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Question 11

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Given below are five items, comprising sentences in which one word has been underlined. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is closest to the meaning of the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The essay was badly researched and contained several platitudes and generalizations.

  1. AOption (a)

    Incorrect statements

  2. BOption (b)

    Imprecise comments

  3. COption (c)

    Often used and unoriginal ideas

  4. DOption (d)

    Vague, subjective statements

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Often used and unoriginal ideas

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. Often used and unoriginal ideas.

Key Points

  • The word "platitudes" refers to remarks or statements, especially ones with a moral content, that have been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful. (घिसे-पिटे विचार)
  • Example: The politician’s speech was filled with platitudes about unity and progress.
  • "Often used and unoriginal ideas" refers to concepts or statements that lack originality because they are repeated frequently and fail to provide new insights. (अक्सर उपयोग किए जाने वाले और मूल विचारों से रहित)
  • Example: The essay lacked depth and was dominated by often used and unoriginal ideas.
  • Hence, the correct meaning of "platitudes" is best captured by "Often used and unoriginal ideas."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Option 1: Incorrect statements (गलत कथन): Statements that are factually or logically wrong.
  • Example: The report contained many incorrect statements, leading to confusion.
  • Option 2: Imprecise comments (अस्पष्ट टिप्पणियां): Remarks or observations that lack accuracy or clarity.
  • Example: His imprecise comments made it difficult to understand his stance on the issue.
  • Option 4: Vague, subjective statements (अस्पष्ट और व्यक्तिपरक कथन): Statements that are unclear and based on personal opinions rather than facts.
  • Example: The feedback was full of vague, subjective statements and did not offer specific suggestions for improvement.

Question 12

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Given below are five items, comprising sentences in which one word has been underlined. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is closest to the meaning of the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The judgment of beauty is based on the human capacity for disinterested pleasure in the natural world.

  1. AOption (a)

    Indifference

  2. BOption (b)

    Free of all self-interest

  3. COption (c)

    Not caring for something

  4. DOption (d)

    Extremely focused

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Free of all self-interest

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 2 (Free of all self-interest).

Key Points

  • The word "disinterested" means being impartial, not influenced by personal interest, and free from selfish motives. (निष्पक्ष और स्वार्थरहित)
  • Example: The judge must remain disinterested while hearing the case to ensure fairness.
  • "Free of all self-interest" refers to the state of being unbiased, objective, and not driven by personal gains. (स्वार्थ रहित)
  • Example: Her disinterested advice helped me make the right decision.
  • Hence, the correct meaning of "disinterested" aligns with "Free of all self-interest".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (Free of all self-interest).

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Indifference (उदासीनता): Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
  • Example: His indifference towards important issues was disappointing.
  • Not caring for something (किसी चीज़ की परवाह न करना): Showing a lack of concern or interest in a particular matter.
  • Example: She seemed not to care for the outcome of the competition.
  • Extremely focused (अत्यधिक केंद्रित): Paying close attention or being deeply concentrated on something.
  • Example: He was extremely focused on completing his project before the deadline.

Question 13

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Given below are five items, comprising sentences in which one word has been underlined. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is closest to the meaning of the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The hundred-year old college building was now in a derelict state.

  1. AOption (a)

    Preserved for historical value

  2. BOption (b)

    Unsafe for occupation

  3. COption (c)

    Neglected and broken down

  4. DOption (d)

    Retaining its original beauty Guide

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Neglected and broken down

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3 i.e. Neglected and broken down.

Key Points

  • The word "derelict" refers to something that is abandoned, neglected, or in poor condition due to lack of care or maintenance. (परित्यक्त, जीर्ण-शीर्ण)
  • Example: The derelict house at the end of the street was rumored to be haunted.
  • "Neglected and broken down" means something that has been ignored and has deteriorated over time due to lack of care. (उपेक्षित और टूट-फूट वाला)
  • Example: The old factory was neglected and broken down, with weeds growing through its cracks.
  • Hence, the correct meaning of "derelict" in the given context is "Neglected and broken down."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Preserved for historical value (ऐतिहासिक मूल्य के लिए संरक्षित): Something that has been maintained and protected for its historical importance.
  • Example: The ancient temple was preserved for historical value and serves as a heritage site.
  • Unsafe for occupation (रहने के लिए असुरक्षित): A condition in which a place is not safe for living or usage due to structural issues or other hazards.
  • Example: The building was declared unsafe for occupation after the earthquake damaged its foundation.
  • Retaining its original beauty (अपनी मूल सुंदरता बनाए रखना): Something that still maintains its original charm or appearance despite age.
  • Example: The palace retained its original beauty even after centuries.

Question 14

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Given below are five items, comprising sentences in which one word has been underlined. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is closest to the meaning of the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

My serendipitous encounter with the man on the bus was to have a profound impact on my life.

  1. AOption (a)

    Fortunate

  2. BOption (b)

    of historical significance

  3. COption (c)

    Sudden and abrupt

  4. DOption (d)

    A chance event

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

A chance event

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 4.

Key Points

  • The word "serendipitous" means something occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way. (सौभाग्य से या संयोग से हुई घटना)
  • Example: The serendipitous discovery of antibiotics revolutionized medicine.
  • "A chance event" refers to something that happens randomly or unexpectedly, without being planned. (एक आकस्मिक घटना)
  • Example: Meeting an old friend in a distant city was a chance event that brightened my day.
  • Hence, the closest meaning to 'serendipitous' is 'a chance event'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Fortunate (सौभाग्यशाली): Experiencing good luck or a positive outcome.
  • Example: She was fortunate to find a mentor early in her career.
  • Of historical significance (ऐतिहासिक महत्व का): Something important in terms of history or past events.
  • Example: The signing of the treaty was an event of historical significance.
  • Sudden and abrupt (अचानक और त्वरित): Happening quickly without warning or preparation.
  • Example: The sudden and abrupt change in weather caught us off guard.

Question 15

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Given below are five items, comprising sentences in which one word has been underlined. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which is closest to the meaning of the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Notwithstanding our victory today we must be careful to avoid a feeling of complacency.

  1. AOption (a)

    Smug and self-satisfied

  2. BOption (b)

    A defensive attitude

  3. COption (c)

    Pride

  4. DOption (d)

    Feeling of superiority

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Smug and self-satisfied

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 1.

Key Points

  • The word "complacency" refers to a feeling of self-satisfaction, often combined with an unawareness of potential dangers or deficiencies. (आत्मसंतोष)
  • Example: The team's complacency after winning the first match led to a lackluster performance in the next game.
  • "Smug and self-satisfied" indicates someone who is overly content or proud of their achievements, often to a fault. (घमंडी और आत्मसंतुष्ट)
  • Example: His smug attitude prevented him from learning from constructive criticism.
  • Hence, the closest meaning to the underlined word "complacency" is "Smug and self-satisfied".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 1.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • A defensive attitude (रक्षात्मक रवैया): Refers to a mindset that resists criticism or opposition, often out of fear or insecurity.
  • Example: His defensive attitude made it difficult for others to offer constructive advice.
  • Pride (गर्व): A feeling of deep satisfaction derived from one's own achievements or qualities.
  • Example: She took pride in her hard work and dedication to her craft.
  • Feeling of superiority (श्रेष्ठता की भावना): Refers to the belief that one is better than others.
  • Example: His feeling of superiority alienated him from his peers.

Question 16

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Each of the following five items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts are labelled as P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences, namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts to form the most appropriate sentence and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

before the judge (P) / given that he was clearly innocent (Q) / was incomprehensible (R) / his decision to plead guilty (S).

  1. AOption (a)

    SQRP

  2. BOption (b)

    QPSR

  3. COption (c)

    QSPR

  4. DOption (d)

    SRQP

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

QSPR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (3) i.e. QSPR

 

Key Points

  • The sentence must logically explain why the decision to plead guilty was incomprehensible.
  • It begins with Q, "given that he was clearly innocent," as it sets the context for the sentence.
  • Next comes S, "his decision to plead guilty," which introduces the subject of the sentence.
  • This is followed by P, "before the judge," which specifies the setting.
  • Finally, R, "was incomprehensible," concludes the sentence with the judgment.

Therefore, the correct arrangement is QSPR.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (SQRP): This sequence starts with "his decision to plead guilty," but it doesn't provide the context first, making the sentence less logical.
  • Option 2 (QPSR): This sequence places "before the judge" prematurely, disrupting the logical flow.
  • Option 4 (SRQP): This option starts with "his decision to plead guilty was incomprehensible," but it skips the critical context provided by "given that he was clearly innocent."

Question 17

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Each of the following five items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts are labelled as P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences, namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts to form the most appropriate sentence and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

When you stated principles (P) /  it is difficult (Q) / are at odds with your ground realities (R) / to practise what you preach. (S)

  1. AOption (a)

    PRQS

  2. BOption (b)

    SPRQ

  3. COption (c)

    QPRS

  4. DOption (d)

    QSPR

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

QSPR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 4 i.e. QSPR.

 

Key Points

  • The sentence begins with "it is difficult", which sets the main idea (Q).
  • Next comes "to practise what you preach", describing what is difficult (S).
  • Then "when you stated principles" introduces the conditional clause (P).
  • Finally, "are at odds with your ground realities" completes the meaning of the conditional clause (R).

Therefore, the correct sentence sequence is QSPR.

 

Correct Sentence: "It is difficult to practise what you preach when your stated principles are at odds with your ground realities."

Question 18

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Each of the following five items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts are labelled as P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences, namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts to form the most appropriate sentence and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

often (P) / many people (Q) / for assistance (R) / reach out to their friends and family (S).

  1. AOption (a)

    QPSR

  2. BOption (b)

    PSRQ

  3. COption (c)

    QRPS

  4. DOption (d)

    RQPS

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

QPSR

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (1) i.e. QPSR

Key Points

  • Start with the subject “many people” — part (Q) — which correctly introduces who the sentence is about.
  • The adverb “often” — part (P) — naturally follows to indicate frequency: “many people often…”.
  • The action “reach out to their friends and family” — part (S) — completes what they do.
  • Finally, the purpose “for assistance” — part (R) — explains why they do it, finishing the sentence logically.

Therefore, the correct answer is QPSR.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 2 (PSRQ): Places the adverb first, creating an awkward and less natural word order.
  • Option 3 (QRPS): Puts “for assistance” too early, breaking the logical flow of action and purpose.
  • Option 4 (RQPS): Starts with “for assistance,” which cannot logically begin the sentence without context.

Question 19

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Each of the following five items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts are labelled as P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences, namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts to form the most appropriate sentence and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

his vengeful (P) /  by the expression on his face (Q) / and diabolical nature (R) /  were clearly revealed (S).

  1. AOption (a)

    QSPR

  2. BOption (b)

    QPRS

  3. COption (c)

    PSQR

  4. DOption (d)

    PRSQ

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

PRSQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (4) i.e. PRSQ

 

Key Points

  • The sentence logically begins with part (P), "his vengeful," which introduces the subject of the sentence.
  • This is followed by part (R), "and diabolical nature," which elaborates on the subject.
  • Part (S), "were clearly revealed," connects the subject and its description to the action.
  • Finally, part (Q), "by the expression on his face," concludes the sentence by explaining how the nature was revealed.

Therefore, the correct answer is PRSQ.

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (QSPR): This sequence starts with "by the expression on his face," which disrupts the logical flow of the sentence.
  • Option 2 (QPRS): This option introduces "by the expression on his face" too early, leading to an incomplete and grammatically incorrect sentence.
  • Option 3 (PSQR): This sequence places "and diabolical nature" after "were clearly revealed," which breaks the logical connection between the subject and its description.

Question 20

UPSC EPFO 2023• Test

Directions

Each of the following five items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts are labelled as P, Q, R and S. Given below each sentence are four sequences, namely (a), (b), (c) and (d). You are required to rearrange the jumbled parts to form the most appropriate sentence and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

bitter fights (P) / between the two rival teams (Q) / on more than one occasion (R) / I have witnessed (S).

  1. AOption (a)

    SRQP

  2. BOption (b)

    RSPQ

  3. COption (c)

    QPRS

  4. DOption (d)

    SQRP

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

RSPQ

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. RSPQ.

 

Key Points

  • The most natural, grammatical sentence places the time-expression first: “On more than one occasion,” which corresponds to part R.
  • Following that, the reporting clause “I have witnessed” (part S) completes the introductory element.
  • Then comes the object: “bitter fights” (part P) and the specifying phrase “between the two rival teams” (part Q).
  • Put together: R S P Q → “On more than one occasion, I have witnessed bitter fights between the two rival teams.”

 

Additional Information

  • Option 1 (SRQP): “I have witnessed on more than one occasion the two rival teams bitter fights.” — Incorrect word order; unnatural.
  • Option 3 (QPRS): “Between the two rival teams the paintings of…” — (Not relevant here) incorrect sequence for meaning.
  • Option 4 (SQRP): “I have witnessed bitter fights on more than one occasion between the two rival teams.” — Though intelligible, the preferred, more natural placement of the time phrase is at the start (R S P Q), which is Option 2.