SSC CGL Previous Paper (Held On: 20 August 2017 Shift 2) (Previous Year Paper)

A Pilot operates a plane. Similarly, a captain operates a ship.

Hence, captain is the related word.

The pattern followed is:

→ 11 × 7 = 77 : 12 × 7 = 84

Similarly,

→ 11 × 11 = 121 : 12 × 11 = 132

Hence, the correct answer is 132.

Refer the diagram shown below:

Clearly, the set of letters E, G and H represents Dieticians who are not men.

On close observation, we find that question figure is embedded in fig.2, as shown below:

Thus, figure 2 is the correct answer.

The pattern followed is:

1. IKM → I + 2 = K + 2 = M

2. OQS → O + 2 = Q + 2 = S

3. GEC → G - 2 = E - 2 = C

4. UWY → U + 2 = W + 2 = Y

Hence, the odd letter is ‘GEC’.

The combinations will be as follows:

20 + 30 + 50 + 70 = 170

70 + 30 + 50 = 150

70 + 50 = 120

But the combination of 160 is not possible.

Hence, 160 can’t be the total weight in kilograms.

Aarav's birthday is on 12^th March on Sunday, so 19 days of March are remaining.

Therefore count rest of the days till the last date of that month as:

Remaining days of March → 19

April → 30

May → 31

June → 30

July → 31

August → 10

Total days will be: 151

Now divide 151 by 7 (because 7 days in a week)

Remainder will be 4

Thus, 4 days after Sunday will be Thursday.

Hence, Madhup was born on Thursday, i.e. 10^th August.

The pattern followed is: (x –y) × 2

9@7 → (9 – 7) × 2 = 4

6@1 → (6 – 1) × 2 = 10

7@4 → (7 – 4) × 2 = 6

Similarly,

8@2 → (8 – 2) × 2 = 12

Hence, the correct answer is 12.

The pattern followed is

→ 15 × 7 = 105

→ 12 × 8 = 96

→ 13 × 5 = 65

Thus, answer is 65.

As we know the figure opposite to any shown figure can’t be on the adjacent face.

Here if the given figure will be folded the square shape cube becomes the base of the cube and the five dotted shape cube will become top.

So, the sides which will face each other will be:

As, the two-circle shape cube can’t be on the adjacent face with check line box shape cube.

Therefore, the figure in option 1 cannot be made based on the unfolded cube given in question.

Clearly, when paper sheet is unfolded it will appear as shown below:

Thus fig.4 is the correct answer.

1. SHADE → can be formed as FAMISHED

2. MEDIAS → can’t be formed as FAMISHED3) MASHED → can be formed as FAMISHED

3. AMUSED → can’t be formed as there is no ‘U’ in the word FAMISHED

Hence, the word ‘AMUSED’ cannot be formed using the letters of the given word ‘FAMISHED.’

Clearly, fig.4 shows the correct right image of question figure.

Hence, figure 4 is the correct answer.

The pattern followed is:

→ K (-1) = J

→ J (+2) = L

→ L (-3) = I

→ I (+4) = M

→ M (-5) = H

Hence, the missing term is H.

Here, the coded letters are the opposite letters as per English alphabets series.

→ E ↔ V

→ N ↔ M

→ C ↔ X

→ R ↔ I

→ Y ↔ B

→ P ↔ K

→ T ↔ G

Similarly,

→ A ↔ Z

→ R ↔ I

→ C ↔ X

Hence, ZIX is the correct answer.

The least possible diagram will be:

Conclusion:

I. All diaries are paper → False as some diaries are paper is a definite case.

II. Some paper are diaries → True as some papers are diaries is a definite case.

Hence, only conclusion II follows.

Expression: nephew, anther, tenses, prunes, preens, ?

→ nephew, anther, tenses, prunes, preens, return

Here the letter ‘n’ in each term is shifted one place to the right.

Thus, the letter ‘n’ in next term will be at 6th position.

Hence, the next term will be ‘return’.

Clearly, fig.3 will complete the pattern when placed in the blank space of question figure as shown below:

Thus, figure 3 is the correct answer.

1. 67, 12, 75, 78 → NEST

2. 12, 14, 58, 75 → EDYZ

3. 44, 41, 55, 78 → JKST

4. 44, 31, 79, 76 → JCST

Clearly, the number set for the word ‘NEST’ is 67, 12, 75, 78.

The pattern followed is: (+ 2.5) is added in each number.

→ -4 + 2.5 = -1.5

→ -1.5 + 2.5 = 1

→ 1 + 2.5 = 3.5

→ 3.5 + 2.5 = 6

→ 6 + 2.5 = 8.5

→ 8.5

Hence, the missing number is 8.5 in the given series.

Clearly, the man is 12 km to the south of his starting point.

Except 341, all others are divisible by 9.

Hence, the odd number is 341.

Refer to the table below:

Given: 550 × 22 - 24 + 3 = ?

After converting the symbols with given code the equation will be;

→ 550 ÷ 22 + 24 × 3

→ 25 + 72

→ 97

Hence, 97 is the answer.

Except trees, all others are very high from the ground. Hence, a tree is the odd word.

In DFI : ACF

→ D – 3 = A

→ F – 3 = C

→ I – 3 = F

Similarly,

→ O – 3 = L

→ Q – 3 = N

→ T – 3 = Q

Hence, “LNQ” is the related word.

Option 3 is correct, Right to Equality.

• The abolition of untouchability has been included as a fundamental right in the Indian Constitution under Article 17 of Right to Equality.
• It is one of the few fundamental rights that are available against individuals.

Extra facts:

A monopoly market structure is one where a single firm or entity is the only supplier of a particular commodity. Characteristics of a monopoly include single seller, lack of substitutes for given commodity, profit maximization, high barriers to entry and price discrimination.

In a report released in April, 2017, IMF stated that it expected the global economy to grow at 3.5% in 2017.

In computer science, a string refers to any finite sequence of characters. These characters can be letters, numbers, punctuation marks, symbols, etc. A string is most commonly defined in terms of its length, i.e. the number of characters it is made up of.

Babur was the founder of the mighty Mughal dynasty in the Indian subcontinent. After the death of his father Umar Shaikh Mirza, he succeeded to the throne of Ferghana, located in present day Uzbekistan, at the age of 12. Later in 1526, he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in Battle of Panipat and thus laid the foundation of the eventual rise of Mughal rule in India.

The term diploblastic refers to animals which have a body derived from only two embryonic cell layers, the ectoderm and the endoderm. Examples of diploblastic animals are – jellyfish, corals, sea anemone, etc. The bodies of more complex animals are triploblastic, having developed from mesoderm as well as endoderm and ectoderm germ layers.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as Amritsar massacre, happened on April 13, 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army opened fire on unarmed citizens gathered in Jallianwala Bagh on the occasion of Baisakhi. The troops acted under the command of Colonel Reginald Edward Harry Dyer.

The correct answer is Union.

Key Points

• The Constitution of India provides for a division of powers between the Union (Centre) and states.
• It divides all the subjects into 3 lists – Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
• The Union List describe the subjects under the control of the central Government, the State List describes the subjects under the jurisdiction of states being the Concurrent List describes the subjects which are under the joint jurisdiction of the Centre of States.
• Subjects of Three Lists:
• The Union List Subjects (100 Subjects).
• State List (61 Subjects).
• Concurrent List (52 Subjects).
• The subjects which do not fall in these lists that is residuary subjects have been given to the Centre.
• ‘Foreign jurisdiction’ is item 16 under the Union List.

Galvanizing is the process of depositing a protective layer of zinc on iron or steel to avoid rusting. The most commonly used method of galvanization is hot dip galvanizing in which iron or steel units are submerged in a molten zinc bath.

The correct answer is Pistil.

Concept: 

• The flower contains a male part and a female part.
• The male part is known as stamen and the female part is known as the pistil.
• The male part or stamen consists of anther and filament. 
• The anther produces pollen grains which have male gametes.
• stamen supports the anther
• The female part or pistil consists of Ovary, stigma, style. 
• The ovary contains one or more ovules.
• The female gamete or the egg is formed in an ovule
• Male and a female gamete fuse to form a zygote.
• This happens through the process of pollination.
• In pollination, the pollen grains from the anther go to stigma and fertilization happens in the ovary.

The discovery of Antarctica is credited to the second expedition of Captain James Cook. In 1773, Cook and his crew crossed the Antarctic Circle for the first time. Although they could not reach the southern continent, they saw the icebergs and nearby islands.

Rajput paintings refer to the school of painting which developed and flourished in the courts of Rajputana rulers in Rajasthan. Distinctive styles of painting emerged in different Rajputana kingdoms but all of them shared some common characteristics. Bikaner, Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti, Dhundar, etc. are different schools of Rajput painting.

Citizens of Nepal do not need a passport or visa to enter India. They can enter India with driver’s licence or voter’s ID card or ration card as identity proof and can stay and work in India indefinitely. The same is true for Indians going to Nepal.

The Namami Ganga Yojana, officially known as the Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission, is an ambitious Union Government scheme to clean and protect the river Ganga. It was approved by the Cabinet in June, 2014 with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore to achieve the twin objective of pollution control and rejuvenation of the national river.

Non-contact forces are those which act on a body without physically coming in contact with that body. Examples of non-contact force include gravitational force, magnetic force, electrostatic force and nuclear force. Contrarily, a contact force, like muscular and frictional force, is applied by one body on another when they come in physical contact with each other.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the 20th FIFA World Cup. The final match was played on 13 July, 2014 between Germany and Argentina, in which Germany defeated the latter. The final score was 1-0.

The 61st Filmfare Awards were held on 15^th January, 2016 to honour the best films of 2015. The Best Film award was won by Bajirao Mastani and the Best Director award was won by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the same film.

Soil formation is heavily dependent on the climate of a region. The speed of weathering of parent rock, and thereby the mineral composition and concentration of organic matter, is determined by temperature and precipitation. Temperature fluctuations are responsible for faster physical weathering of rocks.

India is a South Asian country lying entirely in the northern and eastern hemispheres. Its latitudinal extent is 8⁰4’ N to 37⁰6’ N latitudes and longitudinal extent is 68⁰7'53" E to 97⁰24'47" E longitudes.

A cost curve maps the costs incurred by an enterprise at different levels of output. In the short term, the average cost curve is U-shaped. The reason is that, in the beginning of production, fixed factors of a firm remain the same and the change only takes place in variable factors (like labour, raw material, etc). As the output increases, the cost per unit gets distributed more and more. Thus, the average cost begins to fall and reaches a minimum when the firm is operating at its optimum capacity. Now, if the firm expands its scale of production further with the same fixed resources, the average cost starts rising.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e Virtual Image,

A virtual image is one which is formed by the apparent divergence of light rays from a point rather than their actual divergence.

Such an image cannot be projected on a screen because the light rays do not actually converge at a point. Images formed by mirrors are always virtual.

A real image can be viewed when a screen is placed in the plane of convergence,  alternatively, one may also view the real image directly.

 A real image is the collection of focus points actually made by converging rays, while a virtual image is the collection of focus points made by extensions of diverging rays.

A physical change is one in which a substance undergoes a change in its physical properties, like colour, smell, shape, size, etc. but its chemical composition remains unchanged.

Physical changes can be used to separate mixtures into separate compounds but they cannot separate compounds into their constituent elements.

A Red Blood Count test is often conducted as a part of Complete Blood Count, which is a useful diagnostic tool to detect blood diseases and disorders. The normal range of red blood cells, per million cubic of blood, for a healthy adult male is 4.9-6.2 and for females is 4.2-5.4.

An environmental or ecological factor refers to any factor which influences living organisms. Ecological factors can be abiotic (non-living) or biotic (living). Abiotic factors include temperature, sunlight, pH of water, soil, etc. Temperature is the most ecologically relevant environmental factor.

Given:

DC = 9 cm

AC = 25 cm

Calculation:

Here, AD = AC - DC = 25 - 9 = 16 cm

Let ∠C be θ

So, In ΔBDC, cotθ = CD/BD

⇒ cotθ = 9/BD    ----(i)

Also, In ΔADB, cot(90° - θ) = AD/BD

⇒ tanθ = 16/BD…    ----(ii)

We know that: tanθ = 1/cotθ

⇒ 9/BD = 16/BD

⇒ BD² = 144

In ΔBDC, using Pythagoras theorem

⇒ DC² + BD² = BC²

⇒ 9² + 144 = BC²

⇒ BC² = 225

⇒ BC = 15 cm

This sum is the sum of an AP with first term a = 21 and difference d = 1

Let n be the total numbers in the AP

Sum of AP = n/2[first term + last term]

⇒ Sum of AP = n/2[21 + 39]

Average = Sum of AP/total numbers

⇒ Average = [(n/2)(60)]/n

∴ Average = 30

Given: CP of both animals = Rs. 3500 and SP of both the animals are same

Let the CP of goat be Rs g and CP of sheep be Rs. s

⇒ g + s = 3500   ----(i)

⇒ g(1 + 20/100) = s(1 - 10/100)

⇒ 1.2g = 0.9s

⇒ g = 3s/4   ----(ii)

Substituting (ii) in (i)

⇒ 3s/4 + s = 3500

⇒ 7s/4 = 3500

⇒ s = (3500 × 4)/7 = 2000

⇒ g = 3s/4 = 1500

So, g < s

Prime factorization of 6345 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 5 × 47

Prime factorization of 2160 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 5

So, the common factors = 3 × 3 × 3 × 5 = 135

Population density of E = 400 people/km²

⇒ Population density of F = 150 people/km²

∴ Required ratio = E/F = 400/150 = 8 : 3

Given: ΔDEF is right angled at E and ∠D = 30°

We know that tanθ = Perpendicular/base

⇒ tan∠D = EF/DE

⇒ tan30° = 6√3/DE

⇒ 1/√3 = 6√3/DE

⇒ DE = 18 cm

Population density of B = 50 people/km²

Population density of A = 500 people/km²

∴ % increase = [(500 - 50)/50] × 100 = 900%

Given:

Discount offered = 20%

selling price = cost price

Concept used:

Marked price × d% = Selling price

d = 100 - discount percentage

Calculation:

Let the marked price be m

discount = 20%

So, selling price = m(1 - 20/100) = 0.8 m

Let the percentage mark up be r%.

CP × r% = MP

r% = MP/CP

Now, SP = CP

MP/SP = m/0.8m

r = 100/0.8 = 125

That is, CP × 125% = MP

Or, we can say that CP + 25% CP = MP

Or, CP is marked up by 25%.

∴ The markup percentage is 25%.

Let the total number of candidates be a

The number of candidates that were selected = 11a/13

The number of candidates that were not selected = 2a/13

When 40 less candidates apply, the number becomes a - 40

When 20 less candidates are selected, the number of selected candidates becomes (11a/13) - 20

Unselected students in new scenario = (a - 40) - [(11a/13) - 20]

New ratio becomes = (11a/13) - 20/{(a - 40) - [(11a/13) - 20]} = 10

⇒ (11a/13) - 20 = 10{(a - 40) - [(11a/13) - 20]}

⇒ 11a/13 - 20 = 10[2a/13 - 20]

⇒ 11a/13 - 20 = 20a/13 - 200

⇒ 9a/13 = 180

Multiplying above equation by 13/9

∴ a = 260

Let r be the radius of the circle

Given: Area of circle = 616 cm²

⇒ 22/7 × r² = 616

⇒ r² = 196

⇒ r = 14 cm

So, the circumference of circle = 2 × (22/7) × 14 = 88 cm

Given: Principal = Rs 15000 and Amount = Rs 18150

Let the rate be r%

⇒ A = P(1 + r/100n)^nt

⇒ 18150 = 15000(1 + r/100)²

⇒ 1.21 = (1 + r/100)²

Taking square root on both sides

⇒ 1.1 = 1 + r/100

 ⇒ 0.1 × 100 = r

∴ r = 10

Given: a + b = 4 and ab = -21

We know that: (a + b)³ = a³ + b³ + 3ab(a + b)

⇒ 4³ = a³ + b³ + 3(-21)(4)

⇒ 64 = a³ + b³ - 252

∴ a³ + b³ = 252 + 64 = 316

Let the time taken by A to cover the distance be t and the total distance be a km

⇒ 35t = a    ----(i)

⇒ 45(t - 2) = a    ----(ii)

Equating (i) and (ii), we get

⇒ 35t = 45(t - 2)

⇒ 35t = 45t - 90

⇒ 10t = 90

⇒ t = 9

Putting t = 9 in (i)

⇒ 35 × 9 = a

∴ a = 315

Given: tan 45° - 1/√3 Sec60°

⇒ 1 - (1/√3)(1/cos60°)

⇒ 1 - (1/√3)[1/(1/2)]

⇒ 1 - 2/√3

Multiplying and dividing by √3

⇒ (3 - 2√3)/3

Let the total work be a

Work done by A in 1 day = a/24

Work done by B in 1 day = a/40

Work done by both in 1 day = a/24 + a/40 = a/15

Work done by both in 10 days = 10(a/15) = 10a/15 = 2a/3

∴ Required fraction = (2a/3)/a = 1 - (2/3) = 1/3

We know that sin²θ + cos²θ = 1

⇒ (20/29)² + cos²θ = 1

⇒ cos²θ = 1 - 400/841

⇒ cos²θ = 441/841

Doing square root

⇒ cosθ = 21/29

∴ Required value = SecθSinθ = (1/cosθ)sinθ = (29/21)(20/29) = 20/21

Let the third number be a

So, the first number = a(1 - 10/100) = 0.9a

Second number = a(1 - 20/100) = 0.8a

Let the enhancement % be b

⇒ 0.9a = 0.8a + 0.8a × (b/100)

⇒ 0.1a = 0.8a × (b/100)

⇒ 0.1 = 0.8b/100

⇒ b = 100/8 = 12.5

These are the number of people per 100 sq km

⇒ A = 500

⇒ B = 50

⇒ C = 150

⇒ D = 200

⇒ E = 400

⇒ F = 150

So, the second largest value is of E = 400

Given: 9x - [5(2x + 1)/2] = 9/2

Multiplying above equation by 2

⇒ 18x - 5(2x + 1) = 9

⇒ 18x - 10x -5 = 9

⇒ 8x = 9 + 5

∴ x = 14/8 = 7/4

Let the fraction be a

⇒ a + 10(1/a) = 37/4

⇒ a + 10/a = 37/4

⇒ a² + 10 = 37a/4

⇒ a² - 37a/4 + 10 = 0

Multiplying above equation by 4

⇒ 4a² - 37a + 40 = 0

⇒ 4a² - 32a - 5a + 40 = 0

⇒ 4a(a - 8) -5(a - 8) = 0

⇒ (4a - 5)(a - 8) = 0

∴ a = 5/4, 8

We know that the distance between 2 points = √{[(x₂ - x₁)²] + [(y₂ - y₁)²]}

⇒ Required distance = √{[(-2 - 3)²] + [(-6 - 6)²]}

⇒ √{(-5)² + (-12)²}

⇒ √{25 + 144}

⇒ √169 = 13

Let the first term of A.P. be a and let the difference be d

⇒ a + d = 8   ----(i)

⇒ a + 5d = 20   ----(ii)

Subtracting (i) from (ii)

⇒ 4d = 20 - 8 = 12

⇒ d = 3

Putting the value of d in (i)

⇒ a + 3 = 8

⇒ a = 8 - 3 = 5

So, 20^th term = a + 19d = 5 + 19 × (3) = 5 + 57 = 62

Given: x-intercept = 3; y-intercept = -5

The line passes through (3, 0) and (0, -5)

⇒ y = [(y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁)]x - 5

⇒ y = [(-5)/(-3)]x - 5

⇒ y = 5x/3 - 5

Multiplying above equation by 3

⇒ 3y = 5x - 15

⇒ 5x - 3y = 15

Population density of C = 150 people/km²

Population density of D = 200 people/km²

∴ Required difference = 200 - 150 = 50 people/km²

To find: reflection of the point (3 , 2) in the line y = -2

The equation of line is: y + 2 = 0

The formula for finding the image of a point (x₁,y₁) to the line ax + by + c = 0 is given by:

(x - x₁)/a = (y - y₁)/b = - 2(ax₁ + by₁ + c)/(a² + b²)

Here, a = 0, b = 1 and c = 2

So, we have

(y - 2)/(1) = -2(2 + 2)/(1) and (x - 3) = 0

⇒ y - 2 = -8 and x = 3

⇒ y = -6 and x = 3

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

• The word "recede" means to move back or withdraw; to become more distant. (पीछे हटना)
• Example: The floodwaters began to recede after the heavy rains stopped.
• "Extend" refers to stretching out or spreading something to a greater extent or over a wider area. (फैलाना)
• Example: They decided to extend the road to connect the new housing development to the city.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'recede' is 'extend'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

• Ebb (घटना): The movement of the tide out to sea; to decline or diminish.
• Example: The enthusiasm of the crowd began to ebb as the event dragged on.
• Fade (मंद पड़ना): To gradually become less distinct or lose brightness.
• Example: The colors of the painting started to fade after years of exposure to sunlight.
• Wane (क्षीण होना): To decrease in size, extent, or degree.
• Example: His influence in the company began to wane after the new management took over.

The correct answer is: Option 3.

Key Points

• The word "Ravine" means a deep, narrow gorge with steep sides. (गहरी खाई)
• Example: They hiked through the ravine to reach the waterfall.
• "Abyss" refers to a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm. (अथाह गहराई)
• Example: Staring into the abyss, he felt a sense of overwhelming fear.
• Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'Ravine' is 'Abyss'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3.

Additional Information

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

• Lucid (स्पष्ट): Expressed clearly; easy to understand.
• Example: Her explanation of the complex theory was so lucid that everyone could understand it.
• Patent (पेटेंट): Easily recognizable; obvious.
• Example: His patent disregard for the rules made him unpopular with his peers.
• Palpable (स्पष्ट): So intense as to seem almost tangible.
• Example: The tension in the room was palpable as the jury delivered the verdict.

Ans: Contrary

Sol: Contrary means opposite in nature or meaning. The word fits the sentence as it means that the political rival’s statement was wrong since the data revealed that the crime had not increased. The words change the intended meaning of the sentence and therefore, are incorrect.

Ans: My father asked the stranger where he lived.

Sol: Sentence 1 uses the incorrect tense (present) in reported speech, Sentence 2 also uses an incorrect tense (past continuous) and Sentence 3 changes the structure of the sentence unnecessarily. Only Sentence 4 changes the first person to third person and present tense to past tense. Hence, Sentence 4 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is: Option 4.

Key Points

• The word "Rebuff" means to reject someone or something in an abrupt or ungracious manner. (अस्वीकार करना)
• Example: He was surprised by her rebuff when he asked her out for dinner.
• "Praise" refers to the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something. (प्रशंसा)
• Example: The teacher praised the student for her excellent performance in the exam.
• Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'Rebuff' is 'Praise'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4.

Additional Information

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

• Rebuke (फटकार): Express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions.
• Example: The manager rebuked the employee for his tardiness.
• Snub (तिरस्कार): To ignore or spurn disdainfully.
• Example: She snubbed his attempt to introduce himself.
• Nix (रद्द करना): To reject or put an end to something.
• Example: The proposal was nixed by the committee.

The correct answer is Option 1)

Explanation:

• Heckle means to interrupt a public speaker with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse.
• Soothe means gently calm (a person or their feelings).
• Allay means diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry).
• Dulcify means sweeten.

Thus, the correct answer is Heckle.

Correct Answer: Those with the Christian Dior label.

It is clearly mentioned in the passage that 'You can't work where I work and have Christian Dior in your coat. You could have a genuine vintage Christian Dior label. Or something Japanese. Or maybe no label because you make your clothes yourself out of retro fabrics that you source at Alfies Antiques. But not 'Christian Dior'.

Ans: 4

Sol: The subject of the sentence remains ‘The Captain’, which is a singular noun. Therefore, the verb must agree to that and hence, ‘has been’ is used. The sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors, therefore.

The correct answer is to buy

Key Points

• If you can afford something, you have enough money to be able to pay for it. This word usually follows ‘can’, ‘could’, or ‘be able to’
• Afford is never followed by a verb in the -ing form. Use an infinitive:
• ✗ What about people who cannot afford going to these kind of centres?
• ✓ What about people who cannot afford to go to these kind of centres?
• ✗ We can afford buying 10 new computers this year.
• ✓ We can afford to buy 10 new computers this year.

​Thus, the correct sentence is: The shoes were very expensive; I couldn't afford to buy them.

The correct answer is no improvement

Key Points

• When two actions of the past are given, then the action that happened first should be in past perfect tense and the second should be in past indefinite tense.
• Example:

• Here 'finishing eating' is the first action and 'going for a walk' is the second action.

Correct Answer: Trains are cancelled without prior intimation.

It is clearly mentioned in the passage that 'I can already see: It's a god-awful day. They've been having a lot of problems on our line recently and keep cancelling trains with no warning. Trouble is, in London rush hour, you can't just cancel trains. What are all the people who were planning to get on that train supposed to do? Evaporate?'.

Correct Answer: Cancelled trains during London rush hour.

It is clearly mentioned in the passage that 'in case it was a bad day. I can already see: It's a god-awful day. They've been having a lot of problems on our line recently and keep cancelling trains with no warning. Trouble is, in London rush hour, you can't just cancel trains.

Ans: Castigated

Sol: The correct spelling of the word is ‘castigated’, meaning reprimand someone severely.

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Dimension.

Key Points

• The word "Realm" refers to a kingdom, a field or domain of activity or interest. (क्षेत्र)
• Example: The realm of science is vast and ever-expanding.
• "Dimension" refers to an aspect or feature of a situation, problem, or thing. (आयाम)
• Example: The project will add a new dimension to our understanding of the subject.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Dimension.

Additional Information

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

• Vault (तिजोरी): A secure room where valuables are stored.
• Example: The gold was kept safely in the bank's vault.
• Azure (आसमानी): Bright blue in color, like a cloudless sky.
• Example: The azure sky was clear and beautiful.
• Lid (ढक्कन): A removable or hinged cover for the top of a container.
• Example: She placed the lid on the pot to let it simmer.

Ans: A situation wherein someone has the privilege of enjoying two different opportunities.

Sol: The phrase ‘best of both worlds’ means a situation wherein one can enjoy two different opportunities. Hence, option 2 has the closest meaning and is the correct answer. An example sentence is: ‘Living at college gives you the best of both worlds”.

Ans: 3

Sol: ‘Stuck with something’ means intertwined with something while ‘stuck to something’ means attached to something. In the given sentence, ‘stuck to’ is a better fit since the chewing gum cannot be intertwined in her hair, but rather attached to her hair. Hence, the correct sentence is: ‘My sister had a tough time removing the chewing gum that stuck to her hair.”

Ans: ZXY

Sol: The sentence starts with ‘yielded’, which means produce or provide to. This makes it evident that Z must be the first sentence as it continues the flow of providing satisfaction. Also, X must come before Y as it expresses the floor first, and then the street address. Thus, ZXY is a combination, which is seen only in Option 3, making it the correct choice.

Ans: XYZ

Sol: X must be the first sentence as it talks about the offices or educational institutions of the government. Also, Z must come after Y as Y ends with ‘daylight’ and Z starts with ‘hours’. Thus, XYZ is the correct combination, as seen in Option 3 only.

Ans: That it was a cheap copy.

Sol: The first paragraph outlines the reason why she wanted to hide the fact that the coat was cheap copy. The reason was that she couldn’t have a fake copy of a coat and work where she worked. That is why she wanted to hide the fact that her coat was a cheap coat.

The correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Spurious.

Key Points

• The word "Spurious" means something that is not being what it purports to be; false or fake. (कृत्रिम, झूठा)
• Example: The document was found to be spurious, and the transaction was declared invalid.
• "Legitimate" refers to something that is conforming to the law or to rules; genuine. (वैध)
• Example: He presented a legitimate argument to support his case.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 4 i.e. Spurious.

Additional Information

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

• Legitimate (वैध): Conforming to the law or to rules; genuine.
• Example: He presented a legitimate argument to support his case.
• Palpable (स्पष्ट): Something that is clear and easily perceived; it could refer to an atmosphere so intense as to seem almost tangible.
• Example: The excitement in the room was palpable as we awaited the announcement of the winners.
• Evident (स्पष्ट): Plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood.
• Example: His happiness was evident from the broad smile on his face.

Correct Answer: Because employees are coming late to work.

The line 'As I get near Catford Bridge, I start to feel a knot of tension. I really don't want to be late today. My boss has started throwing all sorts of hissy fits about people "swanning in at all times,"' has the answer.

Ans: effects

Sol: The sentence talks about medications and how it may cause bleeding, nausea and vomiting. This makes the bleeding, nausea, etc. be a change resulting from the medication. Hence, ‘effects’, which mean the same thing as above, is the correct choice to fill in the blank here. Note that ‘effect’ is not used since the changes are many, not one.

Ans: It is up to you to make the next decision or step

Sol: The phrase ‘ball is in your court’ means that one has the responsibility of deciding on the next course of action, especially after someone has previously held the responsibility. Out of the given options, only option 3 has the closest meaning and thus, is the correct answer. An example sentence is: ‘Jack has done all he could, the ball is in your court now’.

Ans: possesses

Sol: The correct spelling of the word is ‘possesses’, meaning have as a belonging.

Ans: The curtains were changed by Sarla.

Sol: Sentence 1 is in active voice only, Sentence 3 changes the plural into singular and makes the sentence incorrect and Sentence 4 adds words unnecessarily. Hence, Sentence 2 is the only correct answer which correctly changes the voice.