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Section - C : General English

CHAPTER 1 Grammar
Grammar forms an important part in the English section of any competitive examination. The typical kinds of
questions can be categorized as follows: a) Fill in the blanks b) Identifying errors in sentences and c) Correcting
the sentences. The questions can be handled easily and you can score well if your basics are clear.

HOW THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU

This book will help you to understand how language and components of language work. It is oriented towards
making you more confident users of English by giving you an insight into correct usage. The material provided is
user friendly with adequate examples and ‘practice exercises’.
If you make a concentrated effort, it will not only prepare you for the forthcoming competitive exams but also fine-
tune your communication skills.
Reading: To supplement you efforts, you should build up reading habits. This can be of any kind – magazines,
newspapers of novels. But, one should consciously look at the usage. Good reading habits will definitely build up
your understand of grammatical usage and help you in being successful in competitive exams.

TENSES + verb + ing

1. Tense is the form taken by a verb to indicate time 3. The simple Present tense is used
and continuance or completeness of action. The I. To express a habitual action.
continuance or completeness of action is denoted For example: It get up every day at five
by four subcategories. o’clock.
a) Simple tense: It is used for habitual or II. To express general truths.
routine actions in the Present Tense, action For example: fortune favours the brave.
which is over in the Past Tense & action to III. In vivid narrative, as substitute for the
happen in the Future Tense. simple past.
b) Continuous Tense: The action is incomplete For example: Immediately the Sultan hurries
or continuous or going on. to his capital
c) Perfect Tense: The action is complete, IV. To indicate a future event that is part of a
finished or perfect with respect to a certain fixed program or time table.
point of time. For example: The train leaves at 5:20 am.
d) Perfect Continuous Tense: The action is Note: We can also use will leave in place of
going on continuously over a long period of leaves.
time and is yet to be finished. V. It is used to introduce quotations.
2. The different tenses and the verb forms used in For example: Keats says, ‘A thing of beauty
each tense are given below: is a joy forever.
Singular with meaning Plural with meaning VI. In exclamatory’ sentences beginning with
Name of Tenses Verb form used in here and there to express what is actually
Tenses taking place in the present.
Present simple/indefinite Verb/verb + s/es For example: Here comes the bus!
Present Is/am/are + verb + ing VII. When two actions of the future are being
continuous/Progressive talked about, one dependent on the other,
Present Perfect Has/Have + third form the former action is represented by present
of verb simple and the latter by future simple.
Present Perfect Has/have +been +verb For example: We shall go when the child
Continuous + ing
comes back home.
Past simple/indefinite Second form of verb
4. The present continuous tense is used
only
Past Was/Were + verb + ing I. For an action going on at the time speaking.
continuous/Progressive For example: The boys are playing cricket in
Past Perfect Had + third form of the ground
verb II. For temporary action that may not be
Past perfect continuous Had been + verb + ing actually happening at the time of speaking
Future simple/indefinite Shall/will +verb but was happening in the recent past and is a
Future Shall/will + be + verb + still happening in recent future.
continuous/Progressive ing For example: I am reading Sidney Sheldon
Future perfect Shall/will + Have + now a days.
Past participle
Future perfect continuous Shall/will + have been
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III. To express changing or developing perfect. But remember that the immediate
situations. past here does not go unindicated. Last week
For example: India is progressing day by is being used as an adverb of past time.
day. (Correct)
IV. For an action that is planned or arranged to IV) To express past actions whose time is not
take place in the near future. given and not definite – actions with their
For example: I am going to cinema tonight. effect continuing in the present.
Note: But it is not good to use the present For example:
continuous for slightly distant future. So, a) I have never known him to be angry.
don’t say. b) Have you read ‘Gulliver’s Travels?
a) I am going to cinema next week. V) To describe the past events when we think
Rather, use the future simple. So, it is more of their effect in the present than of the
better if you say action itself.
b) I will go to cinema next week. For example: I have cut my finger.
V. When the reference is to a particularly VI) For long actions and situations which started
obstinate habit, the present continuous is in the near past and went on until very
used instead of present simple. An adverb recently.
like always, continually, constantly is also For example: I have read three chapters since
used. this morning.
For example: It is no use scolding him; he 6. The present perfect continuous tense is used for
always does what is forbidden (incorrect) an action, which began at some time in the past
Note: That his doing what is forbidden has and is still continuing. With the present perfect
become a die-hard habit. The habit persists continuous tense an adverb or phrase that
in spite of advice or warning. So, we should expresses time is used.
use the present continuous. For example:
For example: It is no use scolding him; he is a) I have been reading this book since
always doing what is forbidden (Correct) morning.
5. The present perfect tense is used b) They have been building the bridge for
I) To indicate the complete activities in the several months.
immediate past. 7. The simple past tense is used
For example: He has just gone out. I) To indicate an action completed in the past.
II) Action completed in the immediate past or Generally, adverbs or adverb phrases of past
an action of the past whose effect lingers in time are used in the past simple tense.
the present. For example:
For example: I wrote three books (Incorrect) a) The steamer sailed yesterday.
The given sentence appears to be incomplete. b) He went home some time back.
The reader of the sentence immediately II) To express imaginary present situations or
queries. ‘When did you write three books?” imaginary future events that may not
It would be a different case if you said. happen.
For example: I Wrote Books. For example:
Then the reader would infer that you wrote a) If I had longer holidays, I would be very
books in the past as a profession or hobby. happy.
But when you are being so specific as to say b) If I got rich, I would travel all over the
“Three books”, we immediately feel the need world.
of a time frame. Since no time frame is
III) When this tense is used without an adverb
mentioned, we assume it to be ‘be now’. So, of time, then time may be either implied or
we have something to the effect.
indicated by the context.
For example: I have written three books by For example: I didn’t sleep well (i.e.; last
now. night)
This ‘by now’ is implied and need not be IV) For past habits ‘used to’ is added to the verb.
written. So, for example: I have written three For example: She used to carry an umbrella.
books. (Correct)
III) The present perfect is never used with 8. The past continuous tense is used
adverbs of the past time. In such cases the I. To denote an action going on at some time in
past simple should be used. the past. The time of the action may or may
For example: India has won the match last not be indicated.
week (Incorrect) For example:
“Last Week” is not immediate past. You may a) It was getting darker.
therefore be tempted to use the present b) We were listening to the radio all evening.
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II. When a new action happened in the middle 14. The future perfect continuous tense indicates an
of longer action. In this case Past simple and action represented as being in progress over a
past continuous are used together. Past period of time that along with it.
simple is used for the new action. For example: By next July we shall have been
For example: The Light went out while I was living here for four years.
reading. 15. Other rules to be followed: Events occurring at
III. For persistent habits in the past. the same time must be given in the same tense.
For example: She was always chewing gum. For example: When he fainted his brother was
9. The past perfect tense is used when two actions with him.
happened in the past. In this case it is necessary 16. Will or Shall cannot be used twice in the same
to show which action happened earlier than the sentence even if both the actions refer to the
other. Here past perfect is used for the action, future tense.
which happened earlier. For example:
For example: a) I shall come if he will call me (Wrong)
a) When I reached the station the train had b) I shall come if he calls me. (Right)
started. 17. With the phrases as if and as though the past
b) I had done my exercise when Hari came to tense and plural form of the verb should be used.
see me. For example:
10. If past perfect continuous tense if when an a) He behaves as if he is a king (Wrong)
action that began before a certain point of time in b) He behaves as if he were a king (Right)
the past & was continuing at the given point of 18. With the word ‘wish’ four verbs are used namely
time in the sentence. A time expression like since were, had, could, would. ‘Were’ is used when
last year, for the last few days is generally put the wish seems to be unrealizable.
after perfect continuous tense. For example: I wish I were a king.
For example: At the time he had been writing a ‘Had’ is used when our wish is a lament over the
novel for two months. past happening. For example: I wish I had
Here, At that time is the given point of time and accepted that job. ‘Would’ is used when we refer
for two months is the point of time in the past. to the future.
11. The simple future is used for an action that has For example: I wish I would get a ticket.
still to take place. ‘Could’ is used when we wish that something
For example: that has happened already should have
a) I shall see him tomorrow. happened otherwise.
b) Tomorrow will be Sunday. For example: He did not go because he was busy
12. The future continuous tense. yesterday. I wish he could go with you.
I. Represents an action as going on at 19. ‘For’ is used for a period of time.
sometime in the future. For example:
For example: I shall be reading the paper He has been working for two hours.
then. ‘Since’ is used with a point of time.
II. Represents the future events that are For example: He has been working since
planned. morning.
For example: He will be meeting us next 20. In case of conditional sentences ‘had’ and ‘would
week. have’ are used.
13. The future perfect tense is used to indicate the For example: if I had met him I would have
completion of an event by a certain future time. invited him.
For example: I shall have written my exercise by NOUNS
that time.
A Noun is a word used as a name of person, place b) Amitabh is the Gandhiji of our class
or thing. (Correct)
a) Proper Noun FOLLOWING ARE RULES REGARDING THE
b) Common Noun NUMBER OF THE NOUN:
c) Collective Noun 2. Some nouns have the same form both in singular
d) Abstract Noun as well as in plural.
e) Material Noun For example:
FOLLOWING ARE CERTAIN RULES OF a) A deer was caught
GRAMMAR REGARDING NOUN THAT b) Deer were caught
WOULD BE USEFUL IN A COMPETITIVE EXAM: Here, the singular and plural for of noun Deer is
1. Proper nouns are sometimes used as common same. Like Deer there are other nouns that have
nouns. the same form in singular as well as plural form.
a) Amitabh is Gandhiji of our class (Incorrect) For example: sheep, apparatus, species, series,
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hundred, dozen, hair etc. Preceding adjectives a) The majority are with the leader.
and articles decide whether the word is used in b) Police, though late, have come.
the singular form or plural form. c) Public wants results.
For example: 7. Tell which sentence is correct.
a) He paid eight hundred rupees for this pair of a) This project will lead to lots of expenditures
shoes. b) This project will lead to lots to expenditure
b) India again lost the series. Sentence b) is correct. The reason is that some
3. Noun denoting large numbers are used both in nouns are always used as singular. Preceding
singular and plural form. adjectives or the verb form indicates the
For example: singularity or plurality. Other nouns are
a) Three hundred people attended the function. expenditure, furniture, information, machinery,
b) Hundreds of people attended the party. issue, offspring, alphabet, scenery, poetry.
In sentence a), ‘hundred’ is preceded by number For example:
‘three’. So ‘hundred’ will take no plural form. a) All the furniture was bought last year.
Word ‘ three hundred’ indicates plurality. But in b) All the information was given to him.
sentence b), ‘hundred’ is not preceded by any 8. Meaning of some nouns in plural form is very
number. So to indicate plurality, we will write different from the meaning of nouns in singular
‘hundreds’. So, rule is that when words like form. Hence, that form should be used which
hundred, dozen, thousand, pair, score are not will convey the right meaning.
preceded by any word denoting number then For example:
they take the plural form, otherwise not. a) I opened the letter and read its contents.
Consider some more examples: b) Her mouth was fixed in a smile of pure
a) Coca-Cola paid lakhs of rupees to Aamir content.
Khan for promoting their product. c) The conflict between good and evil is ages
b) I brought two dozen bananas. old.
4. Tell which sentence is correct. d) We must produce goods at competitive
a) Since long no news has been heard. prices.
b) Since long no news have been heard. e) Delhites breathe the most polluted air in the
Sentence a is correct. The reason is that some world.
nouns are always used as singular though they f) She was just putting on airs when she came
look like plural nouns. That’s why we should to visit us/we.
never use the plural verb with these words. g) We should renounce the use of force to settle
Other similar words are politics, mathematics, our dispute.
physics, gallows. Means, billiards, ethics, h) Families of people who dies as a result of
summons, innings. services in the forces should not being
For example: ignored.
a) Politics is not my cup of tea. i) I was very excited on my return to my home
b) I received summons. village.
c) Sachin once again played a superb innings. j) Early returns in the ballot indicate majority
5. Tell which sentence is correct. for opposition.
a) The spectacles that you are wearing are Other nouns having different meaning in the
really nice. singular and plural form are:
b) The spectacles that you are wearing is really
nice. Singular with Plural with meaning
Sentence a) is correct. The reason being that meaning
some noun words are always used in the plural Advice Counsel Advises Information
form. Respect Regard Respects Compliments
Compass Extent Compasses Instrument or range
For example: Trousers, arms, drawers, assets,
Custom Habit Customs Duties levied on
scales, alms, thanks, cards; ashes, riches, Ground Earth Grounds Reasons
premises, scissors, credentials, proceeds. Iron Metal Irons Fetters made of iron
6. Tell which sentence is correct: Mean Average Means Way or method
a) The cattle was grazing in the field. Respect Regard Respects Polite greetings
b) The cattle were grazing in the field. Colour Hue Colours Appearance
Physic Medicine Physics Natural science
Sentence b) is correct. The reason being that
some nouns are always used as plurals though 9. Please go through the following singulars and
they look like singular. Other nouns like this plurals as plural forms are commonly known but
are public; people, folk, mankind, poultry, sheep, their singular forms are not commonly known.
police, gentry, peasantry, bulk, majority, etc. Singular form Plural form
For example: Agendum Agenda
Alumnus Alumni
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Index Indices 13. When objects without life are personified they
Phenomenon Phenomena are considered of
Criterion Criteria (i) The masculine gender if the object
Radius Radii remarkable for strength and violence. Ex.
Formula Formulae Sun, Summer, Winter, Time, Death etc.
Memorandum Memoranda (ii) The feminine gender if the object is
10. Some noun words have two plurals with remarkable for beauty, genteelness. Ex :
different meanings. So, that plural form should Earth, Moon, Spring, Nature, Mercy etc.
be selected which will convey the right meaning. For example:
For example: a) The sun came from behind the clouds and
a) I have one brother and one sister (meaning- with her brilliance tore the veil of darkness
children sons of the same parents). (Incorrect)
b) Why should only select brethren be allowed b) The Sun came from behind the clouds and
to attend the meeting? (meaning – members with his brilliance tore the veil of darkness
of same society, organization). (Correct).
c) I took off my shoes and clothes (meaning- Convention does not see brilliance as a womanly
things that people wear). quality, but a manly one.
d) Cotton, Nylon, Silk are different kinds of a) Nature offers his lap to him that seeks it.
cloths (meaning – kinds or pieces of cloth). (Incorrect)
Singular Plural with different meaning b) Nature offers her lap to him that seeks it
Die Dies – stamps (Correct).
Dice – small cubes used games The offering of lap is usually the mother’s role.
Genius Geniuses – persons of great talent Hence, Nature here should be treated as a
Genie – spirit feminine noun.
Quarter Quarter – fourth part Tell which sentence is correct.
Quarter(s) – lodging a) The earth goes round the sun in 365 days.
Manner Manner – method Can you calculate her speed?
Manners – Correct behavior b) The earth goes round the sun in 365 days.
Pain Pain – Suffering Can you calculate its speed?
Pains – Careful efforts. Sentence b) is correct. The error being made here
Spectacle Spectacle sight is that personification is being brought where it
Spectacles eye –glasses does not exist. In the above statement the earth is
Penny Pence – indicate amount of money being treated as a body (a thing), not a person.
Pennies – number of coins The scientist here is not concerned with the
FOLLOWING ARE RULES REGARDING womanly qualities of the planet. So, neuter
GENDER OF THE NOUN: gender should be applied.
11. Collective nouns, even when they denote living FOLLOWING ARE RULES REGARDING
beings, are considered to be of the neuter APOSTROPHE:
gender. 14. Rules regarding apostrophe S (‘s):
For example: a) Singular noun : ‘s is added after the word.
a) Shahrukh Khan had a herd of cows. He kept b) Singular noun : Only an apostrophe is added
a herdsman to look after her. when three are too many hissing sounds. For
b) Shahrukh Khan had a herd of cows. He kept example: Moses’ laws, for goodness’ sake,
of herdsman to look after it. for justice’ sake.
Sentence b) is correct. Though herd consists of c) Plural nouns ending in s like boys, cows:
cows (females), herd is not a feminine noun as it only’ is added after the word.
a collective noun. d) Plural nouns not ending in s like men,
12. Young children and the lower animals are also children, ‘s is added after the word.
referred to as of the neuter gender. e) ‘S is added primarily after the living things
a) The baby loves his toys (Incorrect) and personified objects. For example:
b) The baby loves its toys (Correct) Governor’s bodyguard, horse’s head.
c) The mouse lots his tail when the cat pounced Nature’s law. Fortune’s favourite.
on him. f) ‘S is not used with inanimate or non-living
d) The mouse lots its tail when the cat pounced things. For example: leg of the table, cover of
on it (correct). the book.
We are often uncertain regarding the gender of g) But in nouns that denote time, distance or
the animals. The mouse here may be a male or a weight, ‘s is used. For example: a stone’s
female. So, English languages prefers the easy throw, in a year’s time, the earth’s surface.
way out: treat it as of the neuter gender.
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h) Some other common phrases where’s is used You must be wondering why different pronoun
are to his heart’s content, at his wit’s end, out ‘its’ and ‘their’ is used in place of the same noun
of harm’s way. ‘jury’. The reason is when a pronoun stands for a
i) When a noun consists of several words, the collective noun it must be in the singular number
possessive sign is attached only to the last and neutral gender. (Sentence a). But when
word. collective noun conveys the idea of separate
For example: individuals comprising the whole, the pronoun
a) The Queen’s of England reaction is standing for it must be of the plural number. In
important in the Diana episode (Incorrect) sentence b, it is clear that members of the jury are
b) The Queen of England’s reaction is not behaving as whole.
important in the Diana episode (Correct) For example:
Do not be mistaken that since it is the a) The committee is reconsidering its decision.
Queen’s reaction, that’s should come after b) The committee decided the matter without
queen. You might think that putting it after leaving their seats.
England’s after England would make the
PRONOUNS IN SENTENCES FOUND BY
reaction England’s and not the Queen’s. This
CONJUNCTION:
is shortsightedness. Do not see Queen and
3. When two or more singular nouns are joined by
England in isolation. Queen of England is
‘and’, the pronoun used for them must be plural.
one whole unit and the apostrophe should
For example: Rama and Hari work hard. Their
come at its end.
teachers praise them.
j) When two nouns are in apposition, the
But when two singular nouns joined by ‘and’
possessive sign is put to the latter only.
refer to the same person or thing, the pronoun
a) I am going to Stephen Hawking’s the
should be singular.
scientist’s country (Incorrect)
For example: The Secretary and Treasurer is
b) I am going to Stephen Hawking the
negligent of his duty.
scientist’s country (correct)
4. When two singular nouns joined by ‘and’ are
k) When two or more nouns show joint
preceded by ‘each’ or ‘every’, then the pronoun
possession, the possessive sign is put to the
must be singular.
latter only.
For example: Every soldier and every sailor was
For example:
in his place.
a) Amitabh and Ajitabh are Bachchanji’s
5. When two or more singular nouns are joined by
sons. So Bachchanji is Amitabh’s and
‘or’, ‘either…or’, ‘neither…nor’, the pronoun is
Ajitabh’s father. (Incorrect)
generally singular.
b) Amitabh and Ajitabh are Bachchanji’s
For example:
sons. So Bachchanji is Amithabh and
a) Neither Abdul nor Rehman has done his
Ajitabh’s father (Correct)
lessons.
l) When two or more nouns show separate
b) Either Rama or Hari must help his friend.
possession, the possessive sign is put with
6. When a plural and a singular noun are joined by
both.
‘or’ or ‘nor’, the pronoun must be in the plural.
For example:
For example: Either the manager or his assistants
a) The audience listened to Javed and
failed in their duty.
Vajpayee’s poems (Incorrect)
7. When two things which have been already
b) The audience listened to Javed’s and
mentioned are referred to, ‘this’ refers to the
Vajpayee’s poems. (Correct).
thing last mentioned and ‘that to the thing first
PRONOUNS mentioned.
A pronouns is a word used instead of noun For example: Alcohol and Tobacco are both
Now consider the following cases: injurious : this perhaps less than that.
1. Since a pronoun is used instead of a Noun, it RULES REGARDING PERSONAL PRONOUS:
must be of the same number, gender and person 8. Tell which sentence is correct
as the noun for which it stands, for example: a) The presents are for you and me.
Those beggars are idle. They refuse to work for b) The presents are for you and me I.
their living. Sentence a is correct. Pronoun has to agree with
2. Please consider the following two sentences. the case. Here it is the objective case. So, ‘me’
a) After a few hearings the jury gave its verdict. should be used instead of ‘I’. For example: My
(Pronoun ‘its is used in place of noun ‘jury’). uncle asked my brother and me to dinner.
b) The jury were divided in their opinions. 9. Tell which sentence is correct.
(Pronoun ‘their’ is used in place of noun a) He loves you more than I.
‘jury’ b) He loves you more than me.
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Sentence a is correct ‘Than’ is a conjunction For example:

joining clauses. And the case of the pronoun to a) It was he (not him),
be used may be found by writing the clauses in b) It is I (not me) that gave the prizes away
full. So, in sentence a), two clauses joined by c) It might have been he (not him).
‘than’ are ‘He loves you more’ and ‘I love you’. 15. The case of pronoun following than or as is
Being a subjective case, ‘I’ should be used. determined by mentally supplying the verb.
For example: a) He is taller than I (am).
a) He is taller than I (am). b) I like you better than he (likes you).
b) He loves you more than (he loves) me. c) They gave him as much as (they gave) me.
10. When a pronoun refers to more than one noun or 16. A pronoun must agree with its Antecedent in
pronoun of different persons, it must be of the person, number and gender.
first person plural in preference to the second For example:
and of the second person plural in preference to a) All passengers must show their (not his)
the third. tickets.
For example: b) I am not one of those who believe everything
a) You and I, husband and wife, have to look they (not I) hear
after your home. (Incorrect) RULES REGARDING DEMONSTRATIVE
b) You and I, husband and wife, have to look PRONOUNS:
after our home (correct). 17. That is used:
Now, common sense tells us that if we are a A. After adjectives in the superlative degree.
couple, wife and husband the feeling of For example.
togetherness is expressed by our home, not your a) This is the best that we can do.
home. And so does grammar. b) He is the best speaker that we ever heard.
Rule: 123. I stands for first person, 2 for second B. After the words all, same, any none,
person. The order of precedence is: I before 2 and nothing, only.
2 before 3. In the given example, we have 2 and For example:
1.So I will apply; that is, first person. The a) Man is the only animal that can talk.
number, of course, will be plural. b) He is the same man that he has been.
Let us take another example: C. After two antecedents, one denoting a
a) You and Hari have done their duty, person and the other denoting an animal or a
(Incorrect) thing.
b) You and Hari have done your duty (Correct) For example: The man and his pet that met
Applying 123 rule. You = 2 and Hari = 3. So.2 with an accident yesterday died today.
Second person plural gives ‘your’. 18. What and That refer to persons as well as things.
Similarly, when all the three persons are taken
into account, it has to be I; that is, first person RULES REGARDING RELATIVE PRONOUNS:
plural. 19. On combining each of the above pairs into one
a) You, he and I have not forgotten your roots. sentence.
(Incorrect). a) That is the boy who works hard (who in
b) You, he and I have not forgotten our roots place of He)
(Correct). b) This is the boy whose exercise is done well.
11. Each, either and neither are always singular and (whose in place of His)
are followed by the verb in the singular. c) This is the boy whom all praise. (Whom in
For example : place of Him).
a) Neither of the accusations is true. The above sentences show when to use who,
b) Each boy took his turn. whose and whom. Who is the subjective case,
c) Each of the ladies performs her duty well. whose the possessive case and whom the
12. (A) Please consider the following sentences. objective case.
a) This is the boy. He works hard. (He 20. Who is used for persons only. It may refer to a
subjective case). singular or plural noun.
b) This is the boy. His exercise is done well. For example:
(His is possessive case). a) He who hesitates is lost.
c) This is the boy. All praise him. (him is b) Blessed is he who has found his work.
objective case). 21. Whose can be used for persons whose will
13. An apostrophe is never used in ‘its’, ‘yours’ and power is extraordinary.
‘theirs’. a) This is the hotel whose owner is a criminal.
14. The complement of the verb be, when it is b) This is the person whose will power is
expressed by a pronoun, should be in the extraordinary.
nominative form.
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22. Which is used for inanimate things and animals. 29. With let objective case of the pronoun is used.
Which is used for both singular as well as plural For example: let you and me do it.
noun. 30. If a pronoun has two antecedents, it should agree
For example: with the nearer one.
a) I have found the book which I had lost last For example:
week. a) I hold in high esteem everything and
b) The horse, which won the race yesterday, is everybody who reminds me of my failures.
my favourite. b) I hold in high esteem everybody and
23. When ‘which’ is used for selection, it may refer everything, which reminds me of my
to a person as well as things. failures.
For example: 31. In referring to anybody, everybody, anyone,
a) Which of the packets is yours? each etc, the pronoun of the masculine or the
b) Which of the boys has not done his feminine gender is used according to the context.
homework? For example:
24. Who, Which, Whom, That, Whose should be a) I shall be glad to help everyone of my boys
placed as near to the antecedent as possible. in his studies.
For example: b) I shall be glad to help everyone of my girls
a) I with my family reside in Delhi, which in her studies.
consists of my wife and parents. c) I shall be glad to help everyone of my
This sentence is wrong as which relates to students in his studies.
‘my’ family’ so ‘which should be placed as But when gender is not determined, the pronoun
near to family’ as possible. So, the correct of the masculine gender is used as in sentence c.
sentence is 32. (A) The pronoun one should be used
b) I with my family which, consists of my wife throughout, if used at all.
and parents, reside in Delhi. For example:
25. Who is used in the nominative cases and whom a) One must use one’s best efforts if one wishes
in the objective cases. to succeed.
For example: b) One should be careful about what one says.
a) There is Mr. Dutt, who (not whom) they say (B) Plural is commonly used with none.
is the best painter in the town. For example:
b) The student, whom (not who) you thought a) None of his poems are well known.
so highly of, has failed to win the first prize. b) None of these words are now current.
26. When the subject of a verb is a relative pronoun, 33. Anyone should be used when more than two
the verb should agree in number and person persons or things are spoken of.
with the antecedent of the relative. For example: She was taller than anyone of her
For example: five sisters.
a) This isone of the most interesting novels that ARTICLES
have (not has) appeared this year. (Here, 1. A or an does not refer to a particular person or
antecedent of relative pronoun that is novels thing. It leaves indefinite the person or thing
and not one). spoken of.
b) This is the only one of his poems that is (not For example: I saw a doctor. (Means I saw any
are) worth reading. (Here the antecedent of doctor)
that is one and not poems. Kindly note the 2. An is used before a word beginning with vowel
difference between sentence a and b). sound (please note a word beginning with vowel
OTHER USEFUL RULES: sound and not necessarily a vowel itself).
27. None is used in the singular or plural as the For example: an ass, an enemy, an inkstand, an
sense may require. orange, an umbrella, an hour.
For example: 3. An is placed before an abbreviation if the first
a) Each boy was accompanied by an adult but letter of an abbreviation is F, H, L, M, N, R, S or
there were none, with the orphan (Incorrect) X.
b) Each boy was accompanied by an adult but For example:
there was none with the orphan. (Correct) a) An MBA was required for the post.
c) I am used to many guests everyday but there b) An SAO is an officer of high rank.
was none today. (Incorrect)
4. A is used before a word beginning with a
d) I am used to many guests everyday but there
consonant sound.
were none today. (Correct)
For example: a boy, a woman a horse, a one-
28. When ‘one’ is used as pronoun, its possessive
rupee note, a university, a European (both
form ‘one’s’ should follow instead of his, her etc.
university and European begin with a consonant
For example: one must put one’s
sound of ‘yu’)
 C-9

5. A and An are used with words ‘few’ and ‘little’ if 14. The noun if emphasis is laid on the use of such a
they refer to a small number or a small amount. noun. Here, noun can be proper or abstract
Words ‘few’ and ‘little’ without the articles noun.
means almost none. a) The time for doing it.
For example: b) Occasion to help the distressed.
a) We have little time to spare (means almost 15. The is used with ordinals.
no time) For example:
b) We have a little time to spare (means some a) He was the first student to finish his
time) homework.
c) Few persons were present at the meeting b) The second chapter of the books is very
(means almost no one was present) interesting.
d) A few persons were present at the meeting 16. The is used before an adjective when the noun is
(means some were present) understood.
6. A is used in the following senses: For example:
A) In its original numerical sense of one. a) The poor are always with us. (Here poor
For example: mean poor people, which understood).
a) Not a word was said. b) The weak and the strong (Here weak means
b) A word to the wise is sufficient. weak people and strong means strong
B) In the vague sense of a certain time. people).
C) In the sense of any, to single out an 17. No article is used before a common noun when it
individual as the representative of a class. refers to all the members of the class.
For example: A pupil should obey his For example:
teacher. a) Man is mortal.
D) To make a common noun of a proper noun. b) Fish has high protein content.
For example: A Daniel came to judgment (A c) What kind of flower is it?
Daniel = A very wise man) 18. The is used before a common noun to give it the
7. The points out a particular person or thing or meaning of an abstract noun.
someone or something already referred to For example: The devil in him begins its
For example: misdeeds now and then.
a) I saw the doctor (means I saw some 19. No article is used before the names of materials
particular doctor) such as gold, stone, wine, iron, wheat, wood,
b) The book you want is out of print. cloth.
8. The is used with names of gulfs, rivers, seas, For example:
oceans, groups of islands and mountain ranges. a) Gold is precious metal.
For example: b) Wheat grows in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and
The Persian Gulf, The Red Sea, The Indian Madhya Pradesh.
Ocean, The British Isles, The Alps. c) Iron is a useful metal
9. The is used before the name of certain books. Note: But it is correct to say
For example: The Vedas, The Puranas, The For example: An iron is a useful gadget.
Ramayana. But we never say’ The Valmiki’s Because here we are not taking about material
Ramayana’. The is not used when the name of a iron, but the object which is used to make clothes
book is mentioned along with the author’s name. smooth.
So, ‘Valmiki’s Ramayana’ is correct. 20. No article is used before proper nouns.
10. The is used before the names of things unique of For example.
their kind. a) Delhi is the capital of India.
For example: the sun, the sky, the ocean, the sea. b) Newton was a great philosopher
11. The is used before a plural common noun if it But consider the following examples where
refers to a particular group among the class and an article is used before a proper noun.
not the whole class. a) This man is a second Newton.
For example: Drive away the cows from the field. b) Bombay is the Manchester of India.
12. The is used before a proper noun only when it is 21. No articles are used before a common noun used
qualified by an adjective. in its widest sense.
For example: The great Rani of Jhansi, the For example:
immortal Kalidas. a) The science has developed much in the past
13. The used is used before superlatives. hundred years (Incorrect)
For example: b) Science has developed much in the past
a) Sachin is the best batsman in the world hundred years (Correct).
today. 22. No article is used before the noun following
b) The best person should win. ‘Kind of’:
 C-10

For example: the President and the Chairman and both the
a) What kind of a hobby is this? (Incorrect) persons are present.
b) What kind of hobby is this? (Correct)
23. No article is used before abstract nouns. PREPOSITIONS
For example: 1. In is used with the names of countries and large
a) Wisdom is the gift of heaven towns; at is used when speaking of small towns
b) Honesty is the best policy. and villages.
But consider the following examples where For example:
an article is used before an abstract noun. a) I live in Delhi
a) The wisdom is Solomon is famous. b) I live at Rohini in Delhi
b) I cannot forget the kindness with which he 2. In and at are used in speaking of things at rest;
treated me. Here the article is used before the to and into are used in speaking of things in
abstract noun as the abstract noun has been motion.
qualified by an adjective or adjectival clause. For example:
24. No article is used languages, subject of arts and a) He is in bed
science. b) He is at the top of the class.
For example: c) He ran to school
a) We are studying English. d) He jumped in to the river.
b) Geometry is the toughest subject I have ever e) The snake crawled into its hole.
studied. 3. On is often used in speaking of things at rest;
25. No article is used before words such as school, and upon for the things in motion. For example:
college, church, bed table, hospital, market, a) He sat on a chair
prison. b) The cat sprang upon the table.
For example: 4. Till is used for time and to is used for place.
a) I went to school till last year. For example:
b) I have never been to hospital. a) He slept till eight o’ clock
But an article is used before these words b) He walked to the end of the street.
when reference is made to a definite place. 5. With often denotes the instrument and by the
26. No article is used before the name of relations agent. For example:
like father, mother, aunt, uncle. a) He killed two birds with one shot.
For example: Mother would like to see you. b) He was stabbed by a lunatic with a dagger.
But if someone else’s mother is being talked 6. Since is used before a noun or phrase denoting
about then should be used. some point of time and is preceded by a very in
For example: The mother would like to see you. the perfect tense.
27. Article should not be used before positions that For example:
are held at one time by one person only. a) I have eaten nothing since yesterday.
For example: b) He was been ill since Monday last
a) S D Sharma was elected the president of the From is also used before a noun or phrase
country (Incorrect) denoting some point of time but is used with
b) S D Sharma was elected president of the non-perfect tense.
country. (Correct) For example:
28. Please consider this sentence. a) I commenced work from 1st January
a) I have a black and white cat. b) He will join school from tomorrow.
Here I mean that I have one cat that is partly For is used with a period of time.
black and partly white. For example:
Now, consider this sentence. a) He has been ill for five days.
For example: I have a black and a white cat. b) He lived in Bombay for five years.
Here I mean that I have two cats one isblack and 7. Use of in before a period of time means at the
the other white. Hence the rule is that when two end of period, but use of within before a period
or more adjectives qualify the same noun, the of time means before the end of the period.
article is used before the first adjective only. But For example:
when they qualify different nouns, the article is a) I shall return in an hour (means I shall return
used before each adjective separately. at the end of an hour).
Consider one more example. b) I shall return within an hour (means I shall
a) The president and Chairman is absent. return before the end of an hour).
b) The President and the Chairman are present. 8. Scarcely should be followed by when and not by
Sentence a means that only one person is acting but.
as president as well as chairman. Sentence b For example: Scarcely had he gone, when (not
means that two different persons are acting as than) a policeman knocked at the door.
 C-11

9. The phrase ‘seldom or ever’ is wrong ‘Seldom or A) To introduce an alternative.

never’ is right. For example:
For example: Such goods are made for export, a) You must work or starve.
and are seldom or never used in this country. b) You may take this book or that one.
10. Examine the following sentence. c) He may study law or medicine or
a) This is as good, if not better than that engineering or he may enter into trade.
(Wrong) B) To introduce an alternative name or
b) This is as good as, if not better than, that synonym.
(Right) For example: The violin or fiddle has become
c) This is as good as that, if not better (Right) the leading instrument of the modern
11. Beside means at the side of while besides means orchestra.
in addition to. For example: C) To mean otherwise.
a) Beside the un-gathered rice he lay. For example: We must hasten or night will
b) Besides being fined, he was sentenced to a overtake us.
term of imprisonment. 3. If is used to mean.
12. Above and Below merely denote position while A) On the condition or supposition that.
over and under also carry a sense of covering or For example:
movement. a) If he is here, I shall see him.
a) The bird flew above the lake (Wrong) b) If that is so, I am content.
b) The bird flew over the lake (Correct) B) Admitting that.
Here over is used to denote upward position and For example: If I am blunt, I am at least
movement also. honest.
13. During is used when reference is made to the C) Whether
time within which something happens. For is For example: I asked him if he would help
used when we are talking about how long me.
something lasts. D) Whenever.
a) There are few incidents of irregularity for the For example: If I feel any doubt I enquire.
emergency years (Wrong) 4. That is used
b) There are few incidents of irregularity A) To express a reason or cause.
during the emergency year (correct) For example:
14. Compare is followed by to when it shows that a) Not that I loved Caesar less but that I
two things are alike. It is followed by with when loved Rome more
we look at the ways in which two things are like b) He was annoyed that he was
and unlike each other. For example. contradicted.
a) Sanath Jayasuriya’s batting maybe compared B) To express a purpose and is equivalent to in
to the sales of a useful book, they score right order that.
from the beginning (Wrong). For example: He kept quiet that the dispute
b) Sanath Jayasuria’s batting may be compared might cease.
with the sales of a useful book; they score C) To express a consequence, result or effect.
right from the beginning (Right) For example: He bled so profusely that he
c) If we compare Delhi University with the died.
regional ones, we find the former to be much 5. Lest is used to express a negative purpose and is
more efficient (Wrong) equivalent to ‘in order that……not’, for feat that’.
d) If we compare Delhi University to the For example:
regional ones, we find the former to be much a) He lied lest he should be killed.
more efficient (Right). b) I was alarmed lest we should be
wrecked.
CONJUNCTIONS
6. While is used to mean
1. Since as conjunction means
A) During that time, as long as.
A) From and after the time when
For example: while there is life there is hope.
For example:
B) At the same time that.
a) Many things have happened since I left
For example: While he found fault, he also
the school.
praised.
b) I have never seen him since that
7. Only means except that, but were it not that.
unfortunate event happened.
For example:
B) Seeing that,
a) A ‘very pretty woman, only she squints
For example:
a little.
a) Since you wish it, it shall be done.
b) The day is pleasant, only rather cold.
b) Since that is the case, I shall excuse you.
2. Or is used.
 C-12

8. The conjunctions after, before, as soon as, until 4. Two or more singular subjects connected by ‘or’,
are not followed by clause in the future tense. ‘nor’, either….or, neither….nor take a verb in the
Present simple or present perfect tense is used to singular.
express a future event. For example: Neither he nor I was there.
For example: But when subjects joined by ‘or’, ‘nor’ are of
a) I will phone you after I arrive here. different numbers, the verb must be plural, and
b) I will phone you after I have arrived the plural subject must be placed next to the
here. verb.
9. As if used in the sense of as it would be is For example: Rama and his brothers have done
generally followed by a subject + were + this.
complement. When the subjects joined by ‘or, ‘nor’ are of
For example: different persons, the verb agrees in person with
a) He loves you as if you were his own the nearest one.
child. For example:
b) Sometimes she weeps and sometimes a) Either he or I am mistaken.
she laughs as if she were mad. b) Neither you nor he is to blame.
10. The clause that begins with as if should be put 5. When words are joined to a singular subject by
into the simple past tense, if the preceding clause ‘with’ ‘together with’, ‘in addition to’, ‘as well as’
expresses a past action. But if it expresses a past then also number of the verb remains singular.
action it should be followed by past perfect For example: The Chief with all his men, was
tense. massacred.
For example: 6. Following examples exemplify the common
a) He behaves as if he were a lord. mistakes committed.
b) He behaved as if he had been a lord. a) His diet was abstemious, his prayers long
11. While as long as is used to express time in sense and fervent. (Wrong as subjects are not in the
of how long. Until is used to express time in same number).
sense of before. b) His diet was abstemious, his prayers were
For example: long and fervent (Right)
a) Until you work hard you will improve c) He never has and never will, take such
(Wrong). strong measures (Wrong)
b) As long as you work hard you will improve d) He never has taken, and never will take,
(Right). such strong measure (Right)
c) He learnt little as long as he was 15 years e) Ten new members have been enrolled and
old. (Wrong). seven resigned (Wrong)
d) No sooner did the bell ring than all the f) Ten new members have been enrolled and
students rushed in. seven have resigned (Right)
12. No Sooner should be followed by verb + subject g) Being a very hot day, I remained in my tent.
and than should begin another clause. (Wrong as participle being is referring to
For example: none)
a) No sooner had I reached the station than the h) It being a very hot day, I remained in my
train left. tent (Right)
b) No sooner did the bell ring than all the i) Sitting on the gate, a scorpion stung him.
students rushed in. (Wrong as participle sitting is not referring
13. When as well as is used, finite verb should agree to any word)
in number and person with the first subject. j) While he was sitting on the gate, a scorpion
For example: He as well as is innocent. stung him (Right)
7. The verb lay (lay, laid, laid) is transitive and is
VERBS
always followed by an object. The verb lie (lie,
1. Two or more singular subjects connected by
lay, lain) is intransitive and cannot have an
‘and’ usually take a verb in the Plural.
object.
For example: Hari and Rama are there.
For example:
2. If two singular nouns refer to the same person or
a) Lay the child to sleep.
thing, the verb must be singular.
b) Let me lie here.
For example: My friend and benefactor has
c) I laid the book on the table.
come. AGREEMENT OF THE SUBJECT WITH THE
3. If two subjects together express one idea, the
VERB:
verb maybe in the singular.
1. A verb must agree with its subject in number
For example: The horse and carriage is at the and person. Often due to ‘Error of Proximity’ the
door.
 C-13

verb is made to agree in number with a noun it 8. Two nouns qualified by each or every, even
instead of with its proper subject. though connected by ‘and’ require a singular
For example: verb.
a) The quality of the mangoes were not good For example: Every boy and every girl was
(Wrong sing subject is quality, a singular and given a packet of sweets.
not mangoes). 9. ‘None’ though singular commonly takes a plural
b) The quality of the mangoes was not good verb.
(Right) For example: None are so deaf as those who will
c) His knowledge of Indian vernaculars are far not hear.
beyond the common (Wrong) 10. Tell which sentence is correct.
d) His knowledge of Indian vernaculars is far a) Put in to bat first, a huge total was expected
beyond the common (Right) from India.
2. Verb should be singular even when some words b) Put in to bat first, India was expected to pile
are joined to a singular subject by ‘with’, ‘as well up a huge total.
as’ etc. Now: who has been put in to bat first? A huge
For example: total of India/ Common sense tells us it must be
a) The chairman, with the directors, is to be India. But the sentence a, as it stands, appears
present. otherwise. So, sentence b is correct.
b) Silver, as well as cotton, has fallen in prices. a) Being a rainy day, I decided to take my
3. Two or more singular subjects connected by ‘or’, umbrella.
‘nor’ require singular verb. b) It being a rainy day, I decided to take my
For example: umbrella.
a) No nook or corner was left unexplored. The sentence a, as it stands, gives us the
b) Our happiness or our sorrow is largely due impression that being a rainy day qualifies. This
to our own actions. is simply not true. I am not rainy day. So
4. If two singular nouns express one idea, the verb sentence b is correct.
is in the singular. 11. When a plural noun denotes some specific
For example: quantity or amount considered as a whole, the
a) Bread and butter are essential for one’s life verb is generally singular.
(Incorrect) For example:
b) Bread and butter is essential for one’s life a) One hundred praise is equal to one rupee.
(Correct) b) Six miles is a long distance.
5. Either, Neither, Each, Everyone, Many a must c) Fifty thousand rupees is a large sum.
be followed by a singular verb. ADVERBS
For example: A word that modifies the meaning of a verb is
a) Neither of the two men was very strong. called an adverb.
b) Every one of the prisons is full. SOME IMPORTANT RULES:
c) Many a man has done so. 1. Adverbs of manner such is well, fast, quickly,
d) He asked whether either of the applicants carefully, calmly etc, are placed after the verb if
was suitable. there is no object and after the object if there is
6. When the subjects joined by ‘or’, ‘nor’ are of one.
different numbers, the verb must be plural, and For example:
the plural must be placed next to the verb. a) It is raining heavily.
For example: b) She speaks English Well.
a) Neither Rekha nor her friends was present at 2. Adverbs of time such as always, often,
the party (Incorrect) sometimes, never, generally, ever, merely,
b) Neither Rekha nor her friends were present seldom etc, are placed before the verb they
at the party(Correct). qualify.
7. When a plural noun denotes some specific For example:
quantity or amount considered as a whole, the a) I seldom meet him (Right)
verb’s generally singular. b) I meet him seldom (Wrong)
For example: Adverbs of degree refer to words which show ‘‘how
a) Five hours are too short a time to judge one’s much”, “in what degree” or “to what extent” does
character. (Incorrect) the action takes place.
b) Five hours is too short a time to judge one’s CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING
character. (Correct) 3. Meaning of too is more than enough. Too
This is so because five hours is considered as one denotes some kind of excess.
chunk. For example:
a) He is too weak to walk.
 C-14

b) He is never too late. For example: It is nothing else but hypocrisy.

Hence, use of very in place of too is wrong. 12. ‘As’ is often used in a sentence though there is no
For example: Instead of saying that need for it
a) Cow’s milk is too nutritious For example:
We should say that a) He is elected as the President (Wrong)
b) Cow’s milk is very nutritious. b) He is elected President (Right)
4. Enough is placed after the word it qualifies. 13. ‘Perhaps’ means possibly whereas ‘probably’
For example: Everyone should be strong enough means most likely. For example:
to support one’s family. a) Where is Govinda? Perhaps he is not here
It will be wrong if we write ‘Everyone should be (Wrong)
enough strong to support one’s family’. b) Where is Govinda? Probably he is not here
5. Much is used with past participles. (Right)
For example: ADJECTIVES
a) He was much disgusted with his life. Adjectives are the words that describe the
b) The news was much surprising. qualities of a noun or pronoun in a given
Very is used with present participles. sentence.
For example: CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
a) He is very disgusted with his life. 1. Tell which sentence is correct.
b) The news is very surprising. a) Flowers are plucked freshly.
6. When very and much are used to qualify b) Flowers are plucked fresh.
superlative form of adjectives/adverbs, they Sentence b is correct as, adjective is correctly
should be put before the word ‘very’ and after used with a verb when some quality of the
the word ‘much’. subject rather than verb is to be expressed. Here,
For example: fresh describes the word flowers (a noun) and
a) Rim is the very best boy in his class. not plucked (a verb).
b) Rim is much the best boy in his class. RULES REGARDING DEMONSTRATIVE
Adverbs of Affirmation or Negation refer to ADJECTIVE:
words that assert the action emphatically. 2. This and that are used with the singular nouns
Consider these examples: and these and those are used with plural nouns.
a) He certainly was winner among them For example:
b) Luckily he survived the crash. a) This mango is sour.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: b) These mangoes are sour
7. No sooner should always be followed by than. c) That boy is industrious
For example: d) Those boys are industrious.
a) No sooner I saw him trembled with fear 3. This and these indicate something near to the
(Wrong) speaker while that and those indicate something
b) No sooner did I see him than I trembled with distant to the speaker.
fear (Right) a) This girl sings
8. Not should not be used with the words which b) These girls sing
have negative meaning if we want the sentence c) That girls sings
to be negative. d) Those girls sing.
For example:
RULES REGARDING DISTRIBUTIVE ADJECTIVES:
a) I received no letter neither from him nor
4. Each is used when reference is made to the
from her. (Wrong)
individuals forming any group. Each is also used
b) I received letter neither from him nor from
when the number of the group is limited and
her (Right)
definite.
9. Of course is used to denote a natural
For Example:
consequence. It should notbe used in place of
a) I was in Shimla for five days and it rained
certainly, undoubtedly.
each day.
For example:
Every is used when reference is made to total
a) Of course he is the best player (Wrong)
group or when the number is indefinite.
b) He is certainly the best player (Right)
FOLLOWING ARE COMMON RULES OF ADVERBS IN For example:
GENERAL: a) Every seat was taken.
10. Only is used before the word it qualifies. b) I go for a movie every week.
For example: c) Leap year falls in every fourth year.
a) Only I spoke to him 5. Each, either, neither and every are always
b) I only spoke to him followed by the singular noun.
c) I spoke to him only For example:
11. Else is followed by but and not be than a) Each boy must take his turn.
 C-15

b) Every word of it is false. 13. When two objects are compared with each other,
c) Neither accusation is true. the latter term of comparison must exclude the
RULES REGARDING ADJECTIVES OF QUANTITY: former.
6. Some is used in affirmative sentences to express For example:
quantity or degree. a) Delhi is bigger than any other city in India.
For example: I shall buy some bananas. If we say
Any is used in the negative or interrogative b) Delhi is bigger than any city in India.
sentences to express quantity or degree. Then we are saying Delhi is bigger than Delhi, as
For example: any city in India includes Delhi also. And this is
a) I shall not buy any bananas. obviously wrong.
b) Have you bought any bananas? 14. In a comparison by means of a superlative the
But some is an exception to the above rule. Some latter term should include the former.
is used in interrogative sentences, which are For example:
commands or requests. a) Delhi is the biggest of all cities in India.
For example: Will you please lend me some b) Of all men he is the strongest.
money? Kindly note the difference in this and the
7. Few is used for countable objects and little is previous rule.
used for non-countable objects. 15. Later and latest refer to time.
8. Little means not much. So use of the word little For example:
has a negative meaning. a) He came later than I expected.
For example: b) This is the latest news.
a) There is little hope of his recovery. Latter and last refer to position.
b) He has little appreciation of hard work For example:
A little means some though not much. So, a) The last player could not bat as he was
use of a little has a positive meaning. injured.
For example: b) The latter chapters are very interesting.
a) There is a little hope of his recovery. Latter is used when there are two only, last
b) He has a little appreciation of hard work. when there are more than two.
The little means not much but all there is. For example:
a) The little information he had was quite a) Of Manohar, Syam and Joshi, the latter is a
reliable. driver. (Incorrect)
b) The little knowledge of management he b) Of Manohar, Syam, and Joshi, the last is a
possessed was not sufficient to stand him in driver. (Correct)
good stead. 16. Elder and eldest are used only of persons
9. Few mean not many. So use of the word few has (usually members of the same family).
a negative meaning. For example:
For example: A few men are free from faults. a) My elder sister is doing MBA from IIM
10. Only uncountable noun follow much, little, Ahmadabad
some, enough, sufficient and whole. b) My eldest brother is getting married today.
For example: Older and oldest are used of both persons and
a) I ate some rice things.
b) There are not enough spoons. For example:
RULES REGARDING INTERROGATIVE a) This is the oldest building in the city.
ADJECTIVES:
b) Anthony is the oldest boy in the class.
11. What is used in the general sense and which is
17. Further means more distant or advanced
used in a selective sense.
whereas farther is a variation of further and
For Example:
means at a distance – both the words can be used
a) Which of you haven’t brought you book?
to indicate physical distance.
b) What manner of man is he?
For example:
RULES REGARDING DEGREES OF
COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES. a) No one discussed the topic further
12. The comparative from ending in ‘er’ is used b) Calcutta is farther from the equator than
when we are comparing one quality in two Colombo.
persons. 18. The comparative degree is generally followed by
For example: Anjali is wiser than Rahul. ‘than’ but comparative adjectives ending in ‘is’
But if we wish to compare two qualities in the or ‘are’ are followed by the preposition ‘to’.
same person then the comparative from ending For example:
in ‘er’ is not used. a) Akshay is inferior to Aamir in intelligence.
For example: Anjali is wise than brave. b) Aamir to superior to Akshay in intelligence.
c) He is junior to me.
 C-16

d) Who was captain prior to Azhar? most unique, more round, fullest, chiefest etc. are
19. Adjectives such as square, round, perfect, wrong.
eternal, universal, unique do not admit of 29. If there is a gradual increase it is generally
different degrees. So they cannot be compared. expressed with two comparatives and not with
Thus strictly speaking we cannot say that a thing positives.
is more square more round or more perfect. But For example:
sometimes we do make exceptions to this rule. (a) It grew hot and hot. (incorrect)
For example: This is the most perfect specimen I (b) It grew hotter and hotter. (correct)
have seen. 30. ‘Verbal ’means‘of or pertaining to words’
20. When the comparative form is used to express whereas ‘oral’ means ‘delivered by word of
selection from two of the same kind or class, it is mouth or not written’. Hence the opposite of
followed by ‘of’ and preceded by ‘the’. written is oral, not verbal.
For example: For Example:
a) Ramesh is stronger of the two boys. (a) His written statement differs in several
21. When ‘than’ or ‘as’ is followed by the third important respects from his oral (not verbal)
person pronoun, the verb is to be repeated. statement.
For example: Ram is not as claver as his brother (b) The boy was sent with a verbal message to
is. the doctor.
22. When ‘than’ or ‘as’ is followed by first or second 31. ‘Common’ means shared by all concerned. If a
person pronoun, the verb can be omitted. fact is a common knowledge, it means the
For example: He is more intelligent than you. knowledge of the fact is shared by all. Everyone
23. In comparing two things or classes of things the knows about it. ‘Mutual’ means in relation to
comparative should be used. each other. If you and I are mutual admirers, it
For example: means I admire you and you admire me. We
a) Of two evils choose the lesser (not least). might also have a common admirer who admires
b) Which is the better (not best) of the two? both of us.
24. A very common form of error is exemplified in (a) We started smoking on the advice aof a
the following sentence. mutual friend. (incorrect)
(a) The population of London is greater than (b) We started smoking on the advice of a
any town in India. common friend (correct)
(b) The population of London is greater than It is apparent that there are two or more than
that of any town in India. two of us. Apart from us, there is a person
Sentence b is correct as the comparison is (friend). Since he is a friend to all of us, this
between the population of London and the friend is being shared by all of us. So, he is a
population of any town in India. common friend. Now, look at this sentence.
25. Double comparatives and superlative should be For example: we started smoking on mutual
avoided. advice.
For Example: It means I advised, you to smoke and you
(a) Seldom had the little town seen a more advised me to smoke.
costlier funeral (wrong) OTHER COMMON ERRORS:
(b) Seldom had the little town seen a more 32. Other common errors:
costly funeral. (Right) (a) These Kinds of questions is often asked in
26. Preferable has the force of comparative and is the examinations. (Incorrect)
followed by to. Phrase ‘more preferable’ should (b) This kind of question is often asked in the
not be used. examinations. (correct)
For Example: (c) He is as good if not better than his brother.
(a) Coffee is more preferable to tea. (wrong) (Incorrect)
(b) Coffee is preferable to tea. (Right) (d) He is as good as if not better than his
27. Less refers to quantity whereas fewer refer to brother. (correct)
number. (e) The further do not hold much for you.
For Example: (Incorrect)
(a) No fewer than fifty miners were killed in the (f) The further does not hold much for you.
explosion. (Current)
(b) We do not sell less than ten kg. of tea.
28. Certain adjectives do not really admit of
comparison because their meaning is already
superlative. Such words are unique, ideal,
perfect, complete, universal, entire, extreme,
chief, full, square, round. Therefore phrases like
 C-17

CHAPTER 2 Vocabulary
Every student at some time or the other faces the forgetfulness in looking up the word in the
question “How do I increase my vocabulary? dictionary.
This is because, people who might otherwise be c) Self-help books – Quite a few self-help books
very fluent in spoken English do not really take claiming to improve verbal ability are to be
care to use new words, since, for the purpose of found in the open market, and one or two are
communication, the current register of words is actually helpful in this regard. Students are
deemed enough. An unfortunate fallout of this welcome to consult these books but are advised
nonchalant complacency is that when these to do so after consulting discriminating people
people actually face questions examine their who have experience in this regard e.g.
vocabulary and its extent, they are all at sea. An experienced English teachers or the English
easy example will bear this out. Everyone knows faculty, since they have better idea of the relative
that when we are asked to name the tip of a efficacy of these books.
mountain or the highest point of something, we d) Thesaurus – the viable alternative – if using a
use the word ‘peak’. But not everyone would dictionary seems to be too boring to be
know that words like zenith, apogee, crest and considered for any length of time, using a
summit may be replacements for the same word. thesaurus maybe a more interesting alternative.
So the same meaning used in the form of another In theory, it is the reverse of dictionary, and
word might leave the student totally flummoxed. basically gives the various synonyms and the
Therefore, it is important to start working on types of usage of a word e.g. as a verb, adjective,
one’s vocabulary as soon as possible for success noun etc… So it gives a lot of information about
in any competitive exam. each word. If the student can remember even
Given below are a few tips on the accepted some of it, it will be a great advantage. The most
methods and practices used to improve one’s commonly available thesaurus in the market is
vocabulary. the Roget’s Thesaurus, usually now used as a
a) The practice of reading – This is, sadly, lacking generic name by most publishers.
in most aspirants. With the advent of Television, e) The word list – The Word List is comprehensive
reading has almost become passe. Reading is compendium of the words most commonly
important not just because it increase general asked or used in the Management Examination
knowledge. That it definitely does; in addition question papers. Studying the Word List will
what it does is help a student get into the habit of also give the student a lot of information about
reading. It is also important to read a variety of the origin of various words, their roots etc. This
subjects, because each subject has its own is a particularly useful method of studying
register of language and words are used with because knowledge of etymology helps the
differing connotations in each register. So, for student gauge the meaning and usage of other
success in competitive exams, perusal of a few words having the same roots, regardless of
different sources of reading material is whether the student has come across the word
mandatory. The sources are: earlier or not.
1) A general magazine e.g. India Today, f) Flip – Cards – We strongly advocate this
Frontline, Outlook, Reader’s Digest, Time, technique which is another tool to memorize
etc. words from the list. These are blank cards
2) A business magazine e.g. Business Today, approximately double the size of your standard
Business India, Business World, etc. visiting card. After isolation of the exceptionally
3) The daily newspaper e.g. the Times of India, difficult words from the Word List, the student
The Hindu, The Indian Express, etc. should write approximately five words on one
b) Using a dictionary – the almost-extinct habit - side of the card and the corresponding meanings
Even though the idea of using a dictionary does on the other. The advantages of using this type
nothing to enthuse the common student, every of tool are that (1) Cards are portable and the
one owns a dictionary but treats it like a sacred student can carry a card around with him/her
cow, not to be touched and defiled; of course, not anywhere and glance at it anytime (2) The
that they are to be blamed too much for it; it is embarrassment factor which carrying a Word
almost a habit now; but should be considered a List around entails is absent here, and (3) At the
necessary evil. A dictionary should be kept with time of the final run-up to the examination, the
the student while reading anything, so that an student, instead of revising the whole Word List,
incomprehensible word can be looked up can just go through the set of Flip Cards that he
immediately. Procrastination invariably leads to or she has collected. The only problem is getting
the words remaining incomprehensible due to started and, to mix metaphors, once that initial
hurdle is overcome the rest is smooth sailing!
 C-18

g) Gauging meanings – This logically follows from medicine etc. Allergic means having
the earlier method. It is advisable for the student an aversion to. Example: He is allergic
to try and gauge the meaning of word from the to hard work.
context of the sentence. This is an extremely Altruist - One who is habitually kind of others.
effective method and very frequently, it is Alumnus - A former student of a school or
possible to find out the meaning of newly seen college.
word just by reading the whole sentence and Ambivalent - The word means simultaneous
getting the meaning of the sentence as a whole. attraction towards and repulsion from
e.g. in the sentence ‘All of us tried our best to an object, person or action. Example:
persuade him but he remained adamant’. Even if The attitude of educated Indians to
a student does not know the meaning of the love-marriages is ambivalent.
word adamant per se, it is still possible to gauge Anachronism – That which appears to be old
the meaning from the context of the sentence i.e. fashioned and does not belong to the
unmoved, firm, intractable, etc. It should be kept present time.
in mind by the students that none of the above Anarchy - Lawlessness and disorder caused by
methods are absolute in themselves. It is a absence of control.
combination of all these, or at least some of these, Anecdote - A short interesting or amusing story
which will give one the best results. Anthology - A collection of poems or writings
Aphorism - (or maxim) A wise saying in a few
ONE WORD – A SMALL COLLECTION words.
Abdicated -
Renounce a throne or high office Aphrodisiac – A medicine drug causing sexual
Abolish -
Do away with excitement.
Accelerate -
Move faster Apiary - A place where bees are kept
Accomplice -
One associated with another Apprentice - A person who works under someone
especially in wrong-doing. to learn that person’s skill.
Acoustics - Science of the production, Arboreal - Those who live in trees
transmission, reception and effects Armistice - (or cease – fire or truce) An agreement
of sound. to stop fighting.
Acrobat - One who performs gymnastic feats Ascetic - One who avoids physical pleasures
Adolescence - The period of life from puberty to and comforts.
maturity. Astronomy - Scientific study of heavenly bodies
Actuary - One who calculates insurance and Aviary - A place for keeping birds.
annuity premium etc. Backlog - It means an accumulation of arrears.
Adulterate - Make impure by the addition of Example : I must clear my heavy
inferior substance backlog of work.
Aggression - Unprovoked attack of one country or Backwater - A part of river out of the main stream,
person by another where the water does not move.
Amnesty - General pardon Barbarian - An uncivilized person.
Abattoir - A building where animals are killed Barbecue - A metal flame on which meat etc. is
for meat (or slaughterhouse) cooked over an open fire.
Ad hoc - Arranged or happening when Barometer - An instrument for measuring the air
necessary and not planned in pressure.
advance Beverage - A liquid for drinking
Aeronautics - The science of the operation and Bibliography – A list of writings on subject
flight of aircraft Biennial - Happening once every two years
Aesthete - A person with a highly developed Bigamy - System of two marriages
sense of beauty aesthetics Bio-data - (or Resume or Curriculum Vitae) A
Agnostic - One who believes that nothing can short written account of one’s
be known about God. education and past employment.
Agoraphobia Alibi – It is Latin for elsewhere. It is Black Hole - An area in out space into which
actually a plea of having been everything near it, including light, is
elsewhere the time of commission of pulled
an act. But it is now used in the sense Bleach - Make white or pale by means of
of an excuse. Example: He offered no chemicals or sunlight.
alibi for his absence from duty. Blue Blood - The quality of being a noble person by
Alimony - Compensatory allowance given to wife birth.
after divorce Blueprint - The word originated in the
Allergic - Allergy means, a heightened engineering industry where it means
sensitivity to a substance as food, the final stage of paper design. So it
 C-19

may mean the final plan or layout. Connotation - The feeling or ideas that are suggested
Example: The blueprint of the Five- by a word.
Year Plan is ready. Consortium - A combination of several companies,
Bonsai - The art of growing a plant in a pot banks etc. for a common purpose.
that is prevented from reaching its Consul - A person appointed by a government to
natural size. protect and help its citizens and its
Bon Vivant - One who likes good wine and food interested in trade in a foreign city.
and cheerful companions. Contemporary - A person living at the sometime as
Botany - The scientific study of plans another.
Bottleneck - It is a narrow passage, a place, stage Contretemps – An unlucky and unexpected event,
or condition that checks progress. socially uncomfortable position with
Example: We must remove all someone.
bottlenecks in the swift Corinthian – Typical of the most richly decorated
implementation of policies. style of ancient Greet buildings.
Boulevard - A broad street having trees on each Corrigendum – Something (to be) made correct in a
side printed book.
Bourgeois - Belonging to the middle class Counterfeit – Made exactly like something real in
Bric-a-brac - Small objects kept for decoration order to deceive.
Bullion - Bars of gold or silver Countervailing – Acting with equal force but
Bust - A piece of sculpture showing a opposite effect.
person’s head, shoulders, and upper Couture - The business of making and selling
chest fashionable women’s clothes.
Cabal - A small group of people who make Cradle - A small bed for a baby
secret plans for political action. Creativity - The ability to produce new and original
Calligraphy - The art of beautiful writing by hand ideas.
Canine - Of a dog Criminology – The scientific study of crime and
Cannibal - One who eats human flesh criminals.
Cardiac - Connected with the heart Crossroads – A point at which an important decision
Catch-22 - A situation from which one is must be taken.
prevented from escaping by something Cruise - A sea voyage for pleasure.
that is part of the situation itself. Cuisine - A style of cooking
Celestial - of the sky or heaven Daredevil - One who is prepared to take dangerous
Cerebral - Connected with the brain risks.
Charlatan - One who deceived others by falsely D-Day - A day on which an important
claiming to have skill. operation is to begin.
Celibacy - One who does not indulge in carnal Debacle - A sudden complete failure
pleasure. Decanter - A container for holding alcoholic
Clean sweep – A complete victory drinks, especially wine.
Cloak-and-dagger – Stories that deal with adventure Defeatism - The practice of thinking in a way
and exciting mystery that shows an expectation of being
Clot - A half-solid mass or lump formed unsuccessful.
from a liquid, especially blood Deficit - The amount by which something is less
Clubfoot - A badly-shaped foot twisted out of than what is needed.
position from birth. Déjà vu - The feeling of remembering something
Coagulate - Change from a liquid into a solid by that infact one is experiencing for the
chemical action. first time.
Cold war - Severe political struggle between Depression - A long period seriously reduced
countries, without actual fighting. business activity and high
Colloquial - Suitable for ordinary, informal, or unemployment.
familiar conversation. Designate - Chosen for an office but not yet
Colonnade – A row of pillars supporting a roof or officially placed in it.
arches. Disarmament – Reduction of weapons by a
Coma - A state of long unnatural deep or government
unconsciousness. Dissection - Cutting up the body of plant or animal
Combustible – (or Inflammable) that can catch fire for studying.
and burn easily. Dividend - The money which is divided among
Comrade - A close companion who shares difficult shareholders
work Dome - A rounded roof on a building
Congenital - Existing at or from one’s birth
 C-20

Dormitory – A large room containing a number of Flance - (feminine fiancée) The person one is
beds. going to marry
Down-and-out – One who is suffering from lack Filament - A thin thread
money, work, etc, and is unable to Flogging - Severe beating with a whip or stick
change the situation. Flora - All the plants of a particular place,
Dragnet - A system of connected actions and country, or period.
methods for catching criminals Fluvial - Of, found in, or produced by rivers.
Dregs - Sediment in a liquid that sinks to the Foible - A small rather strange and stupid
bottom and is thrown away. personal habit.
Drudgery - Hard uninteresting work Foolscap - A large size of paper, especially writing
Eagle-eyed - Looking with very keen attention and paper.
noticing small details. Foray - A sudden rush into enemy country
Eaves - The edges of a roof which come out Foreman - A skilled and experienced worker in
beyond the walls. charge of other workers.
Eddy - A circular movement of water, wind, Fortnight - Two weeks
dust, etc. Fourth Estate – Newspapers and their writers,
Elastic - Able to spring back into shape after considered with regard to their political
being stretched influence.
Electrocute - To kill by passing electricity through Freckle - A small flat brown spot on the skin
the body. Freight - Goods carried by ship, train, plane, etc.
Embargo - An official order forbidding trade with Frill - A decorative edge to a piece of material
another country Frontispiece - A picture or photograph at the
Empirical - Based on practical experience of the beginning of a book.
world we see and feel. Fumigate - To clear of disease, bacteria etc. by
Enigmatic - That which is mysterious and very hard means of chemical smoke.
to understand. Furrow - A long narrow track cut by a plough
Entomology - The scientific study of insects Galaxy - A large group of stars.
Epic - A long narrative poem Gastronomy - The art and science of cooking and
Epicurean - Lover of physical/material eating good food.
Ergonomics – The study of the conditions in which Gelatine - A clear substance used for making
people work most effectively with jellies
machines. Geocentric - Having the Earth as the central point
Estuary - The wide lover part or mouth of a Gigolo - A man who is paid to be a woman’s
river. lover
Evaporate - To change into steam and disappear. Glacier - A mass of ice moving very slowly down
Evolution - Gradual development from simpler a mountain valley
forms Glut - A larger supply than is necessary
Excise - Tax on goods produced and used inside Goatee - A little pointed beard on the bottom of
a country the chin.
Expletive - An often meaningless word used for Go-Getter - One who is forceful, determined, and
swearing. likely to succeed in getting what one
Expressionism – A style of painting which expresses wants.
feelings rather than describing objects Good Samaritan – One who helps others in trouble,
and experiences. without thinking of oneself.
Extrovert - One who likes to spend time with Gorge - A deep narrow valley with steep sides
others Graffiti - Drawings or writing on a wall.
Facet - Any of the many flat sides of a cut Grange - A large country house with Farm
jewel. buildings.
Faeces - The solid waste material passed from Green Belt - A stretch of land, around a town or
the bowels. city, where building is not allowed, so
Fallacy - A false idea or belief that fields, woods, etc. remain
Farce - A light humorous play full of silly Grunt - Short deep rough sound of pig
things happening. Gubernatorial - of a governor
Farrier - One who makes and fits shoes for Guinea pig - A person who is subject of some kind
horses of test
Fabrile - Of or caused by fever Halitosis - A condition in which one has bad
Felony - A serious crime such as murder or breath.
armed robbery Handbook - A short book giving all the most
important information about a subject.
 C-21

Hangar - A big building where aircraft are kept Kennel - A small hut for a dog
between flights. Kimono - A long loose garment made of silk.
Harpoon - A spear with a long rope, used for Knuckle - The joint between the finger and the
hunting large sea animals. hand.
Haven - A place of calm and safety Lackey - One who behaves like a servant by
Headgear - A covering for the head always obeying.
Headstrong – Determined to do what one wants in Lead time - The time taken in planning and
spite of all device producing a new product.
Heat-stroke – Fever and weakness caused by too Lecher - One who continually looks for sexual
much heat. pleasure
Heirloom - A valuable object passed on for Leonine - of or like a lion
generations Levee - An embankment beside a river or
Herbivore - A plant-eating animal. stream or an arm of the sea, to prevent
Hide - An animal’s skin, when removed, to be floods.
used, for leather. Levy - An official demand and collection,
Hinterland - The inner part of a country especially of a tax.
Histrionics – Behaviour resembling a theatrical Libertarian - One who believes that people should
performance have freedom or expression.
Holocaust - Great destruction and the loss of many Lien - A legal claim or hold on employment or
lives. property, as security for a debt or
Holster - A leather holder for a pistol charge.
Hooligan - A noisy rough person who causes Limerick - A humorous short poem with five lines.
trouble Linchpin/Lynchpin – An important member which
Hothead - One who does things too quickly, keeps the whole group together.
without thinking Literati - People with great knowledge of
Hub - The central part of a wheel literature
Hump - A lump on the back of a camel Livery - Uniform of a special type for servants
Ideology - A set of ideas on which a political or Locale - A place where something particular
economic system is based. happens
Idolatry - The worship of idols Logger - One whose job is to cut down trees
Illegible - Difficult or impossible to read Loom - A machine on which thread is woven
Immortal - That which will never die into cloth.
Implacable - Impossible to satisfy, change, or make Lore - Old beliefs, not written down, about a
less angry. particular subject.
Improvident – One who does not save for the future Lowbrow - One who has no interest in literature,
Incarnate - In physical form rather than in the art, etc.
form of a spirit or idea Lullaby - A pleasant song used for causing
Incorporeal - Without a body or form children to sleep
Inedible - Not suitable for eating Machete - A knife with a broad heavy blade
Inflate - To fill with air or gas until swelled Magnum Opus – A great work of art, theatre, film,
Ingest - To take into the stomach etc.
Innate - That which one is born with Malady - that which is wrong with a system.
Inseminate - To put male seed into a female Malaise - A feeling of pain without any
Intelligentsia – Those who are highly educated and particular pain or appearance of
often concern themselves with ideas disease.
and new developments. Malcontent - One who is dissatisfied with the
Intestate - Not having made a will existing state of affairs.
Invective - A forceful attacking speech used for Male Chauvinist – A man who believes that men are
blaming someone. better than women
Invoice - A list of goods supplied, stating Malign - To speak evil of, especially to do so
quantity and price. falsely and severely.
Irreproachable – So good that no blame at all could Mane - The long hair on the back of a horse’
be given neck
Journal - A serious magazine produced by a Manual - A book giving information about how
specialist society to do something.
Junta - A council or assembly that deliberates Market forces - The free operation of business and
in secret upon the affairs of trade without govt. controls.
government. Mascot - Chosen as a symbol or thought to bring
Juxtapose - To place side by side or close together. good luck
 C-22

Massacre - The unnecessary and indiscriminate Nursery - A place where small children are taken
killing of human beings. care of or where young plants are
Materialism - Too great interest in money & grown for sale.
material, etc, rather than spiritual Oar - A long pole used for rowing a boat
matters. Obstetrics - The branch of medicine concerned with
Mechanics - The science of the action of forces on childbirth
objects. Obtrude - To be pushed or to push oneself into
Megalomania - The belief that one is more undue prominence.
important or powerful than one really Obtrusive - Tending to be pushed or to push
is oneself into undue prominence.
Mercantile - of trade and business Obviate - To clear away or provide for, as an
Meteorology - The scientific study of weather objection or difficulty.
conditions Odoriferous – Having a smell
Midriff – The part of the human body between Off-White - White with some grey or yellow
the chest and the waist. Oligarchy - A collective government formed by a
Militia - Those trained as soldiers but not few persons
belonging to a regular army One – Upmanship – The art of getting an advantage
Miniature - A very small painting over others without actually cheating.
Misnomer - A name wrongly or mistakenly applied. Ontology - The branch of philosophy concerned
Moccasin - A simple shoe made of leather with the nature of existence
Modus Operandi – A method of doing something Operational - The study of how businesses are
typical of someone. Research organized in order to make them
Mogul - A person of very great power, wealth more
and importance. efficient.
Monarchy - Rule by a king or queen Opprobrium - The state of being scornfully
Monomaniac – One who keeps thinking of one reproached or censured
particular idea only Orderly - A soldier who attends an officer
Moralistic - Having unchanging narrow ideas about Ornithology - The scientific study of birds.
right and wrong. Ostentation - A display dictated by vanity and
Morbid - Having or expressing a strong interest intended to invite applause or
in sad or unpleasant things. flattery.
Motto - A few words taken as the guiding Outcast - One who is forced from one’s home
principle. or without friends.
Multinational - A company having operations in Overhaul - Thorough examination and repair if
many different countries. necessary
Mundane - Dull/Ordinary Pacemaker - A small machine that regularizes
Mycology - The scientific study of fungi (Plural of heartbeats
fungus) Paleography - The study of ancient writing systems
Namasake - A person with the same name as your Panacea - A remedy or medicine proposed for
is your namesake or professing to cure all diseases.
Nautical - of sailors, ship, or sailing Panache - Being able to do things in a
Necromancy – The practice which claims to learn confident and elegant way.
about the future by talking with the Panegyric - A speeds or a piece of writing
dead praising somebody or something.
Nemesis - Just and unavoidable punishment Pariah - One who is not accepted by society.
Newfangled – New (Idea, machine etc) but neither Parricide - Act of murdering one’s father,
necessary nor better mother or other close relative.
Nihilism - The belief that nothing has meaning or Parting shot - A last remark made at the moment
value. of leaving
Nodding Passive Smoking – The breathing in of smoke from
Acquaintance - A very slight familiarity the cigarettes that others are
Nosegay - A small bunch of flowers, to be carried smoking
or worn on a dress Patent - The right to make or sell a new
Notary - A public official who makes written invention
statements official Paunch - A man’s fat stomach
No-win Situation – That which will end badly Peanuts - Too small a sum of money
whichever choice one makes Peeping Tom - One who secretly looks at others
when they are undressing.
 C-23

Penance - Making oneself willingly suffer for Propellant - An explosive for firing a bullet or a
one’s wrongs. rocket
Perdition - Perdition Everlasting punishment Proscribe - To reject, as a teaching or a practice,
after death with condemnation or denunciation.
Perjury - A lie told on purpose in court Prosody - The rules by which the patterns of
Persona on Grata – One who is not acceptable or sounds and rhythms are arranged in
welcome poetry.
Petrology - The scientific study of rocks Postscript
Phonetics - The study and science of speech (or P.S.) – A note added at the end of a letter.
sounds Pulmonary - of or having an effect on the lungs.
Phylum - A main division of animals or plants Punctilious - Strictly observant of the rules or
Pigment - The natural colouring matter of forms prescribed by law or custom.
plants and animals
Pillion - A seat for a second person on a Punter - One who makes a bet on horserace
motorcycle results
Pithead - The entrance to a coalmine Pus - A thick yellowish liquid produced in
Placate - To bring from a state of angry or an infected wound
hostile feeling to one of patience or Putsch - A sudden secretly planned attempt
friendliness. to remove a government by force
Plaintiff - One who brings a charge against Palmistry - The art of telling one’s character or
someone in a court future by examining one’s hands
Platitude - A written or spoken statement that and palms.
has been made often before and is Quartet - Four singers or musicians
not interesting. performing together
Platonic - A friendly, not sexual, relationship Quixotic - Trying to do the impossible, often so
between a man and a woman as to help others, while getting
Plebeian - of the lower social classes oneself into danger.
Poetaster - A writer of inferior quality poems Raconteur - One who good at telling stories in an
Poker Face - A face that shows nothing of what interesting way
one is thinking or feeling Raillery - Friendly joking at someone’s
Porcine - Of or like a pig weakness
Pork - Meat from pigs Ranger - The keeper of a forest
Portend - To indicate as being about to Real Estate - Property in the form of land and
happen, especially by previous houses.
signs. Realpolitik - Politics based on practical facts
Post-Haste - In a great hurry rather than on moral or ideological
Pot-Boiler - A book of low quality produced aims.
quickly to make money Rebuff - A peremptory or unexpected
Powder keg - Something dangerous that might rejection of advances or approaches.
explode Recant - To withdraw formally one’s belief
Précis - A shortened form of a piece of (in something previously believed or
writing maintained).
Prescient - Able to imagine or guess what will Recumbent - Lying down on the back or side
probably happen. Red-handed - In the act of doing something wrong
Prevaricate - To use ambiguous or evasive Redundant - Means exceeding what is natural,
language for the purpose of usual or necessary
deceiving or diverting attention. Reflation - A govt. policy of increasing the
amount of money used to increased
Prey - An animal that is hunted and eaten the demand for goods or services.
by another Relic - Something old that reminds us of the
Prima Donna – The main woman singer in an opera past
company Renaissance - A renewal of interest in some
Prodigal - One who is wasteful or extravagant, particular king of art, literature, etc,
especially in the use of money or a period of revival during 15th and
property. 16th centuries in Europe
Profile - A side view of someone’s head/face Renal - of the kidneys
Projection - Something that sticks out from a Requisition - An official demand or request
surface
 C-24

Rescind - To make void, as an act, by the Shaman - A priest believed to have magical
enacting authority or by a superior power and able to cure people
authority. Shibboleth - A once important custom which no
Resonance - Sound produced in one object by longer has much meaning.
sound waves from another Shoot - A new growth from a plant
Retribution - A severe which was punishment Short-change - To give back less than what actually
Rhyme - To end with the same sound, should be given back
including a vowel. Siamese twins – Those joined together from birth at
Right-hand-man – one’s most useful and valuable some part of their bodies.
helper Side effect - An unwanted effect happening in
Ringleader - One who leads others to do wrong addition to the intended one
or make trouble Signatory - Any of these who sign an agreement
Riviera - A warm stretch of coast on the Sill - The flat piece at the base of window
Mediterranean sea popular with Singsong - A repeated rising and failing of the
holiday makers voice in speaking
Rodent - A small herbivore with strong sharp Skyscraper - A very tall modern city building
long front teeth Sleeping partner – A partner in a business who takes
Rolling stone - One who travels around a lot and no active part
has no fixed address or Slip-up - A slight unintentional mistake
responsibilities. Small fry - A young or unimportant person
Rosary - A string of beads used for counting Smokestack - The tall chimney of a factory or a
prayers ship
Roving eye - Sexual interest that pass quickly Snippet - A short piece from something
from one person to another spoken or written
Rubber Stamp– One who acts only to make official Socialite - A person well known for going to
the decisions already made by fashionable parties.
another Sociology - The scientific study of societies and
Ruling - An official decision of a court human behavior in groups.
Rung - Any of the cross-bars that form the Solidarity - Loyal agreement of interests, aims,
steps of a ladder or principles among a group
Saboteur - One who practices sabotage Somnambulism- The habit of walking about while
Salve - (or Ointment) an oily substance for asleep
putting on a cut, wound, etc. SOS - An urgent message from someone in
Sapient - Wise and full of deep knowledge trouble
Scaffolding - A structure built from poles and Souvenir - An object kept as a reminder of
boards for workmen to stand on something
Scalp - The skin on the top of the human Spatial - Connected with space
head Spectacle - A grand public show or scene
Sceptical - Unwilling to believe a claim or Spindle - A machine part round which
promise something turns
Scraps - Pieces of food not eaten at a meal Splinter - A small sharp pointed piece of wood
and thrown away broken off something
Scuba - An instrument used for breathing Sportsmanship – A spirit of honest fair play
while swimming underwater Sprig - A small end of a stem or branch with
Seam - A line of stitches joining two pieces leaves
of cloth, leather, etc. Stallion - A fully grown male horse kept for
Sedentary - Anything done while sitting down breeding
Seer - One who can see into the future Standard-bearer – An important leader in a moral
Seismic - Of or caused by earthquakes argument or movement
Seller’s Market – Where there are not many goods Statesman - A political leader who is respected
for sale. as being wise, honorable, and fair
Sensationalism – The international producing of minded
excitement or shock Stellar - of the stars
Septic - Infected with disease bacteria Sticking point – Something that prevents an
Sexagenarian - One who is between 6- and 69 years agreement
old. Stock Broker - One whose job is buying and selling
Sexism - The belief that one sex is not as shares and debentures for others.
good as the other Stoic - One who is indifferent to
joys/sorrows
 C-25

Stooge - One who habitually does what Transient - One who or that which is only
another person wants. temporary existence.
Stratagem - A trick to deceive an enemy Transmogrify- To change completely as if by magic
Strategist - A person skilled in planning, Transpire - To happen or occur or become know.
especially of military movements. Example: It transpired at the meeting
Stride - A long step in walking. that he was going to be our next
Strobe light - A light which goes on and off very President.
quickly Treatise - A serious book or article that examines
Subcutaneous – Beneath the skin a particular subject.
Sub judice - A legal case being considered in Tribunal - A court of people officially appointed
court to deal with special matters.
Subsidy - Money paid by the government to Troglodyte - One who lives in a cave.
reduce prices Trousseau - The personal possessions that a
Superannuated – Too old for work woman brings with her when she
Surety - One who takes responsibility for the marries.
behavior of someone Tunnel Vision - A condition in which one can see
Surreal - Having a strange dream like unreal only straight ahead
quality. Turf - A surface made up of earth and a thick
Swarm - A large group of insects moving in a covering of grass
mass. Tutelage - The act of training or the state of being
Sweet tooth - A liking for sweet and sugary things. under instruction.
Sword of - Something bad that may happen at Tyrant - A ruler with complete power, who
any time rules cruelly and unjustly
Damocles Tactile- of the sense of touch Tyro - One slightly skilled in or acquainted
Take home pay – Wages left after all taxes, with any trade or profession.
deductions, Underling - A person of low rank in relation to
etc, have been made another
Tannery - A place where animal skin is made Undermanned - Not having enough workers
into leather Unguent - A thick oily substance used on the skin
Tarot - A set of 22 cards used for telling the to heal it
future Unisex - of one type used by both male and
Tautology - is redundancy, which consists of female.
needless repetition of meaning in other Upholstery - A comfortable covering and filling for
words. Example: audible to the ear, a seat
return back, one after another in Valise - A small bag used while travelling
succession, etc. Vase - A decorative container used to put
Taxonomy - The system of putting plants and flowers in
animals into various classes. Vendor - A seller of small articles that can be
Technocrat - A highly skilled specialist in charge of carried about
an organization. Vertebrate - A living creature which has a
Teller - One who is employed to receive and backbone.
pay out money in a bank Vicissitude - A change, especially a complete
Tenure - The act, right, or period of holding change, of condition or circumstances,
land or a job as of fortune.
Territorial waters – The sea near a country’s coast Vinous - of or pertaining to wine
over which it has legal control. Voluntary - Done willingly, without being forced.
Testamentary - of or done according to a will. Wade - To walk through water
Thatch - Roof covering of straw, reeds, etc. Walkout - Leaving a meeting as an expression of
Thermal - of heat disapproval
Thorax - The part between the neck and the Wardrobe - A large cupboard in which one hangs
abdomen up clothes.
Thrombosis - Having a clot in a blood vessel or the Wasteland - Empty, unproductive, usually barren
heart land.
Topiary - The art of cutting trees and bushes into Waterloo - A sever defeat after a time of unusual
decorative shapes of animals and birds success
Touchstone - Something used as a test or standard Weakling - One who lacks physical strength or
Tract - A short piece dealing with a religious strength of character
or moral subject.
Traitor - One who is disloyal to one’s country
 C-26

Wean - To transfer (the young) from  Appraise : Evaluate, estimate

dependence on mother’s milk to  Apprehend : Seize, fear, arrest
another form of nourishment.  Arbitrary : Despotic, wayward
Weather beaten – Marked or damaged by the force  Assent : Agree, consent, acquiesce
of wind. Sun, rain, etc.  Astonish : Astound, Surprise, amaze,
Wheeler-dealer – One who is skilled at making bewilder
profitable or successful deals.  Audacious : Bold, courageous, daring
Whirlpool - A place with circular currents of water,  Aversion : Dislike, detestation, hostility,
which can pull objects down into it. hatred.
Wholesale - The business of selling goods to
shopkeepers  Base : Mean, low ignoble
Wit - The ability to say clever and amusing  Beg : Implore, ask, beseech, solicit
things  Behavior : Conduct, deportment, way
Wizard - One who has magic powers demeanor
Word Blindness – (or dyslexia) difficulty in seeing  Brave : Courageous, intrepid, bold, daring,
the difference between letter shapes
valiant
Workaholic - One who likes to work too hard
 Brisk : Active, fast, quick, busy, alert
Working - Enough practical knowledge to do
 Brittle : Frail, fragile.
Knowledge something.
 Brutal : Animal, savage, beastly, cruel
Wreckage - The broken parts of a destroyed thing.
 Burglar : Thief, bandit, brigand, stealer
Xenophobia - Fear of strange or foreign people,
 Bystander : Spectator, onlooker, beholder
customs, etc.
Yeoman service – Great and loyal service, help or
support
 Calculate : Estimate, count, reckon, compute

Yuppie - A young person in a professional job  Callous : Hard, indifferent, cold-blooded

with a high income  Calm : Cool, confident, quiet, serene,
Zeitgeist - The intellectual and moral tendencies tranquil
that characterize any age or epoch.  Cancel : Annual, withdraw, revoke, delete
Zoology - The scientific study of animals.  Candid : Sincere, straightforward, frank
 Captive : Prison, confined, jailed, bonded
WORD LIST  Cause : Make, originate, induce, generate,

 Abandon : Leave, desert, forsake  Censor

create
: Cut off, prohibit, ban
 Abase : Degrade, disgrace, humiliate  Censure : Blame, condemn, reprove,
 Abhor : Hate, loathe, detest reprimand
 Abridge : Shorten, abbreviate  Character : Letter, emblem, type, OR nature,
 Absolute : Unalterable, unrestricted, disposition, quality
unconditional.  Charity : Philanthropy, Benevolence
 Absurd : Ridiculous, silly, foolish  Chaste : Pure, immaculate, virgin, refined
 Abundant : Ample, plentiful  Chatter : Babble, ramble, talk, discourse
 Accessory : Additional, auxiliary, subsidiary  Cheat : Defraud, gull, outwit, dupe
 Adept : Proficient, skilled, expert  Cite : Quote, Mention, name, adduce
 Adherent : Follower, stickler  Clothes : Apparel, attire, dress, garb
 Adhesive : Sticky, glue, gum  Colossal : Huge, gigantic, enormous, big
 Admire : Praise, adore, esteem  Commence : Begin, start
 Adore : Respect, idolize, worship, admire  Commensurate: Equivalent, suitable, applicable,
 Adversity : Misery, Misfortune proportionate
 Affliction : Distress, sorrow, sadness.  Conceal : Hide, cover, shelter, disguise
 Alien : Foreign, strange, unknown  Confess : Admit, acknowledge, reveal, agree
 Alive : Lively, vivacious, living  Confuse or
 Alleviate : Relieve, lighten, ease confound : Mix, perplex, astonish, amaze,
 Alms : Gratuity, donation, grant bewilder
 Amend : Improve, change, emend  Consequent : Following, resultant, outcome
 Amicable : Suitable, friendly, lovable, amiable  Conspiracy : Plot, intrigue, treason
 Anxiety : Eagerness, misgiving, worry  Convict : Felon, culprit, criminal, guilty
 Apathy : Indifference, neutrality  Cowardly : Craven, dastardly, fearful, poltroon
 Appalling : Terrific, terrifying, dreadful,  Coy : Modest, shy, reserved
horrible.  Crafty : Artful, adroit, dexterous, cunning,
 Apposite : Apt, suitable, well chosen, deceitful
 C-27

 Crazy : Mad, insane, silly  Despise : Condemn, dislike

 Credence : Belief, faith, trust, confidence  Despondency: Despair, dejection
 Crisis : Turning point, emergency, decisive  Despotic : Arbitrary, Tyrannical, illegal
moment  Destitute : Needy, poor, miserable, indigent
 Criterion : Test, touchstone, standard,  Destruction : Ruin, demolition, ravage
yardstick  Detain : Lock in, arrest, hold, custody
 Criticism : Analysis, review, stricture  Detest : Despise, abhor, dislike
 Cruel : Brutal, unmerciful, beastly, savage  Dethrone : Depose, remove (from office)
 Cynical : Captious, incredulous, sarcastic,  Devastate : Ruin, demolition, ravage
morose  Devoid : lacking, empty, vacant

 Danger : Hazard, risk, peril



Devout
Dexterity
: Religious, reverent
: Adroitness, cleverness, skill
 Dash : Run, rush, fly  Diabolical : Fiendish, devilish, wicked
 Dastardly : Cowardly, invaliant, afraid, fearful  Diatribe : Tirade, denunciation
 Dawn : Daybreak, appear (sunrise), begin  Dictatorial : Tyrannical, arbitrary, despotic
 Deadly : Fatal, lethal, destructive  Diffident : Hesitating, doubtful, distrusting
 Dearth : Scarcity, lack, want  Digression : Excursion, deviation, misguidance
 Debase : Degrade, defame, disparage,  Diligence : Care, industry, effort
humiliate  Dire : Terrible, awful, horrible; miserable
 Decay : Decompose, rot, decline in power,  Disapprove : Condemn, reject, disallow
wealth, waste, wither, fade  Disavow : Deny, refuse
 Decease : Death, demise, end  Disciple : Follower, learner, student
 Deceit : Fraud, cheating, forgery  Disclose : Reveal, tell, uncover, divulge
 Decipher : Translate, interpret, solve, explain  Disconsolate: Sad, cheerless, miserable
 Decorum : Decency, etiquette, propriety,  Discredit : Disbelieve, doubt, disgrace
gravity  Disgust : Abhorrence, dislike, detestation
 Decree : Law, edict, ordinance, mandate,  Dismay : Disappointment, discouragement
judgment  Disorder : Disease, illness, OR untidiness,
 Defamation: Calumny, disparagement, uncleanliness
debasement  Disown : Disclaim, deny, renounce
 Defection : Abandonment, desertion  Disparage : Debase, decry, defame
 Defer : Postpone, delay  Dispose : Adjust, arrange, incline
 Deference : Respect, reverence, honour  Dispute : Argument, controversy, altercation
 Deformity : Disfigurement, malformation,  Disregard : Neglect, overlook, disrespect
ugliness  Dissolute : Corrupt, mean, lax, licentious
 Dejected : Depressed, distressed,  Distaste : Abhorrence, dislike, detestation
downhearted, downcast  Distorted : Blurred, maligned, changed,
 Delectable : charming, delightful, pleasant disguised,deformed, misrepresented
 Delegate : Commission, depute, authorize  Distress : Affliction, depression, misery
 Deliberate : Knowingly done, intentional,  Divert : Turn aside, deflect, deviate
forcible softness, nicety.  Divine : Heavenly, metaphysical, godlike
 Delicacy : Softness, nicety, slenderness,  Divulge : Reveal, uncover, disclose
refinement, purity  Docile : Amenable, tractable, submissive
 Delusion : Illusion, fancy, error, false belief  Doctrine : Precept, principle, teaching
 Demeanor : Behaviour, conduct, bearing  Dogmatic : Categorical, authoritative, firm,
 Demise : Death, decease preachy
 Demolish : Break, destroy, annihilate  Dolt : Blockhead, stupid, fool, idiot,
 Demure : Modest, coy, humane dullard
 Denomination : Name, appellation, designation  Domicile : Dwelling, Home, Residence
 Denounce : Accuse, malign, criticize, defame,  Dotage : Senility, imbecility
condemn  Downright :Simple, unquestionable, blunt, frank
 Deny : Contradict, refuse, disavow,  Dread : Apprehend, fear
withhold  Drench : Soak, wet
 Deride : Ridicule, mock, taunt  Drowsy : Sleepy, comatose, lazy, lethargic
 Descant : Discourse, expatiate, enlarge  Dubious : Suspicious, doubtful, unreliable
 Desire : Wish, long for, crave, covet
 Ductile : Pliant, yielding, flexible
 Desolate : Lonely, deserted, solitary,  Dwindle : Shrink, diminish, decrease
devastated
 C-28

 Earnest : Eager, ardent, intent, anxious,



Evince
Exact
: Show, manifest, demonstrate
: Extort, oppress, loot
sincere  Exaggerate: Amplify, Overstate
 Eccentric : Irregular, anomalous, abnormal,  Excerpt : Extract, Quotations
odd  Exile : Expulsion, Banishment,
 Economies : Save, retrench Expatriation
 Ecstasy : Trance, enchantment, rapture  Exonerate : Acquit, Absolve, release
 Efface : Blot out, obliterate, destroy  Exorbitant : Excessive, too much, very high
 Effeminate : Womanly, weak, unmanly  Extinguish : Quench, terminate, destroy, put out
 Efficacy : Energy, virtue, potence  Extravagant : Excessive lavish, stylish
 Egotistic : Self-centered, egoist, self-conceited  Exuberate : Abundant, plentiful
 Egregious : Conspicuously bad, sinful,  Exult : Triumph, rejoice, delight
monstrous, shocking
 Elaborate : Explain, discuss, elucidate  Fable : Story, legend, myth, fiction
 Elevated : Elated, promoted, upgraded, risen  Fabricate : Construct, forge, invent
 Eliminate : Remove, replace, dismiss, discard  Fabulous : Fictitious, mythical, exaggerated
 Eloquence : Oratory, rhetoric, finery (of speech)  Facile : Fluent, ready, glib (of writing),
fluency of expression pliable, docile, tractable
 Emanate : Originate, proceed, spring, issue  Faction : Clique, cabal, discord, section
 Emancipate : Free, deliver, liberate  Fallacy : Deception, illusion, mistake
 Embarrass : Vex, confuse, liberate  Falter : Waver, hesitate, delay, flounder
 Embezzle : Steal, peculate, cheat  Famine : Hunger, starvation, scarcity of food
 Embody : Incorporate, include, comprise  Fanatical : bigoted, enthusiastic
 Emolument : Salary, wage, remuneration  Fancy : liking, conception, craving, whim
 Emulate : Compete, rival, vie against, copy  Farcical : Droll, comic, extravagant
 Enchant : Char, bewitch, hypnotize  Fascinate : Charm, bewitch, attract
 Encompass : Surround, encircle  Fastidious : Particular, over-nice, squeamish
 Encounter : Come across, combat, fight  Fatal : Deadly, lethal, mortal
 Encroach : Trespass, intrude, invade  Fatigue : Weakness, exhaustion, tiredness
 Endeavour : Attempt, effort, aspiration  Feeble : Weak, frail, dim
 Endorse : Back, approve, ratify  Felicitate : Congratulate, compliment
 Endurance : Patience, continuance, fortitude  Felicity : Joy, happiness, good luck
 Enfranchise : Liberate, free (also: give right to  Felon : Criminal, sinner, guilty, bandit
vote)  Ferment : Excite, agitate
 Enlighten : Illuminate, edify, elaborate  Ferocity : Fierceness, vehemence, fanaticism
 Enmity : Hostility, Hatred, animosity  Ferment : Glowing, heated, impassioned
 Enormous : Big, Huge, colossal, gigantic  Fervor : Warmth, glow, vehemence
 Enrage : Infuriate, madden, incense, irritate  Festivity : Gaiety, merry-making
 Ensue : Succeed, follow, result  Fetter : Shackle, bind, imprison
 Entangle : Ravel, involve, perplex  Feud : Dispute, broil, strife
 Enterprise : Undertaking, venture, Endeavour  Fickle : Changeable, vacillating, malignant
 Enthusiasm : Zeal, ardour, interest  Fiendish : Devilish, diabolical, malignant
 Entice : Allure, tempt, seduce, attract  Figurative : Typical, imaginative, emblematic,
 Entreat : Beseech, implore, beg metaphorical
 Entwine : encircle, surround, encompass  Filthy : Dirty, foul, nasty
 Enumerate : Count, number, one by one  Fissure : Crevice, rift, narrow opening
 Enunciate : declare, publish, propound, reveal  Flaccid : Soft, loose, weak
 Envoy : Legate, messenger, ambassador  Flatter : Adore, please, praise
 Epoch : Era, time, ago  Fleece : Rob, despoil, cheat
 Equivocal : Doubtful, Ambiguous, uncertain  Flexible : Variable, pliable, changeable
 Eradicate : Root out, extirpate, annihilate  Flimsy : Transparent, thin, trivial, tenuous
 Erroneous : Wrong, false  Flounder : Stumble, falter, wallow, vacillate
 Erudite : Learned, scholarly, lettered  Fluctuate : Undulate, waver, vacillate
 Esteem : Admire, appreciate, adore, respect  Flutter : Flip, quiver, ruffle, agitate
 Eulogy : Laudation, praise, extolling,  Folly : Absurdity, silliness, imprudence,
felicitation. foolishness
 Evidence : Testimony, proof, witness  Fondle : Caress, touch, rub
 C-29

 Foray : Incursion, inroad, venture  Haughty : Arrogant, overbearing, imperious

 Forbearance: Abstaining, refraining  Havoc : Devastation, destruction, ruin
 Forbid : Prohibit, disallow, debar  Hearty : Sincere, warm, ardent
 Forebode : Betoken, indicate, augur  Heave : Raise, lift
 Forlorn : Disconsolate, cheerless, distressed,  Hedge : Fence, hem
Abandoned, lonely.  Heed : Advise, note, consider, mind
 Formidable : Dreadful, difficult, hard to  Heinous : Atrocious, odious, wicked
overcome  Hem : Border, edge, fringe, outskirt
 Fragile : Weak, feeble, slender, delicate  Herculean : Colossal, laborious, excessive
 Fragrant : Odorous, balmy, soothing  Heterogeneous: Dissimilar, unlike, different,
 Frailty : Weakness, delicacy, fragileness divers, varied
 Frantic : Frenzied, mad, distracted  Hideous : Terrific, horrible, filthy
 Fraudulent : Dishonest, cheating, deceitful  Hilarious : Exceedingly, funny, boisterously
 Fray : Battlefield, combat, deceitful merry, amusing, joyous
 Frisk : Skip, dance, caper, frolic  Hindrance : Impediment, hampering,
 Frivolous : Vain, foolish, trivial obstruction, obstacle
 Frugal : Economical, thrifty  Histrionic : Theatrical, dramatic
 Futile : Useless, hopeless, in vain  Hoax or humburg: Dupe, cheat, befool

 Gaiety : Hilarity, jollity, festivity 
Homage
Horizon
: Deference, salute, worshipping
: Verge, limit, skyline
 Gainsay : Contradict, dispute, controvert,  Hostile : Adverse, opposing, inimical
deny  Hover : remain in one place in the air,
 Gallantry : Courage, bravery, heroism remain suspended, linger
 Garbage : Filth, waste, useless, throwaway,  Humane : Compassionate, caring, benevolent
trash  Humiliate : Abase, insult, mock, defy
 Garner : Accumulate, collect, gather  Humorous : Amusing, laughable, comical
 Garrulous : Prattling, chattering  Hypocrisy : Pretence, imposture, deceit


Gawky
Gay
: Awkward, clumsy
: Happy, merry, joyous  Idolise : Adore, worship, admire
 Generous : Noble, magnanimous, kind, liberal  Illegal or Illicit: Unlawful, prohibited
 Genteel : Well-bred, well-cultured, polite,  Illogical : Inconsequent, irrational
refined  Imitate : Copy, follow, mimic, emulate
 Genuine : True, authentic, real  Immaculate : Spotless, stainless, perfect
 Ghastly : Horrible, horrifying, horrific  Immature : Crude, childish, unseasoned
 Ghost : Phantom, spirit, specter  Imminent : Impending, near, due threatening
 Glimmer : Shine, flash, gleam  Immodest : Indecent, indelicate, unchaste
 Glimpse : Glance, (quick) look, (brief) view  Immortal : Everlasting, undying, endless
 Glisten : Shine, beam, glow  Impassioned: Fervent, frenzied, fanatical
 Gloom : Depression, melancholy, loneliness  Impeachment: Imputation, accusation
 Glutinous : Sticky, viscous  Implicit : Implied, assumed, inferred
 Gluttonous : Greedy, gorging, voracious  Impostor : Cheat, conman, charlatan
 Grandeur : Splendor, magnificence, glory  Impracticable: Impossible, (merely) theoretical
 Grapple : Grasp, clutch, seize  Impressive : Striking, affecting, extraordinary
 Gratification: Satisfaction, enjoyment  Impunity : Exemption (from punishment)
 Gravity : Seriousness, importance, calmness  Inane : Empty, silly, idiotic
 Greed : Avarice, ravenous, envious,  Inarticulate : Voiceless, indistinct, inexpressive
covetous  Incense : Infuriate, enrage, anger
 Grievance : Hardship, complaint, trouble  Incessant : Unceasing, continual
 Grotesque : Horrifying, contorted, bizarre,  Incognito : (Identity) Concealed, secretly,
whimsical stealthily
 Grudge : Grievance, begrudge, resent  Inculcate : Instill, enforce, pass on, generate
 Gullible : Simple, easy, pliable, credulous  Inculpate : Blame, incriminate

 Hallucination : Delusion, illusion, nightmare 


Incumbent : Compulsory, obligatory, binding
Incursion : Inroad, foray, venture
 Hamper : Impede, block, fetter, bind  Indefatigable : Tireless, assiduous
 Hapless : Unfortunate, unlucky  Indict : Accuse, charge
 Harangue : a lengthy speech, oration  Indiscriminate: Mixed, undistinguished,
 Hardship : Trouble, adversity, difficulty
 C-30

confused, wanton  Lachrymose : Given to shedding tears

 Indolence : Busy, active, tireless  Lackadaisical : Listless
 Inevitable : Unavoidable, certain, sure  Laconic : (Briskly) Short, concise, pithy
 Inexorable : Relentless, indefatigable  Languid : Listless, spiritless
 Infallible : Unfailing, unerring, certain  Languish : Die (with hunger or desire),
 In factious : Catching, contaminating, weaken, droop
corrupting, transmittable  Lascivious : Lustful
 Infer : Gather, conclude, deduce  Lassitude : Weariness, tiredness
 Influence : Authority, effect, power  Latent : Hidden, concealed
 Infringe : Break, violate, transgress, encroach  Laudable : Praiseworthy
 Ingredient : Constituent, component, element  Legacy : A bequest
 Inherent : Inborn, innate, built-in  Legitimate : Genuine, lawful
 Inhibition : Restraint, check  Levity : Frivolity
 Iniquitous : Unjust, wrong, unfair  Libel : Defamation
 Initiate : Start, begin, inchoate  Licentious : Wanton
 Innocuous : Harmless, mild, innocent  Lithe : Supple
 Insanity : Madness, lunacy, mania  Loquacious : Talkative
 Insidious : Deceitful, treacherous  Lustrous : Shinning


Instantaneous: Immediate, sudden, quick
Instigate : Arouse, misguide, provoke  Malaise : A condition of uneasiness or
 Intact : Untouched, unscathed, whole, ill-being
unbroken, undamaged, unimpaired,  Malevolence: Ill Will.
entire.  Malleable : Pliant
 Integrity : Oneness, entirety, completeness,  Mawkish : Sickening or insipid.
honesty, wholeness, soundness  Mellifluous : Sweetly or smoothly flowing
 Intellectual : Intelligent, rational, learned  Mendacious: Untrue
 Intentional : Deliberate, intended  Mendicant : A beggar
 Intercourse : Intimacy, association,  Mesmerize : To hypnotize
communication  Meticulous : Over-cautious
 Intermission: Suspension, stoppage, pause,  Mettle : Courage
cessation, interval  Mien : The external appearance or manner
 Intervene : Interpose, mediate of a person
 Intimate : Close, tender, friendly or informal,  Moderation : Temperance
advertise, inform  Modicum : A small or token amount
 Intolerable : Unendurable, unbearable  Mollify : To soothe
 Intransigent: Uncompromising, inflexible  Mordant : Biting
 Intrepid : Brave, fearless  Moribund : On the point of dying
 Intricate : Complex, difficult, complicated  Morose : Gloomy
 Intuition : Insight, premonition, instinct  Multifarious: Having great diversity or variety
 Inveterate : Habitual, deep-rooted  Mundane : Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or
 Involuntary : Compulsory, unwilled, reflex celestial.
 Irksome : Annoying, disagreeable, tedious  Munificent : Extraordinarily generous
 Irresolute : Wavering, confused, vacillating  Myriad : A vast indefinite number
 Itinerant :Travelling (on a circuit), wandering,
nomadic  Nadir : The lowest point

 Jaded : Tired, weary



Nefarious
Negligent
:
:
Wicked in the extreme
Apt to omit what ought to be done
 Jargon : Cant, technical language, gibberish  Neophyte : Having the character of a beginner
 Jocose : Jocular, humorous  Noxious : Hurtful
 Jocular : Inclined to joke  Nugatory : Having no power or force
 Jovial : Merry
 Judicious : Prudent  Obdurate : Impassive to feelings of humanity
 Juxtaposition: Closeness, nearness or pity.

 Kiosk : Stand (open on one side), booth



Obfuscate : To darken; to obscure
Oblique : Slanting; said of lines
 Knead : Work up (into dough), press,  Obstreperous: Boisterous
squeeze  Odious : Hateful
 Lacerate : Tear (tissue toughly), mangle
 C-31

 Odium : A feeling of extreme repugnance,  Preternatural : Extraordinary

or of dislike and disgust  Prim : Stiffly proper
 Ominous : Portentous  Pristine : Primitive
 Onerous : Burdensome or oppressive  Probity : Virtue or integrity tested and
 Onus : A burden or responsibility confirmed
 Palate : The roof of the mount  Proclivity : A natural inclination
 Palatial : Magnificent  Procrastination: Delay
 Palliate : To cause to appear less guilty  Prodigious : Large, immense
 Palpable : Perceptible by feeling or touch  Profligate : Immoral, wanton, reckless,
 Panoply : A full set of armor dissolute, licentious
 Paragon : A model of excellence  Profuse : Produced or displayed in
 Pariah : A member of degraded class; a overabundance
social outcast  Prolix : Verbose
 Paroxysm : A sudden outburst (of any kind of  Promiscuous: Indiscriminate, impure, casual
activity)  Propinquity : Nearness, proximity
 Paucity : Fewness  Propitious : Kindly disposed
 Pellucid : Translucent  Prosaic : Unimaginative
 Penchant : A bias in favor of something  Protagonist : Leading character, Hero (ine)
 Penurious : Excessively sparing in the use of  Providential: Fortunate, lucky
Money  Prudence : Caution
 Penury : Indigence  Puerile : Childish
 Peremptory : Precluding question or appeal  Pugnacious : Quarrelsome
 Perfidy : Treachery  Puissant : Powerful, influential, mighty
 Perfunctory : Half-hearted  Punctilious : Exact (in formalities), ceremonious,
 Peripatetic : Walking about conscientious
 Perjury : A solemn assertion of a falsity  Pungency : The quality of affecting the sense of
 Permeate : To pervade smell.
 Pernicious : Tending to kill or hurt  Pusillanimous: Without spirit or bravery
 Persiflage : Banter  Putrefy : Decay, rot, decompose
 Perspicacity : Acuteness or discernment  Pyre : A heap of combustibles arranged
 Perturbation: Mental excitement or confusion for burning a dead body


Petulant : Displaying impatience
Phlegmatic : Not easily roused to feeling or  Qualm : A fit of nausea
action  Quandary : Doubt, dilemma, plight
 Pique : To excite a slight degree of anger in  Quibble : An utterly trivial distinction or
 Plea : An argument (to obtain some objection
desired action).  Quiescence : Being quiet, still, or at rest; inactive
 Plenary : Entire  Quirk : Twist, quibble, deviation
 Plethora : Excess; superabundance  Quixotic : (Foolishly) Chivalrous, unrealistic,
 Poignant : Severely painful or acute to the whimsical

 Polyglot
spirit
: Speaking several tongues  Rabble : Throng (of the vulgar), crowd,
 Ponderous : Unusually weighty or forcible proletariat
 Portent : Anything that indicates what is to  Rabid : Furious, mad, fanatical
happen  Raconteur : A person skilled in telling stories
 Pragmatic : Practical (values), empirical  Raillery : Jesting (language, banter, ridicule
 Precarious : Critical, dangerous  Ramify : To divide or subdivide into
 Preclude : To prevent branches or subdivisions
 Precocious : Advanced (in development), over  Rampant : Rife, widespread
forward, premature  Ramshackle : Dilapidated, tumbledown, rickety
 Predilection : Preference, partiality, inclination  Rapacious : Sieze by force, avaricious
 Predominate: To be chief in importance, quantity  Raucous : Harsh
or degree  Recalcitrant : Stubborn, refractory
 Preposterous : (Very) absurd, ridiculous  Recluse : One who lives in retirement or
 Prerogative : (Special), Right, privilege seclusion
 Presage : To foretell  Recondite :incomprehensible to one of ordinary
 Prescience : Knowledge of events before they understanding
take place  Recuperate : To recover
 C-32

 Redoubtable : Formidable  Spurious : Not genuine

 Redundant : Wordy, repetitious, superfluous,  Squalid : Having a dirty, mean poverty –
needless stricken appearance.
 Refractory : Not amenable to control  Stanch : To stop the flowing of; to check
 Regale : To give unusual pleasure  Stingy : Cheap, unwilling to spend money
 Regicide : The killing of king or sovereign  Stolid : Expressing no power of feeling or
 Reiterate : To say or do again and again perceiving
 Relapse : To suffer a return of a disease after  Submerge : To place or plunge under water
partial recovery  Subterfuge : Evasion
 Relegate : Assign a lower position, banish,  Succinct : Concise
demote  Sumptuous : Rich and costly
 Repast : A meal; figuratively, any  Supercilious: Exhibiting haughty and careless
refreshment contempt
 Repine : To indulge in fretfulness and  Superfluous: Being more than is needed
faultfinding  Supernumerary: Superfluous
 Reprisal : (injury in) Return, retaliation,  Supersede : To displace
revenge  Supine : Lying on the back
 Reprobate : One abandoned to depravity and sin.  Supplicate : To beg
 Respite : Interval of rest  Suppress : To prevent from being disclosed or
 Restive : Resisting control punished.
 Revere : To regard with worshipful  Surcharge : An additional amount charged
veneration  Surfeit : To feed to fullness or to satiety
 Reverent : Humble  Susceptibility: A specific capability of feeling or
 Rotund : Round from fullness or plumpness emotion
 Ruffian :A lawless or recklessly brutal fellow
 Ruminate : To chew over again, as food  Taciturn : Disinclined to conversation
previously swallowed and  Taut : Stretched tight
regurgitated.  Temerity : Foolhardy disregard of danger;
 Sagacious : Wise, shrewd, astute  Terse
recklessness.
: Pithy
 Salacious : Obscene, foul, indecent, lecherous  Timorous : Lacking courage
 Salubrious : Healthful; promoting health  Torpid : Dull, sluggish; inactive
 Salutary : (Morally) Healthy, salubrious,  Torrid : Excessively hot.
beneficial  Tortuous : Abounding in irregular bends or
 Sanguine : Ardent, confident, optimistic Turns
 Sardonic : Ironical, scornful, derisive  Tractable : Easily led or controlled
 Satiate : Gratify (fully), surfeit, saturate  Transgress : To break a law
 Satyr : A very lascivious person  Transitory : Existing for a short time only
 Savor : To perceive by taste or smell  Travail : Hard or agonizing labor
 Schism : Disjunction, split  Travesty : A grotesque imitation
 Scribble : Hasty, careless writing  Trenchant : Cutting deeply and quickly
 Sedition : Plotting (against government),  Trepidation : Nervous uncertainty of feeling
incitement, insurgence  Trite : Made commonplace by frequent
 Sedulous : Persevering in effort or endeavor repetition
 Severance : Separation  Truculence : Ferocity
 Sinecure : Any position (having emoluments  Truculent : Having the character or the spirit
with few or no duties) of a savage.
 Sinuous : Curving in and out  Turbid : In a state of turmoil; muddled
 Sluggard : A person habitually lazy or idle  Turgid : Swollen
 Solace : Comfort in grief, trouble, or calamity  Turpitude : Depravity
 Solvent : Having sufficient funds to pay all  Ubiquitous : Being present everywhere
debts.  Umbrage : A sense of injury
 Somniferous: Tending to produce sleep.  Unctuous : Oily
 Somnolent : Sleepy  Undulate : To move like a wave or in waves
 Soporific : Causing sleep; also, something that  Untoward : Causing annoyance or hindrance
cause sleep  Upbraid : To reproach as deserving blame
 Sordid : Filthy, morally degraded  Vagary : A sudden desire or action
 Specious : Plausible  Vainglory : Excessive, pretentious, and
 C-33

demonstrative vanity
 Valorous : Courageous
 Vapid : Having lost sparkling quality and
flavor
 Variegated : Having marks or patches of
different colours; also, varied
 Vehement : Very eager or urgent
 Venal : Mercenary, corrupt
 Veneer : Outside show or elegance
 Venial : That may be pardoned or forgiven,
a forgivable sin.
 Veracious : Habitually disposed to speak the
truth
 Veracity : Truthfulness
 Verbiage : Use of many words without
necessity
 Verbose : Wordy
 Verdant : Green with vegetation
 Veritable : Real; true; genuine
 Vestige : (A visible) trace, mark, or
impression (of something absent,
lost or gone)
 Virago : Loud talkative women, strong
statured women
 Virtu : Rare, curious, or beautiful quality
 Visage : The face, countenance, or look of a
person
 Vitiate : To contaminate
 Vituperate : To overwhelm with wordy abuse
 Vivify : To endue with life
 Vociferous : Making a loud outcry
 Volatile : Changeable
 Voluble : Having great fluency in speaking

 Whimsical: Capricious
 Winsome : Attractive
 C-34

Chapter 3 Synonyms
Exercise
DIRECTION: Pick out the nearest correct meaning b) Fatigued
or synonym of the words given below: c) Sentimental
d) Emotional
1. MISERABLE 12. ATTACHMENT
a) Object
a) Affinity
b) Obstruct
b) Influence
c) Abject
c) Causation
d) Abstract
d) Appendage
2. ADVICE
13. GULLIBLE
a) Council
a) Credible
b) Counsel b) Believable
c) Practice c) Credulous
d) Proposal
d) Fallible
3. HARMONY
14. BEQUEST
a) Cemetery a) Parsimony
b) Ceremony b) Matrimony
c) Symmetry
c) Heritage
d) Hierarchy
d) Patrimony
4. QUOTE
15. JEALOUS
a) Sight
a) Obvious
b) Sigh
b) Atrocious
c) Sue c) Envious
d) Cite d) Ferocious
5. HAUGHTY
16. BRAVERY
a) Imperial
a) Onslaught
b) Imperious
b) Arrogant
c) Adamant
c) Fortitude
d) Empire
d) Nepotism
6. UNLAWFUL
17. TRAVERSE
a) Elicit a) Mingle
b) Draw
b) Frustrate
c) Illegitimate
c) Take
d) Illicit d) Cross
7. LOQUACIOUS
18. PATRONAGE
a) Victorian
a) Donation
b) Bombastic b) Support
c) Verbose c) Espionage
d) Ambiguous d) Beneficiary
8. WISE 19. RECUPERATE
a) Momentous a) Recapture
b) Pragmatic b) Reclaim
c) Judicious c) Recover
d) Delay d) Regain
9. WATCHFULNESS
20. FOUND
a) Supervision a) See
b) Custody b) Establish
c) Superintendence c) Realize
d) Vigil d) Search
10. COURAGEOUS 21. ATTENUATE
a) Fickle a) Repent
b) Insipid b) Make thin
c) Timorous
c) Force
d) Fearless
d) Divide
11. WEARY
22. ALMS
a) Tired
 C-35

a) Blessings 34. REDEEM

b) Charity a) Extend
c) Prayers b) Fulfill
d) Worship c) Reconsider
23. DISCOMFIT d) Recover
a) Litigate 35. REVOKE
b) Ease a) Repudiate
c) Conflict b) Repeal
d) Frustrate c) Impute
24. VINDICTIVE d) Force
a) Revengeful 36. VISIONARY
b) Triumphant a) Dreaming
c) Strategic b) Savant
d) Demonstrative c) Philosopher
25. ABSTINENCE d) Saint
a) Synchronic 37. FASTIDIOUS
b) Torrential a) Faint
c) Restraint b) Dainty
d) Gluttony c) Delicious
26. WRATH d) Dormant
a) Violence 38. REPRISAL
b) Anger a) Denial
c) Hatred b) Reluctance
d) Displeasing c) Unequivocal
27. TACTURNITY d) Retaliation
a) Dumbness 39. DIALECTIC
b) Changeableness a) Argumentative
c) Hesitation b) Instructive
d) Reserve c) Constructive
28. ERUDITE d) Destructive
a) Execute 40. ATTRIBUTE
b) Expanse a) Infer
c) Academic b) Impute
d) Settle c) Inhere
29. NIGGARDLY d) Inundate
a) Penurious 41. EFFICACY
b) Generous a) Delicacy
c) Liberal b) Ruthlessness
d) Nimbus c) Efficiency
30. ANIMATE d) Solemnity
a) Kill 42. GERMINATE
b) Dead a) Decay
c) Energize b) Breed
d) Calm c) Produce
31. CAPTIVATE d) Sprout
a) Repel 43. FACET
b) Subjugate a) Sweet
c) Dangerous b) Tap
d) Fascinate c) Deceit
32. BLITH d) Aspect
a) Joyless 44. MAGNATE
b) Grudging a) Tycoon
c) Somnolent b) Senior Executive
d) Cheerful c) Non-magnetic
33. BLAND d) Symbolic
a) Unpleasant 45. PERSUADE
b) Irritating a) Assure
c) Affable b) Opinionated
d) Tasteless c) Convince
 C-36

d) Cheat c) Suggestion
46. PERNICIOUS d) Necessity
a) Deadly 58. TRANSCEND
b) Curious a) Lower
c) Gorgeous b) Climb
d) Expensive c) Energies
47. PHENOMENAL d) Cross
a) Incidental 59. INFIRMITY
b) Eventful a) Disease
c) Natural b) Malady
d) Extraordinary c) Weakness
48. FORTIFY d) Slimness
a) Topple 60. EXEMPT
b) Destroy a) Duty
c) Reproduce b) Provide
d) Strengthen c) Relieve
49. HONORARY d) Forgive
a) Honest 61. CHASTE
b) Dignified a) Filthy
c) Unpaid b) Lewd
d) Praiseworthy c) Immoral
50. PARDIGM d) Noble
a) Solution 62. IMMINENT
b) Model a) Eminent
c) Discovery b) Immediate
d) Invention c) Future
51. FORESEE d) Impending
a) Contemplate 63. CURVATURE
b) Visualize a) Angularity
c) Assume b) Straightness
d) Hypothesis c) Short-cut
52. FACULTY d) Streamline
a) Privilege 64. FEMINITY
b) Desire a) Cowardice
c) Branch b) Manly
d) Ability c) Angelic
53. MENAGE d) Inheritant
a) Suffocation 65. WEAN
b) System a) Introduce
c) Law b) Withdraw
d) Household c) Detach
54. ANNEX d) Alienate
a) Add 66. SUMMIT
b) Low a) Base
c) Copy b) Slope
d) Initial c) Declivity
55. RIGMAROLE d) Peak
a) Short-cut 67. OSTRACISED
b) Lengthy procedure a) Hated
c) Unnecessary Burden b) Shut out from the society
d) Happy responsibility c) Criticized
56. DILEMMA d) Applauded by the majority
a) Darkness 68. MENDACIOUS
b) Freedom a) False
c) Trap b) Misleading
d) Confusion c) Provocative
57. IMPERATIVE d) Truthful
a) Order 69. OBNOXIOUS
b) Command a) Clever
 C-37

b) Shrewd 81. MANIAC

c) Disagreeable a) Lunatic
d) Outdated b) Deft
70. SPURIOUS c) Sober
a) False d) Dunce
b) Harmful 82. INTELLECT
c) Poisonous a) Rationality
d) foreign b) Imbecility
71. RECTIFY c) Insanity
a) To command d) Reverie
b) To correct 83. SPECTACLE
c) To destroy a) Pageant
d) To build b) Show
72. PERNICIOUS c) Mystification
a) Radical d) Panorama
b) Baneful 84. OMEN
c) Scientific a) Augury
d) Negative b) Superstition
73. CONCERT c) Imagery
a) Beauty d) Imagination
b) Power 85. Which of the following words very nearly means
c) Agreement ‘rough’?
d) None of these a) Coarse
b) Refine
74. CONDON c) Rude
a) Pile of logs d) Crude
b) Heavy cloak 86. One of the following words very nearly replaces
c) Line of people placed as guard advice
d) None of these a) Council
75. DEVOID b) Counsel
a) Evasive c) Practice
b) Hopeless d) Proposal
c) Lacking 87. Quote is what one of the following words means;
d) Stupid a) Sight
76. MITIGATE b) Sigh
a) To heal c) Sue
b) Soothen d) cite
c) To pardon 88. Which of the following words means miserable
d) To send on a mission a) Object
77. APPOSITE b) Obstruct
a) Appropriate c) Abject
b) Foolish d) abstract
c) Painful 89. Which of the following words means mishap
d) None of these a) Incident
78. RESOLVED b) Ceremony
a) Summarized c) Advent
b) Dispelled d) affectation
c) Determined 90. Harmony is the nearest equivalent of which of the
d) Hanged following words
79. INFIRM a) Cemetery
a) Sturdy b) Ceremony
b) Anxious c) Symmetry
c) Patient d) Hierarchy
d) Feeble 91. One of the following words means haughty
80. BUOYANT a) Imperial
a) Childlike b) Imperious
b) Sturdy c) Adamant
c) Brisk d) Empire
d) Light-hearted 92. Which of the following words means unlawful
 C-38

a) Elicit a) Parsimony
b) Draw b) Matrimony
c) Illegitimate c) Heritage
d) illicit d) Patrimony
93. A style full of words is called 104. Which one of the following words means
a) Victorian ‘’weary’?
b) Bombastic a) Tired
c) Verbose b) Fatigued
d) Ambiguous c) Sentimental
94. One of the following words means wise d) Emotional
a) Momentous 105. One who readily believes whatever is told to him
b) Pragmatic a) Credible
c) Judicious b) Believable
d) Delay c) Credulous
95. Implicate is the opposite of d) Fallible
a) Appease 106. One who dies without making a will:
b) Exonerate a) Willful
c) Adore b) Intestate
d) Advocate c) Invincible
96. A courageous person is the opposite of d) Irritate
a) Fickle 107. JEALOUS
b) Insipid a) Obvious
c) Timorous b) Atrocious
d) Fearless c) Envious
97. Which of the following words opposes reckless d) Ferocious
most suitably 108. One of the following words means ‘’bravery’’?
a) Modest a) Onslaught
b) Awkward b) Arrogant
c) Celebrated c) Fortitude
d) Cautious d) Nepotism
98. Vacillating is the opposite of 109. TRAVERSE
a) Fascinating a) Mingle
b) Fanaticism b) Frustrate
c) Indolence c) Take
d) Resolute d) Cross
99. Which of the following words does not mean 110. PATRONAGE
“abandon”? a) Donation
a) Roost b) Support
b) Forfeit c) Espionage
c) Quit d) Beneficiary
d) Forsake 111. FOUND
100. One of the following words does not mean a) See
‘’insult’’ Locate it. b) Establish
a) Humiliation c) Realize
b) Credulity d) Search
c) Degradation 112. OFFEND
d) Disgrace a) Angry
101. Find out the word meaning ‘’Attachment’’? b) Hate
a) Affinity c) Hurt
b) Influence d) Respect
c) Causation 113. ALMS
d) Appendage a) Blessings
102. Point out the word meaning “watchfulness”: b) Charity
a) Supervision c) Prayers
b) Custody d) Worship
c) Superintendence 114. RECUPERATE
d) Vigil a) Recapture
103. The property inherited by a person from his b) Reclaim
ancestors is: c) Recover
 C-39

d) Regain c) Liberal
115. VINDICTIVE d) Nimbus
a) Revengeful 127. CAPTIVATE
b) Triumphant a) Repel
c) Strategic b) Subjugate
d) Demonstrative c) Dangerous
116. ATTENUATE d) Fascinate
a) Repent 128. LIBERATE
b) Make thin a) Imprison
c) Force b) Enclose
d) Divide c) Emancipate
117. INDICT d) Conceal
a) Condemn 129. REDEEM
b) Reprimand a) Recover
c) Accuse b) Extend
d) Allege c) Fulfill
118. DISCOMFIT d) Reconsider
a) Litigate 130. MELANCHOLY
b) Ease a) Depressed
c) Conflict b) Prejudiced
d) Frustrate c) Reckless
119. WRATH d) Cheerful
a) Violence 131. LEGITMATE
b) Anger a) Valid
c) Hatred b) Illicit
d) Displeasing c) Unlawful
120. OBSCENE d) Distinguished
a) Indecent 132. BLAND
b) Objectionable a) Unpleasant
c) Condemnable b) Irritating
d) Jealousy c) Affable
121. ERUDITE d) Tasteless
a) Execute 133. REVOKE
b) Expanse a) Repudiate
c) Academic b) Repeal
d) Settle c) Annul
122. ABSTINENCE d) Force
a) Synchronic 134. VISIONARY
b) Torrential a) Dreaming
c) Sobriety b) Savant
d) Gluttony c) Philosopher
123. ANIMATE d) Saint
a) Kill 135. FASTIDIOUS
b) Dead a) Faint
c) Energies b) Dainty
d) Calm c) Delicious
124. TACITURNITY d) Dormant
a) Dumbness 136. REPRISAL
b) Changeableness a) Denial
c) Hesitation b) Reluctance
d) Reserve c) Unequivocal
125. BLITHE d) Retaliation
a) Joyless 137. DIALECTIC
b) Cheerful a) Argumentative
c) Grudging b) Instructive
d) Somnolent c) Constructive
126. NIGGARDLY d) Destructive
a) Penurious 138. ATTRIBUTE
b) Generous a) Infer
 C-40

b) Impute 10. (c) Fickle means unstable, often changing, not

c) Inhere constant, not faithful, Insipid means
d) Inundate tasteless.
139. EFFICACY 11. (b) Fatigued
a) Delicacy 12. (a) Affinity
b) Ruthlessness 13. (c) Credulous
c) Efficiency 14. (c) Heritage
d) Solemnity 15. (c) Obvious means ‘Clear’, ‘atrocious’ means
140. GERMINATE ‘cruel’, ferocious means full of anger.
a) Decay 16. (c) Onslaught means ‘attack’; arrogant means
b) Breed ‘full of pride’.
c) Produce 17. (d) How did you traverse the river? That is, how
d) Sprout did you go from one side of it to the other? In
141. MAGNATE Other words, how did you cross it? If you
a) Tycoon traverse an area of land or water, you go
b) Senior Executive across it. Traverse is a literary word.
c) Non-magnetic 18. (b) Classical music today is in need of patronage,
d) Symbolic earlier its patrons were the maharajas.
142. NARRATE Classical musicians were honoured in the
a) Verbal royal courts. They were given all the support
b) Talkative necessary to let their art flourish.
c) Dictate 19. (c) Once I fall ill, it takes me long to recuperate.
d) Recount That is, I take a long time to recover my
143. FACET health or strength after I have been ill.
a) Sweet Convalesce is another synonym of
b) Tap recuperate. Convalescence is the period or
c) Deceit process of becoming healthy and well again
d) Aspect after an illness or operation.
144. VACILLATE 20. (b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the founder of
a) Amplify Brahmo Samaj. In other Words, he
b) Stimulate established it.
c) Cheat 21. (b) You are familier with the word
d) Waver tenuous.Attenuate also comes from the same
HINTS & EXPLANATIONS Latin root tenuis(=thin). If you attenuate
1. (c) abject means helpless, miserable, despicable something, you make it slender or thin; you
situation, obstruct means to hinder, abstract reduce it in force or value.
is the literal opposite of concrete, real. 22. (b) When a cyclone affects an area, the people
2. (b) Counsel also means ‘legal advise’ are deprived of their belongings. You then
3. (c) Cemetery means graveyards, hierarchy give them money, clothes, food etc. such gifts
means a system of society in which people to the poor and needy are called alms. Since
are graded into different classes according to they are given out of charity (kindness and
certain norms, harmony is when many tolerance), these gifts are also known as
things work together in the same mode. Charity.
4. (d) Sight means scene, sue means to file a suit. 23. (d) If you are discomfited by something, it
5. (b) imperial means of an empire or its rulers, causes you to feel slightly embarrassed or
adamant means firmly or stubbornly, confused. In other words, it, frustrates you.
determinedly. 24. (a) Mohan and Yadu were friends. One day,
6. (d) Illicit means not sanctioned by law, elicit however, Mohan went to a cricket match
means to draw a response with difficulty, alone. There was only one ticket available
illegitimate means illegal/unlawful. and he did not want to miss the match for
7. (c) Verbose means using or containing more the sake of his friend. When Yadu came to
words than are neede, ambiguous means know of this, he felt aggrieved. Out of
having more than one meaning. vindictiveness, Yadu bought only one ticket
8. (c) judicious means having good sense, for the next match and left Mohan alone. In
momentous means most important, other words, Yadu took a revenge on Mohan.
pragmatic means 25. (c) If you abstain from something, you
practical, treating in a sensible and realistic deliberately do not do it. Abstinence,
way. however, is a particular kind of abstaining-
9. (d) Vigil that from alcoholic drink, sex etc, often for
 C-41

health or religious reasons. If you abstain 37. (b) If you are fastidious, you pay great attention
from drinking, you do not get drunk. to details. You like everything to be very
Abstinence does not refer to “drink” only. neat, accurate, and orderly. A dainty objects
26 (b) Wrath is extreme anger. is small, delicate and pretty. The nearness of
27. (d) A taciturn person is not dumb. A dumb meaning lies in that fastidious persons like
person can’t speak. A taciturn person can things to be dainty.
speak but does not want to. In other words, 38. (d) When an army operation was launched to
he maintains a reserve. bomb the terrorists, they took the army chief
28. (c) An erudite person in scholarly. He or She is hostage in reprisal. That is, they mounted
full of learning. Now, where does a learned pressure on them. In other words, they
person get his or her learning from? From retaliated.
the world of education or books. In other 39. (a) In philosophy, dialectics is a method of
words, the person has an academic reasoning and reaching conclusions by
orientation. considering theories and ideas together with
29. (a) If someone is niggardly, he shows lack of ones that contradict them. Such
generosity. Thus generous (2) would be its contradictions lead to argumentation and
antonym. But we are looking for a synonym. often degenerate into arguments.
None of the words is a fit synonym. In such 40. (b) If A is the cause of B, you attribute B to A.
cases we go for the words closest in meaning. usually, if B is something bad (blame, charge
Both penurious (very poor) and niggardly etc.), we use impute instead of attribute.
imply a lack of money, through in different Sample the following : when Sri Lanka beat
senses. Pakistan, the Sri Lankans attributed their
30. (c) As an adjective, animate simply means success to their batsmen. The Pakistanis
“having life”. For example: Plants and imputed the blame of their defeat to their
animals are animate objects. (5) is thus sloppy fielding.
rejected because boisterous means “lively, 41. (c) Efficacy is effectiveness Efficiency is the
cheerful”. Now, as a verb: if you animate ability to do a thing successfully. Your
something, you make it lively or more efficiency is judged by how efficient you are.
cheerful. Thus you put energy into it. In 42. (d) When a seed germinates, it puts forth shoots.
other words, you energise it. Note: In other words, it sprouts.
Boisterous is a synonym of the adjective 43. (d) A fact of something is a single part or aspect
animated. of it.
31. (d) You are captivated by something attractive; it 44. (a) John D Rockefeller was an oil magnate.
fascinates you. Onassis was a shipping tycoon. Both
32. (d) One who is blithe is carefree and cheerful. Rockefeller and Onassis were big
33. (d) That which is bland is rather dull and businessmen, their spheres being oil
unexciting. Doordarshan is infamous for its (petroleum) and shipping respectively. Both
bland presentations of sports events. magnate and tycoon refer to businessmen
Similsrly, food can be bland. That is, it has who have made it big, their success making
very little flavor. In other words, it is them rich and powerful.
tasteless. 45. (c) If you persuade me to do something. You try
34. (d) I have lost my reputation and nothing can to convince me that it should be done.
redeem it. That is, much though I may try, no 46. (a) Violence in films has a pernicious influence
good action on my part can bring my lost on our children. That is, the influence is
reputation back. In other words, I cannot harmful. Similarly, a deadly situation has
recover my reputation. harmful consequences. Is heinous a synonym
35. (b) When a law is revoked, it stands cancelled. of pernicious? No Heinous crimes are
We can also say that the law has been extremely evil and horrible. When one calls a
repealed. crime heinous, one is rather disgusted with
36. (a) A visionary is one who has vision for the its horror than concerned about its
future. He comes up with strong, original harmfulness.
ideas. He can foresee the changes to come 47. (d) When you fortify a place, you make it as if it
and shapes the future, bringing about an were a fort. A fort has a wall or ditch round
improvement. All visionary ideas are dreams it and is not easy to attack. Thus, if you
at one stage. But all dreams do not mature. fortify something, you strengthen it.
Most of them remain pipedreams. Only 48. (d) There has been phenomenal increase in the
those few that are backed up by the number of dish antennas in recent years.
necessary, practical considerations turn into That is, the rise in number is much, much
visionary ideas. more than ordinarily expected. The increase
 C-42

is thus extraordinary – ‘’more than 70. (a) Disagreeable, unpleasant, nasty, offensive
ordinary”. 71. (b) Pernicious is ruinous, injurious, hurtful.
49. (c) A paradigm is model for something which Baneful is destructive.
explains it or shows how it can be produced. 72. (b) Rectify is to correct.
50.(b) Government servants are not allowed to 73. (c) Cordon means a line of policemen or soldiers
received money from any other job. Suppose which guards or prevents people entering or
an income-tax officer desired to edit this leaving an area As it is not covered any of
book. He would then have to be the the options, answer should be ‘none of these.
honorary editor of this book. 74. (d) Concert means together
51.(b) Your faculties are you physical and mental 75. (c) Mitigate means to heal, to reduce, to release
abilities. We have all been endowed with the someone of his sufferings.
faculty of imagination. Most of us, however, 76. (a) Evasive means careless, stupid means foolish.
kill it through an exercise of constant neglect. 77. (a) Resolved is determined.
52. (d) If you visualize something, you imagine what 78. (c) Apposite is suitable, pertinent, relevant.
it is like by forming a mental picture of it. 79. (d) Sturdy means strong, brisk means energetic.
You may visualize future events as well, you Buoyant is cheerful; not easily depressed.
wedding for example. You thus foresee you 80. (d) Infirm is feeble or weak in body or health.
wedding. 81. (a) Imbecility means mental weakness. Insanity
53. (d) From Akbar to Aurangzeb, every Mughal means madness. Reverie means day-
emperor went on annexing one kingdom or dreaming. Vacuity means emptiness.
another to what they inherited. In other 82. (a) Lunatic means mad. Deft means skilful,
words, each of them added to his father’s Dunce means highly ignorant.
empire. 83. (a) Augury is an omen, taken, or indication.
54. (a) A ménage is a group of people living 84. (a) Mystification means ‘deliberately making
together in one house. In other words, a mysterious, difficult to understand. Tableau
household. means dramatic scene.
55. (b) If you are in a dilemma, you do not know 85. (d) Counsel also means ‘legal adviser.
what to do. In other words, you are in 86. (b) Crude
confusion. 87. (c) Abject means helpless, miserable, despicable
56. (d) A rigmarole is a lengthy and complicated situation, obstruct means to hinder, abstract
procedure which you do not like. is the literal opposite of
57. (d) If you ascend, you go up. If you descend, you 88. (c) Sight means scene, sue means to file suit.
go down. If you transcend, you go across. In 89. (c) Cemetery means graveyards, hierarchy means
other words, you cross. a system of society in which people are
58. (d) An imperative is something that is extremely graded into different classes according to
important and must be done. In other words, certain norms.
it is a necessity. Revision of obsolete laws has 90. (c) Affectation means to pretend.
become an imperative for the 50 year old 91. (b) Illicit means not sanctioned by law, elicit
country. means to draw a response with difficulty,
59. (c) Certain categories of companies have been illegitimate means illegal/unlawful.
exempted from paying tax. That is, they do 92. (d) Imperial means of an empire or its rulers,
not have to shoulder the burden of tax- adamant means firmly or stubbornly,
paying. In other words, their burden has determinedly.
been relieved. 93.(c) Judicious means having good sense,
60. (b) If something is firm, it is strong enough to momentous means most important,
maintain its balance. Infirmity therefore pragmatic means practical treating in a
suggests weakness. sensible and realistic.
61. (d) 94. (c) Verbose, using or containing more words than
62. (d) Filth means dirt, Lewd means characterless. are needed, ambiguous means having more
A chaste person does not have sex with than one meaning.
anyone or has it only with his or her spouse. 95. (b) Fickle means unstable, often changing, not
63.(a) Inheritant means qualities taken from constant, not faithful. Insipid means
forefathers. tasteless.
64. (a) Angularity 96. (c) Exonerate means declared free from blame, to
65. (d) Peak Summit is the highest point. implicate means to show that someone in
66. (d) Alienate means to withdraw. involved in something especially a crime, to
67. (b) Mendacious is something untruthful. appease means to pacify, to adore means to
68. (a) Ostracized is shutout from the society. love deeply and respect highly.
69. (c) Spurions is false
 C-43

97. (d) Fascinating means charming, fanaticism 116. (d) Mohan and Yadu were friends. One day,
means madness especially in religious or however, Mohan went to a cricket match
political matters, indolence means laziness. alone. There was only one ticket available
98. (d) Modest means humble, awkward means and he did not want to miss the match for
clumsy, celebrated means distinguished. the sake of his friend. When Yadu came to
99. (a) Credulity know of this, he felt aggrieved. Out of
100. (b) Roost vindictiveness, Yadu bought only one ticket
101. (a) Vigil for the next match and left Mohan alone. In
102. (d) Affinity other words, Yadu took revenge on Mohan.
103. (c) Fatigued 117. (c) If you are discomfited by something, it causes
104. (d) Heritage you to feel slightly embarrassed or confused.
105. (c) Willful means obstinate. Invincible means In other words, it frustrates you.
unconquerable. 118. (d) Both indict and accuse have the sense of
106. (c) Credulous. charging someone with a wrong. Allege is of
107. (c) Onslaught means ‘attack’; arrogant means a lesser degree and does not go beyond
‘full of pride’ statement (of a charge).
108. (c) Obvious means ‘clear’ ‘atrocious means 119. (b) Obscene pictures are indecent. Whether they
‘cruel’, ferocious means full of anger. are objectionable etc. or not depends upon
109. (d) Classical music today is in need patronage. who the viewer of the picture is. He may like
Earlier, its patrons were the maharajas. the obscenity or indecency or object to it,
Classical musicians were honoured in the depending upon his tastes and moral point
royal courts. They were given all the support of view.
necessary to let their art flourish. 120. (a) Wrath is extreme anger.
110. (b). How did you traverse the river? That is, how 121. (c) If you abstain from something, you
did you go from one side of it to the other? In deliberately do not do it. Abstinence,
other words, how did you cross it? If you however, is a particular kind of abstaining –
traverse an area of land or water, you go that from alcoholic drink, sex etc, often for
across it. Traverse is a literary word. health or religious reasons. If you abstain
111. (b) Youngsters do not show proper respect to from drinking, you do not get drunk. That is,
their elders. They forget that the elders are you remain sober. In other words, you are in
yet to get conversant with computers. Now, a state sobriety.
if your father does not understand how a 122. (c) An erudite person is scholarly. He or she is
mouse can have a button, don’t tell him, full of learning. Now, where does a learned
“You’re stupid!” That would offend him. If person get his or her learning from? From
you wish not to hurt his feelings, explain to the world of education or books. In other
him calmly what a mouse is and how words, the person has an academic
functions. orientation.
112. (c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the founder of 123.(c) A taciturn person is not dumb. A dumb
Brahmo Samaj. In other words, he person can’t speak. A taciturn person can
established it. speak but does not want to. In other words,
113.(b) Once I fall ill, it takes me long to recuperate. he maintains a reserve.
That is, I take a long time to recover my 124.(d) As an adjective, animate simply means
health or strength after I have been ill. “having life”. For example: Plants and
Convalesce is another synonym of animals are animate objects. (5) is thus
recuperate. Convalescence is the period or rejected because boisterous means “lively,
process of becoming healthy and well again cheerful”. Now, as a verb: If you animate
after an illness or operation. something, you make it lively or more
114. (c) When a cyclone affects an area, the people cheerful. Thus you put energy into it. In
are deprived of their belongings. You then other words, you energies it. Note:
give them money, clothes, food etc. Such Boisterous is a synonym of the adjective
gifts to the poor and needy are called alms. animated.
Since they are given out of charity (kindness 125. (b) If someone is niggardly, he shows lack of
and tolerance), these gifts are also known as generosity. Thus generous (2) would be its
charity. antonym. But we are looking for synonym.
115. (a) You are familiar with the word tenuous. None of the words is a fit synonym. In such
Attenuate also comes from the same Latin cases we go for the word closest in meaning.
root tenuis (=thin). If you attenuate Both penurious (very good) and niggardly
something, you make it slender or thin; you imply a lack of money, though in different
reduce it in force or value. scenes,.
 C-44

126 (a) One who is blithe is carefree and cheerful. etc.), we use impute instead of attribute.
127.(d) Both liberate and emancipate are used in the Sample the following: when Sri Lanka beat
sense of freedom but in different contexts. If Pakistan, the Sri Lankans attributed their
you liberate someone, you set him free from success to their batsmen. The Pakistanis
someone else’s control. Emancipation is imputed the blame of their defeat to their
freeing from degrading or unpleasant social, sloppy fielding.
political or legal restrictions. 138.(b) In philosophy, dialectics is a method of
128.(c) You are captivated by something attractive; it reasoning and reaching conclusions by
fascinates you. considering theories and ideas together with
129.(a) Melancholy is an intense feeling sadness. It ones that contradict them. Such
lasts for a long time and strongly affects contradictions lead to argumentation and
one’s behaviors and attitudes. One who feels often degenerate into arguments.
or looks melancholy appears sad and 139.(c) When seed germinates, it puts forth shoots. In
depressed. other words, it sprouts.
130. (a) I have lost my reputation and nothing can 140.(d) Efficacy is effectiveness Efficiency is the
redeem it. That is, much though I may try, no ability to do a thing success fully. Your
good action on my part can bring my lost my efficacy is judged by how efficient you are.
reputation back. In other words, I cannot 141.(a) What does one narrate? A story, what do
recover my reputation. travel-writers do? In their travelogues, they
131. (a) That which is bland is rather dull and narrate what befell them on their journey. In
unexciting. Doordarshan is infamous for its other words, they recount their experiences.
bland presentations of sports events. 142.(d) John D Rockefeller was an oil magnate.
Similarly, food can be bland. That is, it has Onassis was a shipping tycoon. Both
very little flavor. In other words, it is Rockefeller and Onassis were big
tasteless. businessmen, their spheres being oil
132.(d) Banking Services Chronicle has a legitimate (petroleum) and shipping respectively. Both
claim to be the best magazine for banking magnate and tycoon refer to businessmen
entrance exams. Thousands of students have who have made it big, their success making
benefited from its target oriented approach. them rich and powerful.
That is to say, the claim is based on sensible 143.(d) The Librans (those who have Libra as their
reasoning and not on an airy notion. In other zodiac) are known for their vacillations. In an
words, the claim is valid. attempt to strike a balance, they keep
133.(b) A visionary is one who has vision for the changing their minds. Their minds keep
future. He comes up with strong, original shifting from one choice to the other. They
ideas. He can forsee the changes to come and are not fixed. In other words, they waver.
shapes the future, bringing about an 144.(d) A facet of something is a single part or aspect
improvement. All visionary ideas are dreams of it.
at one stage. But all dreams do not mature.
Most of them remain pipedreams. Only
those few that are backed up by the
necessary practical considerations turn into
visionary ideas.
134.(a) When a law is revoked, it stands cancelled.
We can also say that the law has been
repealed.
135.(b) When an army operation was launched to
bomb the terrorists, they look the army chief
hostage in reprisal. That is, they mounted
pressure on the army because the army
mounted Pressure on them. In other words,
they retaliated.
136.(d) If you are fastidious, you pay great attention
to details. You like everything to be very
neat, accurate and orderly. A dainty object is
small, delicate and pretty. The nearness of
meaning lies in that fastidious persons like
things to be dainty.
137.(a) If A is the cause of B, you attribute B to A.
Usually; if B is something had (blame, charge
 C-45

Chapter 4 ANTONYMS
Exercise
DIRECTIONS: Pick out the antonym of the words (b) Stimulate
given below: (c) Consistent
1. VACILLATING (d) Eradicate
(a) Fascinating 12. LEGITIMATE
(b) Fanaticism (a) Valid
(c) Indolence (b) Extend
(d) Resolute (c) Unlawful
2. IMPLICATE (d) Distinguished
(a) Appease 13. TERSE
(b) Exonerate (a) Lengthy
(c) Adore (b) Scarce
(d) Advocate (c) Diffuse
3. INSULT (d) Headless
(a) Humiliation 14. HINDER
(b) Credulity (a) Expidite
(c) Degradation (b) Protect
(d) Honour (c) Devote
4. RECLESS (d) Create
(a) Modest 15. NAÏVE
(b) Awkward (a) Subtle
(c) Celebrated (b) Energies
(d) Cautious (c) Spotless
5. OFFEND (d) Clever
(a) Angry 16. MULTIPLICITY
(b) Hate (a) Finite
(c) Force (b) Uniformity
(d) Respect (c) Magnitude
6. ABANDON (d) Infinite
(a) Roost 17. TRAIT
(b) Forfeit (a) Symbol
(c) Quit (b) Uncharacteristic
(d) Forsake (c) Habit
7. OBSCENE (d) Identity
(a) Decent 18. ANACHRONISTIC
(b) Objectionable (a) Formerly
(c) Condemnable (b) Present
(d) Jealousy (c) Futuristic
8. INDICT (d) Non-Existing
(a) Condemn 19. GEOLOGICAL
(b) Reprimand (a) Astral
(c) Acquit (b) Solar
(d) Allege (c) Galactic
9. MELANCHOLY (d) Heavenly
(a) Depressed 20. GARISH
(b) Prejudiced (a) Tasteful
(c) Reckless (b) Green
(d) Cheerful (c) Scenic
10. LIBERATE (d) Contrasting
(a) Imprison 21. ORIGIN
(b) Enclose (a) Ointment
(c) Liberal (b) Detergent
(d) Conceal (c) Remnant
11. VACILLATE (d) Comfort
(a) Amplify 22. REJUVENATION
 C-46

(a) Sexual 34. FEIGN

(b) Perfect (a) Condone
(c) Killing (b) Attend
(d) Magical (c) Willing
23. HOMOGENISED (d) Original
(a) Set type 35. REFULGENT
(b) Multi-coloured (a) Angry
(c) Different (b) Dull
(d) Rejected (c) Sad
24. APATHETIC (d) Lament
(a) Agitated 36. SALUBRIOUS
(b) Happy (a) Sticky
(c) Concerned (b) Soft
(d) Surprised (c) Famous
25. ACCOLADE (d) Malaise
(a) Balcony 37. AFFECTATION
(b) Outer garment (a) Sincerity
(c) Drink (b) Humility
(d) Criticism (c) Stirring
26. PROVE (d) Affluent
(a) Vapid 38. INNOCUOUS
(b) Assume (a) Offensive
(c) Disincline (b) Harmless
(d) Atone (c) Organic
27. FRAIL (d) Anger
(a) Worried 39. INTRICACY
(b) Strong (a) Ornate
(c) Nervous (b) Simplicity
(d) Wily (c) Distance
28. INSTANTLY (d) Cordiality
(a) Repeatedly 40. LUMINOUS
(b) Lately (a) Dark
(c) Gradually (b) Ludicrous
(d) Awkwardly (c) Unsteady
29. RETRIBUTION (d) Provoking
(a) Compensation 41. LACKADAISICAL
(b) Forgiveness (a) Abundant
(c) Contempt (b) Energetic
(d) Grudge (c) Theatrical
30. CRUDE (d) actual
(a) Classical 42. AMELIORATE
(b) Graceful (a) Amend
(c) Natural (b) Gyrate
(d) Polished (c) Sweeten
31. SUMPTUOUS (d) Worsen
(a) Irritable 43. PERFIDIOUS
(b) Meager (a) Loyal
(c) Fancy (b) Treacherous
(d) Sad (c) Religious
32. PROCLAIM (d) Humane
(a) Denounce 44. CAPRICIOUS
(b) Pretend (a) Thoughtful
(c) Attend (b) Specious
(d) Distend (c) Carcinogenic
33. INSIPID (d) Capacious
(a) Witty 45. LASCIVIOUS
(b) Meager (a) Devout
(c) Wily (b) Fluid
(d) Lucid (c) Chaste
 C-47

(d) Stable (c) Bravado

46. ENNUI (d) Cowardice
(a) Sticky 58. INDIGENTLY
(b) Activity (a) Richly
(c) Start (b) Awfully
(d) Yearly (c) Completely
47. PERIGEE (d) Diligency
(a) Apogee 59. ELEVATION
(b) Hybrid (a) Depression
(c) Descent (b) Deflation
(d) Night (c) Depreciation
48. CONSCIENTIOUS (d) Recession
(a) Cruel 60. WORTHY
(b) Licentious (a) Unimportant
(c) Careless (b) Valuable
(d) Whip (c) Undeserving
49. RADICAL (d) Ugly
(a) Superficial 61. DOMINATE
(b) Slow (a) Defeat
(c) Narrow (b) Succumb
(d) Simple (c) Threaten
50. FLUCTUATE (d) Sheepish
(a) Conceive 62. PROFANE
(b) Stabilize (a) Pious
(c) Energies (b) Kitten
(d) Emancipate (c) Energy
51. HAPLESS (d) Wild
(a) Lucky 63. TERMINATION
(b) Kind (a) Endeavouring
(c) Helpful (b) Beginning
(d) Permissive (c) Amendment
52. ACCORD (d) Phasing
(a) Concord 64. UNFATHOMABLE
(b) Policy (a) Comprehensible
(c) Dissent (b) Sinkable
(d) act (c) Uncomfortable
53. INTEGRAL (d) Infallible
(a) Minor 65. PARTICIPATE
(b) Major (a) Precipitate
(c) Essential (b) Change
(d) Independent (c) Disengage
54. FRIVOLOUS (d) Boycott
(a) Trivial 66. INSPIRED
(b) Significant (a) Discouraged
(c) Fearless (b) Extracted
(d) Permissive (c) Negated
55. EXTENSION (d) Admired
(a) Diminution 67. DEFICIENCY
(b) Condensation (a) Abundance
(c) Deletion (b) Deficit
(d) Subtraction (c) Ill
56. HOLISTIC (d) profit
(a) Negative 68. EGALITARIAN
(b) Piecemeal (a) Unequal
(c) Impure (b) Socialist
(d) Inadequate (c) Capitalist
57. AUDACITY (d) Liberal
(a) Quivering 69. VENEER
(b) Patricide (a) Exterior
 C-48

(b) Interior (a) Rare

(c) Impression (b) Useless
(d) Armour (c) Recent
70. FLOURISH (d) Conducive
(a) Improve 82. CELIBATE
(b) Retard (a) Reprobate
(c) Hamper (b) Prodigal
(d) Stop (c) Profligate
71. EVENTUALLY (d) Married
(a) Primarily 83. EVACUATE
(b) Resultantly (a) Admit
(c) Initially (b) Emerge
(d) Objectively (c) Abandon
72. DICTATORSHIP (d) Invade
(a) Democracy 84. MAGNAIMOUS
(b) Tyranny (a) Small
(c) Aristocracy (b) Generous
(d) Self-rule (c) Naïve
73. NONCHALANT (d) Selfish
(a) Fearful 85. CORPULENT
(b) Cowardly (a) Sallow
(c) Patriotic (b) Co-operative
(d) Excited (c) Enterprising
74. PHENOMENAL (d) Emaciated
(a) Ordinary 86. SANGUINE
(b) Experiential (a) Bloody
(c) Natural (b) Thin
(d) Spiritual (c) Happy
75. INGENUOUS (d) Gloomy
(a) Cunning 87. FLACCID
(b) Stupid (a) Upright
(c) Naïve (b) Taut
(d) Young (c) Rough
76. ABOMINATE (d) Even
(a) Love 88. OCCIDENTAL
(b) Loathe (a) Oriental
(c) Abhor (b) Accidental
(d) Despise (c) Coincidental
77. DISSIPATE (d) Confidential
(a) Waste 89. ABSTEMIOUS
(b) Conserve (a) Fastidious
(c) Organize (b) Punctilious
(d) Unite (c) Dissipated
78. EGREGIOUS (d) Prodigal
(a) Notorious 90. NEPOTISM
(b) Splendid (a) Midnight
(c) Abortive (b) Partiality
(d) Maturity (c) Impartiality
79. SACROSANCT (d) Chauvinism
(a) Irreligious 91. VERBOSE
(b) Unethical (a) Laconic
(c) Irreverent (b) Talkative
(d) Open (c) Vent
80. STURDY (d) Suspense
(a) Important 92. CHUIERICAL
(b) Rich (a) Numerical
(c) Weak (b) Real
(d) Vigorous (c) Obvious
81. OBSOLETE (d) Heavenly
 C-49

93. IMMUNITY (d) Certainly

(a) Obligatory 105. SPREAD
(b) Impassive (a) Express
(c) Impervious (b) Prohibit
(d) Susceptibility (c) Contain
94. DIMINUTIVE (d) Contradict
(a) Enlarged 106. HASTILY
(b) Bright (a) Deliberately
(c) Small (b) Desperately
(d) Admonitory (c) Leisurely
95. CAPTIOUS (d) Quickly
(a) Capable 107. HOLLOW
(b) Detailed (a) Filled
(c) Tolerant (b) Solid
(d) Classical (c) Strong
96. AMALGAMATE (d) Substantial
(a) Synthesize 108. OPPORTUNITY
(b) Bubble (a) Proper time
(c) Separate (b) High time
(d) Moderate (c) Improper time
97. WARP (d) Unfortunate
(a) Plush 109. RUTHLESS
(b) Web (a) Gracious
(c) Alienate (b) Compassionate
(d) Straighten (c) Generous
98. MANIFOLD (d) Malicious
(a) Hidden 110. PROHIBT
(b) Enrolled (a) Grant
(c) Simple (b) Agree
(d) Exact (c) Permit
99. PAMPER (d) Accept
(a) Neglect 111. BEGET
(b) Scold (a) Forget
(c) Scorn (b) Fade
(d) Discourage (c) Harm
100. JOCOSE (d) Abort
(a) Dull 112. CHAGRIN
(b) Humorous (a) Tempt
(c) Regulated (b) Ascetic
(d) Brief (c) Swollen
101. INSTANTLY (d) Pleased
(a) Repeatedly 113. JUST
(b) Lately (a) Unbiased
(c) Immediately (b) Only
(d) Slowly (c) Cruel
102. NEGLIGENCE (d) Unfair
(a) Diligence 114. AUSTERE
(b) Punctuality (a) Painful
(c) Integrity (b) Comfortable
(d) Meticulousness (c) Lavish
103. EXTRAORDINARY (d) Plentiful
(a) Exceptional 115. WILD
(b) Unusual (a) Arrogant
(c) Dull (b) Humble
(d) Plain (c) Tamed
104. OBVIOUSLY (d) Rude
(a) Obscurely 116. APPROPRIATE
(b) Surely (a) Unqualified
(c) Indefinitely (b) Unskilled
 C-50

(c) Unable (b) Stupid

(d) Unsuitable (c) Easy
117. CONFESS (d) Simple
(a) Deny 129. AGITATED
(b) Refuse (a) Peaceful
(c) Contest (b) Sad
(d) Contend (c) Complex
118. SUBSERVIENT (d) Mature
(a) Aggressive 130. AFFECTIONATE
(b) Straightforward (a) Cold
(c) Dignified (b) Indifferent
(d) Supercilious (c) Hostile
119. JUDICIOUS (d) Unfriendly
(a) Imprudent 131. PRETENTIOUS
(b) Silly (a) Unassuming
(c) Separation (b) Calm
(d) Sagacious (c) Secretive
120. ENGAGE (d) Cowardly
(a) Abstain 132. ERUDITE
(b) Liberate (a) Ignorant
(c) Release (b) Unknown
(d) Join (c) Illiterate
121. GRATEFUL (d) Unfamiliar
(a) Quick 133. ABOLISH
(b) Beholden (a) Remove
(c) Unappreciative (b) Reside
(d) Convincing (c) Confront
122. UPROARIOUS (d) Establish
(a) Tumultuous 134. POLTROON
(b) Upright (a) Plutocrat
(c) Posture (b) Hero
(d) Calm (c) Amateur
123. INDISCRIMINATE (d) Partisan
(a) Promiscuous 135. ABET
(b) Selective (a) Aid
(c) Undistinguished (b) Risk
(d) Broad (c) Pacify
124. TOIL (d) Prevent
(a) Laborious task 136. RETALIATION
(b) Sloth (a) Disintegration
(c) Strive (b) Wholesale
(d) Vivid (c) Admonition
125. TARDY (d) Reconciliation
(a) Sluggish 137. SEDATE
(b) Dilatory (a) Addicted
(c) Reluctant (b) Excited
(d) Prompt (c) Shy
126. FICKLE (d) Inebriate
(a) Steadfast 138. REPREHENSIBLE
(b) Independent (a) Commendable
(c) Unwise (b) Fearful
(d) Esoteric (c) Ignorant
127. FABLE (d) Culpable
(a) Truth 139. ABATE
(b) Fact (a) Gamble
(c) Reality (b) Dilute
(d) Actuality (c) Increase
128. COMPLICATED (d) Discourage
(a) Fragmented
 C-51

Hints & Explanations 22. (c) Rejuvenation means rebirth and regeneration
1. (d) Fascinating means charming, fanaticism or to live again.
means madness, especially in religious or 23. (c) Homogenized means when every part of the
political matters, indolence means laziness. group, mixture or collection has been made
2. (b) Exonerate means declared free from blame, to similar or same, variety means the opposite,
implicate means to show that someone is i.e. difference.
involved in something especially a crime, to 24. (c) Apathetic is one who does not care or is
appease means to pacify, to adore means to indifferent.
love deeply and respect highly. 25. (d) Accolade is a token of respect and admiration
3. (b) Credulity or kind of reward given to appreciate,
4. (d) Modest means humble, awkward means criticism is to find faults.
clumsy, celebrated means distinguished. 26. (b) Prove means to state that a statement or
5. (d) Offend means not to show proper respect or theory is correct after giving valid and logical
make some angry, soothe opposite will be reasons while assumption is something
respect. which is believed without any proofs or
6. (d) Roost evidence.
7. (a) Obscene means indecent, objectionable and 27. (b) Frail means something or someone very
condemnable means similar to obscene. weak, usually due to illness.
8. (c) Indict means to charge someone with a crime 28. (c) Instantly means something that happens in
or something wrong. Accuse also means the an instant or very quickly, gradually means to
same, acquit means to free of charge. happen step by step, slowly has not been
9. (d) Melancholy means depressed and is therefore considered as the apt choice because instantly
opposite to cheerful. suggests in one step and gradually means in
10. (a) Liberate is to make someone free and several steps so it is a more appropriate
imprison is to put in prison, conceal is to hide antonym.
and vacillation is to move from one place or 29. (b) Retribution is punishment, contempt is
idea to another. feeling of disgust and grudge is an ill-feeling.
11. (d)Vacillate means to move from one place to 30. (d) Crude means raw, undeveloped or
another and consistent means to stay the unsophisticated, graceful can also be an
same, eradicate means to remove. antonym to crude but polished is more
12. (c) Legitimate means legal or lawful, exactly opposite to crude.
distinguished means eminent, and courteous 31. (b) Sumptuous means sufficient or more in
means polite. quantity, meager means very little.
13. (a) Terse means brief. Diffuse means spread 32. (a) Proclaim is to announce usually in favour of,
widely or thinly. denounce means to speak against.
14. (a) Hinder means to prevent the growth or 33. (a) Insipid means unintelligent, plain or flat,
progress of something while expedite is to witty means clever intelligent.
make fast the process or facilitate. Vindicate 34. (d) Feign means to pretend, that is show what is
means to justify. not real or original, condone is to forgive and
15. (d) Naïve means inexperienced, someone who condemn is to express disapproval of
will not be very sharp or clever owing to lack something.
of experience. 35. (c) Refulgent means bright, lament is to repent.
16. (b) Multiplicity is presence of multiple or many 36. (d) Salubrious means health giving, malaise is
identities, while uniformity means same something that causes discomfort or pain, like
everywhere, infinite means endless. a disease.
17. (b) Trait means characteristic. 37. (b) Affectation means haughtiness or pride while
18. (c) Anachronistic is something that belongs to a humility means humble, polite behavior.
time gone by, while futuristic is something 38. (b) Innocuous is harmless or inoffensive.
that belongs to the future or suggests how the 39. (b) The carpets are priced so high due to the
future would be. intricacy of patterns. An intricate pattern is
19. (d) Geological means belonging to or related to made up of many small details. It is
the earth, while galactic is that which belongs complicated, not simple. The noun from
to the galaxy. Heavenly is belonging to simple is simplicity.
heaven so opposite to earthly. Heavenly is 40. (c) Luminous means bright or giving out a lot of
also called unearthly. light.
20. (a) Garish means gaudy or in bad taste. 41. (b) The fielding of the Indian cricket team is
21. (c) Origin means the starting point and remnant lackadaisical. That is, the fielders do not show
is what is left after finishing or distribution. much interest or enthusiasm; they are rather
 C-52

lazy. Jadeja, However, is an exception. He is their opinions. One judge, however, did not
energetic. share the majority opinions. He was of a
42. (d) If you ameliorate a situation, you make it different opinion. In other words, he
better or easier in some way. The opposite of dissented.
better is worse. If you make a situation worse, 53. (d) Kashmir is an integral part of India. That is, it
you worsen. is an essential part of India without which the
43. (a) One who is perfidious is treacherous or country cannot be complete. It cannot
untrustworthy. He may be with you today separated from the country. That is what most
and against you tomorrow. On the other of the people believe. However, a handful of
hand, a local person remains firm in his or her people believe it should be independent – that
friendship or support. it has no connection whatsoever with the rest
44. (a) He was fed up with the capricious behavior of of India.
his wife. It began to prove difficult for him to 54. (b) Farming on such a barren land! It is a
fulfill her caprices. A caprice is an unexpected frivolous project. That is, it would only entail
action or decision; it has no strong reason or a wastage of time and money. It is not useful.
purpose. In fact, the husband could not It would make no significant (important)
tolerate her. He was a thoughtful man; his contribution to ameliorating the plight of the
actions were based on reason. poor.
45. (c) One who is lascivious shows an unnaturally 55. (d) There has been an extension of STD facility to
strong interest in sex. On the other hand, a 2000 more villages. In other words, there has
chaste person does not have sex with anyone, been an addition to then number of villages
or has it only with his or her spouse. under coverage. Now, the opposite of
46. (b) Ennui is a feeling of tiredness, boredom and addition is subtraction.
dissatisfaction caused by lack of interest and 56. (b) Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not
having nothing to do. Only activity just the diseased part. That which is holistic is
(Something to do) can be its antidote (An based on the principles of holism. Holism is
antidote is substance that prevents the bad the belief that everything nature is connected
effects of a disease). in some way. A piecemeal approach, on the
47. (a) The perigee is the point where the path of an other hand, deals with only one part at a time.
object through space is closest to the Earth. 57. (d) Audacity is audacious behavior. If you are
The apogee is the point where the path is audacious, you take risks in order to achieve
farthest from the Earth. something. So it is a kind of bravery. Now,
48. (c) Rachna is very conscientious about her the opposite of bravery is cowardice.
actions. That is, she is very careful to do her 58. (a) One who is indigent is very poor. The
work properly. Now, the opposite of careful opposite of poor is rich
is careless. 59. (a) An elevation is ‘piece of ground that is higher
49. (a) Radical comes from Latin radix (=root). If you (elevated) that the area around it. A
make a radical change in something, the depression in a surface is an area which is
change goes to its very roots, thus affecting lower (depressed) than the parts surrounding
the entire thing. On the other hand, there are it.
changes which do not disturb the entire thing; 60. (c) Biased teachers are not worthy of respect.
the changes take place only on the surface. In Teachers are expected to be impartial. If not
other words, they are superficial changes. so, they do not deserve respect. In other
50. (b) How do you rectify voltage fluctuations’! words, they are undeserving of respect.
With the help of a voltage stabilizer. If 61. (b) Having piled a huge total, the Sri Lankan
something fluctuates, it changes a lot in an cricket team was in a dominating position.
irregular way. If you stop this, it becomes That is, the Sri Lankans were in control of the
stable. match (The Independence Cup final). The
51. (a) All reservations have been abolished from Pakistani in succumbed to the pressure. That
this year! Hari Paswan, a scheduled caste is, they were affected the Sri Lankan
candidate, has fallen a hapless victim to the domination.
new law. That is, he was unlucky not to have 62. (a) Cows are sacred to the Hindus. Killing of
taken the exam last year. His elder brother cows is a profane act for them. That is, they
Barkhu, was lucky enough to have made it consider the act to be disrespect for the
last year. religious and therefore sinful. Pious (very
52. (c) Four of the judges were in accord with one religious and moral) Hindus would plug their
another while one dissented. That is, four of ears even if they heard of it.
them were in agreement with one another on
the judgment. There was no conflict between
 C-53

63. (b) The controversy led to a termination of the lays bare their tricks. Will a cunning person
contract, that is the contract came to an end. ever do that?
The opposite of End is beginning. 76. (a) If you abominate something, you hate it very
64. (a) The Vedas are unfathomable; that is, one much. The opposite of hate is love.
cannot fully understand the depth of their 77. (b) Arjuna Ranatunga does not dissipate his
meaning. The commentaries, however, are energy by running fast every time he takes a
simplified versions easy to understand. In run. That is, he does not waste it in a foolish
other words, they are comprehensible’. way. When he sees that the ball is distant
65. (d) Only 76 countries participated in the meet. enough for him to easily reach the crease for a
The rest boycotted it. That is, they refused to single, and that no matter how fast he runs he
participate (take part) in it because they cannot take more than a single, he simply
disapproved of it. ambles across the pitch. He thus conserves
66. (a) My success is due to my elder brother, who (saves) energy and utilizes it when there is
has inspired me at every point. That is, he need for a quick run.
encouraged me to go ahead with my work! 78. (b) That which is egregious is shocking,
The opposite of encouraged is discouraged. extremely had. If something is extremely
67. (a) A deficiency of iodine leads to goiter. In other good, you call it splendid.
words, iodine is riot present in enough 79. (d) You think you will persuade him to live a
quantity. On the other hand, if it be present in comfortable life? Impossible! A Spartan way
large quantities, that is more than enough of life is sacrosanct for him. If something is
(usually), we say it is in abundance. sacrosanct, it is too holy or important to be
68. (a) Some people believe that reservations are allowed any harm. The opposite of holy is
against the idea of an egalitarian society. An unholy.
egalitarian society supports or follows the 80. (c) Let him play with this table; it is sturdy
idea that all people are equal; they should enough to bear his kicks. That which is sturdy
have been same right and opportunities. So looks strong; it is unlikely to be easily injured
why give special rights to some? Others, or damaged. The antonym of strong is weak.
however, feel that the society, as it stands 81. (c) Recent advances in technology have rendered
today, is unequal. Only reservations can bring older equipment’s obsolete (no longer in
an equilibrium and make the society need).
egalitarian. 82. (d) One who is celibate does not marry or have,
69. (b) The veneer of something is the coating from because of one’s religious beliefs (1), (3) and
outside. It is the exterior which often gives a (4) are close choices. But we reject (1) and (3)
false impression of the reality inside. The because they have other meaning too.
inside of something is its interior. Profligate and reprobate give a general sense
70. (b) The economy flourishes when there are lesser of wastefulness. Such persons may be given
restrictions. That is, it grows quickly and to vices, sex being one of them. Thus (1) and
strongly. Imposing of restrictions makes the (3) can be focused as an antonym only in
growth of the economy retard. That is, it gets absence of (4). A married man, on the other
slower, as if under brakes. hand, is categorically not celibate.
71. (c) Eventually means “at the end”; initially 83. (a) The residents of Katynyan House have been
means “In the beginning”. evacuated. If you evacuate people, you send
72. (a) What happens in a dictatorship? All the them to a place of safety, away from a
decisions are made by the dictator – a ruler dangerous building, town, or area. They will
who has complete power in a country. In be admitted to the House again when it gets
effect, it becomes a one man rule, Countries repaired.
like India, however, believe in a rule “by the 84. (d) A magnanimous person has a “big heart”.
people”. In other words, we believe in Well, not literally. What I mean is that he or
democracy. In a democracy, power is not she is filled with love for everyone. The
centered in one person. The ruler is merely pressure of modern live have made
the representative or’ the people. magnanimous person an endangered species.
73. (d) A nonchalant person seems not to worry or It is getting more and more difficult to think
care about things. He or she seems very calm. beyond one’s self in other words, people are
Not at all excited. getting selfish.
74. (a) Dhirubhai Ambani has had a phenomenal 85. (d) If a person is very fat, you euphemistically
(Unusually big) success. Such a success is not call him or her corpulent. Emaciated, on the
usually had by ordinary persons. other hand, means extremely him or weak
75. (a) An ingenuous person is innocent, trusting, because of illness or lack of food.
and incapable of deceiving anyone. He or she
 C-54

86. (d) We are sanguine about the outcome of this amalgam is a mixture of two or more things.
dispute. That is, we are cheerful and So when two or more organizations
confident that things will turn in our favour. amalgamate they become one large
Now, the opposite of cheerful is gloomy. organization. When their relations deteriorate,
87. (b) If a part of someone’s body is flaccid, it is they separate.
unpleasantly soft, and not heard or firm. On 97. (d) If something warps, it becomes damaged by
the other hand, if something is tout, it is bending or curving, often because of the effect
stretched very tight. A taut body is very lean of heat or water. In order to bring it back to as
with firm muscles. it was, you have to make it straight. In other
88. (a) Occidental means ‘’of the west”. That is, it words, you have to straighten it.
relates to the countries of Europe and 98. (c) The difficulties are manifold. That is, they are
America. The Britishers brought with them of many different kinds. If so, they simply
occidental culture, which greatly influenced cannot be simple.
the Oriental values. Oriental means “of the 99. (a) If you pamper someone, you pay too much
East”, and is associated with eastern Asia, attention to make him comfortable and
especially China and Japan. happy; you treat him too kindly. On the other
89. (c) If you are abstemious, you avoid doing too hand, if you do not pay attention to someone,
much of something enjoyable. For example, you neglect him.
you eat or drink in moderation. The antonym 100. (a) That which is jocose is meant to
therefore will describe a person who goes for cause amusement. If it does not do so, it is
physical pleasures in excess. Such a person is dull.
dissipated. He or she spends a lot of time 101. (d) Instantly means ‘’at once, without any
drinking alcohol and enjoying other physical delay’’. Its antonym therefore will be slowly.
pleasures and is probably unhealthy because If you are tempted to say lately, take care! If
of this. you have the meaning “With delay” in mind,
90. (c) If. Mr. Mhatre comes to power, his son-in-law note that this meaning is given by the word
will easily get the licence for a petrol pump. late. Lately (also of late) means “in the recent
This is what is called nepotism. That is, power past, not long ago.
is used unfairly in order to get jobs or other 102. (d) A good book should not show negligence in
benefits for your family or friends. In other editing. No part of it should be neglected. It
words, nepotism promotes partiality towards should be read and re-read, with corrections,
your near and dear ones. The antonym, till it becomes presentable. A good editor is
therefore, is impartiality. meticulous about every word that goes into
91. (a) Verbose comes from Latin verbum (=word). the book. That is, he does things very
A verbal test is thus associated with words. carefully and with great attention to detail.
The non-verbal section does not deal with 103. (d) Some women are extraordinary in their
words; its questions are based on figures. beauty. That is, their beauty surpasses the
Now, verbose means wordy. So if you are ordinary level. No every beautiful woman can
verbose, you use too many words, more than attain that degree of beauty. They are just
what is necessary. On the other hand, laconic plainly beautiful.
reply uses as few words as possible. 104. (a) If something is obvious, it is clearly seen. If it
92. (b) A chimera is an imaginary monster. SO the is obscure, it is hidden.
opposite of chimerical is real. 105. (c) Computers are now spreading in every part
93. (d) When one’s immunity to a disease is over, of the world. Doomsayers believe they are a
one becomes susceptible to it. That is, one is threat to manking. So they wish to check its
then very likely to be affected by it. spread. If you check something from
94. (a) Diminutive comes from Latin minuo spreading, you contain it.
(=lessen). A minute particle is very small if 106. (c) What do you do if you mom asks you to have
something diminishes. It becomes smaller. A a meal just when you are planning to go out?
diminutive object is thus very small. You hastily finish you meal and run away.
Obviously, the antonym is enlarged. That is, you do not devote much time to it.
95. (c) A captious person is too critical, too ready to Now, imagine a dinner-table full of guests.
find fault. He or she cannot tolerate anything You can’t hurry. Everyone goes at an easy
that goes even a fraction against them. Such pace. In other words, you leisurely have the
persons are not tolerant at all. dinner.
96. (c) Chemistry students should be familiar with 107. (b) (1) is rejected because filled is the antonym of
amalgam. Amalgam is a mixture of mercury empty. Hollow should not be confused with
and another metal, usually silver, that is used empty. That which is hollow has a space
in dentistry to make fillings. In general, an inside it, as opposed to being solid all the way
 C-55

through. If you fill a hollow cylinder with gas, 118. (d) If you are subservient, you do whatever
it still remains hollow, though not empty. If someone wants you to do. On the other hand,
ceases to be hollow only when you convert all if you are supercilious, you behave in a
the space inside into solid. scornful way towards others. You think you
108. (c) Favours cannot be asked in public. And he is are superior to them. So, you think, they
always surrounded by people. So I can’t get should be at you command, not you at theirs.
the opportunity to ask him for the favour. 119. (a) He must have lost if he stood for the
That is, I can’t get the “proper time”. That elections. No to stand was thus a judicious on
which is “not proper” is improper. his part. Had he stood for the elections, it
109. (b) Human beings often show ruthless behavior would have shown a lack of careful thinking
towards animals. Such a behavior shows a and proper judgment. The move would then
complete lack of pity and sympathy. have been imprudent.
Organizations such as the Society for 120. (a) Usually, at this time of the year, I would be
Preventions of Cruelly to Animals (SCPA) ask engaged in debates and dramas. That is, I
you to be compassionate towards them. That used to be actively involved in them. This
is, they ask you to show pity and sympathy year, however, I have my Board exams. So I
towards them, to show understanding for am abstaining (keeping away) from them.
their suffering. 121. (c) I helped both Ravi and Santosh equally. Ravi
110. (c) The “No Smoking” sign prohibits you from was grateful. He said to me, “Thank You,
smoking at that place. That is, it does not Thank you very much. I will be indebted to
allow you to smoke. On the other hand, if you for this support.” On the other hand.
someone allows you to smoke, he permits you Santosh took the support for granted. His
to do so. work being done, Santosh didn’t even look at
111. (d) When a man begets a child, he becomes its me. I can’t even think of any appreciation
father. If you beget something, you cause it to from him. He was simply unappreciative of
happens or be created. On the other hand, if my support.
something is stopped in the process of its 122. (d) An uproarious laughter is very noisy. The
creation, it is aborted. We are familiar with opposite of noisy is calm.
abortion – the deliberate ending of a 123. (b) FAO has warned India of the indiscriminate
pregnancy. use of pesticides. That is, farmers are using
112. (d) Chagrin is a feeling of annoyance or pesticides without giving any careful thought
disappointment. If something happens to or exercising a careful choice. Now, pesticides
your chagrin, you are not pleased. are not meant to be sprayed in every field and
113. (d) Judges are expected to be just. Only then can without any restrictions. A good user must
justice be meted out to the common man. carefully select the fields that really need
Unfortunately, however, they get swayed by them. In other words; he should be selective.
money. The result is unfair decisions. 124. (b) In a highly competitive world, you can’t
114. (c) Mohan leads an austere life. He eats simple succeed unless you toil (work hard). But sloth
food, does not have furniture, and prefers gets the better of Avinash; so success eludes
walking to riding a car. He thus saves money him forever. Sloth is laziness, especially with
and sends it to his son. He city-dwelling son regard to work.
lives lavishly on the money. He throws 125. (d) The mess bills were brought out in time. But
parties every week, wears the best of designer the tardy students are yet to pay the bills. The
wear, and travels a mostly by air. result: there is not fund to run the mess.
115. (c) That which is wild lacks discipline and Unless the students become prompt in
control. When it is brought under control, it payment, we shall have to face the crunch
becomes tamed. again and again.
116. (d) Was it appropriate for a man of your caliber 126. (a) If you are fickle, you keep changing your
to work at so low a remuneration? I don’t mind. That happens when you are unsure of
think so. The money that you got did not suit purpose. When you have a concrete target in
the talent you had. In other words, it was mind, you become steadfast. That is, you are
unsuitable. convinced that what you are doing is right.
117. (a) Seven men were charged of a murder. Six of You refuse to change you mind.
them admitted that they were party to the 127. (b) A fable is a false story or account; a fact is a
murder. In other words, they confessed their true account.
guilt. But the seventh man denied, He said, 128. (d) Do not make matters complicated. What do
“No I know nothing about the murder. The you mean by “my father’s granddaughter’s
charge is totally baseless. uncle’s uncle’s father’s brother’s nephew?
You could simply said “my father’ instead of
 C-56

making it so difficult to understand b

involving so many relationships.
129. (a) If you wish to be successful in life, do not get
agitated by what your detractors say. That is,
do not lost your calm. In other words, remain
peaceful.
130. (c) One who is affectionate shows affection
towards you. Affection is love. The opposite
of love is hate. Now, who can hare you? Not a
friend, but an enemy. In other words, one
who is hostile towards you.
131. (a) If you are pretentious, you have a desire to
show off on the other hand, if you are
unassuming, you do not wish to be noticed.
132. (c) (1) is rejected because ignorance is the
opposite of knowledge. Now, knowledgeable
is not the same as erudite. Knowledge can
come from any source. There are
knowledgeable person who have never
touched a book in their lives. Erudition, on
the other hand, is scholarly learning for which
books are essential. An erudite person is thus
highly literate. An illiterate person is one who
does not know how to read.
133. (d) Sati was abolished by William Bentick. That
is, he brought Sati to an end. When you bring
something into being, you establish it.
134. (b) A poltroon is a coward. One who is brave is a
hero.
135. (d)On the one hand, we have power that a bet
terrorism. That is, they help its growth. On
the other hand, these forces prevent its
growth.
136. (d)What is retaliation? If someone slaps your
cheek, you slap his in return. Thus, enmity
breeds enmity. And a vicious cycle gets
started. Both of you become sworn enemies.
There are others who prefer reconciliation –
becoming friends again after a quarrel. They
make compromises and iron out their
differences.
137. (b)When the doctor gives you a sedative, what
happens? It makes you sedate (calm, quiet). It
prevents you from getting excited.
138. (a)The manner in which our leaders conduct
themselves in the parliament is reprehensible.
It deserves to be condemned. However, some
of them still behave decently and deserve to
be praised. In other words, their behaviors is
commendable.
139. (c)After three days of massive destruction, the
cyclone has now abated. That is, it has
become much less strong. Its intensity has
decreased. Now, the antonym of decrease is
increase.
 C-57

Chapter 5 Spotting Errors

Exercise
DIRECTIONS: In each of the following sentences four words or phrases have been underlined. Only one
underlined part in each sentence is not acceptable in Standard English, Pick up the part a, b, c or d.
1. The officers are now perfectly happy fishing, boating 13. He has suffered from a similar attack but milder as
a b a b c
shooting, playing cricket and other sports. That of last year.
c d d
2. I have seen as bad or worse scenes of disorder at the
a b 14. The entire party is for the Bill ready to stake their
English fair than in any other Australian mining town. a b c d
c d Political existence.

3. The fear of an impending invasion has more to do 15. Such startling never have neither can and never
a b a b c
then even the debasing of the coinage with the financial Will be offered again.
c d [
d
difficulties. 16. Our strongest reason for siding with the communists
a b c
4. While in conversation with a high military officer Is because our father is a communist.
a d
he told me that at the headquarters nothing was known 17. He feels his troubles as much or even more than they
b c d a b c d
5. There is something more in the fact that the guns have 18. The persecutors laid a heavy fine on an old man who
a b c a b
or are about to be sent abroad. Being unable to pay the soldiers were dragging him
d c d
6. His assistants have and are still doing excellent work to the prison.
a b c 19. For this delightful excursion it was felt by the
For the organization. a b c
d Members that it was due to the secretary.
7. He relieved the monotony of book peddling by d
a b 20. She told them if they heard any one knocking not to
becoming an assistant to a conjuror or to other a b c d
c d open the door.
similar engagements.
21. The red blossoms accented the prevailing pink of the
8. The deceased lord along with his brother started a a b c
a b c House font.
business in India. d
d 22. The use of public roads is seriously threatened by the
9. It is hoped that with the medical fee being withdrawn a b
a Freedom given or taken by the owners and drivers
and Men can be tested and finally accepted, a large c d
b c of motors cars.
number of People will come forward. 23. The sea coast is disappearing under the steady
d a b
10. You have been more able to withstand the treaties erosion of the sea
a b c c d
than did he 24. What an innovation the team received as they
d a b c
Stepped on to the field.
11. A long life is good if one be happy and has friends
d
a b c d
12. Several guests noticed Mr. Peter fall back in his 25. The two men were not interested in the same thing
a b c a
chair and gasping for breath. And the work which each of them had to do was of
d b c
Different nature.
 C-58

d The bride were among the presents on view.

26. He wishes to tax not only the luxuries of the rich but b c d
a b c 41. Most of the critics, all over the world, agree that
Also the necessities of the poor. a b
d This is one of the most interesting novels that has
27. I am sorry that a previous engagement will prevent c d
a b Recently appeared.
Me being present at that meeting.
c d 42. This year the monsoons failed which caused a terrible
a b c
28. Surely there was nothing very profound in this Famine in the country.
a b d
Remark but received as thought it were Solomon’s 43. Hearing the strange noises, it at once occurred to me
c d a b c
That thieves had entered the house.
29. On entering the room she was found hanging from
d
a b c
The ceiling 44. The building, the work of the most famous among
d a b
The living architects, which has been completed
30. The fields and meadows looked a picture with sheep c
a b c After many is to be formally inaugurated.
and cattle feeding on green grass. d
d 45. The new managing committee arranged everything
31. He laid for half an hour in an unconscious state until a
a b c d except the weekly meetings were discontinued.
A police man picked him up. b c d

32. Within twenty four hours of that order being given 46. I was much excited being the first time for at least
a b a b c
the setting up of T.V. stations will being in this country. Few pears that I had travelled by sea.
c d d
33. The pilot revealed that his airbus was carrying not 47. He always practices the justice and cares for moral
a b a b c d
Less than three hundred passengers last evening. Principles.
c d
48. Unlike the children of the last century there is a
34. The journey by car is as quick and perhaps quicker a b
a b c Compulsory education class now for every child
Than by train. c
d Upto the age of fifteen.
35. He told the members of his staff that every one of d
a b 49. Those who are desirous of applying for the post they
Them should carry out his task oneself. a b c
c d Should do soon forms supplied by the office.
36. This year’s crisis seems to be, if not more d
a b c 50. He generally maintains that the wife bringing a
Equally dangerous as last year’s a b
d Dowry is an evident of her freedom
37. Taking odd days off if not half the satisfaction to me c d
a b c 51. He visited the battlefield where Napoleon was
of a real holiday. a b c
d Defeated in his holidays.
38. He was disciplined in his actions such as in the case d
a b 52. The monument has been erected to the memory
of being late for an appointment. a b
c d of John who was accidentally shot by his brother
c
39. This year the monsoon failed which caused a terrible
as a mark of affection.
a b c
d
Famine in the country.
53. Advertising enables the public to know the value
d
a b
40. A necklace of diamonds, presented by the friends of of what they are far more than did the people of the
a c d
 C-59

past. Making such statements.

54. Some one had that the English excelled all other d
a 68. The team was now in the field and about to take their
Nation, the Dutch being avaricious, the French, a b c d
b Places.
A set of sycophants, the Germans drunk and
c 69. He said that, if he were me he would certainly
Gluttonous and the Spaniards were proud and a b c
d Undertake it.
Insolvent. d
70. Such rules do not apply to you and I
55. The statesman was as his speeches inferred so
a b c d
a b
Imbued with ambition as to be positively dangerous. 71. Such goods are made for export, and are
c d a b
Seldom or ever used in the country.
56. I think that education and health and those sort c d
a b 72. She, who had been the apple of his eye, he now
of things are two of the main advantages of a b c
c d Began to regard with something like distrust.
modern travel. d
57. Though he has been working very hard supposing 73. Walking along the street, my hat was blown off
a b c a b c d
If he fails what he will do. 74. He advised each of them to look after their own
d a b c
58. If this man would not have been poor he Interests in this matter.
a b d
Would not have worked so hard. 75. My reason for taking his side is because he has
c d a b c
59. The Finance Minister has not and probably will not No friend
a b d
Introduce the bill in this session of the parliament. 76. The wise people, who are very few in our country,
c d a b
60. There were present Mr. John, Mr.Davis and They think before they act.
a c d
Mr. William the latter was full as ever of good spirits
77. People do not entertain guests like they used to in
b c d
a b c d
61. Your information may be correct but this type of The past.
a b
Behavior from a father is hard to be believed. 78. I have eaten nothing from yesterday evening.
c d a b c d
62. Whatever your views may be I still hold that the 79. Neither he pays now nor does he promise to pay
a b c a b c d
Purpose of education is to succeed in the life. later.
d
80. The student who you thought so highly of has failed
63. The whole block of buildings including two
a b c d
a b
81. He was very fond of her; he thought of marrying her
Furniture stores and a draper establishment
a b c
c
Were destroyed in the fire. More than once.
d d
64. None can deny that every scientific invention has 82. He refused to give alms to the beggar with a frown
a b a b c d
Proved more harmful to humanity than a beneficial on his face.
c d 83. She requested me to sit down and
65. The marquis with his son now at Oxford were a b
a b c offered Me wine and smoke
c d
Present at the function
d 84. He does not know how to move with women.
66. I hope you will excuse me leaving early, as I have a b c d
a b c 85. Many of the utterances beginning from the
To attend to a patient. a b
d Presidential address were marked with eloquence
67. I can well afford to disregard he who is capable of c d
a b c 86. You cannot skip it over; it is only a part and parcel
 C-60

a b c 100. The old man cut (a)/the huge Asoka tree with
of the ceremony. (b)/hardly (c)/no effort (d)/at all. All correct (e)
d (C.B.I.1991).
87. They have devoted most of their time in gossiping
a b c Hints & Explanations
With friends. 1. (d) and indulging in the sports.
d 2. (a) The underlined portion should be deleted.
88. The government has a soft corner for the backward 3. (c) with the debasing of the coinage than
a b 4. (b) I was told The subject should come before the
Classes; it wants to pull them up. verb.
c d
5. (c) have been
89. Barbarian chiefs and barons carved out
The present perfect tense is used to express
a b
Among themselves the fairest positions.
past actions whose time is not given and not
c d definite.
90. It is wise to marry away the girls before they 6. (a) have done
a b c The present perfect tense is used to denote an
Reach the age of puberty. action beginning at some time in the past and
d continuing upto the present moment as the
Directions: In each sentence below, four words which words “ate still doing” in the sentence reveal.
are printed in bold hence between labeled (a), (b), (c) 7. (d) or by taking up other
and (d). One of them maybe either wrongly spelt or Or is a Coordinating Conjunction that joins
inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out together two statements or clauses of equal
the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if rank or importance.
there is any. The letter corresponding to that word is 8. (c) Had started
the answer. If all the words printed in bold are spelt The past perfect tense helps in telling us which
correctly and are appropriate in the context, mark ‘All action happened earlier than the other when
correct’ as the answer. both the actions referred to happen in the past.
91. All the guests (a)/ Spontaneously (b)/ remarked The simple past is used in one clause and the
(c)/that the dish was very testy (d)/All correct (e). past perfect in the other.
92. If (a)/you will buy (b)/ one box at the regular 9. (b) men being tested
price, you would receive another one (c)/ at no The present (passive) participle, being tested’
(d)/extra cost. All correct (c). ought to be used here to maintain the
93. Our country is critically affected (a)/by uniformity in the sentence.
widespread (b)/deforestation (c)/and steady (d)/ 10. (d) he did
destruction of natural watersheds. All correct (e). 11. (c) is
94. My relations would become more perturbed (a)/if I The simple present is used to express general
became a successful (b)/company promoter truths.
(c)/with the most materialistic (d)/philosophy. 12. (d) gasp
No error (e). The sentence demands the use of the simple
95. Nor is the truaint (a)/always in the streets, for if he present tense.
prefers (b)/he may go out by the gardened 13. (c) but milder than
suburbs (c)/into country.(d)/All correct (e). ‘Than’ (her used as a preposition) shows the
96. He was the only influential (a)/person to be relation between this year; and last year’s
impressed (b)/by his scholarly (c)/deliberations. attack. It is more appropriate than ‘as’ which
(d)/All correct (e). generally shows the relation between two
97. Two world wars within a generation (a)/and the similar things.
potentialities (b)/of nuclear warfare have made 14. (d) it’s
the establishment of international order (c)/the A collective noun takes a singular verb when
paramount (d)/of Western civilization. All correct the collection is thought of as one whole; a
(e). plural verb when the individuals of which it
98. He thought of a cruel (a)/plan to taste (b)/his skill is composed are thought of, as, the
(c)/in archery (d)/All correct (e). committee has issued its report. The
99. Whatever (a)/the cause of the worry the best way committee are divided on one minor point.
to break out of this viscous (b)/circle is to seek 15. (c) The-adverb of time, ‘never’ and not the
help by talking to someone whom (c)/you can conjunction ‘neither’ is to be used. This is
trust to take out seriously (d)/and who might also done to never have the construction in
advise you. No error (e). the same series.
16. (d) that
The use of the conjunction ‘that’, to
introduce the adverb clause of reason or
 C-61

cause, is more apt here as because means ‘for 39. (b) and
the reason that’. The conjunction ‘and’ is needed to join the
17. (d) them two simple sentences in this compound
The Accusative Case of the third person sentence.
plural ‘them’ and not the Nominative ‘they’ 40. (b) was (singular subject)
is to be used as the other people are the 41. (d) that have
object of the sentence. When the subject of a verb is a relative
18. (d) was being dragged by the soldiers pronoun, care should be taken to see that the
All qualifying words, phrases and clauses verb agrees in number and person with the
should be placed as near as possible to the antecedent of the relative. In this case the
words to which they refer. antecedent, which is the work.
19. (c) The members felt 42. (b) whole
The subject usually comes before the verb in Who/what fears?
a sentence. In English, owing to the fewness 43. (a) Having heard
of the inflections, the order of the words in a The perfect participle generally precedes a
sentence is of the first importance. sentence in the past tense.
20. (d) They were not to open 44. (a) The building, which is the work.
They infinitive ‘to open’; like a noun needs a The adjective clause must be joined by the
subject which the verb ‘were’ fulfils. relative pronoun ‘which’, which is used for
21. (b) accentuated things without life and for animals.
The word above means to emphasize or 45. (b) But
make prominent. Except is generally followed by the
22. (c) given to preposition for.
23. (c) action 46. (b) It being
The word erosion should be followed by the 47. (c) The article is to be omitted.
preposition ‘by’ The article is omitted before abstract nouns
24. (a) ovation used in a general sense.
The word above means an enthusiastic Note – An abstract noun, when it is qualified
reception especially spontaneous and by an adjective or an adjectival phrase or
sustained applause clause may have the article; as ‘the wisdom
25. (d) a different nature. of Solomon is famous’
The article ‘a’ is used before a common noun, 48. (a) Unlike the
singular number. The education class is being compared and
26. (d) necessities not the children
The word above is the plural of the noun 49. (c) The personal pronoun ‘’they’’ is redundant
‘necessity’ (superfluous).
27. (c) my being 50. (b) a wife bringing a dowry
The speaker himself is being prevented, The indefinite article will be used as he is not
hence the possessive case of the first person referring to any particular wife.
(i.e. my) is used. 51. (d) The phrase indicated by (d) should be placed
28. (c) it was received at the beginning of the sentence or be
The verb has to have an object. eliminated.
29. (c) hung 52. (d) The phrase indicted by (d) should follow (a),
The past tense of hang’ is to be used as the ideally or be eliminated.
verb ‘found’ indicates. 53. (c) far better
30. (b) looked picturesque. 54. (d) Proud and insolvent.
31. (a) lay When one noun follows another to describe
The past tense of the verb ‘life’ is lay. it, the noun which follows is said to be in
32. (d) begin in apposition to the noun which comes before
33. (c) no fewer than it. Part (d) is changed to have the series in
34. (b) as quick as the same construction.
35. (d) himself. 55. (b) Speeches indicated/revealed.
36. (c) if not more then Inferred means to deduce from facts. Hence
More is comparative adjective and the the speeches can’t ‘infer’.
sentence must specify which two things are 56. (b) such sort of things
being compared.. The adjective ‘such’ is needed here to qualify
37. (b) has not ‘sort of things’ and not the demonstrative
The preposition ‘if is not needed. pronoun ‘those’.
38. (b) except in the case
 C-62

57. (c) yet relates (i.e. carries us back) to the noun

58. (b) had not been before it i.e. it’s antecedent (wise people)
59. (a) has not introduced 77. (c) as they
The past tense of the verb is needed here. The subordinating conjunction ‘as’ here
60. (b) last introduces the Adverb Clause of Time and
61. (d) To believe. not the word ‘like’ as a preposition.
The present infinitive ‘to be believed’, is not 78. (c) Since
needed. Since is used before a noun or phrase
62. (d) in life. denoting some point of time and is preceded
The article is omitted before a noun used in by a verb in some perfect tense. From is used
its widest sense, as; Man is mortal. What with all tenses.
kind of flower is it? 79. (a) Neither does he pay
63. (d) was Care should be taken, when using correlative
The subject is the ‘’block’’ conjunctions, that they are followed by the
64. (d) harmless same part of speech.
‘Than’ as a conjunction follows adjectives 80. (b) whom you
and adverbs in the comparative degree. The 81. (d) Part (d) should be placed after part (b).
opposite of ‘harmful’ is harmless’ and not The phrase ‘more than once’ qualifies the
beneficial. thought of marrying her and not the action
65. (c) was of marrying her.
66. (a) will excuse my 82. (d) Part (d) should either be placed after part (a)
The pronoun or noun governing a Gerund or be eliminated.
should be put in the Possessive case. The 83. (d) wine and snacks.
word ’leaving’ is a Gerund (i.e. Verbal Noun) 84. (c) interact
Therefore it must be preceded by the 85. (d) by eloquence.
possessive form. 86. (b) a/definitely a
67. (b) him Only in the sense of merely is not to used as
The object of a verb/’preposition, when it is ‘’part and parcel” (an idiomatic expression)
a pronoun should be in the means an essential part and the ‘’it’’ referred
Objective/Accusative from. to in the sentence is apparently important
68. (a) The team were enough not to be missed.
69. (b) The complement of the verb ‘to be’ when it is 87. (c) to gossiping
expressed by a pronoun should be in the 88. (d) Uplift them.
Nominative form, as; If I were he, I wouldn’t The phrase ‘pull up’ means to stop orcause to
do it. stop moving.
I am she whom you want. 89. (c) for themselves.
70. (d) me The preposition ‘for’ is needed here and not
71. (c) seldom or never ‘among’.
Seldom or never and seldom if ever are both 90. (b) marry
correct but seldom or ever is incorrect. The use of the adverb away is not apt here.
72. (a) her 91. (d): The correct spelling is ‘tasty’.
73. (a) a 92. (b): Remove ‘will’.
The indefinite article is to be used as the 93. (e): All correct..
sentence doesn’t specify the particular street. 94. (b): The correct spelling is ‘successful’.
74. (c) his 95. (a): The correct spelling is ‘truant’.
75. (c) that 96. (e): All correct.
The conjunction ‘that’ is more apt here to 97. (b): The correct spelling is ‘potentialities’.
express the reason/cause. 98. (b): Replace ‘taste’ by ‘test’.
76. (c) think 99. (b): Replace ‘viscous’ by ‘vicious’.
The word ‘they’ should be omitted as the 100. (d): Replace ‘no’ by ‘any’.
relative pronoun ‘who’ already refers or
 C-63

CHAPTER 6 SENTENCEIMPROVEMENT
EXERXISE
8. As a child, my parents took me to Jammu to visit
Directions: In each of these questions, in the given my grandmother.
sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. (a) When I was a child, my parents took me to
Beneath each sentence, four different ways of Jammu to visit my grandmother
phrasing the underlined part are indicated. Choose (b) My parents took me, as a child , to Jammu to
the best alternative. visit my grandmother
1. Although I calculate that he will be here any (c) My parents took me to Jammu to visit my
minute, I cannot wait much longer for him. grandmother as a child
(a) Although I reckon that he will be here (d) A child, my parents took me to Jammu to
(b) Although I think that he will be here visit my grandmother
(c) Because I confidant that he will be here 9. The vice president of the local bank spoke for a
(d) Because I calculate that he will be here half an hour and told his colleague that he, his
2. Expect for you and I, everyone brought a present colleague, must consider finding a new job, or
to the party. accept a reduction in salary.
(a) With the exception of you and I, everyone (a) For a half hour and told his colleague that he
brought must consider to find a new job
(b) Except for you and I, everyone had bought (b) For half an hour and told his colleague that
(c) Except for you and me, everyone brought the colleague must get employed by a new
(d) Except for you and me, everyone had brought bank
3. Today this is a totally different world than we (c) For half an hour and told his colleague to
have seen in the last decade. consider finding, a new job
(a) Than what we seen (d) No change
(b) Then we have seen 10. Start the motor, and then you should remove the
(c) From what we seen blocks.
(d) From what we have seen (a) Start the motor, then removing the blocks
4. We want the teacher to be him who has the best (b) Starting the motor, the blocks should then be
rapport with the students. removed
(a) We want the teacher to be he (c) Start the motor and then remove the blocks
(b) We want him to be the teacher (d) Starting the motor remove the blocks
(c) We desire the teacher to be him 11. She wished that her career could be as glamorous
(d) We anticipate the teacher to be him as the other women but not willing to work as
5. Since we are living in Bombay for five years, we they had.
are reluctant to move to another city. (a) As glamorous as the other women’s
(a) Being that we living (b) More glamorous than the career of the other
(b) Since we were living women/
(c) Since we have been living (c) Glamorous
(d) Being that we have been living (d) No change
6. Although he was others, he hadn’t hardly any 12. He does not smoke, nor he drinks.
friends except me. (a) Nor he does drink
(a) Different form the others, he hardly had any (b) Neither he does drink
friends except I (c) Nor does he drink
(b) Different than the other, he hardly had any (d) No change
friends except me 13. No matter what experience you have had with
(c) Different than the others, he hardly had any forest fires, if you would have witnessed the fire
friends except I roaring down through the canyon, you would
(d) Different from the others, he hardly had any have been terrified.
friends except me (a) If you witnessed
7. Anyone interested in the use of computer can (b) If you had witnessed
learn much if you have access to a state – of – the (c) If you could witness
– an microcomputer. (d) No change
(a) If he has access to 14. Although he is liable to make political enemies
(b) If access is available to with the decision, the finance minister will
(c) By access to propose severe tax cuts that may both stimulate
(d) From access to business and reduce the availability of loans.
 C-64

(a) Liable from excellent shad at summers, and shelter during

(b) Able to winter from the bitter winds.
(c) Of a mind to (a) To provide excellent shade in summer and,
(d) No change in winter, shelter from the bitter winds
15. Though he was more faster than his opponent on (b) Providing excellent shades of summer, and
the field his chances of winning the race was low shelters of bitter winter winds
as he lacked the killer instinct. (c) In order to provide shade in excellent
(a) Though he was more faster than his summer, and shelter from the winds of bitter
opponent on the field winter
(b) As he was more faster than his opponent on (d) For providing excellent shades at summer,
the field and shelter from bitter winds in summer
(c) Though he was more fast from his opponent 22. British airspace has been focusing on building
on the field European links.
(d) Though he was faster than his opponent on (a) Concentrating on creating European links
the field (b) Focussing on forging European links
16. Eaten in Portugal only, the Indians viewed the (c) Stressing on building European connectivity
potato with suspicion for they assumed it had (d) Stressing on building European links
poisonous properties since only the white skinned 23. Knowing the area was prone to earthquakes, all
people consumed it. the buildings were reinforced with additional
(a) Indians viewed the potato with suspicion for steel and concrete.
they (a) Having known that the area was prone to
(b) Indians were suspicious of the potato and earthquakes
they (b) Since they knew that area was prone to
(c) Potato was viewed with suspicion by earthquakes
Indians who (c) Since the area was known to be prone to
(d) Potato was suspicion to Indians, and it was earthquakes
17. The news of her employment soon circulated (d) Being prone earthquakes
around the small town. 24. Standards of reportage in the profession have
(a) Circulated round the small town actually risen in recent years, with specialists
(b) Circulating in the small town lending credibility for the printed word.
(c) Was circulating across the small town (a) With specialists who have lend credibility to
(d) Was circulating within the small town the printed word
18. The local library has recommended that the books (b) With specialist lending credibility to the
put up for the used book sale should be in good printed word
condition and should have no writing in then or (c) By specialist lending credulity in the printer
be underlined. word
(a) And should have no writing in them or be (d) As specialists lending credibility to the
underlined printed word
(b) And should not have writing in them or not 25. The policemen attempted to tactfully pacify the
be underlined quarreling families.
(c) And contain no writing or underling (a) The policemen attempted to tactfully pacify
(d) Without containing writing or underlining the quarrelling families
19. If they cooperate together by dividing up the (b) The policemen tactfully attempted to pacify
word, they shall be over with the work faster. the quarrelling families
(a) If they cooperate together by dividing the (c) The policemen attempted tactfully to pacify
work the quarrelsome families
(b) If they cooperate by dividing up the work (d) The policemen attempted to pacify tactfully
(c) If they cooperate by dividing the work the quarreling families
(d) If they cooperate together by division of 26. Visiting Agra for the first time, the Taj mahal in
work moonlight was truly impressive.
20. It is the craziness for speeding that is maddening (a) Visiting Agra for the first time, the Taj Mahal
that is responsible for many motor accidents. truly impressive in moonlight
(a) The craziness for speeding that is mad (b) Visiting Agra for the first time, I found the
(b) The mad craze for speed Taj Mahal truly impressive in the moonlight
(c) The mad craze for speeding (c) Visiting Agra for the first time, I found the
(d) The craze for speeding that is maddening Taj Mahal in moonlight truly impressive
21. In southern Bengal, many banyan trees are (d) Visiting Agra the first time, I find the Taj
planted at the end of a village or at the end of a Mahal moonlight was truly impressive.
village or at the border of a district, for providing
 C-65

27. The war victims needed nurses to bandage their 8. (a) As a child, should be followed by a phrase
wounds badly. that has ‘child’ as its subject, i.e., as a child I was
(a) The war victims needed nurses to bandage taken by my parents to visit Jammu & Kashmir or
their wounds badly other ways, we can change the first part of
(b) The victims of war needed nurses to bandage the sentence, the second part describes an action
their wounds badly so the first should be an adverb clause. Thus
(c) The war victims badly needed nurses to when I was child is the most suitable
bandage their wounds alternative.
(d) The war victims needed nurses badly for 9. (c) The part he, his colleague could easily be
bandaging their wounds eliminated and a simpler form of to + verb can be
28. Modern films have a detrimental effect on child used to make the sentence more appropriate (a) is
psychology for they make the children think that grammatically incorrect since it has omitted the
violence is justifiable. article ‘an’ (b) changes the meaning or intent of
(a) For they make the children think that the underlined phrase. Thus (c) is the most
violence is justifiable suitable choice.
(b) For these films make them think that 10. (c) The use if the modal ‘should’ is unnecessary
violence is justifiable in this statement. It is a statement giving
(c) For they make them think that violence is directions.
justifiable 11. (a) The comparison is between the careers of the
(d) They make those children think that violence two women and not a woman and career of
is justifiable women. The subject is absent from the sentence
Hints & Solutions but if you complete the sentence you will find it
1. (a) ‘Calculate’ is not an not an appropriate word should be- she wished that her career was as
for this sentence, calculation is done on the basis glamorous as the other woman’ s another
of available facts with certain fixed rules, women. The subject is absent from the
whereas according to the sense of the sentence sentence but if you complete the sentence you
the person is will find it should be- she wished that her
only making a guess or a supposition, thus career was as glamorous as the other woman’ s
reckon 12. (c) The first part of the sentence uses the
is the most appropriate word that can be used to auxillary verb ‘does’ since the second part of
replace calculate. sentence is an alternative to the first it must
2. (c) When the word ‘except’ is used ‘me’ is used be in the same syntax so there must be the
with it instead of I, so the most appropriate form auxillary verb ‘does’ in the second part as
of this phrase will be except for you and me. well.
3. (d) Different is used with ‘from ‘ e.g- ‘you are 13. (b) Would is a modal and its use here is
different from Ritu’ . Than is used for unnecessary. There is a ‘ would have’ in the
comparisons, e.g., the world is more populated second part of the sentence but it should not be
than it was in our time. repeated in the first one, because the use of
4. (a) ‘Him’ is not the right usage because it is a ‘would have’ is done as a possibility of an affect
possessive pronoun, and in the sentence it is of something done in past. So generally would
followed by who has the best rapport with the have will be followed by a past perfect verb.
students. 14. (d) Liable to means, it is an event that will
5. The tense in this sentence should be present happen. This is the only phrase which would fit
perfect in with the sense of the rest of the sentence. So
continuous because it refers to an action that there will be no change.
started 15. (d) The comparative degree for verb ‘fast’ is
at some time in past and continues till the present ‘faster’ and there is no need to add more to it .
time so right use is ‘have been living in Mumbai.’ 16. (c) The first part of the sentence is directed at a
6. (d) When we use the word ‘hardly’, it implies a subject, which is ‘eaten in Portugal only ‘, i.e., the
negative meaning, there is then no need to use potato, therefore the comma should be followed
not, so the most suitable use is ‘he hardly had any by phrase with potato as its subject and not
friends’. Indians. Of (c) & (d) ,(c) is the right option
7. (c)‘Anyone’ implies a person involved. So a because ‘ suspicious to Indian’ is not an
personal pronoun will be needed to give appropriate usage.
conditions later in the sentence, there must be ‘he’ 17. (b) ‘In’ is the correct preposition to be used with
or ‘one’ in the sentence. The noun cannot be in the the verb circulated.
second person but has to be in the third person 18. (c) The modal ‘should’ need not be repeated since
because ‘Anyone’ refers to an unknown third the conjunction ‘and’ is being used. The should in
person. the sentence will be used for both the parts.
 C-66

19. (c) Co-operate has an implicit meaning of

together. If means ‘work together’, so together
must be eliminated. Similarity ‘dividing’
means ‘breaking up’ so ‘up’ from ‘dividing’
must also be eliminated.
20. (c) Craziness’ is no word, the right noun is craze.
If
that is maddening is chosen it will be followed by
‘that is responsible’ which will not be appropriate
‘mad craze’ is the correct use, and this craze is not
for the noun ‘speed’ but the verb ‘speeding’, i.e.,
driving vehicles at high speed.
21. (a) The errors in the underlined part of the
sentence are ‘at summers’ which should be ‘ in
summer’, ‘during winter’ should be ‘in
winter’, keeping the system an both parts
same. Also the use of the of infinitive, i.e., to
+ verb form is more appropriate in this
sentence – ‘to provide’ in place of ‘for
providing’.
22. (a) ‘Building’ is a verb usually with ‘relations and
not links, ‘links’ are simply made or created.
23. (c) The second part of the sentence is an action
taken as a result of an incident, so the first part of
the sentence must give the incident and the word
‘since’ (b) is not the right option because it will
make the first part active voice and second
passive voice which must not happen.
Similarity of voice should be maintained in
the sentence.
24. (b) ‘Lending ‘ is done ‘to’ and not ‘for ‘, so lending
credibility to.
25. (a) There is no error in the underlined part.
26. (b) The subject is missing from the sentence so
first the subject ‘I’ should be included. Since an
experience is being related to the tense of verb
will be past so ‘find’ cannot be right, thus (d) is
eliminated. Whatever phrase follows the subject
Taj Mahal will act as the adjective attached to the
verb ‘found’, the remaining expression will
then become only supportive or additional
information. That is in (b) I found the Taj Mahal
truly impressive is the chief part of the sentence
and in the moonlight is additional information,
without which also the sentence makes sense. In
(c)
I found the Taj Mahal in moonlight will be the
chief
sentence which is not the appropriate usage.
27. (b) Tactfully is the adverb for the verb’ attempted’
and so the right usage will be ‘ tactfully attempted
to pacify’.
28. (c) ‘Badly’ is the adverb that should be used
for the verb ‘needed ‘ and not ‘bandage’.
 C-67

CHAPTER 7 SENTENCE COMPLETION

EXERCISE
Directions: Select the correct word or complete a grammatical sentence. In case of more than one blank, the
different words given in the options shall fill in the corresponding order.

1. The thieves had driven ten miles before the police (a) Two bows to his string
caught ....... them (b) Tow strings to his bow
(a) On with (c) Tow arrows to his bow
(b) Upon (d) Two bows and strings.
(c) Up to 11. The new Twenty point programme is designed to
(d) Up with be a renewed assault.....poverty.
2. The patient was cheered ........... by the news that (a) For
she was likely to be discharged in a day or two. (b) Into
(a) On (c) On
(b) Up (d) Upon
(c) Out 12. Because of his distrust........... every one, he could
(d) Down never gain any good friend.
3. As soon as my attention was........ the dangerous (a) By
state of the staircase, i got it repaired. (b) Of
(a) Drawn for (c) With
(b) Drawn upon (d) In
(c) Drawn near 13. He was operated.......... an abscess in his leg.
(d) Drawn to (a) For
4. As soon as the visitor’s dishonest purpose was (b) Against
discovered he was ......... the door. (c) On for
(a) Show with (d) On against
(b) Shown to 14. If you have a good project but are lacking........
(c) Shown finance, you should enter into partnership.......an
(d) Shown out of affluent person.
5. I wish my brother....... here to this entertaining (a) Of , with
Iecture. (b) For, with
(a) Would be (c) In, with
(b) Has been (d) In, of
(c) Is 15. I doubt whether the accommodation in that place
(d) Were is adequate...........our needs.
6. ...... pompous, he was an entertaining companion. (a) According to
(a) Before (b) With
(b) Never (c) For
(c) Though (d) Against
(d) Despite 16. Living a simple life.......... one’ s won resources is
7. John is great ........organizing meetings. preferable ............ leading a luxurious life on
(a) For borrowed funds.
(b) To (a) With, than
(c) At (b) Within, to
(d) In (c) Within, against
8. Did you think you ......... somewhere before? (d) On, from
(a) Have seen me 17. If was customary........... devotees going to that
(b) Saw me temple to take a bath in the nearby tank first.
(c) Had seen me (a) With
(d) Would see me (b) On
9. The way he is currying favour .......... his rich (c) For
neighbour is sickening. (d) About
(a) Of 18. The teacher warned the students to desist.............
(b) With making noise.
(c) For (a) Form
(d) To (b) About
10. He has.........., he deals both in books and curios (c) With
 C-68

(d) By (b) Different, wait to

19. Though young, he proved a worthy rival...... his (c) Alternative, await
opponent who had much more experience. (d) Many, am waiting
(a) To 29. He is a good......... and has specialised in painting
(b) Against walls of houses.
(c) For (a) Artist
(d) With (b) Artiste
20. Absorbed............. his own thought, he paid scant (c) Artisan
attention to what was happening............... him, (d) Artefact
(a) With, about 30. Einstein was awarded the Nobel prize for his.......
(b) In, around the theory of Relativity.
(c) By, to (a) Inventing
(d) Of, besides (b) Invention of
21. The by- election,_________closely fought, (c) Promulgation of
resulted........a surprise landslide for the ruling (d) Discovery of
part. 31. Being himself very quick.......... arithmetical
(a) If, at calculations, he did not need a calculator.
(b) Since, with (a) About
(c) Whether, in (b) For
(d) Though, in (c) Over
22. He was of a charitable disposition, but did not (d) In
like a number of his relatives trying to live.......... 32. However poor one may be, one can be happy
him without trying to earn their living. only if one has the right attitude to life; happiness
(a) With lies......... contentment.
(b) Near (a) Through
(c) Off (b) In
(d) Through (c) With
23. _______ We are good friends his views (d) Over
differ............ mine on many issues. 33. Though I would not recommend it, I have no
(a) Despite, with objection.........your going to that movie.
(b) Because, off (a) For
(c) Although, from (b) Against
(d) Nevertheless, form (c) To
24. You cannot be too sensitive.............. criticism, if (d) Upon
you have chosen a political career. 34. Though accused of partiality............ his home
(a) About team, the umpire had a clear conscience and
(b) With believed in the correctness of his decisions.
(c) For (a) With
(d) To (b) Towards
25. ______ The four children, Raju is ......... (c) For
(a) Between, taller (d) Against
(b) Amidst, tallest, 35. The court acquitted him............ all the charges.
(c) Among , the tallest (a) From
(d) In, the tallest. (b) Against
26. A peculiar custom prevailing............. toads is the (c) For
sacrifice of buffaloes on ceremonial occasions. (d) Of
(a) Over 36. Do not force me to......... you on this issue; I am
(b) With not at all convinced.
(c) By (a) Agree upon
(d) Among (b) Concur with
27. The train to Bombay.........from madras central at (c) Join over
9.30 pm. (d) Equate with
(a) Commences 37. His claims of close acquaintance............ the high
(b) Begins and the mighty are unbelievable.
(c) Leaves (a) About
(d) Starts (b) Towards
28. Having placed........proposals before you, I (c) With
now....... your decision. (d) From
(a) Alternate, waited for
 C-69

38. There is no point in counting............ his support (b) The, about

he is notoriously undependable. (c) If, about
(a) For (d) Some, on
(b) On 48. .......... Robert are expected to attend the part
(c) With tonight.
(d) Through (a) As well as
39. Compared........... china, India’s progress in the (b) Together with
agricultural field has been commendable. (c) And
(a) Against (d) Accompanied by
(b) Over 49. Ravi was......... Nagpur.........2nd jan, 67......4 in
(c) Towards morning.
(d) To (a) At, on, at
40. He spoke for over forty minutes, but the speech (b) In, on, at
was wholly irrelevant the subject of meeting. (c) In, in, about
(a) On (d) At, at, at
(b) To 50. Having..........only in salt water before, I found it a
(c) At little difficult to swim in fresh water.
(d) For (a) Swam
41. It is believed that hypertension is most often the (b) Swum
cause.......... (c) Had swam
(a) Towards (d) Swimming
(b) With 51. Of the tow assistants we employed last month, I
(c) In find Raman......... hard working.
(d) Of (a) Most
42. The court found him guilty and imposed.............. (b) More
him a fine a fine of Rs.500. (c) Least
(a) To (d) Only
(b) For 52. If were you, I..........be careful with my words.
(c) Upon (a) Will
(d) Against (b) Would
43. Which competitor was selected for the first prize, (c) Shall
the former or...........? (d) Should
(a) Later 53. ...........a very long time this city has been
(b) Latter prosperous.
(c) The later (a) Since
(d) The second (b) For
44. Because of low marks, he could not get (c) From
admission..........any college. (d) Till
(a) In 54. She is so fastidious that............ of the three houses
(b) With was liked by her.
(c) Into (a) Neither
(d) For (b) Either
45. The child said she had seen someone in the (c) None
garden, but when we made a search we did not (d) No one
find........ 55. William Shakespeare was........... greatest
(a) Someone playwright of his time
(b) No one (a) A
(c) Anyone (b) An
(d) Her (c) The
46. He was greatly disappointed when his proposal, (d) Three
on which he had worked very hard, was 56. The mother of the dead child was
turned........by his boss. overwhelmed.........
(a) Up (a) By
(b) Over (b) With
(c) Down (c) From
(d) Off (d) For
47. .........more I think......... your suggestion, the less I 57. It is earth’s gravity which.............people their
like it. weight.
(a) Even, on (a) Gives
 C-70

(b) Give (b) The

(c) Giving (c) Is the
(d) Given (d) Is of the
58. There is no use discussing.......... prohibition. 68. The impact of two vehicles can cause a lot
(a) On of........to both.
(b) About (a) Damage
(c) Of (b) Damages
(d) For (c) Damaging
59. It is good form to use the name of the (d) Damaging
person........... 69. Ballet dancers,..........actors, must spend many
(a) Who are greeting hours a day practising before a performance.
(b) You are greeting (a) Like
(c) Which you are greeting (b) The like
(d) Greeting for you (c) The same
60. Total weight of all the ants in the world is much (d) Same as
greater than........... 70. The conditions necessary.............this project have
(a) To all human beings not been met.
(b) That of all human beings (a) Of completion
(c) Is of all human beings (b) For the complete of
(d) That of the all human beings (c) Of complete
61. ..............business, a merger is a combination of (d) For the completion of
two or more corporations under one 71. .......... the reactions of people with amnesia,
management. scientists are learning about the process of
(a) At memory of the brain.
(b) In (a) By studying
(c) The (b) To study
(d) On (c) They study
62. ........... that increasing numbers of compact disc (d) They are studying
players will be bought by consumers in the years 72. The weather in the far north is not.......... it is
to come. down south.
(a) They are anticipated (a) Like humid as
(b) In anticipation (b) As humid as
(c) Anticipating (c) Humid as
(d) It is anticipated (d) So humid that
63. He was frightened.......... 73. After the election.......a new stage.
(a) To be killed (a) The entering nation
(b) To being killed (b) The nation will enter
(c) Foe being killed (c) To enter the nation
(d) Of being killed (d) Will the nation enter
64. A...........firms are having trouble with industrial 74. How is life enhanced? A beautiful passage from
relations. Tagore comes.........mind.
(a) Considerable amount of (a) In
(b) Great part of (b) To
(c) Large part of (c) From
(d) Great many (d) Out
65. ......... the rainfall was adequate this year, the 75. I hope she.......
mango trees did not produce a high yield. (a) Must come
(a) Since (b) Should come
(b) Although (c) Will come
(c) Due to (d) Must be coming
(d) In spite of 76. He is...........tennis.
66. Capitalist society......... profit as a valued goal. (a) Fond to play
(a) Which regards (b) Fond of playing
(b) Regarding (c) Fond in playing
(c) Regards (d) Fond at playing
(d) Was regarded 77. ........... as President, a candidate must win a
67. The greater........... increase in population, the majority of votes.
harder it is for people to find adequate housing. (a) Elected
(a) Of (b) To be elected
 C-71

(c) Having elected 79. Encounters between people from different

(d) Electing countries can result in
78. An increase in population, without an increase in misunderstandings............different conceptions
economic level,.............. result in a lower standard (a) Because they
of living. (b) Is because they
(a) Tends to (c) Is because their
(b) Tending to (d) Of their
(c) Will tend
(d) Tends

Hints & Solutions 38. (b) on

1. (d) up with 39. (d) to
2. (b) up 40. (b) to
3. (d) drawn to 41. (d) of
Certain Verbs, Nouns, Adjectives and Participles 42. (c) upon
are always followed by certain Prepositions. 43. (c) the latter
4. (c) shown 44. (c) into
5. (d) were 45. (c) anyone
The Past Subjunctive ‘were’ is used after tile verb 46. (c) down
wish, to indicate a situation, which is contrary to 47. (b) The ------about
fact or unreal; as in. I wish I were a millionaire. The article ‘the is used as an adverb with
6. (c) Though comparatives; as,
The subordinating conjunction ‘though’ here The more the merrier.
clarifies the concessional tone of the sentence. The more they get, the more they want.
For e.g. – I will not see him, though he comes. 48. (c) and
Though is generally followed by yet in most 49. (a) at------in------at
cases. The pair ‘though – Yet’ forms a Correlative In is used with names of countries and large
Conjunction. towns, at is more often used when speaking of
7. (c) at small towns and villages.
8. (c) had seen me 50. (b) swum
9. (b) with The Past Participle ‘swum’ is to be used and not
10. (b) Two strings to his bow the past tense ‘’swam’’.
This is an idiomatic expression. The Past Participle represents a completed action
11. (c) on or state of the thing spoken of.
12. (b) of 51. (b) Since there is a comparison between two, a
comparative degree verb must be used.
13. (c) on for
14. (c) in -------------with
52. (b) The sentence gives a condition, so the participle
clause will use ‘would’ not ‘will’.
15. (c) for
53. (b) In the perfect continuous tense only ‘for’ and
16. (b) within ------ to
‘since’ are used. ‘since is used to suggest a
17. (c) for particular time in past and ‘for’ is used to suggest
18. (a) from a time period. ‘a long time’ suggest a time period
19. (a) to so ‘for’ will be the answer.
20. (b) in ------- around 54. (c) Since the numbers are more than two, neither
21. (d) Though --------in cannot be used, either is positive so will oppose
22. (c) off the meaning of the sentence and ‘no one’ is used
23. (c) Although ------ from for persons and things.
24. (d) to 55. (c) Article ‘the’ preceeds the superlative degree i.e.,
25. (c) Among ------ the tallest the ‘est form.
26. (d) among 56. (b) ‘With’ is used with overwhelmed
27. (d) starts 57. (a) Gravity is the singular subject which will have the
28. (c) alternative ------ await present indefinite verb i.e., verb + s/es form.
29. (c) artisan 58. (b) Preposition ‘about’ is used before the word
30. (d) discovery of ‘prohibition’.
31. (d) in 59. (b) There is no need for ‘who’ or ‘which’ (both of
32. (b) in which are incorrect ‘whom’ will be the right
pronoun) the clause follows the subject ‘person’
33. (c) to
directly and need not be connected through a
34. (b) towards
pronoun.
35. (d) of
60. (b) Since a comparison is being made there must be a
36. (c) concur with subject in both parts of sentence divided by than.
37. (c) with There must be ‘that’ in the second part therefore,
 C-72

(d) is incorrect because of incorrect usage of the right answer because this gives the cause for
article ‘the’. the verb in the latter part of the sentence.
61. (b) This will be the right preposition. 72. (b) The right use is as + adjective + as
62. (d) It is a passive voice sentence and the phrase 73. (b) In the given sentence there is no subject or verb,
before ‘that’ should be a complete passive from of so the added phrase should be of the form subject
verb and not a gerund. + infinitive verb.
63. (d) ‘of’ is the preposition used with frightened. 74. (b) The right usage is ‘come to mind’.
64. (d) Firms are countable noun so ‘many’ is the 75. (c) Modals such as must or should cannot be used
determiner that should be used with it ‘great deal’ with ‘hope’.
is used mostly with abstract nouns and ‘amount’ 76. (b) The right impression is ‘fond of’.
with either money or substances that are weighed. 77. (b) The subject of the sentence is candidate, but in the
65. (b) ‘Although’ is used when there is disagreement first part there is no subject, it should be passive
between the two parts of the sentence which or have an active subject. (b) is the only option
should have logically followed each other. with passive verb.
Although and still are often used together, to this 78. (a) There must be the preposition ‘to’ to connect the
can be used as an easy hint to find the answer. verb ‘tend’ with the noun ‘result’ (b) is not correct
66. (c) Capitalist society is the singular subject and the because first form of verb should be used and not
statement made is a dictum, so present infinitive continuous since it’s a simple statement made
tense will be used. suggesting no action taking place at the current
67. (c) moment.
68. (a) The use of the word here is as a ‘noun’ not as a 79. (d) ‘because’ cannot be used as the conjunction in this
verb thus damage will be the right answer. sentence because for the sentence to be complete
Tip : A sentence of form this can cause, will it should be followed by an ‘of’, i.e. because of
always be followed by a noun. their, since this is not the option ‘of their’ is the
69. (a) It is a simple comparison between dancers and most appropriate use.
actors and the word ‘like’ is appropriate. ‘same as’
is not used because the correct usage will be ‘the
same as’.
70. (d) The right expression is ‘conditions necessary for’
since the gap is followed by, this. ‘complete’
should be used in the noun form and not adjective
so it will be ‘completion of this’.
71. (a) There cannot be a subject in the first part of the
sentence as the same subject is given on the
second part so (c) and (d) are eliminated. To study
is the infinitive verb which will be not be used
here, because it suggests the action which is the
affect and not the cause e.g. ‘To gain something
you have to lose something else’. By studying is
 C-73

Chapter 8 Spelling Test

Type 1: In this type of questions there are four (b) Commission
different spelling of common word. The student is (d) Commision
required to choose the correct spelling of the given 13. (a) Guerila
word. (b) Gurilla
Ex. 1 (a) Committee (b) Commitee (c) Gorila
(c) Committee (d) Committey (d) Gorilla
14. (a) Pasanger
Ans: (c) Committee (b) Pessenger
Exercise (c) Pesanger
(d) Passenger
Directions: Choose the correct spelling of the given word. 15. (a) Tariff
1. (a) Efforascence (b) Tarriff
(b) Efflorescence (c) Tarif
(c) Efllorescence (d) Tarrif
(d) Eflorescence 16. (a) Jewelery
2. (a) Aliennate (b) Jewellry
(b) Allienate (c) Jwellry
(c) Alienate (d) Jewellery
(d) Alienate 17. (a) Grametic
3. (a) Forefiet (b) Grammetic
(b) Forefeit (c) Grammatic
(c) Forfeit (d) Gramatic
(d) forefeit 18. (a) Blisfull
4. (a) Comemorate (b) Blissful
(b) Commemmorate (c) Blisful
(c) Momemmorate (d) Blissfull
(d) Commemorate 19. (a) Embarasment
5. (a) Example (b) Embarassment
(b) Exampel (c) Embarrasment
(c) Example (d) Embarrassment
(d) Exampal 20. (a) Sattellitte
6. (a) Psychology (b) Satellite
(b) Sycology (c) Sattelite
(c) Psykology (d) Satelite
(d) Sychology 21. (a) Ocasion
7. (a) Accessible (b) Ocassion
(b) Acessible (c) Occasion
(c) Accessible (d) Occassion
(d)Acessible 22. (a) Comettee
8. (a) Tresspass (b) Committe
(b) Trespass (c) Comittee
(c) Tresspas (d) Committee
(d) Trespas 23. (a) Posession
9. (a) Argumant (b) Possession
(b) Arguemant (c) Posession
(c) Argument (d) Possesion
(d) Arguement 24. (a) Grievance
10. (a) Aproched (b) Greievance
(b) Aproached (c) Grieveance
(c) Appraoched (d) Grieveance
(d) Approached 25. (a) Beligrent
11. (a) Comentry (b) Beligerent
(b) Commentry (c) Belligrent
(c) Commentery (d) Belligerent
(d) Commentary 26. (a) Coruppt
12. (a) Coimmission (b) Curropt
 C-74

(c) Corrupt (b) Bussiness

(d) Currupt (c) Business
27. (a) Deilectic (d) Buisiness
(b) Deallectic 42. (a) Forecast
(c) Dilectic (b) Forcaust
(d) Dialectic (c) Forcast
28. (a) Achievment (d) Forecaste
(b) Acheivment 43. (a) Liesure
(c) Achievement (b) Leisure
(d) Achevement (c) Leasure
29. (a) Coreander (d) Lesiure
(b) Coriander 44. (a) Colliberation
(c) Coriandar (b) Calliberation
(d) Coreandor (c) Callibration
30. (a) Bouquete (d) Calibration
(b) Bouquet 45. (a) Adviceable
(c) Boquet (b) Advisable
(d) Bouquette (c) Advicable
31. (a) Translucent (d) Adviseable
(b) Translusent 46. (a) Interegnum
(c) Transluscent (b) Intrenum
(d) Tranclucent (c) Interregnum
32. (a) Hetrogenous (d) Interregnim
(b) Hetrogeneous 47. (a) Aforstation
(c) Heterogenous (b) Aforestation
(d) Heterogeneous (c) Afforstation
33. (a) Foreigner (d) Afforestation
(b) Forienor 48. (a) Entreprenuer
(c) Foriegnor (b) Entrepraneur
(d) Foreiner (c) Entrapreneur
34. (a) Addultration (d) Entrepreneur
(b) Adultration 49. (a) Commission
(c) Addulteration (b) Commission
(d) Adulteration (c) Commision
35. (a) Gorgette (d) Comission
(b) Georgette 50. (a) Harasment
(c) Gorgete (b) Harassment
(d) Georget (c) Harrassment
36. (a) Examplary (d) Harrasment
(b) Exemplary 51. (a) Perseverance
(c) Examplery (b) Preservarance
(d) Exemplery (c) Preseverence
37. (a) Sobotage (d) Preserverence
(b) Sobbotage 52. (a) Sovereignty
(c) Sobotaze (b) Soveriegnty
(d) Sabatage (c) Sovereignity
38. (a) Colaboration (d) Soveriegnity
(b) Collaberation 53. (a) Receding
(c) Colaberation (b) Receeding
(d) Collaboration (c) Recceding
39. (a) Exagerate (d) Recedeing
(b) Exadgerate 54. (a) Illusteous
(c) Exaggerate (b) Illistrious
(d) Exeggerate (c) Illustrious
40. (a) Acurrate (d) Ilustrious
(b) Accurate 55. (a) Skillful
(c) Acurate (b) Skillfull
(d) Accuratte (c) Skilful
41. (a) Buisness (d) Skilfull
 C-75

56. (a) Septaganarian (d) Commitment

(b) Septagenarian 71. (a) Fullfil
(c) Septuaganarian (b) Fulfil
(d) Septuagenarian (c) Fulfill
57. (a) Pitiaeble (d) Fullfill
(b) Pitiable 72. (a) Genelogy
(c) Pitiaable (b) Genealogy
(d) Pitiabale (c) Geneology
58. (a) Incumbent (d) Genalogy
(b) Incumbant 73. (a) Defedant
(c) Incambant (b) Defendent
(d) Incambent (c) Defandent
59. (a) Budgetary (d) Defendant
(b) Budgetry 74. (a) Recommand
(c) Budgetery (b) Recommend
(d) Bugetary (c) Reccomend
60. (a) Paralelled (d) Recommend
(b) Paralleled 75. (a) Varstile
(c) Paralleled (b) Verstile
(d) Parralleled (c) Versatile
61. (a) Arangement (d) Vorstyle
(b) Arrangement 76. (a) Correspondant
(c) Arrangment (b) Corraspondent
(d) Arangement (c) Corraspondant
62. (a) Cemetry (d) Correspondent
(b) Cemetery 77. (a) Finnancer
(c) Cemetary (b) Financeir
(d) Cemetery (c) Financer
63. (a) Vetniary (d) Financeir
(b) Vetarinary 78. (a) Comitee
(c) Veteninary (b) Commitee
(d) Veterinary (c) Comittee
64. (a) Lauriate (d) Committee
(b) Laureat 79. (a) Etiquete
(c) Laureate (b) Etiquette
(d) Lauriat (c) Ettiquete
65. (a) Comander (d) Ettiquette
(b) Commander 80. (a) Overlapped
(c) Commandor (b) Overlaped
(d) Comandar (c) Overleped
66. (a) Tranquillity (d) Overelaped
(b) Trenquillity 81. (a) Necessary
(c) Trenquility (b) Necesarry
(d) Tranquility (c) Necesary
67. (a) Alitration (d) Neccessary
(b) Alliteration 82. (a) Inocculate
(c) Alitration (b) Inoculate
(d) Aliteration (c) Innoculate
68. (a) Chaufer (d) Innocculate
(b) Chauffer 83. (a) Benefeted
(c) Chaufeur (b) Benifited
(d) Chauffeur (c) Benefitted
69. (a) Remunaration (d) Benifitted
(b) Ramunration 84. (a) Supreintendent
(c) Remeuneration (b) Superintendent
(d) Remuneration (c) Suprintendent
70. (a) Coitment (d) Supereintendent
(b) Comittment 85. (a) Temparament
(c) Committment (b) Temprament
 C-76

(c) Temperament (b) Coridgendum

(d) Temperamant (c) Corrigendum
86. (a) Homeopathy (d) Corridgendum
(b) Homoepathy 101. (a) Prevalent
(c) Homiopathy (b) Prevalent
(d) Homoeopathy (c) Prevelant
87. (a) Numrator (d) Prevelent
(b) Numerator 102. (a) Milennium
(c) Numerater (b) Millenium
(d) Numrater (c) Milennium
88. (a) Ommission (d) Milenium
(b) Omision 103. (a) Acomodation
(c) Omission (b) Accomodation
(d) Ommision (c) Acommodation
89. (a) Mountaineous (d) Accommodation
(b) Mountaneous 104. (a) Inimitable
(c) Mountainous (b) Innimatible
(d) Mountanous (c) Inimitible
90. (a) Giraf (d) Inimmitable
(b) Gerraffe 105. (a) Refrigerator
(c) Geraff (b) Refriderater
(d) Giraffe (c) Refridgerator
91. (a) Legendary (d) Referigerator
(b) Legendery 106. (a) Appallation
(c) Legendry (b) Appellation
(d) Legandery (c) Appelation
92. (a) Aquaintence (d) Appallation
(b) Acquaintance 107. (a) Catelogg
(c) Aquaintance (b) Catlog
(d) Acquaintence (c) Catlogue
93. (a) Arodrome (d) Catalogue
(b) Airodrome 108. (a) Obsession
(c) Aerodrom (b) Obssession
(d) Airodrome (c) Obsession
94. (a) Forein (d) Obsessien
(b) Fariegn 109. (a) Alottee
(c) Foreign (b) Allotee
(d) Foreign (c) Alotte
95. (a) Aprentic (d) Allottee
(b) Aperentic 110. (a) Seperable
(c) Apprentic (b) Separable
(d) Apprentice (c) Seperable
96. (a) Indigenous (d) Saparable
(b) Indigenuous 111. (a) Hindrence
(c) Indiginous (b) Hindrance
(d) Indeginuous (c) Hinderence
97. (a) Coleagu (d) Hinderance
(b) Colleagu 112. (a) Proprietry
(c) Coleague (b) Proipriatory
(d) Colleague (c) Proprietary
98. (a) Lieutinant (d) Proprietory
(b) Lieutenant 113. (a) Strategam
(c) Leutenant (b) Strategem
(d) Liutenant (c) Stratagem
99. (a) Paralelogram (d) Stratagam
(b) Paralellogram 114. (a) Reharsal
(c) Parallelogram (b) Rehersal
(d) Parallelogram (c) Rehearsal
100. (a) Corigendum (d) Rehearsel
 C-77

115. (a) Cancelation (b) Guarantee

(b) Cancelletion (c) Garuntee
(c) Cancellation (d) Guaruntee
(d) Cancellasion 128. (a) Parlamentary
116. (a) Assasination (b) Parliamentary
(b) Asasination (c) Parlimentary
(c) Cancellation (d) Parliamentery
(d) Cancellasion 129. (a) Tentaitive
117. (a) Millonare (b) Tentative
(b) Millionaire (c) Tentitive
(c) Millionare (d) Tantitive
(d) Millonaire 130. (a) Surveilance
118. (a) Draut (b) Survellance
(b) Drout (c) Surveillance
(c) Dgrougt (d) Survaillance
(d) Drought 131. (a) Careir
119. (a) Fabullous (b) Career
(b) Fablous (c) Caireer
(c) Fabulous (d) Carreer
(d) Fabuleous 132. (a) Resteraunt
120. (a) Accomplish (b) Restaurent
(b) Ackmplesh (c) Rastaurent
(c) Accompalish (d) Restaurant
(d) Acomplush 133. (a) Damage
121. (a) Simaltanious (b) Dammage
(b) Simultaneous (c) Damaige
(c) Simultanious (d) Dammege
(d) Simaltaneous 134. (a) Farenheit
122. (a) Turnament (b) Fahrenheit
(b) Tournamant (c) Farenheit
(c) Tournament (d)Fahrenheit
(d) Turnamant 135. (a) Recommandation
123. (a) Tomarow (b) Recomandation
(b) Tomarrow (c) Recommendation
(c) Tomorrow (d) Recomendation
(d) Tomarrow 136. (a) Accessible
124. (a) Neighbour (b) Accissible
(b) Neighbor (c) Acsssible
(c) Neighbour (d) Acessible
(d) Neibur 137. (a) Tempereture
125. (a) Fasist (b) Tempearature
(b) Facict (c) Temperature
(c) Facist (d) Tamperature
(d) Fascist 138. (a) Rennaisance
126. (a) Occurrance (b) Renaissance
(b) Occurrence (c) Ranaissance
(c) Occurance (d) Renaisance
(d) Occurence
127. (a) Gaurantee
 C-78

1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5 (c) 6 (a) 7 (c) 8 (b)

9 (c) 10 (d) 11 (d) 12 (a) 13 (d) 14 (d) 15 (a) 16 (d)

17 (c) 18 (b) 19 (d) 20 (c) 21 (c) 22 (d) 23 (b) 24 (b)

25 (d) 26 (c) 27 (d) 28 (c) 29 (b) 30 (b) 31 (a) 32 (d)

33 (a) 34 (d) 35 (b) 36 (b) 37 (a) 38 (d) 39 (c) 40 (b)

41 (c) 42 (a) 43 (b) 44 (d) 45 (b) 46 (c) 47 (a) 48 (d)

49 (a) 50 (b) 51 (a) 52 (a) 53 (a) 54 (d) 55 (c) 56 (d)

57 (b) 58 (a) 59 (a) 60 (c) 61 (b) 62 (b) 63 (b) 64 (c)

65 (b) 66 (a) 67 (b) 68 (d) 69 (b) 70 (d) 71 (c) 72 (b)

73 (a) 74 (b) 75 (c) 76 (d) 77 (b) 78 (d) 79 (b) 80 (a)

81 (a) 82 (b) 83 (c) 84 (b) 85 (c) 86 (d) 87 (b) 88 (c)

89 (c) 90 (d) 91 (a) 92 (b) 93 (d) 94 (d) 95 (c) 96 (a)

97 (d) 98 (b) 99 (c) 100 (c) 101 (b) 102 (c) 103 (d) 104 (a)

105 (a) 106 (b) 107 (d) 108 (c) 109 (d) 110 (b) 111 (b) 112 (c)

113 (d) 114 (c) 115 (c) 116 (c) 117 (b) 118 (d) 119 (c) 120 (a)

121 (d) 122 (b) 123 (c) 124 (c) 125 (d) 126 (b) 127 (b) 128 (b)

129 (b) 130 (c) 131 (b) 132 (d) 133 (a) 134 (d) 135 (c) 136 (a)

137 (c) 138 (c)

 C-79

CHAPTER 9 CLOZE TEST

PASSAGE COMPLETION (CLOZE TEST) PASSAGE-2 (16-25)
DIRECTIONS: In each of the following passages, Women have (16) made (17) in the corporate
there are blanks each of which has been numbered. workplace but certainly not as much as they had (18)
These numbers are printed below the passage and we have new laws, rules and (19) relating to women
against each, some words are suggested, one of in the workplace, but what we have not changed
which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the much is the male (20) Women have fallen short in
appropriate words. their goals because we (21) the potency of the male
PASSAGE-1 (1-15) need to (22) their power. We can abide (23) by the
The most attractive and unique features of crossword laws and rules we create in order to (24) women an
puzzle is that it is game one can play alone. There are equal opportunity in the corporate workplace and
several kinds of crossword puzzles. One kind is the still not (25) the problems that afflicted and
prize competition in which the (1) who finds the efentually capsized the women’s raft.
correct answer gets a big prize (2) the answers are 16. (a) progress (b) efforts
very hard to find, since several (3) appear equally (c) attempts (d) decisions
appropriate: bad, mad or sad, for (4) in the clue 17. (a) perhaps (b) seldom
sentence, “people are seldom popular” such (5) (c) optimistically (d) not
attract people who are fond of gambling, because by (e) undoubtedly
(6) a small entry fee, they can win big prizes. The (7) 18. (a) Activites (b) cases
type of crossword puzzle is one in which (8) is only (c) policies (d) problems
one possible answer to every clue. But (9) answer is (e) revolutions
elusive and calls for some detective work (10) our 19. (a) predisposed (b) prescribed
part. The clue gives only hints about the word. A (11) (c) expected (d) informed
like mate changes to flesh for food I (12) elude you (e) encompassed
till you realize that by changing the (13) of I mate’ 20. (a) retaliate (b) respect
you getr’ meat ‘your comprehension and your (14) (c) risk (d) minimise
knowledge are put to the test. The effort to (15) such (e) underestimate
crosswords is an intellectual exercise. 21. (a) hatred (b) patterns
1. (a) although (b) though (c) achievements (d) population
(c) but (d) as (e) behaviour
2. (a) persons (b) person 22. (a) partially (b) occasionally
(c) actor (d) actors (c) them (d) excessively
3. (a) illustration (b) assumption, (e) scrupulously
(c) example (d) examples 23. (a) maintain (b) know
4. (a) words (b) letters (c) absolve (d) evolve
(c) alphabets (d) letter (e) diminish
5. (a) buying (b) paying 24. (a) overcome (b) mentioned
(c) giving (d) gives (c) judge (d) explore
6. (a) puzzles (b) cpmprtitions (e) emphasis
(c) races (d) competions 25. (a) share (b) deny
7. (a) their (b) this (c) assure (d) donate
(c) there (d) that (e) deprive
8. (a) second (b) another PASSAGE -3 (26-35)
(c) two (d) first Architecture is a unique (26) of art and science that
9. (a) in (b) on has (27) out of man’s primary need for shelter. It is
(c) upon (d) over concerned with the design and (28) of buildings in
10. (a) this (b) an their sociological, technological and environment
(c) any (d) another context. This field is not only (29) but also provides
11. (a) did (b) shall the (30) of designing and building pleasing and (31)
(c) will (d) had refined structures to serve various needs. (32) the
12. (a) word (b) clue fairly large number of practising architects. The
(c) puzzle (d) sports countrywide (33) in the initial earings in the field are
13. (a) overall (b) common sense relatively (34) what you make thereafter will depend
(c) general (d) no need entirely on your (35).
14. (a) words (b) spelling 26. (a) arisen (b) earned
(c) lettering (d) place (c) contrived (d) fizzled
15. (a) solve (b) think of (e) drifted
(c) dissolve (d) think 27. (a) process (b) procedure
 C-80

(c) blend (d) subject (c) tone (d) nothing

(e) portion 44. (a) announced (b) reported
28. (a) rewarding (b) vast (c) proclaimed (d) shouted
(c) enocouraging (d) strenuous 45. (a) match (b) game
(e) fatiguing (c) sport (d) athleties
29. (a) appearance (b) repairing 46. (a) fellow-feeling (b) disaster
(c) decoration (d) construction (c) pity (d) condition
(e) painting 47. (a) situation (b) position
30. (a) readily (b) principally (c) place (d) going
(c) aesthetically (d) ideologically 48. (a) efficient (b) capable
(e) practically (c) skilful (d) learned
31. (a) readily (b) amenities 49. (a) suddenly (b) curtly
(c) infrastructure (d) facility (c) briefly (d) accidently
(e) satisfaction 50. (a) balance (b) remainder
32. (a) deterioration (b) spurt (c) rest (d) other
(c) lethargy (d) slack PASSAGE-5 (51-60)
(e) variation Faced with an (51) number and variety of products
33. (a) Despite (b) Regarding on the market, managers are finding it more difficult
(c) Assuming (d) Having to (52) demand and plan production and orders (53)
(d) Considering As a result (54) forecasts are increasing and , along
34. (a) need (b) experience with them, the costs of those errors Many managers
(c) expectation (d) appearance today, (55) speed is the (56), have turned to one or
(e) ambition another popular production scheduling system. But
35. (a) exorbitant (b) negligible these tools tackle only part of the problem (57) really
(c) unpredictable (d) modest needed is a way to (58) forecasts and simultaneously
(e) escalating redesign planning processes to (59) the impact of (60)
PASSAGE-4 (36-50) forecasts.
It was with pleasant surprise that Swaminathan 51. (a) register (b) accept
stumbled into his own set, which he had thought (c) ignore (d) predict
was not at school. Except Rajam and Mani all were (e) meet
there. Under the huge tama-rind tree they were 52. (a) equal (b) exact
playing some game Swaminathan joined them with a (c) eccentric (d) unprecedented
low, ecstatic cry. The (36) disappointed him. They (e) optimum
turned their (37) to him with a faint (38) and 53. (a) exorbitant (b) inadequate
returned to their game. What (39) Swaminathan most (c) frequent (d) buoyant
was that even the (40) Somu was grim. Something (e) inaccurate
seemed to be (41) somewhere. Swaminathan 54. (a) spontaneously (b) positively
assumed an easy (42) and shouted, “Boys, what (c) accordingly (d) quickly
about (43) place for me in the (44)? “ Nobody (e) immediately
answered this Swaminathan paused and (45) that he 55. (a) lacuna (b) outcome
was waiting for a (46) in the game. “ It is a (47)” (c) source (d) answer
There are (48) people who can be very (49) as tails, “ (e) Problem
said Samuel. The (50) laughed at this, “you sai tail, 56. (a) not withstanding (b) believing
didnt’t you?” asked Sankar. (c) visualizing (d) neglecting
36. (a) heads (b) faces (e) consider
(c) profiles (d) hands 57. (a) improve (b) negate
37. (a) response (b) answer (c) vitiate (d) obtain
(b) reply (d) attention (e) ignore
38. (a) surprised (b) bewildered 58. (a) what’s (b) that’s
(c) astonished (d) seen (c) one (d) managers
39. (a) expression (b) assessment (e) companies
(c) smile (d) around 59. (a) popular (b) erroneous
40. (a) improper (b) wrong (c) unpredicted (d) absolute
(c) unreasonable (d) right (e) dangerous
41. (a) sympathetic (b) hearty 60. (a) popular (b) counter
(c) genial (d) friedly (c) minimize (d) substantiate
42. (a) a little (b) a small (e) dangerous
(c) some (d) few PASSAGE-6 (61-70)
43. (a) accent (b) modulation
 C-81

Now-a-days under the (61) system of education, aspect is (80) taken care of suitably, by the concerned
however good it may be, when a young man comes organizations
out of the university, there seems to be this (62) in 71. (a) attracted (b) ameliorated
him that the higher the standard of living rises, the (c) distorted (d) encouraged
less should a man work. Thus, mathematically, (e) weighed
higher the standard of living, according to this 72. (a) diminishing (b) exaggerated
misconceived notion, the less the (63) ultimately, (c) increasing (d) tremendous
what? Should be the highest standard of living then? (e) unreasonable
(64) work! This leads to an unhealthy (65) among the 73. (a) awareness (b) quality
workers. A typist who types over twenty letters a (c) intricacy (d) necessity
day asks his (66) how many letters he had typed that (e) status
day. The latter (67)”fifteen”. The former thinks, “ 74. (a) commotion (b) contempt
Tomorrow I should type only fifteen or even (68). (c) demand (d) dissatisfaction
This tendency is quite (69) and may ultimately lead (e) urgency
to (70) even one’s family life may be affected 75. (a) abandoned (b) assimilated
adversely due to such tendency. (c) contemplated (d) practised
61. (a) apprehension (b) realisation (e) taught
(c) anxiety (d) worry 76. (a) everything (b) much
(e) misconception (c) nothing (d) scope
62. (a) extinct (b) proposed (e) short
(c) developed (d) modern 77. (a) Formulation (b) discussions
(e) outdated (c) perusal (d) reduction
63. (a) ample (b) no (e) updating
(c) Minimum (d) Less 78. (a) expert (b) general
(e) Maximum (c) partial (d) periodical
64. (a) work (b) time (e) unserupulous
(c) salary (d) energy 79. (a) being (b) duly
(e) comfort (c) never (d) often
65. (a) colleague (b) client (e) seldom
(c) boss (d) subordinate 80. (a) desires (b) encompasses
(e) employee (c) flourishes (d) matter
66. (a) ambition (b) jealousy (e) needs
(c) delay (d) dispute
(e) competition PASSAGES-8 (81-90)
67. (a) more (b) all Many parents great their children’s teenage years
(c) less (d) some with needless dread. Whileteens (81) assault use with
(e) few heavy-metal music, (82) outlandish clothes and
68. (a) remembers (b) types spend all (83) time with friends, such behaviour (84)
(c) suggests (d) replies adds upto full-scale revolt. Teenage (85), according
(e) does to psychologist. Laurence Steinberg, has been (86)
69. (a) retardation (b) denial exaggerated. Sociologist Sanford Dornbusch agrees.
(c) evil (d) complexity “The (87) that teenagers inevitably rebel is a (88) that
(e) progress has the potential for great family (89),” says
70. (a) unnatural (b) unfortunates Dornbusch. He believes the notion can (90)
(c) healthy (d) heartening communication during ths critical time For parents
(e) discouraging to influence youngsters.
81. (a) show (b) dress
PASSAGE-7 (71-80) (c) put (d) flaunt
In view of the (71) demand for personnel with 82. (a) can (b) must
commerce background, in the post-liberalisation (c) may (d) should
period, causes in commerce have (72) the attention of 83. (a) sporadically (b) always
students and parents. There is growing (73) for these (c) infrequently (d) scarcely
courses not only in schools but also in colleges. But 84. (a) her (b) his
the (74) of commerce education in schools leaves (75) (c) their (d) our
to be desired. It popularity, importance and quality, 85. (a) always (b) never
to a large extent, depends much on the teaching (c) greatly (d) hardly
methodology being (76) in schools. Of course, the 86. (a) rebellion (b) subversion
(77) review and (78) of syllabi also (79). But this (c) mania (d) revolution
87. (a) myth (b) story
 C-82

(c) fact (d) reality two others may be (110) in stature but differ in
88. (a) complaint (b) surmise the colour of eyes and hair.
(c) accusation (d) idea 101. (a) same (b) large
89. (a) destroy (b) suffocate (c) natural (d) different
(c) damage (d) injure (e) biological
90. (a) ruin (b) downfall 102. (a) animal (b) beings
(c) harm (d) defeat (c) mind (d) society
PASSAGE-9 (91-100) (e) thinking
All writers are vain, selfish and lazy, and at the very 103. (a) no (b) large
(91) of their motives there lies a mystery. Writing a (c) minor (d) artificial
book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long (e) fundamental
(92) of some painfull illness. One would never 104. (a) growth (b) sameness
undertake such a thing if one were not (93) by some (c) substance (d) variations
demon whom one can neither (94) nor understand. (e) naturalness
For all one knows that demon. Is simply the same 105. (a) hatred (b) clashes
(95) that makes a baby (96) for attention. And yet it is (c) tolerance (d) sameness
also true that one can write nothing readable unless (e) differences
one constantly struggles to (97) one’s own 106. (a) mad (b) basic
personality. Good prose is like a window pane. I (c) maddening (d) fluctuating
cannot say with certainly which of my motives are (e) picturesque
the strongest, but I know which of them deserve to 107. (a) Alike (b) different
be followed. And (98) through my work, I see that it (c) beautiful (d) untouched
is (99) where I lacked a political purposes that I (e) mismatched
wrote lifeless books and was (100) into purple 108. (a) neat (b) minor
passages, sentences without meaning, decorative (c) massive (d) clearcut
adjectives and humbug generally. (e) unnoticeable
91. (a) bout (b) feeling 109. (a) ugly (b) tall
(c) source (d) condition (c) same (d) short
92. (a) mention (b) bottom (e) uncouth
(c) idea (d) consideration 110. (a) same (b) tall
93. (a) help (b) resist (c) close (d) matched
(c) like (d) conquer (e) different
94. (a) driven but (b) driven for PASSAGE- 11 (111-120)
(c) driven on (d) driven at Broadly speaking letters may be said to (111) into
95. (a) squall (b) play two classes: the formal and (112) formal letters (113)
(c) desire (d) look of official or business matters and are (114) to an
96. (a) feeling (b) sense employer, officials of a departments or institutes.
(c) desire (d) instinct Letters to the (115) of a newspaper also belong to this
97. (a) looking in (b) looking for class. In fact all (116) using formal pattern is of this
(c) looking at (d) looking back category. The (117) has to be precisely stated. It must
98. (a) overcome (b) change be (118) in style and quite (119) No (120) element has
(c) efface (d) deface any place in it.
99. (a) inspired (b) betrayed 111. (a) affectionate (b) abusive
(c) moved (d) introduced (c) personal (d) flattering
100. (a) Interestingly (b) seldom 112. (a) describe (b) fall
(c) constantly (d) invariably (c) escape (d) rise
PASSAGE-10 (101-110) 113. (a) addressed (b) prayed
Fundamentally, all human (101) posses (c) respected (d) typed
combinations of fixed inherited traits. All men 114. (a) consist (b) apprise
possess the (102) highly developed nervous, (c) contain (d) comprise
system, backbones, erect posture, hair etc. 115. (a) writings (b) columns
Therefore, nervous, system, backbones, erect (c) correspondence (d) letters
posture, hair etc. Therefore, (103) among men 116. (a) printer (b) publisher
arise only in (104) changes of this (105) pattern. (c) salesman (d) editor
Racial (106) represent one of the finest 117. (a) lucid (b) florid
distinctions and are based on certain (107) (c) high (d) descriptive
differences. Two races may be (108) in hair 118. (a) language (b) content
colour, in eye colour but (109). In stature while (c) criticism (d) objection
119. (a) unifying (b) divisive
 C-83

(c) malicious (d) personal (c) prepare (d) do

120. (a) creative (b) objective 135. (a) nor (b) but
(c) critical (d) subjective (c) or (d) and
PASSAGE-12 (121-130) 136. (a) is (b) was
Dhritrashtra, the elder brother of the Pandu, was (c) had (d) has
blind by birth. When he grew young, he was married 137. (a) listen (b) get
to Gandhari. She loved him so (121) that she (122) up (c) understood (d) understand
her own eyes with a cloth. A hundred sons were bom 138. (a) with (b) by
to Dhritrashtra and Ghandhari. They were called (c) in (d) of
Kauravas. Duryodhana was the (123) son of 139. (a) going (b) gone
Dhritrashtra, who was quite obstinate by nature. (c) goes (d) went
When Kunti (124) to Hastinapur with her five sons, 140. (a) know (b) knows
Duryodhana did not (125) it. He wanted that the (c) knew (d) known
Pandavas Should live in the forest with their mother, PASSAGES-14 (141-150)
Kunti. In fact he wanted to rule (126) Hastinapur Some people believe that marriages are made in
without any interference in his affairs, although heaven.
outwardly he made a (127) of happiness. His mother One cannot say (141) this is true or not. However, in
Gandhari consoled Kunti but her son Duryodhana America now many (142) who get married seek to
did not like this at all. Pandavas were so good and evolve a fool proof (143) to ensure that the marriage
(128) that every one who saw them (129) them. The survives. However, the idea of married persons (144)
people of Hastinapur began to give greater (130) to the burden of Domestic chores, instead of all the
the Pandavas than the Kauravas. dirty work being dumped on the woman has (145)
121. (a) closed (b) folded been propagated by the feminist (146) and it has
(c) bound (d) blinded gradually, if grudgingly, been (147) This
122. (a) Closely (b) deeply arrangement may work on a temporary basis but
(c) keenly (d) excessively taking (148) of a particular domestic work on a
123. (a) refreated (b) retracted permanent basis will pose problems of its own . for
(c) receded (d) retumed instance, taking out the rubbish may (149) make a
124. (a) eldest (b) greatest refreshing change from washing baby’s nappies.
(c) dearest (d) loveliest However, a contract is a contract and must be (150)
125. (a) on (b) over you may not like it but this is what life is coming out
(c) upon (d) from to be in the most modern of the countries in the
126. (a) concede (b) approve world.
(c) understand (d) like 141. (a) pairs (b) men
127. (a) feeble (b) attractive (c) couples (d) women
(c) innocent (d) noble 142. (a) whether (b) still
128. (a) show (b) pretention (c) however (d) that
(c) face (d) pretext 143. (a) executing (b) dividing
129. (a) importance (b) praise (c) undertaking (d) sharing
(c) consideration (d) admiration 144. (a) method (b) project
130. (a) glorified (b) praised (c) plan (d) system
(c) respected (d) applauded 145. (a) group (b) lobby
PASSAGE-13(131-140) (c) section (d) faction
I want to avoid violence. Non-Violence (131) the first 146. (a) long (b) sometimes
article of my faith. It is also the (132) article of my (c) always (d) occasionally
creed. But I had to (133) my choice. I had either to 147. (a) control (b) care
submit (134) a system which I considered (135) done (c) charge (d) duty
irreparable harm to my country, (136) incur the risk 148. (a) affirmed (b) approved
of the mad fury (137) my people bursting forth, when (c) accepted (d) favoured
they (138) the truth from my lips. I (139) that my 149. (a) respected (b) executed
people have sometimes (140) mad. I am deeply sorry (c) maintained (d) obeyed
for it. 150. (a) occasionally (b) often
131. (a) last (b) common (c) intermittently (d) rarely
(c) simple (d) unique PASSAGE-15 (151-160)
132. (a) was (b) be We will be crushed if civil (151) is started. It will be a
(c) is (d) being (152) to the clock. The technique of (153) against it
133. (a) over (b) in has been (154) We may have to wait (155) a year or
(c) against (d) to more, for a suitable (156) to be created. Any hasty
134. (a) make (b) select
 C-84

(157) may result in complete (158) Labour troubles type of anger it should because they are seen (174)
will (159) to violence and there will those who are trying to disintegrate the country.
Be (160) discord. Even a (175) for more say in the administration is
151. (a) damage (b) reversal shouted down. Human rights organisations and
(c) setback (d) rewinding Civil liberty activists are considered a (176), if by the
152. (a) riot (b) disturbance government (178) the inquiry should (179) the forces
(c) war (d) diobedience and (180) the instrument on which it has come to
153. (a) learnt (b) practised depend.
(c) rehearsed (d) perfect 171. (a) cleared (b) committed
154. (a) defence (b) protection (c) condoned (d) displayed
(c) fighting (d) guarding 172. (a) free (b) reduced
155. (a) condition (b) climate (c) little (d) liberal
(c) atmosphere (d) weather 173. (a) obeying (b) ignoring
156. (a) at least (b) minimum (c) supporting (d) fighting
(c) for (d) approximately 174. (a) resist (b) evoke
157. (a) demoralization (b) doom (c) convey (d) suoress
(c) disobedience (d) disaster 175. (a) nuisance (b) help
158. (a) decision (b) work (c) threat (d) boon
(c) deed (d) action 176. (a) demand (b) desire
159. (a) labour (b) communal (c)prayer (d) plea
(c) religious (d) community 177. (a) because (b) for
160. (a) draw (b) take (c) till (d) lest
(c) lead (d) grow 178. (a) minor (b) blatant
PASSAGE-16 (161-170) (c) new (d) concealed
The fact is that democracy is the only (161) system 179. (a) blunt (b) raise
that can preserve the Indian entity, constitute its (c) change (d) lose
whole beyond the sum of the various fragments that 180. (a) disperse (b) derail
go into its making and (162) its invaluable genius of (c) demoralise (d) degrade
stumbling along (163) a humane order. If democracy PASSAGE-18 (181-190)
in India is done (164) with, India itself will (165) in Children are loved by all human beings. But (181)
the morass of the various particularities that (166) it. this world of human (182) there ib no (183) nuisance
Universal adult (167) and a periodic (168) of the than a boy (184) the age of fourteen. He is neither
popular mandate (169) by the government is (170) for ornamental (185) useful. It is impossible to (186)
democracy and hence India’s integrity. affection on him as on a (187) boy and he is always
161. (a) suggest (b) promote getting (188) the way. If he talks with a childish lisp
(c) encourage (d) inspire he’is called a baby, and if he answers in a grown up
162. (a) viable (b) fundamental way he is called impertinent. Then he is (189) the
(c) possible (d) accetable unattractive, growing age. He grows out (190) his
163. (a) off (b) up clothes, with indecent haste. His voice begins to
(c) away (d) out break and loses its childish charm.
164. (a) with (b) towards 181. (a) affairs (b) life
(c) to (d) for (c) beings (d) world
165. (a) form (b) define 182. (a) of (b) on
(c) outline (d) constitute (c) for (d) in
166. (a) vanish (b) sink 183. (a) at (b) of
(c) surrender (d) finish (c) on (d) in
167. (a) survey (b) appearance 184. (a) worst (b) bad
(c) action (d) renewal (c) worse (d) better
168. (a) sensibility (b) education 185. (a) show (b) shower
(c) participation (d) franchise (c) repose (d) showering
169. (a) dispensable (b) indispensable 186. (a) and (b) or
(c) obvious (d) desirable (c) nor (d) so
170. (a) obtained (b) gained 187. (a) through (b) in
(c) secured (d) reserved (c) on (d) off
PASSAGE-17 (171-180) 188. (a) tiny (b) big
The feeling of insecurity among the people has (c) small (d) little
increased even though there is (171) use of the para- 189. (a) of (b) from
military and the military. The excesses (172) by the (c) beyond (d) through
two forces, particularly by the first, do not (173) the 190. (a) with (b) on
 C-85

(c) of (d) at world (212) very small indeed. Today if you (213).
PASSAGE-19 (191-200) New Delhi at 4.00 in the morning, you (214) eat an
‘Quit India’ came not from the lips but the aching ‘early breakfast in the sky (215) Kabul, and be in
heart of millions. In this open rebellion, the Indian London by about 1.00 p.m.
(191) reached its climax. The British were nut only 201. (a) people (b) man (c) men
(192) by it, but also were obliged to quit unilaterally, 202. (a) unless (b) if (c) through
The importance of Quit India can be 193) from Lord 203. (a) have (b) had (c) has
Linlithgow’s statement,”I am engaged here, in 204. (a) the (b) a (c) that]
meeting by far the most (194) rebellion since that 6 $ 205. (a) from (b) for (c) since
1857, the gravity and extent ill which we have so far 206. (a) and (b) or (c) either
(195) from the world for reasons of military 207. (a) dull (b) exciting (c) aimless
security”. Still more significant was Churchull’s 208. (a) marvellous (b) costly (c)inexpensive
gloomy disclosure to the king Emperor that, “the 209. (a) bad (b) worse (c) good
idea of (196) of power had become an admitted (197) 210. (a) at (b) in (c) within
in the minds of British party leaders”, although his 211. (a) can become (b) became (c)has become
public statements were diametrically opposite. The 212. (a) those (b) this (c) that
(198) created by Quit India made the British (199) 213. (a) will (b) can (c) must
that they could no longer keep India in (200). 214. (a) leave (b) will leave (c)would leave
191. (a) attacked (b) inspired 215. (a) at (b) on (c) over
(c) enfeebled (d) threatened PASSAGE-21 (216-225)
192. (a) patriotism (b) freedom Why is it that the CRP, BSF and the Army give a
(c) liberation (d) revolution better account of themselves than the state police? It
(e) leadership is the structure of the state police that needs to be
193. (a) trivial (b) serious looked (216), in a district, or city, where there is a
(c) auspicious (d) praiseworthy separate police force, a majority of policemen are
(e) magnificant (217) in police stations. The police station staff is
194. (a) established (b) diffused often over-extended and no (218) is available at that
(c) gauged (d) determined level. It is the state force that has to be called (219)
(e) invigorated But it takes time to (220) forces. If the law and order
195. (a) transfer (b) seizure situation (221) simultaneously at many places, there
(c) grabbing (d) retainment is manpower (222). Thus once rioting breaks (223), it
(e) enhancement takes time to bring it under control so that there is a
196. (a) elicited (b) excluded time (224) between the first incident and the
(c) abstained (d) concealed appearance of the adequate force to (225) the
(e) prevented situation. The public hue and cry about the delayed
197. (a) anarchy (b) violence arrival of the police force is not unjustified.
(c) taboos (d) exigencies 216. (a) detained (b) deployed
(e) vengeance (c) deputed (d) employed
198. (a) fantasy (b) tactics 217. (a) through (b) on
(c) occurrence (d) inevitability (c) into (d) at
(e) disillusionment 218. (a) upon (b) up
199. (a) exile (b) power (c) at (d) on
(c) bondage (d) suspense 219. (a) reserve (b) force
(e) abeyance (c) company (d) squad
200. (a) anxious (b) realise 220. (a) worsens (b) proliferate
(c) imagine (d) pretend (c) degenerates (d) aggravates
(e) apprehend 221. (a) move (b) arrange
PASSAGE-20 (201-215) (c) mobilise (d) prepare
Many of us believe that science is something modem, 222. (a) away (b) in
(201) the truth is that (202) has been using science for (c) off (d) out
(203) very long time. However, it has (204) a greater 223. (a) default (b) shortage
effect on human lives in the last 25 (205) 30 years (c) shortcoming (d) failure
than in the hundreds of years (206) the invention of 224. (a) control (b) restrain
the plough. The (207) gifts of science have made (c) step (d) prevent
modern life (208) and comfortable. But science has 225. (a) lag (b) interval
(209) the same time created new problems. One of (c) delay (d) differnce
these, which many become (201) in the years to
come, is (211) of ‘jet-lag’. With the coming of modern
jets, flying at more than 900 kilometres an hour, the
 C-86

ANSWER KEY
1 (c) 31 (c) 61 (e) 91 (a) 121 (c) 151 (c) 181 (c) 211 (c)
2 (b) 32 (b) 62 (d) 92 (b) 122 (b) 152 (d) 182 (d) 212 (c)
3 (c) 33 (a) 63 (b) 93 (b) 123 (d) 153 (a) 183 (b) 213 (b)
4 (a) 34 (b) 64 (a) 94 (d) 124 (a) 154 (c) 184 (c) 214 (a)
5 (b) 35 (d) 65 (c) 95 (a) 125 (b) 155 (c) 185 (b) 215 (c)
6 (b) 36 (a) 66 (a) 96 (c) 126 (d) 156 (a) 186 (c) 216 (d)
7 (c) 37 (a) 67 (c) 97 (d) 127 (d) 157 (d) 187 (b) 217 (c)
8 (a) 38 (a) 68 (d) 98 (c) 128 (a) 158 (d) 188 (d) 218 (a)
9 (b) 39 (c) 69 (a) 99 (c) 129 (a) 159 (b) 189 (a) 219 (b)
10 (b) 40 (b) 70 (e) 100 (d) 130 (b) 160 (c) 190 (d) 220 (a)
11 (b) 41 (c) 71 (a) 101 (a) 131 (a) 161 (b) 191 (c) 221 (c)
12 (c) 42 (a) 72 (c) 102 (b) 132 (c) 162 (a) 192 (d) 222 (d)
13 (c) 43 (c) 73 (b) 103 (c) 133 (d) 163 (c) 193 (e) 223 (b)
14 (b) 44 (c) 74 (c) 104 (d) 134 (a) 164 (b) 194 (a) 224 (a)
15 (a) 45 (d) 75 (d) 105 (e) 135 (c) 165 (d) 195 (a) 225 (a)
16 (a) 46 (c) 76 (b) 106 (b) 136 (c) 166 (b) 196 (d)
17 (e) 47 (c) 77 (c) 107 (a) 137 (b) 167 (a) 197 (d)
18 (c) 48 (b) 78 (d) 108 (d) 138 (d) 168 (d) 198 (d)
19 (c) 49 (c) 79 (e) 109 (c) 139 (b) 169 (b) 199 (c)
20 (b) 50 (c) 80 (d) 110 (e) 140 (a) 170 (b) 200 (b)
21 (e) 51 (d) 81 (d) 111 (c) 141 (c) 171 (b) 201 (b)
22 (d) 52 (d) 82 (c) 112 (b) 142 (a) 172 (d) 202 (c)
23 (a) 53 (e) 83 (b) 113 (a) 143 (d) 173 (d) 203 (b)
24 (a) 54 (c) 84 (c) 114 (a) 144 (d) 174 (b) 204 (b)
25 (c) 55 (d) 85 (c) 115 (c) 145 (b) 175 (a) 205 (c)
26 (a) 56 (b) 86 (a) 116 (d) 146 (a) 176 (a) 206 (b)
27 (c) 57 (a) 87 (d) 117 (a) 147 (c) 177 (d) 207 (b)
28 (b) 58 (a) 88 (d) 118 (a) 148 (c) 178 (b) 208 (a)
29 (d) 59 (b) 89 (a) 119 (d) 149 (a) 179 (a) 209 (b)
30 (c) 60 (c) 90 (b) 120 (b) 150 (a) 180 (c) 210 (a)
 C-87

CHAPTER 10 Comprehension Test

Reading Comprehension
Comprehension is the process of making meaning will give an overview that helps provide a framework
from a written text. Typically, a candidate might have for adding details. Also, look for transitional words,
difficulty understanding due to limited vocabulary phrases or paragraphs that change the topic.
and /or a lack of familiarity with the subject matter. Identify the type of Reasoning
Both these constraints may be remedied by reading Does the author use cause and effect
more widely and making friends with a good reasoning, hypothesis, model building, induction or
dictionary. deduction, systems thinking?
How to Improve Reading Comprehension Anticipate and Predict
Reading is all about information. It’s not Really smart readers try to anticipate the
about the number of words you read, but the amount author and predict future ideas and questions. If
of value you extract from them. The Key to improve you’re right, this reinforces your understanding. If
reading comprehension isn’t moving your eyes across you’re wrong, you make adjustments quicker.
a page more quickly. It’s about creating a mental Look for the Method of Organization
framework that helps you process words and ideas. Is the material organized chronologically,
With a bit of practice, anyone can read faster serially, logically, functionally, spatially or
and more productively. The steps outlined below will hierarchicaley.
help you to extract the maximum amount of Create Motivation and Interest
information in the least amount of time. Preview material, ask questions, discuss ideas
Before reading the text, ask yourself what you with classmates. The stronger your interest, the
already know about its topic. Try to recall as much greater your comprehension.
information as you can. Think of related ideas you’ve Pay Attention to Supporting Cues
learned in the past. Make brief notes about your Study pictures, graphs and headings. Read
thoughts or discuss what you remember with others. the first and last paragraph in a chapter, or the first
Reading comprehension requires motivation, mental sentence in each section.
frameworks for holding ideas, concentration and Highlight, Summarise and Review
good study techniques. Here are some suggestions. just reading a book once is not enough. To
Improve Your Reading Comprehension by develop a deeper understanding, you have to
Researching the Topic highlight, summarize and review important ideas.
Background information may appear on book Build a Good Vocabulary
covers and inner flaps of book jackets. Many books For most educated people, this is a lifetime
include an introductory section and a mini-biography project. The best way to improve your vocabulary is
about the author. Book publisher’s websites may also to use a dictionary regularly. You might carry around
include background information. Think about the a pocket dictionary and use it to look up new words.
information you read. Ask: Or, you can keep a list of words to look up at the end
 What kind of text is this? of the day. Concentrate on roots, prefixes and
 What new information did I learn, and what do I endings.
expect to learn? As you read, make a list of unfamiliar
 Is this text information or entertaining, fact or vocabulary words. Look up the meanings of the
fiction? words in the dictionary, and jot definitions down by
 What interests me about this book? hand. Writing definitions by hand will help you
Develop a Broad Background remember the definition much more than by typing or
Broaden your background knowledge by by reading alone.
reading newspaper, magazines and books. Become Monitor Effectiveness
interested in world events. Good readers monitor their attention;
Improve Your Understanding concentration and effectiveness. They quickly
As you read, what questions come to mind? recognise if they’ve missed an idea and backup to
Read on to find the answers. You can think about the reread it.
questions and answers or jot them down on paper. Test Yourself to Determine How Well You’ve
Research indicates that writing notes by hand can Learned the material.
increase comprehension and recall among students After your reading session, quiz yourself on
who are not learning disable in writing. For those who the main points. What was the main idea? Who are
have LDs in writing mechanics, pair the writing with the characters in the story? What information did you
discussion to improve understanding and recall. learn? Jot down your thoughts in your own words to
Know the Structure of Paragraphs help you remember them and give you deeper insight
Good writers construct paragraphs that have into the topic. If expressive writing is difficult for you,
a beginning, middle and end. Often, the first sentence
 C-88

jot shorter notes and discuss the reading with a friend by those who believe that the world has gone beyond
or parent. redemption”, he added.
Exercise Hoffman says, “New terrorism has no long
Directions (Qs. 1-95): Read the following passage term agenda but is ruthless in its short-term
carefully and answer the questions given below. intentions. It is often just a cacophonous cry of protest
Certain words/ phrases are printed in bold to help or an outburst of religious intolerance or a protest
you to locate them while answering some of the against the West in general and the US in particular.
questions. Its perpetrators may be religious fanatics or diehard
PASSAGE-1 opponent of a government and see no reason to show
In the second week of August 1998, just a few days restraint. They are simply intent on inflicting the
after the incidents of bombing the US embassies in maximum amount of pain on the victim.”
Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam, a high-powered, brain-
storming session was held near Washington D.C., to 1. In what way would the new terrorism be different
discuss various aspects of terrorism. The meeting was from that of the earlier years?
attended by ten of America’s leading experts in A. More dangerous and less baffling
various fields such as germ and chemical warfare, B. More hazardous for victims
public health, disease control and also by the doctors C. Less complicated for terrorists
and the law-enforcing officers. Being asked to a) A and C only
describe the horror of possible bio-attack, one of the b) B and C only
experts narrated the following gloomy scenario. c) A and B only
d) All the three
A culprit in a crowded business centre or in a 2. In the context of the passage, the culprit’s act of
busy shopping mall of a town empties a test tube emptying a test tube containing some fluid can be
containing some fluid, which in turn creates an classified as
unseen cloud of germ of a dreaded disease like a) A terrorists attack
anthrax capable of inflicting a horrible death within 5 b) An epidemic of a dreaded disease
days on any one who inhales it. At first 500, or so c) A natural calamity
victims feel that they have mild influenza which may d) Panic created by an imaginary event
recede after a day or two. Then the symptoms return 3. What could be the probable consequences of bio-
again and their lungs start filling with fluid. They attacks, as mentioned in the passage?
rush to local hospitals for treatment, but the panic- A. Several deaths
stricken people may find that the medicare services B. Political turmoil
run quickly out of drugs due to excessive demand. C. Social unrest
But no one would be able to realise that a terrorist a) A only
attack has occurred. One cannot deny the possibility b) B only
that the germ involved would be contagious variety c) C only
capable of causing an epidermic. The meeting d) All A, B, C
concluded that such attacks, apart from causing 4. What was the immediate provocation for the
immediate human tragedy, would have dire long- meeting held in August 1998?
term effects on the the political and social fabric of a a) The insistence of America’s leading
country by way of ending people’s trust on the b) The horrors of possible bio-attacks
competence of the government. c) A culprit’s heinous act of spreading germs
The experts also said that the bombs used in d) None of these
Kenya and Tanzania were of the old-fashion variety 5. According to the author of the passage, the root
and involved quantities of high explosives, but new cause of terrorism is:
terrorism will prove to be more deadly and probably A. Religious fanatism
more elusive than hijacking an aeroplane or a B. Socio-political changes in countries
gelignite of previous decades. According to Bruce C. The enormous population growth
Hoffman, an American specialist on political a) A only
violence, old terrorism generally had a specific b) B only
manifesto-to overthrow a colonial power or the c) C only
capitalist system and so on. These terrorists were not d) A and B only
shy about planting a bomb or hijacking an aircraft and 6. The author’s purpose of writing the above passage
they set home limit to their brutality. Killing so many seems to explain:
innocent people might turn their natural supporters a) The methods of containing terrorism
off. Political terrorists want a lot of people watching b) The socio-political turmoil in Africa contries
but not a lot of people dead. “Old terrorism sought to c) The deadly strategies adopted by modern
change the world while the new sort is often practised terrorists
d) Reasons for killing innocent people
 C-89

7. The sole objective of the old terrorism, according to profit in foreign exchange be fully covered by
Hoffman, was to: exchange earnings as had been done. Significantly, on
a) Plant bombs to kill innocent people the eve of the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan, the
b) Remove colonial power or capitalist system government delinked profits repatriation from
c) Make people realise the incompetence of the exports, meeting this demand.
government The Ambassador said foreign investors
d) Give a setback to socio-political order. needed to be assured of the continuity and
8. The phrase “Such attacks”, as mentioned in the consistency of the liberalisation policy and the fact
last sentence of the second paragraph, refers to: that new measures had been put into force by means
a) The onslaught of an epidemic as a natural of administrative notifications without amending
calamity government laws acted as a damper.
b) Bio-attack on political people in the The Ambassador pleaded for speedy
government formulation of the exit policy and pointed to the
c) Attack aimed at damaging the reputation of highly restrictive control by the government on
the government disinvestment by foreign partner in joint ventures in
d) Bio-attack manoeuvred by unscrupulous India.
elements While it is all too easy to dismiss critical
Directions (Qs 9-10): Choose the word which is most comment on conditions in India contemptuously,
OPPOSITE in meaning f the word printed in capital as there can be little doubt that if foreign investment is to
used in the passage. be wood assiduously, we will have to meet exacting
9. CACOPHONOUS international standards and cater at least partially to
a) Loud what we may consider the idiosyncrasies of our
b) Melodious foreign collaborators. The Japanese too have passed
c) Sonorous through a stage in the fifties when their products were
d) Harsh derided as sub-standard and shoddy. That they have
10. GLOOMY come out to that ordeal of fire to emerge as an
a) Discouraging economic superpower speaks a much of their
b) Disgusting doggedness to pursue goals against all odds
c) Bright acceptable standards.
d) tragic There is no gainsaying that the paste record of
Directions (Qs.11-12): Choose the word which is most Japanese investment is a poor benchmark for future
nearly the SAME in meaning to the word printed in expectations.
capital as used in the passage. 13. According to the Japanese Ambassador, which of
11. ELUSIVE the following motivates the foreign investors to
a) Harmful invest in Indian manufacturing industry?
b) Fatal a) Very large scope of Indian market
c) Destructive b) Overseas remittance of profit in foreign
d) baffling exchange
12. PERPETRATORS c) Assurance of continuity of the liberalisation
a) Opponents policy
b) Followers d) High productivity levels
c) Leader 14. The author has appreciated the Japanese for their.
d) Monoeuvrers a) Quality of products manufactured in the
fifties.
PASSAGE-2 b) Passing through an ordeal.
In a disarmingly frank talk at the Indian Merchants c) Perseverance in raising quality of products.
Chamber in Mumbai, the Japanese Ambassador in d) Future expectations.
India dwelt at length on issues that exercise the minds 15. According to the Japanese Ambassador, India
of Japanese investors when they consider investment offers a comparative advantage to foreign
proposals in India. investors in terms of :
Raising the question “what Comparative a) Inexpensive labour
advantages does India offer as an investment b) Abysmally low wage levels
market?”, he said though labour in India is expensive, c) Higher productivity
wage-levels are offset by productivity level to a large d) None of these
extent. 16. The purpose of the author in writing this passage
Acknowledging that the vastness of the Indian market seems to be to:
is a great inducement for investment in a) Discourage foreign investment in India.
manufacturing industry, he wondered if it was b) Critically examine Indian investment
justifiable to provide that overseas termittance of environment
 C-90

c) Paint a rosy pictureof India’s trade and a) Unreasonable

commerce. b) Formidable
d) Criticize government’s liberalization policy. c) Temptation
17. From the passage it can be inferred that the author d) Inevitable
is: 24. INDUCEMENT
a) A political commentator a) Incentive
b) A secretary of the Japanese Ambassador. b) Motive
c) A Japanese investor. c) Impediment
d) An Indian investor. d) Temptation
18. For seeking more and more foreign investment, the
author suggests that we should: PASSAGE-3
a) Satisfy fully the whims of our foreign Since July 1991, the government of India has
collaborators. effectively put the liberalisation policy into practice.
b) Dismiss all critical comments on Indian The drastic steps even include some administrative
conditions. reforms for pruning the government agencies. Last
c) Link profit repatriations to exports. year the Japanese business circles represented by the
d) Raise the quality of product to match Ishikawa Mission called attention of their Indian
international standards. counterparts to what they considered to be the major
19. Which of the following statements is/are true impediments in India.
about the critical comments on investment However, thanks to the almost revolutionary reforms
conditions in India? put into effect by the Indian government, those
A. These comments are difficults to be impediments either have been removed or now are on
countered. their way out. Ths development gives a new hope for
B. These comments are received from various the future of economic co-operation between the two
international quarters. countries. At the same time, it should be borne in
C. These comments are based more on bases mind that there is a stiff competition with other
than on facts. countries, notably china and South-East Asian
a) Only C countries, in this regards. The success stories of
b) Only B ASEAN countries welcoming Japanese investments
c) Only A with adequate infrastructure are already known in
d) A & B only India but it may be useful if further studies of
20. The author attributes Japan’s emergence as an Japanese joint ventures in ASEAN countries be made
economic superpower to: by Indian business circles. The coastal areas of China
A. Their ability to overcome any ordeal. have initiated a very active campaign to welcome
B. Their tenacity and perseverance despite foreign economic participation.
unfavourable circumstances. Beyond our bilateral relationship, India’s
C. Their ability to improvise and adapt to more active participation in global economy is
globally acceptable quality levels. needed. India certainly deserves a far bigger share of
a) A & B only world trade considering its vast resources. It is
b) B & C only strongly hoped that the Indian government’s recently
c) A & C only intiated effort of enlarging its exports market would
d) All the three bear fruit.
Directions(Qs 21-22): Choose the word which is most India has steadfastly maintained its
nearly the SAME in meaning to the word printed in parliamentary democracy since independence.
capital as used in the passage. Considering its size, its population and its internal
21. IDIOSYNCRASIES complexity, the overall maintenance of national
a) Demands integrity and political stability under parliamentary
b) Needs democracy is remarkable and admirable indeed. Here
c) Deviations lies the base for the status of India in the World. By
d) Characteristics effectively implementing its economic reform with the
22. ASSIDUOUSLY support of public opinion, this democratic polity of
a) Persistently India has again demonstrated its viability and
b) Hastily resilience. At the same time, it gives hope and
c) Feebly inspiration to the whole world which faces the
d) Diligently difficult problem of North-South conformation.
Directions (Qs.23-24): Choose the word which is 25. How did the Indian government react to the
most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in hurdles in the way of bilateral trade between India
capital as used in the passage. and Japan?
23. JUSTIFIABLE
 C-91

a) The government, in principle, agreed for attaining national integrity and political
removal of these hurdles. stability.
b) Bureaucracy succeeded in maintaining a C. A few government agencies were not a favour
status quo. of liberalisation policy at the beginning.
c) Government thought it was against a) A only
liberalisation policy. b) B only
d) The Japanese delegation could not forcefully c) C only
argue their case. d) All the three
26. The Ishikawa Mission during its visit to India 32. The author feels that India has a better status in the
emphasized on: world market because of its:
a) Future economic co-operation between Japan a) Success in political stability and national
and India. integration in democratic set-up
b) Need for removing policy and/or b) Vast population.
implementation hurdles. c) Giant size.
c) Need for a stiff competition. d) Effective bilateral relationship with other
d) Striking down revolutionary reforms. countries.
27. Which of the following is TRUE about the author’s Directions(Qs.33-34): Choose the word which is most
view regarding India’s participation in world nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in
trade? bold as used in the passage.
a) India should actively contribute in a big way 33. PRUNING
as it had tremendous resources. a) Activating
b) India’s sharing in global economy has already b) Trimming
been very fast and beyond its resources. c) Punishing
c) India should refrain from making efforts in d) encouraging
enlarging its export market. 34. RESILIENCE
d) India needs to first strengthen its democracy. a) Quietening
28. What is the result of Japanese investments in b) Amplifying
ASEAN nations? c) Existence
a) It could not gather momentum for want of d) Adaptability
infrastructure Directions (Qs. 35-36): Choose the word which is
b) The experiment failed because of stiff most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in
competition other countries. bold as used in the passage.
c) China and South-East Asian countries 35. IMPEDIMENTS
objected to Japanese investments a) Exaggeration
d) The passage does not provide complete b) Compendium
information. c) Obstacle
29. The author seems to appreciate India’s national d) Benefit
integrity and political stability particularly in view 36. STIFF
of which of the following? a) Stubborn
A. The size of the country b) Indelible
B. India’s population c) Tense
C. Its internal complexity d) Yielding
a) None of the three PASSAGE-4
b) All the thee There is no field of human endeavour that has been so
c) A & B only misunderstood as-health. While health which
d) B & C only connotes well-being and the absence of illness has a
30. It can be inferred from the content of the passage low profile, it is illness representing the failure of
that the author is a/an health which virtually monopolises attention because
a) Political analyser of the fear of pain, disability and death. Even Snshruta
b) Japanese bureaucrat has warned that this provides the medical practitioner
c) Economist power over the patient which could be misused.
d) Japanese politician Till recently, patients had implicit faith in
31. Which of the following statements is TRUE in the their physician whom they loved and respected, not
context of the passage? only for his knowledge but also in the total belief that
A. India’s successful experiment of economic practitioners of this noble profession, guided by
reform has become an inspiration to the ethics, always placed the patient’s interest above all
world. other considerations. This rich interpersonal
B. Size, population and internal complexity of relationship between the physician, patient and family
our country are the barriers in the way of has, barring a few exceptions, prevailed till the recent
 C-92

past, for caring was considered as important as b) Confusion between views of indigenous and
curing. Our indigenous systems of medicine like western system.
ayurveda and yoga have been more concerned with c) Highly advanced technology being used by
the promotion of the health of both the body and the professionals
mind and with maintaining a harmonious d) Not given in the passage.
relationship not just with fellow-beings but with 40. What caution have proponents of indigenous
nature itself, of which man is an integral part. Healthy system sounded against medical practitioners?
practices like cleanliness, proper diet, exercise and a) Their undue concern for the health of the
meditation are part of our culture which sustains person.
people even in the prevailing conditions of poverty in b) Their emphasis on research on non-
rural India and in the unhygienic urban slums. communicable diseases.
These system consider disease as an c) Their emphasis on curing illness rather than
aberration resulting from disturbance of the preventive health measures.
quilibrium of health, which must be corrected by d) Their emphasis on restoring health for
gentle restoration of this balance through proper diet, affluent members of the society.
medicines and the establishment of mental peace. 41. Which of the following pairs are mentioned as
They also teach the graceful acceptance of old age ‘contrast’ in the passage?
with its infirmities resulting from the normal a) Western concept of life and science
degenerative process as well as of death which is b) Technology and science
inevitable. c) Western physician and western-educated
This is in marked contrast to the western Indian physician
concept of life as a constant struggle against disease, d) Indian and western concepts of life.
ageing and death which must be fought and 42. Why, according to the author, have people in India
conquered with the knowledge and technology survived in spite of poverty?
derived from their science: a science which, with its a) Their natural resistance to communicable
narrow dissective and quantifying approach, has disease is very high.
provided us the understanding of the microbial b) They have easy access to western technology.
causes of communicable diseases and provided highly c) Their will to conquer diseases.
effective technology for their prevention, treatment d) None of these.
and control. This can rightly be claimed as the greatest 43. The author seems to suggest that
contribution of western medicine and justifiably a) We should give importance to improving the
termed as ‘high’ technology. And yet the contribution health rather than curing of illness.
of this science in the field of non-communicable b) We should move towards becoming an
diseases is remarkably poor despite the far greater affluent society.
inputs in research and treatment for the problems og c) Ayurveda is superior to yoga.
ageing like cancer, heart disease, paralytic strokes and d) Good interpersonal relationship between the
arthritis which are the major problems of affluent doctor and the patient in necessary but not
societies today. sufficient.
37. In India tradionally the doctors were being guided e) Ayurvedic medicines can be improved by
mainly by which of the following? following western approaches and methods of
a) High technology sciences.
b) Good knowledge 44. Why does the author describe the contributions a
c) Professional ethics of science as remarkably poor?
d) Power over patient a) It concentrates more on health than on illness.
38. Which of the following has been described as the b) It suggests remedies for the poor people.
most outstanding benefits of modern medicine? c) It demands more inputs in terms of research
A. The real cause and way of control of and technology.
communicable diseases d) None of these.
B. Evolution of the concept of harmony between Direction(Qs. 45-46): Choose the word which is most
man and nature OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in bold as
C. Special techniques for fighting ageing used in the passage.
a) Only B and C 45. Degenerative
b) Only A and B a) Recuperative
c) Only A b) Revolving
d) Only B c) Productive
39. Why has the field of health not been understood d) innovative
properly? 46. Inevitable
a) Difficulty in understanding distinction a) Undersirable
between health and illness. b) Unsuitable
 C-93

c) Detestable b) People’s reluctance to accept their moral

d) avoidable duties.
Directions (Qs. 47-48): Choose the word which is c) Exaggerated revelation of the strengths and
most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word weaknesses of economy
printed in bold as used in the passage. d) None of these
47. Aberration 50. How do the British economists and political
a) Observation scientists react to budget secrecy? They are:
b) Alternative a) In favour of having a mix of secrecy and
c) Deviation openness.
d) stimulate b) Indifferent to the budgeting techniques and
48. Connotes taxation policies.
a) Helps c) Very critical about maintenance of budget
b) Cures secrecy.
c) Follows d) Advocates of not disclosing in advance the
d) Confirms budget contents.
PASSAGE-5 51. The secrecy of the budget is maintained by all of
We have inherited the tradition of secrecy about the the following countries except:
budget from Britain where also the system has been A. Finland
strongly has been strongly attacked by eminent B. India
economists and political scientists including Peter Jay. C. United States
SIR Richard Clarke, who was the originating genius of a) Only A
nearly every important development in the British b) Only B
budgeting techniques during the last two decades, has c) Only C
spoken out about the abuse of budget secrecy: “ the d) A and C
problems of long-term tax policy should surely be 52. The Author seems to be in favour of:
debated openly with the facts on the table. In my a) Maintaining secrecy of budget
opinion, all governments should have just the b) Judicious blend of secrecy and openness
sameduty to publish their expenditure policy. Indeed. c) Transparency in budget proposals
This obligation to publish taxation policy is really d) Replacement of public constitution by
essential for the control of public expenditure in order secrecy.
to get realistic taxation implications,” Realising that 53. Sir Richard Clarke seems to deserve the credit
democracy flourishes best on the principles of open for:
government, more and more democracies are having a) Transformation in the British budgetary
an open public debate on budget proposals before techniques.
introducing the appropriate Bill in the Legislature. In b) Maintenance of secrecy of the British budget.
the United States the budget is conveyed in a message c) Detection of abuse of transparency in Budget
by the President to the Congress, which comes well in d) Bringing down the tax load on British People.
advance of the date when the Bill is introduced in the 54. Which of the following statements is definitely
Congress. In Finland the Parliament and the people TRUE in the context of the passage?
are already discussing in June the tentative budget a) The British Government has been religiously
proposals which are to be introduced in the Finnish maintaining budget secrecy.
Parliament in September. Every budget contains a b) Budget secrecy is likely to lead to corrupt
cartload of figures in black and white-but the dark practices.
figures represent the myriad lights and shades of c) Consulting unjustifiable taxes with public
India’s life, the contrasting tones of poverty and helps make them accept those taxes.
wealth, and of bread so dear and flesh and blood so d) None of these
cheap, the deep tints of adventure and enterprise and 55. For making the budget realistic, the Government
man’s ageless struggle for a brighter morning. The should:
Union budget should not be an annual scourge but a a) Refrain from making public the proposed
part of presentation of annual accounts of a provisions before finalisation.
partnership between the Government and the People. b) Discuss it secretly within themselves.
That partnership would work much better when the c) Encourage the public to send in their
nonsensical secrecy is replaced by openness and suggestions.
public consultations, resulting in fair laws and the d) Consult the public, defend their own plans
people’s acceptance of their moral duty to pay. and accept public suggestions.
49. The Author thinks that openness in budget is 56. From the contents of the passage, it can be
essential as it leads to: inferred that the author is:
a) Prevention of tax implications a) Authoritarian in his approach.
b) A democratic person.
 C-94

c) Unaware of India’s recent economic d) compromise

developments. DIRECTIONS (Qs.59-60): Choose the word which is
d) A conservative person. most OPPOSITE in meaning to the word printed in
DIRECTIONS(Qs. 57-58): Choose the word which is bold as used in the passage.
most nearly the SAME in meaning to the word 59. DEBATED
printed in bold as used in the passage. a) Questioned severely
57. MYRIAD b) Opposed strongly
a) Adequate c) Accepted unconditionally
b) Functional d) Discussed frankly
c) Incompatible 60. FLOURISHES
d) abundant a) Disappears
58. SCOURGE b) Degenerates
a) Ritual c) Vanishes
b) Presentation d) Blooms
c) Whip
19. (b) The passage reflects the views of the Japanese
Hints & Solutions ambassador who also talks about the
1. (b) “New terrorism has no long-term agenda but problems faced by foreign investor in India.
its ruthless in its short-term intentions”. This 25. (a) The Indian government put into effect
statement from the passage supports (b). revolutionary reforms to remove the hurdles.
While in the light of passage, (c) also seems 26. (b) Japanese business circles represented by the
suitable. Ishikawa Mission called attention of their
2. (a) Ascertain the hidden meaning of the sentence. Indian counterparts in what they considered
“but no one would be able to realize that a to be major impediments in India.
terrorist attack has occurred”. So, 27. (a) Indian deserves a far bigger share of world
undoubtedly the culprit’s act can be classified trade considering its vast resources.
as a terrorist attack. 37. (c) From the fourth line of the second paragraph.
3. (d) Bio-attack will result in several deaths which 38. (c) From the last paragraph of the given passage.
will lead to political turmoil creating social 41. (d) Second and third Para tells about Indian
unrest. concept of life and treatment while the last
4. (d) The immediate provocation for the meeting Para tells about western concept of life and
held in August 1998 has not been given knowledge about medical science.
among the options. It was the incidents of 42. (d) In the last sentence of the second Para.
bombing the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and 44. (d) It is clearly given in the last sentence of the
Dar-es-Salaam. passage ‘’that contribution of the science in
5. (a) ‘Religious intolerance’, as cited in the last the field of non-communicable diseases is
paragraph stands behind terrorism. remarkably poor…”
13. (a) The Japanese ambassador acknowledges that 49. (d) It leads to the control of public expenditure in
the vastness of the Indian market is a great order to set realistic taxation implications.
inducement for investment in the 50. (c) Eminent British economists and political
manufacturing industry. scientists have strongly attached the tradition
14. (c) The meaning is implied in the last sentence. of budget secrecy.
15. (d) Comparatively though labour is inexpensive 52. (b) He has presented the example of both the
in India, but at the same time productivity is open budget system and the secret budget
not high. Therefore, it cannot be cited as an system, practiced by various countries and
advantage here. has looked into all their aspects.
16. (b) The author describes the Indian investment 53. (a) Sir Richard Clarke was the originating genius
scenario in toto. He presents a comparative of nearly every important development in the
analysis regarding foreign investment in British budgeting techniques during the last
India. two decades.
17. (a) The author is a political commentator because 55. (d) An open public debate on budget proposals
he talks about the government policy and should be held before introducing the
makes various proposals regarding foreign appropriate bill.
investment in India.
18. (d) If foreign investment is to be wooed a
assiduously, we will have to meet exacting
International standards.
 C-95

ANSWER KEY
1 (b) 11 (d) 21 (d) 31 (a) 41 (d) 51 (d)

2 (a) 12 (d) 22 (d) 32 (a) 42 (d) 52 (b)

3 (d) 13 (a) 23 (a) 33 (b) 43 (a) 53 (a)

4 (d) 14 (c) 24 (c) 34 (d) 44 (d) 54 (d)

5 (a) 15 (d) 25 (a) 35 (d) 45 (a) 55 (d)

6 (c) 16 (b) 26 (b) 36 (d) 46 (d) 56 (b)

7 (d) 17 (a) 27 (a) 37 (c) 47 (c) 57 (d)

8 (d) 18 (d) 28 (d) 38 (c) 48 (d) 58 (c)

9 (b) 19 (b) 29 (b) 39 (a) 49 (d) 59 (c)

10 (c) 20 (d) 30 (c) 40 (c) 50 (c) 60 (b)

C-96