SSC English Topic Wise Previous Year Solved Papers – Practice Sets (1 to 5)
Contents
SSC English Previous Year Question Papers Mathematics Reasoning General Awareness
Practice Set – 1
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 1-3) :Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or group of words from the options given below.
1. Although I was___ of his plans. I encouraged him,because there was no one else who was willing to help.
(a) sceptical
(b) remorseful
(c) fearful
(d) excited
2. You have no business to ___pain on a weak and poor person.
(a) inflict
(b) put
(c) direct
(d) force
3. Her uncle died in a car accident. He was quite rich. She suddenly___all her uncle’s money.
(a) succeeded
(b) caught
(c) gave
(d) inherited
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 4-5) : Each question below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most similar in meaning to the words in capital letters.
4. REPAST
(a) Past
(b) Fond memories
(c) Peacefulness
(d) Meal
5. ABEYANCE
(a) Temporary suspension
(b) Abstinence
(c) Hatred
(d) Memory
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 6-7) : Each question below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most opposite in meaning to the words in capital letters.
6. SUPPLICATE
(a) Short of supply
(b) To be arrogant
(c) To be tolerant
(d) To fall on lean days
7. TERSE
(a) Detailed
(b) Nasty
(c) Advanced
(d) Impure
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 8-12): Read the given passage, and then answer the questions answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.
PASSAGE
We should preserve Nature to preserve life and beauty. A beautiful landscape, full of green vegetation, will not just attract our attention but will fill us with infinite satisfaction. Unfortunately, because of modernization, much of nature is now yielding to towns, roads and industrial areas. In a few places some natural reserves are now being carved out to avert the danger of destroying nature completely. Man will perish without nature, so modem man should continue this struggle to save plants, which give us oxygen. Moreover, Nature is essential to man’s health.
8. What does ‘Nature’ in the passage mean ?
(a) Countryside covered with plants and trees
(b) Physical power that created the world
(c) Inherent things that determine character
(d) Practical study of plants and animals
9. Which one of the following is the correct statement ? According to the passage
(a) beauty is only skin-deep
(b) everything is beautiful in its natural state
(c) there is beauty in Nature
(d) Nature is a moray teacher
10. What does the writer suggest ?
(a) We should not modernize, so that Nature can be preserved
(b) While modernizing we should be careful not to destroy Nature completely
(c) All Nature has been destroyed by modem living
(d) Carving out Natural reserves will hamper the growth of industries
11. What does ‘struggle’ in the passage mean ?
(a) Man’s struggle to exist in the world
(b) Man’s struggle to save Nature
(c) Man’s struggle to catch up with modem trends
(d) Man’s struggle to conserve oxygen
12. Why a beautiful landscape ‘will fill us with infinite satisfaction’ ?
(a) We love beauty
(b) It is full of green vegetation
(c) It will ensure our future existence
(d) It will how our command over Nature
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 13-15): Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence, three possible situations for the underlined part are given. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter (a), (b) or (c). If none of these substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response on the Answer Sheet. Thus, a “No Improvement” response will be signified by the letter (d).
13. More than one person was killed in the accident.
(a) were killed
(b) are killed
(c) have been killed
(d) No improvement
14. Not a word they spoke to the unfortunate about victims of the earthquake.
(a) did they speak
(b) they will speak
(c) they had spoken
(d) No improvement
15. The poor villagers have waited in bitter cold for more than four hours now.
(a) have been waiting
(b) had waited
(c) has been waiting
(d) No improvement
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 16-18) : In this section, you are required to spot errors in sentences. Each sentence is divided into three parts. Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any of the parts. No sentence has more than one error. Some of the sentences do not have any error. When you find an error in a sentence, the letter indicated under that part of the sentence is the answer and therefore the same may be marked on the separate Answer Sheet. If there is no error in any part, mark (d) as your answer.
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 19-21): In questions given below out of four alternatives. Choose the one which can be substituted for the given word/sentence.
19. Words inscribed on tomb
(a) Epitome
(b) Epistle
(c) Epilogue
(d) Epitaph
20. One who eats everything
(a) Omnivorous
(b) Omniscient
(c) Irresistible
(d) Insolvent
21. Malafide case is one
(a) Which is undertaken in a good faith
(b) Which is undertaken in a bad faith
(c) Which is undertaken after a long delay
(d) Which is not undertaken at all
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 22-23) : Find the correctly spelt words.
22.
(a) Pessanger
(b) Passenger
(c) Pasanger
(d) Pesanger
23.
(a) Benefitted
(b) Benifited
(c) Benefited
(d) Benefeted
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 24-25) : In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase printed in underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
24. Companies producing goods play to the gallery to boost their sales.
(a) Advertise
(b) cater to the public taste
(c) attempt to appeal to popular taste
(d) depend upon the public for approval
25. Since he knew what would happen, he should be left to stew in his own juice.
(a) Make a stew
(b) Boil
(c) Suffer in his own juice
(d) Suffer for his own act
Hints & Solutions
1. (a)
The word ‘sceptical’ means suspicious or doubtful.
2. (a)
The word ‘ inflict’ means burden someone with or impose.
3. (d)
The word ‘inherit’ means become heir to or take over.
4. (d)
‘Repast’ means ‘meal’.
5. (a)
Abeyance means a state of temporary disuse or suspension.
6. (b)
‘Supplicate’means to be humble or requestful.
7. (a)
‘Terse’means brief and straigh forward.
8. (a)
Nature here denotes a beautiful landscape, full of green vegetation.
9. (c)
The author is highlighting the nature’s beauty.
10. (b)
The author mentions the impact of modernization and that we should be more careful not to destroy Nature while modernizing.
11.(b)
The word struggle here refers to the efforts required to save the nature.
12.(c)
It will ensure future existence if we preserve nature.
13.(a)
More than one person were killed in the accident.
14.(a)
Not a word did they speak to the unfortunate victims of the earthquake.
15.(a)
The poor villagers have been waiting in bitter cold for more than four hours now.
16.(d)
17.(c)
She inquired whether anyone had seen her baby.
18.(b)
When I went outdoors, I found frost everywhere.
19.(d)
20.(a)
21. (b)
22. (b)
23.(c)
24. (c)
25. (d)
Practice Set – 2
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 1-5): Read the following passage and answer the questions that follows-.
Deriving your authority from the government, your position would secure the respect and consideration of everyone, especially in a service where official rank carries so much weight. This would secure to you every attention and comfort on your way and there, together with a complete submission to your orders.
I know these things are a matter of indifference to you except so far as they may further the great objects you have in view, but they are of importance in themselves, and of every importance to those who have a right to take an interest in your personal position and comfort.
1. The above passage most probably is a part of a
(a) speech
(b) official communication
(c) written report
(d) personal letter
2. The writer’s attitude towards the person addressed is characterized by
(a) officiousness
(b) flattery
(c) humility
(d) arrogance
3. The person addressed is most likely a
(a) social worker
(b) government servant
(c) commercial agent
(d) foreign dignitary
4. The writer is asking his reader to accept
(a) great objects
(b) a respected position
(c) an official rank
(d) a significant assignment
5. ‘The great objects’ in the passage means
(a) Significant items
(b) Noble goals
(c) Precious merchandise
(d) Objects of praise
DIRECTIONS (Qs, 6-7) : In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase italicized and underlined in the sentence.
6. The project did not appear to hold out bright prospects,
(a) Highlight
(b) show
(c) Offer
(d) promise
7. I am afraid he is burning the candle at both ends and ruining his life.
(a) wasting his money
(b) becoming overgenerous
(c) overtaxing his energies
(d) losing his objectives
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 8-10): In questions given below, out of four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given word/sentence.
8. The custom or practice of having more than one husband at same time
(a) Polygyny
(b) Polyphony
(c) Polyandry
(d) Polvchromy
9. Tending to move away from the centre or axis
(a) Centrifugal
(b) Centripetal
(c) Axiomatic
(d) Awry
10. Teetotaller means
(a) One who abstains from theft
(b) One who abstains from meat
(c) One who abstains from taking wine
(d) One who abstains from malice
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 11-12) : In this section, you are required to spot errors in sentences. Each sentence is divided into three parts. Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any of the parts. No sentence has more than one error. Some of the sentences do not have any error When you find an error in a sentence, the letter indicated under that part of the sentence is the answer and therefore the same may be marked on the separate Answer Sheet. If there is no error in any part, mark (d) as the answer.
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 13-15) : Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence, three possible situations for the underlined part are given. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response on the Answer
Sheet against the corresponding letter (a), (b) or (c). If none of these substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as vow response on the Answer Sheet. Titus, a “No Improvement” response will he signified by the letter (d).
13. I am used to hard work.
(a) work hard
(b) work hardly
(c) hardworking
(d) No improvement
14. Twenty kilometers are not a great distance in these days of fast moving vehicles.
(a) is not a great distance
(b) is no distance
(c) aren’t a great distance
(d) No improvement
15. They were working as usually.
(a) usual
(b) as usual
(c) usually
(d) No improvement
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 16-17): Pick out the nearest correct meaning or synonym of the words given below:
16. RECUPERATE
(a) recapture
(b) delight
(c) recover
(d) overcome
17. ALMS
(a) blessings
(b) charity
(c) prayers
(d) worship
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 18-19): Pick out the opposite meaning or antonym of the words given below:
18. INDICT
(a) condemn
(b) reprimand
(c) acquit
(d) allege
19. VACILLATE
(a) amplify
(b) stimulate
(c) consistent
(d) eradicate
DIRECTIONS: (Qs. 20-21) choose the correct spelling of the given word.
20.
(a) Efflorascence
(b) Efflorescence
(c) Effloreseence
(d) Efloresccnce
21.
(a) Aliennate
(b) Allienate
(c) Alienate
(d) Alienatte
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 22-25): In the following question sentences are given with blanks to be filled with appropriate words.choose the correct alternative form the given option and indicate it
22. It is not fair to cast ……. on honest and innocent persons.
(a) aspiration
(b) aspersions
(e) inspiration
(d) adulation
23. No country can ……….to practice a constant, rigid foreign policy in view of the world power dynamics.
(a) obviate
(b) anticipate
(c) afford
(d) envisage
24. The skill and ease with which he repaired the machine proved that he is a an………….mechanic.
(a) able
(b) handy
(c) nimble
(d)competent
25. The prisoner was released on………..for good behavior
(a) probation
(b) bail
(c) parole
(d) ground
Hints & Solutions
1. (d)
The passage seems to be a part of someone’s personal letter as it is addressed at many places by the word ‘you’.
2. (a)
The tone of the author sounds quite official and serious.
3. (b)
The writer is talking in context of government service.
4. (c)
The writer asks his reader to accept ‘an official rank’.
5. (a)
The writer implies significant worldly items.
6. (c)
7. (c)
8. (c)
9. (a)
10. (c)
11. (c)
12. (d)
13. (a)
work hard is correct choice.
14. (a)
Twenty kilometers is not a great distance in these days of fast moving vehicles.
15. (b)
They were working as usual.
16.(c)
Once I fall ill, it takes me long to recuperate. That is, I take a long time to recover my health or strength after I have been ill.
17.(b)
When a cyclone affects an area, the people are deprived of their belongings. You then give them money, clothes, food etc. Such gifts to the poor and needy are called alms. Since, they are given out of charity (kindness and tolerance), these gifts are also known as charity.
18. (c)
Indict means to charge someone with a crime or something wrong. Accuse also means the same, acquit means to free of charge.
19. (d)
Vacillate means to move from one place to another and consistent means to stay the same, eradicate means to remove.
20. (b)
21. (c)
22. (b)
23. (c)
24. (d)
25. (d)
Practice Set – 3
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 1-4) : Each of the question in this section has a sentence with a blank space and four words given after the sentence. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your choice on the Answer Sheet.
1. An accomplice is a partner in_____
(a) business
(b) crime
(c) construction
(d) gambling
2. A person who pretends to be what he is not is called an____
(a) imbiber
(b) impresario
(c) imitator
(d) imposter
3. His____nature would not lot him leave his office before 5 p.m.
(a) honest
(b) selfish
(c) unscrupulous
(d) conscientious
4. The Committee’s appeal to the people for money____little response.
(a) evoked
(b) provided
(c) provoked
(d) prevented
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 5-6) : Each question below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most similar in meaning to the words in capital letters.
5. IMPETUS
(a) Courage
(b) Impatience
(c) Arrogance
(d) Driving energy
6. PHILANDERER
(a) Time waster
(b) Spendthrift
(c) Male flirt
(d) Wanderer
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 7-8): Each question below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most opposite in meaning to the words in capital letters.
7. PROCRASTINATE
(a) To be prompt
(b) To adjudicate
(c) To teach
(d) To help others
8. PROCLIVITY
(a) Speed
(b) Weakness
(c) Disgust
(d) Disinclination
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 9-13) : Read the passage and then answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.
PASSAGE
The New Year is a time for resolutions. Mentally at least, most of us could compile formidable lists of do’s and don’t s . The same old favorites recur year in and year out with monotonous regularity. Past experience has taught us that certain accomplishments are beyond attainment. If we remain inveterate smokers, it is only because we have so often experienced the frustration that results from failure. Most of us fail in our efforts at self-improvement because our schemes are too ambitious and we never have time to carry them out. We also make the fundamental error of announcing our resolutions to everybody so that we look even more foolish when we slip back into our old bad ways.
9. The author seems to think that others
(a) feel happy when we slip back to our old ways.
(b) do not really want us to improve ourselves.
(c) are ready to tease and laugh at our attempts.
(d) might embarrass us by praising our attempts.
10. The author says that most of us fail in our attempts at self-improvement because
(a) we set too high goals for ourselves.
(b) we do not have time to carry them out.
(c) our nature is such that we cannot become perfect.
(d) certain imperfections have become a part and parcel of our lives.
11. The author seems to imply that many are inveterate smokers because
(a) they have not really tried to give up smoking
(b) they know from past experience that they can never succeed in their attempt to give up
(c) they want to forget the frustration of not smoking
(d) they do not have the will power to stop smoking
12. The same old favorites recur … with monotonous regularity implies that
(a) we want to be so perfect that we include-some items regularly
(b) we have been so regularly doing certain things that they have become monotonous
(c) in spite of repeated failures, we still would like to try one more time
(d) some favorite actions if repeated often could become monotonous
13. The phrase formidable lists of do’s and don’ts means that
(a) the bad points of our character are formidable.
(b) the list is so long that it is frightening.
(c) the things that need to be included is frightening.
(d) the realization that we are so imperfect is frightening.
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 14-16): Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence, three possible substitutions for the underlined part are given. If one of them (i.e.) (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter (a), (b) or (c). If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response on the Answer Sheet. Thus,’No improvement’ response will be signified by the letter (d).
14. If I were you. I would do it at once.
(a) was
(b) am
(c) would be
(d) No improvement
15. They set a strong guard, lest anyone could escape.
(a) would
(b) might
(c) should
(d) No improvement
16. The matter called up an explanation of his conduct.
(a) out
(b) in
(c) for
(d) No improvement
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 17-19): Each question in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labeled (a), (b) and to. Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 20-21): In questions given below out of four alternatives, choose the one which can he substituted for the given word/sentence.
20. Extreme old age when a man behaves like a fool
(a) Imbecility
(b) Cataract
(c) Dotage
(d) Superannuation
21. That which cannot be corrected
(a) Unintelligible
(b) Indelible
(c) Illegible
(d) Incorrigible
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 22-23) : In the following questions four alternatives are given for the idiom,’phrase italicized and underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.
22. Sobhraj could be easily arrested because the police were tipped off in a advance.
(a) Toppled over
(b) Bribed
(c) Given advance information
(d) Threatened
23. I met him after a long time, but he gave me the cold shoulder.
(a) scolded me
(b) insulted me
(c) abused me
(d) ignored me
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 24-25): find the correctly spelt words.
24.
(a) Foreign
(b) Foreine
(c) Fariegn
(d) Forein
25.
(a) Omnuneous
(b) Omineous
(c) Ominous
(d) Omenous
Hints & Solutions
1. (b)
An accomplice is a partner in crime. Thus, option (b) is the answer.
2. (d)
Imposter is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain. Thus, option (d) is the answer.
3. (d)
Looking at the sentence, it is understood that the person is very hardworking. Thus, option (d) is the best answer.
4. (a)
Evoke means bring to mind and when a response is needed. Thus clearly option (a) is the answer.
5. (d)
‘Impetus’ means ‘something that encourages a process or activity.’
6. (c)
‘Philanderer’ means ‘a man who has sexual relations with different women. ’
7 (a)
‘Procrastinate’ means to delay or linger in a decision.’ Prompt’ means done without delay.
8. (d)
‘Proclivity’ means a natural tendency (or inclination)to do something. So. disinclination is the correct antonym.
9.(c)
The author says that we look even more foolish when we slip back into our old bad ways.
10.(b)
The author says we fail in our attempts because we never have time to carry them out.
11.(d)
The word inveterate means having a particular habit that is long-established and unlikely to change.
12.(c)
The author implies that despite our repeated failures we still try one more time.
13.(b)
The word formidable means inspiring fear or respect.
14.(d)
If I were you, I would do it at once.
15.(c)
They set a strong guard, lest anyone should escape.
16.(c)
The matter called for an explanation of his conduct. Incorrect preposition is used.
17.(b)
My detailed statement is respectfully submitted.
18.(a)
I have been waiting for my friend since morning.
19.(a)
He has been representing my constituency for the past five years.
20.(c)
21. (d)
22. (c)
23.(d)
24. (a)
25. (c)
Practice Set – 4
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 1-5): Read the passage, and then answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.
PASSAGE
Once upon a time, I went for a week’s holiday in the Continent with an Indian friend. We both enjoyed ourselves and were sorry when the week was over, but on parting our behavior was absolutely different. He was plunged in despair. He felt that because the holiday was over, all happiness was over until the world ended. He could not express his sorrow too much. But in me the Englishman came out strong. I could not see what there was to make a fuss about. It wasn’t as if we were parting forever or dying. “Buck up”, I said, “do buck up”. He refused to buck up, and I left him plunged in gloom.
1. What is the Continent in the context of the passage ?
(a) An island
(b) The countryside
(c) Africa
(d) Europe
2. What does the author mean by ‘buck up’ ?
(a) Buckle yourself up
(b) Stand up
(c) Cheer up
(d) Shut up
3. Why was the Indian friend plunged in despair ?
(a) He was hopeless
(b) He experienced racial discrimination
(c) He would never be so happy again
(d) He had spent lot of money
4. What does ‘But in me the Englishman came out strong’ imply ?
(a) He was a strong Englishman
(b) He had the typical English character
(c) The Englishman went out of him
(d) He started following Indian traditions
5. What is the author’s intention in the passage?
(a) To contrast the Indian character with the English character
(b) To show that an Indian is sorrowful
(c) To ridicule the Indian traditions
(d) To praise the Englishman
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 6-8) : In the following questions four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase italicized and underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of idiom/phrase.
6. He passed himself off as a noble man.
(a) Was regarded as
(b) Pretended to be
(c) Was thought to be
(d) Was looked upon
7. This matter has been hanging fire for the last many months and must therefore be decided one way or the other.
(a) going on slowly
(b) hotly debated
(c) stuck up
(d) ignored
8. In the armed forces, it is considered a great privilege to die in harness.
(a) die on a horse back
(b) die in the battlefield
(c) die while still working
(d) die with honour
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 9-11): In questions given below out of four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given word/sentence.
9. That which cannot be corrected
(a) Unintelligible
(b) Indelible
(c) illegible
(d) Incorrigible
10. The study of ancient societies
(a) Anthropology
(b) Archaeology
(c) History
(d) Ethnology
11. A person of good understanding knowledge and reasoning power
(a) Expert
(b) Intellectual
(c) Snob
(d) Literate
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 12-14) : Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence, three possible substitutions for the underlined part are given. If one of them (i.e.,) (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter (a), (b) or(c). If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response on the Answer Sheet. Thus, ‘No improvement’ response will be signified by the letter (d).
12. The accused refused having murdered anybody.
(a) disagreed
(b) denied
(c) declaimed
(d) No improvement
13. We need honest workers, not people of redoubtable integrity.
(a) doubting
(b) doubtful
(c) doubtless
(d) No improvement
14. By the time he arrived, everybody had gone home
(a) when he arrived
(b) at which he arrived
(c) by which he arrived
(d) No improvement
DIRECTIONS (Q. 15-17): Each of the following items is followed by four words or group of words. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or group of words.
15.The prisoner showed no ____for his crimes.
(a) hatred
(b) obstinacy
(c) remorse
(d) anger
16.It is inconceivable that subjected to physical_____in many schools children are in the name of discipline.
(a) violation
(b) exercise
(c) violence
(d) security
17.We have not yet fully realized the_____ of the war consequences
(a) happy
(b) pleasing
(c) grim
(d) exciting
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 18-19) : Each question below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most similar in meaning to the words in capital letters.
18. GLEAN
(a) To groom
(b) To gather bit by bit
(c) To discover
(d) To polish
19. TACTILE
(a) Considerate
(b) Strong
(c) Sharp
(d) Pertaining to the organs of touch
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 20-21): Each questions below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most opposite in meaning to the words in capital letters.
20. DEFERENTIAL
(a) Discount
(b) Disrespectful
(c) Preconception
(d) Acute
21. FELICITOUS
(a) Unfriendly
(b) Uneasy
(c) Unheard of
(d) Inappropriate
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 22-23) : Find the correctly spelt words.
22.
(a) Excessive
(b) Exccessive
(c) Exxcesive
(d) Excesive
23.
(a) Indipensable
(b) Indipenseble
(c) Indispansible
(d) Indispensable
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 24-25) : In this section, you are required to spot errors in sentences. Each sentence is divided into three parts. Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any of the parts. No sentence has more than one error. Some of the sentences do not have any error. When you find an error in a sentence, the letter indicated under that part of the sentence is the answer and therefore the same may be marked on the separate Answer Sheet. If there is no error in any part, mark (d) as the answer.
Hints & Solutions
1. (d)
The author narrates the story in the context of Europe.
2. (c)
Buck up is an expression for the word cheer up.
3. (a)
The Indian friend was being hopeless because the holiday was over.
4. (b)
The author describes the typical English character.
5. (b)
The author is trying to highlight the sorrows of Indian character.
6. (b)
7. (a)
8. (c)
9. (d)
10. (b)
11. (b)
12. (b)
The accused denied having murdered anybody. When you refuse something ii means you do not accept it. To refuse to do something is to say that you won’t do that. Where as to deny is something is not true. To deny somebody something is to refuse to give it to them.
13. (b)
We need honest workers, not people of doubtful integrity.
Redoubtable (adj.) (Of a person): causing fear and respect
Doubtful: Uncertain, undecided and contingent, often use to admitting of doubt.
14. (d)
By the time he arrived, everybody had gone home.
15. (c)
Remorse is an emotion/action/feeling after the crime is done.
16. (c)
If it would have been ‘security’ then it would have been ‘provided’ in the statement not ‘subjected’ Exercise does not fit. Violation (to breech) is also out of place. Use of ‘physical’ in statement indicates ‘violence’. It fits best in the blank.
17. (c)
War is a negative word and it is synonym with mass destruction, death hence, certainly has grim consequences. Happy, Pleasing, exciting all have positive sense; so can not be linked with war.
18. (b)
‘Glean’means‘to gather ears of corn left’.
19. (d)
‘Tactile’means connecting with your sense of touch.
20. (b)
‘Deferential’ means behavior that shows respect.
21. (d)
‘Felicitous’ means very suitable or giving a good result.
22. (a)
23. (d)
24. (b)
They sit by the window and watch the traffic.
25. (d)
I started early for the station lest I should miss the train.
Practice Sets – 5
DIRECTIONS (Q. 1-2): Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or group of words.
1. Happiness consists in being what we have?
(a) contented to
(b) contented with
(c) contented for
(d) contented in
2. His rude behaviour is a his organization.
(a) disgrace for
(b) disgrace on
(c) disgrace upon
(d) disgrace to
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 3-7) : Read the passage and then answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the content of the passage and opinion of the author only.
PASSAGE
While I stood drinking in the beauty of this placid scene, I became conscious of an alteration. In a moment, the sole porter emerged from his midday nap, operated a signal that clanked noisily into position, and then ambled slowly towards me for my return-half- ticket, whilst I remarked that his red amiable face and easygoing gait were in perfect harmony with the tranquil surroundings. A wisp of smoke on the horizon with a dark snake crawling beneath it announced the approach of the train. As it drew nearer, the deep silence of the place was gradually displaced by a creaking of brakes and a hissing of steam. Save for myself, no one entered the train and no one alighted. The porter with leisurely expertness, trundled a couple of milk chums on board, the door was slammed, the guard signaled to the driver, and we moved off, leaving the small station once more to its drowsy silence.
3. The meaning of drowsy is
(a) Untidy
(b) Sleepy
(c) Freezing
(d) Drugged
4. The central idea of the passage is
(a) Leisure and Peace
(b) Flurry and Noise
(c) Activity
(d) The Porter
5. Who had a midday nap ?
(a) The author
(b) The passenger
(c) The Station-master
(d) The porter
6.Who/what does first break the silence of the station ?
(a) The train
(b) The porter
(c) The passenger
(d) Milk chums
7. What does the author suggest by the word ‘placid’ ?
(a) The scene was filled with noise of the train
(b) The place was filled with lively humanity
(c) The place was quite and lonely
(d) The horizon looked smoke laden
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 8-10): Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence, three possible situations for the underlined part are given. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response on the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter (a), (b) or (c). If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d) as your response on the Answer Sheet. Thus, “No improvement” response will be signified by the letter (d).
8. Those are your new shoes, aren’t they ?
(a) isn’t it ?
(b) is it so ?
(c) are they ?
(d) No improvement
9. He told to us everything he knew.
(a) us everything he knew
(b) us everything he is knowing
(c) us everything he was knowing
(d) No improvement
10. Unless you do not work hard, you won’t succeed in life.
(a) cannot work hard
(b) will not work hard
(c) work hard
(d) No improvement
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 11-13) : In this section, you are required to spot errors in sentences. Each sentence is divided into three parts. Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any of the parts. No sentence has more than one error. Some of the sentences do not have any error When you find an error in a sentence, the letter indicated under that part of the sentence is the answer and therefore the same may be marked on the separate Answer Sheet. If there is no error in any part, response will be signified by the letter (d).
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 14-16): In questions given below out of four alternatives choose the one which can be substituted for the given word/sentence.
14. A place where bees are kept in called
(a) An apiary
(b) A mole
(a) A hive
(d) A sanctury
15.A religious discourse
(a) Preach
(b) Stanza
(c) Sanctorum
(d) Sermon
16.Parts of a country behind the coast or a river’s banks
(a) Isthmus
(b) Archipelago
(c) Hinterland
(d) Swamps
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 17-18): Each questions below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most similar in meaning to the words in capital letters.
17. PALPABLE
(a) Trembling
(b) Weak
(c) Obvious
(d) Foolish
18. USURP
(a) To climb upon
(b) to yield
(c) To seize power or position illegally
(d) To demand unlawfully high interest on a loan
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 19-20): Each questions below consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or group of words. Select the word or group of words that is most opposite in meaning to the words in capital letters.
19. OUTLANDISH
(a) Modem
(b) Moderate
(c) Disrespectful
(d) Coward
20. ABSOLVE
(a) To remember someone fondly
(b) To imitate someone
(c) To pretend
(d) To declare someone guilty
DIRECTIONS (Qs. 21-23) : In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase printed in underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.
21. I cannot get along with a man who plays fast and loose.
(a) behaves in an unreliable and insincere way
(b) has a loose tongue
(c) lives a life of ease and luxury
(d) does not know how to behave himself
22. There is no love lost between two neighbors.
(a) close friendship
(b) cool indifference
(c) intense dislike
(d) a love hate relationship
23. Why do you wish to tread on the toes?
(a) To give offense to them
(b) To follow them grudgingly
(c) To treat them indifferently
(d) To be kicked by them
DIRECTIONS: (Qs. 24-25) Choose the correct spelling of the given word.
24.
(a) Forefiet
(b) Forefeit
(c) Forfeit
(d) Forfiet
25.
(a) Comemorate
(b) Commemmorate
(c) Momemmorate
(d) Commemorate
Hints & Solutions
1.(b)
‘With’ is used for ‘contentment’. All other options are not valid and do not have any sense.
2.(b)
‘Disgrace to’ is perfect as per Standard English Usage.’for’ can be used with disgrace as – ‘His behaviour is a disgrace for all the love showered by society to his acts.’ In this type of question, it is very important to read and reread the sentence to get the true sense of the situation described in the statement.
3.(b)
The word drowsy means half-asleep or sleepy.
4.(a)
The author talks about the leisure and peace he was experiencing.
5.(d)
The author mentions “In a moment the sole porter emerged from his midday nap”
6.(b)
The author mentions a reference to the porter by “operated a signal that clanked noisily into position”.
7.(c)
The word placid means pleasantly calm or peaceful; unruffled; tranquil; serenely quiet or undisturbed.
8.(d)
As are has been used in the first part of the sentence,the negating second part must have a compatible ’ negative word which is obviously aren’t, hence, option (d) as no improvement is required.
9.(a)
A basic grammar rule requires not to follow ‘to’ after 20. using told as it already implies said to. Rest everything is correct making option (a) the correct choice.
10.(c)
Unless means if not and it cannot follow a negative statement (double negative). Hence, do not work hard should be replaced with work hard. Thus option (c) is the answer.
11.(b)
I wanted to see whether they had actually read the notes.
12.(c)
They made him treasurer because they considered him honest and efficient.
13.(b)
Having finished the paper early he had come out of the hall almost an hour before the bell rang.
14.(a)
15.(d)
A talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible.
16.(c)
17.(c)
‘Palpable’ means easily noticed.
18.(c)
Usurp means to seize prower or position of somebody else without right.
19.(a)
‘ Outlandish ’ means odd or strange.
20.(d)
‘Absolve’ means to state officially that someone is not guilty.
21.(a)
22. (c)
23. (a)
24. (c)
25. (d)
Leave a Reply