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 1041–1060 of 1250Page 53 of 63
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1041

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Direction: The following question has four different sentences. Select the most preferable sentence with respect to grammar, meaning, and usage. If all the four sentences are correct or all of them are incorrect, mark "option 5" as your answer.

  1. AOption (a)

    With over 1 billion users, Google Map is compatible on both desktop as well as smartphones.

  2. BOption (b)

    Indian skipper Virat Kohli could scarcely contain his glee then he lost the toss and heard his New Zealand opposite Kane Williamson choosing to bat first.

  3. COption (c)

    Around 42 lakh individuals ride buses in Delhi daily on an average, according to official estimates, around 33 percent of the total ridership comprises of women.

  4. DOption (d)

    Huawei was not mentioned by name in the British government’s statement, but British cybersecurity officials said they always had treated the company as a “high risk” vendor.

  5. EOption (e)

    All are incorrect.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

All are incorrect.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is All are incorrect

Key Points

Let's look at the following points-

  • Going through the all given option we find that all given sentences are incorrect
  • It concludes that option 5 is correct and therefore the answer.

Important Points

Now, let's look at the following points-

  • Option 1 is incorrect as the conjunction used for adverb 'both' is 'and'; whereas in the given context 'as well as'
  • Option 2 is incorrect as the conjunction for the adverb scarcely is paired with when and in the context then is mentioned
  • Option 3 is incorrect as it uses the wrong format comprises of; It should be 'comprises' or 'is comprised of'.
  • Option 4 is incorrect for the reason, If both the auxiliary verb and the main verb come in a sentence, the adverb of frequency/ degree is put between the auxiliary verb and the main verb; whereas in the given sentence it is given just after the subject i.e.they always had treated 
  • For e.g.- They had rarely arrived late at work until yesterday.
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1042

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The following question has four different sentences. Select the most preferable sentence with respect to grammar, meaning, and usage. If all the four sentences are correct or all of them are incorrect, mark "option 5" as your answer.

  1. AOption (a)

    I was upset when I learnt that I did not get the promotion but have since calmed down.

  2. BOption (b)

    After fighting ensued between many leaders in the sports club, it was only a matter of days before the club would disband and each teammate would find another team

  3. COption (c)

    Since 7 January, the Park Circus Maidan in central Kolkata has been the site of a sit-in protest for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

  4. DOption (d)

    The 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations was judged to be the most ideal occasion to launch a major renewal and strengthen the process of the bilateral relationship.

  5. EOption (e)

    All are incorrect

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

I was upset when I learnt that I did not get the promotion but have since calmed down.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'I was upset when I learnt that I did not get the promotion but have since calmed down.'.

Key Points

  • ​Option1st is contextually and grammatically correct
  • Option 2 is incorrect as preposition 'among' should be used for more than two people or objects.
  • Option 3 is incorrect as the preposition 'against' should be used with protest in place of 'for'.
  • Option 4 is incorrect as the use of 'most' before 'ideal' is superfluous.
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1043

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The following question has four different sentences. Select the most preferable sentence with respect to grammar, meaning, and usage. If all the four sentences are correct or all of them are incorrect, mark "option 5" as your answer.

  1. AOption (a)

    The officer asked him angrily whether he could not do that more neat.

  2. BOption (b)

    The chief of staff was reported missing after he had returned to London from his visit to France. 

  3. COption (c)

    The state's new policy to tourism is supposed to give the investors a big advantage.

  4. DOption (d)

    The Congress had been largest party in the Indian politics at that time.

  5. EOption (e)

    All are correct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

The chief of staff was reported missing after he had returned to London from his visit to France. 

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 2)

Option 1 is incorrect as the adverb form of neat (neatly) is needed after 'more'.

Option 3 is incorrect as preposition on should be used with 'policy' before 'tourism'.

Option 4 is incorrect as article 'the' is not used before 'largest', the superlative degree of an adjective.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1044

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The following question has four different sentences. Select the most preferable sentence with respect to grammar, meaning, and usage. If all the four sentences are correct or all of them are incorrect, mark "option 5" as your answer.

  1. AOption (a)

    Depending in the weather tomorrow, we can decide the day’s activities along with the meal plan. 

  2. BOption (b)

    The opposition failed to get many help in its campaign to besmirch the Prime Minister.

  3. COption (c)

    It is his who is responsible for the downsizing in the department.

  4. DOption (d)

    When carefully examined, it gave the police a clue to the mystery of the case.

  5. EOption (e)

    All are correct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

When carefully examined, it gave the police a clue to the mystery of the case.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 4)

Option 1 is incorrect as preposition 'on' should be used with 'depending'.

Option 2 is incorrect as much should be used in place of many because help is an uncountable noun.

Option 3 is incorrect as the correct syntax is "It+ to be (is/am/are/was/were) + subjective case". So the correct sentence will be- "It is he......".

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1045

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The following question has four different sentences. Select the most preferable sentence with respect to grammar, meaning, and usage. If all the four sentences are correct or all of them are incorrect, mark "option 5" as your answer.

  1. AOption (a)

    Neither the cruelty of the king or the torture of the ministers could demoralise the peasants of the kingdom or make them surrender to their demands.

  2. BOption (b)

    He kept the books on the table and forgot all about it before leaving to college.

  3. COption (c)

    In various parts of the tropical country, the ponds just dry up due to the scorching heat of the summers.

  4. DOption (d)

    Once appointed by the Governor, the Council of Ministers is answered to the house.

  5. EOption (e)

    All are correct

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

In various parts of the tropical country, the ponds just dry up due to the scorching heat of the summers.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 3)

Key Points

  • Sentence 1 "Neither the cruelty of the king or the torture of the ministers could demoralise the peasants of the kingdom or make them surrender to their demands" is incorrect. The correct use of 'neither...nor' or 'either...or' requires a partner for 'neither'. So this sentence should be revised to "Neither the cruelty of the king NOR the torture of the ministers could demoralise the peasants of the kingdom or make them surrender to their demands."
  • Sentence 2 "He kept the books on the table and forgot all about it before leaving to college" is incorrect. It refers to multiple books but then the pronoun 'it' doesn't agree in number. The correct usage should be "He kept the books on the table and forgot all about THEM before leaving for college."
  • Sentence 3"In various parts of the tropical country, the ponds just dry up due to the scorching heat of the summers" is grammatically correct and conveys its intended meaning effectively.
  • Sentence 4 "Once appointed by the Governor, the Council of Ministers is answered to the house" is incorrect. The verb phrase "is answered to" here is an incorrect usage. In this context, the correct usage should be "Once appointed by the Governor, the Council of Ministers IS ANSWERABLE TO the house"

So, the correct sentence based on grammar, meaning, and usage is sentence 3: "In various parts of the tropical country, the ponds just dry up due to the scorching heat of the summers."

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1046

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The question below comprises four scattered segments of a paragraph. Identify from among the four choices the sequences that correctly assemble the segments and complete the paragraph.

  1. However, engineers and developers have voiced apprehensions about building the underwater arena as it poses many challenges which, at the moment, seem impossible to overcome.
  2. Polish architect Krysztof Kotala has proposed to build an underwater tennis complex located offshore, between the Burj al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah islands.
  3. After boasting of a tennis court high up in the air built atop the 1,000-foot-tall Burj al Arab hotel, Dubai has wooed an architect to test the waters for an underwater tennis court.
  4. Designed with a massive curved roof, the undersea complex will spread out to hold seven courts. The sports arena will also double up as an aquarium with a rooftop coral reef, which will put on display an abundance of sea life for spectators as well as players.
  1. AOption (a)

    ACDB

  2. BOption (b)

    BDCA

  3. COption (c)

    CADB

  4. DOption (d)

    CBDA

  5. EOption (e)

    BDAC

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

CBDA

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is CBDA.

Key Points

  • The first sentence is C as it introduces the topic, which is Dubai’s proposed underwater tennis court.
  • The next sentence is B which provides more detail on the topic introduced, such as the architect who proposed the idea, and the location of the court.
  • The next sentence is D which provides more information on the tennis court, information which is not as important and directly follows from the previous sentence.
  • The last sentence A provides an argument against the above proposition, by questioning the feasibility of the idea.
  • Therefore, the correct order is CBDA.

The complete paragraph is: After boasting of a tennis court high up in the air built atop the 1,000-foot-tall Burj al Arab hotel, Dubai has wooed an architect to test the waters for an underwater tennis court. Polish architect Krysztof Kotala has proposed to build an underwater tennis complex located offshore, between the Burj al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah islands. Designed with a massive curved roof, the undersea complex will spread out to hold seven courts. The sports arena will also double up as an aquarium with a rooftop coral reef, which will put on display an abundance of sea life for spectators as well as players. However, engineers and developers have voiced apprehensions about building the underwater arena as it poses many challenges which, at the moment, seem impossible to overcome.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1047

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The question below comprises four scattered segments of a paragraph. Identify from among the four choices the sequences that correctly assemble the segments and complete the paragraph.

A. Mr D Gautam's personality sets him apart the rest.

B. Nothing is too small for his attention

C. He has a fanatical devotion to detail.

D. This is what makes him a different guy.

  1. AOption (a)

    ACBD

  2. BOption (b)

    ABCD

  3. COption (c)

    BDCA

  4. DOption (d)

    DCBA

  5. EOption (e)

    ACDB

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

ACBD

Why this answer is correct

The introduction is obviously the first sentence, and then the detail has been talked about making sentence C the second one followed by the sentence continuing the usage of the attention and the detail. And finally, what makes him different from the rest. So, the correct sequence is ACBD.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1048

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The question below comprises four scattered segments of a paragraph. Identify from among the four choices the sequences that correctly assemble the segments and complete the paragraph.

A. The main difference is that efficiency is a ration and effectiveness is not.

B. But they reach efficiency in a different way than American businesses.

C. The Japanese are very efficient and such concepts as ‘just in time’ are a witness to their efficiency.

D. They reach efficiency through the route of effectiveness.

  1. AOption (a)

    CBAD

  2. BOption (b)

    CBDA

  3. COption (c)

    BCDA

  4. DOption (d)

    BDAC

  5. EOption (e)

    DABC

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

CBDA

Why this answer is correct

The first line will be sentence C as it is introducing what the passage is talking about and that is the Japanese people. Then they are being compared to the dealings in business and how they are different from the American people. And the difference is then mentioned where it is said that they reach it through effectiveness as it is not a ration. Hence, clearly the correct sequence is CBDA.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1049

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The question below comprises four scattered segments of a paragraph. Identify from among the four choices the sequences that correctly assemble the segments and complete the paragraph.

A.      In his first inaugural address he concluded with an eloquent plea; ‘Ask not what your country can do for you--- ask what you can do for your country.’

B.      John F. Kennedy, Democratic winner in the election of 1960, was at 43, the youngest man ever to win the presidency.

C.      On television, in a series of debates with opponent Richard Nixon, he appeared able, articulate and energetic.

D.      In the campaign, he spoke of moving aggressively into the new decade, for 'the New Frontier is here whether we seek it or not'.

  1. AOption (a)

    ABCD

  2. BOption (b)

    BACD

  3. COption (c)

    DBCA

  4. DOption (d)

    DCBA

  5. EOption (e)

    BCDA

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

BACD

Why this answer is correct

The introduction is the first sentence here and then his speeches have been discussed. His first inaugural address will be the second sentence and then his personality will be given importance and finally, in continuation with the campaign and what all he has mentioned in it. So, the correct sequence will be BACD.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1050

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

The question below comprises four scattered segments of a paragraph. Identify from among the four choices the sequences that correctly assemble the segments and complete the paragraph.

A. They found the stains of blood on an abandoned shirt in a dumpster in the next street.

B. The detective believes that the clues of a crime scene are hidden in the periphery.

C. So, against the word of the inspector, the search team spread out all over the area, checking small streets and pathways.

D. Check the dumpsters and small streets, the detective said.

  1. AOption (a)

    BCDA

  2. BOption (b)

    BACD

  3. COption (c)

    ACBD

  4. DOption (d)

    ABDC

  5. EOption (e)

    BDCA

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

BDCA

Why this answer is correct

All the statements must be read beforehand. The statement B is clearly the first  statement because that introduces the detective and the case. What the detective said comes next that is statement D. Since information in D is used in statement C, it comes next. And statement A is the last.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1051

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Given below is a passage with five blanks (1-5). You are required to fill the correct word in the blanks. If none of the options fit as the replacement, according to you, then select ‘None of these’ as your answer.

There was a (1)_ in the city of Athens which gave to its citizens the power of compelling their daughters to wed whomsoever they pleased; for upon a daughter's refusing to (2) the man her father had chosen to be her husband, the father was (3)_ by this law to cause her to be put to __(4)____; but as fathers do not often desire the death of their own daughters, even though they do happen to prove a little refractory, this law was (5) or never put in execution, though perhaps the young ladies of that city were not unfrequently threatened by their parents with the terrors of it.

Which of the following words is a suitable fit for blank 1?

  1. AOption (a)

    tradition

  2. BOption (b)

    feeling

  3. COption (c)

    law

  4. DOption (d)

    hope

  5. EOption (e)

    pain

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

law

Why this answer is correct

Correct option: 3) law - this is the most appropriate option.

As per the context of the passage, the city of Athens gave to its citizens the power of compelling their daughters to wed whomsoever they pleased;. By going through the lines given above we can say the citizens were given a kind of right or power with the help of a 'law'. Hence law is the most appropriate option. Meaning of the remaining words are given below.

tradition - an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behaviour (such as a religious practice or a social custom).

feeling - one of the basic physical senses of which the skin contains the chief end organs and of which the sensations of touch and temperature are characteristic: TOUCH.

law - a binding custom or practice of a community: a rule of conduct or action prescribed (see PRESCRIBE sense 1 a) or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority.

hope -  to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true.

pain - a localized or generalized unpleasant bodily sensation or complex of sensations that cause mild to severe physical discomfort and emotional distress and typically results from bodily disorder (such as injury or disease)

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1052

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Given below is a passage with five blanks (1-5). You are required to fill the correct word in the blanks. If none of the options fit as the replacement, according to you, then select ‘None of these’ as your answer.

There was a (1)_ in the city of Athens which gave to its citizens the power of compelling their daughters to wed whomsoever they pleased; for upon a daughter's refusing to (2) the man her father had chosen to be her husband, the father was (3)_ by this law to cause her to be put to __(4)____; but as fathers do not often desire the death of their own daughters, even though they do happen to prove a little refractory, this law was (5) or never put in execution, though perhaps the young ladies of that city were not unfrequently threatened by their parents with the terrors of it.

Which of the following words is a suitable fit for blank 2?

  1. AOption (a)

    please

  2. BOption (b)

    marry

  3. COption (c)

    rob

  4. DOption (d)

    kill

  5. EOption (e)

    help

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

marry

Why this answer is correct

Correct option**: 2)** marry - this is the most appropriate option.

As per the context of the sentence we are talking about marriage, therefore 'marry' is the correct option. We can easily negate the rest of the options.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1053

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Given below is a passage with five blanks (1-5). You are required to fill the correct word in the blanks. If none of the options fit as the replacement, according to you, then select ‘None of these’ as your answer.

There was a (1)_ in the city of Athens which gave to its citizens the power of compelling their daughters to wed whomsoever they pleased; for upon a daughter's refusing to (2) the man her father had chosen to be her husband, the father was (3)_ by this law to cause her to be put to __(4)____; but as fathers do not often desire the death of their own daughters, even though they do happen to prove a little refractory, this law was (5) or never put in execution, though perhaps the young ladies of that city were not unfrequently threatened by their parents with the terrors of it.

Which of the following words is a suitable fit for blank 3?

  1. AOption (a)

    empowered

  2. BOption (b)

    devastated

  3. COption (c)

    mesmerised

  4. DOption (d)

    emboldened

  5. EOption (e)

    estimated

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

empowered

Why this answer is correct

Correct option**: 1)** empowered - this is the most appropriate option.

Here we are talking about power and right throughout the passage, hence empowered is the most suitable option.

empowered - having the knowledge, confidence, means, or ability to do things or make decisions for oneself.

devastated - brought to a state of ruin or destruction.

mesmerised - hypnotic appeal

emboldened - made bold or bolder: instilled with boldness, courage, or resolution.

estimated - to determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of.

As per the context of the sentence empowered is the most suitable option.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1054

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Given below is a passage with five blanks (1-5). You are required to fill the correct word in the blanks. If none of the options fit as the replacement, according to you, then select ‘None of these’ as your answer.

There was a (1)_ in the city of Athens which gave to its citizens the power of compelling their daughters to wed whomsoever they pleased; for upon a daughter's refusing to (2) the man her father had chosen to be her husband, the father was (3)_ by this law to cause her to be put to __(4)____; but as fathers do not often desire the death of their own daughters, even though they do happen to prove a little refractory, this law was (5) or never put in execution, though perhaps the young ladies of that city were not unfrequently threatened by their parents with the terrors of it.

Which of the following words is a suitable fit for blank 4?

  1. AOption (a)

    misery

  2. BOption (b)

    trouble

  3. COption (c)

    suffering

  4. DOption (d)

    death

  5. EOption (e)

    malice

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

death

Why this answer is correct

Correct option**: 4)** death - this is the most appropriate option.

If we read further, we will find these lines - but as fathers do not often desire the death of their own daughters, by reading these lines we can easily determine that the 'death' is the most suitable option.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1055

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Given below is a passage with five blanks (1-5). You are required to fill the correct word in the blanks. If none of the options fit as the replacement, according to you, then select ‘None of these’ as your answer.

There was a (1)_ in the city of Athens which gave to its citizens the power of compelling their daughters to wed whomsoever they pleased; for upon a daughter's refusing to (2) the man her father had chosen to be her husband, the father was (3)_ by this law to cause her to be put to __(4)____; but as fathers do not often desire the death of their own daughters, even though they do happen to prove a little refractory, this law was (5) or never put in execution, though perhaps the young ladies of that city were not unfrequently threatened by their parents with the terrors of it.

Which of the following words is a suitable fit for blank 5?

  1. AOption (a)

    always

  2. BOption (b)

    commonly

  3. COption (c)

    periodically

  4. DOption (d)

    frequently

  5. EOption (e)

    seldom

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (e)E.

seldom

Why this answer is correct

Correct option**: 5)** seldom - this is the most appropriate option.

As per the context of the above passage we need a word which means- in few instances : RARELY, INFREQUENTLY. Seldom is the only appropriate option.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1056

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause many human diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Many of these diseases can be physically devastating and even fatal. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 200 million new cases of malaria per year worldwide, resulting in over 400,000 deaths, most of them children under the age of 5. Zika fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms in infected human adults are typically mild, but if the virus infects a pregnant woman it can be transmitted to the developing fetus and affect brain development, causing a condition called microcephaly. To reduce the number of A. aegypti mosquitoes that may carry Zika virus, researchers at a biotechnology company called Oxitec have produced genetically modified (GM) A. aegypti mosquitoes that when released into the wild, mate with wild mosquitoes, and any offspring produced die before becoming adults.

The fluorescence gene is used to_________ GM mosquitoes. The lethality gene, which is more accurately called tetracycline transcriptional activator variant (or tTAV), encodes a protein that blocks transcription of several other genes that are essential to mosquito development. GM mosquito larvae that produce the tTAV protein die before reaching maturity. However, the tTAV protein cannot prevent the transcription of other genes when it is bound to the antibiotic tetracycline. Therefore, tetracycline acts as a repressor of the lethality gene, or, in other words, its antidote. In the lab, the GM mosquito larvae are reared in water containing tetracycline and develop normally into adult mosquitoes. When adult GM mosquitoes are released into the wild and breed with wild, non-GM mosquitoes, their offspring inherit the lethality gene. Without tetracycline in the environment to protect them, the offspring die. 

In one study, Oxitec scientists released GM mosquitoes into a neighborhood in Brazil. Sustained release over the course of a year led to a reduction of the local Aedes aegypti population by 80% to 95% according to different measures (Carvalho et al., 2015). The scientists chose densely populated neighborhoods for their study because mosquito-borne diseases can spread most easily in areas where lots of humans and mosquitoes are present. They hypothesized that if they could reduce both the population size of the A. aegypti mosquitoes and the mosquito population density, they would reduce the probability that a person becomes infected with a pathogen spread by these mosquitoes. (An activity that shows how scientists measure mosquito density, based on data from Oxitec scientists, is available on the BioInteractive website as “Tracking Genetically Modified Mosquitoes.”)

What is the tone of the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Informative

  2. BOption (b)

    Humorous

  3. COption (c)

    Sarcastic

  4. DOption (d)

    Apologetic

  5. EOption (e)

    Biased

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Informative

Why this answer is correct

Informative - this is the correct tone of the passage.

The whole passage is about mosquitoes, diseases they could carry, genes etc. and it gives you a sense that author is giving details with facts and figure so we can easily conclude that the tone of the passage is 'Informative'. The meaning of the rest of the tones are given below.

Humourous: Funny and amusing.

Sarcastic: Harsh, bitter derision; taunting.

Apologetic: Expressing remorse, regret.

Biased: Favouring one thing/person/group over another for personal reasons.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
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Question 1057

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause many human diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Many of these diseases can be physically devastating and even fatal. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 200 million new cases of malaria per year worldwide, resulting in over 400,000 deaths, most of them children under the age of 5. Zika fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms in infected human adults are typically mild, but if the virus infects a pregnant woman it can be transmitted to the developing fetus and affect brain development, causing a condition called microcephaly. To reduce the number of A. aegypti mosquitoes that may carry Zika virus, researchers at a biotechnology company called Oxitec have produced genetically modified (GM) A. aegypti mosquitoes that when released into the wild, mate with wild mosquitoes, and any offspring produced die before becoming adults.

The fluorescence gene is used to_________ GM mosquitoes. The lethality gene, which is more accurately called tetracycline transcriptional activator variant (or tTAV), encodes a protein that blocks transcription of several other genes that are essential to mosquito development. GM mosquito larvae that produce the tTAV protein die before reaching maturity. However, the tTAV protein cannot prevent the transcription of other genes when it is bound to the antibiotic tetracycline. Therefore, tetracycline acts as a repressor of the lethality gene, or, in other words, its antidote. In the lab, the GM mosquito larvae are reared in water containing tetracycline and develop normally into adult mosquitoes. When adult GM mosquitoes are released into the wild and breed with wild, non-GM mosquitoes, their offspring inherit the lethality gene. Without tetracycline in the environment to protect them, the offspring die. 

In one study, Oxitec scientists released GM mosquitoes into a neighborhood in Brazil. Sustained release over the course of a year led to a reduction of the local Aedes aegypti population by 80% to 95% according to different measures (Carvalho et al., 2015). The scientists chose densely populated neighborhoods for their study because mosquito-borne diseases can spread most easily in areas where lots of humans and mosquitoes are present. They hypothesized that if they could reduce both the population size of the A. aegypti mosquitoes and the mosquito population density, they would reduce the probability that a person becomes infected with a pathogen spread by these mosquitoes. (An activity that shows how scientists measure mosquito density, based on data from Oxitec scientists, is available on the BioInteractive website as “Tracking Genetically Modified Mosquitoes.”)

Which of the following is not correct according to the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    Malarial fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

  2. BOption (b)

    The fluorescence gene is used to identify GM mosquitoes.

  3. COption (c)

    The lethality gene, which is more accurately called tetracycline transcriptional activator variant (or tTAV), encodes a protein that blocks transcription of several other genes that are essential to mosquito development.

  4. DOption (d)

    Oxitec scientists released GM mosquitoes into a neighborhood in Brazil.

  5. EOption (e)

    none of the these

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Malarial fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Why this answer is correct

Malarial fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.- is the correct option

After going through the passage we can conclude that the above statement is false.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 1058

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause many human diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Many of these diseases can be physically devastating and even fatal. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 200 million new cases of malaria per year worldwide, resulting in over 400,000 deaths, most of them children under the age of 5. Zika fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms in infected human adults are typically mild, but if the virus infects a pregnant woman it can be transmitted to the developing fetus and affect brain development, causing a condition called microcephaly. To reduce the number of A. aegypti mosquitoes that may carry Zika virus, researchers at a biotechnology company called Oxitec have produced genetically modified (GM) A. aegypti mosquitoes that when released into the wild, mate with wild mosquitoes, and any offspring produced die before becoming adults.

The fluorescence gene is used to_________ GM mosquitoes. The lethality gene, which is more accurately called tetracycline transcriptional activator variant (or tTAV), encodes a protein that blocks transcription of several other genes that are essential to mosquito development. GM mosquito larvae that produce the tTAV protein die before reaching maturity. However, the tTAV protein cannot prevent the transcription of other genes when it is bound to the antibiotic tetracycline. Therefore, tetracycline acts as a repressor of the lethality gene, or, in other words, its antidote. In the lab, the GM mosquito larvae are reared in water containing tetracycline and develop normally into adult mosquitoes. When adult GM mosquitoes are released into the wild and breed with wild, non-GM mosquitoes, their offspring inherit the lethality gene. Without tetracycline in the environment to protect them, the offspring die. 

In one study, Oxitec scientists released GM mosquitoes into a neighborhood in Brazil. Sustained release over the course of a year led to a reduction of the local Aedes aegypti population by 80% to 95% according to different measures (Carvalho et al., 2015). The scientists chose densely populated neighborhoods for their study because mosquito-borne diseases can spread most easily in areas where lots of humans and mosquitoes are present. They hypothesized that if they could reduce both the population size of the A. aegypti mosquitoes and the mosquito population density, they would reduce the probability that a person becomes infected with a pathogen spread by these mosquitoes. (An activity that shows how scientists measure mosquito density, based on data from Oxitec scientists, is available on the BioInteractive website as “Tracking Genetically Modified Mosquitoes.”)

Choose the synonym for the word 'transcription' given in the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    introduction

  2. BOption (b)

    copy

  3. COption (c)

    variation

  4. DOption (d)

    induction

  5. EOption (e)

    None of these

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

copy

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is copy.

Key Points

  • The meaning of the word 'Transcription' is 'an act, process, or instance of transcribing.'
  • Copy, Transcript: such as
  • an arrangement of a musical composition for some instrument or voice other than the original.
  • a recording (as on magnetic tape) made especially for use in radio broadcasting.
  • Hence, the word 'copy' is the synonym of the word 'transcription'.

Additional Information

The meaning of the other given words:

  • Introduction: basic explanation of something or the action of introducing something
  • Variation: difference or variety
  • Induction: the process of bringing about or giving rise to something
SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 1059

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause many human diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Many of these diseases can be physically devastating and even fatal. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 200 million new cases of malaria per year worldwide, resulting in over 400,000 deaths, most of them children under the age of 5. Zika fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms in infected human adults are typically mild, but if the virus infects a pregnant woman it can be transmitted to the developing fetus and affect brain development, causing a condition called microcephaly. To reduce the number of A. aegypti mosquitoes that may carry Zika virus, researchers at a biotechnology company called Oxitec have produced genetically modified (GM) A. aegypti mosquitoes that when released into the wild, mate with wild mosquitoes, and any offspring produced die before becoming adults.

The fluorescence gene is used to_________ GM mosquitoes. The lethality gene, which is more accurately called tetracycline transcriptional activator variant (or tTAV), encodes a protein that blocks transcription of several other genes that are essential to mosquito development. GM mosquito larvae that produce the tTAV protein die before reaching maturity. However, the tTAV protein cannot prevent the transcription of other genes when it is bound to the antibiotic tetracycline. Therefore, tetracycline acts as a repressor of the lethality gene, or, in other words, its antidote. In the lab, the GM mosquito larvae are reared in water containing tetracycline and develop normally into adult mosquitoes. When adult GM mosquitoes are released into the wild and breed with wild, non-GM mosquitoes, their offspring inherit the lethality gene. Without tetracycline in the environment to protect them, the offspring die. 

In one study, Oxitec scientists released GM mosquitoes into a neighborhood in Brazil. Sustained release over the course of a year led to a reduction of the local Aedes aegypti population by 80% to 95% according to different measures (Carvalho et al., 2015). The scientists chose densely populated neighborhoods for their study because mosquito-borne diseases can spread most easily in areas where lots of humans and mosquitoes are present. They hypothesized that if they could reduce both the population size of the A. aegypti mosquitoes and the mosquito population density, they would reduce the probability that a person becomes infected with a pathogen spread by these mosquitoes. (An activity that shows how scientists measure mosquito density, based on data from Oxitec scientists, is available on the BioInteractive website as “Tracking Genetically Modified Mosquitoes.”)

Which of these is antonym to the the word 'sustained' given in the passage?

  1. AOption (a)

    nourished 

  2. BOption (b)

    sporadic

  3. COption (c)

    back

  4. DOption (d)

    relieved

  5. EOption (e)

    none of these

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

sporadic

Why this answer is correct

Sporadic - this is the most appropriate option.

Sustained means maintained at length without interruption or weakening: LASTING, PROLONGED, meaning of the rest of the words are given below.

nourished: to promote the growth of.

Sporadic: occurring occasionally, singly, or in irregular or random instances.

relieved: experiencing or showing relief especially from anxiety or pent-up emotions.

Sporadic is the most appropriate option.

SBI Clerk Prelims Memory Based Paper (Held On: 22 Feb 2020) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language
View full paper

Question 1060

SBI Clerk 2020• English Language• English Language

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Mosquitoes can transmit pathogens that cause many human diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Many of these diseases can be physically devastating and even fatal. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 200 million new cases of malaria per year worldwide, resulting in over 400,000 deaths, most of them children under the age of 5. Zika fever is caused by a virus transmitted to humans primarily by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms in infected human adults are typically mild, but if the virus infects a pregnant woman it can be transmitted to the developing fetus and affect brain development, causing a condition called microcephaly. To reduce the number of A. aegypti mosquitoes that may carry Zika virus, researchers at a biotechnology company called Oxitec have produced genetically modified (GM) A. aegypti mosquitoes that when released into the wild, mate with wild mosquitoes, and any offspring produced die before becoming adults.

The fluorescence gene is used to_________ GM mosquitoes. The lethality gene, which is more accurately called tetracycline transcriptional activator variant (or tTAV), encodes a protein that blocks transcription of several other genes that are essential to mosquito development. GM mosquito larvae that produce the tTAV protein die before reaching maturity. However, the tTAV protein cannot prevent the transcription of other genes when it is bound to the antibiotic tetracycline. Therefore, tetracycline acts as a repressor of the lethality gene, or, in other words, its antidote. In the lab, the GM mosquito larvae are reared in water containing tetracycline and develop normally into adult mosquitoes. When adult GM mosquitoes are released into the wild and breed with wild, non-GM mosquitoes, their offspring inherit the lethality gene. Without tetracycline in the environment to protect them, the offspring die. 

In one study, Oxitec scientists released GM mosquitoes into a neighborhood in Brazil. Sustained release over the course of a year led to a reduction of the local Aedes aegypti population by 80% to 95% according to different measures (Carvalho et al., 2015). The scientists chose densely populated neighborhoods for their study because mosquito-borne diseases can spread most easily in areas where lots of humans and mosquitoes are present. They hypothesized that if they could reduce both the population size of the A. aegypti mosquitoes and the mosquito population density, they would reduce the probability that a person becomes infected with a pathogen spread by these mosquitoes. (An activity that shows how scientists measure mosquito density, based on data from Oxitec scientists, is available on the BioInteractive website as “Tracking Genetically Modified Mosquitoes.”)

Which of these words can be filled in the blank given in the passage?

The fluorescence gene is used to_________GM mosquitoes.

  1. AOption (a)

    mollify

  2. BOption (b)

    quantify

  3. COption (c)

    identify

  4. DOption (d)

    rectify

  5. EOption (e)

    No word required

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

identify

Why this answer is correct

Identify - this is the most appropriate option.

Here we need a word which means to establish the identity of, 'identify' is the most suitable word.

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.