Vijeta Magazine by Nimisha Mam (28 FEBRUARY 2023)

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Use Code NIMISHA for maximum Discount
For any query call or whatsapp 9953592800

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Preface
Dear students,
English Language plays a very significant role in banking and other
competitive exams. This section is also a major deciding factor in your
success in every leg of your examination. The English section can be
tremendously scoring if one handles this section with all one’s dedication,
attention and care.
One of the key factors in attaining success in any field is the age old
concept of “practice makes a man perfect.” Although some people might
have an innate knack for a particular subject or skill, the truth is mastery
takes time, repetition and pushing oneself out of one’s comfort zone –
there is no shortcut!
Now, in the case of major banking and insurance exams, adequate and
appropriate practice materials aren't easily available. The contents you'll
rely on for the sake of practising must be exam-specific and relevant. So,
I've come up with ''Vijeta''(that translates to 'success finder') - a free-to-all
biweekly magazine for the English language that targets all the major
banking and insurance exams throughout the country.
Every question in this magazine has been framed with utmost care and
attention keeping in mind that millions of you will be highly benefited.
All the different patterns of questions from this section that appear in the
exams have been furnished in a very organised manner.
You'll only need to carry on practising consistently, as steady and

consistent practice yields steady and consistent results.
Your invaluable suggestions are heartily welcome, as we believe in

relentless improvement.

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ABOUT NIMISHA BANSAL
Nimisha Bansal is one of India's most eminent educators of English

language for Banking, Insurance and other government
examinations with over 300k followers on Unacademy. Her motto is to
make English an easy and accessible language for everyone. She also
has a very popular YouTube channel named 'Nimisha Bansal' with a
subscription base of more than half-a-million.
She is not only a highly-competent pedagog, but also a wonderful

motivator. She always promotes enthusiasm for giving your best.
She is also a prominent author of some very successful books for
the English language for various competitive exams. Some of her
top-selling books are Vocab Prodigy, 120 Rules of Grammar,
Descriptive Book and Perfection Book.
These books have been highly praised and are immensely beneficial
for the aspirants.
Thousands of students from her batches like Perfection Batch,
Achievers' series and Editorial Analysis have been selected in
various exams like SBI PO and Clerk, IBPS/RRB PO and Clerk and
RBI Assistant.
Nimisha Bansal also carries out many free classes on a regular
basis.
She has dedicated her life to the field of education and has coached lakhs
of students countrywide. She takes free classes regularly on both
Unacademy and her YouTube channel and has garnered millions of
views on her videos. With a willing heart to provide the best education to
her students, Nimisha Bansal has proudly helped thousands of students
achieve their dream jobs every year. Many of her students are currently
working in various public sector banks and government organizations.

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She believes education should not be limited to the youth but to anyone
who shares the love of learning.
A Note to my champions
Dear students,
Getting a government job isn't a child's play nowadays. One must go

through a stiff competitive situation, recurrent stresses and lack of
confidence on several occasions. It's not at all 'a bed of roses'.
But success is no accident. It is consistent hard work, perseverance,
learning, studying and sacrifice.
So, how can goals be accomplished?

What are the main qualities you need to inculcate to be successful?
First, you need to keep in mind that there are four most important
mantras for success.
Patience, Perseverance, Practice and Planning.
It is important to be patient and keep going to reach your goals. Once we
learn the importance of patience, we can stop worrying when things take
longer than we would like.
Progress occurs by trying, understanding what works and what does not
work, course-correcting, and trying again.
Success comes to those who continue to make efforts to achieve
something in their lives, which is what perseverance is all about.
Planning can be defined as “thinking in advance what is to be done,
when it is to be done, how it is to be done and by whom it should be
done”. In simple words we can say, planning bridges the gap between
where we are standing today and where we want to reach.

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Second, target every exam as it's the easiest exam. It's not your
overconfidence. It's your self-assurance or confidence. Confidence is
believing in yourself, feeling comfortable in your true self, knowing you
have everything required to succeed.
By this positive mindset, you'll not be overwhelmed by the fear of losing.
Third, enjoy the journey. It's a healthy way to maintain balance between
doing and being, between producing results and going through the
required processes. Don't become too burdened with all your anxieties,
doubts and uncertainties.
There will be stress, doubts, fears but you will have to constantly remind
yourself that you can do it and you will do it.
Fourth, it is so important to realize the magnitude of introspection.
The ability to examine, explore and get intimate with your inner conscious
and feelings allows you to take responsibility for your growth.
By looking into and reviewing your own thoughts and the actions attached
to them, you get to know yourself - your strengths, your weaknesses.
Once you have understood these aspects, you can start working on them.
We are wired to move toward things that make us feel good and away
from things that make us feel uncomfortable. Our brains tag effort as bad
because it’s hard work.
But hard actions can have tremendous benefits — ones that may not be
visible for some time.
We can accomplish hard things by practising the habits of a growth
mindset.
Challenges and problems are important parts of life that give you
experiences; make you learn and help you become stronger. Problems
make us grow and shape us. The biggest problem people have is that
they hope for a life without problems.

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Therefore, preparing yourself for the hardest challenges will certainly help
you achieve success more efficiently.
Finally, the temptation to give up is a common one, and nobody is

exempt. Failure isn't something many of us can handle gracefully. And
even though we know it's a common human condition, we're somehow
always surprised when it happens to us.
But, when you want to give up, remind yourself that loss of hope is
temporary. It might just compel you to pick yourself up and move forward.
Use failures as your motivations. Failure isn’t the end of a journey, instead
it is just an experience you have while on your way to success.
Wishing you the best for every step in your journey. Go and conquer your
dreams.
I am always there for you, and I know that my champions can never give
up.
With love and lots of blessings,

Nimisha Bansal

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TOPPER’S TALK
Ishika Saini (SBI PO 2021-2022)
1. Congratulations on your success. I'm very happy for you and I’m
proud of you. What was the reaction of your parents and you when
you saw the result?
ISHIKA SAINI : Thank You so much mam! It was really unexpected, there
were tears of happiness in my eyes. When I saw the result I couldn't
believe it was real. The feeling cannot be expressed. My parents are
really proud of me. I cleared it in the 1st attempt. I had been preparing
since October, 2020 but I joined your perfection batch in May.
2. Tell me more about your goals, strategies and how did you
prepare?
ISHIKA SAINI : I mainly focused on the things I had command on like

English then I tried to clear my mathematics concepts and reasoning.
The biggest factor that helped me were the mocks tests, I improved my
speed of solving questions by giving mock tests.
3. How important and instrumental have Nimisha ma'am's various

batches been in your preparation for the banking exams? How will
you consider her guidance and contributions?

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A: I've been to many English classes on many platforms so far. But the
kind of ambience she creates in her classes has been unmatchable. Her
flagship batch - Perfection Batch has been enormously helpful for me and
thousands like me, who always used to think that English is the hardest
section. When I started attending her classes, I realized that solving only
the easy and simple questions would not yield any positive result. The
level of her questions in the Perfection Batch is so advanced that I
experienced a different dimension of learning. I acquired a great deal of
knowledge. My reading skill was improved to a great extent.
I'm also a regular attendee of her other free classes and editorial analysis
classes. These also have big contributions to my preparation.
Apart from her wonderful teaching ability, her warm gestures and constant
motivation are the things, I'm forever indebted to.
4. Many students ask me about their doubts about the examinations,
like is reading enough for English?
ISHIKA SAINI : I don't think only reading can improve the language, you
have to solve questions to improve the same. Reading editorials does
help but only reading them isn't enough. I really enjoyed attending the
perfection batch and it helped me a lot and improved my weak links.
5. How was your interview? Were you nervous enough to face the
interviewers?
ISHIKA SAINI : I was nervous till I was outside the door waiting for my
turn. As soon as I got inside, I thought the interviewers were also human.
They won’t do anything if I answer wrong, so my nervousness flew away.
My interview was mostly situation based; it wasn't very much about
banking. I remember they asked me about the difference between SBI
and PNB. In which bank do you have your account? Most questions were
from my introduction and hobbies.
6. How did you manage your time? What was your timetable?

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ISHIKA SAINI : My target was to study 7 - 8 hours a day. I used to give

most of my time to English, like 4 -5 hours, as I knew that English was the
most scoring subject. When my reasoning and mathematics concepts got
clear, I was totally dependent upon mock tests. I did not take any extra
classes , I learned the concepts and practised them. My general
awareness was very weak. I used to study it on youtube. I believe that
English is a game changing subject because my marks increased
because of it and descriptive writing.
7. What would you like to say to fellow aspirants?
ISHIKA SAINI : My aim was to clear this exam. So I completed my

graduation and got dedicated to preparing for the exam. Just make a
mindset that this is the easiest exam and I can do it. Just train your mind
and when you will be in the exam hall solving the paper you will feel the
energy. Just stay positive. Don't ever lose hope and work whole-heartedly
towards your goals.

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INDEX
S.No. Chapter Name Page no

1 READING COMPREHENSION 14-34
2 CLOZE TEST 35-138
3 PARAJUMBLE 139-179
4 FILLERS 180- 205
5 COLUMN BASED QUESTIONS 206 -123
6 WORD REARRANGEMNT 224 - 231
7 SETNTENSE REARRANGEMNT 232 -246
8 VOCABULARY QUESTION 247-258

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CHAPTER - 1 READING COMPREHENSION
NEW PATTERN
ONE PASSAGE - MULTIPLE PARAGRAPHS

(Based on the latest happenings)
Direction(1-5): In each of the questions, a PASSAGE is divided into FIVE

PARAGRAPHS. ONE question is there from each of the paragraphs. You've to answer
those correctly.
Paragraph 1
The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Since that was at
the initiative of India the Narendra Modi government would be expected to do something
different this year to promote these “rich-nutri-cereals” — going beyond just spreading
awareness, or organizing “special millet lunch”. In the year 2020, about 41 percent of the
total global production of millet was produced in India.
1. Which of the following statements can be inferred from the above paragraph?
a. Millets score good in terms of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber content, as well as
amino acid profile.
b. The global production of millet in 2020 was 30.5 million tonnes and India produced
almost 12.5 million tonnes.
c. Aiming to raise awareness and also stress the importance of consuming millet, millet
dishes should be served only.
A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only b and c D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b

and c
Paragraph 2
Polished/ white rice contains only 2-4 mg/ kg iron and 15-16 mg/ kg zinc. Wheat has more of
both — iron (37-39 mg/ kg) and zinc (40-42 mg/ kg) — but its protein quality is poorer than
even that of rice. Up to 80% of wheat’s average 13% protein content comprises glutens,
known to trigger gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders in many people. Bajra (pearl

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millet), on the other hand, has iron, zinc, and protein levels comparable to that of wheat, but
it’s gluten-free and has more fiber. The rotis from bajra makes one feel fuller for longer and
do not raise blood sugar levels too fast.
2. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above paragraph?
a. If you don't feel gassy or bloated and don't want indigestion symptoms to return, millet
rotis are exactly what you need.
b. The more fiber in your system, the longer it may take to digest the fiber and get it out
of your system.
c. Wheat has high nutritional value as compared to rice because it contains more
proteins and fibers than rice.

and c
Paragraph 3
The same nutritionally superior traits — which significantly address the problem of “hidden
hunger” arising from the consumption of energy-dense but micronutrients-deficient foods —
are present in other millets too: jowar (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), kodo (kodo millet), kutki
(little millet), kakun (foxtail millet), sanwa (barnyard millet), cheena (proso millet), kuttu
(buckwheat) and chaulai (amaranth). Nutritional advantages apart, millets are hardy and
drought-resistant crops. This has to do with their short duration (70-100 days, against
115-150 days for rice and wheat), lower water requirement (350-500 mm versus 600-1,250
mm) and ability to grow even on poor soils and in hilly terrain.
3. Which of the following statements can be made on the features of millets, as

expressed in the above paragraph?
a. Millets can grow in a variety of climates, including dry and arid regions.
b. Millets can withstand high temperatures, making it a suitable crop for areas prone to
drought and extreme weather conditions.
c. Because of its effective root system, millets can grow in locations with marginal soil
fertility and moisture.

and c

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Paragraph 4
However, millets aren’t the first choice either of consumers or of farmers. For the poor, both
in urban and rural areas, rice and wheat were once aspirational foods. But thanks to the
Green Revolution and the National Food Security Act of 2013, two-thirds of India’s
population receives up to 5 kg of wheat or rice per person per month at Rs 2 and Rs 3/kg
respectively. The Modi government has, in fact, made the issue of the two fine cereals free
of cost from January 2023. Even for the better-off, rolling rotis is easier with wheat than
millet flour. This is because the gluten proteins, for all their drawbacks, make the wheat
dough more cohesive and elastic.
4. Which of the negative statements about millets can be made from the above
paragraph?
a. By making the two fine cereals - rice and wheat - free of cost from January 2023, the
government further tilted the scales against millets.
b. The resultant breads made of wheat come out light and fluffy, which isn’t the case
with bajra or jowar millets.
c. Millets are more expensive than rice despite the fact that the production cost and
efforts are supposed to be much lesser than that of rice.

and c
Paragraph 5
India, according to the latest official data for 2021-22, has 26.52 crore children enrolled in
14.89 lakh schools from the pre-primary to higher secondary levels. In addition, 7.71 crore
children and 1.80 crore pregnant & lactating women are being provided supplementary
nutrition in 13.91 lakh anganwadi care centers. Given the dire need to alleviate micronutrient
malnutrition — especially iron and zinc deficiency that are major causes of anaemia and
stunting respectively, while also contributing to impaired cognitive performance and
vulnerability to diarrhea — millets could be made a staple part of children’s diets.
A combination of central funding with decentralized procurement linked to nutrition goals —
specifically the eradication of hidden hunger among school-age children — can do for millets
what the Food Corporation of India achieved with rice and wheat.

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5. Which of the following statements can be the author's statement, according to his
tone and points in the above paragraph?
a. Every schoolchild and anganwadi beneficiary can be served one daily hot meal based
on locally-sourced bajra, jowar, ragi, kodo, or kutki.
b. According to the latest official data for 2021-22 mentioned in the beginning, one can
say that this can be potentially a huge “market” for millets.
c. Besides midday meals, millets could be served in the form of ready-to-eat foods such
as cookies, laddu, murukku, nutrition bars, and extruded snacks.

and c
Direction(6-9): Below is a SHORT PASSAGE. There are FOUR QUESTIONS from the
PASSAGE. You've to answer those correctly.
SHORT PASSAGE 1
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), often also called antibiotic resistance, is a global health
challenge and a looming public health crisis. The WHO has declared it as one of the top 10
health threats facing humanity. Microorganisms (bugs) are everywhere with some being
helpful like the yogurt-making lactobacillus and some being harmful like the typhoid-causing
salmonella. Antimicrobials, chemicals or molecules that kill harmful bugs, are the backbone
of modern medicine. Improperly used antimicrobials create selective pressure on bugs. AMR
occurs naturally over time, usually through genetic changes. Antimicrobial resistant
organisms are found in people, animals, food, plants and the environment (in water, soil and
air). The bugs most vulnerable to the drugs die quickly, while the most resilient ones survive,
replicate and become superbugs. AMR occurs when superbugs develop and antimicrobials
stop working.
Reversing AMR or finding solutions for it is a tall order since we are up against natural
selection — Darwinian evolution, the process by which we evolved. The Covid-19 pandemic
has given us a painful reminder of what it means to have no vaccine or medicine to tackle an
emerging pathogen. AMR is bad news on a similar scale except it’s a silent killer. Covid has
also taught us that in a global crisis, government, industry and society can come together
and work together to find solutions.

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6. Why is antimicrobial resistance a global concern in your opinion?
a. Antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective as drug-resistance spreads globally

leading to more difficult to treat infections and death.
b. The cost of AMR to national economies and their health systems is significant as it
affects productivity of patients or their caretakers through prolonged hospital stays
and the need for more expensive and intensive care.
c. A lack of access to quality antimicrobials remains a major issue; also, antibiotic
shortages are affecting countries of all levels of development and especially in
health-care systems.

and c
7. What accelerates the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance?
a. The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include the misuse and overuse of
antimicrobials.
b. Lack of awareness and knowledge; and lack of enforcement of legislation.
c. Lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for humans.

and c
8. Which of the following statements can possibly be made based on the above
passage?
a. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the principal public health
problems of the 21st century that threatens the effective prevention and treatment of
an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and
fungi no longer susceptible to the common medicines used to treat them.
b. The impact of antibiotic resistance in terms of mortality and of the public health cost is
quite difficult to estimate.
c. Under the selective pressure of antibiotics, susceptible bacteria are killed or inhibited,
while bacteria that are naturally (or intrinsically) resistant or that have acquired
antibiotic-resistant traits have a greater chance to survive and multiply.

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and c
The Covid-19 pandemic has given us a painful reminder of what it means to have no
vaccine or medicine to tackle an emerging pathogen. AMR is bad news on a similar scale
except it’s a silent killer. Covid has also taught us that in a global crisis, government, industry
and society can come together and work together to find solutions.
9. Which of the following approaches to fight AMR can justify the above statement?
a. Greater innovation and investment is required in operational research, and in

research and development of new antimicrobial medicines, vaccines.
b. AMR is a complex problem that requires a united multisectoral approach; this
approach brings together multiple sectors and stakeholders engaged in human,
terrestrial and aquatic animal and plant health, food and feed production and the
environment to communicate and work together in the design and implementation of
programmes, policies, legislation and research to attain better public health
outcomes.
c. Reducing the use of antibiotics by preventing: bacterial infections including those that
may carry resistance and viral diseases which lead to secondary bacterial infections
requiring antibiotic treatment.

and c
Medium-length Passage
Direction(10-13): Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that
follow.
Amid the easy-to-predict pack of world-class musicians, including Taylor Swift, Rihanna and
Lady Gaga, who made it to the nominations of this year’s Golden Globes for the Best
Original Song, ‘Naatu naatu’, the rambunctious dance number from S S Rajamouli’s
part-history, part-mythology action drama RRR, ___________ with the shining trophy riding
on popular opinion in the West.

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As India celebrates its first win in the category, __________ the West closer to its cinema
amid loud cheers of history being made by a Telugu film, I wonder about the receptiveness
of the world and that of the Globes and Oscars juries (since the song is in the Academy’s
shortlist too) to this piece of music. A piece, that on any given day, wouldn’t have crossed
their usual threshold. But it’s interesting how they find inherent and genuine import and
importance in the composition, in the dance hook, in its blaring and slick arrangements.
‘Naatu naatu‘ __________ so much international attention is startling and stunning in the
same breath. But a deeper analysis leads to the idea that this may have to do more with
RRR itself — the story of the underdog rising, the poverty-stricken India of the 1920s under
British rule, wrapped in colours, costumes, nationalism, and puffy music.
But while the West’s predilection for M M Keeravani’s composition, filmed on actors NTR
Junior and Ram Charan, is growing, the song is hardly exceptional. The tune, the lyrics, the
singing, the expression — are all at best, ordinary. What it has in abundance is what the
West values much more — sound quality, mixing, clear chords.
A shortage of money, lack of awareness, and often lack of lobbying — none of which seems
to be an issue for RRR. Imagine any of the fabulous Ilayaraja or A R Rahman tunes, or the
brilliance of music from Madan Mohan and Naushad that never found international
recognition.
10. The author surely doesn't sound very impressed with 'Naatu naatu' getting the
Golden Globe award.
Which of the following concluding statements can he make based on his tone on the
entire scenario?
a. It will be healthier to consider this Golden Globe as a much-needed

acknowledgement for Indian films in general, rather than considering songs like
'Naatu Naatu' as the epitome of our music-making abilities.
b. The purpose of an award is to acknowledge the effort and encourage more of the
same and awards are based on the principle of positive reinforcement.
c. In fact ‘Naatu naatu’ is massively at odds with some of the most brilliant film music
that’s been the life and blood of the various film industries in various parts of the
country but hasn’t found international nominations.

and c

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the rambunctious dance number from S S Rajamouli’s part-history, part-mythology action

drama RRR, ___________ with the shining trophy riding on popular opinion in the West.
As India celebrates its first win in the category, __________ the West closer to its cinema
amid loud cheers of history being made by a Telugu film,
‘Naatu naatu‘ __________ so much international attention is startling and stunning in the
same breath.
11. Which of the following combinations of PHRASAL VERBS can most appropriately
fit in the blanks in the above statement respectively?
a. walked away, pulling in, coming by

b. walked about, drawing in, taking on
c. went about, taking in, finding out
A. Only a and b B. Only a C. Only b D. Only c E. None of a, b and c
12. Based on the information given in the passage and your own understanding, why
do you think what made 'Naatu naatu' stand out from the international stalwarts?
a. With team RRR campaigning for months to promote their film around the world, the
film was bound to get recognition in international circuits.
b. Besides putting their film out for selection at international awards, RRR had its solid
story and other elements on filmmaking working in its favour.
c. Naatu Naatu in itself is a song that was specifically written to build the emotions
lyrically and composition-wise.

and c
13. Which of the following statements can have the same line of thinking as that of
the author?

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a. India has rich music.

b. Indian movies have had quite a few songs that also deserved recognition on the
international platforms.
c. India, Indian music and Indian arts are getting international acclaim because we
deserve it.

and c
Direction(14-15): In each of the questions, a small paragraph is given. Two questions

are there from the paragraph. You've to answer those correctly.
Paragraph 1
Those who have worked during the Covid-19 pandemic have helped take development
forward at a continuous pace. This award [Excellence in Governance Awards] will be
remembered in years to come because those being felicitated have worked in such
challenging times. When Covid-19 hit, it was difficult to maintain the parameters of good
governance because saving people’s lives became the priority. Crisis management has to
be the priority. In that case, it is impossible to touch all the parameters of good governance.
Simply maintaining good governance was a challenge at the time.
14. In your opinion, which of the following parameters of good governance couldn't
be possible to be maintained during Covid-19?
Use your own understanding.
a. Consensus oriented: the decisions taken by the government must be decisions that
can be accepted by everyone, do not harm anyone and benefit everyone.
b. Equity and inclusiveness: Every decision-making process and its institutions must
be able to produce decisions that meet every community need.
c. Transparency: Transparency means that every policy taken and implemented by the
government must be carried out under existing regulations; no change is welcome.
A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only b and c D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and
c

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15. Which of the following statements can be inferred (directly or indirectly) from the
given paragraph?
a. The effectiveness of the response to the Covid-19 emergency greatly depends on the
level of coordination and cooperation between the different actors involved and good
governance.
b. Gaining control over future pandemics would depend on resource availability and
deployment, and the government’s response to the public health crisis, more than on
increased medical knowledge about treatment and prevention.
c. Countries with better governance were more capable of adopting and implementing
appropriate policies in defending Covid-19 and saving lives.
c

Paragraph 1

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c
given paragraph?
governance.
c

Paragraph 1

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c
given paragraph?
governance.
c
Paragraph 2
With the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023 underway, all eyes are on key
sustainable development priorities ahead of the UAE’s Presidency of the 28th Conference of
the Parties (COP28). As the UAE’s global initiative to accelerate sustainable development,
ADSW will enable impactful dialogue between global stakeholders and decision-makers on
practical, pro-climate and pro-growth solutions for a net-zero future. Much like ADSW 2023,
COP28 will focus on inclusive dialogue, convening governments, scientists, the private

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sector, youth and civil society to work together on realistic and pragmatic pathways to
solutions.
20. ADSW will enable impactful dialogue between global stakeholders and
decision-makers on achieving which of the following goals?
a. A balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount
removed from the atmosphere.
b. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible.
c. Pursuing new carbon-free energy generation and storage technologies while working
with governments, utilities, and policymakers to deploy those technologies and drive
system-level change.

and c
21. Which of the following targets will COP28 focus on?
a. Intentionally structured dialogues using principles and strategies that promote deeper
learning and personal reflection.
b. Bringing together different governments, scientists, the private sector, youth and civil
societies for the purpose of achieving a net-zero future.
c. Unlocking resilient, smart, sustainable urban energy systems and empowering cities
for a net zero future.

and c
One Paragraph - One Question

Paragraph 1

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Three swimmers enter a competition. One is allowed free use of all four limbs. The second
has hands tied, and the third, both hands and feet. That could be an apt allegory of Indian
higher education if, following the UGC’s latest proposal, foreign universities freely set up
campuses in India. “Freely” means just that. They can appoint their own staff, Indian and
foreign, on their own terms, and devise their own courses. They can determine admission
procedure and fee structure. The only restrictions are that they cannot offer online courses
(for how long, one wonders), endanger India’s national interest, or jeopardize the standards
of education in India. The last would indeed be an ironic outcome.
22. You can clearly understand the author's underlying tone in the entire scenario as
expressed in the above statement.
Which of the following questions will the author probably throw, that will justify his
tone?
a. If India’s national interest is as fiercely monitored on foreign university campuses as

on national ones, would they accept such a regime?
b. Why should our nation bend over backwards to import instruction from abroad?
c. No doubt UGC's proposal exemplifies the noble principle of atithi devo bhava. But our
traditions honour home-grown leaders as well. How are they faring?

and c
Paragraph 2
Indian hockey fans are immune to heartbreak, but even so, Sunday’s shock defeat to New
Zealand in the play-off match for a spot in the quarterfinal of the World Cup will rankle. For, it
brings the sport, which had taken giant strides forward, back to square one and makes the
team’s return to the Olympic podium feel like a long time ago. The premature exit from the
World Cup also gives an impression that the bronze at the Tokyo Games was an aberration.
23. Which of the following statements can be contextually and thematically linked to
the above paragraph?
a. The bronze at the Tokyo Games Olympic medal seems like a missed opportunity, as
everything was in India's favor.
b. Indian hockey’s history is littered with severe heartaches, each one more painful than
the other.

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c. The gloom in the Indian dugout and the stands was an unsettling realisation that the
hosts had been booted out of their own World Cup.

and c
ANSWER
1.(Answer - A. Only a and b
a - Correct.
Refer to - the Narendra Modi government would be expected to do something different this
year to promote these “rich-nutri-cereals” —
b - Correct.
Refer to - In the year 2020, about 41 percent of the total global production of millet was
produced in India.
c - Incorrect.
It's contradictory.
Refer to - Since that was at the initiative of India the Narendra Modi government would be
expected to do something different this year to promote these “rich-nutri-cereals” — going
beyond just spreading awareness, or organizing “special millet lunch”.)
a - Correct.
Refer to - Up to 80% of wheat’s average 13% protein content comprises glutens, known to
trigger gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders in many people.
Hence, gluten causes gastric issues.

And, millet is gluten free.
b - Correct.
Refer to - The rotis from bajra makes one feel fuller for longer and do not raise blood sugar
levels too fast.
That means, fiber stays in the system longer.

29
c - Incorrect.
From the information above, it can't be concluded that Wheat has high nutritional
value as compared to rice because it contains more proteins and fibers than rice.
Refer to - Wheat has more of both — iron (37-39 mg/ kg) and zinc (40-42 mg/ kg) — but its
protein quality is poorer than even that of rice.)
3.(Answer - D. All a, b and c
Refer to - Nutritional advantages apart, millets are hardy and drought-resistant crops.
This has to do with their short duration (70-100 days, against 115-150 days for rice and
wheat), lower water requirement (350-500 mm versus 600-1,250 mm) and ability to grow
even on poor soils and in hilly terrain.
hardy - capable of enduring difficult conditions; robust.

arid - (of land or a climate) having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation.)
The first two statements are correct.
a - Correct.
Refer to - two-thirds of India’s population receives up to 5 kg of wheat or rice per person per
month at Rs 2 and Rs 3/kg respectively.
On top of that,
The Modi government has, in fact, made the issue of the two fine cereals free of cost from
January 2023.
Therefore, it can be said that the government further tilted the scales against millet.
b - Correct.
Refer to - the gluten proteins, for all their drawbacks, make the wheat dough more cohesive
and elastic.
As the wheat dough is more cohesive and elastic, the resultant breads made of wheat
come out light and fluffy, which isn’t the case with bajra or jowar millets.
c - Incorrect.

30
No such information is given.)
The author has thoroughly supported millets. He has tried to establish the
advantages of millets.
Hence, all three can be his statements.)
The emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens that have acquired new
resistance mechanisms, leading to antimicrobial resistance, continues to threaten our
ability to treat common infections. Especially alarming is the rapid global spread of
multi- and pan-resistant bacteria (also known as “superbugs”) that cause infections
that are not treatable with existing antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics.
The clinical pipeline of new antimicrobials is dry.
Hence, only a and b can be the valid reasons why antimicrobial resistance is a global
concern.)
7.(Answer - B. Only a and c
Refer to - AMR occurs naturally over time, usually through genetic changes. Antimicrobial
resistant organisms are found in people, animals, food, plants and the environment
(in water, soil and air).
Hence, c is correct.
Improperly used antimicrobials create selective pressure on bugs.
b - Incorrect. Nothing related to this is mentioned in the above passage.
c - Correct. It's the main idea of AMR.

a - Correct. It's also talking about AMR correctly.)
c - Incorrect. It may be true. But, it can't justify the above statement.)

31
b - Incorrect. This statement can be a concluding statement but it doesn't express the
author's negative tone.
a and c are clearly expressing the author's tone.)
11.(Answer - B. Only a
walk away - leave.

pull in / draw in - attract.
come by - acquire or get.
go about - begin or carry on with an activity.

take on - to deal with.
take in - include or encompass something.)
c - Incorrect. It's absolutely contradictory.
b - Correct.
Refer to - But a deeper analysis leads to the idea that this may have to do more with RRR
itself — the story of the underdog rising, the poverty-stricken India of the 1920s under British
rule, wrapped in colours, costumes, nationalism, and puffy music.
a - Correct.
Musically it's not capable. Hence, this reason seems valid.
Refer to - A shortage of money, lack of awareness, and often lack of lobbying — none of
which seems to be an issue for RRR.)
c - Incorrect. It's kind of contradictory.

32
Refer to - Imagine any of the fabulous Ilayaraja or A R Rahman tunes, or the brilliance of
music from Madan Mohan and Naushad that never found international recognition.
Hence, a and b are correct. The author is optimistic about Indian music.)
During the pandemic, these couldn't be maintained.

Stringent restrictions were imposed because saving lives was more important.
Many decisions were taken that weren't beneficial to everyone.

The decisions taken couldn't meet everyone's needs.
Many policies were introduced for the first time. Because, Covid-19 was an
unprecedented event.)
15.(Answer - E. None of a, b and c
The paragraph is talking about a different thing altogether.
a and c - Incorrect. These statements are talking in a contradictory tone.
b - Incorrect. It's irrelevant in the given context.)



33


Refer to - ADSW will enable impactful dialogue between global stakeholders and
decision-makers on practical, pro-climate and pro-growth solutions for a net-zero future.
a and b are almost the same.
net zero future - We’ve all heard the term net zero, but what exactly does it mean? Put
simply, net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas
produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. We reach net zero when the
amount we add is no more than the amount taken away.
c - Incorrect. Carbon free and net zero are completely different.)
Refer to - Much like ADSW 2023, COP28 will focus on inclusive dialogue, convening
governments, scientists, the private sector, youth and civil society to work together on
realistic and pragmatic pathways to solutions.

34
a - Correct. It's talking about inclusive dialogue.
b - Correct.
Refer to - convening governments, scientists, the private sector, youth and civil society to
work together on realistic and pragmatic pathways to solutions.
convene - to call or bring together.
c - Incorrect.
It's not mentioned in the paragraph.)
The author is clearly agitated.

That's why he mentioned that allegory in the beginning.
The only restrictions are that they cannot offer online courses (for how long, one
wonders), endanger India’s national interest, or jeopardize the standards of education in
India. The last would indeed be an ironic outcome.)
23.(Answer - C. Only b and c
b - Correct.
Refer to - Indian hockey fans are immune to heartbreak…
That means, Indian hockey’s history is littered with severe heartaches, each one more
painful than the other.
c - Correct.
Refer to - Sunday’s shock defeat to New Zealand in the play-off match for a spot in the
quarterfinal of the World Cup will rankle.
rankle - annoy.
India is knocked out.
a - Incorrect.
It's absolutely incorrect.
aberration - a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically an unwelcome
one.
The truth is, India won bronze at the Tokyo Games.)

35
CHAPTER - 2 CLOZE TEST
EASY
Passage:
In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These
numbers are given below the passage and against each, five words/phrases are
suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word/
phrase in each case.
Once upon a time, Amarasakti ruled the city-state of Mahilaropyam in the south of India. He
had three witless sons who became a matter of endless (1) for him. (2) that his sons had no
interest in learning, the king summoned his ministers and said. “You know I am not happy
with my sons. According to men of learning, an unborn son is better than a son who is a (3).
A son who is stupid will bring dishonour to his father. How can I make my sons fit to be
my (4)? I turn to you for advice.”
One of the ministers (5) the name of Vishnu Sharman, a great scholar enjoying the (6) of
hundreds of his disciples. “He is the most (7) person to tutor your children. Entrust them to
his care and very soon you will see the change.”
The king summoned Vishnu Sharman and pleaded with him “Oh, venerable scholar, take
pity on me and please train my sons. Turn them into great scholars and I will be (8) to you all
my life.” Vishnu Sharman said, “Oh, king, count six months from today. If I do not make your
children great scholars, you can ask me to change my (9).”
The king immediately called his sons and handed them over to the care of the learned man.
Sharman took them to his monastery where he (10) teaching them. Keeping his word, he
finished the task the king entrusted to him in six months. Thus, the king, now, had scholars
for sons.
1. Choose the option 1
(A) ache
(B) worry
(C) joy

36
(D) pity
(E) hazard

(A) Fact
(B) Belief
(C) Since
(D) Realizing
(E) Being
(A) stupid
(B) brilliant
(C) fool
(D) uneducated
(E) scholar
(A) self
(B) places
(C) successors
(D) level
(E) siblings
(A) suggested
(B) requested
(C) called
(D) pointed
(E) said

37
(A) teachings
(B) attendance
(C) glamour
(D) rights
(E) respect
(A) competent
(B) right
(C) easy
(D) actual
(E) skill
(A) happy
(B) oblige
(C) beside
(D) indebted
(E) disciple
(A) importance
(B) name
(C) clothes
(D) location
(E) life

38
(A) embark
(B) mustered
(C) begun
(D) decided
(E) started
passage:
In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These
numbers are given below the passage, and against each, five words are suggested,
one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
The ‘Fool of the Year’ contest was (11) to all the courtiers of king Krishnadeva Raya. All of
them looked forward to the event as the winner would (12) a handsome prize of 5000 gold
coins. The trouble was that Raman (13) won the contest. One year the other courtiers
decided that he must be kept out of it and (14) his servant to lock him in his room to prevent
him from reaching the palace in time for the event. Consequently, Raman reached the
palace (15)the contest was over. Just as the (16) of the winner was about to be announced
the king noticed Raman. Seeing him come in, the king asked him why he was so late.
Raman told him he was in need of a hundred gold coins and had been engaged in trying
to (17) the amount.
‘‘If you had participated in the contest, you might have won the prize money and your
problem would have been solved,’’ said the king. ‘‘You’ve behaved very foolishly, Raman.’’
‘‘Sir! That means I am a fool,’’ said Raman. ‘‘You’re the greatest fool I’ve ever seen!’’ said
the king. ‘‘In that case all the others here are (18) than me. That means I have won the
contest!’’ said Raman. The king realized that he had (19) a slip but he was too proud to
acknowledge it. To the chagrin of the other courtiers, the king (20) Raman the winner of the
‘Fool of the Year’ contest !
(A) closed
(B) easy
(C) open
(D) lost

39
(E) winning
(A) find
(B) give
(C) see
(D) receive
(E) show
(A) never
(B) tried
(C) totally
(D) easy
(E) always
(A) bribed
(B) ask
(C) complained
(D) raised
(E) confessed
(A) later
(B) soon
(C) after
(D) completely
(E) not

40
(A) face
(B) contest
(C) contestant
(D) name
(E) age
(A) look
(B) collects
(C) finding
(D) counting
(E) raise
(A) foolish
(B) happier
(C) wiser
(D) sad
(E) taller
(A) falled
(B) showed
(C) found
(D) made
(E) created
(A) declared
(B) announce
(C) said

41
(D) told
(E) called
Passage:
numbers are given below the passage and against each, five words are suggested,
After his able Prime Minister's death, the king wanted one of the late Prime Minister’s three
sons to take his place. The king wanted to choose the (21) among them for the job.
He (22) the three sons to be brought (23) him and set each of them the (24) of filling a room
using whatever(25) they could so that there was (26) space left even for an ant.
The (27) sons set to work. The eldest (28) filling his room with garbage which was easy to
acquire. The second son was pleased and filled the room with cotton but the youngest
remained silent and thought for a while. At the(29) time the king visited each room. The first
two rooms were full but there was space for more to fit. When the king entered the third
room, the last son lit a candle so the room was full of light. The king was (30) and appointed
him the Prime Minister.
(A) wisest
(B) learned
(C) one
(D) intelligent
(E) favourite
(A) notifies
(B) summon
(C) command
(D) ordered
(E) called
(A) with

42
(B) for
(C) front
(D) towards
(E) before
(A) chance
(B) task
(C) opportunity
(D) option
(E) request
(A) reason
(B) experiment
(C) means
(D) wealth
(E) purpose
(A) no
(B) more
(C) any
(D) even
(E) not
(A) quarrelsome
(B) worthless
(C) lazy
(D) three

43
(E) disappointed
(A) busily
(B) occupied
(C) began
(D) start
(E) son
(A) expelled
(B) hurried
(C) declare
(D) fix
(E) appointed
(A) entertained
(B) pleased
(C) satisfy
(D) disturbed
(E) offended
Passage:
numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested.
Select the one that fits the bank appropriately.
Do migrants, especially those from within the European Union, get a __(1)__ deal in Britain
than they would elsewhere in the EU? And do they therefore __(2)__ a disproportionate
burden on UK taxpayers? The answer to the first Question is yes, at least compared with
some countries, because of the __(3)__ of the UK benefit system. But despite this, the
answer to the second is a __(4)__ no. When Ian Duncan Smith describes the inflow of EU
nationals to claim benefits as a crisis", the only rational reaction is: Crisis? What crisis?"

44
The UK benefit system is __(5)__ relatively friendly to migrants from within the EU. Migrants
from outside generally have to pass a no recourse to public funds" test, and of
course __(6)__migrants and foreign students are pretty unlikely to end up on benefits. But
migrants from within the EU, once they are habitually resident", have to be __(7)__similarly
to UK citizens. And given that our benefit system, for those of working age, is now mostly
means-tested “ that is, based on income and residence, not __(8)__ “ that means EU
citizens do better here than they would in some other countries, such as Germany, that have
more contributory systems.
Of course, it's not quite as simple as that. The UK has far from the most __(9)__ social
security system in Europe, both in terms of benefit levels and overall spending. In France,
for example, unemployment benefits are considerably higher for most people than they are
in the UK, while contribution conditions are, if anything, somewhat weaker; a French teacher
or banker losing their job in London might well be__(10)__ how little they would be entitled
to here.
(A) stagnant
(B) better
(C) amazing
(D) worst
(E) well
(A) impose
(B) pose
(C) juxtapose
(D) exaggerate
(E) withdrawal
(A) quantity
(B) probability

45
(C) culture
(D) nature
(E) bolster
(A) umpteen
(B) definitive
(C) vicinity
(D) priority
(E) regulative
(A) impact
(B) impede
(C) indeed
(D) might
(E) whenever
(A) skilled
(B) fail
(C) mighty
(D) pride
(E) deep
(A) treat
(B) greet
(C) regulate
(D) hold
(E) treated

46
(A) contributions
(B) prompted
(C) cultured
(D) obstinacy
(E) abstinence
(A) help
(B) generous
(C) culture
(D) tall
(E) hold
(A) stun
(B) shocked
(C) ridiculous
(D) show
(E) blunt
Passage:
numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words are suggested,
In an upper class drawing room in Mumbai, a dozen or so (1) the city's intelligentsia is (2) on
the dregs of what was a live-wire party an hour ago. Poets, editors, writers, filmmakers, all
card-carrying members of the rich and powerful, not at this late hour, on their ninth drink,
are(3) in what Indians are best known to do: media-bashing, armchair criticism and
name-calling.
Inevitably the talk turns to Tehelka, and its managing director and editor-in-chief, Tarun
Tejpal, and the party quickly degenerates into an orgy of guilt and shame & that peculiar
habit of the Indian intelligentsia : passing the buck, with every one present attacking his

47
neighbour for not supporting Tejpal more. It is a trait Tejpal is (4) with and has been telling
me about in the weeks preceding this interview. "Often at parties when someone (5) me
'great job, carry on what you are doing', and showers with me staggering praise, staggering
love, staggering (6)I just smile and let it pass as I don't want to score a brownie point and
say, 'and what about you boss, what will you do ?"
This lightly-tossed sentence with the slightest hint of a dark chuckle is the only time I have
seen Tejpal allow for bitterness, though I have been (7) him for weeks for sings of it.
Because, for a man who has been the victim of the most (8) government witch- hunts in
recent years, Tejpal is astonishingly devoid of (9) You expect him to rage, to spew fire, to
heap scorn and anger at his enemies, and instead, what you encounter, is a man in whose
eyes you see only compassion and a weary understanding of the nature of the beast.
The abiding irony in all this is that unlike his armchair supporters in the middle class, who
rave and rant on his behalf, but do nothing else, Tejpal displays forbearance."The fact that I
am essentially a literary animal and that my entire sensibility has been shaped by literature
has helped. I'm not a black-and-white person, I'm a (10) who understands the greys", he
says to me at a coffee shop, over tea.
(A) in
(B) of
(C) into
(D) off
(E) from
(A) feed
(B) feeds
(C) fed
(D) feeding
(E) feeded

48
(A) mixing
(B) lending
(C) scaring
(D) indulging
(E) pushing
(A) ordinary
(B) familiar
(C) strange
(D) free
(E) routine
(A) bold
(B) said
(C) ask
(D) say
(E) tells
(A) delight
(B) contempt
(C) worship
(D) chaos
(E) admiration
(A) lure
(B) teased
(C) baiting
(D) harassing
(E) matching

49
(A) gentle
(B) vicious
(C) virtuous
(D) good
(E) wicked
(A) forbearance
(B) anger
(C) alacrity
(D) forgiveness
(E) gale

(A) boy
(B) guy
(C) youth
(D) humble
(E) lad
Passage:
numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested.
Select the one that fits the blank appropriately.
Bhargav's mission is to __1___ awareness on the harmful effects of _2__processed foods.

While he promises to __3___ our consciousness, he also promises a lot of fun. His company
Friends Learn has conceptualized and __4___ its second game Fooya (a game on
Facebook), through which he plans to educate people about the calories in food items they
consume often. This method, he says, is 'learnification through gamification'. Bhargav
promises it is a very simple concept. We have tried to __5___ important aspects of macro
economics in Fooya."To stay alive, the players are required to throw specific food items to
__6___ enemies and dodge unhealthy food items that come their way. This way, the players

50
subconsciously learn about food items and the ___7___ they can do to their health. As the
players try to destroy the enemies by making them fatter and stay alive by consuming
healthier foods, they understand the __8___ of eating a hamburger along with a fully
whipped shake and fries."
I couldn't resist asking Bhargav, a native of Chennai and alumnus of College of Engineering,
Guindy, if he thought it fit to ___9___ on obesity when more Indians die of malnutrition than
overeating. As the cities get bigger and the population of urban poor increases, they
consume cheap food to save money. And cheap food, as we know, is unhealthy."
Recently, Bhargav and his team conducted a painting competition for all ages, on health and
general well-being. I couldn't really ___10___ the overwhelming response for the event. We
had to quickly conduct an impromptu under-12 event," says Bhargav. Flying back to the
U.S., Bhargav hopes people find learning through gaming interesting.
(A) create
(B) flow
(C) prove
(D) prevented
(E) presume
(A) consume
(B) resuming
(C) consuming
(D) assuming
(E) recalling
(A) rise
(B) fries
(C) raise

51
(D) produced
(E) fiddle
(A) reduced
(B) produced
(C) blundered
(D) clobbered
(E) meddled
(A) kill
(B) pride
(C) less
(D) incorporate
(E) flounder
(A) destroy
(B) dispute
(C) decipher
(D) fudge
(E) conflict
(A) hurl
(B) furl
(C) laid
(D) demolish
(E) harm

52
(A) impact
(B) run
(C) dealt
(D) time
(E) burn
(A) tired
(B) focus
(C) built
(D) trial
(E) fire
(A) bold
(B) believe
(C) dry
(D) fly
(E) cry
Passage:
One day my son called me after his exams. I could make out from his voice that he was (1).
"The exam did not go so well. It was not that I did not know but I made a careless mistake." I
tried to (2) him by saying, "Don't worry, you will do better next time." He was not pleased to
hear my words. "You don't realise how competitive it is here and how difficult it is to (3)

53
anything."
A few days later I got another call from him. "A (4) thing happened", he said. "When I got my
paper I saw that I had (5) marks for the Question I had Answered incorrectly. My friends (6)
me to keep quiet as the Professor must have made a mistake. But you taught me the value
of honesty so I emailed him saying I did not (7) the marks." His reply was more surprising. "It
was (8)," he said. "My interaction with you throughout the year (9) me that you knew how to
solve the problem. That is the reason I gave you those marks." I was happier about my
son's (10) than his marks.
(A) bother
(B) sad
(C) unwell
(D) distress
(E) confused
(A) pity
(B) forgive
(C) console
(D) cheering
(E) sympathies
(A) strive
(B) triumph
(C) succeed
(D) want
(E) achieve

54
(A) thrilled
(B) routine
(C) disastrous
(D) funny
(E) different
(A) assigned
(B) awarded
(C) obtain
(D) received
(E) given
(A) suggest
(B) advised
(C) warn
(D) made
(E) recommended
(A) deserve
(B) qualify
(C) need
(D) receive
(E) justify

55
(A) knowing
(B) mistaken
(C) oversight
(D) deliberate
(E) intend
(A) persuaded
(B) merited
(C) convinced
(D) prove
(E) informed
(A) value
(B) moral
(C) truth
(D) honesty
(E) potential
Passage:
numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested
Most of us are (1) of open conflict and avoid it if we can. And there is a (2) to expressing and
working through conflict. If the working through involves harsh words and name-calling
people feel deeply hurt and relationships can be(3), some times permanently. Some group
members may be afraid that if they really (4) their anger, they may go out of control and
become violent. These fears can be very (5) and based on experience. So why take the
risk? Why not avoid conflict at all costs? Conflict is rather like a disease, therefore (6) is
best. That means attending to areas where(7) may occur before they become an issue. If
you have not (8) a conflict happening, your next choice is to treat it early, or hope that it goes

56
away. If it goes away over time, fine. If it (9), then you will still have to handle (treat) it and it
is likely to be more (10).
(A) scared
(B) careful
(C) reckless
(D) aware
(E) worried
(A) challenged
(B) measure
(C) principle
(D) chance
(E) risk
(A) established
(B) malign
(C) damaged
(D) rebuilt
(E) involved
(A) sublimate
(B) express
(C) minimize
(D) regulate
(E) control

57
(A) baseless
(B) imaginary
(C) exaggerative
(D) real
(E) national
(A) cure
(B) diagnosis
(C) prescription
(D) prevention
(E) medicine

(A) harmony
(B) discomfiture
(C) distortion
(D) consensus
(E) statement

(A) expressed
(B) prevented
(C) induced
(D) seen
(E) perverted

(A) doesn't

58
(B) won't
(C) don't
(D) not
(E) hasn't

(A) credible
(B) serious
(C) fraudulent
(D) urgent
(E) skilled
Passage:
Once upon a time, there was a huge tree on the_(1)_ of a river. The tree made a
comfortable home for the family of birds who had built their nests on its branch. The birds
were living there happily as the tree with its widespread branches provided _(2)_to them
from scorching sun and heavy rains.
One day, when the _(3)_ was overcast, it rained very heavily. Some monkeys, who were
playing nearby the tree, got _(4)_ and ran for shelter under the tree. All of them were _(5)_
with cold. When the birds saw the monkeys in a pitiable condition, one of the birds said, "O
Monkeys! If we can build our nest with small beaks, then why can't you. By God's grace, you
have two hands and two legs. Why don't you make a nice shelter for yourselves?
On hearing this, the monkeys got _(6)_ and swore to teach the birds a lesson. They said to
themsleves, "These birds are not afraid of the rain or of cold wind. They are living
comfortably that is why they are _(7)_ us like this. Let the rain stop, we'll show them how to
build home". As soon as the rain stopped, the monkeys _(8)_ up the tree and _(9)_ the
nests of the birds. They also broke the birds' eggs and threw the young ones down.
The poor birds flew here and there in misery. They were full of _(10)_ for their words and
realized that they should not have given advice that was not asked for. Advice should only
be given to the learned, the wise and those who ask for it.
(A) waters

59
(B) middle
(C) bank
(D) bottom
(E) inside
(A) shelter
(B) house
(C) habitat
(D) filter
(E) fruits
(A) tree
(B) birds
(C) rain
(D) river
(E) sky
(A) shocked
(B) drenched
(C) drowned
(D) flooded
(E) immersed
(A) shaking
(B) wet
(C) angry
(D) shivering
(E) soaked

60
(A) inspired
(B) sorry
(C) annoyed
(D) defensive
(E) tearful
(A) violating
(B) injuring
(C) drenching
(D) boasting
(E) criticizing
(A) travelled
(B) climbed
(C) ascended
(D) attacked
(E) mounted
(A) constructed
(B) occupied
(C) built
(D) destroyed
(E) inhabited
(A) regret

61
(B) pride
(C) pleasure
(D) hatred
(E) revenge
Passage:
one of which fits the blanks appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
Madan Mohan Malviya belonged to a poor family. He was born on 25th December, 1861. He
was a bright student. After graduating in 1891, he __(21)__ law but later jumped into the
__(22)__of freedom struggle. It is ironic but __(23)__ that he was loved by both Indian
masses and British officers. Mr. Malviya was a patriot __(24)__ the backbone. He __(25)__
the Indian culture and kept his ideas __(26)__ all his life. He __(27)__ name and fame
because of the work he did for social, ethical and educational__(28)__ . He was called
Mahamana and was loved by all. For the poor, he__(29)__ special feelings. Dressed in an
immaculate Khaddar Pyjama-Kurta and a head-gear, his image __(20)__ ever in the hearts
of the people. Unfortunately he died in 1946 a year before India got independence.
(A) designed
(B) interpreted
(C) joined
(D) framed
(E) explained
(A) arena
(B) China
(C) location
(D) pool

62
(E) valley
(A) absurd
(B) unpalatable
(C) extreme
(D) unreliable
(E) true
(A) with
(B) to
(C) at
(D) of
(E) by
(A) admired
(B) insisted
(C) defend
(D) subscribed
(E) maintaining
(A) intact
(B) unfulfilled
(C) emerging
(D) opened
(E) safe

63
(A) aspired
(B) demanded
(C) gained
(D) wanted
(E) cherished
(A) process
(B) deterioration
(C) conservation
(D) activism
(E) upliftment
(A) have
(B) had
(C) deserved
(D) acquire
(E) initiated
(A) sees
(B) absolves
(C) worships
(D) remains
(E) enters
MEDIUM

64
In a passage given below there are 10 blanks, each followed by a word given in bold.
Even blank has four alternative words given in options (a), (b), (c) and (d). You have to
choose which word will best suit to the respective blank. Choose (e) as your answer if
the word given in the bold after the blank is your answer i.e “No change requires”.
Paris – Nearly two years have passed since France’s then-foreign minister, Laurent Fabius,
struck his gavel and declared: “The Paris agreement for the climate is ..(1)..accepted.” Next
week, President Emmanuel Macron and the French government will host world leaders and
non-state actors for the One Planet Summit. The purpose of this ..(2)..protecting is to
celebrate climate gains made since 2015, and to boost political and economic support for
meeting the goals and targets of the Paris agreement.
The Paris climate agreement, a historic feat of diplomacy that ..(3)..adieus in a new era of
international climate ..(4)..infringement, was facilitated by a number of political and social
forces. One of the most ..(5)..influential of these was a group of more than 100 countries
known as the “high ..(6)..satisfaction coalition,” which helped finalize the deal in the waning
days of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21).
This ..(7)..conforming coalition of leaders – from the richest countries to the
most ..(8)..conserve Pacific island states – broke a political ..(9)..deadlock that had
impeded climate progress for years, if not decades.
As we reflect on that success, one thing is abundantly clear: the need for ambitious
coalitions has returned. Strong global leadership on climate change scored a diplomatic
victory two years ago, and today, new economic and political alliances are needed to turn
those ..(10).. assignment’s into action.
101.
1) parting
2) humility
3) despise
4) exclude
5) No correction required.
102.
1) contentment
2) gathering
3) scorning
4) scoff

65
103.
1) jettison
2) repudiate
3) gathering
4) ushered
104.
1) disdain
2) discredit
3) collaboration
4) dereliction
105.
1) rebuff
2) repulse
3) valediction
4) apathy
106.
1) ambition
2) scrap
3) slough
4) chuck
107.
1) spurn
2) diverse
3) parallel

66
4) rebellion
108.
1) sabotage
2) dissension
3) vulnerable
4) bulwark
109.
1) mutiny
2) sentinel
3) indiscipline
4) hedge
110.
1) commitments
2) insulates
3) shelter
4) stonewall
The loss of at least 14 lives in the fire in a Mumbai rooftop restaurant on Thursday night
must ..(1).. impede a ..(2).. sympathetic campaign for safety in buildings. Earlier this week,
in another tragedy in the city, at least 12 ..(3).. stopover labourers were killed in a fire in an
industrial area. This is a catastrophe that can befall anyone, which is why the fires in the
upmarket building in the Kamala Mills compound and the ..(4)..snacks shop in Saki Naka in
India’s financial capital need to become examples: of fixing of accountability of owners,
managers and official agencies; punishment for those guilty of breaking
rules; ..(5)..reveal compensation for families of the dead and for the injured; and
zero-tolerance enforcement of safety requirements. It should sting the ..(6)..depraved of

67
governments that they learnt nothing from the Uphaar cinema hall fire in New Delhi in 1997
that killed 59 people. In that episode, the exits had been blocked by unauthorised seating.
An impartial inquiry is needed to determine what building and other rules were
..(7)..violated in Mumbai, and to identify the officials who allowed them. It would be wrong to
categorise deliberate acts as instances of mere negligence. Those responsible must be
prosecuted without ..(8).. benignancy .
Assessing a fire professionally involves an inquiry that focusses on established construction
codes: whether the possibility of..(9)..trample it was actively reduced, whether provision was
made for controlling the spread of fire and smoke, whether the design enabled occupant
escape and firefighter access, and whether the structure was built to avoid collapse. The
inquiry ordered by the Maharashtra government must produce a public report on all these
parameters. It must be followed up with ..(10)..meticulous prosecution. Given how the
Uphaar case played out, it is important to see that the guilty do not use every device
available to prolong the judicial process.
111.
1) benevolence
2) deter
3) compel
4) block
112.
1) suffocate
2) merciful
3) hinder
4) relentless
113.
1) migrant
2) obstruct
3) licentious
4) sojourn

68
114.
1) vacation
2) profligate
3) understanding
4) brunch
115.
1) quench
2) exemplary
3) carryout
4) erring
116.
1) collation
2) conscience
3) forbearance
4) commiseration
117.
1) incorrect
2) refreshment
3) abandoned
4) potluck
118.
1) iniquitous
2) leniency
3) refection
4) debauched

69
119.
1) douse
2) regalement
3) igniting
4) impure
120.
1) dissipated
2) dissolute
3) indecent
4) obscene
On the morning of September 11, 2001, standing in a conference room in France full of
institutional investors from around the world – representing pension, sovereign-wealth, and
corporate funds – I ..(1).. listen about the emergence of an important, but not yet fully
recognized, new trend: investing with a ..(2).. conscience. The audience ..(3).. commend,
to put it mildly. Investing was all about returns. That afternoon,
airplanes ..(4).. depravity the World Trade Center, and everything changed. In the days that
followed, as the full magnitude of the horror set in, the same people who
were ..(5).. certain came back to talk to me about investing with a sense of direction and
purpose, and in ways that would contribute to something bigger than the bottom line. The
investment community had begun to transform its thinking.
In that conference room, I described how investors had
opposed ..(6)..apartheid by ..(7)..possess from South African companies, with state
pension funds and others including provisions in their guidelines prohibiting further such
investment. Those ..(8).. abandon were withdrawn only in 1993, after Nelson Mandela
urged foreign investors to return.Many organizations, I pointed out, were frustrated by
advisers who ..(9)..pick that to increase their endowments, they had to separate their..(10)..
conscience from the need to achieve strong returns. Charities struggled to find ways to
invest their money without inadvertently contributing to the very problems they were trying to

70
solve. Investment committees of anti-smoking charities didn’t want to put their money into
tobacco companies.
121.
1)abysmal
2) clearly
3) spoke
4) be quiet
122.
1) conceal
2) hanged
3) picked
4) speak
123.
1) praise
2) mumble
3)fragile
4) scoffed
124.
1) nurture
2) struck
3) deny
4) compliment
125.
1) nourishment
2) admire
3) skeptical
4) pretain

71
126.
1) trustworthy
2) criminal
3) tarde
4) dereliction
127.
1) convince
2) divesting
3) Malfeasances
4) board
128.
1) provisions
2) abomination
3) atrocity
4) felony
129.
1)diligent
2) persistence
3) insisted
4) enormity
130.
1) endure
2) desert
3) transgression

72
4) illegality
In the following passage, certain words which may be either contextually or

grammatically incorrect have been highlighted and numbered. For each highlighted
four alternatives are provided that could replace the highlighted word to make the
sentence both grammatically and contextually correct. Option corresponding to that
word will be your answer. If none of the given options could replace the highlighted
word then choose option (E), i.e. ‘None of these’ as your answer.
A study of the lives of these two leaders makes for interesting reading and is a prerequisite
to understanding the repercussion(1) of Islamist extremism. The parallels
and upshot(2) are striking. Osama bin Laden was the older of the two and was from an
affluent business family. Baghdadi had a modest economic background and was from a
family of farmers. But both had a religious streak and a university education with somewhat
modest attainments. Both were dastardly, vengeful and stood for disruption and chaos.
Violence came naturally to both, except that bin Laden seemed more fathom(3) in the
choice of his targets.
Baghdadi, unlike bin Laden, was not a household name in the U.S. This stands to reason
because Baghdadi did not attempt anything absurd(4) on the scale of 9/11, which was an
act that transformed the lives of millions around the world and especially within the U.S.
Baghdadi’s vision was narrower and one that confined itself initially to West Asia, particularly
Iraq and Syria. While he exploited the opportunity created by bin Laden and retreating into a
shell to escape American operations, it is interesting to speculate whether he would ever
have acquired his prominence and notoriety had bin Laden been alive. The al-Qaeda and
the IS operated independently although not always at cross-purposes. They, however, never
complemented each other. The IS came into existence after bin Laden became
nearly profound(5). It believed in spectacular action and did not get bogged down to theory
or ideology.
131) A study of the lives of these two leaders makes for interesting reading and is a
prerequisite to understanding the repercussion of Islamist extremism. The parallels and
contrasts are striking.
A) stumble
B) nuances

73
C) blunder
D) bumble
E) None of these
132) The parallels and upshot are striking.
A) contrasts
B) overtook
C) err
D) careen
E) None of these
133) Violence came naturally to both, except that bin Laden seemed more fathom in the
choice of his targets.
A) ticklish
B) aboveboard
C) facile
D) rational
E) None of these
134) Baghdadi, unlike bin Laden, was not a household name in the U.S. This stands to
reason because Baghdadi did not attempt anything absurd on the scale of 9/11, which was
an act that transformed the lives of millions around the world and especially within the U.S.

74
Baghdadi’s vision was narrower and one that confined itself initially to West Asia, particularly
Iraq and Syria.
A) taxing
B) elementary
C) comfy
D) solicit
E) None of these
135) The IS came into existence after bin Laden became nearly profound.
A) forbid
B) beseech
C) moribund
D) spurn
E) None of these
In each of the questions given below, 5 blanks are left out labeled with I, II, III, IV and
V. You have to choose a set of words that’s correct grammatically and contextually in
order to fill the blank.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
expressing concern over the filing of FIR against 49 ‘concerned Indian citizens’ who wrote a
letter to PM Modi __________(I)_____________ the rise of mob lynching in the country. He
also urged the Prime Minister to take a public stand welcoming dissent.
Tweeting pictures of his letter, the Congress leader wrote: “Urging all those who believe in
#Freedom Of Expression to send this or similar letters to @PMO India @narendra modi

75
urging him to ________(II)____________ the constitutional principle of our Article 19 rights

& the value of democratic dissent — even if more FIRs follow as a result! #Save Free
Speech.
In his letter, the Kerala MP has urged the Prime Minister to take a public stand welcoming
dissent and assure the nation of his commitment
to ______________(III)______________ freedom of expression even when it involves
disagreement with him or his government.
The Congress MP has asked the Prime Minister to protect the values embedded in the
Constitution including Fundamental Right of Freedom of Speech and Expression embedded
under Article 19 (1)(a).
“We are deeply disturbed by the FIR filed in Muzaffarpur, Bihar against a group of 49
concerned Indian citizens who wrote a letter to you on July 23rd, 2019, highlighting the rise
of mob lynching in the country. Mob lynching, whether triggered by communal hatred or
triggered by rumours about child kidnapping has become a disease that is spreading rapidly,
and these citizens did the right thing in bringing it to your notice,” Tharoor said in his letter.
“As citizens of India we hope that every one of us can fearlessly bring to your notice issues
of national importance, so that you can take the lead to address them. We would like to
believe that you too would support the right to freedom of expression so that the ‘mann ki
baat’ of the well-meaning citizens of India does not turn into a ‘maun ki baat’,” he added.
_________(IV)_____________ that there is no democracy without dissent, Tharoor in his
letter said, “Our great country is built on the bedrock of coexistence of diverse, and often
diverging views and ideologies. That is what makes India a successful and vibrant
democracy. Those who criticise or have opposing views to yours should not be deemed
enemies or anti-national.”
Tharoor said that if we are all blind to the problems that exist and impact Indian citizens, we
risk becoming an authoritarian regime, contrary to the values enshrined in our Constitution.
Reminding the Prime Minister of his address to the US Congress where he talked of
Constitution as the only holy book of his government and freedom of faith, speech and
franchise as fundamental rights, Tharoor said, “However, some of the actions of your
government have contradicted your statement. Does this mean that you have changed your
opinion on these fundamental issues?”

76
The Congress leader asked the Prime Minister if in “the ‘Naya Bharat’ that you have
promised the nation, FIRs will be filed every time a citizen is critical of the government or its
policies?”
“Is the ‘Naya Bharat’ that you wish to create one where citizens shall not be heard and their
concerns not addressed? Is the ‘Naya Bharat’ that you envision one where all parties and
individuals disagreeing with the ruling majority will be outlawed and treated as enemies of
the state? Is the ‘Naya Bharat’ that you proclaim one where journalists are arrested for
exposing failures of governance?” he asked.
In July, 49 known personalities including writer Ramchandra Guha and filmmakers Mani
Ratnam, Shyam Benegal, Aparna Sen and Anurag Kashyap and others had written to the
Prime Minister expressing their _______(V)____________ over incidents of lynching.
136)
I
A) highlighting, underscoring
B) perplexed, demanded
C) allocated, catapulting
D) nonplussed, emphasizing
E) None of these
137)
II
A) affirm, assert
B) connivance, contentious
C) fragmented, define
D) dubious, defer

77
E) None of these
138)
III
A) demonstrated, impale
B) uphold, defend
C) sanctify, enshrined
D) illustrative, advocate
E) None of these
139)
IV
A) proclaim, structured
B) Asserting, expressing
C) integrated, assuming
D) cohesive, applying
E) None of these
140)
V
A) corresponds, derailment
B) conjecture, worthwhile

78
C) concern, disquiet
D) accords, bellowed
E) None of these
HARD
Read the following passage and attempt the questions as directed.
In recent times the development discourse all over the world has been heavily influenced by
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set up by the United Nations in 2015 for the
year 2030. These goals are in the form of specific targets set up for key areas of
development, protection of environment and various forms of life etc. If these goals
are (A)…………………………., then these 15 years will be the most successful years of
human history in terms of reducing distress. Hunger is sought to be almost eliminated while
poverty will be reduced greatly. If SDGs help to establish the right priorities in terms of such
objectives, (B)………………………………………
However we cannot ignore some disturbing aspects. (C) The most ambitious goals of
reducing distress have been set for a time period (2015-2030) about which other
available evidence indicates that this may be a period of some very adversely
trends. For example, if we look at the previous 15 to 30 years, then it is clear that the world
has been passing through times of very high and perhaps unprecedented
inequalities. (D) The SDGs also talk about reducing inequalities, but not specifically about
how exactly these trends will be checked and how actually the forces which
are responsible for these trends will be checked.
Similarly, it is clear that these are times of very heavy spending on arms and ammunition, as
well as (E) deceasing overall military budgets. The world is not only over-loaded with
destructive weapons (including weapons of mass destruction) but in addition this high risk
load is (F)………………. and increasing rapidly. The statistics of high arms spending are
generally presented mainly in the context of the spending of various governments but in
addition there is also the heavy spending on arms and ammunition, legal and illegal, by
individuals, criminals and private militias. All this has been increasing.
The sum total of government and private expenditure on arms and ammunition is truly
massive. This is also very expensive in terms of snatching away resources from meeting the

79
needs of people. There are deeply entrenched reasons why weapons go on proliferating
despite (G) ………………………… There are also very powerful forces which want this to
continue. (H) But SDG documents do not tell us exactly how this trend can be checked
or resolved, or what big, new and different initiatives will be taken on this important
issue.
(I) Thirdly, the period of SDGs is also a highly threatening one when
life sensitive environmental changes like climate change are likely to increase and cause a
lot of destruction and distress. This has been well recognised for about three decades, yet
the world has badly (J) lead behind in terms of the steps necessary for checking this. There
are powerful forces which are responsible for this and there are also important weaknesses
in the efforts. The SGD documents do not tell us how these forces will be challenged, and
how these weaknesses will be removed.
Q141. Which of the following words given in the options should come at the place
marked as (A) in the above paragraph to make it grammatically correct and
meaningful. Also, the word should fill in the blanks given in the two sentences given
below to make them contextually correct and meaningful.
(I) Even beleaguered cities like Detroit and Chicago have ................. fiscal stability.
(II) Cook said on Thursday that the company had ................ that scale.
(a)redeem
(b)proliferate
(c)achieved
(d)deemed
(e)Both (a) and (c)
Q 142. Which of the following phrases should fill the blank in (B) to make it contextually
correct and meaningful?

80
(a)then this is a very good initiated.
(b)then this is a very bad initiative.
(c)then this is a very badly initiative.
(d)then this is a very good initiating.
(e)then this is a very good initiative.
Q143. In the passage given, a sentence (C) is given in BOLD. There may or may not be an
error in one part of the sentence. Choose the part which has an error in it as your answer. If
there in no error then choose option (E) as your answer.
(a)The most ambitious goals of reducing distress
(b)have been set for a time period (2015-2030) about which
(c)other available evidence indicates that this may be a
(d)period of some very adversely trends.
(e)No Error
Q144.. The sentence given in (D) has four words given in BOLD. Amongst the given BOLD
words which of the following must replace each other to make the sentence contextually
correct and meaningful.
(a)reducing-checked
(b)specifically-responsible
(c)reducing-responsible
(d)specifically-checked
(e)No Error

81
Q 145. A word is given in bold in (E). Choose the word which should replace the word given
in bold to make the sentence correct and meaningful. If no change is required, choose
option (E) as your answer.
(a)divesting
(b)hinder
(c)increasing
(d)promulgating
(e)None of the Above
Q146. Which of the following words given in the options should come at the place marked
(F) in the above paragraph to make it grammatically correct and meaningful. Also, the word
should fill in the blanks given in the two sentences given below to make them contextually
correct and meaningful.
(I) Carefully pour the mixture over the cake lining pie pan, ....................evenly.
(II) Heat from the political fires it has set is already ...............
(a) aiming
(b)spreading
(c)reducing
(d)curbing
(e) aggravate
Q147. Which of the following phrases should fill the blank in (G) to make it contextually
correct and meaningful?
(a)their good efficiency and results.

82
(b)everyone knowing how effective and cheap these are
(c)adequate steps to improve the overall condition
(d)everyone knowing how destructive and expensive these are
(e)None of these
Q148. In the passage given, a sentence (H) is given in BOLD. There may or may not be an
error in one part of the sentence. Choose the part which has an error in it as your answer. If
there in no error then choose option (e) as your answer.
(a) But SDG documents do not tell us exactly how
(b)this trend can be checked or resolved, or what
(c)big, new and different initiatives will be
(d)taken on this important issue.
(e)No Error
Q149. The sentence given in (I) has four words given in bold. Amongst the given bold words
which of the following must replace each other to make the sentence contextually correct
and meaningful.
(a) threatening-distress
(b)threatening-sensitive
(c)sensitive-increase
(d)sensitive-distress
(e)No change
Q150. A word is given in bold in (J). Choose the word which should replace the word given
in bold to make the sentence correct and meaningful. If no change is required, choose
option (e) as your answer.
(a)hamper

83
(b)dissuade
(c)loiters
(d)lagged
(e)Both (b) and (d)
Even blank has four alternative words given in options (A), (B), (C) and(D). You have
to choose which word will best suit to the respective blank. Choose (E) as your
answer if the word given in the bold after the blank is your answer i.e “No change
requires”.
There are various laws that are used to ensure that the business works in the
_(1)_[exact]_way. These laws are put in place to regulate the way the business is done and
are meant to curb _(2)_[corrupt]_business activities. Therefore, there is need to look at the
laws and the reason why they were passed.
The main laws that affect the business include _(3)_[shopper]_protection law, antitrust law,
environmental law , the law that protect the public interest, incorporation law, bankruptcy,
patents law, copyrights and trademark law. All these laws affect the business in one way and
the other and should be adhered to at all cost to ensure that the business function is
_(4)_[demured]_properly.
The initial reason of establishing this law was to check the issue of the _(5)_[control]_that
had affected the business sector for a long time. The law started after the civil war with an
increase in petroleum, cotton and other agricultural products. The Sherman act of 1890
made a declaration that restraint of trade or other related actions by monopolies were illegal
(Earl, 1978).
Objectives of the antitrust law are the Countering Unfair Competition, protecting the rights,
priorities and interests of businesses and consumers by enhancing fair competition for better
economic growth.
Consumer safety law_(6)_[has]_a law that protects the consumers of the products from
intoxicated products that may eventually turn to be hazardous to the human life.

84
Environmental protection law is a class of law that governs how the companies should
_(7)_[perform]_towards the natural environment. In other words, environmental law, also
known as environmental and natural resources law, is a collective term describing the
network of treaties, statutes, regulations, common and customary laws addressing the
effects of _(8)_[person]_activity on the natural environment. The core environmental
law regimes address environmental pollution.
Laws related to public interest that affect the business environment are the laws that have
been put in place to ensure that by compliance by the business sectors they will
_(9)_[income]_the public.
Laws that affect business occupation are several laws that have been put in place to ensure
that the businesses act ethically in their place of business_(10)_[completion]_.
Question 151.
1.
a) genuine
b) invalid
c) accurate
d) right
e) No change required
Question 152.
2.
a) dishonorable
b) infamous
c) unethical
d) disreputable

85
Question 153.
3.
a) user
b) consumer
c) client
d) payer
Question 154.
4.
a) directed
b) commanded
c) organised
d) regulated
Question 155.
5.
a) authority
b) monopoly
c) power
d) supremacy

86
Question 156.
6.
a) may
b) are
c) is
d) should
Question 157.
7.
a) operated
b) behave
c) function
d) serve
Question 158.
8.
a) benevolent
b) creature
c) chaos
d) human

87
Question 159.
9.
a) rewarding
b) benefit
c) gain
d) profit
Question 160.
10.
a) achieved
b) meander
c) discharge
d) execution
There has been an _(1)_[enlargement]_in the Credit flow to various sectors of the economy
such as infrastructures, education, services, agriculture etc. But simultaneously there has
also been an increase in the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). In the banking sector, NPAs
have direct _(2)_[revelation]_on the profitability and the net-worth of the banks.

88
The assets of the banks which don’t _(3)_[operate]_(that is – don’t bring any return) are
called Non Performing Assets (NPA) or bad loans. Bank’s _(4)_[belongings]_are the loans
and advances given to customers. If customers don’t pay either interest or part of principal
or both, the loan turns into bad loan. But Loans don’t go bad right away. Most loans allow
customers a certain grace period. Then they are marked_(5)_[unsettled]_. After a certain
number of days, the loan is classified as a nonperforming loan.
Banks usually classify commercial loans as nonperforming assets which are more than 90

days overdue and consumer loans which are more than 180 days overdue.
For agricultural loans, if the interest and/or the installment or principal remains overdue for
two harvest seasons then it is declared as NPAs. But, this period should
not _(6)_[overcome]_two years. After two years any unpaid loan or installment will be
classified as NPA.
From the banks’ health point of view, higher the NPA, lower will be its health. In the
short-term, many banks have the _(7)_[magnitude]_to handle an increase in nonperforming
assets — they might have strong _(8)_[savings]_or other capital that can be used
to offset the losses. But after a while, if that capital is used up,
nonperforming loans will imperil a bank’s health.
As the NPA of the banks will rise, it will bring a scarcity of funds in the Indian security
markets. Few banks will be willing to lend if they are not sure of the recovery of their money.
The shareholders of the banks will _(9)_[forgo]_a lot of money as banks themselves will
find it tough to survive in the market.
This will lead to a crisis of confidence in the market. The price of loans, i.e. the interest rates
will _(10)_[grow]_up badly.
Question 161.
1)
a) addition
b) swell
c) increase
d) proliferated

89
Question 162.
2)
a) stimulation
b) impact
c) impression
d) inspiration
Question 163.
3)
a) behave
b) execute
c) play in
d) perform
Question 164.
4)
a) assets
b) treasure
c) cremation

90
d) revenue
Question 165.
5)
a) unresolved
b) erratic
c) overdue
d) delayed
Question 166.
6)
a) upper
b) outshine
c) top
d) exceed
Question 167.
7)
a) force
b) ability

91
c) command
d) intensity
Question 168.
8)
a) store
b) stock
c) reserves
d) collection
Question 169.
9)
a) lose
b) miss
c) misplace
d) loose
Question 170.
10)
a) expand

92
b) enlarge
c) stretch
d) shoot
In each of the questions given below, 5 blanks are left out labeled with I, II, III, IV and
V. You have to choose the words that are correct grammatically and contextually in
order to fill the blank. If the word is grammatically suitable, mark option E as your
answer.
Despite being stopped by the Centre from __________(I)______(presence) the C40 World

Mayors Summit in Copenhagen, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal addressed it via
videoconferencing. Lauding teenage icon Greta Thunberg for her advocacy, Mr Kejriwal also
spoke about his own government’s moves to curb air pollution, including the
twice-experimented “odd-even” car rationing scheme. This scheme, set to return in
November, was tried out in Mexico City (1989), Beijing (2008), Paris (2014), Sao Paolo,
Bogota and Jakarta. This and the ________(II)____________(reopen) of thermal power
plants led to Delhi’s pollution reducing by 25 per cent in three years, he said.
The number of good air days in Delhi has indeed been rising, from 106 in 2016 to 159 in
2018, Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar admitted recently. The
courts ________(III)____________ (deserve) a share of the credit. The Supreme Court
banned 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles last year, the step first mooted by
the NGT, bolstering the Delhi government’s move to deregister 40 lakh “overage” vehicles.
But ________(IV)____________(unravel) the culture of owning wheels will require more

resolve and stringency. Disappointingly, if a bit predictably (though bus travel was made free
for them), Delhi’s women are still exempted from the odd-even scheme. While it’s a fact the
city doesn’t have good point-to-point bus links, except on some routes, many women don’t
use alternative public transport. They need to discourage their families from buying the
Bharat Stage-IV vehicles manufacturers are being asked to phase out. The neighbouring
states must also pitch in, training farmers to ________(V)____________ (dispose) of their
crop stubble by means other than burning. The fruits of this effort will save all our lives.

93
171.
I)
A) attending
B) perplexed
C) allocated
D) nonplussed
E) No change required
172.
II)
A) shutting
B) connivance
C) fragmented
D) dubious
173.
III)
A) demonstrated
B) uphold
C) sanctify
D) illustrative

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174.
IV)
A) proclaim
B) dismantling
C) integrated
D) cohesive
175.
V)
A) corresponds
B) conjecture
C) concern
D) accords
The paragraph consists of a few words in bold against each number. You must
choose the option that can be interchanged with the bold word without altering the
context of the paragraph.

In turn, the neat separation has allowed the Army to maintain its (1) professionalism and
retain public trust even as it is frequently called upon to assist the administration in times of

95
communal (2) strife and sub-regional (3) insurgencies. This arrangement has also inhibited

governments from (4) bidding the Army to do their politically expedient tasks. It is a balance
that must hold, and this is why General Rawat’s possibly off-the-cuff observations on foreign
policy and domestic politics were (5) unfortunate.
Question 176.
1.
(a) greenness
(b) juvenility
(c) bloom
(d) probity
(e) disgrace

Question 177.
2.
(a) cooperation
(b) contention
(c) harmony
(d) concurrence
(e) liaison
Question 178.
3.
(a) uprisings
(b) obedience
(c) orthodoxies
(d) submissions
(e) acquiescence
Question 179.
4.
(a) remarking
(b) interpreting
(c) explaining
(d) commanding
(e) commenting

96
Question 180.
5.
(a) auspicious
(b) suitable
(c) doomed
(d) favourable
(e) sanctified

Directions: In the following passage there are words highlighted in bold, each of
which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and
against each, four words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately.
Find out the appropriate word in each case. If the word highlighted in bold does not
require any replacement, choose (E) as your answer.
In a complex, chaotic world, living a virtuous, equitable (1) life is a challenge. Despite this,

many people are apparently immersed (2) in doing good and are trying to lead
meaningful plan (3). They are doing charity, are dutiful towards their families and jobs,
are creating (4) integrity in their day-to-day dealings, adhering to truth and doing all that
comes within the ambit (5) of an ideal life. The question is: At a deeper level, are all ‘right’
acts justifiably right? The Quran circulate (6), “Your actions will be judged by your
intentions.” Charity, which is not the consequence (7) of compassion, is ostensibly good.
But he who checks (8) others for acquiring name and fame for himself, will not be
capturing(9) credits for his good(10) karma
Question 181.
1.
(a)account.
(b)standard
(c)subpar
(d) upright
(e) No improvement required
Question 182.
2.
(a) enlivened

97
(b)engaged
(c)swamped
(d)consumed
(e)No improvement required
Question 183.
3.
(a)action
(b)lives
(c)occupation
(d)movement
Question 184.
4.
(a)recognizing
(b)observing
(c)knowing
(d)gaining
Question 185.
5.
(a)verge
(b)extremity
(c)beginning
(d)confined

98
Question 186.
6.
(a)discloses
(b)states
(c)imparts
(d)reveals
Question 187.
7.
(a)corollary
(b)reaction
(c)issue
(d)impact
Question 188.
8.
(a) rectify
(b)instructs
(c)helps
(d)profits
Question 189.
9.
(a)earning
(b)adhering
(c)embarking

99
(d)grasping
Question 190.
10.
(a)estimable
(b)expert
(c)facile
(d)easy
Directions: In the following passage there are words highlighted in bold, each of
which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and
against each, four words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately.
Find out the appropriate word in each case. If the word highlighted in bold does not
require any replacement, choose (e) as your answer.
The Indian economic model has been a bit of a paradox. India has sometimes impinged
(1) the successful economies of East Asia in terms of high domestic savings, close
integration with the global economy and macroeconomic fidelity (2). And it has sometimes
resembled the volatile countries of Latin America in terms of weak domestic savings,
macroeconomic instability and growing oligarchic power. This column had earlier analyze
(3) that rising inequality could mean successive governments would have strong incentives
to meander (4) fiscal spending in a bid to buy social peace, taking India closer to the Latin
American model. High domestic savings are a/an solitude (5) part of the story. The avarice
(6) investment boom in the five years to 2008 was supported by a sharp rise in the domestic
savings rate. The revival (7) in investment activity after 2010 led to a current account crisis
because domestic savings were relatively deliberate (8). In other words, those magic
moments of rapid economic candor (9) plus macroeconomic stability are possible only when
the domestic savings rate is rising (10).
Question 191.
1.

100
(a) approached
(b) reached
(c) resembled
(d) estimated
Question 192.
2.
(a) longevity
(b)placidity
(c)stability
(d)fortitude
Question 193.
3.
(a) impugned
(b) incited
(c) challenged
(d) argued
Question 194.
4.
(a) strike
(b) boost
(c) promoting

101
(d) prefer
Question 195.
5.
(a) important
(b) radical
(c) aberration
(d) overruling
Question 196.
6.
(a) splendid
(b) assuring
(c) reproaching
(d) lethargic
Question 197.
7.
(a)coaxing
(b)provocation
(c)proliferating
(d)leverage
Question 198.
8.

102
(a) withdrawn
(b) sluggish
(c) reluctant
(d) arcane
Question 199.
9.
(a) bane
(b)distress
(c)growth
(d) brusque
Question 200.
10.
(a)outgoing
(b)emanating
(c)striking
(d) dominishing
Directions (201-210): In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has
been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five
options are suggested, one of which either replaces the blank appropriately or there
will be ‘no change required’. Find out the appropriate word that should be fit in the
blank. In case, there is no correction required, mark option(e) as your answer.

103
Six cities in the U.K. will take part in the first-ever ‘National Samosa Week’ next month
where participants will make, sell, and eat the popular Indian snack to (1)(spend)……
money for charity. The event, to be organized from April 9 to 13, is the brainchild of a
Leicester-based media personality who believes that the popularity of the triangular-shaped
(2)(favoury)…… snack (3)(transcends)…… all barriers and can become a means to unite
different communities in the U.K. The triangle-shaped delicacy is said to (4)(formed)……
from the Middle East and was eaten by travelling merchants. It is likely that this is how the
tasty parcels made their way to other parts of the world including India, Pakistan and
Bangladesh. This triangle-shaped delicacy is said to originate from the Middle East and was
eaten by travelling merchants. It is likely that this is how the tasty (5)(pockets)…… made
their way to other parts of the world including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The
(6)(proceeds)…… from the sale in Leicester will go two charities — mental health charity
LAMP and Care of Police Survivors (COPS), which is (7)(involved)…… to helping the
families of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In 2016, he founded the
‘Leicester Curry Awards’ to celebrate the hundreds of curry houses in the city with their
(8)(startup)…… in the Indian subcontinent. Some of the winners of the National Samosa
Week’s prize draw will win tickets to the Leicester Curry Awards 2018, to be held in
Leicester on April 22 where over 30 of the city’s (9)(select)…… restaurants will
(10)(debate)…… for the top prize.
Question 201.
1.
(a) alleviate
(b) raise
(c) descend
(d) shoot up
(e) No change required
Question 202.
2.
(a) savoury
(b) cuisined
(c) dessert
(d) tasteless

104
Question 203.
3.
(a) descends
(b) proceeds
(c) followed
(d) beat
Question 204.
4.
(a) evolute
(b) transmit
(c) formed
(d) originate
Question 205.
5.
(a) courier
(b) parcels
(c) packaged
(d) transformation
Question 206.
6.
(a) amount
(b) collection

105
(c) hoard
(d) money
Question 207.
7.
(a) commit
(b) indulged
(c) fallen into
(d) dedicated
Question 208.
8. (a) roots
(b) foundation
(c) fundamentals
(d) originate
Question 209.
9.
(a) merit
(b) demerit
(c) shortlisted
(d) listing
Question 210.
10.
(a) contrast

106
(b) fight
(c) compete
(d) contradict
Direction(211-217): Given below is a passage with five blanks (A-E). An IDIOM written
in brackets is
given against each blank. Choose the right word from the options which can replace
the
IDIOM most appropriately. If none of the options are fit for replacement, according to
you, then select
‘None of these' as your answer.
The roads of Delhi remain as unsafe and authorities as ______A_____(as hard as nails)
and apathetic. A woman’s body is dragged for reportedly almost 10 km or more on the roads
of Delhi on what is usually one of the most patrolled nights of the year, in a car whose
occupants are _____B_____(off their faces) and no patrolling official notices them or stops
them. A few concerned citizens who do witness this horror call up the PCR and yet, from the
time the first call was received to the time the body of the woman was found, crucial hours
were lost making the chances of her survival ______C______(be on a hiding to nothing)
with every passing minute. Today, when the driver and the occupants of the car are charged
with “culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing death by negligence and criminal
conspiracy”, is the negligence theirs alone? While it is yet to be established if another form
of violence was also committed against the woman, it does not take away from the fact that
the right to be _____D_____(off the hook) and alive that does not come at the cost of one’s
freedom should be for all, irrespective of gender, class, caste or any other location. And this
requires a pro-active acceptance of responsibility by the state to make spaces freer and
safer for all.
An equally compelling question is also around how the state and its institutions treat the
victims, survivors and their families when they do not come from a location of
______E_____(holding all the cards). That the surviving members of the victim’s family
feel a deep mistrust for the police, their versions, and have to depend on media reports (not
always the most reliable) to find the details of what happened, should ______F_____(give

107
us all the jitters) and most of all, the police themselves. In due time, the medical and other
reports will confirm whether this was a case of any kind of violence, a hit and run or perhaps
something different, but the fact is that when victims come from contexts of marginality,
______G______(stumbling block) and struggle, they become “less human” for both the
perpetrators as well as the keepers of law and order.
The roads of Delhi remain as unsafe and authorities as ______A_____(as hard as nails)
and apathetic.
211. A
a. stringent
b. callous
c. unfeeling

and c
A woman’s body is dragged for reportedly almost 10 km or more on the roads of Delhi on
what is usually one of the most patrolled nights of the year, in a car whose occupants are
_____B_____(off their faces) and no patrolling official notices them or stops them.
212. B
a. befuddled
b. inebriated
c. temperate

and c

108
A few concerned citizens who do witness this horror call up the PCR and yet, from the time
the first call was received to the time the body of the woman was found, crucial hours were
lost making the chances of her survival ______C______(be on a hiding to nothing) with
every passing minute.
213. C
a. bleak
b. sombre
c. unpropitious

and c
While it is yet to be established if another form of violence was also committed against the
woman, it does not take away from the fact that the right to be _____D_____(off the hook)
and alive that does not come at the cost of one’s freedom should be for all, irrespective of
gender, class, caste or any other location.
214. D
a. sheltered
b. fail-safe
c. invulnerable

and c
An equally compelling question is also around how the state and its institutions treat the
victims, survivors and their families when they do not come from a location of
______E_____(holding all the cards).
215. E
a. privilege
b. prerogative
c. yielding

109

and c
That the surviving members of the victim’s family feel a deep mistrust for the police, their
versions, and have to depend on media reports (not always the most reliable) to find the
details of what happened, should ______F_____(give us all the jitters) and most of all, the
police themselves.
216. F
a. discomfit us
b. discompose us
c. unnerve us

and c
In due time, the medical and other reports will confirm whether this was a case of any kind of
violence, a hit and run or perhaps something different, but the fact is that when victims come
from contexts of marginality, ______G______(stumbling block) and struggle, they become
“less human” for both the perpetrators as well as the keepers of law and order.
217. G
a. snag
b. edge
c. impediment

and c
ANSWER
1.Answer: B
Explanation:

110
'Worry' is the correct answer as the king was upset because his three witless sons were not
interested in learning. 'Pity' does not fit in logically because no one showed sympathy
towards the king. Hence, option (2) is the correct answer.
2.Answer: D
Explanation:
'Realizing' is the correct answer because the king became aware of the fact that his sons
had no interest in learning. No other option fits in logically. Hence, option (4) is the correct
answer.
3.Answer: C
Explanation:
The only option that is grammatically and logically appropriate is 'fool'. 'Stupid' would have
been correct if the blank was not preceded by 'a'. Hence, option (3) is the correct answer.
4.Answer: C
Explanation:
'Successor' means someone who succeeds another person. In the given context, the sons
would succeed to the throne of the king. Hence, option (3) is the correct answer.
5.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Suggested' is the correct answer because one of the ministers gave a suggestion that
Vishnu Sharman was a great scholar and deserves to be chosen as a tutor for the sons.
Hence, option (1) is the correct answer.
6.Answer: E
Explanation:
Only 'respect' is the correct answer because disciples admire their teacher for his valuable
teachings. In the given context, respect is used as an expression of deference. Hence,
option (5) is the correct answer.
7.Answer: A
Explanation:

111
'Competent' is the correct answer because Vishnu Sharman was considered to have enough
skill and knowledge to turn the king's sons into great scholars. Hence, option (1) is the
correct answer.
8.Answer: D
Explanation:
'Indebted' is the correct answer because the king will be grateful to Vishnu Sharman for
turning his sons into great scholars. Hence, option (4) is the correct answer.
9.Answer: B
Explanation:
Only 'name' is the correct answer since the sentence suggests that something related to
Vishnu Sharman would be changed. No other option fits in logically. Hence, option (2) is the
correct answer.
10. Answer: E
Explanation:
The only option that is grammatically and logically appropriate is 'started' because Vishnu
Sharman took the sons to his monastery to teach them. Hence, option (5) is the correct
answer.
11.Answer: C
Explanation:
Open' is the correct answer because the contest was not restricted to a particular group of
courtiers. All the courtiers participated in the contest. Hence, option (3) is the correct answer.
12.Answer: D
Explanation:
Receive' is the correct answer because a winner gets a prize. He does not find, see, give or
show a prize. Hence, option (4) is the correct answer.
13.Answer: E
Explanation:
Always' is the most suitable answer because the next line of the paragraph tells us that the
courtiers decide to keep him out of the competition. Hence, option (5) is the correct answer.

112
14.Answer: A
Explanation:
‘Bribed' is the most suitable answer because a servant will not lock his master just because
someone has asked him to. Hence, option (1) is the correct answer.
15.Answer: C
Explanation:
‘After' is the appropriate answer because the contest was over when Raman reached the
palace. Hence, option (3) is the correct answer.
16.Answer: D
Explanation:
In the given context, 'name' is the correct answer since the sentence suggests that
something related to the winner was announced. Hence, option (4) is the correct answer.
17.Answer: E
Explanation:
‘Raise' is the most suitable usage because it means to collect. In the given context, Raman
was engaged in trying to collect 100 gold coins. Hence, option (5) is the correct answer.
18.Answer: C
Explanation:
‘Wiser' is the correct usage because Raman is comparing other courtiers with himself and is
suggesting that he is the foolish of all. Hence, option (3) is the correct answer.
19.Answer: D
Explanation:
‘Made' is the correct answer. ‘o make a slip' means to make a mistake. Hence, option (4) is
the correct answer.

113
20. Answer: A
Explanation:
Declared' is the correct answer because the king publicly announced the name of the
winner. Had option (2) been ‘announced', it would have been correct. Hence, option (1) is
the correct answer.
21.Answer: A
Explanation:
Wisest' is the correct answer because a comparison is being made among the three sons.
22.Answer: D
Explanation:
'Ordered' is the correct answer as it means 'to command to come to a specified place'.
23.Answer: E
Explanation:
The correct word to be used along with 'brought' is 'before'.
24.Answer: B
Explanation:
'Task' is the correct answer. Only a task can be set to someone.
25.Answer: C
Explanation:
Means’ is the correct answer as it means ‘in any possible manner or with any possible
resources’. The king gives the three sons a task to fill a room using any means or possible
ways.
26.Answer: A
Explanation:
'No' is the correct answer as it is used as an adjective, which means 'not any'. If the room is
filled, there cannot be 'more' or 'any' place for the ant. The word 'even' cannot be used twice
in the sentence.
27.Answer: D
Explanation:

114
Three’ is the correct answer, which denotes the number of sons.
28.Answer: C
Explanation:
The only option that is logically and grammatically correct is 'began'.
29.Answer: E
Explanation:
‘Appointed’ is the correct answer as it means ‘to decide the time or place at which something
will happen’.
30.Answer: B
Explanation:
‘Pleased’ is the correct answer as the king was happy with the last son because his idea
was different and unique. The king liked his idea of illuminating the room with candle light.
31.Answer: B
Explanation:
'Deal' cannot be 'stagnant', 'or well'. 'Amazing' is incorrect because of the use of the
preposition 'a' before the blank. 'Worst' is incorrect because it will not fit in the blank in this
form. Had it been worse, it might have been correct.
32.Answer: A
Explanation:
We are looking for a word to be used as a verb for the 'disproportionate burden'. Hence, the
best word which fits the blank is "impose".
33.Answer: D
Explanation:
'Nature' is the correct option. 'Quantity', 'probability', 'culture' and 'stature'are inappropriate
according to the idea the passage wants to convey.
34.Answer: B
Explanation:
The only option that fits in the meaning of the word is 'definitive'.
35.Answer: C

115
Explanation:
'Indeed' is the only correct option, as the rest of the options cannot complete the sentence
appropriately.
36.Answer: A
Explanation:
Going by the implication of the sentence, we are talking about the impact of migrants, and
'skilled' fits the blank perfectly.
37.Answer: E
Explanation:
We are looking for a word in the simple past tense. Only "treated" is the correct word.
38.Answer: A
Explanation:
"Contributions" is the only word which completes the sentence in a meaningful manner.
39.Answer: B
Explanation:
The blank requires an adjective to describe UK's social security system. "Generous" fits the
context better than the rest of the words.
40.Answer: B
Explanation:
The blank requires a word to describe the expression of the French. Going by the context of
the passage, "shocked" is the best word, and is also in the right form.
41.Answer: B
Explanation:
The correct preposition should be "of" because the sentence intends to mean a dozen
members of the city's intelligentsia.
42.Answer: D

116
Explanation:
The present continuous tense should be used because the action is still continuing.
43.Answer: D
Explanation:
The poets, editors, writers, filmmakers are discussing and hence, the present continuous
tense should be used. Hence, "indulging."
44.Answer: B
Explanation:
Options other than (2) are out of scope. Mr. Tejpal can only be "familiar" with a particular
trait.
45.Answer: E
Explanation:
Options other than (5) are grammatically incorrect. Option (1) is out of scope.
46.Answer: E
Explanation:
"Praise", "love" and "admiration" are synonymous and so, option (5) is the answer.
47.Answer: D
Explanation:
"Matching" and "Baiting" do not make any sense in the context of the sentence. "Lure" is
grammatically incorrect since the verb should be in the gerundial form.
48.Answer: B
Explanation:
The word that fits into the blank space should have a negative connotation according to the
context of the sentence. Thus, options (1), (3) and (4) are out. "Wicked" and "vicious" are
close but "vicious" is the answer because the degree of wickedness is more in the word
"vicious." The author certainly intends to say that the government witch hunting was horrific -
aptly reflected in the word "vicious."
49.Answer: B

117
Explanation:
Options (1), (4) and (5) are out of scope because the context of the sentence hints at a
negative emotion. The author uses a couple of synonyms of "anger" such as "rage", "heap
scorn and anger", etc. which give us the right hint.
50.Answer: B
Explanation:
Tejpal is obviously not a boy. So, option (1) is out. He is not a youth either. So, option (3) is
out as well. "Lad" is inappropriate" and "humble" is out of scope.
51.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Awareness' is created.
52.Answer: C
Explanation:
Food is consumed. The correct form of the word is 'consuming'.
53.Answer: C
Explanation:
Conscious is raised.
54.Answer: B
Explanation:
The blank will take a word that means or suggests creating something. Thus, the correct
word to be used here is 'produced'.
55.Answer: D
Explanation:
By reading the sentence, we understand that we are talking about including important
aspects. Thus, 'incorporate' is the correct answer.
56.Answer: A

118
Explanation:
If we look at the options, only 'destroy' fits the blank well, because here, we want a verb
depicting an action against enemies.
57.Answer: E
Explanation:
In this sentence, we are talking about unhealthy foods and the damage they can cause to
the body. And the only word which can replace damage is 'harm'.
58.Answer: A
Explanation:
Here, the author wants to talk about the effect of eating unhealthy foods. Thus, the best
option would be 'impact', which is also the correct option.
59.Answer: B
Explanation:
The context requires the blank to be filled up something to the effect of concentrate. Hence,
(2) is the correct option.
60.Answer: B
Explanation:
This blank points out to the surprised response of Bhargav at the overwhelming response.
Therefore, 'believe' is the correct word.
61.Answer: B
Explanation:
The latter part of the sentence states that the son's exam did not go well, he was 'sad'
because of a careless mistake he had made. Options (3) and (5) do not fit in with the context
of the passage because the passage does not state anything about the son being
sick/unwell or confused about something.
62.Answer: C
Explanation:

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'Console' is the correct answer as it means to alleviate the grief. This is evident from the
latter part of the sentence. 'Don't worry' is the key phrase here. 'Cheer' has to be followed by
'up'. It would have been correct had the phrase been 'him up by saying'.
63.Answer: E
Explanation: The correct verb to be used here is 'achieve', which means to attain a desired
aim or goal.
64.Answer: D
Explanation:
The correct adjective to be used here is 'funny' because he had got marks for the Question
he had Answered incorrectly.
65.Answer: D
Explanation:
The correct word to be used here is 'received' as it means 'to get or be given something'.
The word 'given' is inappropriate in the given context because the son had attempted/
written the paper so he cannot assign/ give marks to himself. 'Obtain' would have been
correct had it been in the past tense. 'Assigned' and 'awarded' are incorrect since 'been' has
been omitted after 'had'.
66.Answer: B
Explanation:
'Advised' is the correct answer as it means 'to give an opinion or suggestion to someone
about what should be done'.
67.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Deserve', which means 'to be worthy of', is the correct answer as he was given marks for
the Question he had Answered incorrectly.
68.Answer: D
Explanation:
The correct adjective to be used here is 'deliberate'. The adjective 'mistaken' does not fit in
the given context, as the professor knew that he was knowingly marking the incorrect
answer as correct.

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69.Answer: C
Explanation:
Convinced’ is the correct answer as it means ‘to cause someone to believe that something is
true’.
70.Answer: D
Explanation:
The correct noun to be used here is 'honesty'.
71.Answer: E
Explanation:
Anything is risky if it has dire consequences. Similarly, there is a 'risk' in getting involved in
an open conflict as it is followed by serious consequences. Hence, option (5) is the correct
answer.
72.Answer: E
Explanation:
Anything is risky if it has dire consequences. Similarly, there is a 'risk' in getting involved in
an open conflict as it is followed by serious consequences. Hence, option (5) is the correct
answer.
73.Answer: C
Explanation:
Option (3) is correct. Open conflicts can damage relationships because as a result of
conflict, 'people feel deeply hurt'.
74.Answer: B
Explanation:
Option (2) is correct because only if anger is 'expressed', people can 'go out of control' and
'become violent'.
75.Answer: D
Explanation:
Option (4) is correct. The fear of open conflict can be very 'real' because the statement
states that these fears are based on experience. Any knowledge that is based on
experience is real.

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76.Answer: D
Explanation:
Option (4) is correct because a open-conflict is being compared to a disease and the
age-old phrase 'prevention is better than cure' originated in this context. So, just like you
should take precautions to prevent being attacked by a disease, similarly you should avoid
any kind of open-conflict. The next statement also talks about attending to areas that you
think can fester bitterness and become an issue.
77.Answer: B
Explanation:
Option (2) is correct. A person can rise to confront you if he is feeling uncomfortable with
something you have said or done. So you should attend to areas you presume 'discomfiture'
may occur.
78.Answer: B
Explanation:
Option (2) is the correct answer because you will be required to treat a conflict only if you
have not prevented the conflict from happening beforehand.
79.Answer: A
Explanation:
Option (1) is the correct answer because it is in simple present tense, just like the first part of
the statement 'if it goes away..', and therefore adheres to the rule of tenses. Options (2), (3),
(4) and (5) are grammatically incorrect in the given context.
80.Answer: B
Explanation:
Option (2) is the correct answer because the pronoun 'it' in the statement refers to
open-conflict, which can become serious if it doesn't go away with time.
81.Answer: C
Explanation:
'Bank' is the correct answer as it refers to the ground bordering the river.

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82.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Shelter' is the correct answer because the tree protected the birds from scorching sun and
heavy rains.
83.Answer: E
Explanation:
The only option that is grammatically and logically correct is 'sky'.
84.Answer: B
Explanation:
'Drenched' is the correct answer because the monkeys were completely wet as it rained
heavily.
85.Answer: D
Explanation:
Only 'shivering' is the correct answer because we shiver when we feel cold.
86.Answer: C
Explanation:
'Annoyed' is the correct answer because the sentence implies that the monkeys got angry
and decided to teach the birds a lesson.
87.Answer: E
Explanation:
'Criticizing' is the correct answer because the monkeys considered the birds' advice in a
negative way and thought that the birds are finding fault in their behavior.
88.Answer: B
Explanation:
The only option that is grammatically and logically correct is 'climbed'.
89.Answer: D

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Explanation:
'Destroyed' is the correct answer because the sentence implies that the monkeys broke the
birds' nests.
90.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Regret' is the correct answer because the birds were sad and disappointed as their words
had a negative impact on them.
91.Answer: C
Explanation:
Only 'joined' fits in the blank aptly.
92.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Arena' is the correct answer because it refers to an area of interest, activity, or competition.
93.Answer: E
Explanation:
'True' is the correct answer because it states a fact that he was loved by both Indian masses
and British officers.
94.Answer: B
Explanation:
'To' is the correct answer because it is used as a function word to indicate extent or degree
of something.
95.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Admired' is the correct answer because the sentence implies he respected Indian culture.
96.Answer: A
Explanation:
'Intact' is the correct answer. Since he admired Indian culture, he never let his ideas
diminish.

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97.Answer: C
Explanation:
Only 'gained' fits in the blank aptly.
98.Answer: E
Explanation:
'Upliftment' is the correct answer because the sentence implies he worked to improve the
social, ethical and educational condition.
99.Answer: B
Explanation:
The only option that is grammatically and logically correct is 'had'.
100.Answer: D
Explanation:
'Remains' is the correct answer because people still remember Madan Mohan Malviya for
his noble work.
101.Answer – 5)
Explanation: No correction required.
Given word is correct.
102.Answer – 2)
Explanation: gathering – an assembly or meeting, especially one held for a specific
purpose.
103.Answer – 4)
Explanation:
Ushered means - cause or mark the start of something new.
104.Answer – 3)
Explanation: collaboration – the action of working with someone to produce something.
105.Answer – 5)
106.Answer – 1)
Explanation: ambition – a strong desire to do or achieve something.

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107.Answer – 2)
Explanation: diverse – showing a great deal of variety; very different.
108.Answer – 3)
Explanation: vulnerable – exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either
physically or emotionally.
109.Answer – 5)
110.Answer – 1)
Explanation: commitments – the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
111.Answer : 3
Explanation: compel – force or oblige (someone) to do something.
112.Answer : 4
Explanation: relentless – unceasingly intense.
113.Answer : 1
Explanation: migrant – a person who moves from one place to another in order to find work
or better living conditions.
114.Answer : 5
115.Answer : 2
Explanation: exemplary – serving as a desirable model; very good.
116.Answer : 2
Explanation: conscience – a person’s moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as
a guide to one’s behaviour.
117.Answer : 5

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118.Answer : 2
Explanation: leniency – the fact or quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected;
clemency.
119.Answer : 3
Explanation: igniting – catch fire or cause to catch fire.
120.Answer : 5
121.Answer : 3)
Explanation: spoke – each of the bars or wire rods connecting the centre of a wheel to its
outer edge.
122.Answer : 5)
conscience – a person’s moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to
one’s behaviour.
123.Answer : 4)
Explanation: scoffed – speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or
mocking way.
124.Answer : 2)
Explanation: struck – hit forcibly and deliberately with one’s hand or a weapon or other
implement.
125.Answer : 3)
Explanation: skeptical – not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.
126.Answer : 5)
apartheid – segregation on grounds other than race.
127.Answer : 2)
Explanation: divesting – deprive someone of (power, rights, or possessions).
128.Answer : 1)
Explanation: provisions – the action of providing or supplying something for use.

127
129.Answer : 3)
Explanation: insisted – demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal
130.Answer : 5)
conscience – a person’s moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to
one’s behaviour.
131.Answer: B
In the given sentence, ‘nuances’ should replace ‘repercussion’ to make the sentence both
grammatically and contextually correct.
Option A): is incorrect because stumble means trip or momentarily lose one’s balance;
almost fall which does not fit here.
Option B): is the correct alternative among the following as ‘nuances’ fit here both
grammatically and contextually
Option C): is incorrect as blunder does not fit here.
Option D): is incorrect as bumble does not fit here contextually.
132.Answer: A
In the given sentence, ‘contrasts’ should replace ‘upshot’ to make the sentence both
Option A): is the correct alternative among the following as ‘contrasts’ fit here both
grammatically and contextually
Option B): is incorrect as overtook does not make any sense here.
Option C): is incorrect as err means be mistaken or incorrect; make a mistake.
Option D): is incorrect as ‘careen’ does not fit here contextually.
133.Answer: D

128
In the given sentence, ‘rational’ should replace ‘fathom’ to make the sentence both
Option A): is incorrect because ticklish means (of a person) sensitive to being tickled which
does not fit here.
Option B): is incorrect as aboveboard does not make any sense here.
Option C): is incorrect as ‘facile’ does not fit here.
Option D): is the correct alternative among the following as ‘rational’ fit here both
grammatically and contextually.
134.Answer: E
In the given sentence, ‘spectacular’ should replace ‘absurd’ to make the sentence both
Option A): is incorrect because taxing does not fit here.
Option B): is incorrect as elementary does not make any sense here.
Option C): is the incorrect as ‘comfy’ does not fit here.
Option D): is incorrect as solicit does not fit here contextually.
135.Answer: C
In the given sentence, ‘moribund’ should replace ‘profound’ to make the sentence both
Option A): is incorrect because forbid means refuse to allow (something) which does not fit
here.
Option B): is incorrect as beseech means ask (someone) urgently and fervently to do
something; implore; entreat.
Option C): is the correct alternative among the following as ‘moribund’ fit here both
grammatically and contextually.

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Option D): is incorrect as spurn means reject with disdain or contempt which does not fit
here contextually.
136.Answer: (a)
The given words refer to Moving into the foreground to make more visible or prominent.
Hence option A is the correct choice.
137.Answer: (a)
Here ‘affirm’ or ‘assert’ refer to Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts. Hence
option A is the correct choice.
138.Answer: (b)
Defend or uphold means to Keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last.
Therefore option B is the correct choice.
139.Answer: (b)
Option B is related to the use of or having the nature of a declaration; hence option B is the
correct choice.
140.Answer: (c)
Disquiet or concern refers to Something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of
unhappiness. Hence option C is the correct choice.
141.Ans.(c)
Solution:
'Achieved' is grammatically and contextually correct here.
142.Ans.(e)
Solution:
"then this is a very good initiative." is grammatically and contextually correct here.

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143.Ans.(d)
Solution:
Use 'adverse' in place of 'adversely'.
144.Ans.(e)
Solution:
No Error
145.Ans.(c)
Solution:
"Increasing" is grammatically and contextually correct here.
146.Ans.(b)
Solution:
'Spreading' is a perfect fit for all the blanks.
147.Ans.(d)
Solution:
"everyone knowing how destructive and expensive these are" is grammatically and
contextually correct here.
148.Ans.(e)
Solution:
No Error
149.Ans.(b)
Solution:

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"threatening-sensitive" should replace each other to make the sentence grammatically and
contextually correct.
150.Ans.(d)
Solution:
'Lag' means fail to keep up with another or others in movement or development. Hence, the
correct option will be 'lagged'.
151.Answer: d)
According to sentence “right” will be used as it means “correct / appropriate”.
152.Answer: c)
According to sentence “unethical” will be used as it means“immoral / unprincipled”.
153.Answer: b)
According to sentence “consumer” will be used as it means “customer / buyer”.
154.Answer: d)
According to sentence “regulated” will be used as the meaning of “regulate” is “control /
supervise”.
155.Answer: b)
According to sentence “monopoly” will be used as it means “The exclusive possession or
control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service / domination”.
156.Answer: c)
According to sentence “is” will be used as the part of sentence is based conditional
grammar.
157.Answer: b)

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According to sentence “behave” will be used as it means “act / work”.
158.Answer: d)
According to sentence “human” will be used as it means “human being”.
159.Answer: b)
According to sentence “benefit” will be used as it means “advantage / help/ assist”.
160. Answer: d)
According to sentence “execution” will be used as it means “implementation / carrying out”.
161.Correct Answer is: c)

According to the sentence “increase” will be used as it means “rise/growth”.
162.Correct Answer is: b)

According to the sentence “impact” will be used as it means “influence”.
163.Correct Answer is: d)

According to the sentence “perform” will be used as it means “act/ function/ work”.
164.Correct Answer is: a)
According to the sentence “assets” as it means “possessions/ property”.

According to the sentence “overdue” will be used as it means “late / in arrears / unpaid”.
166.Correct Answer is: d)

According to the sentence “exceed” will be used as it means “go beyond / surpass”.
167.Correct Answer is: b)

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According to the sentence “ability” will be used as it means “skill/capability”.

According to the sentence “reserves” will be used as it means “emergency supply”.
169.Correct Answer is: a)

According to the sentence “lose” will be used as it means “suffer the loss of”.
170. Correct Answer is: d)

According to the sentence “shoot” will be used as the meaning of “shoot up” is “soar /
increase”.
171.Answer: (a)
‘Attending’ is the correct form of verb in past continuous tense, all other choices are
inappropriate. Hence option A is the correct choice.
172.Answer: (a)
‘Shutting’ is grammatically appropriate with respect to the context of the statement. Hence
option A is the correct choice.
173.Answer: (e)
The given word is grammatically and contextually correct. Therefore, option E is the correct
choice.
174.Answer: (b)
‘Dismantling’ means to take (a machine or structure) to pieces, is contextually suitable with
respect to the sentence; hence option B is the correct choice.
175.Answer: (e)
The given word is grammatically and contextually correct. Therefore, option E is the correct
choice.

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176.Ans. (d)
Sol. Option (d) is the correct choice. ‘professionalism’ means the competence or skill
expected of a professional. While, ‘Probity’ means the quality of having strong moral
principles; honesty and decency. Hence, they can be used interchangeably as usage of any
word won’t alter the meaning of the paragraph.
Greenness means lack of maturity or experience; youthfulness.
Juvenility means childish or immature behaviour.
Bloom means the state or period of greatest beauty, freshness, or vigour.
Disgrace means loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonourable action.
177.Ans. (b)
Sol. Option (b) is the correct choice. ‘strife’ means angry or bitter disagreement over
fundamental issues; conflict, while; ‘contention’ means heated disagreement. As, both the
words are similar in meaning they can be substituted for each other.
Cooperation means the action or process of working together to the same end.
Harmony means the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole.
Concurrence means agreement or consistency.
Liaison means communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship
between people or organizations.
178.Ans. (a)
Sol. Option (a) is the correct choice. ‘insurgencies’ means an active revolt or uprising.
‘uprisings’ means an act of resistance or rebellion; a revolt. Hence, they are synonyms for
each other.
Obedience means compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s
authority.
Orthodoxies means authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice.
Submissions means the action of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or
authority of another person.
Acquiescence means the reluctant acceptance of something without protest.
179.Ans. (d)
Sol. Option (d) is the correct choice. ‘bidding’ means the ordering or requesting of
someone to do something, whereas; ‘commanding’ means to give an authoritative or
peremptory order. Therefore, they both are similar in meaning with each other.
Remarking means say something as a comment; mention.
Interpreting means express an opinion or reaction in speech or writing.

135
180. Ans. (c)

Sol. Option (c) is the most suitable choice, as ‘unfortunate’ means having or marked by
bad fortune; unlucky, while ‘doomed’ means likely to have an unfortunate and inescapable
outcome; ill-fated. Hence, they both are similar in meaning.
Auspicious means conducive to success; favourable.
Sanctified means set apart as or declare holy; consecrate.
181.Ans.(d)
‘upright’ is the correct word to be replaced as it is similar meaning as virtuous.
182.Ans.(b)
‘engaged’ best suits the purpose.
Swamped means overwhelm with an excessive amount of something; inundate.
Enlivened means make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing.
183.Ans.(b)
‘lives’ is the correct word as the paragraph is talking about leading a righteous life.
184.Ans.(b)
‘observing’ is the correct word to be replaced making the sentence meaningful.
185.Ans.(e)
No improvement is required here.
186.‘Ans.(b)
states’ is the most appropriate word as the sentence is telling about the something in
accordance to Quran.
187.Ans.(a)
‘Corollary’ is the correct word as it means a proposition that follows from (and is often
appended to) one already proved.
188.Ans.(c)
‘helps’ is the most appropriate word.

136
189.Ans.(a)
‘earning’ is the most appropriate word to be replaced.
190. Ans.(e)
191.Ans. (c)
resembled’ is the correct word to be replaced.
Impinged means have an effect, especially a negative one.
192.Ans. (c)
Stability’ is the correct word because a positive word is required according to the context of
these lines since in the next few lines negatives are mentioned. Hence the use of the word
‘paradox’ will be justified.
Fortitude means courage in pain or adversity.
193.Ans. (d)
‘argued’ is the correct word to be replaced.
194.Ans. (b)
‘boost’ is the correct word.
195.Ans. (a)
important’ best suits the purpose.
196.Ans. (a)
splendid’ best suits the purpose which means magnificent, very impressive.
197.Ans. (e)
198.Ans. (b)

137
‘sluggish’ is the most appropriate word.
199.Ans. (c)
‘growth’ is the correct word making the sentence meaningful.
200. Ans. (e)

201. Ans.(b); raise- is the perfectly fit word here as the they are talking about charity. So,
amount is always ‘raised’ for the charity rather than ‘spent’ on it.
202. Ans.(a); savoury- is the most suited as here, the snack ‘samosa’ is talked about which
is ‘savoury’ instead of a ‘favoury’. Thus, ‘savoury’ will come here.
203. Ans.(e); No Correction Required
204. Ans.(d); originate- is the appropriate answer because here we are talking about the
origin of the delicacy ‘Samosa’.
205.Ans.(b); parcels- should come here as Samosa as a ‘parcel’ made its way to other
parts of world including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
206. Ans.(e); No Correction Required
207. Ans.(d); dedicated- is the best fit answer here as the charity has been done to help the
poor families, which is a sort of dedication. Hence, ‘dedicated’ is the best suited answer
here.
208.Ans. (a); roots- should come here. Consider this “he founded the ‘Leicester Curry
Awards’ to celebrate the hundreds of curry houses in the city with their (8)(startup)…… in
the Indian subcontinent”. ‘start up’ doesn’t suit as this is business used term. Thus ‘roots’
should come here.
209. Ans. (c); shortlisted- is the appropriate answer here. Consider this… ‘to be held in
Leicester on April 22 where over 30 of the city’s ‘shortlisted’ restaurants will ……….’
210. Ans.(c); compete- is the correct choice because ‘top prize’ is mentioned and only after
competing that one of the restaurants will get the top prize.

138
as hard as nails / callous / unfeeling - showing or having an insensitive and cruel

disregard for others.
stringent - (of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting.)
The idiom and these two words mean - drunk or under the influence of alcohol.
temperate - showing moderation or self-restraint.)

be on a hiding to nothing - be unlikely to succeed, or be unlikely to gain much advantage if
one does.
All mean - (of a situation) not hopeful or encouraging; unlikely to have a favourable
outcome.)
The idiom and all three words mean - safe and free from danger.)
The idiom and these two words mean - a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or
available only to a particular person or group.)
The idiom and all these words mean - to disturb or perturb or upset or make one anxious.)
The idiom and these two words mean - disadvantage.
edge - advantage.)

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CHAPTER - 3 PARAJUMBLE
Direction(1-9): Below are some statements, given in a random order. When these
statements are sequenced properly, they'll form a coherent and meaningful
paragraph. There are various questions based on each of the statements. Read it
carefully and answer the questions that follow.
(a) Otherwise, an exercise started to reboot the film-related bodies in India — the Films
Division(FD), National Film Archives of India(NFAI), Directorate of Film Festivals(DFF),
Children’s Film Society of India(CFSI), National Film Development Corporation(NFDC)—
would not have ended up in the manner it did on December 31, 2022.
(b) They are waiting to be redeployed in any government department, often as the
junior-most employees.
(c) The whole exercise has been ________ on the basis of recommendations _________ by
an expert committee _________ by retired I&B secretary Bimal Julka.
(d) The greatest lesson we learn from history may be that we learn nothing from history; we
go through the motions and repeat slogans without meaning it.
(e) In effect, the FD, NFAI, DFF and CFSI stand closed and the NFDC with an expanded
charter will supposedly be carrying forward the activities hitherto performed by these defunct
departments in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
(f) The reality now is that the infrastructure stands dismantled and all specialists within these
structures have been declared as surplus, without any designations attached to them; there
is absolutely no clarity regarding the status of the employees.
(g) “The merger of the film media units under a single corporation will lead to synergy
amongst the various activities with better and efficient utilization of infrastructure and
manpower,” Javadekar said.
(h) In December 2020, the Union cabinet approved the recommendations and the then I&B
minister Prakash Javadekar announced it to the nation.

140
(a) Otherwise, an exercise started to reboot the film-related bodies in India — the Films
Division(FD), National Film Archives of India(NFAI), Directorate of Film Festivals(DFF),
Children’s Film Society of India(CFSI), National Film Development Corporation(NFDC)—
would not have ended up in the manner it did on December 31, 2022.
1. Which of the following statements will probably be supported by the author himself
according to the above statement and the entire context?
You need to read other statements to answer this.
a. A recently formed group has been running a social media campaign to rightly protest
against the alleged lack of transparency and accountability, and the arbitrary way in
which the process has been carried out.
b. The FD, CFSI, NFAI and DFF have mandates to serve as public institutions that
produce, promote and safeguard Indian cinema heritage.
c. The merger of film media units under one corporation will lead to convergence of
activities.

and c
(b) They are waiting to be redeployed in any government department, often as the
2. Which of the following statements about them can be TRUE?
a. They are fine with playing second fiddle to the existing employees in the institution
they want to join.
b. They are certainly worthier than most of the existing employees in the institution they
want to join.
c. They want to be put into position irrespective of the designations.

and c

141
(c) The whole exercise has been _________ on the basis of recommendations _________
by an expert committee _________ by retired I&B secretary Bimal Julka.
3. Which of the following THREE VERBS can most appropriately fit in the blanks in
the above statement respectively?
a. undertaken, submitted, headed

b. set about, put forward, administered
c. handled, proffered, led

and c
(d) The greatest lesson we learn from history may be that we learn nothing from history; we
go through the motions and repeat slogans without meaning it.
4. Which of the following statements can express what the author has actually wished
in the above statement?
a. We must prevent history from repeating itself by preserving and nurturing freedom
around the world.
b. We see the people making the same mistakes, and falling into the same traps over
and over again. This pitfalls could have been avoided in later generations had they
studied the earlier generation's mistakes and avoided making them again.
c. What experience and history teach is this — that nations and governments have
never learned anything from history, or acted upon any lessons they might have
drawn from it.

and c
(e) In effect, the FD, NFAI, DFF and CFSI stand closed and the NFDC with an expanded
charter will supposedly be carrying forward the activities hitherto performed by these defunct
departments in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

142
5. Which of the following statements can be said based on the above statement?
a. The government announced the merger of four film media units - Films Division,
Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), National Film Archive of India (NFAI), and
Children's Film Society of India (CFSI) - with the National Film Development
Corporation (NFDC).
b. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) notified the transfer of the
mandate for the production of documentaries and short films, organisation of film
festivals, and preservation of films to the National Film Development Corporation
(NFDC).
c. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting transferred the mandate of production
of documentaries and short films, organizing film festivals and preservation of films to
the NFDC, a PSU working under it with an aim to reduce the overlap of various
activities and ensure better utilization of public resources.

and c
(f) The reality now is that the infrastructure stands dismantled and all specialists within these
structures have been declared as surplus, without any designations attached to them; there
is absolutely no clarity regarding the status of the employees.
6. Which of the following statements can be inferred from the above statement?
a. The arrangement shall have no bearing on any of the service conditions of the
employees of the structures; they shall continue to draw their salaries, allowances
etc. through Films Division.
b. FD employees will now be attached with NFDC.
c. Employees are uncertain about their future and want to know if their benefits as
central government employees will continue when transferred to a public sector utility
(PSU) such as the NFDC.
A. Only b B. Only c C. Only b and c D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c

143
(g) “The merger of the film media units under a single corporation will lead to synergy
amongst the various activities with better and efficient utilization of infrastructure and
manpower,” Javadekar said.
7. Which of the following statements can Javadekar make?
a. National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) is an umbrella organization which

ensures promotion, production and preservation of filmic content under one
management.
b. The merger of film media units under one corporation will lead to convergency of
activities and resources and better coordination.
c. While one will have to wait and see how this merger pans out, multiple functions
being clubbed into a single body may lead to over centralisation.

and c
8. Which of the following combinations is the combination of FOUR CONSECUTIVE

statements after the correct rearrangement?
A. a h e g
B. h e g f
C. i a e c
D. c g d f
E. None of the above options
(h) In December 2020, the Union cabinet approved the recommendations and the then I&B
minister Prakash Javadekar announced it to the nation.
9. How would you describe the structure of the above statement?
a. telling and communicative

b. factual and matter-of-fact

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c. edifying and revealing
A. Only a B. Only a and c C. Only b D. Only c E. None of a, b and c
Directions(10-12): Four small paragraphs/statements are given below, labeled A, B, C

and D, among these, three paragraphs/statements are logically connected. From the
given options, choose the option that does not fit into the theme of the passage.
There will then be a QUESTION based on the THREE CONTEXTUALLY CONNECTED

PARAGRAPHS/STATEMENTS and a QUESTION based on the ODD
PARAGRAPH/STATEMENT.
10.
A. Basic online safety measures, parental support initiatives and community awareness
training can be integrated into existing education programmes for violence prevention, and
sensitizing the most vulnerable audience.
B. Existing systems must be evaluated by monitoring and documenting their overall

effectiveness and accessibility, including assessment of relevant hotlines and portals
(checking to see if they are linked to relevant referral systems), and analyzing
context-specific reasons for limitations.
C. Dedicated effort must be made to aid ethical and informed media reporting on relevant
cases; a collaborative effort of various institutions across the nation is required to build a
safer cyberspace.
D. Efforts have also been made to sensitize schools and boost the technological capacity of
law enforcement agencies to further deal with the issue of online abuse.
Which of the statements is an ODD statement?
A. A B. B C. C D. D E. No statement is ODD

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11. Which of the following statements can be directly related to any of statements A,
B and C?
a. Setting up two-factor authentication for various accounts and backing up personal

data.
b. Monitoring and evaluation is a continuous management function necessary to assess
the exciting systems and spot any possible security threat.
c. The common criteria commonly used for security evaluation and certification process
also comes with many limitations and challenges.

and c
paragraph.
There are various questions based on each of the statements. Read every statement
(a) The reasons for what is being touted as a crisis in fine dining are not difficult to guess.
(b) Some fine dining restaurants have been known to be pits of intensive labour
accompanied by toxic work cultures.
(c) Noma was the address to which gastro tourists flocked, like moths to light, in the hope of
savoring such exotic and constantly-evolving dishes as grilled reindeer hearts on a bed of
fresh pine or saffron ice cream in a beeswax bowl.
(d) Food inflation, a global phenomenon, is biting into the profit margins: by some estimates,
the cost of eggs has risen by 49% in a year.

146
(e) Fine dining is not at its finest at the moment; for instance, the final round of drinks and
desserts, in a manner of speaking, will soon be ordered at Noma, the Copenhagen-based
restaurant, which dazzled the world with its three Michelin stars and found itself on the top of
the perch of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for a record-breaking fifth time.
(f) But by 2024, Noma will shut shop, following in the footsteps of a number of its illustrious
brethren, including Manresa, another three-Michelin-star winner based in California and the
Willows Inn, which tasted disgrace, albeit for different reasons.
(g) However, extraneous pressures are not the only villains of the piece.
(h) It appears that these two factors, documented brilliantly by George Orwell in Down and
Out in Paris and London 90 years ago, remain the proverbial Achilles’ heel of modern fancy
restaurants.
(a) The reasons for what is being touted as a crisis in fine dining are not difficult to guess.
12. Rewrite the above statement keeping the meaning of the statement absolutely
intact.
a. It's not difficult to conjecture the reasons responsible for the repeatedly mentioned
setback in fine dining.
b. Gauging the reasons shown as a crisis in fine dining look isn't difficult.
c. The reasons that are being endorsed as the setback in fine dining aren't difficult to
predict.
(b) Some fine dining restaurants have been known to be pits of intensive labour
accompanied by toxic work cultures.
13. Which of the following statements can justify the above statement?
a. Most fine kitchens are modelled after a militaristic brigade system where orders are
barked at subordinates.

147
b. Fine dining kitchens - especially in upscale eateries - have all of the ingredients for
being difficult places to work - long hours; high stress, especially when multiple orders
are placed at once; close quarters.
c. At fine dining restaurants, people operate on a non-hierarchical model.

and c
(c) Noma was the address to which gastro tourists flocked, like moths to light, in the hope of
savoring such exotic and constantly-evolving dishes as grilled reindeer hearts on a bed of
fresh pine or saffron ice cream in a beeswax bowl.
14. Which of the following statements can possibly be made on Noma, which will
support the description above to some extent?
a. Noma’s cooking style, using foraged local ingredients, is known as “New Nordic,” and
it’s won the establishment three Michelin stars and numerous awards since opening
in 2003 for its outstanding quality.
b. No trip to Noma is ever the same, because they use unexpected ingredients and turn
them into highly palatable plates.
c. The cuisine of Noma is Nordic/Scandinavian; the restaurant's founders René Redzepi
and Claus Meyer have attempted to redefine this Nordic cuisine.

and c
(d) Food inflation, a global phenomenon, is biting into the profit margins: by some estimates,
the cost of eggs has risen by 49% in a year.
15. Which of the following statements about inflation can be concluded, according to
the above statement?
a. Inflation directly produces higher profits.

148
b. If profit margins are rising, it means the prices that companies charge for their
products are increasing at a faster rate than increases in production costs.
c. Once inflation becomes prevalent throughout an economy, the expectation of further
inflation becomes an overriding concern in the consciousness of consumers and
businesses alike.
A. Only a B. Only c C. Only b and c D. Only b E. None of a, b and c

STATEMENTS after the correct rearrangement?
A. b a c d
B. e d h g
C. a d g b
D. c e f d
paragraph.
The statements in bold are fixed and the FOURTH and the SIXTH statement
respectively.
(a) Populism and jingoism the world over have deepened divisions, triggered sectarian
violence and reinforced prejudices.
(b) Yet, having spent most of my working life in the higher education space, I have learnt the
value of the audacity of hope.
(c) The need for education to play an effective role in nurturing “cultures of peace” is
internationally acknowledged.

149
(d) Maria Montessori said, “establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all
politics can do is to keep us out of war”.
(e) Indian education must set itself the task to provide effective antidotes to the
“militarisation” of the mind and proactively nurture the canvas of coexistence.
(f) In multi-ethnic, multi-religious societies like India, which are fractured along the
lines of class, caste, region, religion and gender, the transformative potential of
education to play a peace-sustaining role faces challenges.
(g) To set out a vision for India at 100 from where we are today at 75 is daunting, given the
bewildering pace at which the world is changing.
(h) Anniversaries invariably evoke expectations.
(a) Populism and jingoism the world over have deepened divisions, triggered sectarian
violence and reinforced prejudices.
17. How do populism and jingoism lead to violence and division?
a. Groups that have longstanding animosity are not bound to harm each other; they
need populist leaders willing to fan the flames, who believe that encouraging violence
against civilians will bring some benefit.
b. People with organized political and military power decide it is in their interest that they
get something out of convincing the people they control or they influence to go kill
other people and uproot them and dehumanize them.
c. We can see chest-thumping patriots all around us who pretend to be nationalists, but,
in reality, they’ve more in common with stone-pelters than the rest of the country and
its ideals of liberty, fraternity and equality; they don't understand that violence or
aggression in the name of patriotism is appalling.

and c

150
(b) Yet, having spent most of my working life in the higher education space, I have learnt the
value of the audacity of hope.
18. What does the author mean by the audacity of hope, as mentioned in the above
statement?
a. Keep on hoping; keep on praying, despite the fact that there are so much uncertainty
about everything in this world.
b. Without a positive vision of a truly sustainable future, all of us easily fall into
pessimism and despair; hope is something we all need
c. Hope comes with a naive belief that things will get better; but in reality, things unfold
differently.

and c
(c) The need for education to play an effective role in nurturing “cultures of peace” is
internationally acknowledged.
19. Which of the following statements can be made on the role of education, as
expressed in the above statement?
a. An educated culture aims to teach its citizens values of peace through dialogue,
mediation, and acknowledgment of others as having equal rights, responsibilities,
laws, and freedoms.
b. Finding personal peace provides the strength to defend and uphold human rights, the
freedom of choice, the ability to listen and appreciate others, and the willingness to
share.
c. A peace-oriented culture is built on values, attitudes, and behaviors that respect life
and other human beings across all social contexts.

and c

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(d) Maria Montessori said, “establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics
can do is to keep us out of war”.
20. Which of the following statements can be made on the role of politics, as
expressed by Maria Montessori in the above statement?
a. Political warfare is the use of political means to compel an opponent to do one's will,
based on hostile intent.
b. When war strikes it ends up affecting government structures along with the people in
power of the government. Many times, one regime is removed and new forms of
government are put into place.
c. The usual strategies to prevent war include political interference in arms control and
diplomacy; political approaches to arms control and diplomacy are potentially
effective in keeping us out of war.
A. Only a B. Only a and b C. Only c D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
(e) Indian education must set itself the task to provide effective antidotes to the
“militarisation” of the mind and proactively nurture the canvas of coexistence.
21. Which of the following thoughts must Indian education provide antidotes to?
a. Many people are thinking hard about how security can be enhanced in a world where
violence is the norm and even peacekeeping is seen more and more in military terms.
b. Most peacekeeping operations should be changed and given to a military alliance.
c. It's best to defend ourselves against violence and outside attacks through the process
by which a society organizes itself for military conflict and violence.

and c
22. Which of the following combinations is the combination of THREE CONSECUTIVE


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A. h b d c
B. d c f a
C. b c f e
D. h d c f
(f) In multi-ethnic, multi-religious societies like India, which are fractured along the lines of
class, caste, region, religion and gender, the transformative potential of education to play a
peace-sustaining role faces challenges.
23. Which of the following statements can be inferred as a justification to what's been
described in the above statement?
a. Since India has so many religions, castes and languages you have to deal with
multiple conflicts.
b. The situation of extreme poverty, coupled with a corrupt and inefficient developmental
process, make people easy targets for recruitment into extremist movements and
activities.
c. Sometimes people with different cultural identities fail to understand each other;
misunderstanding can lead to fear; fear can cause: prejudice — intolerance and
mistreatment of a person because of their race, religion, disability or political beliefs.

and c
(g) To set out a vision for India at 100 from where we are today at 75 is daunting, given the
bewildering pace at which the world is changing.
24. Which of the following statements can be linked to the bewildering pace at which
the world is changing, as expressed in the above statement?
a. The global reality is that many innovations fail to accrue to those who need them
most, and benefits are not shared equitably around the planet.

153
b. Today we are not only decoding DNA - the blueprint of life - we are learning to
manage the placement and expression of genes and to mobilize microorganisms to
do our work.
c. With the click of a mouse and the flight of electrons, vast quantities of data and
manifold services can move across the globe; today there are billions of pages on the
appropriately named World Wide Web; by 2030 it will likely be 50 billion.

and c
(h) Anniversaries invariably evoke expectations.
25. How would you describe the importance of celebrating an anniversary?
a. It gives us a chance to look back over the years since the event we're marking, and
reflect on how it has shaped us.
b. Celebrating anniversaries is important for people of a nation to bloom, develop and
thrive together and bring about a sense of togetherness with cultures from various
parts of the country.
c. It gives us a chance to pull back from the daily grind and relive a moment that
changed our life forever.
A. Only b B. Only a C. Only b and c D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
26. Which of the following combinations is the combination of THREE CONSECUTIVE

A. h b d c
B. d c f a
C. b c f e
D. h d c f

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paragraph. There are various questions based on each of the statements. Read it
(a) Yet, the basic reading ability of children has regressed by a decade and dropped to
pre-2012 levels, while skills in math have gone back to 2018 levels.
(b) This is a huge, if silent, tragedy that the government must aim to reverse.
(c) The yawning gap in learning ability could be attributed to disruptions brought about by
the pandemic: in the rural areas surveyed, neither schools nor students had been prepared
to shift to online classes.
(d) The Annual Status of Education Report 2022 has laid bare a dichotomy; in the 616 rural
districts surveyed, enrolment figures have climbed to their highest ever at 98.4%.
(e) This shows that while mid-day meals and other incentives are succeeding in bringing
more children to school, elementary education remains hobbled.
(f) Not all states have fared well though; worryingly, southern states that are known for their
higher literacy rates have recorded sharp falls in learning.
(g) This proves that the losses of the pandemic can be reversed with concerted efforts;
Bengal has also managed to keep girls in school with schemes like Kanyashree in spite of
the pandemic-induced closures, which caused no less than one million girls to drop out of
school across India.
(h) Hearteningly, West Bengal, which had reported a steep decline in a localised ASER
study in 2021, has made some gains, both in enrolment and learning; so have Chhattisgarh
and Karnataka.
(i) Given the gaps in learning at school, perhaps it should come as no surprise that one out
of three children from Classes I to VIII now take private tuition, adding to the financial burden
of education, which is one of the leading causes of school dropouts; income loss in
households has led to many children starting work and minor girls being married off.
(a) Yet, the basic reading ability of children has regressed by a decade and dropped to
pre-2012 levels, while skills in math have gone back to 2018 levels.
27. Which of the following phenomena might have been common in pre-2012 era,
according to the above statement?

155
a. A lack of fluency - the ability to read accurately with expression and at a speed that
lends itself to comprehension.
b. A lack of comprehending ability - a basic skill that develops as children learn to sound
out words and recognize sight words.
c. A lack of knowledge on phonics - a set of instructions that enable readers to become
proficient at decoding so they are able to read words on their own and with little effort.

and c
(b) This is a huge, if silent, tragedy that the government must aim to reverse.
28. Which of the following IDIOMS can be derived from the above statement
contextually and literally?
a. eat one's words

b. do an about-turn on
c. cross to bear

and c
(c) The yawning gap in learning ability could be attributed to disruptions brought about by
the pandemic: in the rural areas surveyed, neither schools nor students had been prepared
to shift to online classes.
29. Which of the following statements can be made to justify the last line of the above
statement?
a. Unfortunately, students in rural India are denied the newest devices and levels of
accessibility to online content that urban Indians enjoy daily.
b. Unlike the counterparts of the rural students in cities, a lower percentage of students
in villages possess desktop or laptop computers.

156
c. Local and national governments worked together with the IT and edtech sectors to
speed up the process of bringing innovative and cost-effective online education tools
to rural India.

and c
(d) The Annual Status of Education Report 2022 has laid bare a dichotomy; in the 616 rural
districts surveyed, enrolment figures have climbed to their highest ever at 98.4%.
30. Which of the following factors can affect enrolment figures, as mentioned in the
above statement?
a. Low birth rates and population

b. Poor grades
c. Need for employment for the sake of mere subsistence

and c

A. a h e g
B. h e g f
C. e c h g
D. c g d f

157
and Karnataka.
32. How are mid-day meals bringing more children to school in your opinion?
a. Mid-day meals reduce the burden on students as well parents who have to pack their
tiffin to school.
b. As part of the midday meal programme fresh and hot food is served, hence, it helps
students to concentrate well on academics.
c. The mid-day meals are crucial especially for those students below poverty line; the
mid-day meals also bring back migrant students who have remained in their
hometowns.

and c
33. Which of the following facts can be validated according to the above statement?

158
a. According to the latest report of the National Statistical Office (NSO) – the report
draws on data collected in 2017-18 – the national average literacy rate is 77.7%, way
below the global average of 82%.
b. With a literacy rate of just 66.4%, Andhra Pradesh is the least literate state in the
country.
c. Karnataka, which often prides itself on being economically better off than most other
states, has a 77.2% literacy rate.

and c
34. Which of the following statements about Kanyashree can be TRUE, as expressed
in the above statement?
a. It's a scheme with the aim of improving the status and well being of the girl child in
West Bengal by incentivizing schooling of all teenage girls and delaying their
marriages until the age of 18, the legal age of marriage.
b. Kanyashree Prakalpa is a Central Government sponsored scheme which will be
implemented henceforth in all districts in the country.
c. Kanyashree Prakalpa seeks to improve the status and well being of girls, specifically
those from socio-economically disadvantaged families through Conditional Cash
Transfers, incentivizing them to continue in education for a longer period.

and c
and Karnataka.

159
(h) Hearteningly, West Bengal, which had reported a steep decline in a localized ASER
and Karnataka.
35. Which of the following facts can be linked to the above statement?
a. According to the ASER report, as the pandemic ebbed, school enrolment touched a
record high in 2022 — 98.4% children in the 6-14 age group are now in school, up
from 97.2% in 2018.
b. Clearly, the pandemic has resulted in learning loss. However, what the ASER figures
seem to suggest is that the loss is much greater in reading as compared to arithmetic.
c. Despite these big drops, a comparative analysis of learning outcomes in Karnataka,
Chhattisgarh and West Bengal suggests that there has been an attempt to recover
lost ground once schools reopened after the pandemic.
A. Only a and b B. Only c C. Only b D. Only c E. None of a, b and c
36. Which of the following suggestive statements can the author make in line with the
above statement?
a. Children who have fallen behind should be taught from the level they are faltering at
instead of focusing on grade-level curricula that will widen the learning gap further.
b. A decentralised approach, with smoother Centre-state ties, could address both the
gaps and specific problems peculiar to states.

160
c. In a country where the teacher-student ratio is uneven according to a 2021 Unesco

report, any step to shorten the learning gap further is difficult to implement.

and c

A. a h e g
B. h e g f
C. e c h g
D. c g d f
paragraph.
(a) Officials are investigating the debris of the balloon to determine what its purpose was.
(b) Meanwhile, average Americans came out on the streets or sat on their lawn chairs with
binoculars, watching the balloon float above them; the internet erupted over the incident.
(c) The United States secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, issued a statement saying that the
balloon belonged to China, through which the latter was dubiously attempting to surveil
strategic sites in the continental United States.
(d) China said that it was a civilian balloon used for meteorological monitoring and
accidentally ended up over US territory.
(e) A large, white balloon, suspected to be a Chinese surveillance device, was spotted
hovering over Billings, Montana this month.

161
(f) The spy balloon was finally shot down by a military aircraft as it floated off the coast of
South Carolina.
(g) However, US government officials, including the secretary of state, Antony Blinken,
maintain that the balloon’s presence was not innocent; as the balloon floated, the defence
department, including the president, Joe Biden, began to decide on military strategy.
(h) It still cannot be ascertained whether the balloon just wandered off its course or was truly
designed for military surveillance purposes.
(i) People speculated the reasons behind sending a spy device that would clearly be visible
to the human eye.
(a) Officials are investigating the debris of the balloon to determine what its purpose was.
38. Which of the following statements would be correct which have the phrasal verbs
that can be derived from the above statement contextually?
a. We're looking into the possibility of merging the two departments.

b. We need to work out the total cost of the project.
c. If he dies childless he is to make over his share of the estate to his brother.

and c
(b) Meanwhile, average Americans came out on the streets or sat on their lawn chairs with
binoculars, watching the balloon float above them; the internet erupted over the incident.
39. Which of the following statements can be derived contextually from the above
statement?
a. The balloon created a sense of inquisitiveness among the average Americans.

162
b. The balloon incident was circulated rapidly and widely from one internet user to
another.
c. The balloon created a sense of trepidation among the average Americans.

and c
(c) The United States secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, issued a statement saying that the
balloon belonged to China, through which the latter was dubiously attempting to surveil
strategic sites in the continental United States.
40. According to the statement issued by Lloyd Austin, how can you describe the
attitude of China, as expressed in the above statement?
a. iffy
b. circumspect
c. overseeing

and c
(d) China said that it was a civilian balloon used for meteorological monitoring and
accidentally ended up over US territory.
41. Which of the following statements can be made by China, according to the above
context?
a. The balloon was mainly concerned with the processes and phenomena of the
atmosphere, especially as a means of forecasting the weather.
b. The balloon was seen above sensitive areas and was in fact a "high-altitude
surveillance" device.
c. The balloon shot down was nothing but a weather balloon with limited self-steering
capability which deviated far from its planned course due to weather currents.

163

and c

STATEMENTS after the correct rearrangement?
A. b a c d
B. e d h g
C. a d g b
D. c e f d
South Carolina.
(i) People speculated the reasons behind sending a spy ________ that would clearly be
________ to the human eye.
a. effusive
b. telling

164
c. informatory
A. Only a and c B. Only c C. Only b D. Only b and c E. All a, b and c
South Carolina.
44. Which of the following statements can come right after the above statement?
You've to keep the entire context in mind while answering this.
a. The balloon was shot down about six nautical miles off the U.S. coast of the Atlantic
Ocean, over relatively shallow water, potentially aiding efforts to recover elements of
the Chinese surveillance equipment over the coming days, U.S. officials said.
b. US officials say that a huge Chinese balloon shot down last week was indeed
designed for spying, according to analysis of the wreckage, and was part of a wider
surveillance programme that spans several continents. This is what we know so far.
c. While the shootdown concludes the military dimension to the spying saga, Biden is
likely to continue to face intense political scrutiny from Republican opponents in
Congress who argue he failed to act quickly enough.

and c
45. Which of the following statements can Antony Blinken make about that balloon,
a. The Chinese balloon was meant for research purposes and was accidentally blown
off course by wind.

165
b. The balloon that has been shot down should be a wake-up call about just how much
international espionage is being directed against the U.S.
c. It will be difficult to determine the purpose or origin of the balloon that was destroyed
until the debris is found and analysed; something fishy is going on.

and c
46. How would you describe the author's tone in the above statement?
a. timorous
b. assertive
c. ambivalent
A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only c D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
(i) People speculated the reasons behind sending a spy ________ that would clearly be
________ to the human eye.
47. Which of the following pairs of words can most appropriately fit in the blanks in
the above statement respectively?
a. device, visible
b. contraption, perceptible
c. contrivance, discernible

and c

166
South Carolina.
(i) People speculated the reasons behind sending a spy device that would clearly be visible
to the human eye.
a. effusive
b. telling
c. informatory
A. Only a and c B. Only c C. Only b D. Only b and c E. All a, b and c
South Carolina.
49. Which of the following statements can come right after the above statement?
You've to keep the entire context in mind while answering this.
a. The balloon was shot down about six nautical miles off the U.S. coast of the Atlantic
Ocean, over relatively shallow water, potentially aiding efforts to recover elements of
the Chinese surveillance equipment over the coming days, U.S. officials said.

167
b. US officials say that a huge Chinese balloon shot down last week was indeed
designed for spying, according to analysis of the wreckage, and was part of a wider
surveillance programme that spans several continents. This is what we know so far.
c. While the shootdown concludes the military dimension to the spying saga, Biden is
likely to continue to face intense political scrutiny from Republican opponents in
Congress who argue he failed to act quickly enough.

and c
50. Which of the following statements can Antony Blinken make about that balloon,
a. The Chinese balloon was meant for research purposes and was accidentally blown
off course by wind.
b. The balloon that has been shot down should be a wake-up call about just how much
international espionage is being directed against the U.S.
c. It will be difficult to determine the purpose or origin of the balloon that was destroyed
until the debris is found and analysed; something fishy is going on.

and c
51. How would you describe the author's tone in the above statement?
a. timorous
b. assertive
c. ambivalent

168
A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only c D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
ANSWER
The author is clearly against the merger of the film bodies. It's clear in his tone in the
statement.
Hence, a and b will certainly be supported by him.
c - Incorrect. It's contradictory.)
Refer to - They are waiting to be redeployed in any government department, often as the
That means, they want to be put into position irrespective of the designations.
Also, they are fine with playing second fiddle to the existing employees in the
institution they want to join.
play second fiddle - have a subordinate role to someone or something.
b - Incorrect. How can you say that?)
undertake / set about / handle - commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or
responsibility); take on.
submit / put forward / proffer - present (a proposal, application, or other document) to a

person or body for consideration or judgement.
head / administer / lead - be in charge of.)

169
The German philosopher Georg Hegel famously said, “The only thing that we learn
from history is that we learn nothing from history.” This is a worrying thought
because there is so much that went wrong when we look at world history.
The author sounds disappointed in the statement. Besides, the entire context is
telling that.
Therefore, he can make all three statements.)
c - Incorrect.
It can't be said that the aim was to reduce the overlap of various activities and ensure
better utilization of public resources.
Maybe it's true. But, from the above statement, it can't be said.)
6.(Answer - B. Only c
Refer to - The reality now is that the infrastructure stands dismantled and all specialists
within these structures have been declared as surplus, without any designations
attached to them; there is absolutely no clarity regarding the status of the employees.
Hence, it can be said that Employees are uncertain about their future and want to
know if their benefits as central government employees will continue when
transferred to a public sector utility (PSU) such as the NFDC.
b - Incorrect.
Since there is no clarity, it can't be inferred.
a - Incorrect.
It's contradictory.)
c - Incorrect. This statement can be made by a critic.

170
over centralization - concentration by placing power and authority in a center or central

organization to an excessive degree.)
8.(Answer - C. i a e c
The correct arrangement is -
d a e c h g f b)
9.(Answer - C. Only b
factual - concerned with what is actually the case.

matter-of-fact - a practical fact.
telling - having a striking or revealing effect; significant.
edifying - providing moral or intellectual instruction.
revealing - making interesting or significant information known, especially of a personal

nature.)
10. (Answer - D. D
If you read all the statements carefully, you'll see that all the statements are talking
about a common issue - dealing with online abuse or cyber crime.
Now, statements A, B and C are talking about the efforts or steps that can be made or
taken.
While, statement D is talking about an effort that has already been made.)
a - Correct. It's related to Basic online safety measures as expressed in statement A.
b - Correct. It's related to - Existing systems must be evaluated by monitoring and

documenting their overall effectiveness and accessibility - online safety measures as
expressed in statement B.

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c - Incorrect. No such thing is mentioned in any statement.)
tout - mention repeatedly.

gauge / conjecture - guess.
setback - crisis.
b and c are not exactly the same.
The main statement is talking about The reasons responsible for the repeatedly
mentioned crisis in fine dining.
b and c are talking about the reasons that are being shown as the crisis.)
c - Incorrect.
A non-hierarchical model is where everyone is responsible for managing one another.
Hence, it's talking about restaurants positively.
a - Correct. It's talking about staff abuse.

b - Correct.)
a - Correct.
Refer to - Noma was the address to which gastro tourists flocked, like moths to light, in the
hope of savoring such exotic and constantly-evolving dishes as grilled reindeer hearts on a
bed of fresh pine or saffron ice cream in a beeswax bowl.
b - Correct. No trip to Noma is ever the same because their food is constantly
evolving.
Refer to - Noma was the address to which gastro tourists flocked, like moths to light, in the
hope of savoring such exotic and constantly-evolving dishes

172
c - Incorrect. This may be true but this can't be linked to the description above.)
15.(Answer - D. Only b
a - Incorrect. It can't be concluded.
c - Incorrect. It's out of context.
a - Correct. Absolutely!)
16.(Answer - C. a d g b
e c f a d g b h
If you understand the definition of jingoism and populism, you'll be able to answer
this question.
Populism - The term populism goes back to the Latin word "populus", which means "the
people". Today, populism is understood to mean a certain style of politics. However, there is
no precise or uniform definition. On the contrary, the term is considered imprecise and
value-laden, as it is often used in public debates as a kind of "killer argument" to undermine
opposing opinions.
Populists also stir up fear and insecurity by focusing on negative stories. They warn
of alleged dangers posed by certain groups of the population, such as ethnic
minorities, feminists, LGBTQI persons or immigrants. They claim that other
stakeholders, such as political parties and human rights activists, are unpatriotic and
a danger to the national culture.
jingoism - extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.)

173
audacity - a willingness to take bold risks.

Hence, only a and b are correct.
Because, the author is optimistic about hope.
c - Incorrect. It's purely contradictory.)
b - Incorrect.
It's irrelevant. It's talking about only the value of peace.
The statement is talking about the value of education in forming a peaceful culture.
So, a and c are absolutely right.)
20. (Answer - C. Only c
"all politics can do is to keep us out of war."
Hence, only c is correct.
a - Incorrect. It's talking about a different thing.
b - Incorrect. It's talking about the effects of war on political situations of a country.)
militarisation - Militarization, or militarisation, is the process by which a society organizes

itself for military conflict and violence. It is related to militarism, which is an ideology that
reflects the level of militarization of a state.
All three thoughts are indicative of militarisation of mind.

Hence,
Indian education provide antidotes to these thoughts.

174
22.(Answer - B. d c f a
h g b d c f a e)
a and c justify the challenges of establishing peace in multi-ethnic, multi-religious

societies like India.
b - Incorrect. It's talking about poverty.)
a - Incorrect. It's slightly contradictory and not entirely linked.)
b and c are irrelevant in this context, as they are talking more about the role of
celebrating anniversaries in personal life.)
26.(Answer - B. d c f a
h g b d c f a e)
Basic reading skills encompass a range from phonics to comprehension.

All these are the attributes of basic reading ability.
As, in pre 2012 era, there was a lack of basic reading ability, all these three can be
correct.)

175
do an about-turn on sth - reverse sth or make (something) the opposite of what it was.
cross to bear - tragedy or affliction.
eat one's words - to admit that something you said before was wrong.)
Refer to the last line - in the rural areas surveyed, neither schools nor students had
been prepared to shift to online classes.
a and b are talking about the roadblocks to the online education in rural areas.
c - Incorrect. It's purely contradictory.)
30. (Answer - D. All a, b and c
a - Lower birth rates influence school enrollment. When the general area has fewer
children in general, the schools have enrollment shortages that can lead to decreased
funding and teacher layoffs.
Population affects the enrollment rates. Areas that have people moving away will
have lower school enrollments.
b - Some students have poor grades or attendance. As a result, they do not feel that
they can graduate and instead choose to drop out.
c - Some students drop out of school so that they can pursue employment. Some
students are forced into financial situations in which they need to work to bring an
income in that can support themselves and their family.
31.(Answer - C. e c h g
d a e c h g f i b)

176
b - Incorrect. That fact that midday meals help students to concentrate well on
academics, isn't related to more attendance.
a and c are absolutely correct.)
a - Incorrect. It's irrelevant.

It's talking about the national average literacy rate.
b and c are absolutely right.

These facts justify the fact that southern states that are known for their higher literacy
rates have recorded sharp falls in learning.)
b - Incorrect. It's factually incorrect.

It's the scheme of the West Bengal government.)
a and b are not directly or indirectly linked to the above statement.)
c - Incorrect. It's in line but it's not suggestive.)
37.(Answer - C. e c h g
d a e c h g f i b)

177
look into - to investigate.

work out - to determine.
make over - transfer the possession of something to someone.

It can't be derived.)
(Answer - A. Only a and b
look into - to investigate.

work out - to determine.
make over - transfer the possession of something to someone.

It can't be derived.)
inquisitiveness - curiosity.
Absolutely! That's why average Americans came out on the streets or sat on their
lawn chairs with binoculars, watching the balloon float above them.
b - Correct. It justifies the last part of the given statement.
c - Incorrect.
trepidation - fear.
No such thing is mentioned.)
40. (Answer - B. Only a and c
iffy - full of uncertainty; doubtful.

overseeing - surveillant or keeping an eye on.
circumspect - wary and unwilling to take risks.

No such thing can be derived.)
b - Incorrect. It's contradictory.
meteorological - relating to the branch of science concerned with the processes and
phenomena of the atmosphere, especially as a means of forecasting the weather.)

178
42.(Answer - C. a d g b
e c f a d g b i h
This is simply news.
effusive - showing or expressing gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or

heartfelt manner.
telling - significant.
informatory - giving information or newsy.)
b - Incorrect. It's the same statement as the given statement.
a and c can definitely come right after the given statement.)
He said - the balloon’s presence was not innocent.

Hence, b and c are absolutely correct.
a - Incorrect. It's contradictory.)
46.(Answer - C. Only c
The author is unsure.

timorous - fearful.
ambivalent - having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

assertive - confident.)

179
contrivance - the use of skill to create or bring about something, especially with a
consequent effect of artificiality.
contraption - a machine or device that appears strange.
visible, perceptible and discernible are SYNONYMOUS.)
This is simply news.
effusive - showing or expressing gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or

heartfelt manner.
telling - significant.
informatory - giving information or newsy.)
b - Incorrect. It's the same statement as the given statement.

a and c can definitely come right after the given statement.)
50. (Answer - C. Only b and c
He said - the balloon’s presence was not innocent.

Hence, b and c are absolutely correct.
a - Incorrect. It's contradictory.)
51.(Answer - C. Only c
The author is unsure.

timorous - fearful.
ambivalent - having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
assertive - confident.)

180
CHAPTER - 4 FILLERS
New Pattern
paragraph.
There is a blank in every statement. A phrase written in brackets is given against each
blank. Choose the right word from the options which can replace the phrase most
appropriately. If none of the options are fit for replacement, according to you, then
select
Complete the statements and arrange them in the right order. Lastly, there is a
comprehensive question. Answer that as well.
(a) One doubts though that there is any _______________(an earlier event or action that
is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar
circumstances) to the events on Air India flights late last year.
(b) And, after the acts, there were various clumsy attempts at ________________(attempts
to prevent people discovering the truth about a serious mistake or crime) and fudging
information about the incidents.
(c) In another incident, another drunken man mad the empty seat of a passenger
______________(covered or marked with an unclean substance) who had gone to the
toilet.
(d) Commercial air travel has existed for nearly a century now; during that time, all sorts of
things have happened on flights, from people being sucked out of aircraft to deadly
_____________(noisy arguments or disagreements, especially in public) between
passengers.

181
(e) In the first instance, a man in his thirties becomes so ________________(affected by

alcohol to the extent of losing control of one's faculties or behaviour) that he actually
showed poor manners to an elderly woman co-passenger.
(f) Sadly, both the cases were handled very badly by the cabin crew and the flight captains
who clearly ____________(felt or was caused to feel panic) and utterly failed in their duty
of taking care of vulnerable passengers who had suffered these horrors.
(g) Neither apparently was a first-time flyer or a _____________(having or marked by bad

fortune) victim of first-time drinking.
(h) Both men were Indian, as were both their ______________(persons harmed as a
result of a crime or other event or action); both men, it seems, were from what one likes
to call ‘the educated middle-class’.
(a) One doubts though that there is any _______________(an earlier event or action that
is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar
circumstances) to the events on Air India flights late last year.
1. Which of the following WORDS can most appropriately fit in the blank in the above
statement?
a. precedent
b. exemplar
c. chaperone

and c
(b) And, after the acts, there were various clumsy attempts at ________________(attempts
to prevent people discovering the truth about a serious mistake or crime) and fudging
information about the incidents.
statement?

182
a. cover-ups
b. white-washes
c. false fronts

and c
(c) In another incident, another drunken man mad the empty seat of a passenger
______________(covered or marked with an unclean substance) who had gone to the
toilet.
statement?
a. grimy
b. scrubbed
c. grubby

and c
(d) Commercial air travel has existed for nearly a century now; during that time, all sorts of
things have happened on flights, from people being sucked out of aircraft to deadly
_____________(noisy arguments or disagreements, especially in public) between
passengers.
4. Which of the following IDIOMS can most appropriately fit in the blank in the above
statement?
a. falling-outs
b. shouting matches
c. ding-dongs

183

and c
(e) In the first instance, a man in his thirties becomes so ________________(affected by

alcohol to the extent of losing control of one's faculties or behaviour) that he actually
showed poor manners to an elderly woman co-passenger.
5. Which of the following IDIOMS can most appropriately fit in the blank in the above
statement?
a. grogged up
b. in his cups
c. half cut

and c
(f) Sadly, both the cases were handled very badly by the cabin crew and the flight captains
who clearly ____________(felt or was caused to feel panic) and utterly failed in their duty
of taking care of vulnerable passengers who had suffered these horrors.
6. Which of the following WORDS/IDIOMS can most appropriately fit in the blank in
a. freaked out
b. got the wind up
c. kicked back

and c

184
(g) Neither apparently was a first-time flyer or a _____________(having or marked by bad

fortune) victim of first-time drinking.
a. unlooked-for
b. hapless
c. star-crossed

and c
(h) Both men were Indian, as were both their ______________(persons harmed as a
result of a crime or other event or action); both men, it seems, were from what one likes
to call ‘the educated middle-class’.
a. assailants
b. sitting ducks
c. targets

and c

A. a h e g
B. h g f b
C. c a e i
D. c g d f

185
10. Which of the following statements can the author possibly make in line with the
actual theme of the passage?
a. What one can perhaps say is that all over the world, there is a rapid whittling down
notions of ethics and morality, of the list of things that cannot and should not be done,
no matter what the rewards.
b. Completely interwoven with a degraded sense of right and wrong is the growing
awareness that ‘perhaps I can get away with a wrongdoing, let’s just try and see’.
c. We can take stock of many instances of different scale of the destruction that one
could previously take for granted.

and c
Direction(11-13): In each of the following questions a sentence is given with some of

its part missing and it's represented by a blank. Select the best option(s) to make the
sentence complete and coherent. If no option fits in the blank, choose (E) as your
answer.
11. The pandemic has proven to be the breakout moment in India’s long overdue emergence
as the world’s next engine of growth. Starting with a measured approach to the timing and
quantum of the economic stimulus while supporting those at the bottom of the pyramid to
embarking upon bold reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a New India is
__________________________________.
a. bearing fruit at a time when one-third of the world’s economy is facing a slowdown
b. allowing India to influence the global agenda based on its own priority of accelerated,
inclusive and resilient growth
c. coming at a time when there are significant opportunities given a gloomy global
outlook

and c

186
12. Multiple lockdowns during Covid-19 forced children to turn to the internet for education,
entertainment and everything in between. It led to an increase in their average screen time.
This prolonged online exposure has increased threats to online safety for children. With
__________________________________, children these days have a much higher chance
of being exposed to harmful content. Hence, the need to secure children’s welfare and
safety online is more urgent than ever.
a. the increasing popularity of social media platforms

b. utilization of education apps
c. shift to online classes

and c
13. The rapidly evolving digital landscape and advances in information technology have
given rise to better encryption services and the dark net, which
________________________, allowing them to engage in child abuse.
a. provide a safe cover of anonymity to offenders

b. give the danger and complexity of online abuse to wrongdoers
c. provide the ubiquitous nature of the internet and online interaction to the evil-doers
A. Only a B. Only c C. Only b D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
Direction(14-19): In the passage below, there are TWO BLANKS in some of the lines.
There will be A PHRASAL VERB and A PHRASE in those two blanks. Choose the right
combination(s) for each line.
Is it possible to have a cinema of kindness? Before __________ this article, I googled the
phrase to see if such __________________. __________________ but a list of films
____________ that deal with kindness in one way or the other. That was not the result I was
looking for.

187
I recently began thinking about the cinema of kindness after watching a new Malayalam film,
Saudi Vellakka, which is currently available on an OTT platform. I also held several
conversations with friends regarding this aspect of the film and followed others on social
media. I'd love to __________ that the film has successfully led to a discussion on
__________________________ and its depiction in cinema. Now, it can be argued if we
need cinema to learn kindness. Isn’t it a given already? Isn’t it already there in all forms of
art? After all, who wants didactic art? While all these are valid questions, there is no denying
the fact that there is _______________________ in the times we __________. To such an
extent that kindness seems to be perennially under threat. I, therefore, couldn’t stress more
the necessity of a cinema of kindness.
Saudi Vellakka _________ the misery of an old woman and her long-drawn-out court case;
a large part of the film also revolves around the courtroom and offers a critique of the judicial
system where __________________________________. In the film, the old woman hits a
child in a fit of rage and repents it. This event then becomes the pivot around which the
remainder of her life revolves. It can clearly be said from the film that this woman hasn’t had
a very rewarding life. In fact, though the film doesn’t _____________ a flashback or make
any attempt to reveal her past story, her present life is _____________________ she must
have had to endure.
Is it possible to have a cinema of kindness? Before __________ this article, I googled the
phrase to see if such __________________.
14. Which of the following pairs of a PHRASAL VERB and a PHRASE can most
appropriately fit in the blanks in the above statement respectively?
a. putting down, such a coinage exists

b. bringing forth, such a disquisition exists
c. setting down, such a neology exists

and c
__________________ but a list of films ____________ that deal with kindness in one way
or the other. That was not the result I was looking for.

188
15. Which of the following pairs of a PHRASE and a PHRASAL VERB can most
a. I met with no success, showed up

b. I didn't pass muster, turned up
c. I got somewhere, came out

and c
I'd love to __________ that the film has successfully led to a discussion on
__________________________ and its depiction in cinema.
a. stow away, the fact that kindness sometimes has the connotation that someone is
naive, weak, or even submissive
b. put forward, the necessity of kindness in contemporary society
c. put across, this small and simple word - kindness - that carries such a weight of
meaning

and c
While all these are valid questions, there is no denying the fact that there is
_______________________ in the times we __________.
17. Which of the following pairs of a PHRASE and a PHRASAL VERB can most
a. a constant erosion of kindness, bide in

b. a constant withering of goodwill, stay in

189
c. a constant dissolution of benevolence, sojourn in

and c
a. zeroes in, cases continue to drag on for years while people await a closure
b. homes in on, cases continue to keep up indefinitely while people anticipate a
conclusion
c. ranges in, cases continue to keep up for keeps while people look for a cessation

and c
In fact, though the film doesn’t come up with a flashback or make any attempt to reveal her
past story, her present life is an indication of the many hardships she must have had to
endure.
In fact, though the film doesn’t _____________ a flashback or make any attempt to reveal
her past story, her present life is _____________________ she must have had to endure.
a. come up with, an indication of the many hardships

b. bob up, a demonstration of the many tribulations
c. put up, a manifestation of the many afflictions

and c

190

answer.
20. The latest estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) released by the National
Statistical Office (NSO) suggest that the Indian economy grew by 6.3 per cent in the last
quarter compared to last year, with full-year growth expected to be around 7 per cent. This
forms the basis of the government’s claims that India may be the fastest-growing economy
in the world. But then _________________________. More so when the economy has seen
a sharp slowdown in growth rates since 2016-17, followed by the pandemic.
a. annual growth rates are notoriously deceptive given the choice of base year
b. average income in India is higher in 2021-22 compared to the pre-pandemic year of
2018-19 with per-capita income declining at 0.25 per cent per annum.
c. almost four-fifths of rural workers have seen an increase in their incomes in the last
five years.
A. Only a and b B. Only a C. Only b D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
21. Where is the Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi? Even those who are intimately familiar
with Delhi will find it difficult to answer this question. Etymologically, the word monument
means a burial place or tomb, erected in memoriam. Therefore,
________________________. The responsibility for protecting it vests with the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Unfortunately, however, the ASI has lost the
monument.
a. the Barakhamba Cemetery should be a monument, as it indeed is

b. the Barakhamba Cemetery shouldn't be a monument
c. the Barakhamba Cemetery must be a national monument
A. Only a and b B. Only a C. Only b D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
22. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena recently asked the Delhi Development
Authority to allocate 1.6 lakh square metres of land to build a new prison complex on the
outskirts of the national capital. One wonders whether he ever heard President Droupadi
Murmu speak at the Constitution Day celebration organised by the Supreme Court in

191
November 2022, a few kilometres away from Saxena’s Raj Niwas. “I hear these days that
we will have to make new prisons because prisons are overcrowded. But, if we are moving
towards progress as a society, ________________________” she has said.
a. then why do we need new jails?

b. we should be closing down the existing ones rather than forming new ones
c. even the ones with minor crimes should languish in jails

and c
Direction(23-30): Given below is a passage with five blanks (A-G). A phrase written in
brackets is given against each blank. Choose the right word from the options which
can replace the phrase most appropriately. If none of the options are fit for
replacement, according to you, then select
The passage is then followed by a comprehensive question. You've to answer that

correctly.
Remember that infamous episode of Rajeev Masand’s Roundtable where Rani Mukherjee
made all of us cringe in second-hand embarrassment? She suggested that women who
don’t fight back when they are _____M_____(subjected to aggressive pressure or
intimidation) are at fault, and that compulsory martial arts training would be enough to fix
the problem. It was horrific to watch. Because not only does she _____N____(suggest
something as a logical consequence) physical violence as a solution to a
_____O_____(firmly established at a deep or profound level) systemic issue which
leaves women vulnerable, she also ______P_____(accepts behavior that is considered
morally wrong or offensive) the patriarchal idea of women being responsible for the action
of men around them.
In the film Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022), it might seem as though the eponymous
protagonist Jaya, or Jayabharati, had taken Rani’s advice to heart. For her, the only way out
of an _____Q_____(extremely offensive and insulting) marriage, is to learn how to fight
back. When Jaya lands that first kick, the husband is sent flying across the room, crashing
into a table which breaks on impact. The exaggeration in the scene immediately caused me
to _____R_____(suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it)
that this had to have taken place in Jaya’s head.

192
But the movie entirely subverts that expectation. The scene is not a figment of Jaya’s
imagination. It has really taken place. The table remains broken. The husband is left with an
ache in his lower abdomen. The dramatization of the scene reminds us that the directors are
not actually suggesting this as a remedy for those facing domestic abuse. It is
_____S____(the use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize
people's vices), much in the same club as Darlings (2022) not actually suggesting that one
has to drug and kidnap husbands.
She suggested that women who don’t fight back when they are _____M_____(subjected to
aggressive pressure or intimidation) are at fault, and that compulsory martial arts training
would be enough to fix the problem.
23. M
a. with their back to the wall
b. under the cosh
c. persecuted

and c
Because not only does she _____N____(suggest something as a logical consequence)

physical violence
24. N
a. imply
b. entail
c. inculpate

and c
as a solution to a _____O_____(firmly established at a deep or profound level) systemic

issue which leaves women vulnerable,

193
25. O
a. perfunctory
b. dyed-in-the-wool
c. entrenched

and c
she also ______P_____(deliberately ignores behavior that is considered morally

wrong or offensive) the patriarchal idea of women being responsible for the action of men
around them.
26. P
a. condones
b. makes allowances for
c. winks at

and c
For her, the only way out of a _____Q_____(extremely offensive and insulting) marriage,
is to learn how to fight back.
27. Q
a. disparaging
b. clement
c. vituperative

and c

194
The exaggeration in the scene immediately caused me to _____R_____(suppose that

something is true without having evidence to confirm it) that this had to have taken
place in Jaya’s head.
28. R
a. surmise
b. glean
c. discern

and c
It is _____S____(the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and

criticize people's vices), much in the same club as Darlings (2022) not actually suggesting
that one has to drug and kidnap husbands.
29. S
a. satire
b. derision
c. paradox

and c
30. In the film Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022), what do you think the directors wanted
us to derive from Jaya’s reactions in the scene where Jaya lands that first kick and
the husband is sent flying across the room, crashing into a table which breaks on
impact?
a. Jaya’s reactions are meant to highlight just how desperate and bleak the situation
appears to those who face domestic abuse.
b. Jaya’s reactions suggest plausible solutions to domestic abuse.
c. The director wants us to focus our attention on highlighting the very real apathy of
society towards women through that scene.

195

and c

answer.
31. The growing distrust between the government of Tamil Nadu and its governor found its
way from the Assembly to Twitter last week when #GetOutRavi trended. Representatives of
the DMK subsequently met the President of India to submit a memorandum on the issue as
well. For his part, Governor R N Ravi, first, stirred up sentiments by speaking about the
name of the state and then went on to omit portions of the Governor’s Address to the
legislative assembly. Given that the interference of governors in non-BJP states is at an
all-time high, it will not be long before like-minded regional parties
___________________________________
a. come together on a federal platform to review the role and scope of governors within
the constitutional scheme itself.
b. make sure that the constitutional scheme does not make available any powers to the
governor to act beyond the aid and advice of the council of ministers.
c. ensure that the governors enjoy sovereign immunity and as such, no time frame can
be imposed on their functioning.

and c
32. It is conventionally inconceivable and constitutionally impermissible for any governor to

suggest a name change for the state. As an unelected nominee of the Centre, the governor
__________________________.
a. is expected not to be involved with political controversies let alone ideologies

b. should display statesmanship, not one-upmanship
c. should wantonly indulge in extra-constitutional transgressions

196

and c
33. Although electoral laws let people register at their place of “ordinary residence”, most
face difficulties to get residence proof. Moreover, many migrant voters may not be as
intensively involved in the political affairs and interests in their host locations as they are in
their home locations. There is a clear trade-off. Not registering at the host location will
___________________________
a. lead to a lack of interest of political parties in providing facilities to them.

b. provide them with the option to choose the place for registration.
c. not make them miss voting in elections at least once because they were away from
home seeking livelihood options.
A. Only a B. Only a and c C. Only b D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
Direction(34-40): Given below is a passage with five blanks (M-S). A phrase written in
brackets is
given against each blank. Choose the right word from the options which can replace
the
phrase most appropriately. If none of the options are fit for replacement, according to
you, then select
Amidst the ______M______ (overwhelming distress) of loss and death, sudden miracles
keep hope alive in the search and rescue teams currently engaged in earthquake-hit Turkey.
One such miracle was the discovery of a six-year-old girl, alive, in Noordagi, Turkey, 80
hours after a series of earthquakes, beginning with a massive one on February 6 which
measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale, _____N____(ended the existence by damaging) the
region last week. For the India’s National Disaster Response Force team that was
_____O_____(brought into effective action) in the city as part of Operation Dost, the girl’s
successful rescue was the “crowning moment” of their efforts, made possible by Julie, a
six-year-old labrador.

197
Julie is one of the four dogs ______P______(going with someone as a companion to) the
151 NDRF personnel of Operation Dost in Turkey. It was her ______Q_____(sharp
explosive cry) that alerted the team to the presence of six-year-old Beren under the rubble.
Dogs like her are specially trained to _____R_____(recognize or detect by or as if by
smelling) live human presence under massive piles of rubble as well as find the dead.
NDRF’s dogs have been instrumental in several rescues around the country, when buildings
or other structures have ______S______(suddenly fallen down) and in fires, and were
also used in Nepal after it was hit by a massive earthquake in 2015. In Turkey, dog teams
from around the world have been flown in to help, including from Mexico, whose specialised
canine response team, used for operations in the central American earthquake-prone zone,
shot to international fame thanks to its work after the 2017 Puebla earthquake.
Amidst the ______M______ (overwhelming distress) of loss and death, sudden miracles
keep hope alive in the search and rescue teams currently engaged in earthquake-hit Turkey.
34.M
a. despondency
b. desolation
c. exhilaration

and c
One such miracle was the discovery of a six-year-old girl, alive, in Noordagi, Turkey, 80
hours after a series of earthquakes, beginning with a massive one on February 6 which
measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale, _____N____(ended the existence by damaging) the
region last week.
35. N
a. laid waste
b. astounded
c. wrecked

and c

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For the India’s National Disaster Response Force team that was _____O_____(brought
into effective action) in the city as part of Operation Dost, the girl’s successful rescue was
the “crowning moment” of their efforts, made possible by Julie, a six-year-old labrador.
36. O
a. deployed
b. brought into play
c. called on

and c
Julie is one of the four dogs ______P______(going with someone as a companion to) the
151 NDRF personnel of Operation Dost in Turkey.
37. P
a. making off
b. accompanying
c. chaperoning

and c
It was her ______Q_____(sharp explosive cry) that alerted the team to the presence of
six-year-old Beren under the rubble.
38. Q
a. woof
b. bark
c. howl
A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only b D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c

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Dogs like her are specially trained to _____R_____(recognize or detect by or as if by

smelling) live human presence under massive piles of rubble as well as find the dead.
39. R
a. nose out
b. scent out
c. come in for
A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only b D. All a, b and c E. None of a, b and c
NDRF’s dogs have been instrumental in several rescues around the country, when buildings
or other structures have ______S______(suddenly fallen down) and in fires, and were
also used in Nepal after it was hit by a massive earthquake in 2015.
40. S
a. subsided
b. slumped
c. hold up

and c
Answer
c - Incorrect.
chaperone - a person who accompanies and looks after another person or group of
people.)
2.(Answer - D. All a, b and c)

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a and c means - dirty.
scrubbed - clean.)
All these idioms mean - quarrels, fights or altercations.)
All the idioms mean - drunk or inebriated.)
kick back - to relax.
a and b mean - to panic or be scared.)
unlooked-for - unexpected; unforeseen.)
b and c mean - victim.
a - Incorrect. It means - attacker.)
9.(Answer - B. h g f b
d a e c h g f b)

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10. (Answer - A. Only a and b
whittle down - to gradually reduce the size of something.
a is absolutely right.
b - Correct.
c - Incorrect.
The phrase 'different scale of the destruction' is nonspecific.)
The entire tone of the author on India is very positive.

Hence, a and b are absolutely correct.
c - Incorrect. It's self-contradictory.)
All these are the ways a kid can be exposed to harmful content.)
13.(Answer - A. Only a
anonymity - the condition of being anonymous.
b - Incorrect. This doesn't make sense.
c - Incorrect. This does not make sense either.)
put down / set down - to write.
coinage / neology - a newly invented word or phrase.

202
bring forth - produce or give rise to something.

disquisition - a long or elaborate essay or discussion on a particular subject.)
not pass muster - not succeed.
show up / turn up / come out - appear to become visible.
get somewhere - to make progress.)
put across / put forward - to opine or hold and state as one's opinion.
stow away - to hide.
The film depicts kindness as a very positive thing.

Hence, both phrases in b and c are correct.)
dissolution / withering - erosion.
All phrasal verbs mean - to reside or live in.)
All phrasal verbs mean - to focus on.
for keeps - indefinitely.

cessation - closure.)
come up with / put up - provide.

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tribulation / affliction - hardship.
bob up - to move up and appear quickly.

It doesn't make sense here.)
20. (Answer - B. Only a
b and c - Incorrect. These are contradictory.)
According to the definition of monument, only a is correct.

c - Incorrect. It's irrelevant.)
c - Incorrect. Contrary to the tone.)
All mean - harassed or tormented.)
imply / entail - (of a fact or occurrence) suggest (something) as a logical consequence.

inculpate - accuse or blame.)
b and c - deep-rooted or deep-seated.

perfunctory - carried out without real interest, feeling, or effort.)
All mean - turn a blind eye to or take no notice of.)

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a and c - abusive.
clement - mild.)
surmise / glean - to suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it or
to guess.
discern - recognize or find out.)
paradox - a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when

investigated may prove to be well founded or true.)
30. (Answer - B. Only a and c
Refer to -
The dramatization of the scene reminds us that the directors are not actually suggesting
this as a remedy for those facing domestic abuse. It is satire, much in the same club as
Darlings (2022) not actually suggesting that one has to drug and kidnap husbands.
Hence, b is contradictory.)
c - Incorrect. It's purely contradictory as like-minded regional parties will not be in

support of the governors.)
one-upmanship - the technique or practice of gaining an advantage or feeling of superiority

over another person.
c - Incorrect.
wantonly - in an unprovoked way.
transgression - an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offence.
It’s contradictory to the said role of the governor.)

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33.(Answer - A. Only a
b - Incorrect. It's irrelevant.

c - Incorrect. It's irrelevant too.)
exhilaration - a feeling of excitement, happiness, or elation.)
astound - shock or greatly surprise.)
make off - leave hurriedly, especially in order to avoid duty or punishment.)
come in for - receive or be the object of a reaction, typically a negative one.)
40. (Answer - A. Only a and b
Both mean - to collapse.
hold up - support and prevent something from falling.)

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CHAPTER - 5 COLUMN BASED
Direction(1-3): In the following question, a table is given with two columns. In column
I, three sentences are given with one blank in each of them. In column II, three
phrases / phrasal verbs are given. You've to choose the correct pairs of the statement
and the phrase / phrasal verb that will fit in that particular sentence correctly and
make that sentence contextually correct.
1.
Column I
A. I ____________ my friend in the accounting department yesterday.

B. After his third offense, the judge ____________ the criminal, making parole all but an
impossibility.
C. You _____________ everything we propose, but you didn't contribute some
constructive suggestions for a change.
Column II
D. threw stones at
E. threw the book at
F. threw the bull around with
A. AE, BF and CD B. AD, BE and CF C. AF, BE and CD D. AE, BD and CF E.

None of the above options
2.
Column I
A. I was used to _________________ during most of college, since I could only get
part-time jobs that paid minimum wage.
B. It must be a shock for them having to count their pennies like this—they're used to
________________, after all.

207
C. I feel like I'm _________________ at this new company. They have security cameras
posted everywhere watching our every move.
Column II
D. living high off the hog

E. living in a fishbowl
F. living from hand to mouth
A. AE, BF and CD B. AD, BE and CF C. AF, BD and CE D. AE, BD and CF E.

3.
Column I
A. This ____________ is nothing to laugh about, brother. It could ruin our company's
reputation!
B. His one _____________ was when he won the state championships in wrestling
when he was a senior in high school—and he still talks about it any chance he gets.
C. He'll be fine. He's just got a bit of a ____________ because he was passed over for
the promotion.
Column II
D. bruised ego
E. brush with greatness
F. brush with the law


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4.
Column I
A. The best chess player in the world would __________ against a supercomputer.
B. Don't you dare ____________ about being at the library. I want to know exactly
where you were tonight.
C. She would really ____________ when she finds out he has gotten a tattoo.
Column II
D. pitch into him
E. pit his wits
F. pitch him a line

5.
Column I
A. It took a few weeks, but I think I've to finally __________ at my new job.
B. The man has a lot of influence in the community, so he always steps in whenever his
sons ____________.
C. They always __________ before board meetings, so it's going to be a long couple of
days.
Column II
D. get into a pickle
E. get into a tizzle
F. get into stride
A. AE, BF and CD B. AD, BE and CF C. AF, BE and CD D. AF, BD and CE E.


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6.
Column I
A. Connie is ___________ because she finished all of her chores early.
B. The crowd's cheering was ____________ when the band finally appeared on stage.
C. You will never find success if you continue to be ______________ with your
teammates.
Column II
D. at a loose end
E. at a fever pitch
F. at cross purposes
A. AE, BF and CD B. AD, BE and CF C. AF, BE and CD D. AF, BD and CE E.

7.
Column I
A. To the surprise of some, the product has ________________ since it was first
released.
B. Boy, this party has ________________. First, there was the issue with the caterer,
and now half the guests aren't coming.
C. Many people choose to wait until they are married to ________________ with
someone.
Column II
D. become one flesh
E. become sought after
F. become unglued


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8.
Column I
A. After our exams finished, we all decided to get dressed up and ______________.
B. I was about to _____________ after only the first mile of the race. I could barely even
walk for the rest of it!
C. We better _____________ before traffic gets even worse.
Column II
D. paint the town red
E. hit the wall
F. hit the trail

9.
Column I
A. I have to get up early for work tomorrow, so I think I'd better ____________.
B. All the soldiers were about to ____________ when the enemy plane flew overhead.
C. When the scandal ____________, all of our investors were liable to pull out of the
company.
Column II
D. hit the deck
E. hit the fan
F. hit the hay

New Pattern

211
Direction(10-13): In each of the following questions a SMALL PARAGRAPH is given

with some of its part missing and it's represented by a blank. Select the best option(s)
to make the PARAGRAPH complete and coherent. If no option fits in the blank,
choose (E) as your answer.
After completing the paragraph, you've to answer a comprehensive question that's

based on the paragraph.
10. Five-and-a-half years after she took office as the Prime Minister of New Zealand,
Jacinda Ardern has bucked the trend yet again by announcing
____________________________, not because of the dip in her popularity but because
months of deliberation has led her to the conclusion that she no longer has what it takes to
continue. As unexpected as her resolution is, it is in keeping with Ardern’s image as a prime
minister who walks the talk. In the masculinisation of political discourse, Ardern’s leadership
made possible on a global stage a realization of grace, efficiency and that other thing that
she hopes will be her legacy — “someone who always tried to be kind”.
a. her decision to step back from her role

b. her yearn for standing down from her role
c. her resolve to stick to her guns regarding her role
11. Which of the following facts about Jacinda Ardern can be validated according to
the nature of her character as expressed in the above paragraph?
a. As the world’s youngest female head of government at the time of her election in
2017, Ardern was pitched headlong into the culture of machismo of her global
counterparts, but she changed the narrative during her action-packed stint, carving a
niche for her tiny nation by the strength of her personality and “relentless positivity”.
b. She was a world leader and a mother who gave birth while in office and spoke at the
United Nations general assembly meeting with a three-month-old infant in tow.
c. At a time of heightened Islamophobia, she handled the 2019 Christchurch mass
shootings with sensitivity, respect, and most importantly, decisive action.

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A. Only a and b B. Only a and c C. Only b and c D. All a, b and E. None of a, b and
c
12. Mohammed Anikh, a 19-year-old student in Chennai, died by suicide recently. He was
barred from sitting for exams due to low attendance. His parents allege that
__________________________. Multiple students from renowned institutions like IIT
Madras and Amity University over the past years have died by suicide, allegedly due to the
same reason. This raises a critical question about the necessity and validity of these
requirements.
a. the distress of not being allowed to take his exams forced him to claim his own life
b. the anguish of not being entitled to appear for the exam compelled him to take his
own life
c. the torment of not being permitted to sit for his own exam put the screws on him to kill
himself
13. Which of the following statements can the author make, if he isn't happy with the
motivation of the suicides?
a. Attendance requirements give students an incentive to sit in class and not waste their
parents’ money.
b. Stern measures regarding low attendance force students to subscribe to a system
that is not concerned with their mental health and well-being.
c. The lack of an attendance policy does not necessarily affect the passing or failing of
students in their examinations.
New Pattern

213
Direction(14-16): Match the statements from Column 1 with Column 2 and find which
of the following pair of statements make contextually correct sense. Also, each part
of sentence in Column 1 or Column 2 contains a blank, which needs to be filled with
an appropriate word that makes the pair grammatically correct and meaningful.
Find the option with the correct pair(s) and which provides the correct word to be
filled in the blank(s).
14.
Column 1
A. For long, people with disabilities have either been _______ or seen as
B. They may make the user feel ________ while talking about disability, but that feeling
usually comes from
C. It is ________ in the medical model of disability — the assumption that people with
Column 2
D. disabilities have to be fixed to fit into society.
E. a negative attitude towards disability itself.
F. objects of pity.
A. AE, friendly
B. AF, patronized; BE, good and CD, rooted
C. BE, dejected and CD, penetrated
D. AD, neglected and CF, mentioned
15.
Column 1
A. Ensuring the well-being of the growing animal population has been _________ by a
host of complications, including
B. Carrying capacity is a complex concept in wildlife sciences. It accounts for the ability
of an ecosystem to ________ an animal’s need for food, water, and mates and allow
it to keep up its
C. The big cats are also territorial, and they like to keep to their range in shady riverine
habitats in the hot arid forests and years of _________ to humans means that the
lions in Gir do not display

214
Column 2
D. developmental policies and infrastructural projects.
E. idiosyncrasies — territoriality for example.
F. the reticence that the shy big cat theory presupposes.
A. AE, threatened and BF, fulfill

B. AD, hampered; BE, exasperate and CF, vulnerability
C. BF, carry out and CD, subjection
D. AD, bedeviled; and CF, exposure
16.
Column 1
A. Even in a large nation like India, over 70 per cent of people are vaccinated, which is a
rate similar to much smaller and wealthier European nations. How did this happen?
The India story is very clear: This was ________ through
B. The innovations were later scaled up globally by innovators collaborating with large
corporations, as was the case with Pfizer partnering with Biontech, or AstraZeneca
with Oxford. Thus, we successfully _________
C. In contemporary business literature, there is an active debate about ambidexterity,
albeit limited to the ________ of a single firm to simultaneously exploit what it is good
at and explore
Column 2
D. new opportunities, despite limited resources.
E. a combination of frantic innovation and rapid scaling-up.
F. ambidexterity during the pandemic.
A. AE, viable; BF, leveraged and CD, potential

B. AE, cockeyed and CD, capability
C. BD, acquired and CF, endowment
D. AF, attainable; BD, elucidated and CE, capacity

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New Pattern
Direction(17-18): In the question given below, three sentences are given with one
phrase bold in each. From the options given choose the one with the phrase that can
replace the bold part in each of the three sentences without making the sentence
grammatically and contextually incorrect and mark that as your answer.
17.
I. I quickly travelled to the post office to mail the letter.
II. Everyone quickly wrote down what the professor said as quickly as they could.
III. I hastily ate some breakfast and ran out the door to the office.
A. dashed down
B. dashed across
C. darted across
D. Both A and C
18.
I. They've been prospering in life ever since David won the lottery.
II. Looks like we're eating good food tonight. What's the occasion?
III. It must be a shock for them having to count their pennies like this—they're used to
living very well, after all.
A. living high off the hog

B. eating high off the hog
C. living hand to mouth
D. Both A and B
Direction(19-22): In the following question, a table is given with two columns. In

column I, three sentences are given with one blank in each of them. In column II, three

216
19.
Column I
A. We'd been great friends for nearly 10 years, but our friendship has ___________
lately.
B. My parents are going to _____________ if they find out we had a party here!
C. You shouldn't _____________ anymore, if you don't want to degrade your health any
further. Please start taking care of your kids!
Column II
D. hit the sauce
E. hit the rocks
F. hit the roof

20.
Column I
A. The news that I got a meager raise is ____________ after not getting that big
promotion.
B. A ___________ has been circulating in the area lately, claiming to be from the local
university.
C. The manager decided not to hire Bill as the store greeter because he came across
like a ____________ during the interview.
Column II
D. cold fish
E. cold check
F. cold comfort


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21.
Column I
A. The helmsman began shouting for the crew to ____________ to gain a burst of
speed from the increasing wind.
B. How does my lateness ___________ you? You weren't here on time either!
C. If you didn't do anything wrong, then the investigation will ___________ your
innocence.
Column II
D. bear upon
E. bear out
F. bear away
A. AE, BF and CD B. AF, BD and CE C. AF, BE and CD D. AE, BD and CF E.

22.
Column I
A. My nerves just _____________ as soon as I stepped on the stage and started to
sing.
B. By the time the ceremony was over, the elaborate ice sculpture had ___________
into a large puddle.
C. Analysts feel that the sub-prime property market ____________ again because
regulations were reversed
Column II
D. melted down
E. melted away
F. melted up
A. AE, BF and CD B. AF, BD and CE C. AF, BE and CD D. AE, BD and CF E.

Answer

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1.(Answer - C. AF, BE and CD
throw the bull around - To chat (with someone) in a relaxed, casual, and idle manner.
throw the book at - To apply all possible criminal charges to a lawbreaker; to impose the
maximum possible punishment or jail sentence against a convicted criminal.
throw stones at - To hurl insults or criticisms (at someone or something).
2.(Answer - C. AF, BD and CE
live from hand to mouth - To be extremely poor, having only enough money to provide
food and shelter each month.
live high off the hog - To prosper or otherwise live very well. It refers to the rich being able
to afford the choicest cut of meat, which, from a pig, is higher up on the animal.
live in a fishbowl - To live one's life in a place, situation, or environment in which they have
little or no privacy.)
brush with the law - A brief encounter with law enforcement or the legal system in general,
especially one that has the potential to have very serious or harmful ramifications.
brush with greatness - A brief or fleeting experience of intense success, renown, glory, etc.
bruised ego - A mildly wounded sense of pride or self-esteem.)
4.(Answer - A. AE, BF and CD
pit (one's) wits against (someone or something) - To engage in a contest of intelligence

with someone or something.
pitch (one) a line - To tell a lie or only part of the truth in order to convince one of something
or to avoid the consequences of something.
pitch into one - To verbally or physically attack or assault one.)

219
5.(Answer - D. AF, BD and CE
get into stride - To become comfortable with something.
get into a pickle - To become involved in a difficult, problematic, or troublesome situation.
get into a tizzle - To become nervous, confused, agitated, or overly excited.)
6.(Answer - B. AD, BE and CF
be at a loose end - To have nothing to do, often resulting in boredom.
be at a fever pitch - To be in a state of great excitement, fervor, or agitation.
be at cross purpose - To be in conflict with or in opposition to someone or something.
become sought after - To become very popular with or in high demand by a lot of people.
become unglued - To become extremely upset or emotional.
become one flesh - To join together with another person in marriage.)
8.(Answer - B. AD, BE and CF
paint the town red - To go out into a city or town and have an enjoyable time, typically by
visiting various establishments, such as bars, restaurants, clubs, etc.
hit the wall - To become completely exhausted, fatigued, or worn out.
hit the trail - To leave.)
9.(Answer - C. AF, BD and CE

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hit the hay - To get into bed and go to sleep.

hit the deck - To drop to the ground, usually in an attempt to avoid danger.
hit the fan - To become more of a problem or more widespread or publicized.)
Refer to - months of deliberation has led her to the conclusion that she no longer has what it
takes to continue.
That means, she quit her role.
Hence, c is eliminated.
b - Incorrect.
Because quitting her role wasn't her wish, it was her decision.
Refer to - As unexpected as her resolution is, it is in keeping with Ardern’s image as a prime
minister who walks the talk.
resolution - decision or resolve.
yearn - wish.
stick to one's guns - refuse to compromise or change, despite criticism.)
Refer to - As unexpected as her resolution is, it is in keeping with Ardern’s image as a prime
minister who walks the talk. In the masculinisation of political discourse, Ardern’s
leadership made possible on a global stage a realization of grace, efficiency and that
other thing that she hopes will be her legacy — “someone who always tried to be
kind”.
walk the talk - To perform actions consistent with one's claims.

All three facts about her can be validated.)
c - Incorrect.
put the screws on - exert strong psychological pressure on (someone) so as to intimidate
them into doing something.
This isn't appropriate here.)

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13.(Answer - C. Only b
a - Incorrect. It's purely contradictory.
c - Incorrect. It's out of context.)
14.(Answer - B. AF, patronized; BE, good and CD, rooted
patronized - treated in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of
superiority.
rooted - established deeply and firmly.
dejected - sad and depressed; dispirited.)
15.(Answer - D. AD, bedeviled; and CF, exposure
The correct pairs are -
AD, BE and CF.
exasperate - irritate and frustrate (someone) intensely.

That's why option B is incorrect.
bedeviled - caused great and continual trouble to.
subjection - the action of subjecting a country or person to one's control, or the fact of being
subjected.)
16.(Answer - A. AE, viable; BF, leveraged and CD, potential
The correct pairs are - AE, BF and CD
viable / attainable - possible.

leverage - use (something) to maximum advantage.

222
cockeyed - absurd.
endowment - natural talent.
elucidate - make (something) clear; explain.
These three words are inappropriate.)
17.(Answer - A. dashed down
dash down has three meanings as used in the above statements.
dash across / dart across - to move quickly across an area.)
18.(Answer - D. Both A and B
live hand to mouth - To be extremely poor, having only enough money to provide food and
shelter each month.)
hit the rocks - To encounter an especially difficult, troubled, or low point, as in a relationship
or some pursuit.
hit the roof - To become extremely angry or upset.
hit the sauce - To drink alcohol, especially frequently or excessively.)
cold comfort - Something that has failed as an intended source of solace.
cold check - A written order to a bank for a certain amount of funds that has been
dishonored, either because such funds are not available or because the given checking
account does not exist.
cold fish - Someone who shows no emotion and comes across as unfriendly or
disinterested.)

223
21.(Answer - B. AF, BD and CE
bear away - To steer the boat away from the direction of the wind.
bear upon - To impact or affect something or someone.
bear out - To support or prove a claim or idea.)
22.(Answer - D. AE, BD and CF
melt away - To lessen and disappear.
melt down - To melt from a solid to a liquid state.
melt up - Of a financial market, to experience a sudden and dramatic increase in

performance as a result of an unexpected influx of investments, especially to a risky or
unstable degree.)

224
CHAPTER - 6 WORD REARRANGEMNT
Directions (1-11): In the following questions, four words have been highlighted. These
words may or may not be at their correct position. Following each question four
possible arrangements are provided. Choose the arrangement that will make the
given sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct as your answer.
Q1. Before we celebrate (A) this oncoming (B) new normal, it is important to recognise(C)
what it puts at stake (D)
(a) BDCA
(b) CDAB
(c) DBCA
(d) BACD
(e) No interchange required
Q2. Our focus on urban isolation (A) urges a/an privileged (B) of post-pandemic cities that
resists retiring into a closeted agglomeration (C) that only the imagination (D) can afford.
(a) CDAB
(b) DCAB
(c) ADCB
(d) BCDA
Q3. The consignment (A) of contraband (B) gold from a diplomatic embarrassment (C) in
Thiruvananthapuram has come as a major seizure (D) for the Kerala government.
(a) DCAB
(b) CADB
(c) BDCA
(d) DBAC

225
Q4. Post-pandemic privileged (A) must resist habitations (B) into a retreating (C) isolation
that only the closeted (D) can afford
(a) CADB
(b) BADC
(c) DABC
(d) BCDA
Q5. Social distancing has been readily embraced (A) by India’s caste society (B), which
was always uncomfortable (C) with the mingling fostered (D) by cities.
(a) BDCA
(b) CDAB
(c) DBCA
(d) BACD
Q6. The most pronounced hitherto (A) of India’s lockdown is the explosion into public
legacy (B) of lakhs of inter-State migrant workers, visibility (C) hidden inside the urban
machinery (D).
(a) DCAB
(b) BCAD
(c) DABC
(d) CDAB
Q7. While it is routine in epidemiology to estimate (A) antibody tests to deploy (B) the
prevalence (C) of a disease, the sheer speed of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the global
nature of the disease have complicated (D) the matter.
(a) BDCA

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(b) CDAB
(c) DBCA
(d) BACD
Q8. Unprecedented (A) public health crises decisions (B) for situation-specific call (C)
from pharmaceutical companies and profit (D) maximisation should take a back seat.
(a) BDCA
(b) ACBD
(c) DBCA
(d) ADBC
Q9. Kerala’s comorbidities (A) to the pandemic is compounded (B) by its ageing but
active population, a high degree of vulnerability (C) in its people, and population density
(D).
(a) DCAB
(b) BCAD
(c) ACBD
(d) CBAD
Q10. A study by Tufts Centre estimated (A) that seven out of eight drugs that enter the
clinical pipeline (B) fail indicating (C) the low translatability (D) of the current paradigm.
(a) BDCA
(b) CDAB
(c) DBCA
(d) BACD
Q11. To usher (A) in a change (B) in a sensitisation(C) mindset, which mirrors society, a
lot more must be done on gender regressive (D)
(a) DBAC
(b) BADC

227
(c) ABDC
(d) BCDA
DIRECTIONS (12-15): In the sentences given below, four words have been highlighted
and placed in a sentence. Identify the correct sequence of the words in the sentence.
Also, one of the given words might need a change. Identify the correct sequence and
the correct replacement (if needed) and mark that option as your answer.
Q12. The concerns (A) in sections of the media built around these functioning (B) is that
the Congress mishandled the crisis and the discord (C) of these leaders regarding the
party’s rebellions (D)
(a) CADB; D- retrospection
(b) No rearrangement required
(c) DABC; A- dilemma
(d) CDAB; C- narrative
(e) BACD; B – insurgence
Q13. The speculation (A) of India’s strategic independence and assertion (B) to joining
any alliance comes as a timely reminder amid clinch(C) that tensions with China will push
India into a stronger resistance (D) with Washington.
(a) BADC; A- assessment

(b) CDBA; B- disinclination
(c) No rearrangement required
(d) DCBA; D-reliance
(e) BDAC; all words are correct

228
Q14. The U.S.’s consulate (A) to close China’s relevance (B) in Houston is a/an
deteriorating (C) escalation in the steadily unprecedented (D) ties between the world’s two
largest economies.
(a) DCAB; D- paramount

(b) BADC; B- decision
(c) BADC; C- speculative
(d) No rearrangement required
(e) ADBC; all words are correct
Q15. Regardless (A) of the final outcome, an obvious conclusion(B) to draw from this
crisis(C) would be that the Congress party has to put its house in order to stop further
desertions(D) and breakup.
(a) BADC; A- Unmindful

(b) CDBA; B- introspection
(c) No rearrangement required
(d) DCBA; C- chaos
(e) DBAC; all words are correct
Answer
1.S1. Ans.(e)
Sol. For the given highlighted words, all of them are at their correct positions. Hence, option
(e) is the most suitable answer choice.
2.S2. Ans.(a)
Sol. Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be CDAB. Hence,
option (a) is the most suitable answer choice.
agglomeration: a mass or collection of things; an assemblage.
The sentence with the correct position of words:
Our focus on urban agglomeration urges a/an imagination of post-pandemic cities that
resists retiring into a closeted isolation that only the privileged can afford.

229
3.S3. Ans.(d)
Sol. Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be DBAC. Hence,
option (d) is the most suitable answer choice.
Consignment: a batch of goods destined for or delivered to someone.
Contraband: goods that have been imported or exported illegally.
Seizure: the action of taking something by force or with legal authority
The seizure of contraband gold from a diplomatic consignment in Thiruvananthapuram
has come as a major embarrassment for the Kerala government.
4.S4. Ans.(d)
Sol. Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be BCDA. Hence,
Post-pandemic habitations must resist retreating into a closeted isolation that only the
privileged can afford
5.S5. Ans.(e)
6.S6. Ans.(b)
Sol. Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be BCAD. Hence,
option (b) is the most suitable answer choice.
Hitherto: until now or until the point in time under discussion.
The most pronounced legacy of India’s lockdown is the explosion into public visibility of
lakhs of inter-State migrant workers, hitherto hidden inside the urban machinery.
7.S7. Ans.(d)
Sol. Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be BACD. Hence,


230
While it is routine in epidemiology to deploy antibody tests to estimate the prevalence of a

disease, the sheer speed of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the global nature of the disease
have complicated the matter.
8.S8. Ans.(b)
Sol. Call for (phrasal verb) means make necessary. Therefore, replace “decisions” with
“call”.
Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be ACBD. Hence, option
(b) is the most suitable answer choice.

Unprecedented public health crises call for situation-specific decisions from
pharmaceutical companies and profit maximisation should take a back seat.
9.S9. Ans.(d)
Sol. Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be CBAD. Hence,
Kerala’s vulnerability to the pandemic is compounded by its ageing but active population,
a high degree of comorbidities in its people, and population density.
10.S10. Ans.(e)
11.S11. Ans.(c)
Sol. Among the given set of highlighted, the correct rearrangement will be ABDC. Hence,
option (c) is the most suitable answer choice.
Usher: cause or mark the start of something new.
Sensitisation: the quality or condition of responding to certain stimuli in a sensitive manner.
To usher in a change in a regressive mindset, which mirrors society, a lot more must be
done on gender sensitisation.
12.S1. Ans.(d)

231
Sol. Among the given highlighted words, the correct arrangement of words will be CDAB.
Discord: disagreement between people.
Rebellions: an act of armed resistance to an established government or leader.
The narrative in sections of the media built around these rebellions is that the Congress
mishandled the crisis and the concerns of these leaders regarding the party’s functioning.
13.S2. Ans.(e)
Sol. Among the given highlighted words, the correct arrangement of words will be BDAC. All
the given words are correct and needs no replacement.
The assertion of India’s strategic independence and resistance to joining any alliance
comes as a timely reminder amid speculation that tensions with China will push India into a
stronger clinch with Washington.
14.S3. Ans.(b)
Sol. Among the given highlighted words, the correct arrangement of words will be BADC.
The use of “relevance” is incorrect grammatically and must be replaced with “decision”.
Consulate : the building in which a consul's duties are carried out.
Unprecedented: never done or known before.
The U.S.’s decision to close China’s consulate in Houston is an unprecedented escalation

in the steadily deteriorating ties between the world’s two largest economies.
15.S4. Ans. (c)

Sol. All the highlighted words are at their correct positions. Also, they do not require any
improvement. Hence, option (c) is the most suitable answer choice.

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CHAPTER - 7 SENTENCE REARRANGEMENT
Directions (1-5). Given below are six sentences which are divided into several parts. Answer
the following questions based on these given statements.
A. To crack down on them, (1) And is planning to deploy troops along the border. (2)
Pyongyang has severed hotlines, demolished the liaison office, (3) Angered by the South’s
refusal (4)
B. North Korea has conducted (1) Missile tests this year, (2) Sending warning signals to (3)
Seoul and Washington. (4)
C. The U.S. and South Korea (1) Could have responded to (2) these measures and (3) kept
the talks on track.(4)
D. North Korea is back to what it is best at (1) Border with South Korea and threatening to
deploy troops along the demilitarised zone,(2)— Aggressive posturing with the threat of war
(3) By blowing up a joint liaison office on the (4)
E. To achieve progress (1) After a deadline the North dictated to the U.S. (2) Troubles began
in the peninsula early this year (3) In the denuclearisation talks expired on December 31.(4)
F. By anti-North defector groups (1) Via balloons across the border (2) The latest crisis was
triggered (3) That sent out propaganda leaflets (4)
Q1. Which of the following is the correct sequence of the rearrangement of the sentence
(D)?
(a) 1234
(b) 4213
(c) 2143
(d) 3412
(e) None of these.

233
(E)?
(a) 4123
(b) 2143
(c) 4231
(d) 3214
(e) None of these
(F)?
(a) 3142
(b) 2341
(c) 4213
(d) 4312
(e) None of these.
(A)?
(a) 2341
(b) 3241
(c) 4132
(d) 3412
(e) None of these.
Q5. Rearrange the given six sentences in the proper sequence to form a meaningful
paragraph and

234
Also choose the one which doesn’t match the theme of the passage so formed.
(a) DEBFA: C
(b) EBFDA: C
(c) FCDBA: E
(d) ECDBA: F
(e) None of these
Directions (6-10). Given below are five sentences which are divided into several parts.
Answer the following questions based on these given statements.
A. Without a full restoration (1) At this point might (2) Of the status quo ante, talks with
Beijing (3) Not mean more than empty words.(4)
B. That no shots were fired, (1) With severe injuries and deaths incurred despite the fact (2)
The brutality of the clashes, (3) Is all also unheard of thus far. (4)
C. With the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers, (1) And reports of Chinese soldier
casualties in clashes at the Galwan valley in Ladakh, (2) India and China have entered
uncharted territory (3) on the Line of Actual Control.(4)
D. The deaths occurred when the two armies (1) The month-long stand-off, (2) Had agreed
to “disengage” and “de-escalate” (3) Which makes the clashes particularly shocking.(4)
E. Unless it is forced to.(1) China has now claimed sovereignty (2) From this crucial and
hitherto non-contentious area, (3) Over the entire Galwan Valley, indicating that it is unlikely
to pull back (4)
(C)?
(a) 1234
(b) 4123
(c) 4231
(d) 3421

235
(e) None of these.
(B)?
(a) 4123
(b) 2143
(c) 4231
(d) 3214
(e) None of these
(E)?
(a) 1324
(b) 2431
(c) 4213
(d) 4312
(e) None of these.
(D)?
(a) 2341
(b) 3241
(c) 1324
(d) 3412
(e) None of these.

236
Q10. Rearrange the given five sentences in the proper sequence to form a meaningful
paragraph and also choose the one which doesn’t match the theme of the passage so
formed.
(a) BDAE : C
(b) DCBA ; E
(c) EDCB ; A
(d) CBDE ;A
(e) None of these
Directions (11-15): Rearrange the following six sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F)
in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the
questions given below
A. If the head count of senior staff from UN regular and peacekeeping budgets is taken
together, that percentage falls dramatically,
B. Unlike many other countries whose personnel occupy more than half of the percentage of
their financial contribution.
C. Chinese nationals are not exactly overrepresented in terms of staff positions,
D. Despite contributing nearly 10% of the UN’s budget,
E. Although China contributes 14% of the peacekeeping budget.
F. Take the Chinese language interpreters out and there is a further decline.
Q11. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) F
Q12. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) C

237
(c) D
(d) E
(e) F
Q13. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) E
(d) F
(e) B
Q14. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) E
(c) F
(d) A
(e) B
Q15. Which of the following should be the LAST (SIXTH) sentence after rearrangement?
(a) E
(b) F
(c) A
(d) B
(e) C
Directions (16-20): Rearrange the following five sentences (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) in
the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions
given below.
A. It fixed a high price for rice some years ago when there was a shortage of the cereal and
thanks to the new seeds, there is now an embarrassing surplus.

238
B. The leading Opposition parties have come out with strong criticisms of the Government’s
failure to meet the demands of the farmers.
C. The Rice Price Council, which represents consumers, producers and a neutral element
has tried to dodge this awkward problem by voting in favour of the Government’s policy of
not altering the current price which is more than twice the world price.
D. But Japan's farmers are demanding a still higher price on the ground that the cost of their
inputs has gone up.
E. The Green Revolution has created a serious problem for the Japanese Government.
Q16. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
Q17. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) C
(c) D
(d) E
(e) A
Q18. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D

239
(c) E
(d) B
(e) A
Q19. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) E
(c) C
(d) A
(e) B
Q20. Which of the following should be the LAST sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) E
(c) A
(d) B
(e) C
Answer
1.S1. Ans.(b)
Sol. 4213 is the correct sequence of the various parts of the given sentence as it is making a
contextually and grammatically correct sentence.
The correct sequence of the given sentences after the rearrangement is DEBFA.
D: is the 1st statement because on this premise (the act of war by North Korea) the whole
paragraph is based

240
E: The statements after D are giving us the events which lead to this scenario. E describes
one such event from where the trouble started brewing.
B : this statement talks about the event after the deadline for achieving the target of
denuclearization expired on 31st.
F: After the events of the past (E-B), the event which triggered the crisis to a great extent is
being described here in F.
A: The final statement A then describes the current event that was caused due to the
buildup of the various events that happened in the past few months.
2.S2. Ans.(d)
paragraph is based
3.S3. Ans.(a)
paragraph is based

241
4.S4. Ans.(c)
paragraph is based
5.S5. Ans.(a)
Sol.
C is the sentence that is not conforming to the theme of the passage. As it presents a
different narrative to the one which is being discussed by the other statements. In C, a
chance to respond to the ‘measures’ is described. We as readers are unaware of the
measures that the author is talking about.

242
paragraph is based
6.S6. Ans.(a)
Sol.
1234 is the correct sequence of the various parts of the given sentence as it is making a
The correct sequence of the given sentences after the rearrangement is CBDE. C is the 1st
statement as it is introducing the topic of discussion which is the distress at the LAC. B then
continues the narrative by describing the brutality of the clashes at the LAC. D describes the
events that lead to the brutal clashes while E then concludes the paragraph by insinuating
that the clashes are seemed to be not over yet.
7.S7. Ans.(d)
Sol.
8.S8. Ans.(b)
Sol.

243
9.S9. Ans.(c)
Sol.
10.S10. Ans.(d)
Sol.
A is the sentence that is not conforming to the theme of the passage as it is giving the
solution in which the words by some unknown person is being talked about which makes the
paragraph incoherent.
11.S1. Ans.(d)
Sol. D is the first sentence after the rearrangement.
The correct sequence of the given statements after the rearrangement is DCBFAE. The
combination D-C comes 1st in the rearrangement because it is the base of the argument
which is the underrepresentation of the Chinese national despite the contribution of China. B
is the 3rd sentence because it is comparing the occupancy with the other countries which
further solidifies the argument. The combination F-A is the next in the sequence as it is
further describing the aspect which makes the situation even worse even though the

244
contribution in the given department is higher in comparison to its contribution in the UN’s
budget.
12.S2. Ans.(b)
Sol. C is the second sentence after the rearrangement.
budget.
13.S3. Ans.(e)
Sol. B is the third sentence after the rearrangement.
budget.
14.S4. Ans.(c)
Sol. F is the fourth sentence after the rearrangement.
budget.
15.S5. Ans.(a)

245
Sol. E is the last sentence after the rearrangement.

budget.
16.S6. Ans.(e)
Sol. E is the first sentence after the rearrangement.
The correct sequence of the given statements after the rearrangement is EADCB. E gives
the reason for the Crisis of Rice in Japan which is the Green revolution. This sentence will
then carry the discussion forward and hence is the 1st statement. A-D further explains how
exactly the green revolution caused this problem. C then states the step that was taken by
the government for solving the issue. B indicates that the opposition parties are supporting
the cause and lending its voice to the poor, concluding the paragraph.
17.S7. Ans.(e)
Sol. A is the second sentence after the rearrangement.
18.S8. Ans.(b)
Sol. D is the third sentence after the rearrangement.

246
19.S9. Ans.(c)
Sol. C is the fourth sentence after the rearrangement.
20.S10. Ans.(d)
Sol. B is the last sentence after the rearrangement.

247
CHAPTER - 8 VOCABULARY QUESTIONS
Direction : In these questions, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which best
expresses the meaning of the word given in bold.
1. OBNOXIOUS
a) Depressing b) Disgusting
c) Arrogant d) Filthy
2. COVENANT
a) Case b) Coupon
c) Contract d) Settlement
3. DEFERENCE
a) Indifference b) Sympathy
c) Respect d) Flattery
4. ABROGATE
a) Repeal b) Destroy
c) Delay d) dismiss
5. INTREPID
a) Ambitious b) Determined
c) Talkative d) Fearless
6. GRANDEUR
a) Magnificence b) Admiration
c) Happiness d) Awe
7. INCEPTION
a) Initiative b) Beginning
c) Initial d) Origin
8. COLOSSAL
a) Famous b) Vigorous
c) Energetic d) Enormous
9. PARADOX

248
a) Paradise b) Question
c) Puzzle d) Challenge
10. PROLIFERATE
a) Progression b) Prohibit
c) Stipulate d) Reproduce
11. CENSURE
a) Criticize b) Appreciate
c) Blame d) Abuse
12. DILIGENT
a) Industrious b) Indifferent
c) Intelligent d) energetic
13. CONTEMPLATION
a) Consideration b) Meditation
c) Deliberation d) Speculation
14. ADULATION
a) Duration b) Argument
c) Flattery d) Institution
15. QUIVER
a) Quarrel b) Quicken
c) Waver d) Tremble
16. BEAUTIFUL
a) Handsome b) Alluring
c) Appealing d) attractive
17. MOMENTOUS
a) Important b) Temporary
c) Fleeting d) Monumental
18. INFATUATION
a) Emotion b) Passion
c) Imagination d) compassion
19. CONSIGNEE
a) Delegate b) Representative
c) Nominee d) Messenger
20. TRAMP

249
a) Wanderer b) Cheat
c) Traveler d) Pilgrim
21. IRREVERENCE
a) Disrespect b) Cruelty
c) Unkindness d) Invalidity
22. AMICABLE
a) Poisonous b) Friendly
c) Satisfying d) Heartening
23. PRUDENT
a) Skilled b) Experienced
c) Cautious d) Criminal
24. PANACEA
a) Flatter b) Praise
c) Inactivity d) Cure-all
25. BENEVOLENCE
a) Ill-will b) Morbidity
c) Kindness d) Vision
26. VINDICATE
a) Open b) Ventilate
c) Justify d) recommend
27. OCCULT
a) Religious b) Unnatural
c) Supernatural d) Strong
28. MENACE
a) Request b) Prayer
c) Threat d) Curse
29. DELINEATE
a) Expand b) Portray
c) Explain d) Argue
30. ABROGATE
a) Elope b) Gate-crash
c) Abolish d) Destroy

250
31. SUCCESSIVE
a) Rapid b) Victorious
c) Beneficent d) Consecutive
32. RAVAGE
a) Destroy b) Break
c) Demolish d) Abolish
33. SUPERSTITIOUS
a) Pious b) Traditional
c) Irrational d) Sacred
34. MENTOR
a) Guide b) Genius
c) Stylist d) Philosopher
35. GARNISH
a) Paint b) Adorn
c) Garner d) Banish
36. INFRUCTUOUS
a) Meaningless b) Unnecessary
c) Redundant d) fruitless
37. FIDELITY
a) Affection b) Allegiance
c) Accuracy d) Loyalty
38. GRUFE
a) Hard b) Rough
c) Tough d) Sturdy
39. DOLEFUL
a) Mournful b) Sober
c) Regretful d) Cheerless
40. FATAL
a) Terrible b) Deadly
c) Poisonous d) Wrong
41. ELUDE
a) Allure b) Leave

251
c) Deceive d) Escape
42. PREMONITION
a) Insight b) Uncertainty
c) Forewarning d) Scope
43. DEROGATORY
a) Injurious b) Shattering
c) Destructive d) Disparaging
44. NOMADIC
a) Fighting b) Rare
c) Strange d) Wandering
45. RESTIVE
a) Rested b) Restless
c) Limited d) Limitless
46. ERRONEOUSLY
a) Previously b) Effectively
c) Wrongly d) Evidently
47. ESTRANGED
a) Jealous b) Angry
c) Separated d) Suspicious
48. CAPITULATE
a) Repeat b) Execute
c) Summarize d) Surrender
49. PROPITIATE
a) Conform b) Appease
c) Influence d) Approach
50. CEREMONIAL
a) Religious b) Formal
c) Official d) Pompous
51. OBSESSION
a) Pre – occupation b) Suspicion
c) Frustration d) Dejection
52. DILATE

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a) Spin b) Weaken
c) Widen d) Push
53. DUPLICATION
a) Breed b) Reproduction
c) Print d) Copying
54. PRIORITY
a) Urgency b) Protocol
c) Precedence d) Necessity
55. FLUTTER
a) Soar b) Agitate
c) Change d) Float
56. COMMAND
a) Lead b) Instruct
c) Manage d) Supervise
57. GNOME
a) Giant b) Dwarf
c) Native d) Alien
58. ABLUTION
a) Censure b) Forgiveness
c) Absolution d) Washing
59. SURMOUNT
a) Discount b) Surround
c) Overcome d) Capture
60. TORPID
a) Insipid b) Stupid
c) Sensitive d) Inactive
61. SELECTION
a) Denial b) Preference
c) Refusal d) Display
62. OSTENTATION
a) Pomp b) Pretence
c) Abundace d) Plenty

253
63. CONVICT
a) Adventure b) Fugitive
c) Criminal d) Imposter
64. ITINERANT
a) Frequent use of the word ‘it’ b) Anything involving repetition
c) Plane for a proposed journey d) Travelling from place to place
65. TRANSPARENT
a) Verbose b) Involved
c) Witty d) Lucid
66. ENLIVEN
a) Dampen b) Cheer
c) Depress d) Subdue
67. HAUGHTY
a) Humble b) Subservient
c) Meek d) Conceited
68. DEMENTED
a) Reasonable b) Sensible
c) Idiotic d) Lucid
69. ILL- BRED
a) Uncouth b) Well-bred
c) Courteous d) Mannerly
70. KNACK
a) Dexterity b) Awkwardness
c) Clumsiness d) Disability
71. LACONIC
a) Loquacious b) Concise
c) Rambling d) Verbose
72. KNAWISH
a) Honourable b) Noble
c) Trustworthy d) Unscrupulous
73. ASSERTIVE

254
a) Unassertive b) Timorous
c) Domineering d) Unobtrusive
74. CAPRICIOUS
a) Whimsical b) Unmovable
c) Decisive d) Stable
75. DEXTERITY
a) Incompetence b) Gaucheness
c) Adroitness d) Ineptitude
76. OBSTINATE
a) Stubborn b) Pretty
c) Silly d) Clever
77. ALERT
a) Hostile b) Watchful
c) Brave d) Quick
78. ACCEDE
a) Consent b) Access
c) Assess d) Proceed
79. SUPERANNUATED
a) Experienced b) Accepted
c) Retired d) Senile
80. AUDACITY
a) Strength b) Boldness
c) Asperity d) Fear
81. DECREPITUDE
a) Disease b) Coolness
c) Crowd d) Feebleness
82. TRANSITION
a) Position b) Translation
c) Change d) Movement
83. ACCUSED
a) Indicated b) Indicted
c) Induced d) Instigated
84. BECKONED

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a) Accused b) Called
c) Sent d) Acquitted
85. GENUINE
a) Generous b) Healthy
c) Natural d) Original
86. SOMBRE
a) Gloomy b) Quiet
c) Serious d) Sleepy
87. REGRESS
a) Deteriorate b) Degenerate
c) Backslide d) Lapse
88. TOXIC
a) Bitter b) Foul – smelling
c) Remedia d) Poisonous
89. YARDSTICK
a) Summation b) Size
c) Statistics d) Standard
90. LITTLE
a) Trivial b) Petty
c) Sample d) Simple
91. AVARICE
a) Generosity b) Envy
c) Greed d) Hatred
92. AUGUST
a) Majestic b) Important
c) Difficult d) Huge
93. DECIMATED
a) Denounced b) Destroyed
c) Successful d) Depressed
94. HURDLE
a) Obstacle b) Ban
c) Hedge d) Relay

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95. RARE
a) Common b) Usual
c) Scarce d) Few
96. APPOSITE
a) Contrary b) Bitter
c) Appropriate d) Misleading
97. SCORN
a) Ridicule b) Laugh
c) Condemn d) Criticize
98. IMPIOUS
a) Holy b) Mischievous
c) Shrewd d) Irreverent
99. FREELANCE
a) Self-betrayed b) Self-centred
c) Self-employed d) Self- driven
100. SLITHER
a) Slide b) Move
c) Shake d) Slip
101. ACCOUTREMENTS
a) Relatives b) Companions
c) Calculation d) Equipment
102. VERACITY
a) Freedom b) Truth
c) Wisdom d) Loyalty
103. INCESSANTLY
a) Continuously b) Inevitably
c) Regularly d) Indiscreetly
104. HERALDED
a) Clapped b) Proclaimed
c) Protested d) rewarded
105. DETRIMENTAL
a) Deplorable b) Fundamental
c) Harmful d) Disgraceful

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106. COLOSSAL
a) Gigantic b) Colourful
c) Beautiful d) Fantastic
107. STUBBORN
a) Timid b) Arrogant
c) Adamant d) Angry
108. INVARIABLE
a) Usual b) Universal
c) Constant d) Similar
109. INDICTMENT
a) Revelation b) Acquittal
c) Refusal d) Accusation
110. DULCET
a) Sweet b) Dull
c) Hard d) Sour
111. DUBIOUS
a) Doubtful b) Disputable
c) Duplicate d) Dangerous
112. FLABBERGASTED
a) Scared b) Embarrassed
c) Dumbfounded d) Humiliated
113. ETERNAL
a) Innumerable b) Unmeasurable
c) Prolonged d) Perpetual
114. GENUINE
a) Authentic b) Legitimate
c) Reliable d) Pure
115. OBSCENE
a) Indecent b) Incorrigible
c) Ridiculous d) Intolerable

258
ANSWER
01 (2) 02 (3) 03 (3) 04 (1) 05 (4)

06 (1) 07 (2) 08 (4) 09 (3) 11 (4)
11 (1) 12 (1) 13 (2) 14 (3) 15 (4)
16 (1) 17 (1) 18 (2) 19 (3) 20 (1)
21 (1) 22 (2) 23 (3) 24 (4) 25 (3)
26 (3) 27 (3) 28 (3) 29 (3) 30 (3)
31 (4) 32 (3) 33 (3) 34 (1) 35 (2)
36 (4) 37 (4) 38 (2) 39 (1) 40 (2)
41 (4) 42 (3) 43 (4) 44 (4) 45 (2)
46 (3) 47 (3) 48 (4) 49 (2) 50 (2)
51 (1) 52 (3) 53 (4) 54 (3) 55 (4)
56 (2) 57 (2) 58 (4) 59 (3) 60 (4)
61 (2) 62 (1) 63 (3) 64 (4) 65 (4)
66 (2) 67 (4) 68 (3) 69 (1) 70 (1)
71 (2) 72 (4) 73 (3) 74 (1) 75 (3)
76 (1) 77 (2) 78 (1) 79 (3) 80 (2)
81 (4) 82 (3) 83 (2) 84 (2) 85 (4)
86 (1) 87 (3) 88 (4) 89 (4) 90 (1)
91 (3) 92 (1) 93 (2) 94 (1) 95 (3)
96 (3) 97 (3) 98 (4) 99 (3) 100 (1)
101 (4) 102(2) 103 (1) 104 (1) 105 (3)
106 (1) 107 (3) 108(3) 109 (4) 110 (1)
111 (1) 112 (3) 113 (4) 114(1) 115 (1)

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