SBI Clerk · Topic Collection

English Comprehension PYQs

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

1250 Total Questions38 Official PapersYears: 2018–2025Search in English Comprehension
Showing questions 921–940 of 1250Page 47 of 63
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 921

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In the question given below, the sentence/part of the sentence is in bold. Five alternatives are given for the bold words. Choose the correct alternative that will improve the sentence or mark the option corresponding to it. Choose option 5 if no improvement is required.

The two roommates has been talking all night and later on, they went to bed in the morning.

  1. AOption (a)

    had been talkative

  2. BOption (b)

    had been talking

  3. COption (c)

    had being talked

  4. DOption (d)

    have been talking

  5. EOption (e)

    No improvement is required

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

had been talking

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. 'had been talking'

Explanation: Firstly, the verb ‘has’ does not agree with the noun ‘roommates’ in number. It is correct to say ‘roommates have’.

Second, the action of talking completed before they went to bed. Since the action of ‘going to bed’ is in simple past, its preceding action here must be in past perfect continuous tense ‘had been talking’ and NOT in present perfect continuous tense ‘have been talking’

So the Correct sentence is

The two roommates had been talking all night and later on, they went to bed in the morning.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 922

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

Which among the following is an important factor when learning or teaching a language?

  1. AOption (a)

    Alphabets should be taught first as they are the building blocks. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Only a native speaker should teach the language. 

  3. COption (c)

    The culture where the language belongs must be referenced. 

  4. DOption (d)

    Morphemes and phonemes should be avoided. 

  5. EOption (e)

    None of the above. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

The culture where the language belongs must be referenced. 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: The culture where the language belongs must be referenced.  

Key Points

Reading the passage we find that: 

  • '*When learning or teaching a language, *the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.**'

Thus from the given point, it is clear that the correct answer is The culture where the language belongs must be referenced.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 923

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

Which one is the most obvious type of paralanguage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Spoken Language

  2. BOption (b)

    Written Language

  3. COption (c)

    Body Language

  4. DOption (d)

    Phrasal Language

  5. EOption (e)

    None of the above

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Body Language

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Body Language. 

Key Points

Reading the passage we find that: 

  • "*Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the *most obvious type of paralanguage.**"
  • Thus it is clear that the most obvious type of paralanguage is body language.

Therefore the correct answer is Body Language.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 924

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

The communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by?

  1. AOption (a)

    Imitating and observing people inside the close family circle. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Imitating and observing foreigners inside the family circle. 

  3. COption (c)

    Imitating and observing people outside the close family circle. 

  4. DOption (d)

    Both 1 and 3

  5. EOption (e)

    None of the above. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Both 1 and 3

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Both 1 and 3.

Key Points

Reading the passage we find that: 

  • 'These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.'
  • Here we find that communication techniques of once culture are learned mostly by first imitating and observing people initially parents and which form the close family circle and then friends and people outside the close family circle.

Thus we can conclude that both 1 and 3 mentioned in the options is the correct answer.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 925

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

Which of the following statement is FALSE according to the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    A particular language points to a particular group of people. 

  2. BOption (b)

    When you grow up in a society you ignore glances, gestures and little changes in voice. 

  3. COption (c)

    Language and culture are homologous with a complex relationship. 

  4. DOption (d)

    It is possible to alter the meaning of words by changing the tone.  

  5. EOption (e)

    None of the above. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

When you grow up in a society you ignore glances, gestures and little changes in voice. 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is When you grow up in a society you ignore glances, gestures and little changes in voice. 

Key Points

Reading the passage we find that: 

  • "When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say."
  • From this line, it is clear that the sentence given in the option is false whereas all the other given options are mentioned in the passage.

Therefore the correct answer is: When you grow up in a society you ignore glances, gestures and little changes in voice.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 926

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

According to Alfred L Krober when did culture start? 

  1. AOption (a)

    Culture started when people began doing rituals. 

  2. BOption (b)

    Culture started when close hunter gatherer bonds were formed. 

  3. COption (c)

    Culture started with the introduction of grammar.

  4. DOption (d)

    All of the above. 

  5. EOption (e)

    None of the above. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

None of the above. 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is None of the above. 

Key Points

Reading the passage we find the following line: 

  • 'Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.'
  • Looking at the options we find that this point is not reflected in any of the options.

Therefore the correct answer is None of the above.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 927

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

What constitutes a speech community? 

  1. AOption (a)

    A homologous culture with the same semiotics. 

  2. BOption (b)

    All the messages exchanged using the same paralanguage. 

  3. COption (c)

    A group of people with the same body language. 

  4. DOption (d)

    Messages exchanged with one another using a given language. 

  5. EOption (e)

    None of the above. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Messages exchanged with one another using a given language. 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Messages exchanged with one another using a given language. 

Key Points

Reading the passage we find that:  

'Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language,'

Thus from the given point it is clear that the correct answer is Messages exchanged with one another using a given language.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 928

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

According to Rossi-Landi when children learn their language and culture it leads to:

  1. AOption (a)

    The development of their cognitive abilities. 

  2. BOption (b)

    A better understanding of the society. 

  3. COption (c)

    Fine body language and vivid expressions. 

  4. DOption (d)

    All of the above. 

  5. EOption (e)

    None of the above. 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

The development of their cognitive abilities. 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is The development of their cognitive abilities. 

Key Points

Reading the given sentence we find that: 

  • 'Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.'
  • Thus here it is mentioned that they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

Therefore we can conclude that the correct answer is The development of their cognitive abilities.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 929

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

What is the synonym of the word complex highlighted in the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Simple

  2. BOption (b)

    Lucid

  3. COption (c)

    Plain

  4. DOption (d)

    Intricate

  5. EOption (e)

    Rare

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Intricate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Intricate. 

Key Points

Let's look at the meaning of the given word and the correct option.

  • Complex: consisting of many different and connected parts.
  • Intricate: Very complicated or detailed.

Thus it is clear that intricate is the synonym of complex. 

Additional Information 

 

Lucid: Easy to understand.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 11 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 930

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. 

Language and culture are intertwined. A particular language usually points out to a specific group of people. When you interact with another language, it means that you are also interacting with the culture that speaks the language. You cannot understand one’s culture without accessing its language directly.

When you learn a new language, it not only involves learning its alphabet, the word arrangement and the rules of grammar, but also learning about the specific society’s customs and behaviour. When learning or teaching a language, the culture where the language belongs must be referenced because language is very much ingrained in the culture.

Complex is one term that you can use to describe human communication since paralanguage is used to transmit messages. Paralanguage is specific to a culture, therefore communication with other ethnic groups can lead to misunderstandings.

When you grow up in a specific society, it is inevitable that you learn the glances, gestures and little changes in voice or tone and other communication tools to emphasize or alter what you want to do or say. These specific communication techniques of one culture are learned mostly by imitating and observing people, initially from parents and immediate relatives and later from friends and people outside the close family circle.

Body language, which is also known as kinesics, is the most obvious type of paralanguage. These are the postures, expressions and gestures used as non-verbal language. However, it is likewise possible to alter the meaning of various words by changing the character or tone of the voice.

The phrase, language is culture and culture is language is often mentioned when language and culture are discussed. It’s because the two have a homologous although complex relationship. Language and culture developed together and influenced each other as they evolved. Using this context, Alfred L Krober, a cultural anthropologist from the United States said that culture started when speech was available, and from that beginning, the enrichment of either one led the other to develop further.

If culture is a consequence of the interactions of humans, the acts of communication are their cultural manifestations within a specific community. Ferruccio Rossi-Landi, a philosopher from Italy whose work focused on philosophy, semiotics and linguistics said that a speech community is made up of all the messages that were exchanged with one another using a given language, which is understood by the entire society. Rossi-Landi further added that young children learn their language and culture from the society they were born in. In the process of learning, they develop their cognitive abilities as well.

What is the antonym of the word inevitable highlighted in the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Coarse

  2. BOption (b)

    Inescapable 

  3. COption (c)

    Splendid

  4. DOption (d)

    Rare

  5. EOption (e)

    Avoidable

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

Avoidable

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Avoidable. 

Key Points

Let's look at the meaning of the given word and the correct answer. 

  • Inevitable: certain to happen; unavoidable.
  • Avoidable: Able to avoided.

Thus from the given meanings, it is clear that the correct answer is Avoidable as both words have the opposite meaning. 

Additional Information

  • Coarse: Rough or harsh in texture.
  • Inescapable: unable to be avoided or denied.
  • Splendid: Very impressive; magnificent.
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 931

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In this question, a sentence has been divided into four parts (A), (B), (C) and (D). Read the sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark that part as your answer. If there is no error, the answer is ‘No error’. Ignore the error of punctuation if any.

A computer can do (A) some tasks best than (B) a person can (C) as humans often make silly mistakes. (D)

  1. AOption (a)

    (A)

  2. BOption (b)

    (B)

  3. COption (c)

    (C)

  4. DOption (d)

    (D)

  5. EOption (e)

    No error

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

(B)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '(B)'.

Key Points

Reading the sentence we find that:

  • The superlative adjective best used in part B is incorrect.
  • The sentence is comparing the work of a computer with that of humans.
  • Since the comparison is between two objects, we need to use the comparative adjective.
  • The sentence can be made correct if we use the comparative adjective better.

The correct sentence will be: A computer can do some tasks better than a person can as humans often make silly mistakes.

Additional Information

  • To compare two things, always use a comparative adjective:
  • Example: She is the cleverer of the two women.
  • To compare three or more things, always use a superlative adjective:
  • Example: She is the cleverest of them all.
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 932

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In this question, a sentence has been divided into four parts (A), (B), (C) and (D). Read the sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark that part as your answer. If there is no error, the answer is ‘No error’. Ignore the error of punctuation if any.

Since Julie (A) was not hungry,(B) therefore we ate (C) dinner without her.(D)

  1. AOption (a)

    (A)

  2. BOption (b)

    (B)

  3. COption (c)

    (C)

  4. DOption (d)

    (D)

  5. EOption (e)

    No error

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

(C)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '(C)'.

Key Points

Reading the sentence we find that:

  • The second conjunction therefore used in part C is incorrect.
  • We do not repeat conjunctions for the same function.
  • The conjunction since  used at the beginning of the sentence joins the two clauses ( Julie was not hungry/ we ate our dinner without her)
  • There is no need to use the conjunction therefore.
  • The sentence can be made correct if we remove therefore.

The correct sentence will be: Since Julie was not hungry, we ate dinner without her.

Additional Information

  • There must not a repetition of conjunction for the same function.
  • The only conjunctions that occur in pairs are correlative conjunctions.
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 933

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In this question, a sentence has been divided into four parts (A), (B), (C) and (D). Read the sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark that part as your answer. If there is no error, the answer is ‘No error’. Ignore the error of punctuation if any.

We shook myself (A) dry on the porch (B) and returned to the (C) warmth of the cabin.(D)

  1. AOption (a)

    (A)

  2. BOption (b)

    (B)

  3. COption (c)

    (C)

  4. DOption (d)

    (D)

  5. EOption (e)

    No error

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

(A)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '(A)'.

Key Points

Reading the sentence we find that:

  • The pronouns used in part A are incongruous.
  • Pronouns need to match in number.
  • If we is correct then the plural pronoun ourselves should be used.
  • If myself is correct then the singular pronoun I should be used.

The correct sentence will be: We shook ourselves / I shook myself dry on the porch and returned to the warmth of the cabin./ 

Additional Information

  • Reflexive pronouns are words ending in -self or -selves that are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same (e.g., I believe in myself).
  • They can act as either objects or indirect objects.
  • The nine English reflexive pronouns are myself, yourself, himself, herself, oneself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves.
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Question 934

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In this question, a sentence has been divided into four parts (A), (B), (C) and (D). Read the sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark that part as your answer. If there is no error, the answer is ‘No error’. Ignore the error of punctuation if any.

The pictures (A) were painted by hand, (B) and some them (C) were very beautiful. (D)

  1. AOption (a)

    (A)

  2. BOption (b)

    (B)

  3. COption (c)

    (C)

  4. DOption (d)

    (D)

  5. EOption (e)

    No error

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

(C)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '(C)'.

Key Points

Reading the sentence we find that:

  • The phrase some them used in part C is incorrect.
  • Some is a quantifier while them is a determiner.
  • The two needs the preposition of between them for the phrase to be correct.

The correct sentence will be: The pictures were painted by hand, and some of them were very beautiful.

Additional Information

  • We must use of between a quantifier and another determiner - I was at a party with some of my friends.
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 935

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In this question, a sentence has been divided into four parts (A), (B), (C) and (D). Read the sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark that part as your answer. If there is no error, the answer is ‘No error’. Ignore the error of punctuation if any.

Two children, (A)/ brother and sister,(B)/ were on there way (C)/ to school.(D)

  1. AOption (a)

    (A)

  2. BOption (b)

    (B)

  3. COption (c)

    (C)

  4. DOption (d)

    (D)

  5. EOption (e)

    No error

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

(C)

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '(C)'.

Key Points

Reading the sentence we find that:

  • The pronoun there used in part C is incorrect.
  • There is an adverb that means in, at, or to that place or position..
  • The sentence can be made correct if we use the pronoun their.

The correct sentence will be: Two children, brother and sister, were on their way to school.

Additional Information

  • They're, there, their are often confused. Let us see their meanings and uses - 

  • They're is a contraction of they are or they were. - They're (they are) trying to escape from the prison.

  • There can be used either as adverb  or a pronoun.

  • As an adverb it means at that place. It is a location adverb - I can go there to check on your mother.​

  • As a pronoun it is used to introduce a word or a clause - We know that there are things we need to talk about.

  • Their is the third-person plural possessive pronoun. - Their house is next to an open field.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 936

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blanks out of the given alternatives.

Studies have shown that good quality sleep is important in (1)_ good mental health. Think back to times when you’ve awoken and felt well-rested – how much clearer was your mind, your emotions and your overall mood?

Although the (2)_ between sleep and mental health is not completely understood, it’s generally (3)_ that getting a good night's sleep can help your mental and emotional resilience against mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. It’s believed that during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle of sleep, your mind begins to dream and it’s at this stage during the night which contributes to emotional health. Unfortunately, (4)_ in sleep can interrupt these cycles which can impair thinking and emotional regulation.

But sleep doesn’t just ward off risks of mental illness; it also helps (5)_ general mental functions as well. For example: throughout your day, your brain is taking in new information and responding to all kinds of stimuli. Then at night, sleep gives your brain the downtime to consolidate and process this information, and commit it to memory so that it’s (6)_ in the future when required.

What should come in place of the blank labelled 1?

  1. AOption (a)

    Foraging

  2. BOption (b)

    Attacking 

  3. COption (c)

    Stopping

  4. DOption (d)

    Controlling

  5. EOption (e)

    Maintaining

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

Maintaining

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Maintaining. 

Key Points

Reading the given sentence we find that: 

  • We need a word that means cause or enable to continue.
  • Maintaining:  cause or enable to continue.
  • Here the sentence is trying to convey that quality sleep is essential to enable a good mental health.

Therefore the correct answer is Maintaining. 

Additional Information

Foraging: Search wildly for food or provisions.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 937

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blanks out of the given alternatives.

Studies have shown that good quality sleep is important in (1)_ good mental health. Think back to times when you’ve awoken and felt well-rested – how much clearer was your mind, your emotions and your overall mood?

Although the (2)_ between sleep and mental health is not completely understood, it’s generally (3)_ that getting a good night's sleep can help your mental and emotional resilience against mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. It’s believed that during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle of sleep, your mind begins to dream and it’s at this stage during the night which contributes to emotional health. Unfortunately, (4)_ in sleep can interrupt these cycles which can impair thinking and emotional regulation.

But sleep doesn’t just ward off risks of mental illness; it also helps (5)_ general mental functions as well. For example: throughout your day, your brain is taking in new information and responding to all kinds of stimuli. Then at night, sleep gives your brain the downtime to consolidate and process this information, and commit it to memory so that it’s (6)_ in the future when required.

What should come in place of the blank labelled 2?

  1. AOption (a)

    Ownership 

  2. BOption (b)

    Relationship 

  3. COption (c)

    Companionship 

  4. DOption (d)

    Partnership

  5. EOption (e)

    Courtship 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Relationship 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Relationship. 

Key Points

Here the sentence says that sleep and mental health is connected. 

  • Thus we need a word that should convey a similar meaning.
  • Relationship: the way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected.

Thus from the given meaning, we can conclude that the correct answer is Relationship. 

Additional Information

  • Companionship: A feeling of fellowship or friendship.
  • Courtship; The romantic period before a couple gets married.
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 938

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blanks out of the given alternatives.

Studies have shown that good quality sleep is important in (1)_ good mental health. Think back to times when you’ve awoken and felt well-rested – how much clearer was your mind, your emotions and your overall mood?

Although the (2)_ between sleep and mental health is not completely understood, it’s generally (3)_ that getting a good night's sleep can help your mental and emotional resilience against mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. It’s believed that during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle of sleep, your mind begins to dream and it’s at this stage during the night which contributes to emotional health. Unfortunately, (4)_ in sleep can interrupt these cycles which can impair thinking and emotional regulation.

But sleep doesn’t just ward off risks of mental illness; it also helps (5)_ general mental functions as well. For example: throughout your day, your brain is taking in new information and responding to all kinds of stimuli. Then at night, sleep gives your brain the downtime to consolidate and process this information, and commit it to memory so that it’s (6)_ in the future when required.

What should come in place of the blank labelled 3?

  1. AOption (a)

    Accepted

  2. BOption (b)

    Focused 

  3. COption (c)

    Curbed 

  4. DOption (d)

    Adjusted

  5. EOption (e)

    Created 

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Accepted

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Accepted. 

Key Points

Reading the given segment we find that: 

  • We need a word that conveys the meaning 'generally believed or accepted.'
  • Accepted: generally believed or recognized to be valid or correct.

Thus from the given meaning, we can conclude that the word accepted is the correct word grammatically and contextually. 

Additional Information

  • Focused: Directing a great deal of attention interest or activity.
  • Curbed: Restrain or keep in check.
  • Adjusted: Alter or move slightly in order to achieve the desired result.
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Question 939

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blanks out of the given alternatives.

Studies have shown that good quality sleep is important in (1)_ good mental health. Think back to times when you’ve awoken and felt well-rested – how much clearer was your mind, your emotions and your overall mood?

Although the (2)_ between sleep and mental health is not completely understood, it’s generally (3)_ that getting a good night's sleep can help your mental and emotional resilience against mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. It’s believed that during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle of sleep, your mind begins to dream and it’s at this stage during the night which contributes to emotional health. Unfortunately, (4)_ in sleep can interrupt these cycles which can impair thinking and emotional regulation.

But sleep doesn’t just ward off risks of mental illness; it also helps (5)_ general mental functions as well. For example: throughout your day, your brain is taking in new information and responding to all kinds of stimuli. Then at night, sleep gives your brain the downtime to consolidate and process this information, and commit it to memory so that it’s (6)_ in the future when required.

What should come in place of the blank labelled 4?

  1. AOption (a)

    Connections

  2. BOption (b)

    Renovations

  3. COption (c)

    Attachments

  4. DOption (d)

    Disruptions

  5. EOption (e)

    Relations

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Disruptions

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Disruptions.  

Key Points

  • The given passage talks about the importance of sleep.
  • Let us refer to this line from the passage, *'*Unfortunately, (4)_ in sleep can interrupt these cycles which can impair thinking and emotional regulation.​'
  • The blank needs a word that is related to break or problems that affect sleep.
  • So, 'disruptions' is the correct word for blank no.

Complete sentence: Unfortunately, disruptions in sleep can interrupt these cycles which can impair thinking and emotional regulation.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 10 Jul 2021 Shift 1) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 940

SBI Clerk 2021• English Language• English Language

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blanks out of the given alternatives.

Studies have shown that good quality sleep is important in (1)_ good mental health. Think back to times when you’ve awoken and felt well-rested – how much clearer was your mind, your emotions and your overall mood?

Although the (2)_ between sleep and mental health is not completely understood, it’s generally (3)_ that getting a good night's sleep can help your mental and emotional resilience against mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. It’s believed that during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle of sleep, your mind begins to dream and it’s at this stage during the night which contributes to emotional health. Unfortunately, (4)_ in sleep can interrupt these cycles which can impair thinking and emotional regulation.

But sleep doesn’t just ward off risks of mental illness; it also helps (5)_ general mental functions as well. For example: throughout your day, your brain is taking in new information and responding to all kinds of stimuli. Then at night, sleep gives your brain the downtime to consolidate and process this information, and commit it to memory so that it’s (6)_ in the future when required.

What should come in place of the blank labelled 5?

  1. AOption (a)

    Recede 

  2. BOption (b)

    Fade

  3. COption (c)

    Improve

  4. DOption (d)

    Dwindle

  5. EOption (e)

    Intrigue

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Improve

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Improve.

Key Points

  • The given passage talks about the importance of sleep.
  • Let us refer to this line from the passage, *'*But sleep doesn’t just ward off risks of mental illness; it also helps (5)_ general mental functions as well. For example: throughout your day, your brain is taking in new information and responding to all kinds of stimuli.​'
  • The blank needs a word that means making mental functions better.
  • So, 'improve' is the correct word for blank no.

Complete sentence: But sleep doesn’t just ward off risks of mental illness; it also helps improve general mental functions as well. For example: throughout your day, your brain is taking in new information and responding to all kinds of stimuli. 

 

Additional Information Let's look at the meaning of the other words  -

  • Recede -  to go or move away; retreat
  • Fade -  to gradually grow faint and disappear.
  • Dwindle  - to diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength.
  • Intrigue  - to arouse interest.

How should I prepare for English Comprehension in SBI Clerk?

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.