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Question 551

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

It is increasingly _____________ that learning levels within many countries

  1. AOption (a)

    recognized

  2. BOption (b)

    recognize

  3. COption (c)

    recognizing

  4. DOption (d)

    been recognized

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

recognized

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'recognized'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence structure "It is increasingly ______ that..." requires a past participle to complete the phrase correctly.
  • "Recognized" is the correct grammatical choice, meaning 'acknowledged' or 'accepted as true'.
  • The other options ("recognize", "recognizing", "been recognized") do not fit the passive construction or are not appropriate verb forms in this context.
  • "Recognized" accurately conveys the idea that people are more and more accepting or realizing the stated fact about inequality in learning levels.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Sentence: It is increasingly recognized that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal.

 

Additional Information

  • Recognize: (present tense) does not fit the passive construction of the sentence.
  • Recognizing: (present participle/gerund) does not fit after "is increasingly" in this context.
  • Been recognized: requires "has/have" for correct usage and does not fit the sentence as given.

Question 552

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

are highly unequal. This ___________  be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity

  1. AOption (a)

    ought to

  2. BOption (b)

    should

  3. COption (c)

    musmustt

  4. DOption (d)

    may

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

may

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'may'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is discussing a possible reason for the unequal learning levels, not a certainty.
  • "May" is used to express possibility or likelihood, which fits the context appropriately.
  • Other options like "ought to", "should", and "must" imply obligation, recommendation, or certainty, which do not suit the intended meaning of the sentence.
  • "May" correctly signals that the reason given is one of several possible explanations.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Complete Sentence: ...are highly unequal. This may be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity...

 

Additional Information

  • Ought to: Implies a sense of duty or moral obligation, not fitting here.
  • Should: Expresses recommendation or expectation, which is not suitable for stating a possibility.
  • Musmustt: This appears to be a typographical error and is not a valid option.

Question 553

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

__________  expenditure or political engagement,

  1. AOption (a)

    on

  2. BOption (b)

    in

  3. COption (c)

    for

  4. DOption (d)

    with

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

in

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'in'.

 

Key Points

  • The phrase requires a preposition that shows a relationship of diversity regarding expenditure or political engagement.
  • "In" is the correct preposition to use with "diversity" in this context (e.g., "diversity in" expenditure).
  • Other options ("on", "for", "with") do not correctly collocate with "diversity" in this usage.
  • "In" reflects the idea that the diversity occurs within the areas of expenditure or political engagement.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Complete Sentence: ...such as early streaming, regional diversity in expenditure or political engagement, ...

 

Additional Information

  • On: Generally used to show a surface relationship, not suitable with "diversity".
  • For: Used to show purpose or benefit, does not fit the context here.
  • With: Can indicate accompaniment, but not the type of diversity discussed.

Question 554

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

______  access to education, and non-equitable access

  1. AOption (a)

    unequal

  2. BOption (b)

    inequal

  3. COption (c)

    inequality

  4. DOption (d)

    equal

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

unequal

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

 

Key Points

  • The passage discusses the inequality in learning levels within countries and explores various factors contributing to this disparity.
  • Blank (111): The word 'evident' is the best fit as it means 'clear' or 'obvious.'
  • Blank (112): 'Might' is appropriate as it suggests a possibility.
  • Blank (113): 'In' correctly fits the context of 'diversity in expenditure.'
  • Blank (114): 'Unequal' describes the disparity in access to education.
  • Blank (115): 'Those' appropriately refers to specific developed countries.
  • Blank (116): 'Often' suits the meaning of frequent occurrence.
  • Blank (117): 'Suggesting' indicates a possible outcome derived from a statement.
  • Blank (118): 'Educational' describes the type of skills mentioned.
  • Blank (119): 'No' is fitting as it denotes the impossibility of complete equality.
  • Blank (120): 'Inequalities' points to the unevenness in learning outcomes.

 

Complete Passage:

"It is increasingly evident (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This might (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity in (113) expenditure or political engagement, unequal (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, those (115) with more equal learning outcomes often (116) have better average learning outcomes, suggesting (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of educational (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, no (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. Inequalities (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to."

Question 555

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________

  1. AOption (a)

    these

  2. BOption (b)

    those

  3. COption (c)

    that

  4. DOption (d)

    some

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

those

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'those'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence is making a comparison among groups of developed countries.
  • "Those" is used to refer to specific groups or entities previously mentioned—in this case, countries with more equal learning outcomes.
  • Other options like "these" (used for things close by), "that" (singular), and "some" (imprecise) do not fit the comparative structure of the sentence.
  • "Those" correctly introduces a relative clause describing developed countries with more equal outcomes.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Complete Sentence: ...Among the developed countries, those with more equal learning outcomes...

 

Additional Information

  • These: Refers to things close by or just mentioned, less common in this comparative context.
  • That: Singular, not suitable for referring to groups of countries.
  • Some: Too vague and not comparative.

Question 556

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

with more equal learning outcomes ___________  have better average learning

  1. AOption (a)

    also

  2. BOption (b)

    with

  3. COption (c)

    to 

  4. DOption (d)

    for

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

also

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'also'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence compares developed countries with more equal learning outcomes to others, indicating that these countries also have better average outcomes.
  • "Also" is used to add information, showing an additional benefit.
  • Other options ("with", "to", "for") do not fit grammatically or contextually in the sentence structure.
  • "Also" correctly links the two related facts: equality and higher average outcomes.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Sentence: ...those with more equal learning outcomes also have better average learning outcomes...

 

Additional Information

  • With: Does not fit the role of an adverb in this context.
  • To: Not grammatically correct here.
  • For: Does not logically fit the sentence structure.

Question 557

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

outcomes, _______ that appropriate interventions in the education

  1. AOption (a)

    suggested

  2. BOption (b)

    suggesting

  3. COption (c)

    have suggested

  4. DOption (d)

    suggest

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

suggesting

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'suggesting'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence describes an ongoing implication or result, so the present participle "suggesting" is needed to connect the two clauses smoothly.
  • "Suggesting" links the previous statement to the idea that interventions may have positive effects, indicating cause and effect.
  • Other options like "suggested" (past tense), "have suggested" (present perfect), and "suggest" (simple present) do not fit the sentence structure or intended meaning here.
  • "Suggesting" helps to indicate the logical connection between equal learning outcomes and the potential effects of interventions.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Complete Sentence: ...also have better average learning outcomes, suggesting that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects...

 

Additional Information

  • Suggested: Past tense, does not fit the ongoing implication.
  • Have suggested: Present perfect, does not fit the continuous logical connection.
  • Suggest: Simple present, does not connect the clauses smoothly.

Question 558

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among

  1. AOption (a)

    numeracy

  2. BOption (b)

    number

  3. COption (c)

    proficiency

  4. DOption (d)

    calculation

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

numeracy

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'numeracy'.

 

Key Points

  • The passage refers to the types of skills whose distribution is associated with economic inequality among adults.
  • "Numeracy" refers to the ability to understand and work with numbers, which is a key skill evaluated in education and economics.
  • Other options such as "number", "proficiency", and "calculation" do not specifically refer to a recognized skill set in this context.
  • "Numeracy skills" is the standard term used in educational and economic research to discuss mathematical ability among adults.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Sentence: Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of numeracy skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear.

 

Additional Information

  • Number: Refers to a single numerical value, not a skill set.
  • Proficiency: Means skill, but the sentence needs a specific type of skill.
  • Calculation: Refers to the process, not the ability or skill set itself.

Question 559

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________

  1. AOption (a)

    no

  2. BOption (b)

    any

  3. COption (c)

    few

  4. DOption (d)

    some

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

no

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'no'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence suggests that it is unlikely any society will achieve total equality in learning outcomes.
  • "No" is the most appropriate word to express this idea—"no society will ever reach total equality..."
  • Other options like "any", "few", and "some" do not fit the intended meaning of absolute impossibility.
  • "No society" is the standard way to communicate that such a scenario is not expected to occur at all.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Complete Sentence: Arguably, no society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual.

 

Additional Information

  • Any: Implies possibility, which does not match the intended meaning.
  • Few: Implies a small number, not absolute impossibility.
  • Some: Implies a subset, not total absence.

Question 560

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In the following item, a CLOZE question is given with ten blanks, each with four options. Select the most appropriate word from the options which fills the blanks correctly, and mark your response in the answer sheet accordingly.

It is increasingly _____________ (111) that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal. This ___________ (112) be happening because of institutional features of school systems, such as early streaming, regional diversity __________ (113) expenditure or political engagement, ______ (114) access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers. Among the developed countries, _________ (115) with more equal learning outcomes ___________ (116) have better average learning outcomes, _______ (117) that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of _________ (118) skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear. Arguably, _________ (119) society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. _________ (120) in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

  1. AOption (a)

    Difference

  2. BOption (b)

    Different

  3. COption (c)

    Differentiated

  4. DOption (d)

    Differences

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Differences

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'differences'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence refers to the existence of variety or inequality in learning outcomes.
  • "Differences" is the appropriate plural noun to describe the variations in learning outcomes among individuals.
  • Other options like "Difference" (singular), "Different" (adjective), and "Differentiated" (past participle/adjective) do not fit the context or grammatical structure of the sentence.
  • "Differences in learning outcomes..." is a standard phrase used in educational and social sciences.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

 

Complete Sentence: ...No society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual. Differences in learning outcomes may depend on individual ability and motivation, as well as the type of background one comes from and the types of resources one has access to.

 

Additional Information

  • Difference: Singular, but the context refers to multiple variations.
  • Different: Adjective, not a noun, so does not fit grammatically.
  • Differentiated: Past participle/adjective, not used as a noun in this context.
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