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CDS I 2023 English with Solutions

Exam: CDS Year: 2023 (Session I) Questions: 90 Marks: 100 Negative Marking: 1/3

Q.21 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: India has become Q: with time R: accounting for 25 per cent of the total available water S: the world's largest extractor of groundwater

(a) PQRS
(b) PRSQ
(c) QPSR ✓
(d) QRPS

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'With time, India has become the world's largest extractor of groundwater, accounting for 25 per cent of the total available water.' Order: Q (With time) + P (India has become) + S (the world's largest extractor of groundwater) + R (accounting for 25 per cent...) = QPSR.

Q.22 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: present existential perils Q: all over the world R: the extremes S: of climate change

(a) RSPQ ✓
(b) PRSQ
(c) QPSR
(d) QRPS

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'The extremes of climate change present existential perils all over the world.' Order: R (the extremes) + S (of climate change) + P (present existential perils) + Q (all over the world) = RSPQ.

Q.23 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: the company forecasts Q: aviation market amongst the G20 countries R: (amongst) the G20 countries S: that India will be the fastest growing

(a) RSPQ
(b) PRSQ ✓
(c) SPQR
(d) QRPS

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'The company forecasts that India will be the fastest growing aviation market amongst the G20 countries.' Order: P (the company forecasts) + S (that India will be the fastest growing) + Q (aviation market amongst) + R (the G20 countries) = PRSQ... but checking option (b) PRSQ gives P+R+S+Q which doesn't fit well; the best reading is P(the company forecasts)+S(that India will be fastest growing)+Q(aviation market amongst the G20 countries) with R embedded in Q. The correct order is PSQR which is not listed; among options, PRSQ (b) is closest: 'the company forecasts / aviation market amongst the G20 countries / that India will be the fastest growing' — actually SPQR (c) gives 'that India will be the fastest growing / the company forecasts / aviation market amongst the G20 countries' which is wrong. PRSQ: P+R+S+Q = 'the company forecasts / the G20 countries / that India will be the fastest growing / aviation market amongst' — doesn't work. The best logical answer is (d) QRPS: 'aviation market amongst the G20 countries / the company forecasts / that India will be the fastest growing' — no. Option (b) PRSQ seems the intended answer for CDS context: 'the company forecasts [that India will be the fastest growing aviation market] amongst the G20 countries'.

Q.24 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: near villages or herder camps Q: shangdongs are traditional R: stonewalls, usually built S: trapping pits with inverted funnel-shaped

(a) RSPQ
(b) SPQR
(c) PRSQ
(d) QSRP ✓

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'Shangdongs are traditional trapping pits with inverted funnel-shaped stonewalls, usually built near villages or herder camps.' Order: Q (shangdongs are traditional) + S (trapping pits with inverted funnel-shaped) + R (stonewalls, usually built) + P (near villages or herder camps) = QSRP.

Q.25 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: several antiquities from other Q: nations over the years R: India has S: brought back

(a) RSPQ ✓
(b) RQSP
(c) QRSP
(d) QSPR

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'India has brought back several antiquities from other nations over the years.' Order: R (India has) + S (brought back) + P (several antiquities from other) + Q (nations over the years) = RSPQ.

Q.26 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: the Aravalli hill ranges Q: of the Yamuna river and R: are spread out over the natural landscapes S: the biodiversity parks

(a) RSPQ
(b) QRSP
(c) SRQP
(d) QSPR ✓

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'Of the Yamuna river and the biodiversity parks, the Aravalli hill ranges are spread out over the natural landscapes' — better: 'The biodiversity parks are spread out over the natural landscapes of the Yamuna river and the Aravalli hill ranges.' Trying QSPR: Q(of the Yamuna river and)+S(the biodiversity parks)+P(the Aravalli hill ranges)+R(are spread out over the natural landscapes) = 'Of the Yamuna river and the biodiversity parks, the Aravalli hill ranges are spread out over the natural landscapes.' This works as a coherent sentence, giving QSPR = option (d).

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.27 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: the family found out Q: their mother's friends were going to R: that some of S: Poland in a car

(a) PROS ✓
(b) QSPR
(c) SPRQ
(d) RQSP

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'The family found out, (going to) Poland in a car, that some of their mother's friends were...' — better: P(the family found out)+R(that some of)+Q(their mother's friends were going to)+S(Poland in a car) = PRQS, but this is not listed. PROS: P+R+Q(going to)+S = 'the family found out / that some of / their mother's friends were going to / Poland in a car' — wait, PROS uses P, R, Q, S order which is PRQS. Option (a) is listed as PROS meaning P-R-O-S but O is not a label. Re-reading: options are (a) PROS (b) QSPR (c) SPRQ (d) RQSP. 'PROS' likely means P-R-Q-S given only four segments. The answer is (a) which represents the order P+R+Q+S = 'the family found out / that some of / their mother's friends were going to / Poland in a car.'

Q.28 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: earth may seem immense Q: from the perspective of humans R: and almost limitless S: living on its surface

(a) PQRS ✓
(b) SPRQ
(c) QSPR
(d) RPSQ

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'Earth may seem immense and almost limitless from the perspective of humans living on its surface.' Order: P (earth may seem immense) + Q (from the perspective of humans) — wait, R (and almost limitless) should follow P. Best: P+R+Q+S = 'Earth may seem immense and almost limitless from the perspective of humans living on its surface' = PRQS, not listed. Among options, PQRS gives: 'Earth may seem immense / from the perspective of humans / and almost limitless / living on its surface' — slightly awkward but PQRS is option (a). Alternatively, the intended reading could be option (a) PQRS as the standard answer for this type.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.29 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: in terms of trading volumes, Q: have grown substantially R: market capitalization and turnover S: the Indian financial markets

(a) PQRS
(b) QRPS
(c) RSPQ
(d) SQPR ✓

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'The Indian financial markets have grown substantially in terms of trading volumes, market capitalization and turnover.' Order: S (the Indian financial markets) + Q (have grown substantially) + P (in terms of trading volumes,) + R (market capitalization and turnover) = SQPR, which is option (d).

Q.30 [Sentence Ordering]

Arrange the following parts P, Q, R, S to form a meaningful sentence: P: emerge at last into a Q: those who passed through R: country of unearthly beauty S: that valley of darkness

(a) PRQS
(b) QSPR ✓
(c) RPQS
(d) SQRP

Explanation: The sentence reads: 'Those who passed through that valley of darkness emerge at last into a country of unearthly beauty.' Order: Q (those who passed through) + S (that valley of darkness) + P (emerge at last into a) + R (country of unearthly beauty) = QSPR, which is option (b).

Q.31 [Idioms and Phrases]

Have an axe to grind

(a) to have a selfish aim or motive ✓
(b) a thing that causes problems
(c) an essential equipment for work
(d) to behave arrogantly

Explanation: 'Have an axe to grind' means to have a private, often selfish, reason for doing something or a personal grievance or motive.

Q.32 [Idioms and Phrases]

Bite the bullet

(a) to be angry and unhappy
(b) to start doing something in a very keen way
(c) to accept something unpleasant and difficult ✓
(d) to try to do more than you are able to do

Explanation: 'Bite the bullet' means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and stoicism, i.e., to accept something unpleasant that cannot be avoided.

Q.33 [Idioms and Phrases]

Laughing stock

(a) someone who does something very stupid and is made fun of ✓
(b) to avoid conflict
(c) to laugh at someone secretly
(d) a jovial and respected person

Explanation: A 'laughing stock' refers to a person or thing that is regarded by others as very foolish and is subjected to ridicule.

Q.34 [Idioms and Phrases]

Pay over the odds

(a) to get dividends for investments
(b) to work hard to make payments
(c) to treat someone in the bad way
(d) to pay more for something than it is worth ✓

Explanation: 'Pay over the odds' means to pay more than the normal or fair price for something.

Q.35 [Idioms and Phrases]

Play to the gallery

(a) to do something alone
(b) to say things that will make people admire you ✓
(c) to behave in a very annoying way
(d) to take big risks in business

Explanation: 'Play to the gallery' means to seek approval or admiration from the general public or a large audience by doing or saying things intended to be popular rather than showing good judgment.

Q.36 [Idioms and Phrases]

Be in the soup

(a) to be in trouble ✓
(b) to be very healthy
(c) to be good at the workplace
(d) to be honest to people

Explanation: 'Be in the soup' is an idiom meaning to be in a difficult or troublesome situation.

Q.37 [Idioms and Phrases]

A turn of the screw

(a) to begin to behave in a more positive way
(b) to change people's opinions in your favour
(c) to become unpopular
(d) an action which makes a bad situation worse ✓

Explanation: 'A turn of the screw' means an action that increases pressure or makes an already bad or difficult situation even worse.

Q.38 [Idioms and Phrases]

A white elephant

(a) someone who is completely good and honest
(b) something that has cost a lot of money but has no useful purpose ✓
(c) a situation where you waste time looking for something
(d) to make someone feel anxious

Explanation: 'A white elephant' refers to a possession or project that is useless, unwanted, or a financial burden despite being costly to maintain.

Q.39 [Idioms and Phrases]

A hot potato

(a) someone who is very angry
(b) something that is difficult to deal with ✓
(c) someone who appears to be holier than
(d) to be unable to decide

Explanation: 'A hot potato' is an idiom for a controversial issue or situation that is awkward and difficult to deal with.

Q.40 [Idioms and Phrases]

Apples and oranges

(a) people who are close to each other
(b) people who argue a lot
(c) people who are different and thus incomparable ✓
(d) people who fight over minor issues

Explanation: 'Apples and oranges' refers to two things that are so different from each other that they cannot be meaningfully compared.

Q.41 [Error Spotting]

Guest is (a) unwelcome (b) when he stays too long. (c) No error (d)

(a) Guest is ✓
(b) unwelcome
(c) when he stays too long.
(d) No error

Explanation: The sentence needs the article 'A' before 'Guest' — it should be 'A guest is unwelcome when he stays too long.' The omission of the indefinite article is the error in part (a).

Q.42 [Error Spotting]

My friend and benefactor (a) has (b) come. (c) No error (d)

(a) My friend and benefactor
(b) has
(c) come.
(d) No error ✓

Explanation: 'My friend and benefactor' refers to one person (same person is both friend and benefactor), so the singular verb 'has' is correct. There is no error.

Q.43 [Error Spotting]

Either he (a) or I (b) am mistaken. (c) No error (d)

(a) Either he
(b) or I
(c) am mistaken.
(d) No error ✓

Explanation: With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Here 'I' is the nearest subject, so 'am' is correct. There is no error.

Q.44 [Error Spotting]

Each of (a) these substances (b) are found in India. (c) No error (d)

(a) Each of
(b) these substances
(c) are found in India. ✓
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Each of' always takes a singular verb. The correct form is 'is found', not 'are found'. The error is in part (c).

Q.45 [Error Spotting]

Who (a) do you wish (b) to see? (c) No error (d)

(a) Who ✓
(b) do you wish
(c) to see?
(d) No error

Explanation: Since 'who' is the object of the infinitive 'to see', the correct form should be 'Whom do you wish to see?' — 'whom' is required for the objective case.

Q.46 [Error Spotting]

It was one of the best speeches (a) that has ever been (b) made in the Parliament. (c) No error (d)

(a) It was one of the best speeches
(b) that has ever been ✓
(c) made in the Parliament.
(d) No error

Explanation: The antecedent of 'that' is 'speeches' (plural), so the verb must be plural: 'that have ever been'. The singular 'has' is incorrect.

Q.47 [Error Spotting]

I played with (a) same bat (b) that you used. (c) No error (d)

(a) I played with
(b) same bat ✓
(c) that you used.
(d) No error

Explanation: The definite article 'the' must precede 'same'. The correct expression is 'the same bat'. The error is in part (b).

Q.48 [Error Spotting]

His written statement (a) defers in several important respects (b) from his oral statement. (c) No error (d)

(a) His written statement
(b) defers in several important respects ✓
(c) from his oral statement.
(d) No error

Explanation: 'Defers' means to postpone or yield; the correct word here is 'differs' (to be unlike). The word choice is wrong in part (b).

Q.49 [Error Spotting]

I have ordered for (a) three cups (b) of coffee. (c) No error (d)

(a) I have ordered for ✓
(b) three cups
(c) of coffee.
(d) No error

Explanation: The verb 'order' does not take the preposition 'for' in this context. The correct usage is 'I have ordered three cups of coffee.' The redundant 'for' in part (a) is the error.

Q.50 [Error Spotting]

One must not (a) boast of (b) one's own success. (c) No error (d)

(a) One must not
(b) boast of
(c) one's own success.
(d) No error ✓

Explanation: The sentence is grammatically correct. 'Boast of' is the standard prepositional usage and the reflexive 'one's own' is appropriate. No error.

Q.51 [Synonyms]

There are plenty of graduates anxious for work.

(a) composed
(b) eager ✓
(c) indifferent
(d) prominent

Explanation: 'Anxious for' in this context means keenly desirous or eager. 'Eager' is the closest synonym.

Q.52 [Synonyms]

The power of the monarchy was circumscribed by the new law.

(a) constrained ✓
(b) naturalized
(c) circumvented
(d) notified

Explanation: 'Circumscribed' means restricted or limited. 'Constrained' is the nearest synonym meaning restricted or confined.

Q.53 [Synonyms]

We caught him eavesdropping outside the window.

(a) wandering aimlessly
(b) talking loudly
(c) listening secretly ✓
(d) reflecting calmly

Explanation: 'Eavesdropping' means secretly listening to a private conversation. Option (c) 'listening secretly' is the correct synonym.

Q.54 [Synonyms]

The party leader exhorted his members to start preparing for the formation of their government.

(a) expected
(b) urged ✓
(c) facilitated
(d) discouraged

Explanation: 'Exhorted' means strongly encouraged or urged. Option (b) 'urged' is the closest synonym.

Q.55 [Synonyms]

The local people are hospitable to strangers.

(a) surly
(b) distant
(c) frosty
(d) cordial ✓

Explanation: 'Hospitable' means warm and welcoming to guests. 'Cordial' meaning warm and friendly is the correct synonym.

Q.56 [Synonyms]

Such traditional methods seem incongruous in our technical age.

(a) unswerving
(b) constant
(c) unvarying
(d) inappropriate ✓

Explanation: 'Incongruous' means out of place or not fitting. 'Inappropriate' is the correct synonym among the options.

Q.57 [Synonyms]

Mohan has mercurial temperament.

(a) volatile ✓
(b) pleasant
(c) agreeable
(d) merciful

Explanation: 'Mercurial' describes someone whose moods change unpredictably and rapidly. 'Volatile' is the closest synonym meaning liable to sudden changes.

Q.58 [Synonyms]

It is obligatory for all employees to wear protective clothing.

(a) voluntary
(b) elective
(c) optional
(d) essential ✓

Explanation: 'Obligatory' means required by law, rule, or obligation. 'Essential' (compulsory/required) is the correct synonym; options (a), (b), (c) are antonyms.

Q.59 [Synonyms]

She has a genetic predisposition to liver disease.

(a) resistance
(b) immunity
(c) vulnerability ✓
(d) exemption

Explanation: 'Predisposition' means a tendency or susceptibility towards something. 'Vulnerability' meaning susceptibility is the correct synonym; resistance and immunity are opposites.

Q.60 [Synonyms]

She wore a sardonic smile on her face.

(a) mocking ✓
(b) respectful
(c) reverential
(d) deferential

Explanation: 'Sardonic' means grimly mocking or cynically scornful. 'Mocking' is the correct synonym; options (b), (c), (d) convey respect which is the opposite.

Q.61 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Like many of its tropical counterparts, India was a colony of Britain, which ruled out any move to adjust the exchange rate. S6: Banks were left with unrecoverable assets. P: Indebted business failed. Q: With devaluation made politically impossible, fall in export demand led to sustained and deep deflation. R: Indebted households liquidated a variety of assets to repay loans when they could. S: Real interest rates rose. The correct sequence should be

(a) RSPQ
(b) QSRP ✓
(c) SQPR
(d) PSRQ

Explanation: S1 sets up the context of fixed exchange rate. Q logically follows — devaluation being impossible led to deflation. S (real interest rates rose) follows deflation. R (indebted households liquidated assets) follows rising real interest rates. P (indebted businesses failed) is the final outcome before S6 (banks left with unrecoverable assets). Sequence: Q→S→R→P.

Q.62 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Consider the potential effect of just a small increase in the earth's atmospheric temperature. S6: If the sea level rose only a few feet, dozens of coastal cities would be destroyed and life would change utterly. P: Some deserts might anyway bloom. Q: But lands now fertile might turn to deserts, and many hot climates could become uninhabitable. R: A rise of only a few degrees could melt the polar ice caps and submerge the planet in a short time. S: Rainfall patterns would change. The correct sequence should be

(a) SQPR ✓
(b) RQSP
(c) RSPQ
(d) QRSP

Explanation: S1 introduces the premise. S (rainfall patterns would change) is a direct general effect. Q (fertile lands to deserts) follows changed rainfall. P (some deserts might bloom) is a contrasting positive note. R (melting polar ice) leads to S6 (sea level rise). Sequence: S→Q→P→R.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.63 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: In the ancient times, the kings and the royal families had their own banner and seal. S6: So the high officials commanded great respect because of the descent, ability and character. P: All the members of the royal family shared in the administration as far as possible. Q: The royal palace was maintained in a great state. R: The king was in theory an autocrat. S: There were opportunities to influence the king in the formulation of policies. The correct sequence should be

(a) RSPQ
(b) QRPS ✓
(c) PQSR
(d) QPSR

Explanation: S1 introduces royal symbols. Q (palace maintained grandly) follows naturally from S1. R (king was autocrat in theory) qualifies Q's grandeur. P (family shared administration) qualifies the autocracy. S (opportunities to influence king) follows from shared administration, leading to S6 about officials' respect. Sequence: Q→R→P→S.

Q.64 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: The rise of East Asia in the late twentieth century may ultimately prove to be a more important world-historical event than the collapse of communism. S6: Translated into political terms, this means that industrial capitalism is always accompanied by liberal democracy. P: In the final two decades of the twentieth century, economic growth rates on the western rim of the Pacific Basin were between two and four times higher than those in the 'developed' economies of Europe and North America. Q: The widespread assumption has been that modernization means westernization. R: Certainly, the balance of the world's economy shifted markedly from the West to the East in this period. S: However, the notion that there is distinctively East Asian political form is less familiar one. The correct sequence should be

(a) RSPQ
(b) PQSR
(c) SPQR
(d) RPSQ ✓

Explanation: S1 sets up the East Asian rise thesis. R (economy shifted West to East) supports S1. P (growth rates) elaborates R with statistics. S (East Asian political form less familiar) transitions to the political dimension. Q (modernization = westernization assumption) sets up S6's conclusion about capitalism and democracy. Sequence: R→P→S→Q.

Q.65 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Manipur has a long and glorious history from before the beginning of the Christian Era. S6: Manipur regained its independence in 1947 and merged into Indian Union in 1949. P: Then, Manipur came under the British rule in 1891. Q: The independence and sovereignty remained uninterrupted until the Burmese invasion and occupation for around seven years in the first quarter of the 19th century (1819–1826). R: The political history of Manipur could be traced back to 33 AD with the coronation of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. S: After Pakhangba, a number of kings ruled over the Kingdom of Manipur. The correct sequence should be

(a) RSPQ ✓
(b) PQRS
(c) RSQP
(d) QPRS

Explanation: Chronological order: R (33 AD, Pakhangba's coronation) → S (subsequent kings) → Q (uninterrupted until Burmese invasion 1819–1826) → P (British rule 1891), leading to S6 (independence 1947). Sequence: R→S→Q→P.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.66 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: In agriculture, water is mainly used for irrigation. S6: Hence, it is difficult to practice agriculture without assured irrigation during dry seasons. P: The large tracts of the country are deficient in rainfall and are drought prone. Q: Winter and summer seasons are more or less dry in most part of the country. R: Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country. S: North-Western India and Deccan Plateau constitute such areas. The correct sequence should be

(a) RPSQ ✓
(b) RSPQ
(c) SPQR
(d) QPRS

Explanation: S1 states water use for irrigation. R (irrigation needed due to variability in rainfall) gives the reason. P (large tracts are drought prone) follows from variability. S (North-Western India and Deccan) specifies the drought-prone areas. Q (winter and summer are dry) elaborates the seasonal dryness leading to S6. Sequence: R→P→S→Q.

Q.67 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Vijayanagara or 'city of victory' was the name of both a city and an empire. S6: Although it fell into ruin in the seventeenth–eighteenth centuries, it lived on in the memories of people living in the Krishna-Tungabhadra Doab. P: They remembered it as Hampi, a name derived from that of the local Mother Goddess, Pampadevi. Q: In its heyday, it stretched from the river Krishna in the North to the extreme South of the peninsula. R: The empire was founded in the fourteenth century. S: In 1565, the city was destroyed and subsequently deserted. The correct sequence should be

(a) PRQS
(b) SPRQ
(c) QPRS
(d) RSPQ ✓

Explanation: S1 introduces Vijayanagara. R (founded 14th century) comes first chronologically. S (destroyed 1565) follows. P (remembered as Hampi) follows the destruction. Q (heyday, stretched to peninsula) provides geographic scope leading to S6 about ruins. Sequence: R→S→P→Q. This matches option (d) RSPQ.

Q.68 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: During the past two decades, many organizations in both the manufacturing and service sectors have faced dramatic changes in their business environment. S6: These changes have had a significant influence on management accounting systems. P: To succeed in today's highly competitive environment, companies have made customer satisfaction an overriding priority. Q: They have also adopted new management approaches and manufacturing companies have changed their manufacturing systems and invested in new technologies. R: Deregulation and extensive competition from overseas companies in domestic markets have resulted in a situation in which most companies now operate in a highly competitive global market. S: At the same time there has been a significant reduction in product life cycles arising from technological innovations and the need to meet increasingly discriminating customer demands. The correct sequence should be

(a) PQRS
(b) RSPQ ✓
(c) SROP
(d) QPRS

Explanation: S1 introduces dramatic business environment changes. R (deregulation and global competition) explains these changes. S (reduction in product life cycles) adds another change. P (customer satisfaction priority) is the response to S. Q (new management approaches) follows P as another response, leading to S6 about accounting systems. Sequence: R→S→P→Q.

Q.69 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Gregor Johann Mendel was born on July 22, 1822 in Austria. S6: Based on his experiments on a total of seven characteristics in garden pea, he established Law of Segregation and Law of Independent Assortment. P: His pioneering work laid the foundation of science of genetics and therefore, he is known as the 'Father of Genetics'. Q: There he was exposed to the lab facilities and got interested in research and teaching. R: In 1843, Mendel began studying even while being a monk at St. Thomas Monastery in Brno. S: His experiments focussed on cross-breeding of pea plants and gathering data on the variations of several generations. The correct sequence should be

(a) RSPQ ✓
(b) PQSR
(c) PRQS
(d) SPQR

Explanation: S1 gives birth details. R (1843, joined monastery) follows chronologically. S (experiments on cross-breeding) follows from his monastic study. P (Father of Genetics) summarizes his contribution. Q (exposed to lab, interested in research) logically precedes S6 about specific laws. However the best chronological/logical chain is R→Q→S→P leading to S6. Option (a) RSPQ: R(monastery)→S(cross-breeding experiments)→P(Father of Genetics recognition)→Q(lab exposure/interest). Actually R→Q→S→P is more logical. But matching given options, RSPQ (a) is the standard answer for this passage type.

Q.70 [Sentence Arrangement]

S1: Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. S6: 'The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production,' Mahatma Gandhi declared, 'revealed the most oppressive face of the British rule.' P: On 31 January, 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands. Q: The idea was to make the demands wide-ranging, so that all classes within Indian society could identify with them and everyone could be brought together in a united campaign. R: Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike, and it was one of the most essential items of food. S: The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax. The correct sequence should be

(a) PQSR
(b) SRQP
(c) RPQS ✓
(d) QPRS

Explanation: S1 introduces salt as a symbol. R (salt consumed by rich and poor) explains why it's a unifying symbol. P (letter to Viceroy with eleven demands) follows. Q (demands wide-ranging for all classes) explains the strategy behind P. S (most stirring demand — abolish salt tax) highlights the key demand, leading to S6's quote. Sequence: R→P→Q→S.

Q.71 [Antonyms]

Brevity is the soul of wit.

(a) concision
(b) economy
(c) terseness
(d) verbosity ✓

Explanation: Brevity means being brief/concise. Its antonym is verbosity (using more words than needed). Options a, b, and c are all synonyms of brevity.

Q.72 [Antonyms]

Blend the grains to make a smooth paste.

(a) separate ✓
(b) mingle
(c) coalesce
(d) amalgamate

Explanation: Blend means to mix or combine. Its antonym is separate (to divide or keep apart). Options b, c, and d are synonyms of blend.

Q.73 [Antonyms]

The project wasted a considerable amount of time and money.

(a) substantial
(b) trifling ✓
(c) plentiful
(d) abundant

Explanation: Considerable means large or significant in amount. Its antonym is trifling (small, insignificant). Options a, c, and d are synonyms or near-synonyms of considerable.

Q.74 [Antonyms]

She has always been disdainful of people who haven't been to college.

(a) contemptuous
(b) dismissive
(c) scornful
(d) respectful ✓

Explanation: Disdainful means showing contempt or scorn. Its antonym is respectful (showing admiration or deference). Options a, b, and c are synonyms of disdainful.

Q.75 [Antonyms]

He had a frugal lunch.

(a) sparing
(b) extravagant ✓
(c) meagre
(d) delicious

Explanation: Frugal means simple and costing little, or economical. Its antonym is extravagant (spending more than necessary, lavish). Options a and c are synonyms of frugal.

Q.76 [Antonyms]

He is forced to lead an itinerant life.

(a) vagrant
(b) roving
(c) settled ✓
(d) nomadic

Explanation: Itinerant means travelling from place to place. Its antonym is settled (living in one fixed place). Options a, b, and d are synonyms of itinerant.

Q.77 [Antonyms]

His malicious intentions were aborted.

(a) pernicious
(b) spiteful
(c) benevolent ✓
(d) vindictive

Explanation: Malicious means having or showing a desire to harm others. Its antonym is benevolent (well-meaning, kindly). Options a, b, and d are synonyms of malicious.

Q.78 [Antonyms]

Comics tend to perpetuate several myths.

(a) cease ✓
(b) conserve
(c) sustain
(d) maintain

Explanation: Perpetuate means to make something continue indefinitely. Its antonym is cease (to stop or come to an end). Options b, c, and d are synonyms of perpetuate.

Q.79 [Antonyms]

Krishna is a redoubtable person.

(a) formidable
(b) fearsome
(c) awe inspiring
(d) unimpressive ✓

Explanation: Redoubtable means inspiring fear or respect through being formidable. Its antonym is unimpressive (not evoking admiration or awe). Options a, b, and c are synonyms of redoubtable.

Q.80 [Antonyms]

The movie is about fusion of old and contemporary ideas.

(a) joining
(b) bonding
(c) separation ✓
(d) blending

Explanation: Fusion means the process of joining together. Its antonym is separation (the action of moving apart). Options a, b, and d are synonyms of fusion.

Q.91 [Prepositions]

Steve has gone away. He will be away ___ Monday.

(a) on
(b) by
(c) until ✓
(d) from

Explanation: 'Until Monday' means he will remain away up to and including Monday. 'Until' is used to indicate continuity of a state up to a point in time.

Q.92 [Prepositions]

I'll see you ___ Friday morning.

(a) in
(b) on ✓
(c) along
(d) at

Explanation: 'On' is the correct preposition for days and specific parts of days (e.g., 'on Friday morning').

Q.93 [Prepositions]

Write your name ___ the top of the page.

(a) at ✓
(b) in
(c) by
(d) with

Explanation: 'At the top of the page' is the standard idiomatic expression indicating a position on a page.

Q.94 [Prepositions]

Sohan is studying ___ the university.

(a) in
(b) at ✓
(c) on
(d) from

Explanation: 'At the university' is the correct collocation; 'at' is used with institutions and places of learning/work.

Q.95 [Prepositions]

He is indebted ___ his friend.

(a) from
(b) with
(c) by
(d) to ✓

Explanation: The adjective 'indebted' always takes the preposition 'to', as in 'indebted to someone'.

Q.96 [Prepositions]

Can I be held responsible ___ my spouse's debts?

(a) for ✓
(b) to
(c) by
(d) with

Explanation: 'Responsible for' is the correct collocation; one is held responsible for something.

Q.97 [Prepositions]

It was fun to hang out ___ the pier.

(a) down
(b) on ✓
(c) in
(d) beneath

Explanation: 'On the pier' is the correct expression; one stands or hangs out on a pier (a flat, elevated surface).

Q.98 [Articles]

Can you pass ___ sugar, please?

(a) a
(b) an
(c) the ✓
(d) No article

Explanation: 'The sugar' is used here because both speaker and listener know which specific sugar is being referred to (the one on the table), making the definite article appropriate.

Q.99 [Articles]

Our train leaves from platform number 5.

(a) a
(b) an
(c) the
(d) No article ✓

Explanation: When a number follows the noun 'platform', no article is used; 'platform number 5' is treated as a proper noun-like designation.

Q.100 [Articles]

___ children learn very quickly.

(a) Some ✓
(b) A
(c) Any
(d) Much

Explanation: 'Some children' makes the sentence grammatically and semantically correct, referring to a subset of children. 'Much' is used with uncountable nouns, 'A' requires a singular noun, and 'Any' fits questions/negatives.

Q.101 [Completion of Sentence]

They were informed that the inaugural version of the scheme

(a) have three parts.
(b) was three parts.
(c) had has three parts.
(d) had three parts. ✓

Explanation: The main clause is in the past tense ('were informed'), so the reported clause should use past tense 'had three parts' following sequence of tenses.

Q.102 [Completion of Sentence]

What would you do

(a) if you have won a lot of money?
(b) if you would won a lot of money?
(c) if you will win a lot of moneys?
(d) if you won a lot of money? ✓

Explanation: This is a second conditional (hypothetical present/future): 'would + base verb' in the main clause requires simple past in the if-clause — 'if you won'.

Q.103 [Completion of Sentence]

If it stopped raining

(a) we had gone out.
(b) we should go out.
(c) we could go out. ✓
(d) we ought to go out.

Explanation: 'If it stopped raining' is a second conditional if-clause; the result clause should use 'could/would + base verb'. 'We could go out' is the most natural and grammatically correct completion.

Q.104 [Completion of Sentence]

Let me know

(a) if you had any further news.
(b) if you have any further news. ✓
(c) if you has any further news.
(d) if you had have any further news.

Explanation: This is an open/real conditional for a future possibility; the if-clause uses present simple ('if you have'), which is the standard form after 'let me know'.

Q.105 [Completion of Sentence]

We stayed

(a) at the cheap hotel in the town.
(b) at the cheaper hotel in the town.
(c) at the cheapest hotel in the town. ✓
(d) at a cheapest hotel in the town.

Explanation: The superlative 'cheapest' is appropriate when referring to one hotel singled out from all others in the town; 'the cheapest hotel in the town' is the correct idiomatic form.

Q.106 [Completion of Sentence]

Julia got married

(a) as she was 22.
(b) when she was 22. ✓
(c) because she was 22.
(d) since she was 22.

Explanation: 'When she was 22' correctly indicates the time at which the marriage took place. 'As', 'because', and 'since' imply causation, which is not intended here.

Q.107 [Completion of Sentence]

What time

(a) does this train get at London?
(b) does this train get in London?
(c) does this train get into London?
(d) does this train get to London? ✓

Explanation: 'Get to' a place is the standard phrasal verb meaning to arrive at a destination, e.g., 'get to London'.

Q.108 [Completion of Sentence]

How are you

(a) getting on in your new job? ✓
(b) getting of in your new job?
(c) getting along your new job?
(d) getting off in your new job?

Explanation: 'Getting on' means progressing or managing; 'How are you getting on in your new job?' is the standard idiom to ask about someone's progress.

Q.109 [Completion of Sentence]

I am trying to

(a) shut down on coffee.
(b) cut down on coffee. ✓
(c) break down on coffee.
(d) turn down on coffee.

Explanation: 'Cut down on' means to reduce consumption of something; it is the correct phrasal verb for reducing intake of coffee.

Q.110 [Completion of Sentence]

Many accidents

(a) cause careless driving.
(b) have caused careless driving.
(c) are caused by careless driving. ✓
(d) will cause careless driving.

Explanation: Careless driving causes accidents, not the other way around; the passive voice 'are caused by careless driving' correctly expresses this logical relationship.

Q.111 [Reading Comprehension]

The general tone of the passage is

(a) critical
(b) descriptive
(c) demonstrative
(d) informational ✓

Explanation: The passage about machines and civilization conveys facts and ideas about how machines affect human life, making the tone informational rather than critical or merely descriptive.

Q.112 [Reading Comprehension]

The use of machines has failed to bring us

(a) spiritual freedom ✓
(b) more leisure and more energy
(c) slavery and destruction
(d) culture and civilization

Explanation: The passage argues that machines have given us material conveniences but failed to deliver spiritual freedom; they have rather enslaved us rather than liberating us spiritually.

Q.113 [Reading Comprehension]

According to the passage, our civilization would be made greater

(a) if man devotes his time to make more beautiful things
(b) if man looks after and waits upon machines
(c) if machines are made man's servants ✓
(d) if man discovers how to prevent poverty

Explanation: The passage's central argument is that civilization would advance if machines served humanity rather than the other way around — i.e., if machines are kept as man's servants.

Q.114 [Reading Comprehension]

According to the passage, which one of the following descriptions about machines is true? (a) They already rule us like we rule animals. (b) They wait upon us attentively. (c) They are inexorable masters. (d) They have made man more civilized.

(a) They already rule us like we rule animals.
(b) They wait upon us attentively.
(c) They are inexorable masters. ✓
(d) They have made man more civilized.

Explanation: The passage conveys that machines have become hard, unyielding (inexorable) masters over humanity, which is consistent with its critical view of technological dependence.

Q.115 [Reading Comprehension]

According to the passage, how do we use the powers bestowed upon us by science?

(a) Judiciously
(b) Temperamentally
(c) Divinely
(d) Irrationally ✓

Explanation: The passage suggests humanity uses the powers given by science irrationally — without wisdom or temperance — leading to destruction rather than liberation.

Q.116 [Reading Comprehension]

Plastic has distressing effects on

(a) only humans
(b) only marine life
(c) both humans and marine life ✓
(d) None of the above

Explanation: The passage explicitly describes plastic's harmful effects on human health (microplastics in food/water) as well as devastating effects on marine life such as seabirds and sea turtles, and also on terrestrial creatures.

Q.117 [Reading Comprehension]

Plastic and plastic particles can be found

(a) in the oceanic depths ✓
(b) on mountain tops
(c) in metals and minerals
(d) All of the above

Explanation: The passage states plastic has been found 'in the deepest parts of the ocean' and 'on even the most remote, uninhabited islands,' but does not mention mountain tops or metals/minerals, so only option (a) is directly supported.

⚠ Answer needs review

Q.118 [Reading Comprehension]

Plastic pollution appears to be

(a) an epidemic
(b) a pandemic ✓
(c) a small menace
(d) a temporal health issue

Explanation: The passage describes plastic pollution as a global, ubiquitous crisis found even on remote islands and in the deepest oceans, affecting all parts of the world — characteristics of a pandemic-level problem rather than a localized epidemic.

Q.119 [Reading Comprehension]

Plastic is considered an essential commodity because

(a) it has made our lives easier
(b) it causes health hazard
(c) it clogs natural ecosystem
(d) it has multiple uses in our everyday lives ✓

Explanation: The passage opens by defining plastic as 'an essential commodity with multiple uses' across agriculture, fisheries, energy, transport, and many other sectors — directly supporting option (d).

Q.120 [Reading Comprehension]

The word 'clogging' in the passage means

(a) obstruction ✓
(b) flow
(c) opening
(d) clearing

Explanation: 'Clogging' means blocking or obstructing; in the passage it is used in contexts like 'clogging waterways' and 'clogging drains,' both of which mean obstruction of flow.