The Pearson Guide to Bank Probationary Officer RECRUITMENT EXAMINATIONS BE] Vandana Thorpe @The aim of this publication isto supply information taken from sources belived to be valid and reliable. This is not 1an attempt to render any type of professional advice or analysis, nor is it to be treated as such. While much care has been taken to ensure the veracity and accuracy of the information presented within, nether the publisher nor its authors bear any responsibility for any damage arising from inadvertent omissions, negligence or inaccuracies (typographical or factual) that may have found their way into this book. Copyright © 2008 Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd. . This book is sold subject tothe condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publishers prior written consent in any form of Binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser and without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be repro- duced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, me- chanical. photocopying. recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above-mentioned publisher of this book. ISBN 978-81-317-1568-0 First Impression Published by Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt, Ltd, licences of Pearson Education in South Asia. Head Office: 482, F.LE., Patparganj, Delhi 110 092, India. Registered Office: 14 Local Shopping Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi 110 017, India Laser typeset by Rachna Graphics, Chandigarh Printed in India at Baba Barkha Nath Printerser a Preface cs PARTA Section I English Chapter 1 Vexsan Esoust 1.3-1.36 Chapter2 Connect Usacr or ENuisi Gravmar 2.1=2.46 Chapter3 — ReAnnic Commrenension 3.1-3.19 Section I Quantitative Aptitude Chapter4 Basic Anmuvenc 4.3-4.18 chapter 5 © Cosmenciat ARmMeDC 51-59 Chapter — Aveucanoys or Aemavenic 61-66 Chapter 7 — RasicAtcenps L1=2.14 Chapter8 Geonerry 8.1-8.21 Chapter9 — Srarsnics 9.1-9.16 Section II General Awareness Chapter 10 INpiav History 10.3-10.39 Chapter 11 Groceany 11.1=11.46 Chapter 12 Inoiay Potrry AND Ecovomy “ 12.1-12.31 Chapter 13 Testor Comevrinc 13.1-13.16 Section IV Reasoning Chapter 14° Vernar Reasonine 14.3—14.25 Chapter 15 Anatyrican Reasonmva: 15.1—15.21aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.—h ‘The diversification of businesses of banking institutions and the product spectrum has fueled the need for more people joining the banking sector. The co-existence ofthe public sector, private sector and foreign banks has generated competition in the banking sector for quality human resources, No wonder, the entrance examination for the selection of probationary officers in the banking sector is becoming more complex and difficult. This has resulted in the demand for a guide that is designed to be a valuable tool for candidates appearing in the written test of the Bank Probationary Officer (PO) Recruitment Examinations conducted by various banks. The Pearson Guide to Bank Probotionary Officer Recruitment Examinations comprehensively covers all important topics as per the format of the written test. It follows an easy-to-understand, to-the-point approach, based on the trend of previous years’ original question popers. This book is divided into 26 chapters, providing ample preparation and practice on both Papers and II ofthe written test. The book treats each of these in sufficient depth to facilitate real understanding and provides a considerable degree of confidence to espirants. In addition to the brief introduction to the various question types asked in the paper, the book has comprehensive practice exercises which provide numerous multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that involve students in an advanced learning process and increase their accuracy levels. A careful scrutiny of previous years’ question papers was also done for preparing this book. These test papers will help students to assess their level of preparation. You will find due coverage given to computing related topies as you may find MCQs based ‘on computers and information technology in written test of some banks. Also, a special section has been devoted 10 Descriptive English for students to understand this vital element in Bank Probationary Officer Recruitment Examinations. However, the practice tests at the end of the book do not contain Descriptive English questions. Inour constant endeavor toimpart quaitativeinputs to readers preparing for competitive examinations, we have provided online support on general awareness and some additional practice material, Please visit us at www: thorpeseducation.com for extensive Web resources. Alllthe best. Vaxpana Tuorreaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.& TYPES OF WORDS ‘Synonym: word meaning sme as another ‘A word that means the same, or almest the same, as another word in the same language, either in all of its uses or in a specific context, For example, ‘environment’ and ‘surround ‘ngs’ and the verbs ‘tear’ and ‘rip’ Homonym: word with same spelling or sound ‘A word that is spelled or pronounced inthe same way as one ‘or more other words but has adifferent meaning, Forexample, the noun and adjective ‘plane® and ‘plain’, are pronounced the same but spelled differently, and the verb and noun ‘sow’, spelled the same bat pronounced differently. Heteronym: similarly spelled word. Each of two or more words that are spelled the same, but fe in meaning and often in pronunciation. For example, “ow’ (a ribbon) and “bow” (of a ship) Acronym: word formed from initials ‘A word formed from the initials or other parts of several words. For example, ‘NATO’, from the initial lettersof "North Atlantic Treaty Organization’ acronymous (adjective) Antonym: word with opposite meaning ‘Aword that means the opposite of another word. Forexample, VERBAL ENGLISH “hot’ is the antonym of ‘cold’. ‘Onomatopocie: Imitative of the sound associated with the thing or action denoted by a word. Palindrome: A word, phrase, passage, or number that reads the same forward and backward. For example, ‘Anna’, ‘Draw, ‘coward,’ or ‘23832’. Doublet: (a) Word with same root as another (Linguistics) Either of two similar words in a language that have same historical root but have arrived at their current forms via different languages. For example, ‘mood’ and ‘mode’. (b) Repeated printed letter, word, or line (Printing): Repeti- tions that are printed a second time by mistake. 1 LIST OF SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS ‘The following is the list of common words along with their synonyms (words with mote or less similar meaning) and antonyms (words with more or less opposite meaning) to help you tackle the vocabulary section of synonyms and antonyms in your examination, Tablel 1.1. Important Synonyms and Antonyms Word ‘Synonyms Antonyms (similar meaning) (opposite meaning) abandon forsake, leave, give up, ‘retain, stay with abase ‘humiliate, disgrace, bring down, humble ‘exalt, upli, honour abash confuse, fee! or made to feel ashamed, confound | encourage, cheer to abate lessen, reduce, diminish, decline raise, increas, rise, augment abet help, assis, encourage discourage, hinder, lock abhor dislike, detest, hate approve, ike (Continued)aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Verbal English oe Word ‘Synonyms Antonjms (Ginitar meaning) (opposite meaning) dash Fhut, cast smash, destroy, abash, rush retain, encourage, standstill aunt dismay, terrify, scare encourage, cheer dawdle procrastinate dally dilly-dally loiter decide, persevere, push on, quicken debar hinder, exclude, prevent, shut out facilitate, admit, allow Sebase degrade, huniliate, disgrace, humble, demean, exalt, puifs, prise, respect, compliment downgrade debility ‘weakness, infirmity strength, health declare advertise, announce, enuneiate, proclsion censor, conceal, withhold decrease abate, decline, drop, fll, sink, subside climb, enlarge, escalate, grow, strengthen, wax decorum propriety, decency, gravity, staidness impropeety, lack of dignity, levity deface disigure, damage improve, preserve defame malign, aspers, bel, slander, vlify ‘raise, commendation deference respect, reverence, honour, homage disrespect, rudeness efile ccomupt, soil, stain, contaminate cleanse, purify deformity ‘malformation, uginess, disfigurement, blemish, shapely, adorn, beautify, conserve, restore defacement defray discharge liquidate. setle bo in debe defraud cheat, fleece, swindle bonest, sincere deletrious harmful, deal, killing harmless, innocuous delusion fantasy, illusion, mirage, hallucination actuality, fot, reality, truth, verify demar pause, top, hesitate, recoil, shirk, shy ‘agree, act promptly, accept, consent, accede depose dethrone, degrade euthrone, exalt depraved ‘comupt, degenerate, evil heinous, infamous, bonest, innocent, moral, pious, chaste nefarious, vile, wicked descend decline, drop, fll, sink climb, increase lif, soar desert ‘abundor, un away Say with stain desecration ‘debasernent, defilement, profanation, sacrilege, ccansecration, purification, sanctification violation despair ejection, depression, desperation, hopelessness | confidence, encouragement, expectation, hope, ‘optimsm desist eave off, stop ‘eantinse, goon despotic unconstitutional, arbitrary, autocratic, dictatorial, | constitutional, reasonable, democratic, lawful, tyrannical representative destitute wanting, needy, poor ‘ell-provided, well t» do desultory rambling, casual, random seady, straightforward, orderly, systematic deteriorate lower, spoil, decline ameliorate, improve deveid ‘empty, vacant full, well, supplied deveut religious, pious ieligious, profane dexterity skal, facili ‘lumsiness, not skilled siffdent hesitating, doubstal confident, rusting dilapidated ruined, wasted resfored, in repair dilate expand, widen, broaden ccomltract, narrow, squeeze diligence industrious, care laziness, slackness discern perceive, desery nisunderstand, confuse disconsolate sad, cheerles, distur happy: cheerful glad disgrace base, debase, degrade, demean, compliment, exlt, praise, downgnde, humble nse, respect disinterested fai, impartial, unbiased, objective interested, biased, partial, subjective disown disclaim, deny acknowledge, accept disseminate spread, seater, disperse, broadcast, diffuse withhold, withdraw, unite, eather dogmatic authoritative undogmatic, vague dreadful awful. appaling. ugly harmless. pleasing, soothing dress apparel, attire, costume, gar, gear undress, unelothed . dwell reside, abide, live travel. move on dwindle sdeerease, shrink, decline, reduce increase, grow, expand, extend eager avid, desirous, intent, enthusiastic, keen impassive, indifieren, listless, uninterested, uninvolved ‘eamest slack, apethetic eager, ardent (continued)aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Veroal Engisn BRE Word Synonyms Antonyms (similar meaning) (opposite meaning) lofty high, tall, elevated, towering, outstanding, low, depressed, degraded, short summit, step lucrative profitable, paying unprofitable, losing uninous light bright dark, obscure Inacy insanity. madness sanity, mental soundness lustre brilliance, brightness dimnness, plainness luxuriant abundant, profuse seamy, baren, searcity magnanimoss | generous, noble ungenerous, mean ‘magnitude size, bul, largeness smliness malevolent ‘malignant, spiteful benevolent, kindly malice spite, hate charity, love malign aupere, defame, libel, slander, vilify lampoon praise, eulogive mussive ‘enormous, hefly, huge, immense, vast ‘minate, small. thin manifest exhibit, show, obvious, conspicuous, evident ‘conceal, suppress, hidden, impli, sextet meagre seanty, poor plentiful, plump melancholy sad, gloony kay, joyous melodious ‘unefal, musical ‘unmelodious tuneiess mercenary hired, mean voluntary, generous mingle nix, blend dissolve, disentangle, migrate emigmte, immigrate, move, travel remain, stationary smigratory ‘wandering, unsettled settied, Sationary miraculous marvellous, wonderial normal, natural miscellaneous | mixed, mingled individual, separate misery sorrow, distress joy.eomiort miserable dismal, sory, unhappy cheerful, contended, joyous moderate restrained, limited immoderate, excessive monotonous uninfected, dull, boring, snobbish, imperious, ‘melodious, cheerful, modest, dutiful, obedient tedious, tiresome stimulating, eviting ‘monstrous, prodigious, horrible ‘ordinary. normat mortal perishable, deadly immortal, imperistable mutable changeable, variable settled, unchanging mutiny insubordiration, revolt loyalty, subordination myst puzzle, perplex itluminat, enlighten yth fable, legend, saga fact, history mythical legendary fabulous actual, historic native aboriginal, indigenous, autochthonous, endemic alien, exotic, oreign, immigrant, imported nebulous cloudy, misty, confused clear, uclouded nefarious depraved, corrupt, evil, heinous, villainous chaste, honest, innocent, moral, pious nervous edgy, exciable, fidgety restles, composed, steady, trancui, imperurbable aloery accuracy, precision carelessness, indifterent notorious disreputable reputable ‘nugatory ‘fling, insignificant important, eflsctive numb anaesthetised, iasensible, paralysed, dendened lively active, vigorous, aware atedient dutiful, good, well-behaved nvschievous, stubborn | Forgetfulness, obscurity memory, remembrance absent-minded, inattentive, abstracted aware, observant ‘obnoxious ‘exposed, arm, hateful, odious, offensive free, cheerful, harmless, humane, lovable, pleasing obscene Silthy, indecent pure, clean obscure darken, dim, obstruse, arcane, ery clear, explicit, plain, transparent obtuse stupid, dul inteltigent, bright obsessed addicted, addictive, hooked, compulsive instinctive, natural offcious ‘meddlesome, mischievous, obiusive, prying harmless, noreimefering, incuriows, unoMicious, inobtrusive onerous burdensome, laboricus light easy, triting ‘opportunistic ambitious, aspising. pushy indolent, lazy. timid, uninvolved oppress crush, harass relieve, help optimistic confident, hopeful, sanguine pessimistic, eynicel, defeat (continued)aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Verbal English i Word Synonyms Antonyms (Gimiler meaning) (oppesite meaning) tortuous twisted, winding, crooked straight, hones, simple tranquil calm, quiet, composed, peacefil disturbed, agitated treachery disloyalty, perfidy loyalty, feith ‘reach intinge, trespass respect, observe trite toy, play, wanton, serious trivial paltry, petty significant, important twiumph Victory, achievement lament, fal } turbulent blustering, riotous, stormy, violent tranquil, peacefial turmoil bustle, confusioa, hurry Quiet, peacefulness turpitude baseness, depravity, wickedness, vileness worthiness, goodness tynnt despot, autocrat constitutional, sovereign ym beginner, navice, neophite expert, old hand, veteran ‘unethical amoral, immoral, unprincipled ‘mort, principled unanimous ‘accordant, harmonious discordant, disagresing unique solve, single, unmatched ‘common, frequent ‘uphold tack, champion, defend betray, destroy, drop | urbane cultivated, gentel, sophisticated brusque, gauche, vilgar urtanity civility, politeness rudeness, harshness utopian ideal, imaginary practical, real vvacillation besitaion, wavering decision, firmness ‘randering, roaming ‘settled, homely uncertain, indefinite certain, definite, sure empty, worthless usefil, effective ‘brave, gallant cowardly, unheroic voluntary voracious vulnerable wander warrant wearisome whimsical wistful wretched wrnkle ‘efficiency, autherity disappear, pass away violent, boisterous screen, hide, conceal swiftness, rapidity reverend, grave ‘wordy, diffuse, long-winded, repetitious ‘ruth, reality, comectness ‘annoying, harassing, iritating, knotty faulty, defective, conupt, depraved fertile, fruitful fuctuzte, oscillate power, strength revengeful, spiteful, malevolent, malacious lively clear fashion, usige, trend spontaneous, ite ‘reedy, ravenous ‘weak, exposed, untenable, defnceless ‘meander, ramble, range, ream, rove, stay caution, cicumspection,vgilenc, watchfulness ‘guarantee, cently, authorise fatigung, irksome, tring, tedious freakish, fanciftl, ecen pensive, though unfortunate, sad, miserable, dismal, sory fold, cease, imp, pest hake, long, pine, crave, covet, long for forgo, give in, surender, relinquish, concede Tink, bondage, slavery passion, eagerness top, apes, climax, pinnace, summit brio, cash, drive, energy, gto, pleasure spirit ineficiency, weakness disclose, uncover slowness, tardiness teifling, light ters, silent, speechless ‘ction, unrealty satisfying, pleasing, soothing. easy, simple perfect, incorap, moral bored, sterile, untenable stationary, mosonless ‘weakness, sickness benevolent, kindly, forgiving, iiendly, generous, humane ull, unimpressive ‘unpopular, outdated involuntary satiabe, satisfied fortfed, tron, invulnerable, guarded, remus ele, ea forbid, disallow refreshing, restful serious, cheecful, happy, needless, ary, ipant fortunate. happy joyous, contended smooth surface la, straighten be satisfied, be consended resis, withhold refuse freedom, ibery apathy, weakness base, otiom, oot, low dullness, blandness, exhaustion, dislike, weariness, distasteaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Verbal English | Idiom/Phrase Meaning 129. Lay their heads together Pian an enterprise joitly 130, Atthe eleventh hour Justin time 131. Jack of all trades ‘One who turns his hand to anything but exces in nothing 132. Keep body and soul together Saay alive 133, Preity kettle of fish Bad business 134, Lay by the heels Render harmless 135, Tur over a new leat Make afresh stat 136. There iso love lost between them They dislike one another 137, Left in the buch, ‘Abandoned, at a grave disadvantage 138. Land of milk and toney Land abounding in good things 139. To make mountains out of molehills ‘Make wiflingdificultes sem insuperable 140. Nailin (one’s) cofin ‘Anything that tends to shorten life 141. Hitthe nail onthe head Suudge al eight, say something exacily right 142. Pay through the nose Pay anexcessive or exorbitant price 143. Led by the nose Mislead, deceived 144, Ttmakesno odds tmakes no difference 145. Pour oil on troubled waters Soothe strift, use tact and discretion 146. Olive branch Emblem of peace 147. Partand parcel Essential portion 148. ay the piper Defray the cost or bear the loss in an undertaking 149, Cast peatts before a swine (Offer good things to people incapable of appreciating them 150. Pigin a poke Unexamined purchase 151. From pillar to post Hither and thither indiscriminately 152, Tobe out of pocket “To love money orto pay more than one’s share 153, Bom in the purple Cild of royal parents 154, Put down the shutters ‘To go out of business 155. Rain cats anddogs Rain heavily 156, Rank and file ‘Common soldiers, hence followers 137. Smell a rat Detect something suspicious 158, Rec-leter day Day of special consequence 1159. With neither thyme nor reason Without any sense, uscless 160. Rule the roost ‘Tobe in control 161. Robbing Pete to poy Paul ‘Transferring a burden from one to another, benefitting ore at the ‘expense of another 162, By rule of the thumb By experience, practical though rough 163. Not wort (one’s) salt Inefficient, not worth one’s keep 164. Take with a grain of sat (or pinch of sat) ‘With consigerabie reservation, fo accept grudgingly 165. Another pair of shoes Different matter 166. Step into another man’s shoes “Take over anothers position 167. Straight fom the shoulder With fell Free 168. Bom with silver spoon in mouth Bom in a wealthy family 1169. At sixes and sevens Ina state of confusion 170. Throw up the sponge ‘Admit defeat 171. Square pegs in ound holes People in the wrong jobs 172. Man of sraw Without substance 173. Tur the tables Reverse the situation between two persons or opponent 174. On the tip of (one's) tongue ‘Almost remembering but not quite 175. Blow (one’s) own rurpet Sing one's own praise 176. Valle of the shadow of death [Nearness to death, place of fer for those poor in faith 177. Goto the wall Give way, be vanquished 178. Throw cold water on Discourage 179, Wheels within wheels ‘Situation of extreme complexity 180, White elephant ‘Something aseless and expensiveaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.‘The thief rook to his heels when he saw a policeman, (a) had some pain in his heels, (b) ran away from the scene (©) confronted the policeman (@) could not decide what to do 5. To catch a tartar (a) to deal with a person who is more than one’s match (b) to catch a dangerous person (©) to trap a wanted criminal with great difficulty (d) to meet with disaster A wet blanket (a) aman who is always drunk (b) a wife who is cold to her husband (©) to wear black and white clothes (@) a person who ends enjoyable activity To strain every nerve {a) to spoil relationship (©) to try one’s utmost 1 QUESTION BANK 1, (b) to get afraid (4) to take ill & Test of Synonyms Direction \n the following questions, a word is given in bold followed by four altematives marked a-d. One of the alternatives conveys the same meaning or expression as the ‘word given in capital letters. Choose the synonym as your answer. 1. Effey (a) exit (©) dummy (c) proxy {d) boldness 2. Disparity (a) harmony (b) difference (©) discord (4) ditticutyy 3. Vindictive (a) bigoted (b) revengeful (c) strategic (a) harmful 4, Indigenous (a) scholarly (b) native (c) wealthy (@ painful 5. Adipose (a) liquid (b) fatty (6) sharp (@) major 6. Desert * (a) hot (b) abandon (e) retire {@) dismiss 7. Curtait (a) ample (b) compress (©) recall (@) depart 8. Ally (a) friend (b) accomplice (©) counterpart (@) unknown 9. Verbal English ae To have on ate to grind (2) pinpeint faults of others (b) to take revenge (c) to make unreasonable demands (@) to have a selfish interest to serve To toke heart (a) to become hopeful (b) w love everyone (c) to prepare for a battle (2) to withdraw from activity To draw the ine (a) to decide one’s occupation (b) t0 set Limits (c) to prepare for a battle (4) to withdraw from sctivity Answers 1.(b) 2.(6) 3.(c) 4.06) 54a) 61a) 746) &@)—9(@) 10.(b) 9. Harmony {a) concord {b) discord (©) sorrow (@) in tune 10. Lustrous {a) bright (b) derogatory (e) sinner (@) anxious 11, Dreary (a) cheerful (b) cheerless (©) hard (@) difficult 12, Turbid {a) viscosity (b) solution (0) thick (@) fluid 13, Beseech {a) represent (b) look forward (©) pray (@) search 14, Heinous (0) lofty (b) serious (©) odious (@) lower 15. Ligature (2) legal aid (b) bandage (c) bad remark (@) puncture 16, Serene (a) sweet (b) melodious (c) beautiful (@) mit 17. Costume (a) regalia (b) dressing (c) make-up (@) tune 18, Resolute (a) solution (b) steady (©) dangerous (@) stoutaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Direction In the following sentences a word or phrase is italicized, and s followed by fouraltemative choice of words Select from the choices, the one that is nearest in meaning to the italicized word in the sentence. 126, He is being treated for his somnolence. (a) sleepiness (b) weakness (©) intoxication (@) hardness 127, Before finalising this transaction, I had to sign a” indemnity bond. (a) a parinership bond (b) a compensation bond (6) asecurity bond (d) a reparation bond * 128. Many of his acqusintances avoid him because he is so garruious. (@) unreasoneble —_(b) quarrelsome (6) talkative (@) proud 129. The import oftechnology asan alternativeto indigenous technology hes not been discussed fully (a) aboriginal (b) indigent (c) terrestrial (@) native 130. | stood up for him when everyone else was against him, (a) tolerated him —_(b) supported energetically (c) faced him boldly _(d) opposed insistently 131. The number of aboriginal inhabitants in Africa is very large (2) unoriginal (b) irrational (6) primitive (@) ancient 132, Everybody laughed at he puerility of his statement. {a) insincerity (b) falsehood (c) childishness (4) inaccuracy 133. We should abstain from casting ospersions on the character of cur colleagues. (a) passing critical remarks (b) paying leR-handed compliments (6) cracking silly jokes (d) passing slanderous remarks 134, Some people are extremely fastidious in their choice of dress. (a) careless () pompous (e) fussy (@) discriminating 138, The obstacles seem 10 be insurmountable, but no one shoald doubt what this fearless woman can accomplish. {a) toottall and too high (b) t00 trivial to attract attention {c) 00 easy to achieve (d) too difficult to overcome 136. Most of his companies were to be liquidated. (a) uperaded (6) raided (e) modemised (4) closed down 137. These tribes have normally a nomadic way of life. (a) wandering (b) military (©) warlike (@) simple 138. Discussion on sex has always been a iaboo in our society. (@) pinisbable (b) prohibitedby socialcustoms (©) adity thing (@) adifficult subject 139, The excessive use of computers con stultify child’s capacity to do mental calculations. (@) strengthen (b) improve (©) destroy (@) help 140, Iraq attempted to amex Kuwait. (@) bum (b) destroy (©) add to (@) defeat 141, We have to implement the project. (@) complete (b) submit (6) cancel (2) put into effect 142. The government rescinded its treaty with Sri Lanka, (@) torevoke/cancel _ (b) to come into action (€) explained in detail (4) ultimately finalised 143. Their efforts flagged in the end. (a) rewarded (b) fruitful (©) to become weak _(€) without result 144, He is allergic to penicillin, (2) immune (b) unusually sensitive (©) fond of (d) addicted 145. Balanced diet and regular exercise helps keep the vascular system healthy. (@) circulation (b) muscles (6) bodily vessels (d) heart and lungs. 146, He couched his representation in an amusing way. (a) presented (b) to pat into words {c) neatly.typed —_(d) submitted 147. In the end the priest pronounced benediction on the bride's head. (a) to curse (b) to bless (c) whispered @ dour 148. She quickly donned the coat and lef {a) to change (b) to throw {) to puton {@) to remove 149, He scored his initials on the desk. (@) to paint (b) to write (©) toserateh (d) to remove 150. Do you have the agenda for today’s mecting? (@) invitation (b) list of things to be done (€) major points (d) list of membersaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.94, Antique (@) colorful (c)ancient 95. Auspicious (@) favourable (©) unfavourable 96. Bare (a) tolerate (c)cover 97. Serene (@)sweet (©) beautiful 98. Dissent (a) agrecment (©) disagreement 99, Ticit (a) clean (dirty 100, Effieacious (a) useful (e) useless 101. Festive (a) sorrowful (c)artless 102, Fortune (a) chance (e) happened 103, Humane {a) living being (©) person 104, Thrifty (a) economic (a) skilled (©)strong 106, Judicfous {@) lawlesaness (©) foolish 107, Bashful (a)bold (©) beautiful 108, Retard (a)stop ()hamper 109, Survive (a)run down (c)succumb: 110, Barren (a)dry () fruitful AIL, Sober (ugly (c) unpleasant (b) modern (@ beautifal (o) useless (©) festive (b) uncover @ merely (b) mild (d) bustling (t) discord (c) unacceptable (b) fine @ unlawful (b) skilled (@ unskilled () difficult (@) inactive () misforune (@) astrology (b) man (@) unkind (b) miser (@ skillful (b) foolish (@) correct (b) unlawful (@) not wise (sinful @ useful (b) accolerate (@) ban (b) left behind (4) excessive (b) drought @ fnitless (b) presentable (@) imoxicated Verbal English a. 112, Profane (2) volatile (b) non-volatile (©) useless (a) sacred 113. Dismal (a) compel (by bright (©) reject (2) tight 114, Grim (@) dismal gay, (©) poor (@) forbidding 115, Remote (a) diny (b) accessible (©) far (a) apex 116, Eneroach (a) disrespect (by creep (c) backware (@) withdraw 117, Amplify (a) magnity (b) decrease (©) expand (@) signify 118, Escalate (a) intensity (b) decrease (©) increase (@) fixed 119, Eternal {a) temporary (b) moral (6) religious (@) unending 120. Graceful (a) peaceful (by disturbing (c) vulgar (@) refined 121. Fatal (a) deadly (b) enlivening (©) careful (@) lethal 122. Hostile (a) cordial (b) arrogant (©) antiiendly (@) volatile 123. Ostraeise (a) amuse (b) welcome (©) emterain hos. 124, Dense @) scarce (b) slim (©) sparse (@tean 128, Parsimonious (a) prodigious (b) selfless (©) extravagant (0) ostentatious 126. Fetter (a) restore (b liberate (©) exonerate (@ distract 127. Harmony (a) strife (b) annoyance (©) cruelty (@ mischiet 128. Rectitude (a) non-adherence to procedure (b) dishonesty (©) untidiness (d) disrespectaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.& Applyingldioms/Phrases Direction Incach ofthe foliowing questions, a sentence or pphrase written in bold is followed by four alternatives marked ‘a-d,one of which describes, in brief, the meaning/expression of the sentence/phrase. Select the one that best conveys the ‘meaning of the sentence/phrase. 1, To read the riot act (a) To instigate a crowd (b) To declare authoritatively thet something must stop (©) To offer something as an explanation or excuse (@) None of these 2. Raise somebody's hackles (a) To prepare scmetody for 2 tough encounter (b) To provide support to someone in need (©) To make somebody angry (@) None of these 3. Hedge one’s bets (a) To prepare for an examination (b) To protect oneself by not committing to one course of action (c) To plan one’s career (d) None of these 4, Flotsam and jetsam (a) Navigation controls used in ship (b) Important members of a political party (©) Various unimportant objects (@) None of these 5. Red herring (a) Red carpet treatment (b) A new automobile (6) The latest fashion (@) Nore ofthese 6. Totake a rain-check (a) To snalyse a problem deeply (b) To politely decline an offer (©) To prepare for all possible contingencies (@) To indulge in wasteful expendiure 7. Bring home the Bacon (a) To attrac clientele (b) To achieve something successfully (©) To take up anew job (d) None of these 8. Gordian knot (a) Utmost hatred for someone (b) Anexercise in mountainecring (c) A seemingly impossible problem (a) None of these 9. A fow days before his death, he made a clean breast of everything. (a) coniessed (b) took off his shirt (©) suffered. (@) None of these 10, Tam done fo (@) ruined (c) answered (b) rewarded (@) None of these vecicomn IL, Fora healthy and lasting friendship one mustbe on the level. (a) equally rich (b) mentally compatible (©) honest and sincere (4) None of these 12, The foolish young man soon made ducks and drakes of the vast property his father left him. (a) squandered (b) distributed (©) spent {d) None of these 13, All his ventures went to the winds. (a) dissipated (b) spread all over (©) got speed of the winds (@) None of these 14, Have the last laugh {a) be ofa cheerful nature (b) laugh only after understanding something (c) to be victorious atthe end of an argument (@) None of these 15. Turn a deaf ear (@) disrezard (©) disobey 16. Tosmella rat (a) to experience bad smell (b) to misunderstand (©) to suspect a trick (4) None of these 17, Adark house (a) an unforeseen competitor (b) a black horse (©) a nightmare (@ None of these 18, Torun across (a) to have an appointed meeting (b) to meet by chance (©) to run in the playground (a) None of these 19. To get one's own back (@) to get one’s revenge (b) to get control over someone () to get one’s position back (4) None of these 20, To steer clear of (a) drive carcfully —_(b) avoid (©) explain clearly (a) None of these 21. To move out of one’s own country (a) emigrate (b) immigrate (©) asylum (d) voyage 22, ‘Tress that lose their leaves annually (b) defy (¢) None of these (2) deciduous (b) perenial (©) foliage (4) veral 23, Absolute rule by one person (a) hierarchy (b) autocracy (©) hippocracy (@) monopolyaa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Rule 16 In sentences containing the words one of the verb is chosen as follows. (a) In simple form one of or one of the, a singular verb isused. One of the teasons for his demotion is his careless- (One of the pens is missing from my desk. (b) The sentences containing phrases one of thase who orone of the things hat, a plural verb is required. He is one of those managers who favour increasing the staf, Here, favour agrees with those. In the phrase one of those who, those is the plural object of the preposition of. In the subordinate clause who favour, the relative pronoun who is the subject and must agree with its antecedent rhose. Mr Verma is one of our oficers who are accompanying me. He is one of our employves who are always alert. However, when only precedes one offone of those, @ singular verb is used. Ramesh isthe oniy one ef our employees who is always alert. Mr Verma is the onty one of our officers who isaccom- panying me, Rule 17 Certain collective nouns, though singular in form, are always used in the plural sense and take a plural verb. For example, gentn: cattle, poultry, alphabet, offspring ete. ‘These poultry are ready for sale. There are twenty-six alphabets in English, ‘The eattle are grazing near the canal, Rule 18 Certain nouns are always used in singular and followed by singular verbs. These are not used in the plural sense and do not take on plural verbs. For example, hair, issue, advice, information, scenery, luggage. mischief, bread, abuse, furnitere, land, business, machinery, poetry. Her hair has tured grey now. The scenery of Kasauli is beautiful. Us there any information in this regard? All the machinery is old. Thave sold all the firiture that was useless. My luggage is lying at the bas stand. Note: A plural sense is often expressed by using some other suitable word before the above nouns. For ‘example. He gave me many pieces of advice. (not advices) Thave brought many items of furniture. (not fumi- tures) ‘They have purchased many plots of land. (not lands) Rule 19 The words each, every, either and neither, used as pronouns or as adjectives, are always singular and require singuler verbs. Correct Usage of English Grammar (ae, Ecch of them does have political ambitions. Each employee is responsible for clearing his desk in the evening. Neither of the boys is eligible for taking the examina tion, Neither boy is eligible for selection, Exception \f a parenthetical each follows ¢ plural noun or pronoun, the verb should be plural, The members each feel their responsibility. They each have their own problems. ‘Ten each of these books are requiced. Rule20 AU, any, more, most, some may be singular or plural depending on the meaning, and take verbs zecordingly. Some of the books seem too ld. Some of the food is not good. All the ayping has been finished. ‘ All the reports have been typed. ‘Most ofthe goods have been sold Most of the stack has been sold, but more of these shirts are due. Rule 21 The titles of books or magazines are considered singular and take singular verbs. The Hindustan Times still has wide circulation. ‘The Two Faces of Indira Gandhi’ is a best seller. Rule 22 The following words and their compounds are always singular and require a singular verb, ‘ad (anybody, everybody, nobody, somebody} thing (anything, everything, nothing, something) ‘one (anyone, everyone, someone, no one) Somiething is wrong with him these days. Everybody in the office has tickets. Everyone is required to clear their dues, Nobody knows the trouble I have seen. ‘No one is entitled to have his debis cancelled. Rule 23 A relative pronoun (who, which, that) used as a subject takes a singular or plural verb to accord with its antecedent. ‘Measles is among the diseases that are curable. This is the only one of the local papers that prints a wgekly horoscope 1 Troublesome Pronouns. Pronouns are words used in place of a noun. Hence, a pronoun should not be used to begin the first sentence: 2 noun must first be used and then a pronoun should be used in place of it. Rule 24 Use of who, which and thar (a) Who ard that are used when referring to persons,aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.aa You have either reached a page that is unavailable for viewing or reached your viewing limit for this book.Correct Usage of Engish Grammar (BRE He enjoys playing cards. (not fo play) adapted from —anautbor ‘Stop writing as the time is over. (not to stop) angry at athing I cislike playing with Rajan. (not 10 play) angry waka paced Many people avoid drinking beforetheir superiors. (not apply for a position or for something, 10 drink) apply to aperson Rule 51 Cerain words are followed by different preposi- compare with to bring out similar qu tions in different contexts. For example, compare to without analysing agree with Mr Saxena. : confer on meaning to give to I agree to your proposal. confer with meaning to talk to In the above example, tho word agree is used with ¢0"Tespond fa thing. devoting similarity, ‘wo different prepositions, wish and fo. Agree with is used CO*Tespond with meaning towrite to for agreement with a person, whereas agree to is used for confide in meaning to put faith in agreement toa plan, ot proposal confide to meaning to.commit to To change the preposition is to convey a different one's keeping meaning from the one that the speaker intended or 1 dependent ona person convey no meaning at all. A partial list of such words with employed af_— a certain place or salary ‘their appropriate prepositions in different contexts is given employed fora purpose below. employed in ‘an organisation accompanied with anything having no life employed Ay by a certain person accompanied by anything having life liable for debis agree with — aperson liable 10 authority agree 10 aproposalor plan proceed wo aplace agree pon apoint proceed with a matter begun agree on acourse wait at aplace adapted to athing wait for aperson adapted for acourse, because of one'snatire wait ‘on customer 1 IMPORTANT WORDS FOLLOWED BY SUITABLE PREPOSITIONS For selection of the preposition to be arbitrate between two parties pire after worldly grestness used with