but it is not the reason for the recent exponential surge described.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 42

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

Which of the following is cited as a factor driving environmental degradation in the e-commerce sector according to the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Lower commercial overheads

  2. BOption (b)

    Rapid delivery windows

  3. COption (c)

    Excessive single-use plastic packaging

  4. DOption (d)

    Consumer protection policies

  5. EOption (e)

    Data governance issues

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Excessive single-use plastic packaging

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • The passage explicitly identifies several factors that contribute to the environmental degradation caused by the e-commerce sector.
  • According to the text, these environmental costs include excessive single-use plastic packaging, increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery, and high product return rates.
  • The passage states: "The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging... have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation."
  • Therefore, Option 3 is the correct factor cited in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

 

Additional Information

  • A & B: "Lower commercial overheads" and "Rapid delivery windows" – These are mentioned as benefits or features of online shopping rather than the specific drivers of environmental degradation listed in the text.
  • D & E: "Consumer protection policies" and "Data governance issues" – The passage mentions these as historical priorities of international trade frameworks, not as causes of ecological damage.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 43

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

According to the passage, what do regulatory authorities now mandate regarding trade strategies?

  1. AOption (a)

    They must prioritize tariff reduction

  2. BOption (b)

    They should remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets

  3. COption (c)

    They need to focus on reducing consumer overheads

  4. DOption (d)

    They must improve data governance and protection

  5. EOption (e)

    They should aim at increasing global trade volumes

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

They should remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option B.

 

Key Points

  • The passage explicitly discusses the shift in regulatory focus toward environmental accountability in the e-commerce sector.
  • According to the second paragraph, "Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises."
  • This indicates that the current mandate is focused on concrete, quantifiable environmental goals rather than just economic factors or general promises.
  • Therefore, Option B directly reflects the information provided in the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

 

Correct Sentence from the Passage: "Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises."

 

Additional Information

  • A: "They must prioritize tariff reduction" – The passage mentions that international trade frameworks historically prioritized tariff reduction, but the current mandate has shifted.
  • C: "They need to focus on reducing consumer overheads" – While lower overheads are a feature of e-commerce mentioned in the first paragraph, they are not the focus of the new regulatory mandates.
  • D: "They must improve data governance and protection" – Data governance is mentioned as a historical priority, not the specific focus of the new environmental mandates described.
  • E: "They should aim at increasing global trade volumes" – While e-commerce fuels trade, the passage focuses on the regulation of this growth through environmental clauses rather than a mandate to increase volume.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 44

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

Which of the following sentence(s) can be inferred from the passage?

A) Online shopping is causing significant environmental degradation.

B) E-commerce growth has always prioritised environmental concerns.

C) International trade bodies are incorporating environmental clauses to handle climate pressures.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only A

  2. BOption (b)

    Only B

  3. COption (c)

    Only C

  4. DOption (d)

    Both A and C

  5. EOption (e)

    All A, B, and C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Both A and C

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Key Points

  • A) Online shopping is causing significant environmental degradation.
  • This can be inferred from the passage. The text states that the environmental costs of the digital retail boom have transformed e-commerce into a "major driver of corporate environmental degradation," citing issues like plastic packaging and carbon emissions.
  • B) E-commerce growth has always prioritised environmental concerns.
  • This cannot be inferred and is contradicted by the passage. The text explicitly states that "Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction... frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern."
  • C) International trade bodies are incorporating environmental clauses to handle climate pressures.
  • This can be inferred from the passage. The passage mentions that "In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements."

Therefore, the correct answer is Both A and C.

 

Additional Information

  • Only A: Incorrect because C is also a valid inference.
  • Only B: Incorrect because B is factually incorrect according to the passage.
  • Only C: Incorrect because A is also a valid inference.
  • All A, B, and C: Incorrect because B contradicts the historical context provided in the passage.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 45

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

What will fit in the blank taken from the passage: "However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards"?

  1. AOption (a)

    comprehensive

  2. BOption (b)

    sustainable

  3. COption (c)

    global

  4. DOption (d)

    efficient

  5. EOption (e)

    technological

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

sustainable

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'sustainable'.

 

Key Points

  • The passage discusses the environmental impact of e-commerce and the need for regulatory frameworks to address ecological degradation.
  • The sentence in question refers to modern environmental clauses aiming to enforce systemic accountability. In the context of environmental protection and "measurable sustainability targets" mentioned later in the paragraph, the word "sustainable" (सतत/टिकाऊ) is the most appropriate fit.
  • "Sustainable logistics" refers to practices that minimize the environmental impact of transport and distribution, which aligns perfectly with the passage's focus on carbon emissions and ecological footprints.
  • The other options: "comprehensive," "global," "efficient," and "technological" are general terms that do not specifically address the environmental accountability context as precisely as "sustainable" does.

​Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option B'.

Complete Sentence: However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating sustainable logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns.

Additional Information

  • Comprehensive (व्यापक): including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
  • Global (वैश्विक): relating to the whole world; worldwide.
  • Efficient (कुशल): achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
  • Technological (तकनीकी): relating to or using technology.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 46

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

According to the passage, which of the following statements is correct?

A) Environmental accountability was always the primary concern in international trade frameworks.

B) Modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability.

C) The digital retail boom has had no impact on local ecosystems.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only A

  2. BOption (b)

    Only B

  3. COption (c)

    Only C

  4. DOption (d)

    A and B

  5. EOption (e)

    B and C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Only B

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

 

Key Points

  • Statement A: Environmental accountability was always the primary concern in international trade frameworks.
  • This statement is incorrect. The passage explicitly states that "Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern."
  • Statement B: Modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability.
  • This statement is correct. The passage states: "However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating... logistics standards..."
  • Statement C: The digital retail boom has had no impact on local ecosystems.
  • This statement is incorrect. The passage mentions that the rapid growth of e-commerce "simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems."
  • Hence, only statement B is identified as correct based on the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only B’.

SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 47

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

According to the passage, which of the following statements are incorrect?

A) Regulatory authorities mandate trade strategies to remain grounded in quantitative sustainability targets.

B) Greenwashing practices among online marketplaces are strictly regulated.

C) Rapid e-commerce growth only benefits global trade without causing environmental strain.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only A

  2. BOption (b)

    Only B

  3. COption (c)

    Only C

  4. DOption (d)

    A and B

  5. EOption (e)

    B and C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Only C

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

 

Key Points

  • Statement A: Regulatory authorities mandate trade strategies to remain grounded in quantitative sustainability targets.
  • This statement is correct. The passage states: "Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises." "Measurable" is synonymous with "quantitative."
  • Statement B: Greenwashing practices among online marketplaces are strictly regulated.
  • This statement is correct. The passage mentions that "legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces."
  • Statement C: Rapid e-commerce growth only benefits global trade without causing environmental strain.
  • This statement is incorrect. The passage explicitly describes growth as a "double-edged sword" that "simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems" and highlights various environmental costs like carbon emissions and plastic waste.
  • Hence, only statement C is identified as incorrect based on the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only C’.

SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 48

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

Which of the following words is similar in meaning to "grounded" in the context of the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    elevated

  2. BOption (b)

    realistic

  3. COption (c)

    based

  4. DOption (d)

    disconnected

  5. EOption (e)

    unanchored

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

based

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (C) i.e. Based.

Key Points

  • The word "grounded" in the context of the passage means to be based on or rooted in something solid, such as facts, evidence, or specific principles. (आधारित)
  • Example: The scientist's theories are grounded in years of rigorous empirical research.
  • "Based" refers to using something as a foundation or starting point for an idea, argument, or strategy. (आधारित)
  • Example: The film is based on a true story that happened in the late 1990s.
  • Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'grounded' is 'based'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Based.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Elevated (उच्च/उठा हुआ): Situated or placed higher than the surrounding area; or of a high intellectual or moral level.
  • Example: The house was built on an elevated platform to protect it from flooding.
  • Realistic (यथार्थवादी): Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.
  • Example: We need to set a realistic deadline for the completion of the project.
  • Disconnected (असंबद्ध): Lacking a logical connection or being separated from something else.
  • Example: His speech was a series of disconnected thoughts that were hard to follow.
  • Unanchored (अस्थिर/बिना लंगर का): Not held in place; lacking a stable base or connection.
  • Example: Without a clear goal, he felt unanchored and drifted from one job to another.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 49

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

Which of the following words is similar in meaning to "see" in the context of the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    avoid

  2. BOption (b)

    predict

  3. COption (c)

    ignore

  4. DOption (d)

    observe

  5. EOption (e)

    envision

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

observe

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option (D) i.e. observe.

Key Points

  • The word "see" in the context of the passage means to perceive, regard, or view a situation in a particular way. (देखना/मानना)
  • Example: Many analysts see the new policy as a significant step toward economic reform.
  • "Observe" means to notice or perceive something and register it as being significant; in this context, it refers to how experts view or regard the growth of the industry. (अवलोकन करना/देखना)
  • Example: Scientists observe the behavior of the birds to understand their migration patterns.
  • Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'see' in this context is 'observe'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: observe.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Avoid (बचना): To keep away from or stop oneself from doing something.
  • Example: You should avoid eating junk food if you want to stay healthy.
  • Predict (भविष्यवाणी करना): To say or estimate that a specified thing will happen in the future.
  • Example: It is difficult to predict the outcome of the election at this stage.
  • Ignore (नज़रअंदाज़ करना): To refuse to take notice of or acknowledge.
  • Example: He decided to ignore the rude comments and keep walking.
  • Envision (परिकल्पना करना): To imagine as a future possibility; visualize.
  • Example: She envisions a world where everyone has access to clean water.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 50

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

**Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions.

Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.**

The exponential surge of the global e-commerce sector over the past decade has fundamentally restructured consumer behaviour, retail economics, and global logistics networks. While online shopping offers unprecedented convenience, rapid delivery windows, and lower commercial overheads, its ecological footprint has drawn intense scrutiny from environmental economists and policymakers alike. The environmental costs associated with the digital retail boom, ranging from excessive single-use plastic packaging and increased carbon emissions from "last-mile" delivery services to high product return rates, have rapidly transformed e-commerce into a major driver of corporate environmental degradation. Industry experts see this rapid growth as a double-edged sword: while it fuels global trade, it simultaneously exerts unprecedented strain on local ecosystems. In response to growing public awareness and climate pressures, international trade bodies and regulatory agencies have begun integrating binding environmental clauses into cross-border e-commerce agreements and digital trade policies.

Historically, international trade frameworks prioritised tariff reduction, consumer protection, and data governance, frequently treating environmental accountability as a secondary concern. However, modern environmental clauses aim to enforce systemic accountability by mandating ________ logistics standards, enforcing recycled-content thresholds for packaging material, and penalising redundant transport operations driven by impulse returns. Regulatory authorities now mandate that all trade strategies remain grounded in measurable sustainability targets rather than vague corporate promises. Furthermore, these legislative frameworks seek to establish strict guidelines regarding greenwashing practices among online marketplaces. By requiring e-commerce conglomerates to pool their environmental data and disclose their scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions transparently, regulatory clauses empower consumers and institutional investors to differentiate genuinely sustainable enterprises from those engaging in performative marketing. Despite these strides, industry analysts caution that the efficacy of these environmental clauses hinges entirely on uniform cross-border compliance. In the absence of harmonised international standards, localised regulations risk driving e-commerce fulfilment hubs to non-compliant jurisdictions, thereby diluting the global push toward supply chain sustainability.

Which of the following words is similar in meaning to "pool" in the context of the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    share

  2. BOption (b)

    divide

  3. COption (c)

    separate

  4. DOption (d)

    hoard

  5. EOption (e)

    scatter

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

share

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option (A) i.e. share.

Key Points

  • The word "pool" in the context of the passage means to collect or combine resources, information, or funds from different sources for common use or benefit. (साझा करना/एकत्र करना)
  • Example: The researchers decided to pool their data to get a more comprehensive understanding of the climate trends.
  • "Share" refers to the act of giving a portion of something to others or using/possessing something jointly with others; in this context, it aligns with making data available for collective use. (साझा करना)
  • Example: The companies were required to share their environmental impact reports with the regulatory board.
  • Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'pool' is 'share'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: share.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Divide (विभाजित करना): To separate something into parts or portions.
  • Example: The manager had to divide the tasks among the team members to finish the project on time.
  • Separate (अलग करना): To move or keep things apart.
  • Example: It is important to separate recyclable waste from general trash.
  • Hoard (जमाखोरी करना): To accumulate and hide or store away money or valued objects.
  • Example: During the crisis, some people began to hoard essential supplies like water and canned food.
  • Scatter (बिखेरना): To throw in various random directions or to move in different directions.
  • Example: The wind caused the papers to scatter all over the floor.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 51

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Direction: The given sentence is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Choose the part that contains an error as your answer. If the sentence is error-free, mark E i.e. No error as your answer.

Instead of being helpful, (A)/ he was being hindrance, (B)/ constantly interrupting our progress (C)/ with his objections and criticisms. (D)/ No error (E)

  1. AOption (a)

    A

  2. BOption (b)

    B

  3. COption (c)

    C

  4. DOption (d)

    D

  5. EOption (e)

    E

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

B

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Key Points

  • In the sentence, the phrase "being hindrance" is grammatically incorrect because it lacks an article before the noun "hindrance."
  • Articles (like "a" or "the") are used to specify or generalize a noun. In this case, the noun "hindrance" refers to something that is causing an obstruction or acting as an obstacle.
  • When using a noun like "hindrance," it usually requires an article before it to make the sentence grammatically accurate. The corrected phrase would be "being a hindrance." Here, "a" acts as the indefinite article, indicating that the person in question was acting as one among many possible hindrances.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'He was being hindrance', i.e. this is the erroneous part.

Correct sentence: Instead of being helpful, he was being a hindrance, constantly interrupting our progress with his objections and criticisms.

Additional Information 

  • Articles "a," "an," and "the" are known as determiners and are used to specify nouns in English. Here's how they're typically used:
  • "A" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound:
  • Example: "I saw a cat in the garden."
  • "An" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound:
  • Example: "She is an engineer."
  • "The" is used before specific nouns that both the speaker and listener know:
  • Example: "Please pass the salt."
  • Additionally, "the" can be used in a more general sense:
  • Example: "The cat is a common pet."
  • Remember that the use of articles can vary based on context and sentence structure.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 52

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Direction: The given sentence is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Choose the part that contains an error as your answer. If the sentence is error-free, mark E i.e. No error as your answer.

The insistence by tourists for getting as (A)/ close as possible to the wild animals, (B)/ rather than observe them from (C)/ a safe distance can cause stress. (D)/ No error (E)

  1. AOption (a)

    A

  2. BOption (b)

    B

  3. COption (c)

    C

  4. DOption (d)

    D

  5. EOption (e)

    E

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

C

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "Option 3".

Key Points

  • The erroneous part is the use of "observe".
  • In the given sentence, the gerund form "observing" should be used instead of the base form "observe" because it follows the preposition "than".
  • When comparing actions using "than," the parallel structure requires that both actions use the same grammatical form.
  • Example: We decided on walking rather than going by car.
  • Hence, "observing" should be used instead of "observe".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Correct Sentence: "The insistence by tourists for getting as close as possible to the wild animals, rather than observing them from a safe distance can cause stress."

Additional Information

  • Whenever the two subjects are connected by “as well as, together with, along with, rather than”, the verb agrees with the first Subject.
  • Example: Ram, as well as his friends, keeps asking me many questions. [Singular verb]
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 53

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Direction: The given sentence is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Choose the part that contains an error as your answer. If the sentence is error-free, mark E i.e. No error as your answer.

Officials evacuated thousands of villagers, (A)/ shut down schools and offices, and (B)/ imposing a ban on sailing as (C)/ Typhoon approached the country. (D)/ No error (E)

  1. AOption (a)

    A

  2. BOption (b)

    B

  3. COption (c)

    C

  4. DOption (d)

    D

  5. EOption (e)

    E

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

C

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "Option 3".

Key Points

  • The erroneous part is the use of "imposing".
  • The given sentence is in the past tense as the actions mentioned in the sentence are in the past tense.
  • So, the verb "imposing" should be changed to "imposed" to match the past tense context of the sentence.
  • Hence, "imposed" should be used instead of "imposing".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 3".

Correct Sentence: "Officials evacuated thousands of villagers, shut down schools and offices, and imposed a ban on sailing as Typhoon approached the country."

Additional Information

  • In this sentence, "imposing" is a gerund, which is the present participle form of the verb "impose." Gerunds function as nouns in a sentence but here we have to describe a past event, it's more appropriate to use the past tense form of the verb.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 54

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Direction: The given sentence is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Choose the part that contains an error as your answer. If the sentence is error-free, mark E i.e. No error as your answer.

I and Sneha talk to trekkers who (A)/ just came back from the (B)/ Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek and examine (C)/ what they loved about the trek. (D)/ No error (E)

  1. AOption (a)

    A

  2. BOption (b)

    B

  3. COption (c)

    C

  4. DOption (d)

    D

  5. EOption (e)

    E

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

A

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is "Option 1".

Key Points

  • The erroneous part is "I and Sneha".
  • In the case of pronouns as the subject, the correct sequence is the other person first, followed by oneself.
  • In the given sentence, the order is reversed, "I and Sneha." so it should be "Sneha and I." (second person followed by first person).
  • Example: You and I are good friends.
  • Hence, "Sneha and I" should be used instead of "I and Sneha".

Therefore, the correct answer is "Option 1".

Correct Sentence: "Sneha and I talk to trekkers who just came back from the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek and examine what they loved about the trek."

Additional Information

  • In the case of pronouns as the Subject, when all three persons are used as the Subject of the sentence and are connected by ‘and’, the sequence of 123 of the Pronouns is followed if they give a Negative Sense to the sentence and a plural verb is used.
  • Example: I, you, and he are guilty.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 55

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Direction: The given sentence is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. Choose the part that contains an error as your answer. If the sentence is error-free, mark E i.e. No error as your answer.

The government was considered (A)/ several proposals for the (B)/ development of small and medium (C)/ enterprises during budget announcement. (D)/ No error (E)

  1. AOption (a)

    A

  2. BOption (b)

    D

  3. COption (c)

    C

  4. DOption (d)

    E

  5. EOption (e)

    B

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

A

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: 'Option 1'.

Key Points

  • The error lies in 'Part A' that is: 'The government was considered'.
  • The given sentence has an error of 'Active and Passive Voice'.
  • Here, in the particular sentence 'The government' is the 'subject' of the sentence and It is in 'Active Voice'. So, there is no need to use 'was' after the subject of the sentence. It is redundant here.

Hence, the correct answer is: 'A'.

Correct sentence: The government considered several proposals for the development of small and medium enterprises during budget announcement.

Additional Information

  • 'several proposals for the' is the correct part of the sentence.
  • 'development of small and medium' is the correct part of the sentence.
  • 'enterprises during budget announcement' is the correct part of the sentence.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 56

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Direction: Evaluate the following phrase, accompanied by three sentences containing it. Determine the sentence(s) that accurately convey the meaning of the given phrase.

Hit the books

A. With final exams coming up, Jenna decided to hit the books every evening.

B. The manager asked the team to hit the books and finalise the report by tomorrow.

C. After the argument, he went to the gym to hit the books and blow off some steam.

  1. AOption (a)

    Only A

  2. BOption (b)

    Both A & B

  3. COption (c)

    Only C

  4. DOption (d)

    All A, B & C

  5. EOption (e)

    None of these

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Both A & B

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

To answer this question, let's first understand the meaning of the highlighted idiom:

  • Hit the books - to study hard or begin studying seriously. (पढ़ाई करना)
  • For Example:
  • I can't go to the movies tonight; I need to hit the books for my history exam.

Now, let's break down the sentences to analyze which of them use(s) the idiom correctly:

  • A. With final exams coming up, Jenna decided to hit the books every evening.
  • The idiom "hit the books" is used correctly here. It signifies that Jenna decided to study hard because of her upcoming exams.
  • B. The manager asked the team to hit the books and finalise the report by tomorrow.
  • The idiom "hit the books" is used correctly here. In a professional context, it can refer to researching, studying data, or working intensely on documents/reports.
  • C. After the argument, he went to the gym to hit the books and blow off some steam.
  • The idiom "hit the books" is used incorrectly here. One does not "study" at the gym to blow off steam; the context suggests physical exercise or perhaps "hitting the gym," but not studying.
  • So, out of the given sentences, only A and B use the idiom correctly.
  • Therefore, the correct answer is "Both A & B."
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 57

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) ________ back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) ________ purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) ________ cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) ________ into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (A)?

  1. AOption (a)

    moves

  2. BOption (b)

    dates

  3. COption (c)

    breaks

  4. DOption (d)

    looks

  5. EOption (e)

    steps

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

dates

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'dates'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence indicates the historical origin and time period from which the Royal Game of Ur originates.
  • The phrasal verb formed with "back to" must mean to have existed since a particular time in the past.
  • "Dates back to" is a standard idiom meaning to have originated at a specific time in history.
  • Other options ("moves", "breaks", "looks", "steps") do not form an appropriate idiom with "back to" when referencing historical origins.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Complete Passage: Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) dates back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) ________ purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) ________ cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) ________ into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

 

Additional Information

  • Move back: To return to a previous position or step.
  • Break back: To fracture backwards or recover quickly in sports.
  • Look back: To think about or reflect on something in the past.
  • Step back: To move backward or temporarily withdraw from a situation to re-evaluate it.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 58

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) ________ back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) ________ purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) ________ cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) ________ into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (B)?

  1. AOption (a)

    destructive

  2. BOption (b)

    commercial

  3. COption (c)

    hazardous

  4. DOption (d)

    spiritual

  5. EOption (e)

    secondary

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

spiritual

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'spiritual'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence indicates that playing the game was not just for entertainment, but also tied to predicting a player's destiny through dice rolls.
  • The adjective filling blank (B) must refer to a purpose related to belief systems, divination, or sacred/religious destiny.
  • "Spiritual" relates to sacred, religious, or intangible human beliefs, perfectly matching the idea of predicting one's destiny.
  • Other options ("destructive", "commercial", "hazardous", "secondary") do not fit the context of fate and destiny divination mentioned in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Complete Passage: Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) dates back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) spiritual purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) ________ cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) ________ into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

 

Additional Information

  • Destructive (विनाशकारी): Causing severe damage or harm.
  • Commercial (व्यावसायिक): Concerned with or engaged in commerce or trade.
  • Hazardous (खतरनाक): Risky or dangerous.
  • Secondary (द्वितीयक/गौण): Coming after or less important than something primary.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 59

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) ________ back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) ________ purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) ________ cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) ________ into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (C)?

  1. AOption (a)

    decipher

  2. BOption (b)

    conceal

  3. COption (c)

    discard

  4. DOption (d)

    fabricate

  5. EOption (e)

    overlook

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

decipher

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'decipher'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence explains that the game's rules were unknown for centuries until researchers successfully interpreted ancient cuneiform clay tablets.
  • The verb filling blank (C) must mean to translate, convert, or make sense of ancient, coded, or obscure writing.
  • "Decipher" means to convert text written in code or a mysterious script into normal language, which fits the context of reading ancient cuneiform tablets.
  • Other options ("conceal", "discard", "fabricate", "overlook") contradict the positive outcome of understanding the game's mechanics.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Passage: Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) dates back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) spiritual purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) decipher cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) ________ into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

 

Additional Information

  • Conceal (छिपाना): Keep secret or prevent from being known or seen.
  • Discard (त्यागना/फेंकना): Get rid of someone or something as no longer useful or desirable.
  • Fabricate (गढ़ना/जाली बनाना): Invent or concoct something, typically with deceitful intent.
  • Overlook (अनदेखा करना): Fail to notice or consider.
SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 2 August 2026 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 60

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2026• English Language• English Language

Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) ________ back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) ________ purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) ________ cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) ________ into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

Which of the following is the most appropriate option to fill in the blank labelled as (D)?

  1. AOption (a)

    shrink

  2. BOption (b)

    dissolve

  3. COption (c)

    hesitate

  4. DOption (d)

    retreat

  5. EOption (e)

    spread

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

spread

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'spread'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence describes how the game reached other parts of the world as trade routes expanded across neighboring regions like Egypt and India.
  • The verb filling blank (D) must mean to extend, distribute, or reach over a wider area or among a larger number of people.
  • "Spread" means to extend over a larger area or reach a wider audience, perfectly capturing how trade routes facilitated the expansion of the game's popularity.
  • Other options ("shrink", "dissolve", "hesitate", "retreat") indicate a reduction, pause, or withdrawal, which contradicts the expansion of trade routes described in the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 5'.

 

Complete Passage: Board games have been an integral part of human civilization for millennia, offering insights into ancient social structures. Among the oldest known examples is the Royal Game of Ur, which (A) dates back to early Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE. Uncovered during excavations in the 1920s, the game features a distinctive board of twenty carved wooden squares. Historians believe that playing this strategy game was not merely a pastime, but also served a (B) spiritual purpose, where roll results were thought to predict a player's destiny. The original rules remained a mystery for centuries until researchers managed to (C) decipher cuneiform clay tablets that detailed the game's mechanics. Over time, as trade routes expanded across the ancient world, the popularity of the game began to (D) spread into neighboring regions like Egypt and India. Today, the discovery of such artifacts continues to (E) ________ our understanding of ancient leisure, strategy, and cultural exchange.

 

Additional Information

  • Shrink (सिकुड़ना): Become or make smaller in size or amount.
  • Dissolve (घुलना/समाप्त होना): Become incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution, or bring an end to.
  • Hesitate (संकोच करना): Pause before saying or doing something due to uncertainty.
  • Retreat (पीछे हटना): Move back or withdraw from a position.

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.