Question Papers of Previous Competition Examinations (English Section ) Duly Solved & Answers with Explanations -- CHAPTER-TWO

STATE BANK OF INDIA SPECIALIST OFFICER (IT) -

Examination 2016  

 Question Paper  (English Section)  (Based on examinee's memory)  

  (On Line Held on January 17, 2016 -------- Fully solved)    (Answers with explanations)

Directions  (Q. Nos. 51 - 55 ) : For the given questions, there are blanks followed by options for them. Choose the most suitable option for the provided blank.

51. Soon, a gentle long press of the digit 9 on your existing mobile phone will            send an immediate.............to the police as the government rolls out the                 panic button................

a.  figures, system     b. alarm, gear     c. result steady     d. alert, facility      e. signals, system.  

52. Citizens can now ..........of various government services by .......up                            simplified forms that may be compressed to a single paper.

a.  opt, cleaning    b.profit, adding    c. yield, drawing      d.benefit, writing    e. deal, steady.

53. Around 400 dabbawalas have started an ..........called 'Rob Bank'                               to........criminal wastage of food at social functions. 

a.initiative, prevent    b. associate, stop   c. effort, abrupt   d. program, halt   e. attempt, deal. 

54. ............Intense  use of energy and materials, levels of pollution are............low       in developed economies.

a. In spite of, beyond    b. Without, between    c. Despite , relatively     d. Regardless, still e.Notwithstanding, dangerous.  

55. Phases of economic uncertainty........to be a reminder about .........

having a financial plan and sticking to it are important.

a. seems, when    b. incline, how    c.serve, what    d.tend, why      e. fall, which 

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ANSWERS (51-55)

Answers  (51 – 55 ) :

51. (d) : a. &  e figures & signals (plural)  do not fit well with ….an (singular)                    immediate.b.& c. gear & steady are not the  correct words. 

52. (d) a.,b,c,e Words like opt profit yield and deal do not fit well with preposition…of. Also words like cleaning, adding and steady also are not correct here.

53. Out of all options initiative fits well with ….started an and prevent is also correct word .

54. (c) b & e between and dangerous are incorrect. D. Regardless also does not suit here. Out of a & c , c is correct because despite is used in negative sense, here first clause of sentence is against the second clause.

55. (d) a. with word Phases verb seems is incorrect. B. Incline with ..to be and e. which with …having are incorrect. Out of b & c Tend is correct and why also fits here. 

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Directions  (56 - 60 ) : In the given sentences, there is an error in one of the         parts, The part that contains an error is your answer.In case there is no error, then choose 'No error' as your answer. (ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.)

56.  It was evident that/ the man could not control/his emotions as he thanked/ the donor's family for saving his life.

a. It was evident that
b. the man could not control
c.his emotions as he thanked
d. the donor's family for saving his life.
e. No error

57.  Eating a lot of/ processed meat can/ led to micro-nutrient deficiencies/ and cause  hunger. 

a.Eating a lot of

b. processed meat can

c. led to micro-nutrient deficiencies

d. and cause  hunger. 

e. No error

58.Children will/ be provided  with/ energy-dense oral nutritional supplements/ and medicines.

a. Children will 

 b.be provided  with

c. energy-dense oral nutritional supplements

d. and medicines.

e. No error 

59. Aided by the cheerful company/ of her new found friends/ the actress opens up about/ coming to terms on her father's demise. 

a.Aided by the cheerful company
b. of her new found friends
c. the actress opens up about
d coming to terms on her father's demise. 
e.No error

60. Ministers and officers have been/asked on refraining from/ making any statement which could/ damage the peace process. 

a.Ministers and officers have been

b. asked on refraining from

c. making any statement which could

d. damage the peace process. 

e.No error.

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ANSWERS (56-60)

56. (e). This sentence is correct.

57.  (c) After a modal 'can' first form of a verb – 'lead' is used. The word led is incorrect.

58. (c) The part of the  sentence – the children will be provided with…… supplements and medicines is incorrect. The adjective used energy-dense and oral are incorrect.It should be food  supplements.

59. (a) Two clauses of the sentences have different tense formations. Aided…..opens.

60 (b) ……asked on refraining from is incorrect. Asked to refrain from ……

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Directions  (Q. Nos. 61 - 65 ) : In each question below a part of the sentence is printed in bold type. The part printed in bold type may contain an error. Below each sentence four phrases are  given as (a) (b) (c) and (d). One of these can substitute the part of the sentence in bold type to correct it. The letter of that part is the answer. If the part of the sentence which is  printed in bold  type is correct as it is, mark (e) i.e. ‘no correction required’ as your answer.

61. If you are one of those who actually include vegetables from the diet chances are you may just have to rein your carnivorous instincts.

 (a) has to rein  (b) had to reining   (c) rein in  (d) have to rein in   (e) No correction required.

62. Good air quality fundamentally is to good health and the authorities should also let people know this.

 (a)  is  fundamental   (b) fundamentally   (c) fundamental  is (d) is fundamentally  (e) No correction required.

63. Many upset fans took to social media to expressing their angst over the secret meeting.

(a) angst expressing  (b) express their angst  (c) expressed (d) express angst on (e) No correction required.

64. Depression, clinical or physiological, takes a great toll  on your system in more ways then ones.

 (a) more ways than one. (b) most ways (c) many ways and one (d) many way then  (e) No correction required

65. Even the many of  diligent and health conscious  people end up giving in to temptation.

 (a) Most of  (b)  Every  (c) Even the most   (d) Each of the  (e) No correction required

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ANSWERS  (61 – 65 ) :

61. (d) the correct word is to rein in.

62. (a) Good air …….is fundamental to good health.

63. (b) to……..express their angst over….

64. (a) ……more ways than one.

65. (c)  Even the most diligent and……..

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Directions  ( Q. No. 66 - 75 ) : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions. Certain words/phrases are given in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions. 

Earlier this year, Indonesia's President promised a 'massive deregulation' aimed at attracting foreign investment. Outsiders were thrilled. His predecessor left the country's business climate choking on what Adam Schwartz, an consultant, calls "a regulatory miasma" that strongly discouraged investment, whereas the new President, has openly courted foreign capital. Over the past six weeks his administration has unveiled a series of deregulatory measures. The government made it easier for foreigners to open bank accounts, struck down import restrictions on goods such as tyres and cosmetics that were designed to protect local industries, and eliminated some onerous and silly business regulations. No longer, for instance, must Indonesian language labels be affixed to imported goods before they arrive; now they can be printed in Indonesia and attached before public circulation.The time required to process some investment permits  was cut and taxes were cut for exporters who deposit foreign exchange revenue in Indonesia or convert it into rupiah -- a move to shore up the country's wobbly currency .

These are the sort of simple , practical measures that are completely and directly felt by industry. And to its credit ,Indonesia has resisted the temptation to panic in the face of  a plunging currency and rising bond yields. It has, for instance, maintained fiscal discipline  

-- aided by a law that caps the budget deficit at 3%. Markets nonetheless seem unconvinced. The rupiah continued its slide after the first two announcements. It has recovered some ground this month, along with other emerging market currencies, but has still fallen by 8% against the dollar this year. Economic growth is at its slowest since 2009. Nobody doubts the new deregulatory measures are better than nothing, but they are hardly "massive". One foreign businessman, long resident in Indonesia , assesses them as resulting from "bureaucrats   talking to themselves about how we can be a better bureaucracy rather than how we can be more receptive to foreign investment." For the most part, the President's new measures remove regulations that should never have been implemented in the first place. They neither fundamentally change Indonesia's investment climate nor signal to investors that Indonesia is preparing for bigger reforms.

Indonesia's negative investment list, which details the sectors that are barred to foreign capital, remains sizeable. Hiring foreigners is still a burdensome process : one rule requires businesses to hire ten Indonesians for every foreign worker.Businesses complain that bureaucrats pass rules hastily, without even trying to understand their effect on the private sector. A rule banning metal-ore exports remains in place and will continue to remain s; it was intended to encourage  domestic  smelting industry but instead has cost thousands of jobs and billions in export revenue.

Infrastructure development--- the centrepiece of the President's ambitious economic plans--has begun to pick up but only after severe delays, and the programme remains well below its targets for this year.Perhaps the most damaging is a pervasive sense  of disarray. Policies  are announced and then scrapped, whether because of objections that should have been aired before, as with a law  to force foreigners to pass alanguage test, oor  because they conflict with  other plans, as happened with a proposed road tax. Ministeries seemm to pass rules independently, without consulting each other or the President Decentralisation --meaning a huge devolution  of power   from the national government to the regional level-- may have held the country together in the  early 2000s, but today  it impedes infrastructure development and hinders policy co-ordination. Poor communication from the President compounds these problems. The good  news, as Mr. Schwarznotes, " is thatt country has come to an intersection and the President has said. : I've got to do something different because what we'he been doing isn't working." These bold words are welcome. But bold  actions would be better still.   

66. Which of the  following can be inferred from passage?

a. Indonesia's new government is adept at communications and implementing schemes.

b. Indonesia has too many unnecessary regulatory procedures and systems.

c. Indonesian economy is heavily dependent on exports of goods like cosmetics.

d. The current government has no intention of truly reforming Indonesia. 

e. None of the given options can be inferred from the passage.

67. Why according to the author, are foreign investors  not attracted  to Indonesia?

A. Time consuming regulations

B. Stock Market Crash in 2009

C. Lack of political stability 

a.  Only A  b. Only B   c. A, B and C   d. A and  C e. B and C

68. Choose the  word which is most nearly the same in meaning to the word 'Discipline' given in bold as used in the passage.

a. Punishment b. Specially  c. Order  d. Classification e. Train

69.According to the author how can the Inodnesian economy regain health?

a. Putting a brake on the massive reform agenda.

b. Removal of concessions to exporters.

c. Stricter control of the private sector.

d. Ensure stability by implementing the previous government's policies.

e. Other than those given as options.

70. According to the passage, which of the following is/are (a) measures that has/have been implemented by the present inclination government?

A. Reduction in imports to reduce the fiscal deficit.

B. Reducing the red tape for business.

C. Opening up of the mining sector by encouraging foreign investment in it.

(a.) Only A  (b.) Only B  (c.)  A. B and C ( d.)  A and C (e.) B and C 

71. Which of the following is the central idea of the passage?

a. Indonesia needs more meaningful and developing reforms to boost economic growth.

b. Indonesia's present government is not doing enough and should be voted out of power.

c. Indonesia is headed for a financial crash and foreign investors are pulling out quickly.

d. Indonesia's reforms are too radical in nature and must destabilise  its economy. 

e. Other than those given as options.

 72.What do the statistics cited about Indonesia's economy reveal ?

a. Indonesia's economy was not affected by the financial crisis of 2008. 

b. The measures taken by Indonesia's  government have ensured economic recovery.

c. The Indonesian government has not revealed the true extent of its economic recession.

d. Indonesian economy is  not flourishing at present outside the government's efforts.

e. Other than those  given as options.

73.Choose the  word which is most opposite in meaning to the word 'Pervasi ve' given in bold as used in the passage.  

a. Invasive b. Determinant c. Restrictive d. Insensitive e. Continual.

74. Which of the following describes Indonesia's labour market at present? 

a. Its labour force iis not skilled and foreign workers are much in demand.

b. It will provide employment to millions of workers in the mining industry.

c.  It provides the right of locale at the cost of hiring foreign workers.

d. It has implemented an ambitious programme to skill indonesian workers.

e. Not clearly mentioned in the passage.

75. Which of the following best describes the author's views of Indonesia's attempt at decentralisation of powers?

a. It has been well implemented as the President cannot interfere at the regional level.

b.It will foster corruption and has hampere.d development of the lucrative mining industry.

c. It has many ministries accountable for their decisions and improved coordination among       them.

d. It is a bod move which he hopes will succeed when implemented.

e. None of the above.
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ANSWERS ( 66-75) :

66. (b) This statement is the answer as in the passage it is said that “ business climate in the country was choking……due to  "a regulatory miasma" that strongly discouraged investment,

67. (a) Foreign investment was discouraged due to unnecessary regulations in the country.

68.(c) Punishment , specially and classification are incorrect. Financial discipline means to regulate financial transactions. So order is correct answer.

69  (e) All these statements do not conform to measures adopted by Indonesian government.

70. (a) Fiscal discipline is observed to cap the budget deficit.

71. (a)  The President said”I have to do some thing different becausewhat we have been doing is not working.”……bold actions would  be better still.

72. (d) The facts stated in the stanza confirms this.

73.  (c) Pervasive has its dictionary meaning ‘covering all’. Opposite to it out of given words is restrictive.

74.  (c) The lines….businesses to hire ten Indonesians for every foreign worker…..confirm this fact.

75. (a) … a huge devolution of power from the national government to regional level.

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Directions (76-85)  : In the following passage, there are blanks,each of which has been numbered. Against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case. 

Many  multinationals believe that they understand and have tried to ……..76……….. the serious risks posed by operating in China-intellectual-property-rights violations, corruption,lack of transparency, potential political instability…..77…….one of thr highest risks of all China’s massive environmental degradation……78…….discussed in corporate boardrooms. China’s environmental problems are …..79…… the point where they could …..80……. its GDP growth. Its State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) concluded in June 2006 that environmental and pollution……..81……..the Chinese economy the equivalent of 10%  of GDP annually. This figure is echoed in more specific costs reported in  the Chinese press : up to $36 billion in lost industrial output from a lack of water to run factories, $13 billion from the degradation and health impact of acid rain, $6 billion from the spread of desert regions, and the list goes on.The effect on the population is ………82……. Already more than 400000 people die each year as result of the country’s air pollution, according to environmental experts and an estimated 190 million people drink water so contaminated that it makes them sick. Some 40 million people have had to migrate because their local ecology can no longer…….83……. them. The Chinese leadership is now concerned that environmental……84…..is leading to social unrest. The domestic media reported 50000 environmental protests in 2005. Such protests are usually small in scale, but some have engaged upwards of 30000 to 40000 people, some have been violent and they are increasing in……85……..       

76. a. elevate b.mitigate c.amplify d.cure e. relieve

77. a.because b.thus c. yet d. till e.untill

78. a.almost b.scanty c. popularly  d. just e. barely

79. a. reaching b. beyond c. arriving  d. joining  e. coming

80.a. stay b. drive c.curl d.constrain e.migrate

81.a.compensate b. amount c.cost d.accrue e.violent

82.a. alarming  b.distressed  c. countering d. delightful 

      e.shoddy

83.a. approve b.bare c. harm d. sustain e.survive

84.a. leading b.causing c. appealing d. advancing e.bulging

85.a.frequent b.number c.sum d. numerical e.representation.

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ANSWERS  (76 – 85 ) :

76. (b) Mitigate means to reduce. Elevate amplify mean to increase. Cure and relieve do not fit here.

77. (c) all other are incorrect here.

78. (e) barely means openly that fits here.

79. (a) is the correct option.

80. (d) constrain means restrict

81. (c) is the correct option.

82. (a) all other options are not correct.

83. (d) sustain means to carry on or to continue.

84. (e) all other words are repetition of the word leading. Bulging means filled up or full

85. (b) … they are increasing in number.

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NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED - ASSISTANT  --  Examination 2016  

 Question Paper  (English Section)  (Based on examinee's memory)  

  (On Line Held in March, 2016 -------- Fully solved)    (Answers with explanations)

Directions  (Q. Nos. 41 - 45 ) : In each of the following  questions, a sentence with four words in bold type is given. One of these four words 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. That word is your answer. If all the words given in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context sentence, mark 'All correct' as your answer.

41. The guessed took undue advantage of our hospitality and refused to leave.

a. guessed b.undue c.advantage d.hospitality e.All correct.

42. As days passed by, the health of the old man gradually weakened.

a. passed b. health c.gradually d.weakened e.All correct

43. On seeing the ripe fruit kept in the bowl  he could not resist the urge to take a byte of it.

a. bowl b.resist c. urge d.byte e.All correct
44. He vondered  how the lizard  had managed to survive behind the wall for so many years.

a. vondered b. lizard  c.managed d.survive   e.All correct.

45. It was a crowded flight and one of its passengers was beautiful lady who had bordered with a lot of luggage.

a.crowded b.flight c.passengers d.bordered e. All are correct
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ANSWERS (41-45) :

41. a The word 'guessed' is incorrect here. It should be 'guests'
42. d. '..the health ......weakened'  is  incorrect. It should be' ..the health...deteriorated.'
43.d. 'byte' is spelled incorrect here. it should be 'bite'.
44. a. 'vondered' is spelled wrongly here. It should be 'wondered.'
45. d. Instead of 'bordered' the correct word is 'boarded' i.e. '....boarded the aeroplane' .

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Directions  (Q. Nos. 46 - 50 )  Rearrange  the following five sentences A,B,C, D and E in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph, then answer the given questions.

A. It was always breaking its  string down on the tops of houses, getting stuck  in trees and refusing to rise higher than a yard from the ground.

B. As a result, they were obliged to fly day and night for a living and were never able to give any time to their children or to bring them up properly.

C. Perhaps they were very poor people,just made of newspaper and little bits of common string knotted together.    

D. I have often sat and thought about this behaviour of the kite and wondered who its father and mother was.

E. It was the most tiresome kite in the world.

46. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after arrangement?

a.A b.B c.C d.E e. D.

47. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after arrangement?

a.A b.B c.C d.D e.E.

48. Which of the following should be the  LAST (FIFTH) sentence after arrangement?

a.A b.B c.C d.E e. D.

49. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after arrangement?

a.A b.B c.C d.D e.E.

50. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after arrangement?

a.A b.B c.C d.E e. D.

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ANSWERS (46-50) :

In such questions, mostly   there is a line containing central point,idea, thought or a personality about which a paragraph is written Try to locate the sentence which contains such matter. That sentence forms the first or the last sentence of the paragraph.

2. There are two methods to describe the central idea. First the aforesaid sentence forms the  opening sentence. Thereafter the sentences following that give logical description or details of that. In second method some facts are given in the opening sentences of the paragraph and the remaining sentences follow it. Try to find out the sentence containing the central idea, thought or description and arrange the remaining sentences accordingly. 

3. Sentences containing proper nouns i.e. names of persons,places or buildings etc or abstract nouns like qualities i.e. goodness or beauty etc come in the opening line or in the few starting lines of the paragraph.

From the above lines, it is clear that the sentence marked 'D' starts the discussion about a kite. This is first sentence.The sentences 'A' and  'E'describe the kite further thereby placed second and third. 'C' and 'B' describe the people involved in kite making. So these are fourth and fifth. Accordingly answers to the given questions are:

46. (C) 47. (a)48. (b) 49.(e) 50 (d).

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Directions  (Q. Nos. 51 - 60 ): Read the following passage carefully and anser the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

King Harish loved  his people and looked after the affairs of the kingdom well. One day he and his Minister Chandan took a stroll through the market. People were buying and selling and there were no beggars to be seen anywhere. The king was delighted to see the prosperity of his kingdom. He turned to Chandan and said, " I want to check firsthand how content my people are. Summon people from all walks of life to court."  The next day the king arrived at court and said," As your king, I want to know if all of you are happy. Do you have enough for your needs?" The citizens looked at each other, thought and one-by-one came forward to say that kitchens have enough  food, their trade was going well, their wells were overflowing  and the king had kept them safe.

The King was pleased  at this but Chandan had a frown and he whispered something to the king. The king was  astonished but seeing Chandan was serious.He turned to the court and made an announcement, " I am delighted you are all happy. "  Tomorrow I want all the happy people to gather at the gate of the royal garden. You have to enter the garden from the main gate, walk across and meet me by the rear of the garden. Each of you will be given a sack   and you can pick whatever your heat desires." The crowd was excited as no one was usually allowed access to the king's garden which was said to be filled with all kinds of beautiful and strange plants. 

Next day everyone gathered at the gate of the palace garden well before time. At the appointed time, the guards opened the gates and handed out sacks. Citizens began roaming around the garden and filled their sacks with the juicy apples, pomegranates, grapes and mangoes hanging from trees. But as they walked further into the garden they saw trees laden with gold and silver fruits. 

 They began madly filling their  sacks with those precious fruits. Everyone forgot that they had enough for  their needs at home and the fruits they had picked earlier were thrown on the ground forgotten and left to rot. Then with their sacks filled to the top the citizens made their way to the rear gate but they found a rushing stream blocking their path. The current was strong and as there were no boats, the only way to cross was to swim across.

But how could they swim with laden sacks. All stood by the stream except one young man who simply abandoned his sack and swim across. Angry and unhappy the others refused to cross. The King was sad and said ,"Yesterday all of you said you were happy but today you are distressed."  Turning to  the young man who was smiling he asked, " tell me why are you not sad?" "Sir, I picked some tasty fruits for my precious daughter but when I saw no other way across, I did not think twice about leaving these  behind. I am happy you let us wander around in your garden."   

51. Choose the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning to the word 'Serious' given in bold as used in the passage.

a. Minor b.Unimportant c.Joking d.Acute e.Slight 

52.  What was Chandan's reaction to the people's claim that they were happy?

a. He was suspected it wasn't true and wanted to prove it to everyone.

b. He was thrilled and urged the king to reward the people.

c. He was jealous of their happiness and poisoned the King''s mind against them.

d. He knew they were lying and had them punished severely.

e. Other than those given as options.

53. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning to the word 'Serious' given in bold as used in the passage.

a. Much b.Healthy c.Glowing d.Fine e.Thriving 

54.Why were people  happy  to hear they could spend a day in the palace garden?

a. They were keen to spend time with the king.

b. They were starving and would get the chance to get exquisite fruits.

c. It was opportunity to rest and spend time with each other.

d. They were curious to see the garden.

e. Not clearly mentioned in the passage.

55.Which of the following can be said about the youngman?

a.He cared for his daughter.

b. He was happy with his happy lot in life.

c.  He insulted and made a fool of the king.

A. a & b  B. Only a C. Only B  D. b &c  E. All of these

56. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage?

a. The King distrusted his subjects as they were dishonest.

b. Chandan was more powerful and wiser than the king.

c. The kingdom was  prosperous  because the king banished the poor people.

d. The king trusted Chandan and took his counsel.

e. None of the given statements is true in the context of the passage.

57. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning to the word 'Serious' given in bold as used in the passage.

a. Intensely b.Incredibly c. Wildly d. Slowly e. Laughingly

58. Choose the word which is most nearly the opposite in meaning to the word 'Strange' given in bold as used in the passage.

a. Remarkable  b. Unseen  c. Exceptional  d. Artificial  e. Familiar

59. Why did people throw away the bags of fresh  fruit they had picked?

a. They realised that the King had tricked them.

b. They found that these were too heavy to take across the river.

c. They realised that the King may be angry if he saw how greedy they were.

d. They discovered that the fruit looked good but were rotten on the inside.

e.. They were tempted by something more valuable.

60.  Which of the following can be the lesson of the story ?

a. Intelligence is the greatest virtue.

b. True happiness comes from within not from possessions.

c. Think before you speak your mind,others may get into trouble.

d. Be ambitious and aim for the best things in life.

e. Nothing is given for free, everything has a cost. 

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ANSWERS (51-60) :


51. (c) Serious means grim or grave. Its opposite out of given options is  joking.
52. (a) All other options are not according to the passage.
53. (d)  ...looking after....well. 'well' is adverb qualifying 'look after' Options b,c & e have different meaning. Out of a & d fine is the correct answer.
 54. (d) In the passage it is said ........the crowd was excited ...no one was allowed access...garden ....filed with strange plants....
  55. (a) It is said in the passage ......fruits for my precious daughter. It is also true that... I am happy you let us wander ...around...your garden.
 56.(d) All options except (d ) do ont conform to the matter of the passage.
57.(b) All other options have different meanings and are not according to the passage.
58.(e) Strange means odd or different from ordinary. It is opposite to familiar.
59.(e) They wanted precious fruits instead of ordinary fruits.
60.(b) This is appropriate option as is also evident from the case of the young man.
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Directions (Q. Nos.61 - 65)  Which of the given five  words should fill the blanks in the sentences to make them grammatically and meaningful ?

61. We don't  want to make your journey...........by making you sit next to someone with whom you are not comfortable.

a. successful b. unpleasant c. favourite d. worthy e.tired.

62. All the children were ............as the school had announced an unexpected holiday.

a. lone  b. ecstatic  c.joy  d. danced   e. requesting

63. Since Momo's  hunger could not be satisfied, he  .......to eat, everything around. 


a. begins  b. started  c. commence  d.want   e. make

64. The boy felt.........after a long day's work.

a. tire   b. ached  c. exhausted d. sleeping   e. home

65. One day, ............serving dinner, the old man whose hands and legs shivered, split food on the table. 

a. since  b. how  c.while  d. then  e.for

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ANSWERS (61-65) :

61. b. Here a negative word according to 'not comfortable' is required. 

62. b. ecstatic meaning happy is the correct word.

63. b. As the sentence is in past tense, started is the correct word here.

64. c Here exhausted meaning tired is  the correct word.

65. c. Out of given options while is the correct word

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Directions (Q. Nos.66 - 70) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical mistake/error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark the part with the error as your answer. If there is no error, mark 'No error' as your answer. Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.   

66. A fox watched a/ wild boar was sharpened/his tusks on the/trunk of a huge tree.

a. fox watched a b.wild boar was sharpened  c.his tusks on the  d.trunk of a huge tree.

e.No error.

67.  A fisherman had/been fishing for/a longtime/ but without luckily.

a.A fisherman had b.been fishing for c.a longtime d.but without luckily.e.No error.

68. The lazy grasshopper laughed /at the little ant /as  she was /busy gathering food.

a. The lazy grasshopper laughed b. at the little aunt c. as  she was d. busy gathering food. e.No error.

69. In the olden days, the camel /was considered/ the much handsome animals /in the jungle.
a. In the olden days, the camel  b. was considered  c.the much handsome animals  d. in the jungle.  e.No error.

70.The Oak tree always/ thought that it was /much stronger than/ any other trees in  the garden.
a.The Oak tree always b.thought that it was  c. much stronger than d. other trees in  the garden. e.No error.
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ANSWERS (66-70) :

66.b. Instead of 'was sharpened 'sharpening' is correct word.
67. d. Here a noun instead of adverb is required, So 'without luck' is correct.
68. d busy in gathering food is the correct option.
69. c. in place of 'much' 'most handsome animal' is correct.
70. d.' any other tree in the garden' is correct.
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Directions (Q. Nos.71 - 80) In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. against  each number, five words are suggested. one of which fits the blank appropriately. find the appropriate word in each case.


Once the Wind and the Sun were quarelling.....71....... a petty issue. Both of them .....72..... to be stronger........73.......... the other. At last they agreed to have a trial of strength. " here comes a traveller. Let us see what can strip him of his cloak . " said the Sun. The Wind agreed and .....74........ to take the first turn. He blew in the hardest possible way. As a ......75......the traveler  wrapped his cloak  even more.......76........ around him. Then came the Sun, at first he shone very.......77.........so , the traveller loosened his cloak from his neck. But then he went on shining brighter and brighter. The traveller started.......78........hot. Soonb he took off his cloak and put it in his bag. the Wind had  to........79........his .......80.........


71. a. over b.in  c. above  d. off e.across.

72. a. said b. claimed c. desire d. privileged e.state

73. a. then b. more c.than d. by e.them.

74. a. picking b. select c. chose d. resolve e. willing

75. a. effect b. circumstance c. conclusion d. result e.return.

76. a. staff b. deeply c. slowly d. directly e.tightly.

77. a. lighter b.mildly c. dim d. heavy e.softer.

78. a.experiencing b. loving c. enjoyed d. senses e.feeling. 

79. a. accept b. ask c. give  d. conquer e.secure.

80. a. give b. belief c. defeat d. launch e. include. 


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ANSWERS (71-80) :

71. a. Quarrel is followed by preposition'over'.
72. b. The passage is in past tense so desire and state are incorrect. Out of the remaining claimed is correct.
73.c. For a comparative degree of 'stronger' , than is correct word.
74. c. As past tense is required, select and resolve are incorrect. Picking and willing are also not appropriate.  Chose is the correct word.
75. d. Out of all these, result is the correct word.
76.  e. staff, deeply, slowly and directly do not fit here. tightly is the correct word.
77. b  Here an adverb with verb shone is required.  Mildly is the correct word. 
78. e. Here participle after verb started is required. feeling is the correct word.
79. a. 80 c Here accept defeat are correct options.
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BPS  PO/MT CWE -V - Main  Examination 

Question Paper  (English Section)  (Based on examinee's memory)  

(Held on October 31, 2015 -------- Fully solved) 

(Answers with explanations)

Directions  (51 - 55 ) : In the given sentences, there are two blank spaces. Below each sentence five pairs of words have been given. Find out which pair of words can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to make the sentence meaningfully complete.  

51. The incident has ...................severe damage to the ...........of the employees.

(1)  resulted, optimism (2) led, emotions (3) produced, conduct (4) contributed, integrity

(5) caused, morale.

52. .............investing in technology, the company has been........to compete globally.

(1) For, trying (2) Despite, gradual  (3) While, clear  (4)Since, enable (5) By, able

53. The root..........of slow reduction in poverty is ........of investment in agriculture.

(1)  purpose, increase (2) reason, hike  (3) cause, lack  (4) effect, incidence

(5) Consequence, plunge.

54. You have unfairly ..............his success to the fact that he is well.............

(1) reduced, behaved (2) doubted, adjusted (3) excused, educated  (4) attributed,connected (5) rated, known

55. To...........the problems of the region it is...........to interact with the local people.

(1) discover, necessity (2) understand, essential(3)  research, advice (4) manage, needful

(5) focus, better

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ANSWERS  (51 – 55 ) :

51. (5)  1.2 & 4 words resulted, led and contributed require a preposition to connect with the                remaining part of the sentence.Out of 3 & 5, 5 is the correct option to be used here.
 52. (5) 1 & 2 For and despite do not give correct meaning in the sentence. 3 &4 clear and                     enable are correct words according to the sentence. 5 is correct option.
53. (3) Out of all the given words, cause is the correct word to be used with root. Lack is                        also correct.

54. (4) 1 &3 By using reduced and excused correct meaning is not inferred. 2.adjusted also                  does not fit here.out of 4 & 5 , 4 is the correct option.

55. (2) 1 & 3 words discover and research do not fit here.4. needful is also incorrect. 5. with                  focus a preposition is required. Understand and essential fit well here.
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Directions  (56 - 60 ) : Read these  sentences to find out whether  there is any error in them. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence.Yhat part is the answer. If there is no error, mark "No error" as the answer. (Ignore the error of punctuation, if any ).

56. Santosh succeed/(1) due to the encouragement/ (2) of friends,relatives/ (3) and well wishers (4) No error (5).

57.One of the foremost/(1)challenges faced by/ (2) the company is that of/(3) and well-wishers./(4) No error (5).

58.We aren't bothered/(1) as long as / (2)they don't interfere/ (3) with ours freedom(4) No error (5).

59. The two-part documentary /(1) is a critique of the education system/ (2) and its impacting (3) on upliftment of women./(4) No error (5).

60.All the Airlines is/ (1)using the increased awareness / (2) about security to impose a new/ (3) code of  conduct among passengers.(4) No error (5).

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ANSWERS  (56 – 60 ) :

56.(1) Santosh is singular & sentence is  in present tense, so  it should be 'succeeds'and in                   past tense it should be 'succeeded'.As the action has already taken place so 'succeeded'             is correct.
57.(2) Here error is of verb with subject.
58. (4) Instead of ours it should be our.
59. (3) Instead of impacting it should be impact.
60.(1) With 'all' it should be 'are' instead of 'is'.
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Directions  (61 - 65 ) : In the given sentences, one word has been given in bold. Below the sentences, five words are suggested, one of which can replace the word given in bold without changing the meaning of the sentences. Find out the  appropriate word in the given sentences.      

61. The content of this passage relates to the Mughal period.

  (1) depicts (2) shows (3) seems (4) happens (5) pertains

62.  Nilima's  husband compelled her to give up her job.

(1) cautioned (2) forced (3) protected  (4) restricted  (5) continued

63.  Rahul played well to third rank in  the competition.

(1) finish (2) find  (3) number  (4) establish  (5) get

64.  It was evident that the gold ring was stolen by the domestic servant.

(1) unknown (2) reveal (3) agreed  (4) clear  (5)proof

65.  The sad tale narrated by the distressed woman affected everyone.

 (1) contacted (2) realised (3) touched  (4) surprised  (5) cautioned
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ANSWERS  (61 – 65 ) :


61.(5) Relates has the same meaning as pertains.
62. (2)Compelled means forced.
63.(3) Rank has the same meaning as number grade or position.
64.(4) evident means 'is visible' or 'it seems' Clear is the correct word here.
65.(3)Affected means  'had effect on mind' or 'touched the heart'.

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Directions  (66 - 75 ) : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below. Certain words are given in bold the passage to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

By the mid-nineteenth century, the educated Indian had become sufficiently aware of both his rich historical heritage and the abject state of his current existence, Nostalgia and a sense of racial identity grew as Indians gradually perceived the oppressiveness of alien rule. In the early nineteenth century, Orientalist scholars associated with the Fort William college, Kolkata helped considerably to unearth several obscure Indian texts and traditions, thereby also creating a new awareness and sensitivity among Indians about their cultural heritage.

In the first half of the nineteenth century, particular in some parts of the country, patriotism was not grossly inconsistent with an undisguised support for the continuation of British rule. Writers of this period from this part of the country made repeated references to how the British had 'rescued' India from many centuries of 'tyrannical' and 'unprogressive' governance  of earlier rulers. Many people of this time, in fact, made an important distinction between the pragmatic gains to be made from a short-term tutelage under British rule and a long-term objective of securing independence from it.Through such thoughts ultimately proved to be naive  and over-optimistic. In the 1820s and 1830s, the advantages of British rule seemed to outweigh its disadvantages. In a letter written in 1823 to Governor General Lord Amherst, an Indian social reformer Raja  Rammohan Roy (1774-1833) opposed an official move to open a Sanskrit college on the ground that it would produce no positive or progressive influence on the educated Hindu. He felt rather than indulge in abstract metaphysical speculation as was likely to be the result of a purely Sanskritik education, Indians would profit far more by imbibing the  best of modern European civilization -- pragmatism and a rational, scientific outlook. Social  usefuleness more than anything else was now to be the true measure of things. In fact, his emphasis on rationality and a commonsense approach to religion led some of his friends and admirers to call him a 'religious utilitarian'.

66. According to the passage, what was the contribution of early nineteenth century orientalist scholars?

1. Pointing out deficiencies in the study of Sanskrit.

2. Criticising the study of Indian texts and traditions.

3. Encouraging students to get admission in For William College.

4. Creating awareness and sensitivity about Indian culture.

5. Making Indians  adequately nostalgic.

67. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word 'NAIVE' as used in the passage.

1. Abstract

2. Speculative

3. Hypothetical

4. Wise

5. Lasting

68. In the first half of the nineteenth century, writers from some parts of the century.........

1. started appreciating the work of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

2. appreciated the British rule from rescuing India from the way it was ruled by previous              rulers.

3. proclaimed themselves as patriotic writers who could save India from cultural aggression.

4. realised the importance of careful  and systematic study of ancient Indian texts.

5. provided tacit but strong support to the liberation movement.

69.  Which awareness had dawned on Indians by the mid-nineteenth century ?

1. The long term advantages of British rule.

2. Rationalistic attitude towards living.

3. Rich historical heritage.

(1.) only 1   (2.)only 2  (3.) 1 & 2  (4) 2 & 3 ( 5.) only 3

70. According to the passage, what did Raja Rammohan Roy feel about pure Sanskrit                     education?

1. It would imbibe the best of spiritual Indian civilization.

2. It would create awareness of our true cultural heritage.

3. It would generate nostalgia and strong racial identity.

4. It would help enhance patriotism among people.

5. It would spread abstract metaphysical education.

71. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word "ABJECT" as used in         the passage.

         1. Negative 2. Exalted 3. Absolute 4. Scarce 5. Virtual

72. Which thoughts, according to the passage, proved imprudent and over optimistic?

1. It was better for India to have British rule in the short-term?

2. Making a distinction between short-term and long-term objectives.

3. The ideal of patriotism and independence among Indians.

4. Indians would profit more by Sanskrit education.

5. Racial identity is crucial for political independence.

73. According to the passage, which of the following was opposed Raja Ram Mohan Roy?

1. The tradition of 'Sati' and 'Child marriage'.

2. Intolerance of Indians in governance.

3. Official move to open a Sanskrit college.

4. Orientalist scholars joining Fort William College.

5. Rapid growth of English as a principal medium of instruction.

74. According to the passage , which factor brought a sense of racial identity among the                 Indians?

1. Increasing understanding of the Indian education system.

2. Economic equality among the people.

3. Growing harshness of the British rule.

4. Regional imbalance between India and its neighbour.

5. Growing religious fundamentalism among the people.

75.Choose the word which is  similar in meaning  as the word "TUTELAGE" as used in            the passage.

         1. Protection 2. Measure  3. Planning  4. Contribution 5. Strategy
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ANSWERS  (66 – 75 ) :

66. (4) Oriental scholars……unearth ..obscure Indian texts and traditions……creating new awareness…..about their cultural heritage.

67.(4) naïve means inexperienced..opposite is wise.

68. (2) Writers…..how the British..rescued India from…..

69 (4) …the ..Indian…aware of….rich historical heritage….abject…state                             

          of  existence.

70. (5)  …..felt rather ….indulge in abstract metaphysical speculation…..

71.(2) Abject means unpleasant, not dignified …opposite -exalted meaning high, lofty or dignified.

72. (2)….gains….from..short term…..British rule ….long term objective of securing independence……

73 (3)….Raja Ram Mohan Roy …opposed ……..move..open a Sanskrit college……

74(3)..a sense of racial identity grew…..perceived oppressiveness of alien rule.

75.(1) Tutelage means protection.

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  Directions  (76 - 80 ) : Which of  the phrases given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the given sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is and no correction is required, mark "No correction required" as your answer. 

76. According to our analysis, allocation for the agriculture sector being high from last year.

1. as high as  2. is higher than 3. was higher to  4.  can be high   5. No correction required.

77. He did not invest wisely and has lost his entirely life savings.

1. entire life savings 2. life savings entirely 3. savings for entire life 4. entire lifetime of savings 5, No correction required.

78. It would be worthwhile to educate teenagers about the consequences of drinking to drive.

1. drunk for driving 2. drunk and driving 3. drunk to drive 4. drinking and driving 5. No correction required.

79. Hearing rumours of a fraud, investors begun to pull out their money in panic.

1. beginning pulling out 2. began putting in 3. will begin by putting 4. began to pull out 5. No correction required.

80. There is a large number of employees whom took the option of voluntary retirement.

1. who is taken 2. which taken 3. who took 4. that will be taken 5, No correction required.
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ANSWERS  (76 – 80 ) :

76(2) For comparison of this year to last year, comparative degree of high, higher is required.

77.(1) meaning… all savings made during his life…..

78. (4) As both actions are simultaneous…both verbs in same forms are required.

79. (4) Past tense of verb is required…began to pull out….

80.(3) ‘employees’ is in Subject case so who instead of whom is correct.

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Directions  (81 - 90 ) : In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Against each number, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. find out the appropriate word in each case.

Schools all over India......81.........'Children's Day' on 14th November every year. It was this day that our.......82....... first Prime Minister was .......83.........His .......84.......had come down from Kashmir to rich plains below. Kaul had been his.....85........name. this changed to Kaul Nehru , and in .......86.........years. Kaul was......87.........and he became simple Nehru. Jawahar Lal Nehru was the.....88......son of his prosperous parents. And so he grew up and spent his early years as a .......89.....child with no .....90.......of his age.

81.  (1) consider (2)regard  (3) celebrate  (4) enjoy  (5)respect

82.  (1) great (2)only   (3) formerly  (4) importantly  (5) arrogant

83.  (1)chose  (2) rejected(3) decided  (4) selected  (5) born

84.  (1) descendant  (2) ancestors (3) following(4)colleague (5) off-spring

85.  (1)false  (2) nick(3)family  (4) oldest (5) first

86.  (1)many  (2) after  (3) later  (4) starting(5) subsequently

87.  (1)forgot (2)dropped (3) overlook (4) special(5) fallen

88.  (1)only  (2)spoil  (3) old (4) troubling(5) famous

89.  (1) feared(2) protective(3) lovely (4)lonely (5)pamper

90.  (1) competitions(2) associating (3)play (4)partnership (5)companion

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ANSWERS  (81 – 90 ) :

81.(3)  82 (1) 83(5) 84(2) 85(3) 86(3) 87(2) 88(1) 89(4) 90 (5)

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