Success Stories Career in Armed Forces Women in Armed Forces Free Resources Contact Us
+91 98186 32779
Enquire →
Free Resources / CDS Previous Year Papers / Solutions

CDS II 2019 English with Solutions

Exam: CDS Year: 2019 (Session II) Questions: 55 Marks: 100 Negative Marking: 1/3

Q.23 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: '_____ had occurred, effective democracy, especially from the working people, had been extremely limited.' (Part of a passage about democracy in India)

  • (a) breakthrough ✓
  • (b) breakout
  • (c) breaking
  • (d) investment
Explanation: The sentence contrasts 'breakthrough had occurred' with limited democracy — 'breakthrough' fits contextually as it refers to a political/social breakthrough having occurred, yet democracy was still limited. 'Breakout' and 'breaking' don't fit grammatically or semantically.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.24 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: 'On the other hand, _____ the beginning India was committed to a democratic and civil libertarian political order...'

  • (a) with
  • (b) from ✓
  • (c) within
  • (d) for
Explanation: 'From the beginning' is the correct prepositional phrase indicating that India was committed to democracy since its inception. The other options don't form a standard idiomatic expression here.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.25 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: 'India was committed to _____ democratic and civil libertarian political order...'

  • (a) few
  • (b) some
  • (c) a ✓
  • (d) an
Explanation: The noun 'democratic' begins with a consonant sound, so the article 'a' (not 'an') is correct. 'A democratic and civil libertarian political order' is the standard usage.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.26 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: '...and a representative system of government _____ to be conducted on the basis of universal adult franchise.'

  • (a) basing on free and fair elections
  • (b) basis of
  • (c) based ✓
  • (d) function
Explanation: 'Based on free and fair elections' is the correct participial phrase modifying 'system of government'. 'Based' functions as a past participle here, making option (c) grammatically correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.27 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: 'Ecology, in a very simple term, is a science that _____ the interdependent mutually reactive and interconnected relationships...'

  • (a) studies ✓
  • (b) study
  • (c) studying
  • (d) exploring
Explanation: The subject 'a science' is singular and requires third-person singular verb 'studies'. 'Study', 'studying', and 'exploring' are grammatically incorrect in this position.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.28 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: '...interconnected relationships _____ the organisms and their physical environment...'

  • (a) among
  • (b) between ✓
  • (c) to
  • (d) for
Explanation: 'Between' is used when referring to two distinct entities (organisms and their physical environment). While 'among' is used for three or more, the passage pairs organisms with environment as two parties, making 'between' the standard choice.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.29 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: '...relationships between the organisms and _____ physical environment on the one hand and among the organisms on the other hand.'

  • (a) their
  • (b) its ✓
  • (c) theirs
  • (d) all
Explanation: 'Their physical environment' could work, but the sentence structure refers to organisms as a collective group whose shared environment is singular, so 'its' agreeing with 'environment' as possessive is used. However, 'their' referring back to 'organisms' is more natural — 'their' is the correct answer as it refers to the organisms' shared physical environment.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.30 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: '_____ the term ecology was first coined and used by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel in 1869, a few conceptual terms were already proposed...'

  • (a) Through
  • (b) In spite of
  • (c) Though ✓
  • (d) Because
Explanation: 'Though' (meaning 'although') correctly introduces a concessive clause showing contrast: despite coining the term in 1869, conceptual terms had already been proposed earlier. 'Through', 'In spite of', and 'Because' don't fit the grammatical structure or meaning here.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.31 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: '...a few conceptual terms _____ already proposed to reveal relationships among organism and their environment.'

  • (a) are
  • (b) were ✓
  • (c) have been
  • (d) have
Explanation: The passage is in past narrative tense (Haeckel coined the term in 1869), so 'were already proposed' (simple past passive) is correct. 'Have been' would require present perfect context, which doesn't apply here.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.32 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: '...a few conceptual terms were already proposed to reveal relationships _____ organism and their environment.'

  • (a) among ✓
  • (b) those
  • (c) of
  • (d) between
Explanation: 'Among' is used when referring to more than two entities or groups; here 'organism' (organisms collectively) and their environment involves multiple entities. However, 'between' also works for two parties. In this passage context the earlier sentence uses 'between' for two, and this instance uses 'among' suggesting the intended answer is (a) 'among'.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.33 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: 'French zoologist I. G. Hilaire used the term ethology _____ the study of the relations of the organism...'

  • (a) for
  • (b) to ✓
  • (c) with
  • (d) in
Explanation: 'To study' (infinitive of purpose) is the correct construction — 'used the term ethology to [denote/mean] the study'. The preposition 'to' introduces the purpose/meaning. 'For' followed by a gerund would also work, but here option (b) 'to' fits the infinitive structure.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.34 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: 'French zoologist I. G. Hilaire used the term ethology for the study of the relations of _____ organism within the family and society in the aggregate and in the community.'

  • (a) the ✓
  • (b) a
  • (c) live
  • (d) dead
Explanation: 'The organism' uses the definite article 'the' to refer to organisms in general (generic reference). This is a standard English usage for referring to a species or category generically.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.35 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: 'British naturalist St. George Jackson Mivart proposed the term hexicology with regard to the study of the relations _____ living creatures to other organisms and their environment...'

  • (a) for
  • (b) of ✓
  • (c) within
  • (d) in
Explanation: 'Relations of living creatures to other organisms' is the correct prepositional phrase. 'Of' connects 'relations' to its subject (living creatures), which is standard English structure.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.36 [Cloze Test]

Fill in the blank: 'the study of the relations of living creatures to other organisms and their environment as regards the nature of the locality they frequent, the temperatures and the _____ of light which suit them...'

  • (a) amount ✓
  • (b) focus
  • (c) share
  • (d) quality
Explanation: 'Amount of light' is the standard collocation — organisms are suited by a certain amount of light. 'Focus', 'share', and 'quality' don't collocate naturally with 'light' in this scientific ecology context.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.37 [Synonyms]

The properties of the family have been impounded by the order of the court. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'impounded')

  • (a) Confiscated ✓
  • (b) Permitted
  • (c) Sold
  • (d) Put on hold
Explanation: 'Impounded' means seized or taken into legal custody by authority. 'Confiscated' is the closest synonym, meaning officially seized or taken by authority.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.38 [Synonyms]

The officer in charge of the operations has been impugned for the excesses. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'impugned')

  • (a) Expelled
  • (b) Rewarded
  • (c) Challenged ✓
  • (d) Given allowance
Explanation: 'Impugned' means called into question or challenged the integrity/actions of someone. 'Challenged' is the correct synonym.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.39 [Synonyms]

Cognitivist and linguists believe that every child is born with innate qualities. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'innate')

  • (a) Biological
  • (b) Intrinsic ✓
  • (c) Extrinsic
  • (d) Unnatural
Explanation: 'Innate' means inborn or natural to a person. 'Intrinsic' means belonging naturally; essential. It is the closest synonym to 'innate' among the options.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.40 [Synonyms]

It was obligatory for the board to implement the rule. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'obligatory')

  • (a) Compulsory ✓
  • (b) Unnecessary
  • (c) By chance
  • (d) Problematic
Explanation: 'Obligatory' means required by law or rule; compulsory. 'Compulsory' is the direct synonym.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.41 [Synonyms]

They describe the act as a blatant betrayal of faith. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'betrayal')

  • (a) Loyal
  • (b) Faithfulness
  • (c) Treachery ✓
  • (d) Honesty
Explanation: 'Betrayal' means the act of being disloyal or treacherous. 'Treachery' is the closest synonym meaning deliberate betrayal or deception.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.42 [Synonyms]

However, if it must decide, then it should do so on the narrowest ground possible. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'narrowest')

  • (a) Widest
  • (b) Slightly
  • (c) Smallest ✓
  • (d) Thick
Explanation: 'Narrowest ground' means the most limited or smallest basis. 'Smallest' is the closest synonym in meaning here, referring to the most restricted scope.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.43 [Synonyms]

This is akin to a contractual relationship that places obligations on the entities entrusted with data. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'akin')

  • (a) Removed
  • (b) Narrow
  • (c) Similar ✓
  • (d) Unparallel
Explanation: 'Akin' means similar or related. 'Similar' is the direct synonym.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.44 [Synonyms]

Many communication problems can be attributed directly to misunderstandings and inaccuracies. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'attributed')

  • (a) Disapproved
  • (b) Unofficial
  • (c) Ascribed ✓
  • (d) Tribute
Explanation: 'Attributed' means ascribed or assigned (a cause or characteristic) to someone or something. 'Ascribed' is the direct synonym.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.45 [Synonyms]

The exemptions granted to State institutions for acquiring informed consent from processing personal data in many cases appear to be too blanket. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'acquiring')

  • (a) Obtain ✓
  • (b) Lose
  • (c) Giving
  • (d) Thinking
Explanation: 'Acquiring' means obtaining or gaining something. 'Obtain' is the closest synonym among the options.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.46 [Synonyms]

The manner in which this exercise has been undertaken leaves much to be desired. (Identify synonym of underlined word 'desired')

  • (a) Disliked
  • (b) Unlikely
  • (c) Wish for ✓
  • (d) Asked for
Explanation: 'Desired' in the phrase 'leaves much to be desired' means wished for or longed for. 'Wish for' captures this meaning most accurately.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.47 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: The master always says, 'Refuse to be miserable'. S6: This is the art of right contact in life. P: Before you fall into self-pity and blame games, remember that responsibility comes to only those who feel responsible. Q: Challenges are faced by the strong and courageous, and if life brings you such opportunities, then turn failures into success. R: Life can be painful, but it need not be sorrowful. S: If you want to be happy, find occasions to be cheerful. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) RSPQ ✓
  • (b) SQPR
  • (c) QRSP
  • (d) ROSP
Explanation: The logical flow: R (life can be painful but need not be sorrowful) → S (find occasions to be cheerful) → P (don't fall into self-pity, feel responsible) → Q (challenges are for the strong, turn failures into success) leads to S6 about right contact in life. Sequence RSPQ is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.48 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: Gandhiji reached Newcastle and took charge of the agitation. S6: The treatment that was meted out to these brave men and women in jail included starvation and whipping, and being forced to work in the mines by mounted military police. P: During the course of the march, Gandhiji was arrested twice, released, arrested a third time and sent to jail. Q: The employers retaliated by cutting off water and electricity to the workers' quarters, thus forcing them to leave their homes. R: Gandhiji decided to march this army of over two thousand men, women and children over the border and thus see them lodged in Transvaal jails. S: The morale of the workers, however, was very high and they continued to march till they were prosecuted and sent to jail. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) QRPS ✓
  • (b) SRQP
  • (c) QPSR
  • (d) RQSP
Explanation: Logical sequence: Q (employers cut off water/electricity, forcing workers to leave) → R (Gandhiji decided to march the army over the border) → P (during the march, Gandhiji was arrested) → S (workers' morale was high, they continued marching and were sent to jail) leading to S6 about treatment in jail. QRPS is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.49 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: One of the most important forces in the modern world, socialism was a direct result of the Industrial Revolution. S6: This is how socialism as a theory and practice came into being. P: Socialism was a direct challenge to capitalism and sought to put an end to such an exploitative economic structure. Q: The gulf between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' continued to increase and out of this gap between the rich and poor sprang disputes. R: It generated new wealth but as this new wealth only went to a minority, it could not solve the question of distribution. S: The Industrial Revolution solved the question of production. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) PQRS
  • (b) SROP
  • (c) SRPQ ✓
  • (d) ROSP
Explanation: Logical flow: S (Industrial Revolution solved production) → R (generated new wealth but couldn't solve distribution) → P (socialism challenged capitalism/exploitative structure) → Q (gap between haves and have-nots grew, disputes arose) leading to S6 (how socialism came into being). SRPQ is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.50 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: Institutions define and play a regulatory role with regard to human behaviour. S6: It shows how important it is for a nation to build institutions for nurturing democracy. P: Once established, institutions set a dynamic relationship with the members constituting them and they mutually affect each other. Q: They shape preferences, power and privilege. R: At the same time, institutions themselves can be transformed by the politics they produce and such transformation can affect social norms and behaviours. S: They also provide a sense of order and predictability. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) RPQS
  • (b) QRSP
  • (c) PSRQ
  • (d) QSRP ✓
Explanation: Logical flow from S1 (institutions regulate behaviour): Q (they shape preferences, power, privilege) → S (they provide order and predictability) → R (institutions can also be transformed by politics) → P (once established, they set dynamic relationships) leads to S6 (importance of building institutions for democracy). QSRP is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.51 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: Idioms are a colourful and fascinating aspect of language. S6: Idioms may also suggest a particular attitude of the person using them, for example, disapproval, humour, exasperation or admiration, so you must use them carefully. P: Your language skills will increase rapidly if you can understand idioms and use them confidently and correctly. Q: They are commonly used in all types of language, informal and formal, spoken and written. R: In addition, idioms often have a stronger meaning than non-idiomatic phrases. S: One of the main problems students have with idioms is that it is often impossible to guess the meaning of an idiom from the words it contains. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) RQPS
  • (b) RSPQ
  • (c) SRQP
  • (d) QPSR ✓
Explanation: Logical flow: Q (idioms are commonly used in all language types) → P (language skills increase if you understand idioms) → S (main problem: meaning can't be guessed from words) → R (additionally, idioms have stronger meaning) leading to S6 (idioms suggest attitudes, use carefully). QPSR is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.52 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: Each organism is adapted to its environment. S6: What can be taken in and broken down depends on the body design and functioning. P: There is a range of strategies by which the food is taken in and used by the organism. Q: For example, whether the food source is stationary (such as grass) or mobile (such as deer), would allow for differences in how the food is accessed and what is nutritive apparatus used by a cow or a lion. R: The form of nutrition differs depending on the type and availability of food material as well as how it is obtained by an organism. S: Some organisms break down the food material outside the body and then absorb it and others take in the whole material and break it down inside their bodies. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) RQPS ✓
  • (b) QPSR
  • (c) SOPR
  • (d) QPRS
Explanation: Logical flow: R (form of nutrition differs by food type/availability) → Q (for example, stationary vs mobile food sources) → P (range of strategies for taking in food) → S (some break down food outside, others inside the body) leading to S6 (depends on body design). RQPS is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.53 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: 'When I was alive and had a human heart,' answered the statue, 'I did not know what tears were, for I lived in the Palace of Sans-Souci where sorrow is not allowed to enter.' S6: And now that I am dead they have set me up here so high that I can see all the ugliness and all the misery of my city, and though my heart is made of lead yet I cannot choose but weep. P: So I lived, and so I died. Q: Round the garden ran a very lofty wall, but I never cared to ask what lay beyond it, everything about me was so beautiful. R: My courtiers called me the Happy Prince, and happy indeed I was, if pleasure be happiness. S: In the daytime I played with my companions in the garden, and in the evening I led the dance in the Great Hall. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) QSRP
  • (b) PQRS
  • (c) PRQS
  • (d) RPQS ✓
Explanation: Logical flow from S1 (lived in palace, no sorrow): R (courtiers called me Happy Prince, happy if pleasure be happiness) → P (so I lived and so I died — brief summary) → Q (round the garden ran a lofty wall, never cared what lay beyond) → S (daytime played in garden, evening danced in Great Hall) leads to S6 (now dead, can see misery). RPQS is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.54 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: One day her mother, having made some cakes, said to her, 'Go, my dear, and see how your grandmother is doing, for I hear she has been very ill. Take her a cake, and this little pot of butter.' S6: 'Does she live far off?' said the wolf. P: He asked her where she was going. Q: The poor child, who did not know that it was dangerous to stay and talk to a wolf, said to him, 'I am going to see my grandmother and carry her a cake and a little pot of butter from my mother.' R: As she was going through the wood, she met with a wolf, who had a very great mind to eat her up, but he dared not, because of some woodcutters working nearby in the forest. S: She set out immediately to go to her grandmother, who lived in another village. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) PROS
  • (b) SRPQ ✓
  • (c) PRSQ
  • (d) RPOS
Explanation: Logical flow: S (she set out immediately to go to her grandmother) → R (met with a wolf in the wood) → P (he asked where she was going) → Q (the child naively told the wolf she was going to her grandmother) leading to S6 (wolf asks if grandmother lives far off). SRPQ is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.55 [Ordering of Sentences]

S1: I had spent many nights in the jungle looking for game, but this was the first time I had ever spent a night looking for a man-eater. S6: It was in this position my men an hour later found me fast asleep; of the tiger I had neither heard nor seen anything. P: I bitterly regretted the impulse that had induced me to place myself at the man-eater's mercy. Q: The length of road immediately in front of me was brilliantly lit by the moon, but to right and left the overhanging trees cast dark shadows, and when the night wind agitated the branches and the shadows moved, I saw a dozen tigers advancing on me. R: As the grey dawn was lighting up the snowy range which I was facing, I rested my head on my drawn-up knees. S: I lacked the courage to return to the village and admit I was too frightened to carry out my self-imposed task, and with teeth chattering, as much from fear as from cold, I sat out the long night. The correct sequence should be:

  • (a) QPSR ✓
  • (b) SRPQ
  • (c) PRSQ
  • (d) RPQS
Explanation: Logical flow: Q (moonlit road, shadows moving, imagined tigers) → P (bitterly regretted placing himself at mercy of man-eater) → S (lacked courage to return, sat out the long night with fear) → R (at grey dawn, rested head on knees) leading to S6 (men found him asleep, no tiger seen). QPSR is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.56 [Part of Speech]

Rita eats her dinner quickly. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'quickly')

  • (a) Verb
  • (b) Preposition
  • (c) Adjective
  • (d) Adverb ✓
Explanation: 'Quickly' modifies the verb 'eats', describing how Rita eats. Words that modify verbs are adverbs.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.57 [Part of Speech]

He thought the movie ended abruptly. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'abruptly')

  • (a) Noun
  • (b) Adverb ✓
  • (c) Verb
  • (d) Adjective
Explanation: 'Abruptly' modifies the verb 'ended', indicating how the movie ended. It is an adverb.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.58 [Part of Speech]

I will meet you in the third week of August. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'in')

  • (a) Pronoun
  • (b) Verb
  • (c) Preposition ✓
  • (d) Noun
Explanation: 'In' shows the relationship between 'meet' and 'the third week of August', indicating a time relationship. It is a preposition.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.59 [Part of Speech]

Jasmines and roses are my favourite flowers. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'and')

  • (a) Verb
  • (b) Preposition
  • (c) Conjunction ✓
  • (d) Interjection
Explanation: 'And' connects the two nouns 'Jasmines' and 'roses'. Words that join words, phrases, or clauses are conjunctions.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.60 [Part of Speech]

She truthfully answered the detective's questions. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'truthfully')

  • (a) Verb
  • (b) Adjective
  • (c) Noun
  • (d) Adverb ✓
Explanation: 'Truthfully' modifies the verb 'answered', describing how she answered. It is an adverb.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.61 [Part of Speech]

Hurrah! We won the game! (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'Hurrah')

  • (a) Interjection ✓
  • (b) Conjunction
  • (c) Noun
  • (d) Pronoun
Explanation: 'Hurrah!' expresses strong emotion (joy/excitement). Words that express sudden emotions are interjections.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.62 [Part of Speech]

The son writes meaningless letters to his father. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'meaningless')

  • (a) Adverb
  • (b) Verb
  • (c) Pronoun
  • (d) Adjective ✓
Explanation: 'Meaningless' modifies the noun 'letters', describing what kind of letters they are. Words that modify nouns are adjectives.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.63 [Part of Speech]

The secretary himself visited the affected families. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'himself')

  • (a) Verb
  • (b) Noun
  • (c) Adverb
  • (d) Pronoun ✓
Explanation: 'Himself' is a reflexive/emphatic pronoun used to emphasize that the secretary personally (not someone else) visited the families. It is a pronoun.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.64 [Part of Speech]

The children were walking through the forest. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'through')

  • (a) Verb
  • (b) Adverb
  • (c) Adjective
  • (d) Preposition ✓
Explanation: 'Through' indicates the spatial relationship between 'walking' and 'the forest', showing the path. It is a preposition.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.65 [Part of Speech]

The Presiding Officer walked slowly to the dais. (Identify the part of speech of the underlined word 'slowly')

  • (a) Adverb ✓
  • (b) Adjective
  • (c) Verb
  • (d) Noun
Explanation: 'Slowly' modifies the verb 'walked', describing how the officer walked. It is an adverb.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.66 [Antonyms]

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'Beauty')

  • (a) Allure
  • (b) Charm
  • (c) Inelegance ✓
  • (d) Ideal
Explanation: 'Beauty' means the quality of being pleasing or attractive. Its antonym is 'inelegance' (lack of beauty or grace). 'Allure' and 'Charm' are synonyms, not antonyms.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.67 [Antonyms]

Reading details about suicide cases can push vulnerable people taking the extreme step. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'vulnerable')

  • (a) Imperious
  • (b) Impervious ✓
  • (c) Helpless
  • (d) Defenseless
Explanation: 'Vulnerable' means susceptible to harm or easily hurt. Its antonym is 'impervious' (not affected by; unable to be harmed). 'Helpless' and 'Defenseless' are synonyms of vulnerable, not antonyms.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.68 [Antonyms]

Standing before a judge in a courtroom can be daunting for anyone. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'daunting')

  • (a) Uncomfortable
  • (b) Encouraging ✓
  • (c) Demoralizing
  • (d) Off-putting
Explanation: 'Daunting' means intimidating or discouraging. Its antonym is 'encouraging' (giving confidence or hope). 'Demoralizing' and 'Off-putting' are synonyms of daunting.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.69 [Antonyms]

He has been facing a kind of intimidation by his friends for last two years. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'intimidation')

  • (a) Wiles
  • (b) Conviction
  • (c) Persuasion
  • (d) Support ✓
Explanation: 'Intimidation' means the act of frightening or threatening someone. Its antonym is 'support' (encouragement, help). 'Persuasion' involves influence but is not a direct antonym.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.70 [Antonyms]

There are many factors that constrain the philosophy of job enrichment in practice. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'constrain')

  • (a) Oblige
  • (b) Pressure
  • (c) Restrict
  • (d) Support ✓
Explanation: 'Constrain' means to restrict or limit. Its antonym is 'support' (to encourage or enable freely). 'Restrict' is a synonym, 'Oblige' and 'Pressure' are not direct antonyms.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.71 [Antonyms]

People look for plausible remedies to the problems which they do not know. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'plausible')

  • (a) Acceptable
  • (b) Unthinkable ✓
  • (c) Solvable
  • (d) Believable
Explanation: 'Plausible' means seeming reasonable or probable. Its antonym is 'unthinkable' (impossible to imagine or accept as reasonable). 'Acceptable' and 'Believable' are near-synonyms of plausible.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.72 [Antonyms]

The departing speech of the Chairperson ended with a plaintive note. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'plaintive')

  • (a) Melancholic
  • (b) Gleeful ✓
  • (c) Doleful
  • (d) Adventurous
Explanation: 'Plaintive' means having a sad or mournful quality. Its antonym is 'gleeful' (exuberantly happy). 'Melancholic' and 'Doleful' are synonyms of plaintive.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.73 [Antonyms]

The members have taken a unanimous decision to discord some of the rulings of the Managing Committee on problems relating to maintenance. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'discord')

  • (a) Accord ✓
  • (b) Dissension
  • (c) Dispute
  • (d) Friction
Explanation: 'Discord' means disagreement or lack of harmony. Its antonym is 'accord' (agreement, harmony). 'Dissension', 'Dispute', and 'Friction' are all synonyms of discord.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.74 [Antonyms]

The insolent nature of the speaker had provoked the members of the house and this led to pandemonium. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'insolent')

  • (a) Respectful ✓
  • (b) Autocratic
  • (c) Impudent
  • (d) Thought provoking
Explanation: 'Insolent' means rude and disrespectful. Its antonym is 'respectful' (showing deference and politeness). 'Impudent' is a synonym of insolent.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.75 [Antonyms]

Incessant rains have resulted in failure of crops during this season. (Identify the antonym of the underlined word 'Incessant')

  • (a) Sporadic ✓
  • (b) Persistent
  • (c) Continual
  • (d) Ceaseless
Explanation: 'Incessant' means continuing without pause or interruption. Its antonym is 'sporadic' (occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous). 'Persistent', 'Continual', and 'Ceaseless' are synonyms of incessant.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.76 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: the company / are often asked / the formal or informal interviews / employees who are leaving. P=the company, Q=are often asked, R=the formal or informal interviews, S=employees who are leaving

  • (a) RPSQ
  • (b) RQPS ✓
  • (c) PSQR
  • (d) PQSR
Explanation: The correct sentence: 'Employees who are leaving the company are often asked the formal or informal interviews' — S (employees who are leaving) + P (the company) + Q (are often asked) + R (the formal or informal interviews) = SPQR. But from options given, RQPS = 'the formal or informal interviews are often asked the company employees who are leaving' doesn't work. The answer (b) RQPS would read: R(the formal or informal interviews) Q(are often asked) P(the company) S(employees who are leaving) — this does not make sense. The correct reading should be: S+P+Q+R = employees who are leaving [the] company are often asked [in] the formal or informal interviews. Option (b) RQPS is the given answer for this type; however logically SPQR isn't an option. Among given options, (b) RQPS is the intended answer.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.77 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: a hailstorm activity in the evenings / there is a possibility of / while there could be / heavy rain towards the weekend. P=a hailstorm activity in the evenings, Q=there is a possibility of, R=while there could be, S=heavy rain towards the weekend

  • (a) SQPR ✓
  • (b) QSRP
  • (c) QRPS
  • (d) SPRQ
Explanation: Correct sentence: 'There is a possibility of a hailstorm activity in the evenings while there could be heavy rain towards the weekend' = Q+P+R+S = QPRS. But from options, SQPR = heavy rain towards the weekend + there is a possibility of + a hailstorm activity in the evenings + while there could be — doesn't work. QRPS = there is a possibility of + while there could be + a hailstorm activity in the evenings + heavy rain towards the weekend doesn't flow. The most logical is SQPR reading as: S(heavy rain towards the weekend) is not the opener. Answer (a) SQPR seems to be the printed answer, suggesting: S+Q+P+R = 'heavy rain towards the weekend there is a possibility of a hailstorm activity in the evenings while there could be' — this is the printed key (a).
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.78 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: has been below normal since last week / the minimum temperature / in some part of the city / when rain and hailstorm activity recorded. P=has been below normal since last week, Q=the minimum temperature, R=in some part of the city, S=when rain and hailstorm activity recorded

  • (a) RSPQ
  • (b) SPRQ
  • (c) QPSR
  • (d) PSQR ✓
Explanation: Correct sentence: 'The minimum temperature has been below normal since last week in some part of the city when rain and hailstorm activity recorded' = Q+P+R+S = QPRS. Option (d) PSQR = P(has been below normal since last week) + S(when rain and hailstorm activity recorded) + Q(the minimum temperature) + R(in some part of the city). Option (b) SPRQ would give: S+P+R+Q = 'when rain and hailstorm activity recorded has been below normal since last week in some part of the city the minimum temperature'. The most logical is Q+P+R+S but that's not among options. Answer (d) PSQR is the printed answer.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.79 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: for guest teachers / in the department of Biotechnology / was also held / a Selection Committee meeting. P=for guest teachers, Q=in the department of Biotechnology, R=was also held, S=a Selection Committee meeting

  • (a) SPRO
  • (b) QRSP
  • (c) PROS ✓
  • (d) RSPO
Explanation: Correct sentence: 'A Selection Committee meeting for guest teachers in the department of Biotechnology was also held' = S+P+Q+R = SPQR. But option (c) PROS = P(for guest teachers) + R(was also held) + Q(in the department of Biotechnology) + S(a Selection Committee meeting) — doesn't make sense. Among options, none perfectly matches SPQR. The printed answer is (c) PROS; this likely has a typo for option labels. The intended reading from the original paper answer key is (c).
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.80 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: for contractual assignment at Cultural Centres abroad / as Teacher of Indian Culture for two years / applications are invited in a prescribed format / from Indian Nationals for deployment. P=for contractual assignment at Cultural Centres abroad, Q=as Teacher of Indian Culture for two years, R=applications are invited in a prescribed format, S=from Indian Nationals for deployment

  • (a) QPRS
  • (b) SRPQ ✓
  • (c) PORS
  • (d) RSQP
Explanation: Correct sentence: 'Applications are invited in a prescribed format from Indian Nationals for deployment as Teacher of Indian Culture for two years for contractual assignment at Cultural Centres abroad' = R+S+Q+P = RSQP. But option (d) RSQP would be: R+S+Q+P. Option (b) SRPQ = S+R+P+Q = 'from Indian Nationals for deployment applications are invited in a prescribed format for contractual assignment at Cultural Centres abroad as Teacher of Indian Culture for two years'. Among options, (d) RSQP is the logical choice. However, (b) SRPQ is listed as the answer in many sources. The intended answer is (b) SRPQ.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.81 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: while they are small / and do the great things / while they are easy / do the difficult things. P=while they are small, Q=and do the great things, R=while they are easy, S=do the difficult things

  • (a) SROP
  • (b) PSQR
  • (c) SRPQ ✓
  • (d) QPSR
Explanation: This is a famous quote by Lao Tzu: 'Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small.' = S(do the difficult things) + R(while they are easy) + P(while they are small) + Q(and do the great things) = SRPQ. Wait — S+R+Q+P = 'do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small' = SRQP... Option (c) SRPQ = S+R+P+Q = 'do the difficult things while they are easy while they are small and do the great things' — doesn't work perfectly. The correct Lao Tzu quote sequence is S+R+Q+P but that's not available. Option (c) SRPQ is the printed answer.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.82 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: then you sure / if you can't / don't deserve me at my best / handle me at my worst. P=then you sure, Q=if you can't, R=don't deserve me at my best, S=handle me at my worst

  • (a) PROS
  • (b) QSPR ✓
  • (c) ROSP
  • (d) PSRQ
Explanation: Famous quote: 'If you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure don't deserve me at my best.' = Q(if you can't) + S(handle me at my worst) + P(then you sure) + R(don't deserve me at my best) = QSPR. Option (b) QSPR is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.83 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: you will be more disappointed / than by the ones you did do / by the things you didn't do / twenty years from now. P=you will be more disappointed, Q=than by the ones you did do, R=by the things you didn't do, S=twenty years from now

  • (a) PRSQ
  • (b) PROS
  • (c) PQSR
  • (d) SPRQ ✓
Explanation: Famous Mark Twain quote: 'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.' = S(twenty years from now) + P(you will be more disappointed) + R(by the things you didn't do) + Q(than by the ones you did do) = SPRQ. Option (d) SPRQ is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.84 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: man is one who can lay a firm foundation / with the bricks / a successful / others have thrown at him. P=man is one who can lay a firm foundation, Q=with the bricks, R=a successful, S=others have thrown at him

  • (a) PQSR
  • (b) ROSP
  • (c) RPOS ✓
  • (d) QSPR
Explanation: Correct sentence: 'A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.' = R(a successful) + P(man is one who can lay a firm foundation) + Q(with the bricks) + S(others have thrown at him) = RPQS. Option (c) RPOS = R+P+Q(=O?)+S — given the label Q appears as 'O' in the option due to printing. The intended answer is (c) which gives RPQS sequence.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.85 [Ordering of Words in a Sentence]

Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence: what we may be / but we know not / we know what we are / (implicit connector). P=what we may be, Q=but we know not, R=we know what we are, S=(not given separately, incorporated). The parts: P=what we may be, Q=but we know not, R=we know what we are, S=what we are (as printed: 'what we may be but we know not we know what we are' with P Q R S labels)

  • (a) RSQP ✓
  • (b) QPRS
  • (c) QRPS
  • (d) ROPS
Explanation: Shakespeare quote: 'We know what we are, but know not what we may be.' Mapping: R(we know what we are) + S(what we are — or the linking part) + Q(but we know not) + P(what we may be) = RSQP. Option (a) RSQP is correct.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.86 [Sentence Ordering]

Rearrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: for the ordinary Q: not willing to risk the unusual R: if you are S: you will have to settle

  • (a) PROS ✓
  • (b) SPOR
  • (c) ROSP
  • (d) QSRP
Explanation: The logical order is: P (for the ordinary) R (if you are) O is not a segment — correct reading is PROS: 'for the ordinary / not willing to risk the unusual / if you are / you will have to settle' rearranges to 'If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary' — sequence R-Q-S-P, but among the given options PROS gives: P(for the ordinary) R(if you are) O? — the printed option (a) PROS is the intended answer matching standard CDS keys for this item.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.87 [Sentence Ordering]

Rearrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: as mere stepping stones Q: his major achievements R: for the next advance S: he regarded

  • (a) SPOR
  • (b) SQPR ✓
  • (c) SPRO
  • (d) RPQS
Explanation: The meaningful sentence is: 'He regarded his major achievements as mere stepping stones for the next advance' — S(he regarded) Q(his major achievements) P(as mere stepping stones) R(for the next advance) = SQPR, option (b).

Q.88 [Sentence Ordering]

Rearrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: have a great influence Q: and they often shape our personality R: on our adult lives S: events in our childhood

  • (a) SPRQ ✓
  • (b) SQRP
  • (c) SROP
  • (d) PORS
Explanation: The logical sentence is: 'Events in our childhood have a great influence on our adult lives and they often shape our personality' — S(events in our childhood) P(have a great influence) R(on our adult lives) Q(and they often shape our personality) = SPRQ, option (a).

Q.89 [Spotting Errors]

Experience has shown that the change-over from a closed economy to a mercantile economy has presented in human society innumerable problems. (a) Experience has shown that (b) the change-over from a closed economy (c) to a mercantile economy has presented (d) in human society innumerable problems

  • (a) Experience has shown that
  • (b) the change-over from a closed economy
  • (c) to a mercantile economy has presented ✓
  • (d) in human society innumerable problems
Explanation: The verb should be 'has presented' changed to 'has presented' — actually the tense is correct but the better standard phrasing is 'has presented innumerable problems in human society'; the adverbial phrase placement makes (c) the error as 'has presented in human society' is awkward — error is in part (c) due to incorrect word order within the clause.
⚠ Answer needs review

Q.90 [Spotting Errors]

A closed economy is identified as a human community which produces all it consumes and consumed all it produces. (a) A closed economy is identified (b) as a human community (c) which produces all it consumes (d) and consumed all it produces

  • (a) A closed economy is identified
  • (b) as a human community
  • (c) which produces all it consumes
  • (d) and consumed all it produces ✓
Explanation: The sentence has a parallel structure error: 'produces' (present tense) is paired with 'consumed' (past tense). It should be 'consumes' to maintain parallelism — error is in part (d).

Q.91 [Spotting Errors]

Iron is the most useful against all metals. (a) Iron is (b) the most useful (c) against all metals (d) No error

  • (a) Iron is
  • (b) the most useful
  • (c) against all metals ✓
  • (d) No error
Explanation: The correct preposition/phrase is 'of all metals' not 'against all metals' when using a superlative — error is in part (c).

Q.92 [Spotting Errors]

Mumbai is largest cotton centre in the country. (a) Mumbai is (b) largest cotton centre (c) in the country (d) No error

  • (a) Mumbai is
  • (b) largest cotton centre ✓
  • (c) in the country
  • (d) No error
Explanation: The superlative 'largest' requires the definite article: it should be 'the largest cotton centre' — error is in part (b).

Q.93 [Spotting Errors]

While every care have been taken in preparing the results, the company reserves the right to correct any inadvertent errors at a later stage. (a) While every care have been taken (b) in preparing the results, (c) the company reserves the right to correct (d) any inadvertent errors at a later stage

  • (a) While every care have been taken ✓
  • (b) in preparing the results,
  • (c) the company reserves the right to correct
  • (d) any inadvertent errors at a later stage
Explanation: 'Every care' is singular, so it should be 'has been taken' not 'have been taken' — subject-verb agreement error in part (a).

Q.94 [Spotting Errors]

My sister and me are planning a trip from Jaipur to Delhi. (a) My sister and me are (b) planning a trip (c) from Jaipur to Delhi (d) No error

  • (a) My sister and me are ✓
  • (b) planning a trip
  • (c) from Jaipur to Delhi
  • (d) No error
Explanation: 'Me' is an object pronoun and cannot be used as a subject. The correct form is 'My sister and I are' — error is in part (a).

Q.95 [Spotting Errors]

Despite the thrill of winning the lottery last week, my neighbour still seems happy. (a) Despite the thrill of winning (b) the lottery last week, (c) my neighbour (d) still seems happy

  • (a) Despite the thrill of winning
  • (b) the lottery last week,
  • (c) my neighbour
  • (d) still seems happy ✓
Explanation: 'Despite the thrill of winning' suggests an unexpected contrast; saying the neighbour 'still seems happy' is not a contrast — it should be 'unhappy' or the conjunction should be changed. The error is in (d) as 'seems happy' contradicts the expected meaning of 'despite'.

Q.96 [Spotting Errors]

Children are not allowed to use the swimming pool unless they are with an adult. (a) Children are not allowed (b) to use the swimming pool (c) unless they are with an adult (d) No error

  • (a) Children are not allowed
  • (b) to use the swimming pool
  • (c) unless they are with an adult
  • (d) No error ✓
Explanation: The sentence is grammatically correct and semantically sound — no error, option (d).

Q.97 [Spotting Errors]

Her knowledge of Indian languages are far beyond the common. (a) Her knowledge (b) of Indian languages (c) are far beyond the common (d) No error

  • (a) Her knowledge
  • (b) of Indian languages
  • (c) are far beyond the common ✓
  • (d) No error
Explanation: The subject is 'Her knowledge' (singular), so the verb should be 'is' not 'are'; also 'beyond the common' should be 'beyond the ordinary/common person' — primary error is subject-verb agreement in part (c).

Q.98 [Spotting Errors]

The care, as well as the love of a father, were missing in her life. (a) The care, as well as the love (b) of a father, (c) were missing in her life (d) No error

  • (a) The care, as well as the love
  • (b) of a father,
  • (c) were missing in her life ✓
  • (d) No error
Explanation: When 'as well as' is used, the verb agrees with the first subject 'The care' (singular), so it should be 'was missing' not 'were missing' — error in part (c).

Q.99 [Spotting Errors]

You look as if you have ran all the way home. (a) You look as if (b) you have ran (c) all the way home (d) No error

  • (a) You look as if
  • (b) you have ran ✓
  • (c) all the way home
  • (d) No error
Explanation: With the auxiliary 'have', the past participle 'run' must be used, not 'ran' (which is simple past). It should be 'you have run' — error in part (b).

Q.100 [Spotting Errors]

The real voyage of discovery consist not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. (a) The real voyage of discovery (b) consist not in seeking new landscapes, (c) but in having new eyes (d) No error

  • (a) The real voyage of discovery
  • (b) consist not in seeking new landscapes, ✓
  • (c) but in having new eyes
  • (d) No error
Explanation: The subject 'The real voyage' is singular, so the verb should be 'consists' not 'consist' — subject-verb agreement error in part (b).

Q.101 [Spotting Errors]

No struggle can ever succeeded without women participating side by side with men. (a) No struggle can ever succeeded (b) without women participating (c) side by side with men (d) No error

  • (a) No struggle can ever succeeded ✓
  • (b) without women participating
  • (c) side by side with men
  • (d) No error
Explanation: After a modal verb 'can', the base form of the verb must be used: 'succeed' not 'succeeded' — error in part (a).

Q.102 [Spotting Errors]

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belong to those who prepare for it today. (a) Education is the passport to the future, (b) for tomorrow belong to those (c) who prepare for it today (d) No error

  • (a) Education is the passport to the future,
  • (b) for tomorrow belong to those ✓
  • (c) who prepare for it today
  • (d) No error
Explanation: 'Tomorrow' is singular, so the verb should be 'belongs' not 'belong' — subject-verb agreement error in part (b).

Q.103 [Spotting Errors]

There come a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book. (a) There come a time (b) when you have to choose (c) between turning the page (d) and closing the book

  • (a) There come a time ✓
  • (b) when you have to choose
  • (c) between turning the page
  • (d) and closing the book
Explanation: 'There comes a time' requires the singular verb 'comes' to agree with 'a time' — error in part (a).

Q.104 [Reading Comprehension]

Passage: Mankind's experience of various evolutionary changes from primitive times to the present day has been extensive and varied. However, man's problems were never before as complicated as they seem to be today... Question: Humanity's evolution from primitive stage to the present has been (a) static and smooth (b) huge and diversified (c) always violent (d) always peaceful

  • (a) static and smooth
  • (b) huge and diversified ✓
  • (c) always violent
  • (d) always peaceful
Explanation: The passage states 'Mankind's experience of various evolutionary changes from primitive times to the present day has been extensive and varied' — 'extensive and varied' corresponds to 'huge and diversified', option (b).

Q.105 [Reading Comprehension]

Passage: Mankind's experience of various evolutionary changes from primitive times to the present day has been extensive and varied. However, man's problems were never before as complicated as they seem to be today... Question: '...man's problems were never before as complicated as they seem to be today' means (a) the present times are the best times of humanity (b) the present times are the crucial period for humanity (c) the present times pose much more challenges to humans than the previous times (d) the present times provide much more facilities than the previous times

  • (a) the present times are the best times of humanity
  • (b) the present times are the crucial period for humanity
  • (c) the present times pose much more challenges to humans than the previous times ✓
  • (d) the present times provide much more facilities than the previous times
Explanation: The statement that problems are 'never before as complicated' directly means current times are more challenging than any previous period — option (c) is the correct interpretation.

Q.106 [Reading Comprehension]

Why does the author say that labour problems did not exist during 'the hunting and fishing stage'?

  • (a) There was no nation existing at that time
  • (b) There were no economic, political and social systems ✓
  • (c) There was no capitalism and market
  • (d) There was no labour law
Explanation: During the hunting and fishing stage, society lacked the economic, political, and social systems whose interplay gives rise to labour problems; none of the other options directly address the root cause implied by the passage.

Q.107 [Reading Comprehension]

"The pastoral stage was marked by a certain amount of economic activity." How?

  • (a) Humans started migrating and held goat-herds ✓
  • (b) Humans started owning land
  • (c) Conflicts started as humans owned goats
  • (d) Humans started doing agriculture
Explanation: The pastoral stage is characterised by nomadic herding (migrating with goat-herds), which represented the earliest form of economic activity mentioned in the passage context.

Q.108 [Reading Comprehension]

Which word in the passage means 'surfaced'?

  • (a) Quenched
  • (b) Emerged ✓
  • (c) Nomadic
  • (d) Adequately
Explanation: 'Emerged' means came to the surface or came into being, which is the closest synonym to 'surfaced'; the other options carry entirely different meanings.

Q.109 [Reading Comprehension]

Why does the land reform prove to be slow?

  • (a) Because of the disparity in power structure ✓
  • (b) Because of the power of the government
  • (c) Because States have different laws
  • (d) Because of the scarcity of land in the country
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that slow progress 'reflects the resilience of structures of power', i.e., the imbalance/disparity in power structures that originally created the problem.

Q.110 [Reading Comprehension]

Which of the following statements is/are correct? • Land ceiling laws have proved to be unsatisfactory. • The democratic structure of the government cannot provide solution to the problem of land reforms. • The owners of land have abundant natural resources. • Identified land for distribution has not been distributed due to court cases against it. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • (a) 1 and 4 ✓
  • (b) 1 only
  • (c) 3 and 4
  • (d) 2 and 4
Explanation: Statement 1 is confirmed by the passage ('record of implementation has not been satisfactory') and Statement 4 is confirmed ('About 30 percent of this land has not yet been distributed as it is caught up in the litigations'). Statements 2 and 3 are not supported by the passage.

Q.111 [Reading Comprehension]

One of the reasons of selling off the lands by the allottees is that the lands were

  • (a) unproductive and barren ✓
  • (b) salty, not getting water
  • (c) fertile, but uncultivable
  • (d) with the powerful people
Explanation: The passage states that allottees received 'inferior, unproductive, barren and wasteland' and 'many of whom have been forced to sell it off, in the absence of resources to make it productive.'

Q.112 [Reading Comprehension]

Which word/group of words in the passage means 'lawsuit'?

  • (a) Amendments
  • (b) Litigations ✓
  • (c) Illegal possession
  • (d) Fragments
Explanation: 'Litigations' directly means lawsuits or legal proceedings; the passage uses it to describe land caught up in court cases.

Q.113 [Reading Comprehension]

According to the author, what is the primary source of livelihood of majority of India's population?

  • (a) Industry
  • (b) Forest
  • (c) Agriculture ✓
  • (d) None
Explanation: The passage states 'half of India's population continues to depend on agriculture as its primary source of livelihood', making agriculture the answer.

Q.114 [Reading Comprehension]

"There are also those who are entirely landless, although agriculture is their main source of livelihood" means

  • (a) they do not have money to buy lands
  • (b) they have sold off their lands to others
  • (c) most of them are agriculture labourers ✓
  • (d) they are migrant labourers from other places
Explanation: People who are landless yet earn their living from agriculture must be working on others' land as agricultural labourers; the passage further notes they lease small plots on insecure terms, reinforcing this interpretation.

Q.115 [Reading Comprehension]

Which one of the following is not the reason for improved job satisfaction of employees?

  • (a) Improved work flow
  • (b) Better cooperation between departments
  • (c) Supervisors' fairness
  • (d) Increased remuneration ✓
Explanation: The passage lists improved work flow, better cooperation between departments, and increased fairness in supervision as reasons; increased remuneration is not mentioned at all.

Q.116 [Reading Comprehension]

Companies feel that it is necessary to

  • (a) maintain anonymity of the employees and to have effective design and sequence of questions and effective communication ✓
  • (b) maintain the fairness of the managers to be part of the survey
  • (c) conduct surveys from their employees
  • (d) maintain anonymity of the employees and not to have effective design and sequence of questions and effective communication
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that companies are aware of 'the need for employees' anonymity, the impact of both the design of the questions and their sequence, the importance of effective communication', which matches option (a).

Q.117 [Reading Comprehension]

One major benefit of using survey software packages is

  • (a) reports can be generated easily ✓
  • (b) privacy of a person is exposed to the supervisors
  • (c) employees would like to take up the test on computer
  • (d) employer can get to know the information immediately
Explanation: The passage states 'If the survey is computerized, reports can be generated with ease', directly supporting option (a); the other options are either contradicted or not stated.

Q.118 [Reading Comprehension]

Which word in the passage means 'tendency'?

  • (a) Trend ✓
  • (b) Breakdowns
  • (c) Convenient
  • (d) Perceptions
Explanation: 'Trend' means a general direction or tendency over time; the passage uses 'trend analysis' in the context of examining patterns, and 'trend' is the standard synonym for 'tendency'.

Q.119 [Reading Comprehension]

"The screens should not be viewable to supervisors or passers-by." Why?

  • (a) To maintain the secrecy of a person ✓
  • (b) The main problem is to enable everyone to participate
  • (c) The manager has to be fair enough
  • (d) To maintain the problems faced by women in job market
Explanation: Keeping screens hidden from supervisors and others is a privacy measure to ensure the anonymity and confidentiality of individual responses, i.e., to maintain the secrecy of the person completing the survey.

Q.120 [Reading Comprehension]

What does the word 'customized' mean here?

  • (a) Adapted ✓
  • (b) Take as it is
  • (c) Fixed
  • (d) Mass produced
Explanation: 'Customized' means modified or adapted to suit specific needs; the passage describes modifying existing questions or adding questions to tailor the survey, which aligns with 'adapted'.