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Question 641

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In this section an underlined word has been used variously in three sentences S1, S2 and S3. You are required to determine in how many sentences has the word been used correctly, and mark your answer from the options (a), (b) or (c) given below. If the word has not been correctly used in any one or more of the given sentences mark your response as (d).

S1: The cuneiform pattern in the arch of the temples give them a grand appearance.

S2: Cuneiform literally means wedge-shaped, and is an ancient form of writing on clay.

S3: Cuneiform-shaped geographical features across the desert bear the mark of vigorous wind erosion.

  1. AOption (a)

    1

  2. BOption (b)

    2

  3. COption (c)

    3

  4. DOption (d)

    None

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

3

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "cuneiform" primarily refers to:
  1. An ancient system of writing, used in Mesopotamia and Persia, distinguished by its wedge-shaped marks, typically impressed on clay tablets.
  2. Having a wedge shape.
  • Let's analyze each sentence:
  • S1: The cuneiform pattern in the arch of the temples give them a grand appearance.
  • This sentence uses "cuneiform" to describe a pattern or design as being wedge-shaped. This is a correct application of the word's meaning related to shape.
  • S2: Cuneiform literally means wedge-shaped, and is an ancient form of writing on clay.
  • This sentence accurately defines "cuneiform" by its literal meaning ("wedge-shaped") and correctly identifies its historical context as an ancient writing system on clay. This usage is correct.
  • S3: Cuneiform-shaped geographical features across the desert bear the mark of vigorous wind erosion.
  • "Cuneiform-shaped" means having a wedge-like form. It is plausible for geographical features, especially those shaped by natural processes like wind erosion, to exhibit such shapes. This usage is also correct in describing a form.

Therefore, the word "cuneiform" has been used correctly in 3 sentences.

Question 642

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In this section an underlined word has been used variously in three sentences S1, S2 and S3. You are required to determine in how many sentences has the word been used correctly, and mark your answer from the options (a), (b) or (c) given below. If the word has not been correctly used in any one or more of the given sentences mark your response as (d).

S1: He displayed real chutzpah while facing the belligerent opposition all by himself.

S2: The lawyer displayed rare chutzpah in presenting tectonic evidence in court that changed the track of the case entirely.

S3: He ran with chutzpah to secure first prize at the award ceremony.

  1. AOption (a)

    1

  2. BOption (b)

    2

  3. COption (c)

    3

  4. DOption (d)

    None

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

2

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option 2'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "chutzpah" (noun) refers to extreme self-confidence or audacity, often with impudence or insolence. It conveys a sense of fearless nerve, boldness, and sometimes even arrogance.
  • Let's analyze each sentence:
  • S1: He displayed real chutzpah while facing the belligerent opposition all by himself.
  • Correct. Facing a "belligerent opposition all by himself" requires a significant amount of boldness, nerve, and extreme self-confidence, which aligns perfectly with the meaning of "chutzpah."
  • S2: The lawyer displayed rare chutzpah in presenting tectonic evidence in court that changed the track of the case entirely.
  • Correct. Presenting "tectonic evidence" (meaning evidence of great significance or impact) in a way that "changed the track of the case entirely" would demand audacity, strong conviction, and a bold approach from a lawyer. This usage is consistent with the meaning of "chutzpah."
  • S3: He ran with chutzpah to secure first prize at the award ceremony.
  • Incorrect. "Chutzpah" describes a quality of nerve or audacious behavior, typically in a social, confrontational, or strategic context. It is not typically used to describe the manner or physical effort of running. One might run with determination, speed, or urgency, but not "with chutzpah."

Therefore, the word "chutzpah" has been used correctly in 2 sentences.

Question 643

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In this section an underlined word has been used variously in three sentences S1, S2 and S3. You are required to determine in how many sentences has the word been used correctly, and mark your answer from the options (a), (b) or (c) given below. If the word has not been correctly used in any one or more of the given sentences mark your response as (d).

S1: It was quotidian on account of the courtiers to take great pains to maintain the dignity of the ailing monarch.

S2: The rules of conduct of the highest judiciary are quotidian principles on which rest the very foundations of justice and democracy.

S3: His quotidian life is, contrary to what people think, rather unexciting.

  1. AOption (a)

    1

  2. BOption (b)

    2

  3. COption (c)

    3

  4. DOption (d)

    None

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

1

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "quotidian" (adjective) means:
  1. Occurring daily; daily.
  2. Ordinary or commonplace, especially as resulting from daily routine.
  • Let's analyze each sentence:
  • S1: It was quotidian on account of the courtiers to take great pains to maintain the dignity of the ailing monarch.
  • Incorrect. The phrasing "It was quotidian on account of..." is grammatically awkward and semantically unusual. "Quotidian" describes something that is daily or commonplace, not the reason for an action ("on account of"). For example, "It was a quotidian task for the courtiers..." would be correct, but the given structure does not fit.
  • S2: The rules of conduct of the highest judiciary are quotidian principles on which rest the very foundations of justice and democracy.
  • Incorrect. Calling fundamental or foundational principles "quotidian" (ordinary or commonplace) diminishes their significant and esteemed nature. Principles that form the "very foundations of justice and democracy" are typically considered profound and vital, not everyday or mundane.
  • S3: His quotidian life is, contrary to what people think, rather unexciting.
  • Correct. Here, "quotidian life" is used appropriately to mean his daily routine or ordinary life. The description of it being "unexciting" further aligns with the common implication of "quotidian" as being mundane or routine.

Therefore, the word "quotidian" has been used correctly in 1 sentence.

Question 644

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In this section an underlined word has been used variously in three sentences S1, S2 and S3. You are required to determine in how many sentences has the word been used correctly, and mark your answer from the options (a), (b) or (c) given below. If the word has not been correctly used in any one or more of the given sentences mark your response as (d).

S1: The moribund state of the decaying colony depressed everyone.

S2: The strength of the collective remained moribund despite attempts at scuttling unity.

S3: Driven by a common purpose, the moribund group decided it would prevail notwithstanding of the adverseness of the situation.

  1. AOption (a)

    1

  2. BOption (b)

    2

  3. COption (c)

    3

  4. DOption (d)

    None

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

1

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option 1'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "moribund" (adjective) means:
  1. (Of a person) at the point of death.
  2. (Of a thing) in terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigor; on the verge of extinction or termination.
  • Let's analyze each sentence:
  • S1: The moribund state of the decaying colony depressed everyone.
  • Correct. Here, "moribund state" is used to describe a "decaying colony," which perfectly aligns with the meaning of being "in terminal decline" or "lacking vitality." A decaying entity would naturally be in a moribund state.
  • S2: The strength of the collective remained moribund despite attempts at scuttling unity.
  • Incorrect. "Scuttling unity" means actively undermining or destroying unity, which would typically lead to or exacerbate a decline in strength. If the strength "remained moribund despite attempts at scuttling unity," it suggests that these attempts did not affect its already dying state, or that its decline was independent of them, which is a convoluted and awkward usage. Usually, "despite" would be followed by an attempt to improve something, or a condition that should have led to a different outcome.
  • S3: Driven by a common purpose, the moribund group decided it would prevail notwithstanding of the adverseness of the situation.
  • Incorrect. This sentence presents a contradiction. A "moribund group" is one that is dying or lacking vitality. Such a group is not typically "driven by a common purpose" or capable of deciding it "would prevail" against adversity. The qualities of being driven and determined to prevail are antithetical to a moribund state. Additionally, "notwithstanding of" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "notwithstanding" or "in spite of."

Therefore, the word "moribund" has been used correctly in 1 sentence.

Question 645

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions: In this section an underlined word has been used variously in three sentences S1, S2 and S3. You are required to determine in how many sentences has the word been used correctly, and mark your answer from the options (a), (b) or (c) given below. If the word has not been correctly used in any one or more of the given sentences mark your response as (d).

S1: The Gangetic plains are blessed with historically-significant fecundity on account of its rich soil.

S2: The couple sought blessings at the temple that was believed to possess the power to transform childlessness into fecundity.

S3: The grass across the prairies made the landscape appear particularly fecund, with cattle grazing by the thousands.

  1. AOption (a)

    1

  2. BOption (b)

    2

  3. COption (c)

    3

  4. DOption (d)

    None

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

3

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option 3'.

 

Key Points

  • The word "fecundity" (noun) and its adjective form "fecund" refer to:
  1. The ability to produce an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertility.
  2. Intellectual productivity or creativity.
  • Let's analyze each sentence:
  • S1: The Gangetic plains are blessed with historically-significant fecundity on account of its rich soil.
  • Correct. Here, "fecundity" refers to the fertility or productivity of the land, specifically the Gangetic plains, which are known for their rich soil and agricultural output. This usage is accurate.
  • S2: The couple sought blessings at the temple that was believed to possess the power to transform childlessness into fecundity.
  • Correct. In this context, "fecundity" is used to mean the ability to produce children or offspring (fertility). This is a direct and correct application of the word's meaning.
  • S3: The grass across the prairies made the landscape appear particularly fecund, with cattle grazing by the thousands.
  • Correct. "Fecund" (the adjective) is used here to describe the landscape as being highly fertile and productive, capable of supporting abundant growth, as evidenced by "cattle grazing by the thousands." This usage is correct.

Therefore, the word "fecundity" (or its derivative) has been used correctly in 3 sentences.

Question 646

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/expression and mark your answer accordingly on the Answer Sheet.

________, the process by which the State took over from the Church the registration of births, death, and marriages was complete by 1792 in Europe.

  1. AOption (a)

    Besides

  2. BOption (b)

    However

  3. COption (c)

    Later

  4. DOption (d)

    Instead

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Later

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Later'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence describes a historical event that reached completion by a specific year. The most suitable discourse marker to introduce a chronological development is one that indicates a point in time.
  • Let's analyze the options:
  • Besides: This is used to add additional information or an extra point, similar to "in addition to." It does not fit the chronological context of the sentence.
  • However: This is a contrastive marker, used to introduce a statement that contrasts with something previously mentioned or implied. There is no contrasting idea presented here.
  • Later: This adverb means "at a subsequent time" or "afterward." It is a chronological marker that perfectly fits the context of describing when a historical process was completed.
  • Instead: This is used to indicate a substitution or alternative. It does not fit the context of describing the completion of a process.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "Later, the process by which the State took over from the Church the registration of births, death, and marriages was complete by 1792 in Europe."

 

Additional Information

  • Discourse markers are words or phrases (e.g., "however," "so," "well," "anyway," "later") that do not affect the truth value of an utterance but function to organize discourse and indicate the speaker's attitude or relation to the message. In this case, "Later" functions as a temporal discourse marker.

Question 647

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/expression and mark your answer accordingly on the Answer Sheet.

________, the matter cannot be settled that easily.

  1. AOption (a)

    Unevenly

  2. BOption (b)

    Unfortunately

  3. COption (c)

    Unfortunate

  4. DOption (d)

    Whatever

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Unfortunately

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Unfortunately'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence "________, the matter cannot be settled that easily" requires a discourse marker that expresses the speaker's attitude or sentiment regarding the difficulty of the situation.
  • Let's analyze the options:
  • Unevenly: This is an adverb of manner, describing how something is done. It does not fit as an introductory discourse marker for a general statement about the nature of a problem.
  • Unfortunately: This is an adverb used as a discourse marker to express regret, disappointment, or a negative outcome. It perfectly conveys the sentiment that the difficulty in settling the matter is regrettable or undesirable.
  • Unfortunate: This is an adjective. It cannot stand alone as an introductory discourse marker in this sentence structure. One would say "It is unfortunate that..." or "The situation is unfortunate."
  • Whatever: This can express indifference, concession, or introduce a general statement that is true regardless of specific details. It does not convey the sense of regret or difficulty intended here.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

 

Complete Sentence: "Unfortunately, the matter cannot be settled that easily."

Question 648

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/expression and mark your answer accordingly on the Answer Sheet.

________, the leader’s comments came a day after the party’s performance in the region was not encouraging.

  1. AOption (a)

    Despite

  2. BOption (b)

    Engagingly

  3. COption (c)

    Moreover

  4. DOption (d)

    Endearingly

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Moreover

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Moreover'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence "________, the leader’s comments came a day after the party’s performance in the region was not encouraging" requires a discourse marker that introduces an additional, related piece of information or elaborates on a preceding context (even if unstated).
  • Let's analyze the options:
  • Despite: This is a preposition and needs to be followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (e.g., "Despite the poor performance," or "Despite the fact that..."). It cannot stand alone as an introductory discourse marker in this sentence structure.
  • Engagingly: This is an adverb of manner, describing how something is done. It does not fit the purpose of connecting two factual statements.
  • Moreover: This is an adverbial discourse marker meaning "in addition to what has been said; as a further point." It is used to add supplementary information or an argument that supports or extends a previous idea. In this sentence, it introduces the leader's comments as an additional relevant fact following the disappointing performance.
  • Endearingly: This is an adverb of manner, describing how something is done. It does not fit the purpose of connecting two factual statements.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "Moreover, the leader’s comments came a day after the party’s performance in the region was not encouraging."

Question 649

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/expression and mark your answer accordingly on the Answer Sheet.

 ________, the squad also has a couple of new faces who are equally well-qualified to play the forthcoming match.

  1. AOption (a)

    While

  2. BOption (b)

    Because of

  3. COption (c)

    Meanwhile

  4. DOption (d)

    Kind of

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Meanwhile

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Meanwhile'.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence "________, the squad also has a couple of new faces who are equally well-qualified to play the forthcoming match" introduces an additional piece of information about the squad's composition. The word "also" is a strong clue that more information is being added.
  • Let's analyze the options:
  • While: This is a subordinating conjunction that usually introduces a contrasting idea or an action happening at the same time. While it could imply contrast, it doesn't fit as naturally for simply adding a new detail about the squad's makeup as other options.
  • Because of: This is a prepositional phrase indicating cause or reason. It requires a noun phrase after it and cannot stand alone as an introductory discourse marker like this.
  • Meanwhile: This is an adverb meaning "at the same time" or "in the intervening period." As a discourse marker, it often shifts focus to another concurrent event, development, or relevant detail. It fits well here to introduce additional information about the squad's current state, suggesting that in addition to any previously discussed aspects, there are also these new members.
  • Kind of: This is an informal phrase used to express approximation or mild qualification. It is not a formal discourse marker to introduce new information in this context.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

 

Complete Sentence: "Meanwhile, the squad also has a couple of new faces who are equally well-qualified to play the forthcoming match."

Question 650

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/expression and mark your answer accordingly on the Answer Sheet.

The Principal was addressing the students on ways and means of conducting the sports meet of the college. ________, responding to the opinion of one of the athletes, she wanted to learn about how more sports could be included in the meet.

  1. AOption (a)

    In spite of

  2. BOption (b)

    While

  3. COption (c)

    Still

  4. DOption (d)

    Further

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Further

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Further'.

 

Key Points

  • The first sentence sets the scene: The Principal is discussing the sports meet. The second sentence describes an action taken by the Principal that is a continuation or an additional step within that discussion (responding to an athlete to learn more).
  • Let's analyze the options:
  • In spite of: This phrase introduces a contrast or concession (meaning "despite"). It would imply that her response happened contrary to some expectation or obstacle, which is not indicated by the context.
  • While: This conjunction can mean "at the same time as" or "although/whereas." While "at the same time as" could grammatically fit (implying she responded concurrently with her address), it doesn't best capture the sense of adding to or elaborating on the discussion.
  • Still: As a discourse marker, "still" typically implies continuation of a state or action, or a concession ("nevertheless"). It doesn't fit well to introduce a new, related action as a progression.
  • Further: This adverb means "in addition; moreover" or indicates a continuation to a greater extent. As a discourse marker, it is used to introduce an additional point or a next step in a sequence of actions or arguments. This perfectly fits the context, indicating that her response and desire to learn more was an additional action taken during her address concerning the sports meet.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

 

Complete Sentence: "The Principal was addressing the students on ways and means of conducting the sports meet of the college. Further, responding to the opinion of one of the athletes, she wanted to learn about how more sports could be included in the meet."