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Question 521

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the following sentences has a

word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

His happiness was obvious, as he had won unprecedented appreciation for his hard work.

  1. AOption (a)

    Collective noun

  2. BOption (b)

    Abstract noun

  3. COption (c)

    Adjective

  4. DOption (d)

     Common noun

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Abstract noun

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e 'Abstract noun'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "happiness" refers to a quality or state that cannot be physically touched or seen but can only be felt or experienced, which is the characteristic of an abstract noun.
  • Abstract nouns often represent emotions, ideas, or qualities that are intangible, such as happiness, courage, or freedom.
  • In the sentence, "happiness" is being used to refer to the state of being happy, making it an abstract noun.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Collective Noun: A collective noun refers to a group or collection of individuals or things, such as "team" or "family." "Happiness" does not fall under this category.
  • Adjective: An adjective modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. In this sentence, "happiness" is not modifying another word, so it is not an adjective.
  • Common Noun: A common noun refers to general, non-specific people, places, or things, such as "city" or "dog." "Happiness" is not a common noun.

Question 522

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the following sentences has a

word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

I wonder if at times it rains to give us some respite from the dull moments of life.

  1. AOption (a)

    Adverb

  2. BOption (b)

    Conjunction

  3. COption (c)

    Verb

  4. DOption (d)

    Participle

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Verb

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3 i.e 'Verb'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "wonder" acts as the main action or state of mind for the subject "I", which is the primary characteristic of a verb.
  • Verbs generally express an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. In this case, "wonder" indicates the mental action of thinking about something with curiosity or doubt.
  • It functions as the finite verb that anchors the independent clause "I wonder" before introducing the dependent clause starting with "if".

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 3.

Additional Information

  • Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, often answering how, when, where, or to what extent. "Wonder" is the action itself, not a modifier.
  • Conjunction: A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. In the given sentence, "if" acts as a subordinating conjunction, but "wonder" does not serve a connecting function.
  • Participle: A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective or be used to create continuous or perfect verb tenses (e.g., "wondering" or "wondered"). Here, "wonder" is in its base finite form, not a participle.

Question 523

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the following sentences has a

word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The manager expects every employee to do his duty.

  1. AOption (a)

    Infinite numeral adjective

  2. BOption (b)

     Distributive numeral adjective

  3. COption (c)

    Demonstrative adjective

  4. DOption (d)

    Definite numeral adjective

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

 Distributive numeral adjective

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e 'Distributive numeral adjective'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "every" modifies the noun "employee" by referring to each member of the group individually, which is a hallmark of a distributive adjective.
  • Distributive numeral adjectives (e.g., every, each, either, neither) distribute the reference across members of a set, focusing on individuals one-by-one.
  • It does not denote a specific number, so it is not a definite numeral adjective; nor is it a demonstrative adjective (like this/that/these/those), which points out specific entities.
  • It is also not an infinite numeral adjective (like many, some, several), because "every" has a precise distributive sense rather than an indefinite quantity.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Definite numeral adjective: Indicates an exact number (e.g., one, two, first, second). "Every" does not specify a number.
  • Demonstrative adjective: Points out specific nouns (e.g., this, that, these, those). "Every" does not perform this pointing function.
  • Infinite numeral adjective: Expresses an indefinite quantity (e.g., many, some, several). "Every" conveys distribution, not indefiniteness.

Question 524

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the following sentences has a

word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The righteous always emerge victorious.

  1. AOption (a)

    Plural Noun

  2. BOption (b)

    Adverb

  3. COption (c)

    Determiners

  4. DOption (d)

    Singular Noun

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Plural Noun

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1 i.e 'Plural Noun'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "righteous" refers to a group of people who act morally or ethically correct, which makes it a plural noun.
  • Nouns often represent persons, places, things, or ideas. In this case, "righteous" denotes a group of people and is functioning as a noun.
  • Plural nouns refer to more than one entity, which aligns with the context of the word "righteous" in the given sentence.
  • Righteous in this context is used without a definite article, indicating it is a plural form referring to a collective group.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Adverb: An adverb modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In the given sentence, "righteous" does not function as an adverb.
  • Determiner: A determiner is used to specify a noun (e.g., "the," "a," "this"). The word "righteous" is not functioning as a determiner here.
  • Singular noun: A singular noun refers to one entity. In the sentence, "righteous" is plural, representing multiple entities.

Question 525

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the following sentences has a

word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

It rained every day during the month of August.

  1. AOption (a)

    Adverb

  2. BOption (b)

    Pronoun

  3. COption (c)

    Conjunction

  4. DOption (d)

    Adjective

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Adjective

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e 'Adjective'.

Key Points

  • The underlined word "every" modifies the noun "day" by specifying which day or how often, which is a characteristic function of an adjective.
  • Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns by giving more information about them. In this sentence, "every" is describing the noun "day."
  • The phrase "every day" acts as a time expression, but grammatically, "every" functions as an adjective because it qualifies the noun "day."
  • Adjectives answer questions such as which one, what kind, or how many. Here, "every" answers the question "which day?" — every day.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Option 4.

Additional Information

  • Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this sentence, no word is modifying the verb "rained" in the manner of an adverb.
  • Pronoun: A pronoun replaces a noun. The word "every" does not replace a noun; instead, it describes one.
  • Conjunction: A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. The word "every" does not perform this function in the sentence.

Question 526

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet.

I must, ________ ask for tolerance from the board.

  1. AOption (a)

    therefore

  2. BOption (b)

    thus

  3. COption (c)

     for example

  4. DOption (d)

    likely

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

therefore

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'therefore'.

 

Key Points

  • The discourse marker "therefore" is used to indicate a conclusion or result based on previous information.
  • In the given sentence, "therefore" is the most appropriate word as it conveys a logical connection to the request for tolerance.
  • Options 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not fit the context and meaning of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "I must, therefore, ask for tolerance from the board."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "thus" is incorrect because "thus" typically introduces an explanation or summary rather than a direct conclusion.
  • Option 3: "for example" is incorrect because it introduces examples rather than connecting to a conclusion.
  • Option 4: "likely" is incorrect because it indicates probability rather than a logical result.

Question 527

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet.

________ eloquent expression of this skepticism can be found in the high theory removed from the reality.

  1. AOption (a)

    Unengagingly

  2. BOption (b)

    Somewhat

  3. COption (c)

    Indeed

  4. DOption (d)

    Fortunate

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Unengagingly

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Unengagingly'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "Unengagingly" fits the context of the sentence, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or connection.
  • The sentence contrasts skepticism with high theory removed from reality, making "Unengagingly" the most appropriate option.
  • Options 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not accurately describe the tone or context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "Unengagingly eloquent expression of this skepticism can be found in the high theory removed from the reality."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "Somewhat" does not convey the lack of enthusiasm or detachment described in the sentence.
  • Option 3: "Indeed" suggests affirmation, which does not align with the intended meaning.
  • Option 4: "Fortunate" is completely out of context.

Question 528

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet.

I shall consider, ________ the narrow lines of argument articulated by philosophers.

  1. AOption (a)

     sui generis

  2. BOption (b)

     in particular

  3. COption (c)

    matter of fact

  4. DOption (d)

    serendipitously

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

 in particular

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'in particular'.

 

Key Points

  • The discourse marker "in particular" is used to focus on a specific aspect or detail of a broader topic.
  • In the given sentence, the speaker specifies their consideration of "the narrow lines of argument articulated by philosophers," which aligns with the meaning of "in particular."
  • Options 1, 3, and 4 do not fit the context or meaning required in the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "I shall consider, in particular, the narrow lines of argument articulated by philosophers."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "sui generis" is incorrect as it means "unique or in a class of its own" and does not relate to the context of the sentence.
  • Option 3: "matter of fact" is incorrect as it denotes a factual tone, which does not fit the sentence structure or meaning.
  • Option 4: "serendipitously" is incorrect as it implies something happening by chance, which is irrelevant to the sentence context.

Question 529

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet.

_________, issues of religious plurality are embedded in the relationship between different followers of the party.

  1. AOption (a)

    Somewhat

  2. BOption (b)

    Significantly

  3. COption (c)

    Unexpectedly

  4. DOption (d)

    Overmuch

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Somewhat

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Somewhat'.

 

Key Points

  • The discourse marker "Somewhat" is used to indicate a moderate degree or level of something.
  • In this context, "Somewhat" appropriately conveys the nuanced relationship between different followers of the party.
  • Options 2, 3, and 4 do not fit the sentence logically or contextually.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

 

Complete Sentence: "Somewhat, issues of religious plurality are embedded in the relationship between different followers of the party."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2: "Significantly" is incorrect because it implies a large degree of importance, which does not match the context of the sentence.
  • Option 3: "Unexpectedly" is incorrect as it suggests surprise, which is not indicated in the sentence.
  • Option 4: "Overmuch" is incorrect because it implies excessive emphasis, which is not contextually relevant here.

Question 530

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet.

_______we can take recourse to, what I call, an argument from ordinary life.

  1. AOption (a)

    Aggrievedly

  2. BOption (b)

    Finally

  3. COption (c)

    Fatally

  4. DOption (d)

    Acceptably

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Finally

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Finally'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "Finally" acts as a discourse marker used to indicate the last point in a sequence or to introduce a concluding thought.
  • The sentence requires a transitional word to set up the introduction of a concluding argument ("an argument from ordinary life"), making "Finally" the most appropriate choice.
  • Options 1, 3, and 4 are structurally and contextually incorrect in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Finally we can take recourse to, what I call, an argument from ordinary life."

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1: "Aggrievedly" is incorrect because it is an adverb meaning to act with a feeling of resentment, which doesn't fit the logical flow of the sentence.
  • Option 3: "Fatally" is incorrect because it means causing death or disaster, which is nonsensical when introducing a logical argument.
  • Option 4: "Acceptably" is incorrect because it describes an action done in a satisfactory manner and does not function as a structural discourse marker to introduce a new point.