IBPS PO Preliminary Exam - Mock English paper 1

View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

1)   Read the above passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Which of these is not false in the context of the passage?


a. Less communication and more work is important for doing research.
b. A certain knowledge and skill set like knowing your field of study and knowing statistical procedures is compulsory for doing research.
c. Scientists who have tried to fix a specific scientific methodology for research, have often been provided examples to the contrary.
d. Perseverance and motivation ensure that the results of research are outstanding.
e. Research is a difficult subject which cannot be learnt on the go.
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Scientists who have tried to fix a specific scientific methodology for research, have often been provided examples to the contrary.

Explanation:
Only c is correct.

Option 1- Check para 2, sentence 1
Option 2 - Check para 1, sentence 1
Option 3 - Correct
Option 4 - Check para 2, sentence 3
Option 5 - Check para 1, sentence 2 & 3


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

2)   Read the above passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The passage is in favor of:

I) Setting rules for conducting research

II) Paying an established scientist a huge sum to create an algorithm to do good research.

III) Engaging in different forms of communication to increase chances of success in research.


a. Only I
b. Only II
c. Only III
d. I and III
e. II and III
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only III

Explanation:
Look at paragraph 2, sentence 1


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

3)   Read the above passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

What should be the right approach to research?


a. Using analytical skills and no specific domain knowledge
b. Learning everything that is needed before starting research
c. Using perseverance as a key to successfully completing research
d. Using only those techniques that will ensure superlative research results
e. To succeed in research, only good research work and nothing else matters
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Using perseverance as a key to successfully completing research

Explanation:
Option 1 - Check para 1, sentence 6
Option 2 - Para 1, sentence 3
Option 3 - Para 2, sentence3
Option 4 - Para 1, sentence 5 does advocate good technical skills. But nowhere does the passage talk of using only those techniques that guarantee results. The passage talks of employing all possible skills and learning by doing.
Option 5 - Para2, sentence 1 clearly states communication is necessary for success


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

4)   Read the passage above carefully and answer the questions that follow.

According to Sir Peter Medawar:


a. Scientists who learn a specific scientific methodology are better than those who don’t.
b. Scientists who learn a specific scientific methodology are poorer than those who don’t.
c. Scientific methodology is the only branch of learning which does not prove useful to the learners.
d. Scientific methodology is very useful to those teaching it as they can practise and teach at the same time.
e. Most scientists are well-trained in scientific methodology.
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Scientific methodology is the only branch of learning which does not prove useful to the learners.

Explanation:
Check para 4, last sentence


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

5)   In the context of the passage, choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the given word.

Expound


a. Propose
b. Manage
c. Establish
d. Demolish
e. Exalt
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Propose

Explanation:
Expounding a theory is to propose and explain a theory.

For Example: The businessman expounded the idea of a new kind of digital learning before the group of investors.


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

6)   In the context of the passage, choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the given word.

Monograph


a. Discussion
b. Impromptu speech to a small audience
c. Debate
d. Detailed written study
e. Short summary
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Detailed written study

Explanation:
Example : I am looking for a monograph on a very rare kind of algae found in certain tropical regions. It would greatly help my project.


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

7)   In the context of the passage, choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the given word.

Commendable


a. Reprehensible
b. Mediocre
c. Laudable
d. Unexpected
e. Common
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Reprehensible

Explanation:
Their efforts to open a clubhouse with the little money they had saved were commendable. The attempt the business owner made to sabotage their work was reprehensible.


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

8)   In the context of the passage, choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the given word.

Proficients


a. Incompetent people
b. Experts
c. Amateurs
d. Students
e. Teachers
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Incompetent people

Explanation:
The proficients in the field of mathematics have taken to pursuing research work. Those who were incompetent however, chose a different field of study.


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

9)   What does the author think about user-independent algorithms that promise to ensure correct results?

a. The author thinks they are very important for ensuring quality in scientific studies.
b. The author thinks that these algorithms do not work most of the time.
c. The author thinks that these algorithms are cumbersome and the results are not good enough to justify the use of these time consuming techniques.
d. The author thinks that many scientific studies have yielded great results even without the use of these algorithms.
e. The author has no opinion on the use of such complex algorithms.
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: The author thinks that many scientific studies have yielded great results even without the use of these algorithms.

Explanation:
See para 3, sentence 1 & 2


View Passage

There are no rigid rules to do research. Like cycling or swimming you do it by doing it. As you do it, you learn to do it better. Or give up. Analytical, experimental and other technical skills will prove useful. Knowledge of your field of research will save time. On many instances of doubt, common sense is sufficient and on many occasions of failure, perseverance a must. Extraordinary intelligence is welcome. Genius is rare.

Obviously, communication in all forms is essential for recognition and success. Research and semi-technical articles, monographs, formal and popular books, seminars, talks and lectures, incentive-less web writing, all could and should be done consistently. Staying motivated for enough years is crucial to enhance your chance for delivering, if not anything outstanding, something substantial. To give a weak analogy: Just a boundary or a six makes us literally a one hit wonder. Scoring a century, with or without boundaries or sixers, is still a commendable effort.

Can research method(s) or method(s) to do science be capsuled into an algorithm yielding assured success, irrespective of the user? Such attempts of algorithms are mostly met with counter examples of scientific advancements that happened without practicing those algorithms. To reproduce from Cosma’s Scientific Method note, a quote by Sir Peter Medawar:
If the purpose of scientific methodology is to prescribe or expound a system of inquiry or even a code of practice for scientific behavior, then scientists seem to be able to get on very well without it. Most scientists receive no tuition in scientific method, but those who have been instructed perform no better as scientists than those who have not. Of what other branch of learning can it be said that it gives its proficients no advantage; that it need not be taught or, if taught, need not be learned?

10)   What is the central theme of the passage?

a. The use of algorithms to reach to the next level of scientific research
b. The rules and techniques that may be used for scientific research.
c. Sir Peter Medawar’s view that methodology for scientific research is useless
d. That intelligence and genius are not essential for research
e. The importance of tenacity and perseverance above any scientific methodology for successful research.
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: The importance of tenacity and perseverance above any scientific methodology for successful research.

Explanation:
Option 1 - Is untrue
Option 2 - Rules and techniques have been summed up only in the first para
Option 3 - Sir Peter’s view is a supporting argument and not the main theme
Option 4 - Just one sentence on intelligence and genius
Option 5 - The entire passage talks of all the qualities and skill sets needed for research and that no set of rules is full proof or mandatory.


11)   In the sentence given below a part is underlined and for that part options are given. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

This buggy has been adapted to a three year old kid .


a. for a three year old kid
b. from a three year old kid
c. into a three year old kid
d. by a three year old kid
e. no correction required
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: for a three year old kid

Explanation:
When something is altered to be used for some purpose it is ‘adapted for’ that purpose. The buggy has been altered so that it may be useful to a three year old kid.


12)   In the sentence given below a part is underlined and for that part options are given. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

He lives in Asia since 1995.


a. had lived in Asia since
b. has lived in Asia since
c. has been living in Asia since
d. continues to live in Asia since
e. no correction required
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: has been living in Asia since

Explanation:
He started living in Asia in 1995 and continues to live there till today. Hence ‘has been living’


13)   In the sentence given below a part is underlined and for that part options are given. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

I have been inconsiderate in the past but I will make up to you.


a. make up for you
b. make amends for you
c. make it up to you
d. make you up to it
e. no correction required
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: make it up to you

Explanation:
‘Make it up to someone’ means to do good for someone because you have wronged them in the past


14)   In the following question there are two sentences. Each sentence has a blank in it. Five options are given below the sentence pair. Choose the option that fits both the blanks.

When the judge entered the bailiff ....... to greet him.

A ....... by any other name smells just as sweet.


a. Stood up
b. Rose
c. Damsel
d. Forgot
e. Pumpkin pie
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Rose

Explanation:
Rose is the past tense of rise, which means to get up. Rose is also the name of a flower.


15)   The given sentence has been divided into parts out of which a part may contain grammatical error. Choose the part which has grammatical error or else choose ‘No error’ as your answer.

He gave me (a)/ an account of all the people (b) / he met when he (c)/ is on official tour(d).


a. a
b. b
c. c
d. d
e. No error
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: d

Explanation:
The sentence is in past tense. Only this part is in present tense. ‘when he was on official tour’


16)   The given sentence has been divided into parts out of which a part may contain grammatical error. Choose the part which has grammatical error or else choose ‘No error’ as your answer.

The whole idea (a)/ of holding a candle light march (b)/ seemed too simple at that point (c)/ that we laughed it off (d).


a. a
b. b
c. c
d. d
e. No error
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: c

Explanation:
Seemed so simple that we laughed it off


View Passage

Many of us wish to escape to the Himalayas to find peace but this too is a...(a).... Change of dress or change of address does not make you spiritual. The dis-ease is within you and you carry it wherever you go (that is why there is ...(b)...and scandal even at ashrams).

You can find peace right here, in the midst of ..(c). By using your intellect, creating strength of character and choosing to be a ‘better human being’. Not that you are superior but maybe you are..(d).... People say you are different or even odd.

You help others without doing elaborate calculations about what you get in return.
You take up work which you find interesting and not for money alone. Money is important to you but nobody can buy your soul.

You enjoy good things in life but you are not ...(e)..... If those things are taken away you can still see yourself being happy.

17)   In the above passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. For each blank there are five suggestions. Choose the one that fills the blank numbered 'a' most appropriately.

a. Trap
b. Phase
c. Delusion
d. Myth
e. Failed method
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Delusion

Explanation:
See the next sentence. It says change will not make one spiritual. Hence the idea that one will find peace in the Himalayas is a delusion.


View Passage

Many of us wish to escape to the Himalayas to find peace but this too is a...(a).... Change of dress or change of address does not make you spiritual. The dis-ease is within you and you carry it wherever you go (that is why there is ...(b)...and scandal even at ashrams).

You can find peace right here, in the midst of ..(c). By using your intellect, creating strength of character and choosing to be a ‘better human being’. Not that you are superior but maybe you are..(d).... People say you are different or even odd.

You help others without doing elaborate calculations about what you get in return.
You take up work which you find interesting and not for money alone. Money is important to you but nobody can buy your soul.

You enjoy good things in life but you are not ...(e)..... If those things are taken away you can still see yourself being happy.

18)   In the above passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. For each blank there are five suggestions. Choose the one that fills the blank numbered 'b' most appropriately.

a. Politics
b. Management
c. Activism
d. Happiness
e. Loneliness
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Politics

Explanation:
Rest of the options do not have a purely negative connotation. ‘Politics and scandal’ go together in the context of the passage.


View Passage

Many of us wish to escape to the Himalayas to find peace but this too is a...(a).... Change of dress or change of address does not make you spiritual. The dis-ease is within you and you carry it wherever you go (that is why there is ...(b)...and scandal even at ashrams).

You can find peace right here, in the midst of ..(c). By using your intellect, creating strength of character and choosing to be a ‘better human being’. Not that you are superior but maybe you are..(d).... People say you are different or even odd.

You help others without doing elaborate calculations about what you get in return.
You take up work which you find interesting and not for money alone. Money is important to you but nobody can buy your soul.

You enjoy good things in life but you are not ...(e)..... If those things are taken away you can still see yourself being happy.

19)   In the above passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. For each blank there are five suggestions. Choose the one that fills the blank numbered 'd' most appropriately.

a. Antagonist
b. Adversary
c. Contrarian
d. Agreeable
e. Homogenous
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Contrarian

Explanation:
A contrarian person holds a different world view. If you read the remaining sentences you will see that the author talks of someone being different.


View Passage

Many of us wish to escape to the Himalayas to find peace but this too is a...(a).... Change of dress or change of address does not make you spiritual. The dis-ease is within you and you carry it wherever you go (that is why there is ...(b)...and scandal even at ashrams).

You can find peace right here, in the midst of ..(c). By using your intellect, creating strength of character and choosing to be a ‘better human being’. Not that you are superior but maybe you are..(d).... People say you are different or even odd.

You help others without doing elaborate calculations about what you get in return.
You take up work which you find interesting and not for money alone. Money is important to you but nobody can buy your soul.

You enjoy good things in life but you are not ...(e)..... If those things are taken away you can still see yourself being happy.

20)   In the above passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. For each blank there are five suggestions. Choose the one that fills the blank numbered 'e' most appropriately.

a. Afflicted
b. Addicted
c. Accustomed
d. Disinclined
e. Devoted
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Addicted

Explanation:
Disinclined gives the opposite meaning. A person who enjoys good things in life is accustomed to them. But since he can give them up and still be happy he is not addicted.


View Passage

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

B. This year was no different.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.”

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.

21)   Rearrange the above sentences to form a meaningful paragraph. Then answer  the questions  given below.

Which of these should be the THIRD sentence of the paragraph?


a. A
b. C
c. B
d. D
e. F
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: C

Explanation:
D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

B. This year was no different.


E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.


View Passage

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

B. This year was no different.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.”

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.

22)   Rearrange the above sentences to form a meaningful paragraph. Then answer the questions given below.

Which of the above should be the SECOND sentence of the paragraph?


a. A
b. C
c. B
d. D
e. F
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: A

Explanation:
D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

B. This year was no different.


E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.


View Passage

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

B. This year was no different.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.”

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.

23)   Rearrange the above sentences to form a meaningful paragraph. Then answer the questions given below.

Which of the above should be the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph?


a. E
b. C
c. B
d. D
e. F
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: E

Explanation:
D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

B. This year was no different.


E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.


View Passage

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

B. This year was no different.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.”

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.

24)   Rearrange the above sentences to form a meaningful paragraph. Then answer  the questions  given below.

Which of these should be the LAST sentence of the paragraph?


a. E
b. A
c. B
d. C
e. F
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: F

Explanation:
D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

B. This year was no different.


E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.


View Passage

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

B. This year was no different.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.”

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.

25)   Rearrange the above sentences to form a meaningful paragraph. Then answer  the questions  given below.

Which of these should be the FOURTH sentence of the paragraph?


a. E
b. A
c. B
d. C
e. F
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: B

Explanation:
D. Each year, since 1953, on the first Thursday in February, the President of the United States of America takes part and leads the National Prayer Breakfast.

A. It is an annual ritual attended by politicians, administrators, media, religious leaders, and other members of society.

C. They wax eloquent about giving, sharing, tolerance and other lovely values that remain largely forgotten for the next 364 days.

B. This year was no different.


E. President Obama addressed the gathered crowd, and spoke about faith and values; and in particular about “the degree to which we’ve seen professions of faith used both as an instrument of great good, but also twisted and misused in the name of evil.

F. President Obama, then went on to talk about how faith not only gives strength to achieve, but also to selflessly serve others.


26)   In the following question there are two sentences. Each sentence has a blank in it. Five options are given below the sentence pair. Choose the option that fits both the blanks.

When he refused to attend the after-dinner party she told him to ....himself.

He bought a designer ....... for himself.


a. Leave by
b. Suit
c. Dress
d. Coat
e. Enjoy
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Suit

Explanation:
She asked him to suit himself, i.e., have it his way, or do as he pleases. Suit is also an article of clothing. ‘Dress’ may seem like a probable answer but since he is not going to the party, her asking him to get dressed does not make sense.


27)   In the following question there are two sentences. Each sentence has a blank in it. Five options are given below the sentence pair. Choose the option that fits both the blanks.

He told the shopkeeper to settle on a ....... price.

We went to the ...... where my daughter bought several hair clips.


a. Party
b. Agreeable
c. Fair
d. Middle
e. Shop
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Fair

Explanation:
Fair means just and honest. Fair also means a gathering of people at a specified time and place where vendors, performers and customers all gather together.


28)   In the following question there are two sentences. Each sentence has a blank in it. Five options are given below the sentence pair. Choose the option that fits both the blanks.

Ravi wrote a .....poem.

He jumped the red light and ended up paying a ..............


a. Fine
b. Beautiful
c. Penalty
d. Lump sum
e. Boring
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Fine

Explanation:
Fine means nice and beautiful. Fine also means penalty.


29)   In the following question there are two sentences. Each sentence has a blank in it. Five options are given below the sentence pair. Choose the option that fits both the blanks.

She was so upset when she was unable to complete her assignment that she threw the ................. against the wall.
He always proclaims that he is as poor as a church ..................


a. Pen
b. Priest
c. Clerk
d. Mouse
e. Book
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Mouse

Explanation:
A mouse is a computer hardware. A mouse is also a little four legged pest that often stays in houses and old buildings. ‘As poor as a church mouse’ is an idiom meaning ‘very poor’.


View Passage

Many of us wish to escape to the Himalayas to find peace but this too is a...(a).... Change of dress or change of address does not make you spiritual. The dis-ease is within you and you carry it wherever you go (that is why there is ...(b)...and scandal even at ashrams).

You can find peace right here, in the midst of ..(c). By using your intellect, creating strength of character and choosing to be a ‘better human being’. Not that you are superior but maybe you are..(d).... People say you are different or even odd.

You help others without doing elaborate calculations about what you get in return.
You take up work which you find interesting and not for money alone. Money is important to you but nobody can buy your soul.

You enjoy good things in life but you are not ...(e)..... If those things are taken away you can still see yourself being happy.

30)   In the above passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. For each blank there are five suggestions. Choose the one that fills the blank numbered 'c' most appropriately.

a. Himalayas
b. Chaos
c. Tranquility
d. Disaster
e. Madness
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Chaos

Explanation:
Author does not advocate going to the Himalayas. So a) is not the answer. Peace is synonymous to tranquility, so c) is not the answer. d) Finding peace in the midst of disaster is an extreme view. Nowhere does the author take this extreme view in the passage. So no d) The author never says that civilization is ‘mad’. ‘Chaos’ seems the best answer.