Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The unfair distribution] (a) [of assets among the family members] (b) [angered the more hardworking members of the family-owned firm.] (c) [No error] (d)

angered the more hardworking members of the family-owned firm.

of assets among the family members

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The entire attention of the visiting] (a) [dignitaries centred around] (b) [the craftwork on display.] (c) [No error] (d)

The entire attention of the visiting

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [He emphasised the need for] (a) [strict discipline and compliance] (b) [among the newly-appointed staff.] (c) [No error] (d)

strict discipline and compliance

among the newly-appointed staff.

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The tumult among the gathered spectators] (a) [rose to a crescendo] (b) [upon the arrival of their most favourite superstar.] (c) [No error] (d)

upon the arrival of their most favourite superstar.

The tumult among the gathered spectators

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The visiting school children] (a) [went around the lake] (b) [during trip to the famous lake city.] (c) [No error] (d)

during trip to the famous lake city.

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The officer marvelled] (a) [at the low attendance] (b) [remarking on the presence of less than twenty people at work.] (c) [No error] (d)

remarking on the presence of less than twenty people at work.

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [Given the nature of the problem] (a) [it was not unnatural for there to be] (b) [bad blood among the two of them.] (c) [No error] (d)

bad blood among the two of them.

Given the nature of the problem

it was not unnatural for there to be

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [In his well-recognised stentorian yet amused voice] (a) [the principal demanded an unique excuse] (b) [from the student hauled up for alleged minor misdemeanour.] (c) [No error] (d)

the principal demanded an unique excuse

In his well-recognised stentorian yet amused voice

from the student hauled up for alleged minor misdemeanour.

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [A group of wayfaring tourists] (a) [who had trudged for hundreds of kilometres] (b) [has finally arrived at the destination.] (c) [No error] (d)

who had trudged for hundreds of kilometres

has finally arrived at the destination.

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The listings on the menu that had been proffered by him] (a) [were selected after meticulous care] (b) [and discernment with regard to taste and preference.] (c) [No error] (d)

The listings on the menu that had been proffered by him

were selected after meticulous care

and discernment with regard to taste and preference.

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Blow your own trumpet

Excessively boastful of one's own achievements

All sound and fury, signifying nothing

Be scathing in one's criticism of others

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Someone's ears are flapping

Someone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation

Someone in a state of intense agitation

Someone in a state of heightened excitement

Someone embarrassed at being caught in the act of lying

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Twist of the knife

To make someone who is already feeling bad, feel worse with one's words or actions

Slicing through the difficulties that one faces in life

To accept defeat in the face of an enemy

The last thrust of a difficult operation

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. A purple patch

A great run of luck or success or form

A bodily discolouration related to heredity

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Make heavy weather

Unnecessarily create difficulty in dealing with a task

To complain about wet and rainy conditions

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush

What we have is always more valuable that what we have a chance of getting

What's hidden is always a matter of speculation

A gift is always better kept close to oneself

What can happen is always better than what has happened

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Get under someone's skin

To annoy or irritate someone intensely

To fall intensely in love with someone

To cause intense liking in someone

To understand someone completely

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Many hands make light work

Many people helping can help accomplish a task quickly

Many people working together can light a new path

Many people working together can make work non-serious

Workers light up the work they undertake

Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Sweep under the carpet

Keep a problem under wraps in the hope that it will be forgotten

Maintain secrecy under any circumstance

Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : Failure is the stepping stone to success. S2 : Successive failures are not however successive stepping stones to success. The second sentence :

qualifies the wisdom of the first

contradicts the wisdom of the first

contrasts the wisdom of the first

confirms the wisdom of the first

Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : The origin of the universe has been traced to the Big Bang. S2 : There can be no knowledge of what existed before the Big Bang. The second sentence :

establishes limits on the assertion made in the first

contradicts the assertion made in the first

explains the basis behind the first

confirms the assertion made in the first

Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : The highest clouds in the skies are the most fascinating. S2 : We are most attracted to those things that are most out of our reach. The second sentence :

reiterates the axiom stated in the first

annuls the axiom stated in the first

contradicts the axiom stated in the first

contrasts the assertion made in the first

Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : The peacock is India's national bird. S2 : The Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan. The second sentence :

provides additional information to what is contained in the first

provides contradictory information to what is contained in the first

provides less information than what is contained in the first

provides escalatory information to what is contained in the first

Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : Indians have been emigrating to countries across the world for centuries. S2 : The Indian diaspora is a model of success across the world. The second sentence :

has no logical dependence on the first

is a logical consequence of the first

CDS (Defence) · Previous Year Questions

English Language

120 CDS English Language questions from past papers (2025–2025), each with the answer and a full solution. Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.

CDS 2025120 questions

Q1
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. He was accused of [simulism] for having copied from someone else without due acknowledgement.
- Asensationalism
- Binstitutionalism
- Cplagiarism
- Dspoonerism
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) plagiarism
'Plagiarism' is copying another person's work and passing it off as your own without acknowledgement, exactly what the sentence describes. 'Simulism' is not a standard word, and a 'spoonerism' is an accidental swap of the first sounds of words (as in 'tease my ears' for 'ease my tears').
Q2
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The family was rendered [diligent] due to the crash in the share market.
- Aindigent
- Bintransigent
- Cindignant
- Dapathetic
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) indigent
'Indigent' means poor or needy, which is the natural result of a share-market crash, and the verb 'rendered' calls for a resulting state like this. 'Diligent' means hardworking and makes no sense here, and 'indignant' (angry) does not describe being made poor.
Q3
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The document was discerned to be a [postscript], where clearly an earlier manuscript had been replaced by a new one.
- Aparchment
- Bpalimpsest
- Cpastiche
- Dmontage
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) palimpsest
A 'palimpsest' is a manuscript whose original writing was scraped off so it could be written over, which matches 'an earlier manuscript had been replaced by a new one'. A 'postscript' is a note added at the end of a letter, and a 'pastiche' is an imitation of another work's style.
Q4
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. He had cultivated such great temperance in his personality that he was [impassioned] in his dealing with the vicissitudes of life.
- Adispassionate
- Bperfunctory
- Cdevolved
- Ddisambiguated
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) dispassionate
Someone who has cultivated 'temperance' (self-restraint) would be 'dispassionate', meaning calm and not swayed by emotion, when facing life's ups and downs. 'Impassioned' means full of strong emotion, the opposite of temperance, and 'perfunctory' means careless and done only for form's sake.
Q5
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Much to their disappointment, the team leader spared no more than a [reflective] glance at the draft plan drawn up by his team.
- Aperfunctory
- Bprecise
- Cengaging
- Degregious
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) perfunctory
A 'perfunctory' glance is quick and careless, made only as a formality, which explains why the team was disappointed. A 'reflective' glance would show careful thought, the opposite of what upset them.
Q6
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The attitude of the whalers was marked by [antipathy] towards the marine life they had to encounter.
- Asympathy
- Bempathy
- Cindifference
- Danimus
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) indifference
Whalers kill marine creatures as a trade, not out of personal hatred, so their attitude is best described as callous 'indifference' (lack of concern). 'Animus' is only a synonym of 'antipathy' and so improves nothing, while 'sympathy' and 'empathy' contradict the sense of the sentence.
Q7
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Although she had sampled food from all the restaurants in the food court, she remained [indefinite] towards the culinary fare on offer.
- Aimperious
- Bindifferent
- Cimperilled
- Ddisinvested
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) indifferent
'Indifferent' means having no particular interest or liking, which fits someone left unimpressed after tasting everything on offer. 'Indefinite' means vague or unlimited and cannot describe an attitude towards food, and 'imperious' (domineering) does not fit either.
Q8
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Her actions were considered [salutary] because they were done without good reason or cause.
- Aingratiated
- Bgratuitous
- Cgrating
- Dgargantuan
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) gratuitous
'Gratuitous' means done without good reason or justification, which matches 'without good reason or cause'. 'Salutary' means beneficial, which contradicts the sentence, and 'grating' (irritating) does not fit the meaning.
Q9
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The domineering manager behaved in a [paternal] manner with his subordinates, not allowing them to decide for themselves.
- Aprim
- Bpetulant
- Cpresumptuous
- Dpaternalistic
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) paternalistic
'Paternalistic' describes controlling people supposedly for their own good while denying them the freedom to decide, which fits a domineering manager. 'Paternal' just means fatherly or protective and lacks this sense of restriction, and 'presumptuous' (overstepping limits) does not capture it either.
Q10
Directions: Each of the sentences in the following items has a word in square brackets, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the word in square brackets in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The opposing political parties nevertheless took a [bilateral] position in the national interest.
- Aimpartial
- Bintermittent
- Cperilous
- Dbipartisan
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) bipartisan
'Bipartisan' means supported by two opposing political parties, which is exactly the sense of rival parties uniting in the national interest. 'Bilateral' means between two countries or sides in an agreement and is not used for a party position, and 'impartial' (unbiased) does not convey joint agreement.
Q11
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The unfair distribution] (a) [of assets among the family members] (b) [angered the more hardworking members of the family-owned firm.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AThe unfair distribution
- Bof assets among the family members
- Cangered the more hardworking members of the family-owned firm.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) angered the more hardworking members of the family-owned firm.
The key marks part (c) as wrong. The clearest fault in it is the compound adjective before the noun, which must be hyphenated as 'family-owned firm'. The comparative 'the more hardworking members' is also loosely used, since there is no clear comparison.
Q12
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The entire attention of the visiting] (a) [dignitaries centred around] (b) [the craftwork on display.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AThe entire attention of the visiting
- Bdignitaries centred around
- Cthe craftwork on display.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) dignitaries centred around
A centre is a single point, so standard usage is 'centred on' (or 'upon'), and 'centred around' is considered illogical. Part (b) is therefore the error.
Q13
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [He emphasised the need for] (a) [strict discipline and compliance] (b) [among the newly-appointed staff.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AHe emphasised the need for
- Bstrict discipline and compliance
- Camong the newly-appointed staff.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) No error
This sentence has no error. 'Emphasised the need for' is the correct idiom, 'strict discipline and compliance' is a correctly paired noun phrase, and 'among the newly-appointed staff' correctly refers to a group of more than two people.
Q14
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The tumult among the gathered spectators] (a) [rose to a crescendo] (b) [upon the arrival of their most favourite superstar.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AThe tumult among the gathered spectators
- Brose to a crescendo
- Cupon the arrival of their most favourite superstar.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) upon the arrival of their most favourite superstar.
'Favourite' already means 'liked most', so it has a superlative sense and cannot take 'most'. It should be 'their favourite superstar'.
Q15
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The visiting school children] (a) [went around the lake] (b) [during trip to the famous lake city.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AThe visiting school children
- Bwent around the lake
- Cduring trip to the famous lake city.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) during trip to the famous lake city.
'Trip' is a singular countable noun, so it needs a determiner: 'during a trip' or 'during their trip'. Leaving the article out makes part (c) ungrammatical.
Q16
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The officer marvelled] (a) [at the low attendance] (b) [remarking on the presence of less than twenty people at work.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AThe officer marvelled
- Bat the low attendance
- Cremarking on the presence of less than twenty people at work.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) remarking on the presence of less than twenty people at work.
'Fewer' is used with countable nouns such as people, and 'less' with uncountable nouns such as water or time. So it should be 'fewer than twenty people'.
Q17
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [Given the nature of the problem] (a) [it was not unnatural for there to be] (b) [bad blood among the two of them.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AGiven the nature of the problem
- Bit was not unnatural for there to be
- Cbad blood among the two of them.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) bad blood among the two of them.
'Between' is used for two people or things and 'among' for three or more. Since 'the two of them' refers to exactly two people, it should be 'bad blood between the two of them'.
Q18
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [In his well-recognised stentorian yet amused voice] (a) [the principal demanded an unique excuse] (b) [from the student hauled up for alleged minor misdemeanour.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AIn his well-recognised stentorian yet amused voice
- Bthe principal demanded an unique excuse
- Cfrom the student hauled up for alleged minor misdemeanour.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) the principal demanded an unique excuse
The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the first sound, not the first letter. 'Unique' begins with a consonant 'yoo' sound, so it must be 'a unique excuse', not 'an unique excuse'.
Q19
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [A group of wayfaring tourists] (a) [who had trudged for hundreds of kilometres] (b) [has finally arrived at the destination.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AA group of wayfaring tourists
- Bwho had trudged for hundreds of kilometres
- Chas finally arrived at the destination.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) No error
This sentence has no error. 'A group of…' is a collective subject treated as one unit, so the singular 'has finally arrived' is correct. The past perfect 'had trudged' correctly shows the earlier action.
Q20
Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three parts in square brackets labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any part in square brackets and indicate your response on the answer sheet against the above-mentioned corresponding letter. If there is no error, indicate your response as (d). [The listings on the menu that had been proffered by him] (a) [were selected after meticulous care] (b) [and discernment with regard to taste and preference.] (c) [No error] (d)
- AThe listings on the menu that had been proffered by him
- Bwere selected after meticulous care
- Cand discernment with regard to taste and preference.
- DNo error
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) No error
This sentence has no error. The plural subject 'listings' agrees with 'were selected', the past perfect 'had been proffered' is used correctly, and 'with regard to' is the correct idiom.
Q21
Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. You can choose _____ shirt you like from the collection available in the shop.
- Awhatever
- Bwhatsoever
- Cwhichever
- Dwhich
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) whichever
'Whichever' is used for a choice from a limited, known set, and here the set is the shirts available in the shop. 'Whatever' suggests an open-ended choice, 'whatsoever' is an intensifier, and 'which' alone would need a question structure.
Q22
Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Depending on your preference, you can choose to complete either or _____ courses being offered by the university.
- Asome
- Bmany
- Cany
- Dboth
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) both
'Either or both' is a fixed pairing meaning one of the two or the two together. 'Either' already sets up two options, so only 'both' completes it logically.
Q23
Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. It is important for people to work _____ their co-workers in the office to ensure maximum productivity.
- Afor
- Binto
- Cwith
- Dover
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) with
'Work with' means to cooperate alongside someone, which suits co-workers aiming for productivity. 'Work for' means to be employed by someone, and 'work over' has a different, negative meaning.
Q24
Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The reminder has gone out on _____ occasions, requiring personnel to complete their personal files.
- Afurther
- Bseveral
- Cuntold
- Dmost
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) several
'On several occasions' means more than once, which naturally explains why a reminder had to be sent. 'Further' needs earlier context, 'untold' is an exaggeration, and 'on most occasions' makes no sense for a reminder.
Q25
Directions: In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein in each sentence one of these words has been used, and put in square brackets. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly. Dairy, Dreary, Diary 1. She quietly stored all her sacred memories in her private [dairy]. 2. The proceedings of the meeting went on and on and were quite [dreary]. 3. They always bought their milk products from the local [diary]. In which of the sentences given above has/have the words been used correctly ?
- A1 and 3 only
- B2 only
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) 2 only
Only sentence 2 is correct, because 'dreary' means dull and tiresome. Sentences 1 and 3 swap the words: memories go in a 'diary' (a personal record), and milk products come from a 'dairy'.
Q26
Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Not _____ metal is necessarily solid in its natural state.
- Aeach
- Bevery
- Call
- Dany
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) every
'Not every' takes a singular countable noun and singular verb ('Not every metal is…'), meaning some metals are not solid, mercury being one. 'Not all' would need the plural 'metals are', and 'not each' or 'not any' are unidiomatic here.
Q27
Directions: In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein in each sentence one of these words has been used, and put in square brackets. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly. Lesion, Legion, Lesson 1. The scan of the affected area indicated the presence of a life-threatening [lesion]. 2. He had a [legion] of followers who hung on to his every word. 3. It is important to [lesson] the burden of others as we venture through life. In which of the sentences given above has/have the words been used correctly ?
- A1 and 2 only
- B1 only
- C2 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
A 'lesion' is an abnormal area of tissue that a scan can show, and a 'legion' is a vast number, so sentences 1 and 2 are correct. Sentence 3 needs the verb 'lessen' (reduce), not 'lesson'.
Q28
Directions: In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein in each sentence one of these words has been used, and put in square brackets. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly. Braid, Beard, Brood 1. The engineers were asked to [braid] the river by converting it into single body with the aid of an artificial dam. 2. Wise men, they say, often sport a [beard]. 3. Among certain avian species the males are known to [brood] the eggs laid by females. In which of the sentences given above has/have the words been used correctly ?
- A1 and 3 only
- B2 only
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) 2 and 3 only
A 'beard' fits sentence 2, and 'brood' (to sit on eggs to hatch them) is correct in sentence 3, since in some birds the male does this. Sentence 1 is wrong because to 'braid' means to interweave strands, the opposite of merging a river into a single body.
Q29
Directions: In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein in each sentence one of these words has been used, and put in square brackets. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly. Bate, Bait, Bade 1. Those who had gathered for the unveiling were asked to [bate] their curiosity. 2. They set the [bait] to capture the leopard for tagging. 3. He reluctantly [bade] goodbye to his belongings. In which of the sentences given above has/have the words been used correctly ?
- A1, 2 and 3
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 only
- D2 only
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct. To 'bate' is to restrain or hold back (as in 'bated breath'), 'bait' is food used to lure an animal, and 'bade' is the past tense of 'bid', as in 'bade goodbye'.
Q30
Directions: In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein in each sentence one of these words has been used, and put in square brackets. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly. Depose, Deplore, Deport 1. The director asked the actor to [depose] himself and instead act naturally. 2. The people are enthusiastically declaring that they [deplore] the salutary impact of the decisions taken by the administration. 3. Under extreme circumstances, the government can [deport] someone from a country. In which of the sentences given above has/have the words been used correctly ?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C2 only
- D3 only
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) 3 only
Only sentence 3 is correct, because to 'deport' is to expel someone from a country. To 'depose' means to remove from office (the actor should 'compose' himself), and one cannot 'deplore' (strongly condemn) a salutary, beneficial impact with enthusiasm.
Q31
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Blow your own trumpet
- ABe very loud in company
- BAll sound and fury, signifying nothing
- CExcessively boastful of one's own achievements
- DBe scathing in one's criticism of others
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) Excessively boastful of one's own achievements
To 'blow your own trumpet' is to boast about your own achievements. It is about self-praise, not loudness or criticising others.
Q32
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Someone's ears are flapping
- ASomeone in a state of intense agitation
- BSomeone in a state of heightened excitement
- CSomeone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation
- DSomeone embarrassed at being caught in the act of lying
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) Someone desperate to eavesdrop on a conversation
'Someone's ears are flapping' describes a person eagerly trying to overhear a conversation that does not concern them. It is about eavesdropping, not agitation or excitement.
Q33
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Twist of the knife
- ASlicing through the difficulties that one faces in life
- BTo accept defeat in the face of an enemy
- CThe last thrust of a difficult operation
- DTo make someone who is already feeling bad, feel worse with one's words or actions
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) To make someone who is already feeling bad, feel worse with one's words or actions
To 'twist the knife (in the wound)' is to make someone who is already hurt feel worse through further words or actions. It has nothing to do with overcoming difficulties or finishing an operation.
Q34
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. A purple patch
- AA beautiful valley of flowers
- BThe final bloom of the season
- CA great run of luck or success or form
- DA bodily discolouration related to heredity
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) A great run of luck or success or form
A 'purple patch' is a period of exceptional success, good luck or good form, as with a batsman scoring heavily in several matches. It has nothing to do with flowers or skin colour.
Q35
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Put out to pasture
- ATo retire or render redundant
- BTo feed someone
- CTo diminish importance
- DTo incubate
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) To retire or render redundant
To 'put out to pasture' means to retire someone or something as no longer useful, as old farm animals were turned out to graze. It does not literally mean feeding someone.
Q36
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Make heavy weather
- ACloud seeding
- BTo pollute the air
- CTo complain about wet and rainy conditions
- DUnnecessarily create difficulty in dealing with a task
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) Unnecessarily create difficulty in dealing with a task
To 'make heavy weather of' something is to make a task seem harder than it is, or to handle it with needless difficulty. It has nothing to do with actual weather.
Q37
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush
- AWhat's hidden is always a matter of speculation
- BWhat we have is always more valuable that what we have a chance of getting
- CA gift is always better kept close to oneself
- DWhat can happen is always better than what has happened
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) What we have is always more valuable that what we have a chance of getting
The proverb advises that something you already have is worth more than a bigger gain you might get but are not sure of. Option (d) reverses this, valuing possibility over what is certain.
Q38
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Get under someone's skin
- ATo fall intensely in love with someone
- BTo cause intense liking in someone
- CTo understand someone completely
- DTo annoy or irritate someone intensely
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) To annoy or irritate someone intensely
To 'get under someone's skin' usually means to annoy or irritate them persistently. It does not mean understanding someone completely, and the romantic sense is not the standard meaning tested.
Q39
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Many hands make light work
- AMany people working together can light a new path
- BMany people helping can help accomplish a task quickly
- CMany people working together can make work non-serious
- DWorkers light up the work they undertake
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Many people helping can help accomplish a task quickly
The proverb means that when many people share a task, it is finished quickly and easily. 'Light' here means 'not heavy', not illumination or lack of seriousness.
Q40
Directions: In the following items an idiom or a proverb is given. Select the response that most appropriately describes the meaning of the idiom or proverb and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Sweep under the carpet
- AMaintain secrecy under any circumstance
- BHide from general view
- CKeep a problem under wraps in the hope that it will be forgotten
- DDo a quick clean up job
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) Keep a problem under wraps in the hope that it will be forgotten
To 'sweep (something) under the carpet' is to hide a problem or scandal in the hope that it will be forgotten. Option (b) 'hide from general view' leaves out the key idea of avoiding a problem.
Q41
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : Failure is the stepping stone to success. S2 : Successive failures are not however successive stepping stones to success. The second sentence :
- Acontradicts the wisdom of the first
- Bcontrasts the wisdom of the first
- Cconfirms the wisdom of the first
- Dqualifies the wisdom of the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) qualifies the wisdom of the first
S2 accepts S1 but limits its scope: failure can lead to success, yet repeated failures do not keep adding up to it. Narrowing a statement without rejecting it is 'qualifying' it, not contradicting it.
Q42
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : All human beings are created equal in every respect. S2 : Some people are more equal than others. The second sentence :
- Acontradicts the first
- Bcorroborates the first
- Ccorrelates to the first
- Dcoincides with the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) contradicts the first
S1 says all people are equal in every respect, while S2 says some are more equal than others. S2 directly denies S1, so it contradicts it.
Q43
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : The origin of the universe has been traced to the Big Bang. S2 : There can be no knowledge of what existed before the Big Bang. The second sentence :
- Acontradicts the assertion made in the first
- Bexplains the basis behind the first
- Cestablishes limits on the assertion made in the first
- Dconfirms the assertion made in the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) establishes limits on the assertion made in the first
S2 does not deny the Big Bang origin. It marks a boundary, saying nothing can be known about what came before it, and so it sets limits on the assertion in S1.
Q44
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : A four-stroke engine is more efficient than a two-stroke engine. S2 : The two-stroke engine has been phased out to protect the environment. The second sentence :
- Acorrelates to the first
- Bcontradicts the first
- Ccontrasts with the first
- Dconfirms the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) correlates to the first
Both sentences are about the relative merits of the two engine types. The lower efficiency of the two-stroke engine in S1 links logically to its phasing out in S2, so S2 correlates to S1 without confirming or contradicting it.
Q45
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : The highest clouds in the skies are the most fascinating. S2 : We are most attracted to those things that are most out of our reach. The second sentence :
- Areiterates the axiom stated in the first
- Bannuls the axiom stated in the first
- Ccontradicts the axiom stated in the first
- Dcontrasts the assertion made in the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) reiterates the axiom stated in the first
S2 states as a general principle what S1 gives as an example: the highest clouds are the most out of reach, and therefore the most fascinating. S2 restates, or reiterates, the same idea.
Q46
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : Field games are generally more popular than individual sports. S2 : Across the world tennis is more popular than hockey. The second sentence :
- Areiterates the first
- Bcontradicts the first
- Ccontrasts with the first
- Dreinforces the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) contradicts the first
Tennis is an individual sport and hockey is a field game, so S2's claim that tennis is more popular directly opposes S1's general claim. S2 contradicts S1.
Q47
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : The peacock is India's national bird. S2 : The Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan. The second sentence :
- Aprovides additional information to what is contained in the first
- Bprovides contradictory information to what is contained in the first
- Cprovides less information than what is contained in the first
- Dprovides escalatory information to what is contained in the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) provides additional information to what is contained in the first
S2 adds a related fact on the same theme (a state bird alongside the national bird) without disputing S1. It simply provides additional information.
Q48
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : Forest cover is conducive to ecological recovery. S2 : Unchecked urbanisation leads to environmental degradation. The second sentence :
- Acorrelates to the first
- Bdisputes the first
- Ccontrasts with the first
- Dcontradicts the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) correlates to the first
Both sentences are about environmental health. Forest cover helps ecological recovery, while unchecked urbanisation, which usually destroys such cover, causes degradation, so the two statements correlate.
Q49
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : Indians have been emigrating to countries across the world for centuries. S2 : The Indian diaspora is a model of success across the world. The second sentence :
- Acorroborates the first
- Bdisputes the first
- Cis a logical consequence of the first
- Dhas no logical dependence on the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) has no logical dependence on the first
The success of the diaspora in S2 does not follow from the fact in S1 that Indians have emigrated for centuries. A long history of emigration does not guarantee success, so S2 has no logical dependence on S1.
Q50
Directions: In the following items a pair of sentences (S1, S2) is given. Select the most appropriate and relevant co-relationship of the second sentence to the first from among the options (a), (b), (c) and (d), and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. S1 : Bottled water is safer than tap water. S2 : In many countries tap water is fed to babies. The second sentence :
- Aasserts the first
- Bconfirms the first
- Ccontrasts with the first
- Dis an extension of the first
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) contrasts with the first
S2 suggests that tap water is safe enough for babies in many countries, which stands in contrast to S1's claim that bottled water is safer. It does not refute S1 outright, so 'contrasts with' is better than 'contradicts'.
Q51
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : and the outcome in cases selected in prior years' Q : the suggestions received from the field R : formations are reviewed by a cross functional S : committee to refine the scenarios and parameters
- AQPRS
- BPQRS
- CSQPR
- DRSQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) QPRS
Q opens the subject ('the suggestions received from the field'), P joins a second subject with 'and', R supplies the verb ('formations are reviewed by a cross functional'), and S completes it with 'committee to refine the scenarios'. Every other order starts with 'and', 'committee' or a verb, which cannot open a sentence.
Q52
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : pollution control equipment broadly Q : include wastewater treatment plants, R : the various categories of water S : drinking water treatment plants and effluent treatment plants
- APQRS
- BQSRP
- CRPQS
- DSRQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) RPQS
The subject 'the various categories of water' (R) continues as 'pollution control equipment broadly' (P), followed by the verb 'include wastewater treatment plants' (Q) and the rest of the list (S). This gives RPQS.
Q53
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : to provide additional one crore LPG Q : Ujjwala 2.0 was launched in 2021 R : households under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana S : connections to adult women of poor
- AQSRP
- BSRPQ
- CPSQR
- DQPSR
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) QPSR
'Ujjwala 2.0 was launched in 2021' (Q) is followed by its purpose 'to provide additional one crore LPG' (P), then 'connections to adult women of poor' (S) and 'households under the PMUY' (R).
Q54
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : that may push the viewers to Q : hours of content are shown in a way R : think that they are watching a S : programme rather than an advertisement
- AQPRS
- BSQPR
- CSQRP
- DRSQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) QPRS
'Hours of content are shown in a way' (Q) is followed by 'that may push the viewers to' (P), then 'think that they are watching a' (R) and 'programme rather than an advertisement' (S).
Q55
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : facilitate the present and prospective entrepreneurs Q : for manufacturing and service units R : were notified in 2020, with guidelines to S : some new composite criteria of classification
- ARPQS
- BSQPR
- CSQRP
- DQSPR
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) SQRP
The subject 'some new composite criteria of classification' (S) is followed by 'for manufacturing and service units' (Q), then the verb 'were notified in 2020, with guidelines to' (R), which is completed by 'facilitate … entrepreneurs' (P).
Q56
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : to women-led development and the dream of New India Q : India is moving from women's development R : and an equal partner in the country's overall development S : is where women are empowered, strong
- AQPRS
- BQPSR
- CSQPR
- DPSRQ
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) QPSR
'Moving from women's development' (Q) is completed by 'to women-led development and the dream of New India' (P). 'The dream' then takes 'is where women are empowered, strong' (S), and the list ends with 'and an equal partner' (R).
Q57
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : outside the formal education system Q : the policy seeks to educate and R : equip potential entrepreneurs, both within and S : in the entrepreneurship domain
- APQRS
- BSRPQ
- CRSQP
- DSQRP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) SQRP
The introductory phrase 'in the entrepreneurship domain' (S) is followed by the main clause 'the policy seeks to educate and' (Q), then 'equip potential entrepreneurs, both within and' (R), and finally 'outside the formal education system' (P).
Q58
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : engaged in performing visual and literary arts Q : in the field of intangible heritage R : the Ministry extends financial support to individuals, S : group of individuals and cultural organisations
- ARSPQ
- BQPSR
- CRQPS
- DPSQR
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) RSPQ
'The Ministry extends financial support to individuals,' (R) continues the list with 'group of individuals and cultural organisations' (S). These are described as 'engaged in performing visual and literary arts' (P) 'in the field of intangible heritage' (Q).
Q59
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : process from the initial stage of planning Q : environmental impact assessment R : is a planning tool to integrate environmental S : concerns into the developmental
- AQSRP
- BQRSP
- CSPQR
- DQPSR
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) QRSP
The subject 'environmental impact assessment' (Q) takes 'is a planning tool to integrate environmental' (R), then 'concerns into the developmental' (S) and 'process from the initial stage' (P).
Q60
Directions: Each of the following items in this section consists of a sentence, parts of which have been jumbled. These parts have been labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to unjumble the sentence, and mark your response accordingly by choosing the most appropriate sequence given in the options (a), (b), (c) and (d). P : organizing Rozgar Melas across the nation for Q : providing suitable job opportunities in the private sector to the youth R : National Skill Development Corporation under the aegis of MSDE has been S : to give impetus to the employment initiatives in the country
- ASRQP
- BPQSR
- CRPQS
- DQSPR
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) RPQS
The subject and auxiliary 'NSDC … has been' (R) needs the participle 'organizing Rozgar Melas … for' (P), which leads to 'providing suitable job opportunities' (Q) and then the purpose 'to give impetus' (S).
Q61
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : The history of India's struggle for freedom is an enthralling one. S6 : A more vibrant retelling is perhaps required of this tumultuous period of our history. P : It has all the drama and excitement of an epic tale. Q : And yet, in most history textbooks, what students encounter are facts, figures, names and numbers. R : As in epics, heroism was often accompanied by extreme sacrifice. S : Accounts of this period are loaded with tales of loyalty, allegiance, high ideals and peaceful protests.
- APQSR
- BSQRP
- CQPSR
- DPRSQ
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) PRSQ
P's 'It' refers to the history in S1 and introduces the comparison with an epic. R ('As in epics…') develops it, and S lists the content of such accounts. Q's 'And yet' brings in the contrast with dry textbooks, which S6 answers by calling for a vibrant retelling.
Q62
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : The Tungabhadra is the chief tributary of the Krishna formed by the union, near Kudali, of the two streams Tunga and Bhadra. S6 : The Tungabhadra has served as a historic natural frontier right through the centuries. P : The river is perennial in character and comes down in frequent heavy rushes during the rains. Q : The rain-bearing river was dammed by the rulers of Vijayanagara near Hampi for watering the palaces and gardens of that great city. R : The united stream strikes in a north-easterly direction through Mysore and skirts the adjacent districts. S : The bed of both the headstreams of the Tungabhadra is rocky.
- APQSR
- BPRSQ
- CRSPQ
- DRQSP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) RSPQ
R ('the united stream') follows on from the union of the two streams in S1, and S then describes the rocky beds of those headstreams. P covers the river's perennial flow and heavy rushes in the rains, and Q's 'rain-bearing river' picks this up and moves to history, leading to the 'historic frontier' in S6.
Q63
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : In July 1917, Prince Lvov was replaced by a socialist revolutionary Alexander Kerensky as the head of the provisional government. S6 : In Russia the Soviets have been in existence since 1905, and the Soviet system played a especially important role under the Provisional Government. P : However, such a partial replacement failed to satisfy the Bolsheviks. Q : The revolutionaries did not want a parliamentary republic nor a bourgeois democracy but rather they wanted a soviet of workers, soldiers, and labourers. R : When the February Revolution broke out, the leader of the Bolsheviks, Lenin, was in Switzerland. S : He arrived in Russia in April 1917, and was followed by Trotsky.
- APQSR
- BPRSQ
- CQPSR
- DRQSP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) PRSQ
P's 'such a partial replacement' refers to Kerensky replacing Lvov in S1. R and S then trace Lenin from Switzerland back to Russia, followed by Trotsky, and Q states what the revolutionaries wanted (soviets), which leads to S6 on the role of the Soviets.
Q64
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : Louis XVI of the Bourbon family of Kings married the Austrian princess Marie Antoinette in 1770. S6 : Remarkably nevertheless, under Louis XVI, France helped the thirteen American colonies to gain their independence from Britain. P : Furthermore, lenders, who gave the state credit, now began to charge 10 per cent interest on loans. Q : The ascension was preceded by a war that added more than a billion livre to a debt that had already risen to more than 2 billion livre. R : In 1774, Louis XVI ascended the throne of France at the age of 20. S : Long years of war had drained the financial resources of France.
- ASRPQ
- BSQRP
- CRQSP
- DRSQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) RQSP
R gives the accession in 1774, and Q's 'The ascension' refers back to it, describing the war debt that preceded it. S generalises about years of war draining finances, and P's 'Furthermore' adds the rise in interest rates, setting up S6's 'nevertheless'.
Q65
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : Temperature indicates the relative degree of molecular activity, or heat, of a substance. S6 : The boiling point of water under standard conditions is at 100 degrees Centigrade. P : Temperature is an index of sensible heat, not a direct measure of the quantity of energy. Q : Zero on this scale is the 'triple point' temperature, at which the gaseous, liquid, and solid states of water are at equilibrium under standard atmospheric pressure. R : If heat flows from one body to another, the former has the higher temperature. S : To indicate the temperature of a body, an arbitrary scale of reference is employed.
- AQSRP
- BQSPR
- CSQRP
- DPRSQ
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) PRSQ
P clarifies S1's definition (temperature is an index of heat, not a quantity), and R explains how heat flow relates to temperature. S introduces an arbitrary reference scale, and Q's 'this scale' defines its zero, leading to S6's boiling point of 100 degrees.
Q66
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : Montesquieu was a great philosopher of his time. S6 : He supported constitutional monarchy in France like the English one. P : He wanted power to be shared between the king, the nobles, and the Third Estate. Q : In his book The Spirit of the Laws, he propagated the theory of separating powers into three branches of government — the Legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary. R : To prevent any one of the three classes from becoming too powerful, Montesquieu suggested the making of a new constitution based on checks and balances. S : If this was done, he argued, there would be no tyranny and the liberty of the individual could be safeguarded.
- APQSR
- BSQRP
- CQPRS
- DRSQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) QPRS
Q introduces Montesquieu's book and his three branches of government, and P adds that power should be shared among the three classes. R's 'any one of the three classes' builds on P with checks and balances, and S's 'If this was done' gives the result, leading to S6.
Q67
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : The sun is the primary transmitter of energy for the processes of change on the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere. S6 : Only a small part of insolation is absorbed and converted into thermal energy. P : Its rays are transmitted in various wavelengths of the solar spectrum, mainly in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared bands. Q : When components of the solar spectrum reach the earth, the insolation is partially absorbed and converted to thermal energy. R : The amount of energy the earth receives from other celestial bodies is negligible by comparison. S : Radiant energy from the sun that strikes the earth is called insolation.
- APSQR
- BQSPR
- CSQRP
- DRSQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) PSQR
P's 'Its rays' refers to the sun in S1. S defines the energy that strikes the earth as insolation, Q explains that insolation is partly absorbed, and R notes that energy from other bodies is negligible by comparison, before S6 returns to absorption.
Q68
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : Glaciation has important effects on the landscape beyond the direct modifications created by ice erosion and deposition. S6 : At the same time, ice advanced from the Welsh mountains into the Vale of Evesham and combined with northern ice to pond up a large proglacial lake covering much of the Midlands. P : One example is that glaciation frequently disrupts pre-existing drainage lines, initiating a new pattern persisting after the ice has disappeared. Q : The Midlands, what is now the Coventry/Warwick area, was formerly drained by the head waters of the River Soar, flowing into the Trent south of Nottingham. R : Two well-documented instances of such effects occur in England. S : During glaciation, the valleys of Soar and Trent were occupied by ice advancing from the north.
- APQSR
- BRPQS
- CSRPQ
- DRSQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) RPQS
R's 'such effects' refers back to S1's 'important effects', and P names the kind of effect (disrupted drainage). Q describes the Midlands' original drainage, and S explains how ice blocked it, leading to S6's 'At the same time'.
Q69
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : The primary evidence for climate change that occurred many million years ago is the rocks and deposits themselves. S6 : In other words, despite the clear legacy in many parts of the world of recent glaciation, the vast majority of sedimentary rocks were laid down in warm climatic conditions. P : Sediments and fossil in the poles tell us a great deal about the environment in which they were laid down. Q : We must, of course, bear in mind when interpreting this information that, because of the movement of the continents, no one latitude of the Earth has necessarily gone through such marked climatic vicissitudes. R : Nevertheless, even allowing for this factor, one of the most remarkable discoveries about the climate change of the past is that the two poles of the Earth have been free of ice for at least 90 per cent of the known history of the planet. S : We may find in close proximity to one another, coal deposits indicating the humid conditions of the tropics, red sandstones laid down in deserts and morainic materials reflecting polar conditions.
- APQSR
- BQSPR
- CSQRP
- DRSQP
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) SQRP
S gives the rock evidence S1 promises (coal, desert sandstone and moraine side by side). Q warns about continental drift when interpreting 'this information', R's 'even allowing for this factor' answers Q with the ice-free-poles finding, and P on polar sediments leads to S6's summary.
Q70
Directions: In this section, each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R, and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of these four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet. S1 : Every geological period has been dominated by one particular form of life; as conditions changed to those of a new period, different types of organisms emerged into dominance. S6 : The origin of completely new biological systems is comparatively rare, so consequently only a few major types have developed during the history of life. P : Individual shifts rely on opportunity, ecological access, and the development of a new adaptation. Q : Characteristically these shifts are rapid and are followed by a bout of adaptive radiation into the new ecological zone — for example, with the emergence of life on land. R : Within each period, natural selection has created a vast array of adaptive experiments culminating in a breakthrough to a new biological system that may cross the ecological barrier to the next period. S : Every breakthrough of shift in dominance is dependent on ones that have occurred before so that the process of evolution is progressive.
- APQSR
- BQSPR
- CRSPQ
- DRQPS
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) RSPQ
R develops S1, describing adaptive experiments within each period that end in a breakthrough. S says each breakthrough depends on earlier ones, P gives what individual shifts rely on, and Q describes how 'these shifts' happen rapidly, leading to S6's point that new systems are rare.
Q71
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Qualification B. Verb — 2. Conditionally C. Adverb — 3. Qualify D. Adjective — 4. Qualifying Code : A B C D
- AA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
- BA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
- CA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
- DA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
'Qualification' is a noun (suffix -tion), 'qualify' a verb, 'conditionally' an adverb (suffix -ly), and 'qualifying' works as an adjective, as in 'qualifying round'. So A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4.
Q72
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Error B. Verb — 2. Erroneously C. Adverb — 3. Err D. Adjective — 4. Erroneous Code : A B C D
- AA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
- BA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
- CA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
- DA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
'Error' is a noun, 'err' a verb, 'erroneously' an adverb and 'erroneous' an adjective. So A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4.
Q73
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Think B. Verb — 2. Care C. Adverb — 3. Carefully D. Adjective — 4. Careful Code : A B C D
- AA-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
- BA-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
- CA-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
- DA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
Of the four words, only 'care' can be the noun, since 'think' is a verb, 'carefully' an adverb and 'careful' an adjective. So A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4.
Q74
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Dually B. Verb — 2. Duplication C. Adverb — 3. Duplicate D. Adjective — 4. Duple Code : A B C D
- AA-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
- BA-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
- CA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
- DA-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
'Duplication' is a noun, 'duplicate' a verb, 'dually' an adverb (-ly), and 'duple' an adjective meaning 'double', as in 'duple time'. So A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4.
Q75
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Auditory B. Verb — 2. Hear C. Interjection — 3. Hark D. Adjective — 4. Hearing Code : A B C D
- AA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
- BA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
- CA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
- DA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
'Hearing' is a noun (the sense of hearing), 'hear' a verb, 'hark' an interjection ('Hark!', meaning listen), and 'auditory' an adjective. So A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1.
Q76
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Extremely B. Verb — 2. Spectatorial C. Adverb — 3. Spectator D. Adjective — 4. Spectate Code : A B C D
- AA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
- BA-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
- CA-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
- DA-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
'Spectator' is a noun, 'spectate' a verb, 'extremely' an adverb and 'spectatorial' an adjective. So A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
Q77
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Cogitation B. Verb — 2. Pensively C. Adverb — 3. Cogitate D. Adjective — 4. Cogitative Code : A B C D
- AA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
- BA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
- CA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
- DA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
'Cogitation' is a noun, 'cogitate' a verb (to think deeply), 'pensively' an adverb and 'cogitative' an adjective. So A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4.
Q78
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Knowing B. Verb — 2. Know C. Adverb — 3. Knowingly D. Adjective — 4. Knowledge Code : A B C D
- AA-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
- BA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
- CA-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
- DA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
'Knowledge' is a noun, 'know' a verb, 'knowingly' an adverb, and 'knowing' an adjective, as in 'a knowing smile'. So A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1.
Q79
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Emanant B. Verb — 2. Exodus C. Adverb — 3. Outward D. Adjective — 4. Exit Code : A B C D
- AA-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
- BA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
- CA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
- DA-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
'Exodus' can only be a noun, so 'exit' must take the verb slot. 'Outward' works as an adverb ('moved outward'), and 'emanant' (flowing out) is an adjective. So A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1.
Q80
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Parts of Speech) / List II (Word) A. Noun — 1. Intuitive B. Verb — 2. Intuition C. Adverb — 3. Intuitively D. Adjective — 4. Intuit Code : A B C D
- AA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
- BA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
- CA-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
- DA-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
'Intuition' is a noun, 'intuit' a verb, 'intuitively' an adverb and 'intuitive' an adjective. So A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1.
Q81
Directions: Each of the following sentences has a word or phrase in square brackets. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the word in square brackets belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The manager expects [every] employee to do his duty.
- AInfinite numeral adjective
- BDistributive numeral adjective
- CDemonstrative adjective
- DDefinite numeral adjective
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Distributive numeral adjective
'Every' picks out members of a group one at a time ('each and every employee'), so it is a distributive numeral adjective, like 'each', 'either' and 'neither'. It does not give a definite or indefinite number.
Q82
Directions: Each of the following sentences has a word or phrase in square brackets. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the word in square brackets belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. I [wonder] if at times it rains to give us some respite from the dull moments of life.
- AAdverb
- BConjunction
- CVerb
- DParticiple
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) Verb
'Wonder' is the main verb of the clause, with 'I' as its subject, meaning 'to ask oneself'. It is followed by an 'if'-clause as its object.
Q83
Directions: Each of the following sentences has a word or phrase in square brackets. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the word in square brackets belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. His [happiness] was obvious, as he had won unprecedented appreciation for his hard work.
- ACollective noun
- BAbstract noun
- CAdjective
- DCommon noun
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Abstract noun
'Happiness' names a feeling or state that cannot be seen or touched, so it is an abstract noun. It is not an adjective, and not a common noun naming a physical thing.
Q84
Directions: Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet. I must, ________, ask for tolerance from the board.
- Atherefore
- Bthus
- Cfor example
- Dlikely
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) therefore
'Therefore', set off by commas inside the clause, marks a conclusion drawn from what came before ('I must therefore ask…'). 'Thus' sounds awkward in this position, and 'for example' and 'likely' do not express a consequence.
Q85
Directions: Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet. ________, eloquent expression of this skepticism can be found in the high theory removed from the reality.
- AUnengagingly
- BSomewhat
- CIndeed
- DFortunate
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) Indeed
'Indeed' introduces a statement that confirms or reinforces an earlier point, which suits an 'eloquent expression' of scepticism. 'Fortunate' is an adjective, and 'unengagingly' and 'somewhat' do not work as sentence connectors here.
Q86
Directions: Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet. ________, we can take recourse to, what I call, an argument from ordinary life.
- AAggrievedly
- BFinally
- CFatally
- DAcceptably
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Finally
'Finally' signals the last step in a sequence of arguments, which fits 'we can take recourse to … an argument from ordinary life'. 'Fatally', 'aggrievedly' and 'acceptably' describe manner or attitude and do not link ideas.
Q87
Directions: Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet. I shall consider, ________, the narrow lines of argument articulated by philosophers.
- Asui generis
- Bin particular
- Cmatter of fact
- Dserendipitously
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) in particular
'In particular' singles out one specific aspect, here the narrow lines of argument, from a wider topic. 'Sui generis' means 'unique of its kind', and 'matter of fact' is incomplete without 'as a'.
Q88
Directions: Each of the following sentences has a word or phrase in square brackets. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the word in square brackets belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. The [righteous] always emerge victorious.
- APlural Noun
- BAdverb
- CDeterminer
- DSingular Noun
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) Plural Noun
'The + adjective' ('the righteous', 'the poor') stands for a whole class of people and works as a plural noun, which is why the verb is the plural 'emerge'. So it is not a singular noun or a determiner.
Q89
Directions: Each of the following sentences has a word or phrase in square brackets. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the word in square brackets belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. It rained [every] day during the month of August.
- AAdverb
- BPronoun
- CConjunction
- DAdjective
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) Adjective
'Every' qualifies the noun 'day', so it is an adjective. The phrase 'every day' works adverbially as a whole, but the single word 'every' is not an adverb.
Q90
Directions: Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet. ________, issues of religious plurality are embedded in the relationship between different followers of the party.
- ASomewhat
- BSignificantly
- CUnexpectedly
- DOvermuch
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Significantly
'Significantly' as a sentence adverb marks the statement that follows as important. 'Unexpectedly' adds a surprise the context does not support, and 'somewhat' and 'overmuch' do not work as discourse markers.
Q91
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning and the grammatical parts of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Anyway and Any way
- AAnyway is an adverb meaning any manner or method. Any way is a phrase meaning regardless.
- BAnyway is a phrase meaning any manner or method. Any way is an adverb meaning regardless.
- CAnyway is an adverb meaning regardless. Any way is a phrase meaning any manner or method.
- DAnyway is a phrase meaning regardless. Any way is an adverb meaning any manner or method.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) Anyway is an adverb meaning regardless. Any way is a phrase meaning any manner or method.
'Anyway' (one word) is an adverb meaning regardless or in any case. 'Any way' (two words) is a phrase, a determiner plus a noun, meaning any manner or method, as in 'Is there any way to fix it?'
Q92
Directions: In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed using the word (in different tense forms), only one of which makes use of the word correctly. Select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. [Effect]
- AThe weather conditions began to effect his health.
- BClimate change will have long term effect on every aspect of planetary life.
- CThe people of the town were deeply effected by the new laws that were passed by the government.
- DAll creatures are effected by emotion.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Climate change will have long term effect on every aspect of planetary life.
'Effect' is usually a noun meaning a result, as in 'will have a long-term effect'. The verb meaning to influence is 'affect', so the other options need 'affect' or 'affected'.
Q93
Directions: In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed using the word (in different tense forms), only one of which makes use of the word correctly. Select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. [Advice]
- AHe adviced his friend to take a break from his hectic schedule.
- BThe doctor's advice went unheeded by his patient.
- CThe teacher repeatedly adviced her students to take safety precautions on the road.
- DElders are often advicing their children on various aspects of their heritage.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) The doctor's advice went unheeded by his patient.
'Advice' is a noun, so 'the doctor's advice went unheeded' is correct. The verb is 'advise', so 'adviced' and 'advicing' in the other options are wrong; they should be 'advised' and 'advising'.
Q94
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning and the grammatical parts of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Climactic and Climatic
- AClimactic is an adverb meaning moment of heightened excitement. Climatic is an adverb meaning climate of a particular area.
- BClimactic is an adjective meaning climate of a particular area. Climatic is an adjective meaning moment of heightened excitement.
- CClimactic is a verb meaning moment of heightened excitement. Climatic is a verb meaning climate of a particular area.
- DClimactic is an adjective meaning moment of heightened excitement. Climatic is an adjective meaning climate of a particular area.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) Climactic is an adjective meaning moment of heightened excitement. Climatic is an adjective meaning climate of a particular area.
Both are adjectives: 'climactic' relates to a climax, a moment of peak excitement, and 'climatic' relates to climate. Option (b) swaps the meanings, and (a) and (c) give the wrong parts of speech.
Q95
Directions: In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed using the word (in different tense forms), only one of which makes use of the word correctly. Select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. [Incite]
- AHe has a deep incite into various aspects of social formations.
- BThe words of the speaker incited feelings of anger, sorrow and grief.
- CHis research gave the audience an incite into market trends.
- DSince he was incite she decided to call out to him.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) The words of the speaker incited feelings of anger, sorrow and grief.
To 'incite' is to stir up or provoke feelings or actions, so 'the words … incited feelings of anger' is correct. The other options need 'insight' (deep understanding) or 'in sight' (visible).
Q96
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning and the grammatical parts of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Appraise and Apprise
- AAppraise is a verb meaning to inform about something. Apprise is a verb meaning to examine and form an opinion about something.
- BAppraise is a verb meaning to examine and form an opinion about something. Apprise is a verb meaning to inform about something.
- CAppraise is a noun meaning to inform about something. Apprise is a noun meaning to examine and form an opinion about something.
- DAppraise is an adverb meaning to examine and form an opinion about something. Apprise is a verb meaning to inform about something.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Appraise is a verb meaning to examine and form an opinion about something. Apprise is a verb meaning to inform about something.
Both are verbs: to 'appraise' is to assess or evaluate, and to 'apprise' is to inform, as in 'apprise him of the facts'. Option (a) swaps the meanings, and (c) and (d) give the wrong parts of speech.
Q97
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning and the grammatical parts of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Lose and Loose
- ALose is a verb meaning to misplace and loose is an adjective meaning slack or movable.
- BLose is an adjective meaning slack or movable and loose is a verb meaning to misplace.
- CLose is an adjective meaning to misplace and loose is a verb meaning slack or movable.
- DLose is a verb meaning slack or movable and loose is an adjective meaning to misplace.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) Lose is a verb meaning to misplace and loose is an adjective meaning slack or movable.
'Lose' is a verb meaning to misplace or fail to keep, while 'loose' is an adjective meaning slack, not tight, or free to move. The other options swap either the meanings or the parts of speech.
Q98
Directions: In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed using the word (in different tense forms), only one of which makes use of the word correctly. Select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. [Brake]
- AFrequent disruptions caused the braking of the flow of the speaker.
- BThe rapid swirling water caused the dam walls to brake.
- CThe driver braked sharply to avoid a collision.
- DThe young officer did not know how to brake the unwelcome news to the family.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) The driver braked sharply to avoid a collision.
To 'brake' is to slow or stop a vehicle, so 'the driver braked sharply' is correct. The other options need 'break': to break a flow, dam walls breaking, or breaking news to someone.
Q99
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning and the grammatical parts of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. Allusion and Illusion
- AAllusion is a noun that is an implied reference to something. Illusion is a noun that refers to a false idea.
- BIllusion is a noun that is an implied reference to something. Allusion is a noun that refers to a false idea.
- CAllusion is a verb that refers to an implied reference to something. Illusion is a verb that refers to a false idea.
- DIllusion is an adverb that refers to an implied reference to something. Allusion is an adjective that refers to a false idea.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) Allusion is a noun that is an implied reference to something. Illusion is a noun that refers to a false idea.
Both words are nouns: an 'allusion' is an indirect reference to something, and an 'illusion' is a false idea or deceptive appearance. Options (c) and (d) wrongly call them verbs, adverbs or adjectives.
Q100
Directions: In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed using the word (in different tense forms), only one of which makes use of the word correctly. Select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. [Illicit]
- AThe police put out a notice to illicit more information from the public.
- BIllicit trading in liquor became profitable during the prohibition.
- CThe offer for new residential areas illicited a lukewarm response.
- DThe news of the earthquake illicited a massive outpouring of help for the victims.
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) Illicit trading in liquor became profitable during the prohibition.
'Illicit' is an adjective meaning illegal or forbidden, so 'illicit trading in liquor' is correct. The verb for drawing out a response is 'elicit', so 'illicit/illicited' in the other options should be 'elicit/elicited'.
Q101
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word / Expression) — List II (Meaning) A. Hatch — 1. Rough and low in pitch B. Haughty — 2. Arrogant behaviour C. Gruff — 3. Tiring and demanding D. Gruelling — 4. A door in an aircraft Code : A B C D
- AA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
- BA-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
- CA-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
- DA-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
A 'hatch' is an opening or door, as in an aircraft or ship (4), 'haughty' means arrogant (2), 'gruff' describes a rough, low voice (1), and 'gruelling' means exhausting and demanding (3). So A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3.
Q102
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word/Expression) A. Kernel B. Brook C. Jinx D. Solace List II (Meaning) 1. Something that causes bad luck 2. Small stream 3. Something that gives feeling of comfort 4. Soft part inside a seed Code: A B C D
- A4 2 1 3
- B3 1 2 4
- C4 1 2 3
- D3 2 1 4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) 4 2 1 3
A 'kernel' is the soft part inside a seed (4), a 'brook' is a small stream (2), a 'jinx' brings bad luck (1), and 'solace' is comfort (3). This gives 4 2 1 3.
Q103
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word/Expression) A. Caveat B. Amble C. Acolyte D. Archaic List II (Meaning) 1. Old-fashioned 2. Warning 3. Walking at a slow pace 4. Ardent follower Code: A B C D
- A1 3 4 2
- B1 4 3 2
- C2 3 4 1
- D2 4 3 1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) 2 3 4 1
A 'caveat' is a warning (2), to 'amble' is to walk at a slow, relaxed pace (3), an 'acolyte' is a devoted follower (4), and 'archaic' means old-fashioned (1). This gives 2 3 4 1.
Q104
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word / Expression) — List II (Meaning) A. Feat — 1. The development of events outside a person's control B. Fate — 2. Used to measure depth of water C. Fathom — 3. An embarrassing mistake D. Faux pas — 4. An achievement requiring great courage Code : A B C D
- AA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
- BA-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
- CA-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
- DA-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
A 'feat' is an achievement needing courage or skill (4), 'fate' is events beyond one's control (1), a 'fathom' is a unit for measuring water depth (2), and a 'faux pas' is an embarrassing social blunder (3). So A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3.
Q105
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word/Expression) A. Ensue B. Morass C. Imbroglio D. Potpourri List II (Meaning) 1. Muddy ground 2. Complex disputes 3. Collection of different things 4. To happen as a result Code: A B C D
- A4 2 1 3
- B3 1 2 4
- C4 1 2 3
- D3 2 1 4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) 4 1 2 3
'Ensue' means to happen as a result (4), a 'morass' is muddy, boggy ground (1), an 'imbroglio' is a complicated dispute (2), and 'potpourri' is a mixed collection (3). This gives 4 1 2 3.
Q106
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word / Expression) — List II (Meaning) A. Extirpate — 1. Praise enthusiastically B. Extol — 2. Farthest point C. Extremity — 3. To remove completely D. Expunge — 4. Destroy completely Code : A B C D
- AA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
- BA-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
- CA-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
- DA-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
To 'extirpate' is to root out or destroy completely (4), to 'extol' is to praise enthusiastically (1), the 'extremity' is the farthest point (2), and to 'expunge' is to erase or remove completely, as from a record (3). So A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3.
Q107
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word/Expression) A. Impugn B. Spew C. Harangue D. Gibberish List II (Meaning) 1. Meaningless words 2. Expressing doubts about something 3. Flowing out of something in a forceful way 4. Aggressive lecturing Code: A B C D
- A1 3 4 2
- B1 4 3 2
- C2 3 4 1
- D2 4 3 1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (C) 2 3 4 1
To 'impugn' is to call something into question (2), to 'spew' is to pour out forcefully (3), a 'harangue' is an aggressive lecture (4), and 'gibberish' is meaningless talk (1). This gives 2 3 4 1.
Q108
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word / Expression) — List II (Meaning) A. Semitic — 1. Similarity of appearance B. Seminary — 2. Training college for priests C. Send off — 3. A family of languages that includes Hebrew D. Semblance — 4. Wish good luck to person leaving Code : A B C D
- AA-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
- BA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
- CA-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
- DA-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
'Semitic' refers to the language family that includes Hebrew and Arabic (3), a 'seminary' trains priests (2), a 'send-off' wishes a departing person well (4), and 'semblance' means an outward appearance or likeness (1). So A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1.
Q109
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word/Expression) A. Malversation B. Conundrum C. Incessant D. Mulct List II (Meaning) 1. Continuing without a break 2. Confusing problem 3. Extracting money in the form of taxes 4. Corrupt behaviour of a public servant Code: A B C D
- A4 2 1 3
- B3 1 2 4
- C4 1 2 3
- D3 2 1 4
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) 4 2 1 3
'Malversation' is corrupt behaviour in public office (4), a 'conundrum' is a confusing problem (2), 'incessant' means continuing without a break (1), and to 'mulct' is to extract money by fines or taxes (3). This gives 4 2 1 3.
Q110
Directions: Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Word / Expression) — List II (Meaning) A. Devious — 1. Cause something to seem less valuable B. Devolution — 2. Skilful in using underhand tactics C. Detriment — 3. Transfer of power from higher to lower government D. Detract — 4. The state of being harmed or damaged Code : A B C D
- AA-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
- BA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
- CA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
- DA-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
'Devious' means skilled in underhand tactics (2), 'devolution' is the transfer of power to a lower level of government (3), 'detriment' is harm or damage (4), and to 'detract' is to make something seem less valuable (1). So A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1.
Q111
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. Passage: 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. Among the developed countries, ___(115)___ with more equal learning outcomes
- Athese
- Bthose
- Cthat
- Dsome
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) those
'Those with…' is the standard pronoun for 'the ones having…' and refers back to the plural 'countries'. 'These' points to something just mentioned or near at hand, and 'that' is singular.
Q112
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. Passage: 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. This ___(112)___ be happening because of institutional features of school systems,
- Aought to
- Bshould
- Cmust
- Dmay
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) may
The writer is suggesting a possible cause, so the tentative modal 'may' fits. 'Must' expresses certainty, and 'should' and 'ought to' express obligation or expectation, which the evidence does not support.
Q113
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. Passage: 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 ___(111)___ that learning levels within many countries are highly unequal.
- Arecognized
- Brecognize
- Crecognizing
- Dbeen recognized
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) recognized
The passive 'It is … recognized that…' needs 'is' plus the past participle, so 'recognized' is correct. 'Recognize' and 'recognizing' break the passive, and 'is been recognized' is ungrammatical.
Q114
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. Passage: 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. ___(114)___ access to education, and non-equitable access to different types of providers.
- Aunequal
- Binequal
- Cinequality
- Dequal
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) unequal
An adjective is needed before 'access', and the list is about inequity, so 'unequal access' is correct. 'Inequal' is not standard English, 'inequality' is a noun, and 'equal' reverses the meaning.
Q115
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. Passage: 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. such as early streaming, regional diversity ___(113)___ expenditure or political engagement,
- Aon
- Bin
- Cfor
- Dwith
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) in
'Diversity in' something means variation in that thing, so 'regional diversity in expenditure or political engagement' is the natural collocation. 'Diversity on/for/with' is unidiomatic here.
Q116
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. Passage: 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 ___(116)___ have better average learning outcomes,
- Aalso
- Bwith
- Cto
- Dfor
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) also
'Also' adds a second characteristic to the same countries: their learning outcomes are more equal and also better on average. 'With', 'to' and 'for' are prepositions and cannot come before the verb 'have'.
Q117
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. Passage: 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. ___(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.
- ADifference
- BDifferent
- CDifferentiated
- DDifferences
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (D) Differences
The subject of 'may depend' must be a noun, and the plural 'Differences' fits the general statement without an article. 'Difference' would need 'The', and 'Different' and 'Differentiated' are adjectives.
Q118
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. Passage: 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. Arguably, ___(119)___ society will ever reach total equality in the learning outcomes of every individual.
- Ano
- Bany
- Cfew
- Dsome
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) no
The point is that total equality is unattainable, so 'no society will ever reach' is correct. 'Any society will ever' is ungrammatical in an affirmative sentence, and 'few' or 'some' would wrongly suggest that some societies can reach it.
Q119
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. Passage: 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, ___(117)___ that appropriate interventions in the education sector may have positive effects on both equality and the quality of education.
- Asuggested
- Bsuggesting
- Chave suggested
- Dsuggest
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (B) suggesting
A present-participle clause ('suggesting that…') after a comma shows the implication of the preceding statement. A finite verb like 'suggest' or 'have suggested' would need its own subject, and 'suggested' wrongly implies a passive sense.
Q120
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. Passage: 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. Economic inequality is associated with the distribution of ___(118)___ skills among adults, although the direction of causation is unclear.
- Anumeracy
- Bnumber
- Cproficiency
- Dcalculation
Show answer & solution
Correct answer: (A) numeracy
'Numeracy skills', meaning basic mathematical ability, is a standard term in studies of adult competencies and links naturally to economic inequality. 'Proficiency skills' is redundant, and 'number/calculation skills' are not the accepted collocation.

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