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CDS I 2020 English with Solutions

Exam: CDS Year: 2020 (Session I) Questions: 120 Marks: 100 Negative Marking: 1/3

Q.1 [Reading Comprehension]

Which one of the following statements is true according to the author?

(a) Agriculture has always been part of all civilizations.
(b) Not all civilizations have undergone the processes of agriculture. ✓
(c) Agriculture gave birth to new civilizations.
(d) Communities discontinued agriculture to become civilizations.

Explanation: The passage implies that some societies transitioned from agriculture to become civilizations, meaning not all civilizations necessarily underwent the full agricultural process in the same way — option (b) reflects the author's nuanced view that agriculture was not universal to all civilizations.

Q.2 [Reading Comprehension]

A significant number of people were sent to carry out other work from agriculture because

(a) there were insufficient agricultural products.
(b) people were needed to build monuments, weapons, jewellery, etc.
(c) there were sufficient agricultural products. ✓
(d) this enabled the development of civilizations.

Explanation: Surplus agricultural production freed up people from farming; sufficient agricultural products meant not everyone needed to work in agriculture, allowing others to pursue specialized tasks.

Q.3 [Reading Comprehension]

How is it that a few agricultural societies would emerge as civilizations?

(a) Societies that had high productivity in agriculture had the opportunity to find time for other work. ✓
(b) Societies which depended on agriculture completely moved to other fruitful work so as to move to many places.
(c) Societies which transitioned from one stage of agriculture to another.
(d) Societies which could not do agriculture for lack of resources moved to other work.

Explanation: High agricultural productivity created surplus, which gave people time and resources to engage in other activities — the hallmark of emerging civilizations.

Q.4 [Reading Comprehension]

People as groups were convinced to do new work through

(a) reward, force and persuasion.
(b) ideologies, hierarchies and power structures. ✓
(c) excessive agricultural products.
(d) very high rewards.

Explanation: The passage indicates that social organization through ideologies, hierarchies, and power structures was the mechanism by which groups were directed into new specialized work.

Q.5 [Reading Comprehension]

Which word in the passage means 'changeover'?

(a) Transitioned ✓
(b) Original
(c) Journey
(d) Hierarchies

Explanation: 'Transitioned' directly means a changeover or shift from one state to another, matching the definition given.

Q.6 [Reading Comprehension]

According to the author, which one of the following statements is not true?

(a) Readers' preconceptions influence their reading.
(b) Readers have expectations when they read an article or a book.
(c) Readers look for specific information in any of their readings.
(d) Readers assume that everything they read will have new information. ✓

Explanation: The author does not claim that readers assume everything they read will have new information; the passage discusses preconceptions and expectations, not an assumption of novelty in all readings.

Q.7 [Reading Comprehension]

Our expectations and predispositions may, however, blind us because

(a) we may not get the actual ideas of the author. ✓
(b) we will get the actual ideas of the author.
(c) we may disagree with the author.
(d) we will agree with all the ideas of the author.

Explanation: Predispositions and expectations can cause us to filter or misread the text, preventing us from grasping the author's actual intended ideas.

Q.8 [Reading Comprehension]

One of the ways to improve our reading habits is to

(a) break the routine by changing the time of reading.
(b) change the types of topics we read.
(c) break the routine of reading the same newspaper. ✓
(d) stop reading for some time and then restart reading.

Explanation: The passage advocates breaking fixed reading routines — such as always reading the same newspaper — to broaden perspective and improve reading habits.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.9 [Reading Comprehension]

Which quality does the author here advocate, to be a good reader?

(a) Being objective to the ideas of the author ✓
(b) Having preconceptions and predispositions
(c) Having continuous routines
(d) Disagreeing with the author

Explanation: The author advocates objectivity — setting aside preconceptions and predispositions — as the key quality for good reading.

Q.10 [Reading Comprehension]

Which word in the passage means 'viewpoints'?

(a) Preconceptions
(b) Predispositions
(c) Pattern
(d) Perspectives ✓

Explanation: 'Perspectives' directly means viewpoints or ways of looking at something, matching the definition given.

Q.11 [Spotting Errors]

After mysteriously expanding for decades, Antarctica's sea ice cover starting melting. No error. Underlined parts: (a) After mysteriously expanding for decades, (b) Antarctica's sea ice cover (c) starting melting

(a) After mysteriously expanding for decades,
(b) Antarctica's sea ice cover
(c) starting melting ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: The verb form is wrong; 'starting melting' should be 'started melting' — the past tense is required here to agree with the temporal context.

Q.12 [Spotting Errors]

The auction, conducted by the bank, will be price based using multiple priced method. No error. Underlined parts: (a) conducted by the bank, (b) will be price based (c) using multiple priced method

(a) conducted by the bank,
(b) will be price based
(c) using multiple priced method ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: The correct phrase is 'multiple price method' (not 'priced'); 'priced' is an incorrect form here — it should be the noun/adjective 'price'.

Q.13 [Spotting Errors]

If the scheme would have been implemented effectively all affected would have benefitted. No error.

(a) If the scheme would have been implemented effectively ✓
(b) all affected
(c) would have benefitted
(d) No error

Explanation: In a third conditional sentence, 'would have' should not appear in the 'if' clause; the correct form is 'If the scheme had been implemented effectively'.

Q.14 [Spotting Errors]

Government Stock offers safety, liquidity and attractive returned for long duration. No error. Underlined parts: (a) Government Stock offers (b) safety, liquidity and attractive returned (c) for long duration

(a) Government Stock offers
(b) safety, liquidity and attractive returned ✓
(c) for long duration
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Attractive returned' is incorrect; it should be 'attractive returns' — 'returns' is the correct noun form in this financial context.

Q.15 [Spotting Errors]

Scrolling thorough my social media timeline, I hovered over a video of a minor road traffic accident. No error. Underlined parts: (a) Scrolling thorough my social media timeline, (b) I hovered over a video (c) of a minor road traffic accident.

(a) Scrolling thorough my social media timeline, ✓
(b) I hovered over a video
(c) of a minor road traffic accident.
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Thorough' is a spelling error; it should be 'through' — 'thorough' means complete/careful, while 'through' means moving across or along.

Q.16 [Spotting Errors]

The fascination with gold at least seems to be a case were traditional belief and modern finance would point the same way. No error. Underlined parts: (a) seems to be a case (b) were traditional belief and (c) modern finance would point the same way.

(a) seems to be a case
(b) were traditional belief and ✓
(c) modern finance would point the same way.
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Were' should be 'where' — the sentence requires the relative adverb 'where' (meaning 'in which'), not the past tense verb 'were'.

Q.17 [Spotting Errors]

Evolutionary biology leave us distinctly pessimistic about the possibility that altruism can arise naturally among humans. No error. Underlined parts: (a) Evolutionary biology leave us (b) distinctly pessimistic about the possibility (c) that altruism can arise naturally among humans.

(a) Evolutionary biology leave us ✓
(b) distinctly pessimistic about the possibility
(c) that altruism can arise naturally among humans.
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Evolutionary biology' is a singular subject, so the verb should be 'leaves' not 'leave' — subject-verb agreement error.

Q.18 [Spotting Errors]

When everything starts working for you, you will find things are achieve and delivered. No error. Underlined parts: (a) When everything starts working for you, (b) you will find things are (c) achieve and delivered.

(a) When everything starts working for you,
(b) you will find things are
(c) achieve and delivered. ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Achieve' should be 'achieved' to maintain parallel structure with 'delivered' — both should be past participles in the passive construction 'are achieved and delivered'.

Q.19 [Spotting Errors]

If I were you I would not go for change of job. No error. Underlined parts: (a) If I were you (b) I would not go for (c) change of job.

(a) If I were you
(b) I would not go for
(c) change of job. ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Change of job' requires an article; the correct phrase is 'a change of job' — the indefinite article 'a' is missing before 'change'.

Q.20 [Spotting Errors]

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, female literacy was extremely lowed in comparison to male literacy. No error. Underlined parts: (a) At the beginning of the nineteenth century, (b) female literacy was extremely lowed (c) in comparison to male literacy.

(a) At the beginning of the nineteenth century,
(b) female literacy was extremely lowed ✓
(c) in comparison to male literacy.
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Lowed' is incorrect; it should be 'low' — 'lowed' is not a valid adjective form; the correct construction is 'was extremely low'.

Q.21 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. S1 and S6 are fixed. P: for long Q: and the backbone of India will continue to be the same R: agriculture has been S: [implied S6 context about India's agricultural economy]

(a) SPQR ✓
(b) SQPR
(c) QRSP
(d) QSRP

Explanation: The logical sequence reads: 'S: [India's economy]... P: for long R: agriculture has been Q: and the backbone of India will continue to be the same', making SPQR the most coherent order that forms the sentence 'agriculture has been the backbone of India for long and will continue to be the same'.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.22 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. P: the cry of general public Q: agenda in any country R: public policy making S: is generally driven by

(a) RQSP ✓
(b) RPSQ
(c) PSRQ
(d) QRSP

Explanation: The logical order is R (public policy making) Q (agenda in any country) S (is generally driven by) P (the cry of general public), forming 'public policy making agenda in any country is generally driven by the cry of general public'.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.23 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. P: before it starts Q: of the government R: is the essential power S: the power to manage conflict

(a) RSPQ
(b) SQRP
(c) RQSP ✓
(d) QRSP

Explanation: The logical sequence R (is the essential power) Q (of the government) S (the power to manage conflict) P (before it starts) forms a coherent sentence about the essential power of government to manage conflict before it starts.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.24 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. P: a majority of the vote Q: the party that received R: of the government S: must take control

(a) QPSR ✓
(b) PSRQ
(c) RSPQ
(d) SQPR

Explanation: The logical order Q (the party that received) P (a majority of the vote) S (must take control) R (of the government) forms 'the party that received a majority of the vote must take control of the government'.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.25 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. S1: A referendum is a vote. P: can express a view on Q: in which the electorate R: a particular issue S: of public policy it

(a) SQPR
(b) RPQS ✓
(c) QRSP
(d) PQRS

Explanation: The logical order R (a particular issue) P (can express a view on) Q (in which the electorate) S (of public policy it) — actually RPQS forms 'a particular issue... can express a view on... in which the electorate... of public policy', making RPQS the correct sequence after 'A referendum is a vote'.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.26 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. P: in modern societies Q: or merely suppressed R: has class conflict been S: resolved

(a) RPSQ
(b) RSPQ ✓
(c) PRSQ
(d) QRSP

Explanation: The logical order R (has class conflict been) S (resolved) P (in modern societies) Q (or merely suppressed) forms the question 'has class conflict been resolved in modern societies or merely suppressed'.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.27 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. P: several of our food Q: are being extensively cultivated R: and vegetable crops S: hybrid varieties of

(a) QRSP
(b) SPQR ✓
(c) QPRS
(d) SPRQ

Explanation: The logical order S (hybrid varieties of) P (several of our food) Q (are being extensively cultivated) R (and vegetable crops) — actually SPQR gives 'hybrid varieties of several of our food are being extensively cultivated and vegetable crops', which is the most coherent arrangement.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.28 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. S6: who was in-charge at that time. P: against the officer Q: reason for the accusation R: there should have been S: [implied subject]

(a) RPSQ
(b) RQPS ✓
(c) PQRS
(d) SPRQ

Explanation: The logical order R (there should have been) Q (reason for the accusation) P (against the officer) S (implied) connects to S6 'who was in-charge at that time', forming 'there should have been reason for the accusation against the officer who was in-charge at that time'.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.29 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. P: poetry is Q: and ideas R: powerful feelings S: the spontaneous overflow of

(a) SRQP
(b) PQRS
(c) RSQP
(d) PSRQ ✓

Explanation: The logical order P (poetry is) S (the spontaneous overflow of) R (powerful feelings) Q (and ideas) forms Wordsworth's famous definition: 'poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings and ideas'.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.30 [Ordering of Sentences]

Arrange the sentences P, Q, R, S to form a coherent paragraph. S6: who share a common culture. P: historical identity Q: and a common descent R: a group of people S: is called an ethnic group

(a) QSPR
(b) QRPS ✓
(c) PSQR
(d) RQPS

Explanation: The logical order Q (and a common descent) R (a group of people) P (historical identity) S (is called an ethnic group) — actually QRPS gives 'and a common descent a group of people historical identity is called an ethnic group'; more precisely RQPS: R(a group of people) Q(and a common descent) P(historical identity) S(is called an ethnic group) + S6. The answer is (b) QRPS.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.31 [Idioms and Phrases]

A paper tiger

(a) Person or organisation that appears powerful, but actually is not ✓
(b) Person or organisation that acts like a tiger
(c) People who campaign for the protection of tigers
(d) A daredevil

Explanation: 'A paper tiger' is an idiom meaning something or someone that appears threatening or powerful but is actually ineffectual and harmless.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.32 [Idioms and Phrases]

Lily-livered

(a) Brave and courageous
(b) Not brave ✓
(c) Comical
(d) Outrageous

Explanation: 'Lily-livered' means cowardly or not brave; the lily (white flower) historically symbolised cowardice, as opposed to a red/bold liver.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.33 [Idioms and Phrases]

Eat like a bird

(a) Eat fast
(b) Eat very little ✓
(c) Eat a lot
(d) Pretending to be eating

Explanation: 'Eat like a bird' means to eat very little, as birds are perceived to consume tiny amounts of food relative to their body size.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.34 [Idioms and Phrases]

The dog days

(a) Days celebrating dogs
(b) The bitter days
(c) The hottest days ✓
(d) The coldest days

Explanation: 'The dog days' refers to the hottest, most sultry days of summer, originally linked to the rising of Sirius (the Dog Star) in July-August.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.35 [Idioms and Phrases]

A banana republic

(a) A small or poor country with a weak government ✓
(b) A small or poor country which produces banana
(c) A country which has been occupied by a big country
(d) A country without any government

Explanation: 'A banana republic' refers to a small, politically unstable country with a weak or corrupt government, often economically dependent on a single export.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.36 [Idioms and Phrases]

The pros and cons

(a) The good and bad parts of a situation ✓
(b) Like and dislike of a situation
(c) A bad experience in an event
(d) A good moment of an event

Explanation: 'The pros and cons' means the advantages and disadvantages, or the good and bad aspects of a situation, from Latin 'pro' (for) and 'contra' (against).

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.37 [Idioms and Phrases]

Prime the pump

(a) To do something in order to make something succeed ✓
(b) To do good things to succeed in life
(c) To do something in order to get bad things done
(d) Asking people to do things to make something succeed

Explanation: 'Prime the pump' means to take action to stimulate or encourage the growth or success of something, originally referring to adding water to a pump to get it working.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.38 [Idioms and Phrases]

The green-eyed monster

(a) Feeling of being joyous
(b) Feeling of being jealous ✓
(c) Feeling bad about happenings
(d) Feeling lucky about something

Explanation: 'The green-eyed monster' is jealousy, coined by Shakespeare in Othello ('O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster').

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.39 [Idioms and Phrases]

Rise to the occasion

(a) To celebrate a success in a difficult situation
(b) To regret a situation which ended in failure
(c) To succeed in dealing with a difficult situation ✓
(d) To motivate people to succeed in a difficult situation

Explanation: 'Rise to the occasion' means to successfully deal with a difficult or challenging situation by performing better than usual.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.40 [Idioms and Phrases]

Call it a day

(a) End of the day
(b) Completion of work
(c) Stop doing something ✓
(d) A beautiful day

Explanation: 'Call it a day' means to decide to stop doing something, especially work, for the rest of the day or permanently.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.41 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Chinua Achebe was born in 1930 and educated at the Government College in Umuahia, Nigeria. S6: Chinua Achebe has written over twenty books, including novels, stories, essays and collections of poetry, and won the Nobel Prize for literature. P: During the Civil War in Nigeria, he worked for the Biafran government service. Q: After the War, he was appointed Senior Research Fellow at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. R: He joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Company in Lagos in 1954, later becoming its Director of External Broadcasting. S: He received a BA from London University in 1953 and in 1956 he studied broadcasting in London at the BBC. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) SRPQ ✓
(b) RPQS
(c) PQRS
(d) QRSP

Explanation: After S1 (born, educated), the logical sequence is: S (BA 1953, BBC 1956) → R (joined NBC 1954, became Director) → P (worked for Biafran government during Civil War) → Q (after the War, appointed Senior Research Fellow), giving SRPQ.

Q.42 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: "Every person carries in his head a mental model of the world — a subjective representation of external reality," writes Alvin Toffler in Future Shock. S6: When we begin to think we can do so only because our mind is already filled with all sorts of ideas with which to think. P: It organizes our knowledge and gives us a place from which to argue. Q: This mental model is, he says, like a giant filing cabinet. R: It contains a slot for every item of information coming to us. S: As E.F. Schumacher says, "When we think, we do not just think; we think ideas." Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) PSRQ
(b) SPRQ
(c) QRPS ✓
(d) RQPS

Explanation: After S1 introduces the mental model concept: Q (mental model is like a filing cabinet) → R (it contains a slot for every item) → P (it organises knowledge) → S (Schumacher quote about thinking ideas), leading into S6 about thinking. QRPS is the logical order.

Q.43 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Biology is the study of life in its entirety. S6: Classical descriptive and clueless biology found a theoretical framework in the evolutionary theory of Darwin. P: In later years, the focus was physiology and internal morphology or anatomy. Q: Darwinian ideas of evolution by natural selection changed the perception completely. R: The growth of biology as a natural science during the last 1000 years is interesting from many points of view. S: One feature of this growth is changing emphasis from mere description of life forms to identification and classification of all recorded living forms. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) RSPQ ✓
(b) SPRQ
(c) QRPS
(d) PQRS

Explanation: After S1: R (growth of biology over 1000 years) → S (one feature: changing emphasis from description) → P (later focus on physiology/anatomy) → Q (Darwinian ideas changed perception), which connects to S6 about Darwin's framework. RSPQ is the logical sequence.

Q.44 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Biology is the youngest of the formalized disciplines of natural science. S6: Life expectancy of human beings has dramatically changed over the years. P: However, the twentieth century and certainly the twenty-first century has demonstrated the utility of biological knowledge in furthering human welfare, be it in health sector or agriculture. Q: The discovery of antibiotics, and synthetic plant-derived drugs, anaesthetics have changed medical practice on one hand and human health on the other hand. R: Applications of physics and chemistry in our daily life also have a higher visibility than those of biology. S: Progress in physics and chemistry proceeded much faster than in biology. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) QPRS
(b) PRQS
(c) RPQS
(d) SRPQ ✓

Explanation: After S1 (biology is youngest): S (physics and chemistry progressed faster) → R (applications of physics/chemistry have higher visibility) → P (however, 20th/21st century showed biology's utility) → Q (discovery of antibiotics changed health), leading to S6 about changed life expectancy. SRPQ is logical.

Q.45 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: People in society need many goods and services in their everyday life including food, clothing, shelter, transport, etc. S6: The teacher in the local school has the skills required to impart education to the students. P: A weaver may have some yarn, some cotton and other instruments required for weaving cloth. Q: A family farm may own a plot of land, some grains, farming implements, maybe a pair of bullocks and also the labour services of the family members. R: Every individual has some amount of the goods and services that one would like to use. S: In fact, the list of goods and services that any individual needs is so large that no individual in society, to begin with, has all the things one needs. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) PQRS
(b) RSPQ ✓
(c) QPSR
(d) SRQP

Explanation: After S1 (people need many goods): R (every individual has some goods they want) → S (list is so large no one has everything) → P (a weaver has yarn, etc.) → Q (a family farm owns land, etc.), giving examples of what individuals do have, connecting to S6's specific example of the teacher. RSPQ is logical.

Q.46 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Farming is the main production activity in the village. S6: The new ways of farming need less land, but much more capital. P: These have allowed the farmers to produce more crops from the same amount of land. Q: Over the years there have been many important changes in the way farming is practised. R: But in raising production, a great deal of pressure has been put on land and other natural resources. S: This is an important achievement, since land is fixed and scarce. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) QPSR ✓
(b) RSPQ
(c) SRPQ
(d) PRSQ

Explanation: After S1: Q (important changes in farming) → P (these allowed more crops from same land) → S (important achievement since land is fixed) → R (but raising production puts pressure on land/resources), which leads into S6 about new ways needing less land. QPSR is logical.

Q.47 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Britain was the first country to experience modern industrialization. S6: This gave people a wider choice for ways to spend their earnings and expanded the market for the sale of goods. P: This meant that the kingdom had common laws, a single currency and a market that was not fragmented by local authorities and uneven taxation. Q: It had been politically stable since the seventeenth century, with England, Wales and Scotland unified under a monarchy. R: By then a large section of the people received their income in the form of wages and salaries than in goods. S: By the end of the seventeenth century, money was widely used as the medium of exchange. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) QPSR ✓
(b) PSQR
(c) RSQP
(d) SRQP

Explanation: After S1: Q (politically stable, unified under monarchy) → P (common laws, single currency, unified market) → S (money widely used by end of 17th century) → R (large section received income as wages/salaries), leading into S6 about wider choices for spending. QPSR is logical.

Q.48 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: For several million years, humans lived by hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants. S6: As a result, conditions were favourable for the growth of grasses such as wild barley and wheat. P: This led to the development of farming and pastoralism as a way of life. Q: This change took place because the last ice age came to an end about 13,000 years ago and with that warmer, wetter conditions prevailed. R: Then, between 10,000 and 4,500 years ago, people in different parts of the world learnt to domesticate certain plants and animals. S: The shift from foraging to farming was a major turning point in the human history. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) QSPR
(b) SPQR
(c) PSQR
(d) RPSQ ✓

Explanation: After S1 (hunting/gathering for millions of years): R (then people learnt to domesticate plants/animals) → P (this led to farming/pastoralism) → S (shift from foraging to farming was a major turning point) → Q (this change took place because ice age ended 13,000 years ago), leading into S6 about favourable conditions. RPSQ is logical.

Q.49 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: All governments claim eternal consistency and success. S6: Diplomacy offers choices, and those choices must be negotiated with other sovereign actors. P: Choices involved uncertainty, risk and immediacy; those who must take the choices operate in the contemporary political milieu. Q: And yet the essence of governance is choice. R: Nowhere is this more true than in foreign policy decision-making. S: Some even claim omniscience. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) SQPR ✓
(b) QSRP
(c) SRPQ
(d) RSPQ

Explanation: After S1 (governments claim consistency and success): S (some even claim omniscience) → Q (and yet the essence of governance is choice) → P (choices involve uncertainty and risk) → R (nowhere more true than in foreign policy), leading into S6 about diplomacy offering choices. SQPR is logical.

Q.50 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Buddhism continued to spread into many lands of Asia during the period of 5th and 6th century. S6: He translated several scriptural commentaries into Pali and wrote a work called the Visuddhimagga, which soon attained the status of a classic work on Theravada doctrine and meditation. P: While this can be understood as a part of larger processes of cultural interaction, especially trade, a key role was played by monks. Q: We know a little bit about some of them, but there must have been countless men whose commitment to the Buddhist path gave them the courage and determination to persevere in the face of the long, hard journey to India and back. R: Buddhism had made its way to Sri Lanka many centuries earlier, during the time of Ashoka, and a thriving Buddhist community soon took root. S: In the 5th century, the monk Buddhaghosha travelled to Sri Lanka. Arrange P, Q, R, S between S1 and S6.

(a) RQPS
(b) QRPS
(c) PQRS ✓
(d) PSRQ

Explanation: After S1 (Buddhism spread in 5th-6th century): P (role played by monks) → Q (we know about some monks, countless men made journeys) → R (Buddhism reached Sri Lanka during Ashoka's time) → S (in the 5th century, monk Buddhaghosha travelled to Sri Lanka), leading into S6 about his translation work. PQRS is logical.

Q.51 [Fill in the Blanks]

On his way to the capital, the minister ______ the eminent social worker at his residence.

(a) called on ✓
(b) called
(c) calling for
(d) call off

Explanation: 'Called on' means to visit someone, which fits the context of the minister visiting the social worker at his residence. 'Call off' means to cancel, 'called' alone is incomplete, and 'calling for' means demanding.

Q.52 [Fill in the Blanks]

The fire brigade fought for four hours to ______ the fire in the building.

(a) put in
(b) put out ✓
(c) put on
(d) put off

Explanation: 'Put out' means to extinguish, which is the correct phrasal verb when referring to extinguishing a fire. 'Put off' means to postpone, 'put on' means to wear/start, and 'put in' means to insert.

Q.53 [Fill in the Blanks]

Ravi has proved that he can ______ on his promise by winning the match.

(a) carry through
(b) carry out ✓
(c) carry
(d) carry off

Explanation: 'Carry out' means to fulfil or execute a promise or plan. 'Carry through' also fits but 'carry out on his promise' is the more standard collocation. However, 'carry out' a promise is the natural idiomatic expression.

Q.54 [Fill in the Blanks]

It is best to ______ politics when in the classroom.

(a) keep out
(b) keep on
(c) keep off ✓
(d) keeping

Explanation: 'Keep off' means to avoid or stay away from a topic, which is appropriate here — avoiding the subject of politics in the classroom. 'Keep out' means to prevent entry, and 'keep on' means to continue.

Q.55 [Fill in the Blanks]

It shows that she has many years ______ of service.

(a) put in ✓
(b) put out
(c) put
(d) put on

Explanation: 'Put in' years of service is the standard idiomatic expression meaning to have spent/invested years in service. 'She has many years put in of service' means she has invested many years in service.

Q.56 [Fill in the Blanks]

The chairperson said that the group was ______ of time.

(a) running out ✓
(b) running
(c) running with
(d) run out

Explanation: 'Running out of time' is the correct idiomatic expression meaning time is being exhausted. Since 'was' indicates past continuous, 'running out' (present participle) is grammatically correct. 'Run out' would require 'had run out'.

Q.57 [Fill in the Blanks]

If I ______ an angel, I would solve the problems of people.

(a) am
(b) were ✓
(c) was
(d) have

Explanation: This is a second conditional (hypothetical/unreal) sentence. In formal grammar, the subjunctive 'were' is used with 'if' for unreal conditions, regardless of the subject. 'If I were an angel' is grammatically correct.

Q.58 [Fill in the Blanks]

Where there is a ______, there is a way.

(a) way
(b) road
(c) wing
(d) will ✓

Explanation: This is the well-known proverb 'Where there is a will, there is a way,' meaning that determination leads to finding solutions. 'Will' is the correct answer.

Q.59 [Fill in the Blanks]

The police could not establish how the accident ______.

(a) came off
(b) came about ✓
(c) came on
(d) came out

Explanation: 'Came about' means happened or occurred, which is the correct phrasal verb for describing how an event took place. 'Came off' means succeeded or was removed, 'came out' means emerged or was revealed, 'came on' means appeared.

Q.60 [Fill in the Blanks]

I ______ my old friend after twenty years.

(a) ran into ✓
(b) ran in
(c) run in
(d) run on

Explanation: 'Ran into' means to meet someone unexpectedly, which fits the context of encountering an old friend. The sentence is in past tense, so 'ran' (past tense) is needed, making 'ran into' the correct answer.

Q.61 [Synonyms]

All the developments that took place in the 20th century have had implications for the next century. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'implications')

(a) consequences ✓
(b) interferences
(c) feedback
(d) planning

Explanation: 'Implications' means consequences or effects. 'Consequences' is the closest synonym among the choices.

Q.62 [Synonyms]

He is such a leader that his actions are contagious. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'contagious')

(a) complicated
(b) transmittable ✓
(c) effective
(d) unthinkable

Explanation: 'Contagious' means capable of being transmitted or spread from one person to another; 'transmittable' is the best synonym here.

Q.63 [Synonyms]

The budget incorporated a number of tax reforms which included higher taxes for the very rich. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'incorporated')

(a) excluded
(b) integrated ✓
(c) laid down
(d) removed

Explanation: 'Incorporated' means included or integrated into something; 'integrated' is the closest synonym.

Q.64 [Synonyms]

His thesis makes all generic statements which have already been proved. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'generic')

(a) specific
(b) crude
(c) broad ✓
(d) non-standard

Explanation: 'Generic' means relating to a whole group or class; 'broad' best captures this meaning of general/non-specific.

Q.65 [Synonyms]

The captain produced yet another stellar show of performance under the most trying circumstances. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'stellar')

(a) extraordinary ✓
(b) eclipse
(c) poor
(d) mid-strength

Explanation: 'Stellar' means exceptionally good or outstanding; 'extraordinary' is the closest synonym.

Q.66 [Synonyms]

A new show is trying to change the clichéd depictions of women in animation. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'clichéd')

(a) original
(b) hackneyed ✓
(c) crony
(d) artificial

Explanation: 'Clichéd' means overused and lacking originality; 'hackneyed' is the direct synonym meaning trite or overused.

Q.67 [Synonyms]

Not everyone finds a vocation which suits one's aptitude. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'vocation')

(a) attitude
(b) approach
(c) liking
(d) occupation ✓

Explanation: 'Vocation' means a person's occupation or calling; 'occupation' is the closest synonym.

Q.68 [Synonyms]

Uninterrupted rain had fatigued the commuters from the outskirts to the city and work suffered. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'fatigued')

(a) excited
(b) refreshed
(c) slowed
(d) exhausted ✓

Explanation: 'Fatigued' means extremely tired or worn out; 'exhausted' is the closest synonym.

Q.69 [Synonyms]

The leader said, "I am aghast with the developments so far. I will take time to understand this." (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'aghast')

(a) satisfied
(b) sad
(c) amused
(d) horrified ✓

Explanation: 'Aghast' means filled with horror or shock; 'horrified' is the closest synonym.

Q.70 [Synonyms]

The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, but police officials suspect the driver of the vehicle allegedly fell asleep. (Choose the word closest in meaning to 'ascertained')

(a) determined ✓
(b) curtained
(c) thought of
(d) being known

Explanation: 'Ascertained' means found out or determined with certainty; 'determined' is the closest synonym.

Q.71 [Antonyms]

Early medieval period was not a combination of urban and rural civilization. It was not a period of urban decay as claimed by some. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'decay')

(a) survival ✓
(b) waste away
(c) decomposition
(d) spoil

Explanation: 'Decay' means gradual deterioration or decline. Its antonym is growth or survival; 'survival' is the opposite among the choices as it implies continuance rather than deterioration.

Q.72 [Antonyms]

He speaks eloquently and can pull crowds. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'eloquently')

(a) confusingly ✓
(b) expressively
(c) powerfully
(d) fluently

Explanation: 'Eloquently' means fluently and persuasively; the opposite would be speaking in a confused or inarticulate manner, so 'confusingly' is the antonym.

Q.73 [Antonyms]

Everyone has to fight the inertia in the system. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'inertia')

(a) sluggishness
(b) indolence
(c) activity ✓
(d) torpor

Explanation: 'Inertia' means lack of movement or sluggishness; its antonym is 'activity', which implies movement and energy.

Q.74 [Antonyms]

There is a need to promote philanthropy in education. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'philanthropy')

(a) charity
(b) benevolence
(c) nastiness ✓
(d) likeliness

Explanation: 'Philanthropy' means goodwill and charitable giving; the antonym would be selfishness or nastiness. 'Nastiness' (ill will, meanness) is the opposite here.

Q.75 [Antonyms]

What we lack in the current times is compassion. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'compassion')

(a) empathy
(b) carefulness
(c) indifference ✓
(d) hardship

Explanation: 'Compassion' means sympathy and concern for others; the opposite is 'indifference', meaning lack of concern or feeling.

Q.76 [Antonyms]

Tempestuous behaviour would not yield much in any place. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'tempestuous')

(a) relaxed ✓
(b) passionate
(c) intense
(d) windy

Explanation: 'Tempestuous' means very stormy, turbulent, or passionate; its antonym is 'relaxed', meaning calm and composed.

Q.77 [Antonyms]

Wooing everyone over an issue for support will not serve much purpose. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'wooing')

(a) discouraging ✓
(b) encouraging
(c) pursuing
(d) persuading

Explanation: 'Wooing' means trying to gain the favour or support of someone; the opposite is 'discouraging', which means trying to dissuade or put off.

Q.78 [Antonyms]

The highest award was bestowed upon her for her yeoman service. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'bestowed')

(a) conferred
(b) withdrawn ✓
(c) imparted
(d) imbibed

Explanation: 'Bestowed' means given or presented; the opposite is 'withdrawn', meaning taken back or removed.

Q.79 [Antonyms]

One feels elated when someone praises one's work. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'elated')

(a) feels good
(b) sad ✓
(c) excited
(d) sober

Explanation: 'Elated' means very happy and excited; the antonym is 'sad', indicating unhappiness or depression.

Q.80 [Antonyms]

All business activities need not result in profit-making. There is a need to be charitable. (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'charitable')

(a) lenient
(b) malevolent ✓
(c) unforeseen
(d) gracious

Explanation: 'Charitable' means generous and benevolent; the antonym is 'malevolent', which means having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

Q.81 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

He has been working in the Department of Foreign Affairs since 2002.

(a) Adverb ✓
(b) Adjective
(c) Intensifier
(d) Noun

Explanation: 'Since 2002' functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying the verb phrase 'has been working'. The underlined/identified word 'since 2002' answers the question 'when', making it an adverb (phrase).

Q.82 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

The man in dark blue is the one who made us win the match.

(a) Relative clause
(b) Interrogative pronoun
(c) Relative pronoun ✓
(d) Affirmative

Explanation: 'Who' in 'who made us win the match' is a relative pronoun that relates back to 'the one' (its antecedent), introducing a relative clause.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.83 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

The most beautiful actor of the industry was awarded today.

(a) Adjective ✓
(b) Numeral
(c) Adverb
(d) Noun

Explanation: 'Most beautiful' is a superlative adjective modifying the noun 'actor'. It describes a quality of the noun, so it functions as an adjective.

Q.84 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

"What is the latest news?" asked the Captain.

(a) Relative pronoun
(b) Adjective ✓
(c) Adverb
(d) Adjectival clause

Explanation: 'Latest' is a superlative adjective modifying the noun 'news', describing its quality. 'What' here introduces a direct question, but the asked word functioning as a grammatical label is 'latest' which is an adjective.

Q.85 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

Noticing the change in the behaviour of the officer, the cadets returned to their position.

(a) Participle ✓
(b) Present continuous
(c) Noun phrase
(d) Noun

Explanation: 'Noticing the change in the behaviour of the officer' is a participial phrase (present participle 'noticing') that modifies the subject 'the cadets', functioning as a participle/participial phrase.

Q.86 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

When he reached the department, the officials had left for the meeting.

(a) Past perfect verb
(b) Past tense
(c) Dependent clause ✓
(d) Independent clause

Explanation: 'When he reached the department' is a dependent (subordinate) clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'when'; it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.87 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

He has offered her another chance.

(a) Intransitive verb
(b) Past tense
(c) Perfect tense
(d) Transitive verb ✓

Explanation: 'Has offered' is a transitive verb because it takes a direct object ('another chance') and an indirect object ('her'). A verb that acts upon an object is transitive.

Q.88 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

The building is very ancient.

(a) Transitive verb
(b) Intransitive verb ✓
(c) Phrasal verb
(d) Auxiliary verb

Explanation: 'Is' here is a linking/intransitive verb (copula) connecting the subject 'building' to its complement 'very ancient'. It does not take a direct object, making it intransitive.

Q.89 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

Hurrah! What a scintillating beauty the landscape is!

(a) Conjunction
(b) Adjective
(c) Adverb
(d) Interjection ✓

Explanation: 'Hurrah!' is an interjection — an exclamatory word that expresses a strong emotion (joy/excitement) and is grammatically independent from the rest of the sentence.

Q.90 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

Ravi was declared as the winner in the tie because he had hit the most number of fours and sixes.

(a) Conjunction ✓
(b) Interjection
(c) Adverb
(d) Cause

Explanation: 'Because' is a subordinating conjunction that joins the dependent clause 'he had hit the most number of fours and sixes' to the main clause, expressing a causal relationship.

Q.91 [Spelling]