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CDS II 2022 English with Solutions

Exam: CDS Year: 2022 (Session II) Questions: 110 Marks: 100 Negative Marking: 1/3

Q.1 [Reading Comprehension]

China's objective of signing a security pact with Solomon Islands is

(a) to contribute in ensuring security in the Pacific.
(b) to extend its territory. ✓
(c) to develop Solomon Islands.
(d) to provide financial aid in enhancing security measures in the Pacific.

Explanation: The passage context (Passage I on China-Solomon Islands security pact) implies China's strategic intent is territorial and power expansion in the Pacific region, making 'to extend its territory' the most strategically accurate interpretation.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.2 [Reading Comprehension]

The Pact symbolises China's doctrine of

(a) advancing financial support to countries.
(b) deployment of security forces wherever needed.
(c) advancement of defence technology.
(d) principles of peaceful coexistence. ✓

Explanation: China's official foreign policy doctrine is anchored in 'Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence,' and the pact is publicly framed under that doctrine even if critics see strategic motives.

Q.3 [Reading Comprehension]

Which one of the following is implied by 'Beijing would not seek to become a global hegemon'?

(a) Beijing would aspire to become a strong ruler.
(b) Beijing is ambitious of becoming a Superpower.
(c) Beijing is not aspiring to have control over the world. ✓
(d) Beijing will play an important role in world politics.

Explanation: 'Hegemon' means a dominant controlling power; 'would not seek to become a global hegemon' directly means Beijing is not aspiring to have control over the world.

Q.4 [Reading Comprehension]

What does 'square with that idea' imply in the passage?

(a) Having multiple ideas
(b) Not in agreement with the idea ✓
(c) Imposing personal views on others
(d) Agreeing with the multiple views

Explanation: 'Square with' an idea means to be consistent or in agreement with it; used negatively ('doesn't square with'), it implies not being in agreement with the idea.

Q.5 [Reading Comprehension]

What does 'strategic foothold' imply in the passage?

(a) Valid entry
(b) Planned access ✓
(c) Legitimate passage
(d) Sanctioned routes

Explanation: A 'strategic foothold' refers to a deliberately planned position or access point that provides a military or geopolitical advantage, making 'Planned access' the closest meaning.

Q.6 [Reading Comprehension]

Passage II: Among the major objectives of the Glasgow Summit was to frame the foundation of an international carbon trading system listed in the Paris Agreement to achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2050. It would enable nations to transfer credits to each other and offset their emission targets. Critics of the trading system, and there are many, say it would give leeway to developed countries and companies that are highly polluting to stave off making deeper cuts in their low emissions by buying credits from poorer countries at exploitative prices. There are also major differences over whether the new trading system will recognize historical emissions permitted under earlier protocols. Others want rules a permit double credits for the nation funding a particular carbon reducing project, such as the regeneration of forests to act as a carbon sink, and for the country implementing it. A third issue is whether a share of the revenue from such a bilateral trading agreement will go toward the UN's Adaptation Fund. There have also been concerns about the integrity of the accounting system for such credits. What is 'international carbon trading system' here?

(a) Counting carbon emissions by poor countries
(b) A system of counting carbons every year
(c) The exchange of carbon credits between nations ✓
(d) Counting how developed countries evade accountability

Explanation: The passage states the system 'would enable nations to transfer credits to each other and offset their emission targets,' which describes the exchange of carbon credits between nations.

Q.7 [Reading Comprehension]

What is the third issue being mentioned in the context of 'share of the revenue'?

(a) The revenue may not be shared with UN's Adaptation Fund. ✓
(b) Developed countries would take the revenue from bilateral trading agreements.
(c) Poor countries will have to shoulder the major responsibilities.
(d) Accounting system will be in the hands of developed countries.

Explanation: The passage explicitly states the third issue is 'whether a share of the revenue from such a bilateral trading agreement will go toward the UN's Adaptation Fund,' implying concern that it may not be shared.

Q.8 [Reading Comprehension]

'.......... forests to act as a carbon sink' means

(a) Forests reduce carbon emission. ✓
(b) Depletion of forest cover adds to carbon emission.
(c) Forests cannot reduce carbon emission.
(d) Forests can improve the environment.

Explanation: A 'carbon sink' is something that absorbs more carbon than it releases; forests acting as a carbon sink means forests reduce carbon emission by absorbing CO2.

Q.9 [Reading Comprehension]

What is the concern about the integrity of the accounting system?

(a) Developed countries and companies would not be adhering to the credit system. ✓
(b) Developed countries and companies would be adhering to the credit system.
(c) Poor countries would not be adhering to the credit system on carbon emission.
(d) Poor countries would be adhering to the credit system on carbon emission.

Explanation: The passage mentions concerns about the integrity of the accounting system in the context of developed countries buying credits at exploitative prices to avoid deeper cuts, implying they would not genuinely adhere to the credit system.

Q.10 [Reading Comprehension]

Which of the following words is nearer to the meaning of the word 'protocol' in the text?

(a) final truth
(b) school of thought
(c) formal ways of doing something ✓
(d) meeting the target of 100%

Explanation: 'Protocol' in international agreements refers to formal rules, procedures, or agreements — nearest in meaning to 'formal ways of doing something.'

Q.11 [Reading Comprehension]

Passage III: The RBI expects inflation at 6.7 percent in 2022-23. Recent government data also suggests that inflation has become more broad-based. Excluding the volatile components such as food and fuel, core retail inflation was around 7 percent in April with almost all subgroups in the index witnessing elevated inflation. And considering the inflation in the pipeline — the wholesale price index continues to be in double digits — price pressures are unlikely to dissipate in the immediate term. According to analysts, while manufacturing firms have been passing on the rise in input costs, it remains incomplete in the case of the services sector. However, as demand firms up, the pass through is likely to gather traction. This combination of factors suggests so — inflation has now been projected at 7.5 percent in the first quarter, and 7.4 percent in the second quarter, trending downwards thereafter to 6.2 percent in the third quarter, and 5.8 percent in the fourth quarter. What are the volatile components of inflation?

(a) All subgroups in the index
(b) Components such as food and fuel ✓
(c) Wholesale price index
(d) Inflation in the pipeline

Explanation: The passage explicitly states 'Excluding the volatile components such as food and fuel,' directly identifying food and fuel as the volatile components.

Q.12 [Reading Comprehension]

Why are prices unlikely to abate in the short term?

(a) Because of inflation in the pipeline ✓
(b) Because prices once up never come back down
(c) Because international price situation is volatile
(d) Because of pressure from subgroups

Explanation: The passage states 'considering the inflation in the pipeline — the wholesale price index continues to be in double digits — price pressures are unlikely to dissipate in the immediate term,' directly attributing the short-term price persistence to pipeline inflation.

Q.13 [Reading Comprehension]

In which context are the words 'pass through' used in the passage?

(a) That services sector will increase prices as demand picks up ✓
(b) That manufacturing sector is bearing the burden of input costs
(c) That the economy is passing through price pressures
(d) That inflation will pass through the services sector

Explanation: The passage says the pass-through (of input cost increases to consumers) 'remains incomplete in the case of the services sector' but 'as demand firms up, the pass through is likely to gather traction,' meaning the services sector will raise prices as demand increases.

Q.14 [Reading Comprehension]

Explain the meaning of the word 'quotidian' as used in the passage.

(a) Existing
(b) Primary
(c) Main
(d) Day-to-day ✓

Explanation: 'Quotidian' means occurring daily or relating to everyday matters; its standard dictionary meaning is 'day-to-day.'

Q.15 [Reading Comprehension]

Choose the most appropriate option that describes the meaning of the term 'unanchoring' as used in the passage.

(a) Stability of inflation that will be securely anchored
(b) The rising anchor will free inflation
(c) The disjoint between inflation and its expectations ✓
(d) Runaway inflation that is out of control

Explanation: 'Unanchoring of inflation expectations' is an economics term referring to the disconnect or disjoint between actual inflation and the expectations that should keep it stable, making option (c) the most accurate.

Q.16 [Synonyms]

He is considered the harbinger.

(a) regressive messenger
(b) advance-messenger ✓
(c) overlooking messenger
(d) ancestor

Explanation: A 'harbinger' is someone or something that signals the approach of something; it is essentially a forerunner or advance messenger, making option (b) closest in meaning.

Q.17 [Synonyms]

The vista of the villages is beautiful.

(a) landscape ✓
(b) location
(c) feature
(d) vitality

Explanation: 'Vista' means a pleasing view or prospect, especially over a wide expanse; 'landscape' is the nearest synonym.

Q.18 [Synonyms]

Her act was considered as most lamentable.

(a) appreciable
(b) acceptable
(c) permissible
(d) deplorable ✓

Explanation: 'Lamentable' means deserving of condemnation or causing grief; 'deplorable' is the closest synonym meaning worthy of strong disapproval.

Q.19 [Synonyms]

The leader's endurance paid and he won the elections.

(a) patience ✓
(b) success
(c) enigma
(d) captivity

Explanation: 'Endurance' means the ability to sustain prolonged hardship or difficulty; 'patience' is the nearest synonym among the options.

Q.20 [Synonyms]

We are planning a jaunt for a while during the winter.

(a) deliberation
(b) intersection
(c) expedition ✓
(d) association

Explanation: 'Jaunt' means a short excursion or journey for pleasure; 'expedition' is the closest in meaning among the given options.

Q.51 [Grammar - Prepositions]

Rahul must have received the dues ___ now.

(a) by ✓
(b) till
(c) at
(d) to

Explanation: 'By now' is the correct idiomatic expression indicating that something should have happened before the present time. 'By' is used with perfect tenses to indicate a deadline.

Q.52 [Grammar - Prepositions]

How many students have come ___ you for the programme?

(a) along with ✓
(b) by
(c) for
(d) till

Explanation: 'Come along with' means to accompany someone. The sentence asks how many students accompanied the person for the programme.

Q.53 [Grammar - Prepositions]

You need to make others feel that you are ___ second none.

(a) by
(b) to ✓
(c) with
(d) for

Explanation: The idiom is 'second to none', meaning the best of all. 'To' is the correct preposition in this fixed expression.

Q.54 [Grammar - Articles]

Scholars are often caught on the horns of ___ dilemma.

(a) the
(b) some
(c) a ✓
(d) few

Explanation: 'A dilemma' uses the indefinite article 'a' because 'dilemma' starts with a consonant sound and is being used in a general/non-specific sense. The idiom is 'on the horns of a dilemma'.

Q.55 [Grammar - Articles]

Amid few incidents of violence, ___ the voting went on well.

(a) a
(b) some
(c) no article ✓
(d) an

Explanation: No article is needed before 'the voting' as the sentence already begins with 'Amid few incidents of violence' and 'the voting' is a specific gerund phrase that stands alone. No additional article is required before 'the'.

Q.56 [Grammar - Articles]

___ university is a place for thinking and learning.

(a) An
(b) A ✓
(c) The
(d) Some

Explanation: 'University' begins with a consonant sound /j/ (yoo-ni-ver-si-ty), so the indefinite article 'a' (not 'an') is used. The sentence makes a general statement, so 'a' is appropriate.

Q.57 [Grammar - Articles]

Education is a manifestation of ___ perfection already in man.

(a) an
(b) the ✓
(c) some
(d) to

Explanation: 'The perfection already in man' uses the definite article 'the' because it refers to a specific perfection — the one that already exists within man — making it particular and identifiable.

Q.58 [Grammar - Prepositions]

Entry ___ the building was restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(a) into ✓
(b) of
(c) for
(d) by

Explanation: 'Entry into' is the correct collocation when referring to entering a physical space or building. 'Into' indicates movement from outside to inside.

Q.59 [Grammar - Articles]

Ranjit has been elected as ___ leader of the group in the house.

(a) the ✓
(b) a
(c) an
(d) some

Explanation: 'The leader' uses the definite article because there is only one leader of the group — it is a specific, unique position. The definite article is used for unique roles.

Q.60 [Grammar - Prepositions]

System performance was demonstrated ___ the Drop Zone from an altitude of 5000 m.

(a) by
(b) at ✓
(c) on
(d) with

Explanation: 'At the Drop Zone' is correct because 'at' is used to indicate a specific location or point. The demonstration took place at the Drop Zone.

Q.61 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: A licensee who wants to surrender his license shall apply in Form X to the licensing officer. P: This shall not entitle the licensee to any compensation by way of license fee in any form. Q: If the licensing officer is satisfied, he may accept the surrender. R: The license shall be deemed to have been terminated from the date of such acceptance. S: The application shall be accompanied by a declaration of stock in Form V. S6: The licensee who has surrendered his license shall be allowed to sell the antiquities declared to another licensee or a recognized museum in India.

(a) PQRS
(b) SRQP
(c) SQRP
(d) SQPR ✓

Explanation: The logical sequence is: S1 (apply in Form X) → S (application accompanied by Form V) → Q (officer satisfied, accepts surrender) → P (no compensation entitled) → R (license terminated from acceptance date) → S6. This gives SQPR.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.62 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Haryana has achieved the 2nd rank among States in Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) — 2021 report. P: This makes Haryana a top performer in the northern cluster of land-locked States. Q: The State has taken a leap from the 6th overall position in the previous evaluation (2019). R: The improvement in ranking reflects focused initiatives by the State in improving the infrastructure. S: The report aims to evaluate and rank States / UTs based on the efficiency of their logistics and initiatives taken. S6: LEADS 2021 framework evaluated States / UTs on 21 indicators, including 17 perceptions and four objectives-based indicators.

(a) QRPS ✓
(b) QSPR
(c) SRQP
(d) RQSP

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (2nd rank) → Q (leap from 6th) → R (improvement reflects initiatives) → P (makes Haryana top performer) → S (report aims to rank states) → S6. This gives QRPS.

Q.63 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Wind power is an inexhaustible source of clean energy. P: During the last decade, power production from the wind increased more than 25%. Q: Although the cost of electrical energy produced by the wind depends on favourable sites for the location of wind turbines, wind power is already cost competitive with power produced from fossil fuels. R: Much of the growth was in Europe, where most of the world's 17,000 megawatts of wind power is generated. S: One expert calls wind generation the fastest-growing electrical generation technology in the world. S6: As examples, 13% of Denmark's power and more than 20% of power in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany is supplied by the wind.

(a) PQRS
(b) SRPQ ✓
(c) QSPR
(d) RPSQ

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (wind is clean energy) → S (fastest-growing technology) → R (growth mostly in Europe) → P (production increased 25%) → Q (cost competitive with fossil fuels) → S6 (examples from Denmark, etc.). This gives SRPQ.

Q.64 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Education, it is believed, is inseparable from our societal aspirations. P: Education, as many would argue, was for realization of the Ultimate and the Absolute. Q: In ancient times, for example, there was a distinctive spiritual meaning associated with education. R: As these aspirations / world views undergo a process of transformation with the changing times, so does the meaning for education. S: It was to overcome the finiteness of existence: all earthly temptations and desires. S6: But, for a modern / technical mind, this preoccupation with spiritual knowledge may not hold such fascination.

(a) RPSQ ✓
(b) SRQP
(c) QRPS
(d) RQPS

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (education tied to aspirations) → R (aspirations transform with times) → P (in ancient times, for Ultimate) → S (to overcome finiteness) → Q (ancient times had spiritual meaning) → S6. RPSQ fits best as R introduces change, P gives ancient example, S elaborates on P, Q reinforces ancient spiritual context.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.65 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: He resisted colonial education not just because it came from the West. P: Essentially, he disliked its inherent elitism, its irrelevance as far as the needs of India's rural masses were concerned. Q: For example, it was difficult for him to accept English as the medium of instruction, because he felt that it has created a permanent bar between the highly educated few and the uneducated many. R: Moreover, with his profound pedagogic sensitivity he could see the dampers effect of colonial education. S: He also felt that English made one a stranger in one's own land. S6: Besides, with this kind of education, one could not appreciate the dignity of manual labour.

(a) PRQS
(b) SQPR
(c) PQRS ✓
(d) QRSP

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (not just because from the West) → P (disliked elitism, irrelevance) → Q (for example, English as medium created barriers) → R (moreover, pedagogic sensitivity showed damping effect) → S (English made one a stranger) → S6. This gives PQRS.

Q.66 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: A corpus is an abundant source of samples of English usage. P: If they are to function as examples, however, then we need to ask just what it is they are intended to be examples of. Q: If this is to be of the meaning that has been previously explained, they cannot just be picked out of the corpus at random. R: Samples of the language, isolated from their natural context of use, will not normally exemplify word meanings, but will simply show one instance of the word's actual occurrence. S: This is because the context will usually make it unnecessary to spell the meaning out. S6: It is not only the previously explained meaning of the word that we might want a sample to exemplify, however, but also its collocational tendencies.

(a) QPSR
(b) RPSQ
(c) PQRS ✓
(d) SPQR

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (corpus has samples) → P (if they are to be examples, what are they examples of?) → Q (if of previously explained meaning, can't pick randomly) → R (isolated samples won't exemplify meaning) → S (context makes meaning unnecessary to spell out) → S6. This gives PQRS.

Q.67 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Historians have often explained religious and social reform in India in the nineteenth century as a result of the Western impact upon the minds of men. P: With that purpose, we seek to analyze the thoughts and activities of individuals who were both religious reformers and vernacular publicists. Q: The equation of westernization and modernization has given way to a search for the indigenous sources of social changes. R: Recognizing the modernity of tradition is one thing however, whereas understanding the intellectual processes that produced indigenously generated change is another. S: Others have recognized that this was entirely too simple an explanation for the intellectual and social changes that took place in India and other places that fell under the foreign colonial rule. S6: Each of these vernacular-using reformers derived his arguments from within his own tradition.

(a) QRSP
(b) RQPS
(c) SQRP ✓
(d) SPRQ

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (Western impact explanation) → S (others found it too simple) → Q (westernization equation gave way to indigenous sources) → R (recognizing modernity of tradition is one thing, understanding processes another) → P (we seek to analyze reformers and vernacular publicists) → S6. This gives SQRP.

Q.68 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: The country has experienced unprecedented economic development since the adoption of the New Economic Policy in the year 1999. P: The middle classes have been the greatest beneficiary of this policy, who today enjoy far greater levels of income than their previous generations. Q: In the immediate aftermath of the newly announced policy, there was apprehension in the minds of the people. R: Within a few years, however, the beneficial impact of the newly announced policy became manifest through higher GDP and a thriving economy. S: Faced with a critical foreign exchange crisis, the country adopted the policy in the Union Budget presented in the year 1999. S6: If the country dreams of a much larger economy today, much of the optimism is due to the policy changes that took place in the year 1999.

(a) SQRP ✓
(b) RQSP
(c) SPRQ
(d) QSPR

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (unprecedented development since 1999 policy) → S (faced forex crisis, adopted policy) → Q (immediate apprehension) → R (within few years, beneficial impact manifest) → P (middle classes greatest beneficiary) → S6. This gives SQRP.

Q.69 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: The Indian co-operative movement is probably one of the largest, strongest and the oldest in the world with widespread spatial coverage, diversified business activities and ample success stories. P: It has celebrated its Centenary very recently. Q: It is structured around the Rochdale Principles and Raiffeisen Model in wake of miseries of peasantry. R: It is termed as the "economic miracle" of the last century. S: Ever since the British-sponsored Act of 1904, the Movement has passed through a number of phases. S6: Co-operatives have been organized in areas like credit, marketing, distribution, dairy development, industry, sugar and so on.

(a) QRPS
(b) RPQS
(c) PQRS
(d) SQRP ✓

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (Indian co-operative movement is oldest/largest) → S (since Act of 1904, passed through phases) → Q (structured around Rochdale Principles) → R (termed economic miracle) → P (celebrated Centenary recently) → S6. This gives SQRP.

Q.70 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Degenerative and man-made diseases, or rather, non-communicable diseases mark epidemiological transition in the contemporary world. P: Scholars reiterate that epidemiological transition and structural change in the disease pattern are inevitable. Q: This transition is the result of rapid increments in urbanization and industrialization. R: He argued that the disease pattern is shifting from the predominance of infectious and parasitic diseases to chronic and man-made diseases. S: Omran's epidemiological transition theory, 1971 portrayed a clear picture of the changing pattern of diseases prevalent all over the world. S6: This transition has led to the rise of living standards in general, whereby people enjoy a sedentary lifestyle with good socio-economic profile.

(a) SRQP
(b) PSRQ ✓
(c) PQRS
(d) RQPS

Explanation: Logical flow: S1 (non-communicable diseases mark epidemiological transition) → P (scholars say transition is inevitable) → S (Omran's 1971 theory) → R (he argued disease pattern shifting) → Q (transition result of urbanization and industrialization) → S6. This gives PSRQ.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.71 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Alibi'.

(a) The accused was acquitted because he provided an alibi. ✓
(b) The accused was acquitted because his alibi was not accepted.
(c) The accused was acquitted because his alibi was false.
(d) The accused was convicted because he provided an alibi.

Explanation: An 'alibi' is a defence claim that one was elsewhere when the offence was committed. Being acquitted because of providing an alibi (i.e., the alibi was accepted) is the correct usage.

Q.72 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Continuously'.

(a) The waves lapped upon the shores continuously.
(b) The fellows at the academy follow their exercise routine continuously.
(c) The giant piston at the oil rig hammered the ground continuously.
(d) The water was flowing from the leaking tap continuously. ✓

Explanation: 'Continuously' means without any interruption. Water flowing from a leaking tap is an unbroken, uninterrupted stream, making option (d) the most precise and natural usage.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.73 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Elicit'.

(a) The call centre's operations were found to be elicit.
(b) The elicit ties between them were discovered by chance.
(c) The demand for further elaboration did not elicit an enthusiastic response. ✓
(d) The elicit reasons stated were found to be insufficient.

Explanation: 'Elicit' is a verb meaning to draw out or evoke a response. Options (a), (b), and (d) incorrectly use 'elicit' as an adjective where 'illicit' (meaning unlawful) is needed; only (c) uses 'elicit' correctly as a verb.

Q.74 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Climactic'.

(a) The climactic degradations shall lead to cataclysmic weather change.
(b) The climactic changes in the environment will impact the entire world.
(c) The climactic outcomes of restrained sustainability are positive.
(d) The climactic changes presaging environmental disaster are predicted to unfold soon. ✓

Explanation: 'Climactic' means relating to or forming a climax. Options (a), (b), and (c) confuse 'climactic' with 'climatic' (relating to climate). Option (d) correctly uses 'climactic' to describe changes that represent a culminating or peak point presaging disaster.

Q.75 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Affect'.

(a) The new diet did not seem to have any affect on her health.
(b) For the new scheme to take affect, certain conditions have to be met.
(c) In affect, we are back to where we were before.
(d) The changed circumstances seemed to visibly affect her. ✓

Explanation: 'Affect' is correctly used as a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on. Options (a), (b), and (c) incorrectly use 'affect' where the noun 'effect' is required.

Q.76 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Discrete'.

(a) The manager was asked to make discrete enquiries about the new client.
(b) The discrete noise-cancelling headphones are very expensive.
(c) The discrete series had many intervening gaps. ✓
(d) It is important to be discrete while dealing with sensitive material.

Explanation: 'Discrete' means individually separate and distinct. A 'discrete series' in mathematics/statistics refers to a data series with distinct, separate values with gaps, making (c) the correct usage. Options (a) and (d) require 'discreet' (meaning careful/tactful), and (b) is nonsensical in this context.

Q.77 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses 'It's'.

(a) Its nature is susceptible to rapid change.
(b) What is it about it's performance that has impressed you?
(c) It's imperative that you study hard for success. ✓
(d) What about it's value in the international market?

Explanation: 'It's' is the contraction of 'it is'. Option (c) correctly uses 'it's' to mean 'it is imperative'. Options (a), (b), and (d) require the possessive 'its' without an apostrophe.

Q.78 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Amidst'.

(a) Amidst them who do you think is better?
(b) There was a lot of confusion amidst his mind.
(c) Amidst all the confusion the thief managed to slink away unnoticed. ✓
(d) Who amidst you shall be brave enough to pick up the gauntlet?

Explanation: 'Amidst' means surrounded by or in the middle of. Option (c) correctly uses it to indicate the thief acted in the middle of a surrounding state of confusion. Options (a) and (d) require 'among' (used with people), and (b) is idiomatic nonsense.

Q.79 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Less'.

(a) There are less than fourteen people attending the seminar.
(b) Less states are fulfilling the targets set by the union ministry.
(c) There is less sugar in the tea than what I asked for. ✓
(d) There are very less days left before the examinations begin.

Explanation: 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns. Sugar is uncountable, so (c) is correct. Options (a) and (d) require 'fewer' (countable: people, days), and (b) also requires 'fewer' (countable: states).

Q.80 [Word Usage]

Select the option that correctly uses the word 'Practise'.

(a) It is common practise to greet friends during festivals.
(b) It has been the practise of academics to recommend students for higher studies.
(c) What is the particular practise of your neighbours that you are objecting to?
(d) It is important to practise regularly to ensure good performance on match day. ✓

Explanation: In standard British English, 'practise' is the verb form and 'practice' is the noun. Options (a), (b), and (c) use 'practise' where the noun 'practice' is needed; only (d) correctly uses 'practise' as a verb.

Q.81 [Fill in the Blanks]

He ___ waiting for you since morning.

(a) have been
(b) has been ✓
(c) is
(d) had been

Explanation: The subject 'He' is third-person singular and the phrase 'since morning' signals present perfect continuous tense, requiring 'has been'.

Q.82 [Fill in the Blanks]

If a Time Machine ___ you anywhere for one day, where would you go?

(a) may take
(b) could take ✓
(c) will take
(d) shall take

Explanation: This is a second conditional (hypothetical) sentence; the if-clause requires 'could take' (past modal) to match the result clause 'would you go'.

Q.83 [Fill in the Blanks]

What you propose is ___

(a) on question
(b) in question
(c) where the question
(d) out of the question ✓

Explanation: 'Out of the question' is the correct idiomatic phrase meaning something is impossible or not to be considered.

Q.84 [Fill in the Blanks]

The corruption ___

(a) full swing ✓
(b) full of circles
(c) full length
(d) full mode

Explanation: 'In full swing' is the standard idiom meaning something is operating at peak activity or intensity; the sentence implies corruption is at its height.

Q.85 [Fill in the Blanks]

Life has been thrown ___ due to the weather conditions in the city.

(a) in the gear
(b) out of gear ✓
(c) about
(d) in spirits

Explanation: 'Out of gear' is the correct idiomatic expression meaning disrupted or thrown into disorder, fitting the context of weather disrupting normal life.

Q.86 [Fill in the Blanks]

Had he told me the news beforehand, I ___ careful and saved my money.

(a) should have been
(b) had been
(c) will be
(d) would have been ✓

Explanation: This is a third conditional (past unreal) construction; 'had he told me' requires 'would have been' in the result clause.

Q.87 [Fill in the Blanks]

He feels that he has been ___

(a) taken for granted ✓
(b) taken as granted
(c) taken for ease
(d) taken in it

Explanation: 'Taken for granted' is the correct and standard English idiom meaning to undervalue someone or assume their availability without appreciation.

Q.88 [Fill in the Blanks]

He has the ___ touch of a maestro.

(a) grating
(b) strong
(c) silken ✓
(d) heavy

Explanation: A maestro is associated with refinement and grace; 'silken touch' is the established collocative phrase meaning a smooth, delicate, and skilful touch, befitting a master performer.

Q.89 [Fill in the Blanks]

He is one of the ___ in the country.

(a) well-known journalists ✓
(b) well-known journalist
(c) well-renowned journalists
(d) journalist

Explanation: 'One of the' is followed by a plural noun, so 'well-known journalists' is correct. 'Well-renowned' is also redundant since 'renowned' already implies being well-known.

Q.90 [Fill in the Blanks]

The population of Mumbai and Delhi is greater than ___ city in India.

(a) all other
(b) any other ✓
(c) any
(d) other

Explanation: The correct comparative construction when excluding the subject from the group is 'any other city', meaning Mumbai and Delhi's population is greater than that of any other individual city in India.

Q.91 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Perspicacity' and 'Perspicuity'

(a) Perspicacity means ability to discern and Perspicuity means lucidity of expression ✓
(b) Perspicacity means lucidity of expression and Perspicuity means ability to discern
(c) Perspicacity means tenacity and Perspicuity means lucidity of expression
(d) Perspicacity means ability to discern and Perspicuity means tenacity

Explanation: 'Perspicacity' derives from Latin perspicax (keen-sighted) meaning the ability to understand/discern things quickly; 'Perspicuity' means clarity or lucidity of expression. Option (a) correctly distinguishes both.

Q.92 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Complaisant' and 'Complacent'

(a) Complaisant means overconfident and Complacent means in the same place
(b) Complaisant means eager to please and Complacent means overconfident ✓
(c) Complaisant means eager to please and Complacent means in the same place
(d) Complaisant means overconfident and Complacent means eager to please

Explanation: 'Complaisant' means willing or eager to please others; 'Complacent' means self-satisfied, smug, or overconfident about one's situation. Option (b) is correct.

Q.93 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Compliment' and 'Complement'

(a) Compliment means to enhance and Complement means to praise
(b) Compliment means to go well with and Complement means to praise
(c) Compliment means to praise and Complement means to go well with ✓
(d) Compliment means to enhance and Complement means to go well with

Explanation: 'Compliment' means to express praise or admiration; 'Complement' means to go well with something or complete it. Option (c) correctly captures both meanings.

Q.94 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Deify' and 'Defy'

(a) To deify means to confer upon one the status of God and to defy means to oppose ✓
(b) To deify means to confer upon one the status of God and to defy means to deny
(c) To deify means to oppose and to defy means to confer upon one the status of God
(d) To deify means to oppose and to defy means to deny

Explanation: 'Deify' means to worship or treat someone as a god (confer divine status); 'Defy' means to openly resist or oppose. Option (a) is correct.

Q.95 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Evoke' and 'Invoke'

(a) Evoke means to elicit a response and Invoke means to provoke
(b) Evoke means to call upon through an appeal and Invoke means to elicit a response
(c) Evoke means to provoke and Invoke means to call upon through an appeal
(d) Evoke means to elicit a response and Invoke means to call upon through an appeal ✓

Explanation: 'Evoke' means to bring forth or elicit a memory, feeling, or response; 'Invoke' means to call upon or appeal to (a law, authority, deity, etc.). Option (d) correctly distinguishes both.

Q.96 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Sympathy' and 'Empathy'

(a) Sympathy means sharing another's feelings and Empathy means understanding another's feelings ✓
(b) Sympathy means expressing another's feelings and Empathy means sharing another's feelings
(c) Sympathy means pitying another's feelings and Empathy means emphasising another's feelings
(d) Sympathy means emphasising another's feelings and Empathy means pitying another's feelings

Explanation: 'Sympathy' involves sharing or acknowledging another's emotions (often from a distance); 'Empathy' is the deeper ability to understand and feel another's perspective. Option (a) best captures the standard distinction.

Q.97 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Accept' and 'Except'

(a) Accept means to exclude and Except means to agree
(b) Accept means to agree and Except means to extend
(c) Accept means to agree and Except means to exclude ✓
(d) Accept means to extend and Except means to agree

Explanation: 'Accept' means to agree to receive or consent to something; 'Except' means to exclude or leave out. Option (c) is correct.

Q.98 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Reward' and 'Award'

(a) Reward is compensation for effort and Award is prize for recognition ✓
(b) Reward is prize for recognition and Award is compensation for effort
(c) Reward is prize for recognition and Award is gift from someone
(d) Reward is gift from someone and Award is compensation for effort

Explanation: A 'Reward' is something given in return for effort, service, or good behaviour (compensation/return); an 'Award' is a prize or honour given for recognition of achievement. Option (a) correctly distinguishes them.

Q.99 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Emigrate' and 'Immigrate'

(a) Emigrate means to illegally go to another country and Immigrate means to arrive at another country
(b) Emigrate means to arrive at another country and Immigrate means to leave for another country
(c) Emigrate means to leave for another country and Immigrate means to illegally enter a country
(d) Emigrate means to leave for another country and Immigrate means to arrive at another country ✓

Explanation: 'Emigrate' means to leave one's own country to settle elsewhere; 'Immigrate' means to come into a new country to live there. Option (d) correctly and neutrally (without the illegal connotation) defines both.

Q.100 [Vocabulary — Word Meanings]

Choose the correct meaning for the pair: 'Immolate' and 'Emulate'

(a) Immolate means to sacrifice and Emulate means to follow someone out of admiration ✓
(b) Immolate means to burn and Emulate means to wear ornaments
(c) Immolate means to burn and Emulate means to simulate
(d) Immolate means to destroy and Emulate means to imitate

Explanation: 'Immolate' means to kill or sacrifice, typically by fire; 'Emulate' means to match or follow someone admiringly. Option (a) captures both meanings most accurately — 'sacrifice' covers the immolate sense and 'follow out of admiration' is the core of emulate.

Q.101 [Spotting Errors]

It would be nice to have (a) a good evening stroll (b) after five hours of office. (c) No error (d)

(a) It would be nice to have
(b) a good evening stroll
(c) after five hours of office ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: The phrase 'five hours of office' is incorrect; it should be 'five hours in the office' — the preposition 'in' is needed and the definite article 'the' before 'office' is required.

Q.102 [Spotting Errors]

Arun likes (a) Geography more than (b) he likes History. (c) No error (d)

(a) Arun likes
(b) Geography more than
(c) he likes History
(d) No error ✓

Explanation: The sentence is grammatically correct. The comparative construction 'Arun likes Geography more than he likes History' is well-formed with no error.

Q.103 [Spotting Errors]

While the solar energy has grabbed the spotlight, (a) wind power too has been made steady progress (b) across the world and in India. (c) No error (d)

(a) While the solar energy has grabbed the spotlight
(b) wind power too has been made steady progress ✓
(c) across the world and in India
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Has been made steady progress' is incorrect. It should be 'has been making steady progress' (present perfect continuous) or 'has made steady progress'. The phrase 'has been made' changes the voice incorrectly.

Q.104 [Spotting Errors]

Pride brings a (a) great dealing of vanity, (b) an egotistic inflation. (c) No error (d)

(a) Pride brings a
(b) great dealing of vanity ✓
(c) an egotistic inflation
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Great dealing' is incorrect; the correct expression is 'great deal'. 'Dealing' is not used in this idiomatic sense — it should be 'a great deal of vanity'.

Q.105 [Spotting Errors]

Persuasion happens only (a) when someone takes a stand (b) from which he has unwilling to move. (c) No error (d)

(a) Persuasion happens only
(b) when someone takes a stand
(c) from which he has unwilling to move ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: 'He has unwilling to move' is incorrect. The auxiliary verb should be 'is' not 'has': 'from which he is unwilling to move'. 'Has' cannot be used with an adjective like 'unwilling'.

Q.106 [Spotting Errors]

The food consumed (a) is converted on (b) the body into glucose. (c) No error (d)

(a) The food consumed
(b) is converted on ✓
(c) the body into glucose
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Converted on' is incorrect; the correct preposition is 'by': 'is converted by the body into glucose'. The passive construction requires 'by' to introduce the agent.

Q.107 [Spotting Errors]

This testing method requires (a) one to fast overnight after which (b) the fasting blood sugar level is measured. (c) No error (d)

(a) This testing method requires
(b) one to fast overnight after which
(c) the fasting blood sugar level is measured
(d) No error ✓

Explanation: The sentence is grammatically correct. All three underlined parts are error-free; the construction is standard medical/scientific English.

Q.108 [Spotting Errors]

Multiple research studies (a) have laid emphasis on the importance (b) of walking to improved glucose control. (c) No error (d)

(a) Multiple research studies
(b) have laid emphasis on the importance
(c) of walking to improved glucose control ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Walking to improved glucose control' is incorrect; it should be 'walking to improve glucose control'. The infinitive 'improve' (purpose) is required, not the adjective 'improved'.

Q.109 [Spotting Errors]

This also allows (a) individual writers (b) to play his strengths. (c) No error (d)

(a) This also allows
(b) individual writers
(c) to play his strengths ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Individual writers' is plural, so the pronoun should be 'their' not 'his': 'to play their strengths'. There is also a concern about 'play' — the correct phrase is 'play to their strengths'.

Q.110 [Spotting Errors]

As a screen writer, (a) there are, broadly speaking, (b) two kind of jobs in the film world. (c) No error (d)

(a) As a screen writer
(b) there are, broadly speaking
(c) two kind of jobs in the film world ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Two kind of jobs' is incorrect; when preceded by a numeral greater than one, the noun 'kind' should be plural: 'two kinds of jobs'.

Q.111 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

He headed the Indian freedom struggle which paved the way for non-violent struggle for other countries in the 20th century. The underlined word is 'which'.

(a) Relative pronoun ✓
(b) Adjective
(c) Interrogative
(d) Assertive

Explanation: 'Which' here introduces a relative clause ('which paved the way...') that modifies 'struggle', functioning as a relative pronoun linking the clause to its antecedent.

Q.112 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

Where there is peace for some time, there will be prosperity. The underlined word is 'Where'.

(a) Interjection
(b) Adverb
(c) Adjective
(d) Relative pronoun ✓

Explanation: 'Where' here introduces an adverbial clause acting as a relative/conjunctive adverb referring to a condition/place, but in traditional grammar it is classified as a relative pronoun (conjunctive pronoun) when it introduces a dependent clause modifying an implied antecedent. However, in most standard grammar classifications for competitive exams, 'where' used to introduce a conditional/adverbial clause is treated as a relative pronoun (option d).

Q.113 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

Alas! We have been defeated. The underlined word is 'Alas'.

(a) Adjective
(b) Connector
(c) Interjection ✓
(d) Interrogative

Explanation: 'Alas' is a classic interjection expressing grief or sorrow, standing independently and followed by an exclamation mark.

Q.114 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

A zero is a zero always. The underlined word is 'zero'.

(a) Noun ✓
(b) Compound noun
(c) Pronoun
(d) Adjective

Explanation: 'Zero' is used as a noun (subject and predicate nominative) in this sentence, referring to the concept of nothingness as a named entity.

Q.115 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

May you be blessed with all good things of life. The underlined word is 'May'.

(a) Verb ✓
(b) Adverb
(c) Noun
(d) Pronoun

Explanation: 'May' is a modal auxiliary verb here expressing a wish or blessing, making it a verb (specifically a modal verb).

Q.116 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

The lake is one of the more beautiful ones in the country. The underlined word is 'more'.

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

Explanation: 'More' here modifies the adjective 'beautiful' (forming the comparative degree), so it functions as an adverb modifying an adjective.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.117 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

Honesty is the best policy. The underlined word is 'Honesty'.

(a) Countable noun
(b) Pronoun
(c) Common noun
(d) Uncountable noun ✓

Explanation: 'Honesty' is an abstract noun that cannot be counted or made plural, making it an uncountable (mass) noun.

Q.118 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

There is many a slip between the cup and the lip. The underlined word is 'between'.

(a) Preposition ✓
(b) Adverb
(c) Connector
(d) Conjunction

Explanation: 'Between' governs the noun phrase 'the cup and the lip', showing a positional relationship, which is the defining function of a preposition.

Q.119 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

Ravi and Megha reached first, but Guha and Saavi finished third. The underlined word is 'but'.

(a) Interjection
(b) Conjunction ✓
(c) Connector
(d) Pronoun

Explanation: 'But' joins two independent clauses showing contrast, which is the function of a coordinating conjunction.

Q.120 [Grammar - Parts of Speech]

He is the most sought after teacher in the school. The underlined word is 'most'.

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

Explanation: 'Most' modifies the adjective/past-participle 'sought after' to form the superlative degree, so it functions as an adverb modifying an adjective.