Directions: (Q.1-7) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is 5.
1. A truly great artist seeks creative expression (1)/ when he is overwhelmed from (2)/ the spontaneous overflow (3)/ of feelings. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: 2 (Replace 'from' with 'by')
2. Beethoven, the greatest music wizard, (1)/ suffered from serious oral handicaps (2)/ but it did not stop from (3)/ composing the most beautiful music ever written. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: 3 (Add 'him' after 'stop'.)
3. Everyone likes to work under perfect (1)/ conditions but if that can not be created, then (2)/ one should learn to adopt and adjust (3)/ with ease to ensure that the work is not affected. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: 2 (Replace 'that' with 'those'.)
4. If we want to acquire experience (1)/ we have to learn to swim ourselves (2)/ instead just collecting pearls of wisdom (3)/ through reading books. (4)/ No errors (5).
Ans: 3 (Add 'of' after 'instead')
5. Just as a book is not judged (1)/ by cover similarly (2)/ an attractive face is no guarantee (3)/ of a beautiful heart. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: 2 (Add 'its' after 'by'.)
6. Indecisiveness is in fact a serious flaw (1)/ in one's character (2)/ that can lead to (3)/ his downfall. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: 4 (Replace 'his' with 'ones')
7. Though we cannot deny the importance of (1)/ books in guiding our lives, it cannot replace (2)/ the first hand knowledge acquired (3)/ through our own real life experiences. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: 2 (Replace 'it' with 'they')
Q.No. 1-7 (Meanings): Wizard = enchanter, magician
Adapt = accommodate, coordinate, fit
Flaw = mistake; Deny = refuse
Overwhelm = overflow
Spontaneous = voluntary, willing
Directions (Q.8-11): In each of the following questions, a sentence has been given with some of its part in bold. To make the sentence correct, you have to replace the bold part with the correct alternative given below. If the sentence is correct as it is, mark (5) as your answer.
8. Today's school children increase use technology even for home work and are benefiting from the helpful educational devices on tablets and smart phones.
1) increase using technology even for
2) increasingly use technology even for
3) use increasing technology for
4) increase use of technology even if
5) No correction required
Ans: increasingly use technology even for
9. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has brought not only to the office of presidency dignity and decorum but also added grace to the highest executive post.
1) has brought to the office not only
2) has brought not only the office
3) not has only brought to the office
4) has not only brought to the office
5) No correction required
Ans: has not only brought to the office
10. Natwar Singh has been a loyalist since he was the first IFS officer inducted to be in Indira Gandhi's PMO.
1) to be inducted in 2) inducted in to be
3) to be inducted 4) being inducted in 5) No correction required
Ans: to be inducted in
11. The Prime Minister is yet to be decided on his number two cabinet minister who will officiate in his absence.
1) yet will be decided 2) is yet to decide
3) is yet decided 4) is decided yet 5) No correction required
Ans: is yet to decide
Q.No. 8-11 (Meanings): Oral = concerning mouth
Decorum = dignity
Grace = beauty, refinement
Loyalist = one who is obedient
Induct = introduce, include
Officiate = act, perform, serve
Directions (Q12-15): The following questions consist of a single sentence with one blank only. You are given six words denoted by A, B, C, D, E and F as answer choices and from the six choices you have to pick two correct answers, either of which will make the sentence meaningfully complete.
12. ...... the Washington Post corrected the story to say that the comments on the article first appeared in Caravan.
A. Subsequently B. Previously C. Later D. When E. After F. Now
1) A and E 2) A and C 3) B and C 4) E and F 5) B and D
Ans: A and C
13. In a statement, the anticorruption ..... reiterated its demand for investigation by a three-judge Special Investigation Team.
A. Party B. Wing C. Leader D. Outfit E. People F. Brigade
1) A and B 2) A and E 3) C and F 4) B and D 5) B and E
Ans: B and D
14. Plans of restricting cyberspace by censoring contents that are ..... and defamatory by government standards is debatable.
A. decent B. obscene C. obscure D. nebulous E. vulgar F. obsolete
1) A and B 2) B and E 3) C and E 4) D and F 5) D and E
Ans: B and E
15. A gang of robbers ...... the Forest Ranger all of a sudden.
A. felicitated B. garlanded C. assaulted
D. honoured E. attacked F. demoralised
1) B and C 2) A and E 3) C and E 4) D and F 5) A and D
Ans: C and E
Q.No. 12-15 (Meanings): Subsequently = later on
Reiterate = renew, repeat
Outfit = a group of people who work as a team
Brigade = group of soldiers
Defamatory = abusive, make unpopular
Debatable = doubtful; Obscene = indecent;
Obscure = dim, hide; Nebulous = hazy,
obscure; Obsolete = old, disused
Felicitate = congratulate, compliment
Demoralise = depress, dishearten
Assault = attack, charge; Honour = respect
Directions (Q.16-20): Rearrange the following six sentences, (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions given below.
A. Consequently, after you achieve success, if you further want to continue your journey of success, you can discover another goal and mission.
B. Success is a continuous process or journey and there is no end to this journey in life.
C. And, those who are genuinely tempted with passion, for them quite often opportunities smile at their door.
D. Therefore, you should not mingle your thoughts and decisions that is end after reached a particular destination.
E. But, before making another move it is important to integrate all your sources and foresee your workable projects and also their prospects to continue your journey of success.
F. Only destinations may keep on changing one after another in the space of time.
16. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
1) A 2) B 3) C 4) D 5) E
Ans: B
17. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement?
1) B 2) C 3) D 4) F 5) E
Ans: F
18. Which of the following should be the LAST sentence after rearrangement?
1) C 2) D 3) E 4) F 5) A
Ans: C
19. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement?
1) F 2) E 3) C 4) A 5) D
Ans: D
20. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement?
1) F 2) A 3) E 4) B 5) D
Ans: E
Q.No. 16-20 (Meanings): Consequently = as a result of
Genuinely = really; Integrate = combine
Foresee = expect, anticipate; Mingle = mix
Directions (Q.20-30): In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against, each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case. I wanted to ..(21).. myself a sweater. When I asked my mother for some wool, she directed me to the old cloth bag under the stairs. This was the bag ..(22).. which my mother had over the years ..(23).. all the remains from sweaters, scarves, cardigans and gloves that she had knitted for herself ..(24).. the family. When I opened the bag I screamed "What a mess!" All the wool had tangled itself into a huge knot. I said to my mother, ''It's hopeless. All the wool is so badly mixed. ..(25).. can I ever detangle it, let alone knit a sweater from it?" She smiled and said, ''It's easier ..(26).. you think. All you have to do is to look for the easiest knot and undo that. ..(27).. that is done, the next knot will be easier. Just keep on doing this, until all the wool is unravelled. ''I ..(28).. as my mother had told me to, and sooner than I had thought, the wool started to loosen and different contours ..(29).. to emerge. Very soon, instead of one huge untidy bunch of wool, I had several meat balls in ...(30).. of me.
21. 1) own 2) does 3) have 4) prepared 5) knit
Ans: knit
22. 1) from 2) on 3) to 4) for 5) in
Ans: in
23. 1) put 2) keep 3) managed 4) installed 5) hide
Ans: put
24. 1) and 2) with 3) apart 4) aside 5) beside
Ans: and
25. 1) How 2) What 3) Where 4) Why 5) Which
Ans: How
26. 1) that 2) than 3) more 4) those 5) also
Ans: than
27. 1) with 2) along 3) where 4) then 5) once
Ans: once
28. 1) try 2) follow 3) decided 4) did 5) listened
Ans: did
29. 1) began 2) see 3) could 4) came 5) starts
Ans: began
30. 1) search 2) reward 3) close 4) front 5) awe
Ans: front
Q.No. 21-30 (Meanings): Remains = things which are leftout
Cardigan = a knitted jacket fastened at the front with buttons.
Tangled = knotted; Knit = to weave
Scream = cry in fear or amazement
Undo = remove the knot
Unravel = straighten, untwist
Contour = outline, sketch; Untidy = dirty;
Awe = fear; Detangle = remove knots
Emerge = appear, come out
In the questions related to passages, paragraphs comes from National newspapers and 'The Hindu' is the most loved newspaper by question paper setters. If you really want to improve your score then read newspaper everyday.
Directions (Q. 1-7): Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (5).
1. The challenge for us (1)/ is to engage with a potential (2)/ customer early so we can (3)/ sell him the entire range. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: customer early so we can
Key:
Write 'that' after 'so'.
2. Employees, whom (1)/ we had met, echoed (2)/ the sentiments expressed (3)/ by the C.E.O. of the company. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: Employees, whom
Key:
Write 'the' before 'employees'.
3. He walked to the market (1)/ with both his servants (2)/ on either side of his (3)/ to help him buy things. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: on either side of his
Key:
Replace 'him' with 'his'.
4. Ravi, who has been (1)/ driving all day (2)/ was extremely tired (3)/ and wanted to stop. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: Ravi, who has been
Key:
It should be 'who had been'.
5. My secretary is so (1)/ careful of her work that (2)/ none has so far found (3)/ any error in her work 4)/ No error (5).
Ans: careful of her work that
Key:
Replace 'of' with 'in'.
6. My opinion is that (1)/ between Swamy and (2)/ Sekhar, Swamy is (3)/ the most efficient lecturer. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: the most efficient lecturer.
Key:
It should be 'more efficient'.
7. We decided to (1)/ dedicate this article on the women (2)/ who have been instrumental in (3)/ training generations of young girls to create healthy atmosphere. (4) / No error (5).
Ans: dedicate this article on the women
Key:
Replace 'on' with to.
Meaning:
Potential Customer = Future Customer
Echo= Resound
Directions (Q. 8-12): In each of the following questions four words are given of which two words are most nearly the same or opposite in meaning. Find the two words which are most nearly or opposite in meaning and indicate the number of correct letter combination.
8. (A) Expand (B) Proclaimed (C) Shrunk (D) Facilitated
Ans: A-C
Key:
Opposite
9. (A) Interminable (B) Long (C) Endless (D) Interfering
Ans: A-C
Key:
Same
10. (A) Indelible (B) Erasable (C) Insignificant (D) Temporary
Ans: A-B
Key:
Opposite
11. (A) Intangible (B) Restless (C) Vast (D) Meagre
Ans: C-D
Key:
Opposite
12. (A) Surfaced (B) Nurtured (C) Created (D) Developed
Ans: B-D
Key:
Same
Meaning:
Proclaim = To say something publicly
Shrunk = Became small
Facilitate = To make it easier for an activity to happen
Interminable = Endless
Indelible = Impossible to remove or forget.
Insignificant = Unimportant
Intangible = Indefinable
Vast = Large; Meagre = Small
Nurture = To feed or take care of a child.
Directions (Q. 13-15): In each of the following questions there is a sentence with a phrase / idiom printed in bold, followed by five options. Find out the option which expresses the meaning of the phrase / idiom correctly.
13. To buy books without knowing syllabus is like putting the cart before the horse.
1) reversing the proper order of events. 2) invite dictatorship
3) accelerate a backward movement 4) indulge in an unrealistic proposition.
5) None of these
Ans: reversing the proper order of events.
14. Kiran was taken aback by the news that he had not been selected.
1) strike 2) terror-stricken 3) surprised and upset 4) fainted 5) enchanted.
Ans: surprised and upset
15. Not a single insulting remark caused a ripple on the surface of her composure.
1) caused anger 2) had a noticeable effect
3) caused injury 4) evoked attention 5) None of these.
Ans: had a noticeable effect
Meaning:
Fainted = Fell unconscious
Enchanted = Attracted
Ripple = Small wave; Evoke = Create
Directions (Q. 16-20):
Rearrange the following five sentences A, B, C, D and E in the proper sequence so as to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
A. The purpose of this review is to offload public investments from certain low priority areas.
B. The government has decided in principle to throw open to the private sector industries served for the public sector.
C. Only those industries are proposed to be reserved for the public sector which fall in the high priority areas.
D. In addition, the government is also engaged in a review of the existing portfolio of public investment.
E. This will enable the government to abolish the monopoly of any sector in the field of manufacture except these priority areas.
16. Which sentence should come SECOND in the paragraph?
1) A 2) B 3) C 4) D 5) E
Ans: 3
17. Which Sentence should come LAST in the paragraph?
1) A 2) B 3) C 4) D 5) E
Ans: 1
18. Which sentence should come FOURTH in the paragraph?
1) A 2) B 3) C 4) D 5) E
Ans: 4
19. Which sentence should come FIRST in the paragraph?
1) A 2) B 3) C 4) D 5) E
Ans: 2
20. Which sentence should come THIRD in the paragraph?
1) A 2) B 3) C 4) D 5) E
Ans: 5
Meaning:
Monopoly = Something that belongs to one person or a group.
Offload = To get rid of something that you do not need.
Composure = Tranquility, calmness of mind.
Directions (Q. 21-30): In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
Gandhiji once said, "I would say if the village perishes, India will perish too. It will be ...(21)... more India. Her own mission in the world will get ...(22)... . The ...(23)... of the village is possible only when it is no more ...(24)... . Industrialisation on mass scale will ...(25)... lead to passive or active exploitation of the villagers as the problem ...(26)... competition and marketing come in. Therefore, we have to ...(27)... on the village being self-contained, manufacturing mainly for use. Provided this character of the village industry is ...(28)..., there would be no objection to villages using even the modern machines and tools that they can make and ...(29)... to use. Only they ...(30)... not be used as a means of exploitation of others."
21. 1) certainly 2) scarcely 3) much 4) no 5) any
Ans: no
22. 1) lost 2) extension 3) elevated 4) flourished 5) jeopartly
Ans: lost
23. 1) rehabilitation 2) pruning 3) revival 4) devastation 5) attainment
Ans: revival
24. 1) denuded 2) exploited 3) contaminated 4) populated 5) ruined
Ans: exploited
25. 1) passionately 2) surprisingly 3) scarcely 4) never 5) necessarily
Ans: necessarily
26. 1) forming 2) enhancing 3) between 4) of 5) with
Ans: of
27. 1) concentrate 2) ponder 3) Imagine 4) ensure 5) decide
Ans: concentrate
28. 1) regained 2) neglected 3) maintained 4) thwarted 5) abolished
Ans: maintained
29. 1) prepare 2) afford 3) hesitate 4) propose 5) plan
Ans: afford
30. 1) can 2) could 3) need 4) would 5) should
Ans: should
Meaning:
Perish = Get destroyed
Exploitation = Using one's service for personal gain.
Self-contained = Something that is complete in itself.
Scarcely = Almost not
Flourish = Improve; Elevated = Went up;
Jeopardy = Danger
Rehabilitation = Making someone better.
Prune = to cut branches to look beautiful
Revive = to bring someone back to normal position.
Devastation = Destruction'
Attainment = The act of fulfiling
Denude = To cut trees;
Enhance = Increase
Ponder = To think deeply
Thwart = To stop; Afford = To give
There are a few tips for Reading Comprehension section:
¤ Read the questions first: Once you go through the questions that are asked below the paragraph you can at least have an idea where to stop at the passage.
¤Get involved with what you read: The best way to understand the meaning of the paragraph is to divulge yourself completely while reading the paragraph so that you don’t miss any detail.
Directions (Q. 1 - 5): Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (5).
1. The union leaders say (1)/ that they would (2)/ prefer to fight (3)/ rather than surrender. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: No error.
Exp: In the construction 'prefer .... rather than', 'prefer' takes full infinitive but 'rather than' takes 'bare infinitive'.
2. Ravi, who is upright (1)/ says to me, (2)/ "I had sooner resign than to flatter (3)/ my boss." (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: It should be "I had sooner resign than flatter".
Exp: In the construction 'sooner ..... than' a bare infinitive is used before and after 'than'.
3. To a boarder who expresses (1)/ his displeasure, the cook says (2)/ that it is not (3)/ so easy to cook as to eat. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: Delete 'to' before 'eat'.
Exp: In the construction 'not so .... as', 'as' takes a bare infinitive.
4. To have a respite (1)/ from monotonous work (2)/ the principal said to the lecturers, (3)/ "Why not to have a picnic." (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: Delete 'to' before 'have'.
Exp: Expressions like 'Why hire a taxi / Why not start now/ Why worry/ Why not have' take a bare infinitive.
5. As she does (1)/ nothing except (2)/ to talk all the time, (3)/ she is admonished by her boss. (4)/ No error (5).
Ans: Delete 'to' before 'except'.
Exp: In this construction, 'except' takes a bare infinitive.
Directions (Q. 6 - 10): In the following questions a sentence has been given with some of its parts in bold. To make the sentence grammatically correct, you have to replace the bold part with the correct alternative given below. If the sentence is correct as it is, your answer is 5) i.e., No correction required.
6. I went to the collectorate in order submit my documents.
1) in order to submit 2) in order submitting 3) in order of submittings
4) in the order to submit 5) No correction required
Ans: 1
Exp: 'In order to' is used to express a specific purpose.
7. She longed for returning to India after twenty years abroad.
1) long for returning 2) long after returning 3) longed for return
4) longed to return 5) No correction required
Ans: 4
Exp: The verb 'long' (desire) take an infinitive as object or complement.
8. He is glad seeing his friend.
1) glad for seeing 2) glad to see 3) glad on seeing
4) glad by seeing 5) No correction required
Ans: 2
Exp: The adjective 'glad' takes on 'infinitive.'
9. The manager obliged to help.
1) obliged me to help 2) obliged to me to help 3) has obliged to help
4) obliges to help 5) No correction required
Ans: 1
Exp: The verb 'oblige' take object + infinitive.
10. He likes playing the violin at the reception.
1) play the violin 2) to playing the violin 3) to play the violin
4) at playing the violin 5) No correction required
Ans: 3
Exp: An 'infinitive' refers to an action on a particular occasion but a 'gerund' indicates a habitual action.
Directions (Q.11 - 15): In each question below is given a sentence with four words printed in bold type. These are numbered as 1), 2), 3) and 4). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The number of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate, mark 5) as your answer.
11. On an average (1)/ there very few persons willingly (2)/ to take on (3)/ such responsibility. (4)/ All correct (5).
Ans: It should be 'willing'.
12. Today banks offer (1)/ the facility (2)/ of instint (3)/ transfer of funds to customers. (4)/ All correct (5).
Ans: It should be 'instant'.
13. Mr. Preetham refused to acknawledge (1)/ that he had committed (2)/ an error (3)/ while take the decision. (4)/ All correct (5).
Ans: It should be 'acknowledge'.
14. Rising (1)/ prices (2)/ of food grains will have an adverse (3)/ impact on developing countries. (4)/ All correct (5).
Ans: All are correct.
15. It is the gole of all (1)/ to acquire (2)/ a position of (3)/ authority and respect within the organization. (4)/ All correct (5).
Ans: It should be 'goal'.
Directions (Q. 16 - 20): In each of the following questions four words are given of which two are most nearly the same or opposite in meaning. Find the two words which are most nearly the same or opposite in meaning and find the number of the correct letter combination.
16. A) Fallacy B) Adage C) Dictum D) Endorse
1) B-D 2) C-D 3) B-C 4) A-D 5) A-B
Ans: B-C (Same)
17. A) Prophetic B) Strange C) Poor D) Sterling
1) A-B 2) C-D 3) B-D 4) A-D 5) B-C
Ans: C-D (Opposite)
18. A) Timid B) Conceited C) Humane D) Modest
1) A-C 2) B-D 3) B-C 4) A-D 5) C-D
Ans: B-D (Opposite)
19. A) Feed B) Avoid C) Hoick D) Eschew
1) B-D 2) A-B 3) A-C 4) A-D 5) C-D
Ans: B-D (Same)
20. A) Enormous B) Malign C) Absorb D) Slander
1) A-C 2) B-C 3) C-D 4) B-D 5) A-D
Ans: B-D (Same)
Directions (Q. 21-25): Rearrange the following six sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions given below them.
(A) We were interested by contrast in understanding what lessons actual teams and non-teams had for others to choose to struggle with change and performance.
(B) Still, we suspected that most of these focussed on persuading readers that "teams are important."
(C) After all we thought 'teams' are a wellknown subject and there must be a thousand books on the subject already.
(D) By going down this path we hoped to discover something to say that was different from most books on the subject.
(E) We approached the idea of a book on teams cautiously.
(F) Alternatively they focussed on providing you advice on building teams as an objective in itself.
21. Which is the SECOND sentence after rearrangement?
1) A 2) B 3) F 4) C 5) D
Ans: 4
22. Which is the FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
1) E 2) A 3) B 4) C 5) D
Ans: 1
23. Which is the THIRD sentence after rearrangement?
1) E 2) C 3) B 4) F 5) D
Ans: 3
24. Which is the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement?
1) C 2) D 3) B 4) F 5) A
Ans: 5
25. Which is the LAST sentence after rearrangement?
1) C 2) D 3) E 4) F 5) B
Ans: 2
Directions (Q. 26 - 35): In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words are suggested one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
Man has always considered himself to be the ruler of his planet. This ..(1).. and superiority feeling has made him look down ..(2).. other creatures who co-exist with human on this earth. The so called civilized human race has ..(3).. and ill-treated small and large animal species and birds in an attempt to prove ..(4)... It is common knowledge that ..(5).. number of animals have been ..(6).. for centuries under the ..(7).. of conducting scientific experiments or for sports. Till recently, in the ..(8).. of scientific experiments, many animals have been ..(9).. to dissection and ..(10).. in the laboratory.
26. Appropriate word in the place of "1"?
1) pleasure 2) fact 3) achievement 4) force 5) arrogance
Ans: 5
27. Appropriate word in the place of "2"?
1) in 2) upon 3) with 4) for 5) into
Ans: 2
28. Appropriate word in the place of "3"?
1) criticised 2) devalued 3) protected 4) abused 5) enlarged
Ans: 4
29. Appropriate word in the place of "4"?
1) supremacy 2) wisdom 3) cleverness 4) instinct 5) possession
Ans: 1
30. Appropriate word in the place of "5"?
1) tall 2) plenty 3) countless 4) diverse 5) numerous
Ans: 3
31. Appropriate word in the place of "6"?
1) tortured 2) exposed 3) treated 4) vanished 5) extinct
Ans: 1
32. Appropriate word in the place of "7"?
1) projection 2) criticism 3) pretext 4) game 5) sturdy
Ans: 3
33. Appropriate word in the place of "8"?
1) matter 2) set 3) scheme 4) virtue 5) name
Ans: 5
34. Appropriate word in the place of "9"?
1) confined 2) subjected 3) condemned 4) allied 5) performed
Ans: 2
35. Appropriate word in the place of "10"?
1) cruelty 2) deformation 3) study 4) vivisection 5) proliferation
Ans: 4
