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SBI Probationary Officer (PO) 2018 Previous Year Paper

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English Language (30 questions)

Directions (1-8): In the questions given below, there is a sentence in which one part is given in bold. The part given in bold may or may not be grammatically correct. Choose the best alternative among the four given which can replace the part in bold to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the part given in bold is already correct and does not require any replacement, choose option (e), i.e. “No replacement required” as your answer.

1

Q1. Nobody can deny the fact that Indian economy is very different than American economy.

  1. ((a))

    are very different than

  2. ((b))

    is so much different than

  3. ((c))

    are very different from

  4. ((d))

    is very different from

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

2

Q2. Accurate statistics with regards to the area occupied in different forms of cultivation are difficult to obtain.

  1. ((a))

    statistic with regards to

  2. ((b))

    statistics with regard to

  3. ((c))

    statistic with regard to

  4. ((d))

    statistics in regards to

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

statistics with regard to

3

Q3. Seldom if ever was there any training or instructions in such tactics for either the tank crews or the infantry formations.

  1. ((a))

    Seldom or never

  2. ((b))

    Seldom if never

  3. ((c))

    Seldom or ever

  4. ((d))

    Seldom has ever

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

Show Answer
Answer: ((e))

No replacement required

4

Q4. As soon as I opened the front door of my house, than I smelled the distinctive aroma of fresh coffee.

  1. ((a))

    then I smelled

  2. ((b))

    that I smelled

  3. ((c))

    I smelled

  4. ((d))

    I smell

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

I smelled

5

Q5. Although he had fewer supporters among the governing class, but he was able to get the popular vote.

  1. ((a))

    he was able

  2. ((b))

    and he was able

  3. ((c))

    else he was able

  4. ((d))

    or he was able

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

he was able

6

Q6. The party explicitly denies that they are not involved in mainstream politics.

  1. ((a))

    denied that they are not

  2. ((b))

    denies that they were

  3. ((c))

    denied that they are

  4. ((d))

    deny that they are not

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

denied that they are

7

Q7. I would rather be a poor man in a garret with plenty of good books to read than a king who did not loved reading.

  1. ((a))

    who do not loved

  2. ((b))

    who did not love

  3. ((c))

    whom did not loved

  4. ((d))

    whom did not love

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

who did not love

8

Q8. The relatively static lattice in a diamond ensures that the scattering is at a minimum and the thermal conductivity is exceptional good.

  1. ((a))

    are exceptional

  2. ((b))

    was exceptional

  3. ((c))

    are exceptionally

  4. ((d))

    is exceptionally

  5. ((e))

    No replacement required

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

is exceptionally

Directions (9-13): Select the phrase/connector (it must be at the start) from the given three options which can be used to form a single sentence from the two sentences given below, implying the same meaning as expressed in the statement sentences.

9

Q9. We see ourselves repeating our ordinary routine. We realize how much wealth surrounds our life. (i) When we see ourselves …………… (ii) Our ordinary routine………. (iii) Realizing how much wealth……………

  1. ((a))

    Only (i)

  2. ((b))

    Both (ii) and (iii)

  3. ((c))

    Only (iii)

  4. ((d))

    Only (ii)

  5. ((e))

    None of these

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

Only (i)

10

Q10. There is a growing influence of the Indian Diaspora on Capitol Hill. Trump will certainly see the advantages of doing business with India. (i) As there is a growing influence of… (ii)The growing influence of the Indian… (iii)With the growing influence of the Indian..

  1. ((a))

    Only (i) is correct

  2. ((b))

    Only (iii) is correct

  3. ((c))

    Both (i) and (ii) are correct

  4. ((d))

    Both (i) and (iii) are correct

  5. ((e))

    All are correct

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

Both (i) and (iii) are correct

11

Q11. There was no democracy in British India. The rulers could take bold decisions fearlessly without bothering about repercussions. (i) As there was no democracy in British India… (ii) Since there was no democracy in British… (iii) With the rulers taking bold decisions…

  1. ((a))

    Only (i) is correct

  2. ((b))

    Only (ii) is correct

  3. ((c))

    Both (i) and (ii) are correct

  4. ((d))

    Both (ii) and (iii) are correct

  5. ((e))

    All are correct

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

Both (i) and (ii) are correct

12

Q12. Twelve million youth enter the Indian work force every year. Eighty per cent of these youth are unskilled. (A) While eighty per cent ……… (B) Since twelve million ………. (C) Of the twelve million ……….

  1. ((a))

    Only (A)

  2. ((b))

    Only (C)

  3. ((c))

    Only (A) and (C)

  4. ((d))

    All (A), (B) and (C)

  5. ((e))

    None of these

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

Only (C)

13

Q13. Scientists build climate models—computer simulations of the climate system. They are doing this to further explore the causes and effects of global warming (i) To further explore… (ii) Scientists are building… (iii) Predicting effects of global warming…

  1. ((a))

    Only (i) is correct

  2. ((b))

    Only (ii) is correct

  3. ((c))

    Only (iii) is correct

  4. ((d))

    Both (i) and (ii) are correct

  5. ((e))

    All are correct

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

Both (i) and (ii) are correct

Directions (14-19): Given below the sentences each of which has been divided into five parts out of which the first part has been marked bold. Each of the questions is then followed by the five options which give the sequence of the rearranged parts. You must choose the option which gives the correct sequence of the parts. If the sentence is already arranged or the correct sequence doesn't match any of the given sequence, mark (e) .i.e. "None of the above" as your answer.

14

Q14. The apex court had ordered that the/ of the biometric scheme and the enabling law(A)/ deadline be extended till the five-judge constitution(B)/ on petitions challenging the validity(C)/ bench delivers its judgment(D)

  1. ((a))

    ACDB

  2. ((b))

    BCAD

  3. ((c))

    BDCA

  4. ((d))

    CADB

  5. ((e))

    None of the above

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

BDCA

15

Q15. Repealing the law that safeguards/ the floodgates of poaching(A)/ and it would lead to(B)/ marginalisation of the indigenous people(C)/the indigenous people would open(D)

  1. ((a))

    DCBA

  2. ((b))

    DABC

  3. ((c))

    ACBD

  4. ((d))

    BACD

  5. ((e))

    None of the above

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

DABC

16

Q16. My thoughts are with the families/ in this unfortunate accident(A)/ recovery of the injured(B)/ of those who have lost their loved ones(C)/ I pray for the speedy(D)/

  1. ((a))

    BCAD

  2. ((b))

    DACB

  3. ((c))

    ACBD

  4. ((d))

    CADB

  5. ((e))

    None of the above

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

CADB

17

Q17. Several people became leaders/ remained where they were(A)/ and Ministers after that(B)/ rally but the people(C)/ belonging to the community(D)

  1. ((a))

    ABCD

  2. ((b))

    BCDA

  3. ((c))

    CABD

  4. ((d))

    DACB

  5. ((e))

    None of the above

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

BCDA

18

Q18. He also directed the department/ to develop the new schools as model(A)/ completion of construction work(B)/ construction technology for early(C)/ institutions and engage modern(D)

  1. ((a))

    ADCB

  2. ((b))

    ABCD

  3. ((c))

    DACB

  4. ((d))

    CADB

  5. ((e))

    None of the above

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

ADCB

19

Q19. The U.S. is a/ to its being an open society(A)/ nation of immigrants(B)/ in the present global order(C)/ and owes its predominant position(D).

  1. ((a))

    ADCB

  2. ((b))

    ABCD

  3. ((c))

    BDCA

  4. ((d))

    CADB

  5. ((e))

    None of the above

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

BDCA

Directions (20-25): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Have you heard that the economy is like a car? It’s the most popular analogy in financial reporting and political discourse. The American people are repeatedly told by financial pundits and politicians that consumption is an ‘engine’ that ‘drives’ economic growth because it makes up 70% of GDP. One notable Nobel-winning economics pundit with a penchant for bizarre growth theories even recently noted that an economy can be ‘based on purchases of yachts, luxury cars, and the services of personal trainers and celebrity chefs.’ Conversely, other economists including Nobel-winner Joseph Stiglitz claim that our economy is stuck in ‘first gear’ due to inequality: too much income is concentrated among too few rich people who tend to save larger share of their income and thus have a lower ‘marginal propensity to consume’. The Keynesian message is clear: if you want to put the economic pedal to the metal, get out there and consume! Not so fast, Speed Racer. The systematic failure by Keynesian economists and pundits to distinguish between consuming and producing value is the single most damaging fallacy in popular economic thinking. If the economy were a car, consumer preferences would surely be the steering wheel, but real savings and investment would be the engine that drives it forward. Economic growth (booms) and declines (bust) have always been led by changes in business and durable goods investment, while final consumer goods spending has been relatively stable through the business cycle. Booms and busts in financial markets, heavy industry and housing have always been leading indicators of recession and recovery. As John Stuart Mill put it two centuries ago, ‘the demand for commodities is not the demand for labor.’ Consumer demand does not necessarily translate into increased employment. That’s because ‘consumers’ don’t employ people. Businesses do. Since new hires are a risky and costly investment with unknown future returns, employers must rely on their expectations about the future and weigh those decision very carefully. As economic historian Robert Higgs’ pioneering work on the Great Depression suggests, increased uncertainty can depress job growth even in the face of booming consumption. As recent years have demonstrated, consumer demand that appears to be driven by temporary or unsustainable policies is unlikely to induce businesses to hire.

20

Q20. Choose the word which is MOST SMILAR to the word given in passage UNKNOWN

  1. ((a))

    Recognize

  2. ((b))

    Perceived

  3. ((c))

    Unpredictable

  4. ((d))

    Unruly

  5. ((e))

    Uncanny

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

Unpredictable

21

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

The recent surge in global commodity prices has __________ the inflationary pressures on the domestic economy, forcing the central bank to reconsider its monetary policy stance.

  1. ((a))

    exacerbated

  2. ((b))

    alleviated

  3. ((c))

    mitigated

  4. ((d))

    stagnated

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

exacerbated

22

Q22. In the statement “consumer preferences would surely be the steering wheel, but real savings and investment would be the engine that drives it forward”, what can we infer from the line “consumer preferences would surely be the steering wheel”?

  1. ((a))

    Consumer likings regulate the economy individually.

  2. ((b))

    If you want to regulate the economy, consumption is the only force.

  3. ((c))

    The Penchant of the consumers controls the economy.

  4. ((d))

    The consumer preferences are not at par with savings and economy in driving the economy.

  5. ((e))

    None of the Above

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

The consumer preferences are not at par with savings and economy in driving the economy.

23

Q23. Which of the following statements is/are correct in context with the passage?

  1. ((a))

    Economists fail to distinguish between consuming and producing value and form a mistaken belief.

  2. ((b))

    Economic growth and declines have always been led by changes in business and durable goods investment.

  3. ((c))

    Income distribution is evenly distributed among the rich and is compatible with the tendency to consume.

  4. ((d))

    Only (a)

  5. ((e))

    Both (a) and (b)

Show Answer
Answer: ((e))

Both (a) and (b)

24

Q24. Which of the following is/are likely to induce businesses to hire?

  1. ((a))

    Consumer Demand

  2. ((b))

    Consumer Spending

  3. ((c))

    Increased certainty in future returns.

  4. ((d))

    Makeshift policies

  5. ((e))

    Both (b) and (c)

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

Increased certainty in future returns.

25

Q25. Choose the word which is MOST OPPOSITE to the word given in passage ANALOGY

  1. ((a))

    Similarity

  2. ((b))

    narrative

  3. ((c))

    Contrast

  4. ((d))

    Reciprocate

  5. ((e))

    Variance

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

Contrast

Directions (26-30): In the following questions two columns are given containing three sentences/phrases each. In first column, sentences/phrases are A, B and C and in the second column the sentences/phrases are D, E and F. A sentence/phrase from the first column may or may not connect with another sentence/phrase from the second column to make a grammatically and contextually correct sentence. Each question has five options, four of which display the sequence(s) in which the sentences/phrases can be joined to form a grammatically and contextually correct sentence. If none of the options given forms a correct sentence after combination, mark (e), i.e. “None of these” as your answer.

Column (1):Column (2):
26

| (A) As the head of the family, he ensures that | (D) he runs around like a headless chicken | | (B) Ravi is such a disorganized fellow that | (E) he succeeds to make everyone laugh | | (C) The boy next door nags his parents because | (F) he goes out and earns a living for his family |

Q26.

  1. ((a))

    C-E and B-F

  2. ((b))

    A-F

  3. ((c))

    B-E

  4. ((d))

    A-D

  5. ((e))

    None of these

Show Answer
Answer: ((b))

A-F

27

| (A) Some rich guy from Boston | (D) are losing an argument | | (B) People tend to raise their voices when they | (E) all were fatally injured | | (C) As soon as the herd heard the gunshots, they | (F) just bought the house next to mine |

Q27.

  1. ((a))

    C-F

  2. ((b))

    A-D

  3. ((c))

    B-E

  4. ((d))

    B-D

  5. ((e))

    None of these

Show Answer
Answer: ((d))

B-D

28

| (A) Tom always drinks at least | (D) he might still be alive. | | (B) If he had taken his doctor's advice | (E) went on a picnic together. | | (C) I can still remember the time when | (F) three cups of coffee in the morning. |

Q28.

  1. ((a))

    C-E

  2. ((b))

    B-F

  3. ((c))

    A-D

  4. ((d))

    C-F

  5. ((e))

    None of these

Show Answer
Answer: ((a))

C-E

29

| (A) It seems like yesterday, but it's actually | (D) whether or not you are happy. | | (B) I can't believe Vijay is still talking about | (E) nearly ten years since we first met. | | (C) The only thing that really matters is | (F) what happens two years ago. |

Q29.

  1. ((a))

    A-D

  2. ((b))

    B-E

  3. ((c))

    C-E

  4. ((d))

    A-F

  5. ((e))

    None of these

Show Answer
Answer: ((e))

None of these

30

| (A) After school, Jack usually sticks around as long as | (D) had gone wrong with the microwave. | | (B) We're planning on doing the sights | (E) he can because he doesn't want to go home. | | (C) Even the repairman couldn't figure out what | (F) of the city tomorrow morning. |

Q30.

  1. ((a))

    A-F and B-D

  2. ((b))

    B-E and C-F

  3. ((c))

    B-F and C-D

  4. ((d))

    A-D and C-E

  5. ((e))

    None of these

Show Answer
Answer: ((c))

B-F and C-D

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