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Past Questions
The average salinity of the sea water is
A)
35 o/
B)
25 o/
C)
20 o/
D)
28 o/
Salinity refers to the total amount of dissolved salts (solutes) in seawater, typically measured in parts per thousand (ppt or ‰). The global average salinity of the ocean is approximately 35‰, meaning that for every 1,000 grams of seawater, there are 35 grams of dissolved salts. The most abundant ions contributing to this salinity are Sodium (Na+) and Chloride (Cl-). While salinity varies by region—being higher in areas of high evaporation (like the Red Sea) and lower in areas of high precipitation or glacial melt (like the Arctic Ocean)—the accepted global average used in oceanography is 35. Note: The 'o/' in the options is a typographical representation of the per mille symbol (‰).
On a 1:1000 scale map 1 centimetre represents how many kilometres on the ground?
A)
0.001
B)
0.01
C)
0.1
D)
1
Step-by-step calculation:
1. Understand the Scale: A scale of 1:1000 is a Representative Fraction (RF). This means 1 unit on the map equals 1000 units of the same measure on the ground.
2. Apply to Centimetres: Therefore, 1 cm on the map = 1000 cm on the ground.
3. Convert Centimetres to Metres: Since 100 cm = 1 metre, then 1000 cm = 1000 / 100 = 10 metres.
4. Convert Metres to Kilometres: Since 1000 metres = 1 kilometre, then 10 metres = 10 / 1000 = 0.01 kilometres.
Verification of options:
- a. 0.001 km is 1 metre (Incorrect).
- b. 0.01 km is 10 metres (Correct).
- c. 0.1 km is 100 metres (Incorrect).
- d. 1 km is 100,000 cm (Incorrect).
In which sampling method every member of the population being studied has an equal chance of being studied?
A)
Random
B)
Stratified
C)
Stratified
D)
Purposive
The question asks for the sampling method where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. This is the fundamental definition of Simple Random Sampling.
1. **Random Sampling (Correct):** In a simple random sample, every individual in the population has an equal and independent probability of being chosen. This eliminates selection bias and ensures the sample is representative of the population if the sample size is sufficient.
2. **Stratified Sampling (Incorrect):** In stratified sampling, the population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on specific characteristics (e.g., age, gender), and samples are taken from each stratum. While it can be random within the strata, the primary goal is to ensure representation of specific groups, not necessarily a simple equal chance for every single member across the whole population without categorization.
3. **Purposive Sampling (Incorrect):** This is a non-probability sampling method where the researcher chooses participants based on their own judgment or the specific purpose of the study. It is biased by design and does not give every member an equal chance of selection.
Which scale provides more accuracy?
A)
Plain scale
B)
Diagonal scale
C)
Vernier scale
D)
Pace scale
In cartography and engineering drawing, different scales are used based on the level of precision required.
1. **Plain Scale**: This is the simplest scale used to represent two dimensions (e.g., meters and decimeters). It cannot measure very small fractions of a unit accurately.
2. **Diagonal Scale**: This scale is used to represent three dimensions or to read measurements with a high degree of precision (up to two decimal places, such as 1/100th of a unit). It utilizes the principle of similar triangles to divide a small unit into even smaller parts, making it significantly more accurate than a plain scale.
3. **Vernier Scale**: While a Vernier scale is an instrument used for high-precision measurement in physics/engineering, in the context of 'Cartographic Scales' (the topic of the exam), the 'Diagonal Scale' is the standard answer for the most accurate graphical scale used for map representation.
4. **Pace Scale**: This is a rough estimation method based on the length of a person's step and is the least accurate of all options.
Therefore, among the graphical scales used in cartography, the Diagonal Scale provides the highest accuracy.
According to Koppen’s climatic classification the Megatherms require
A)
High temperature and Abundant supply of moisture
B)
Low temperature and Abundant supply of moisture
C)
High temperature and less supply of moisture
D)
Low temperature and less supply of moisture
In Wladimir Köppen's climatic classification system, the term 'Megatherms' refers to plants (and by extension, the climates that support them) that require high temperatures throughout the year to grow. Specifically, Megatherms are associated with Group A (Tropical/Megathermal climates), where the average temperature of the coldest month is 18°C or higher. These regions, such as the Tropical Rainforests (Af), are characterized by consistently high temperatures and an abundant supply of moisture (high precipitation) to sustain lush, broad-leaved evergreen vegetation.
- Option (b) is incorrect because low temperatures characterize Mesotherms or Microtherms.
- Option (c) is incorrect because while some tropical areas are dry (e.g., B climates), the definition of 'Megatherms' as a biological/climatic requirement specifically implies the conditions necessary for the most heat-loving, moisture-dependent tropical flora.
- Option (d) is incorrect as it describes polar or tundra-like conditions.
Who propounded the theory of collision- coalescence of formation of precipitation?
A)
TorBergerson
B)
Talor
C)
E.G.Boven
D)
Charles B.Moore
The collision-coalescence process is the primary mechanism for the formation of precipitation in 'warm clouds' (clouds where the temperature is above 0°C throughout). This theory explains how larger cloud droplets fall through a population of smaller droplets, colliding and merging (coalescing) with them to grow large enough to fall as rain. This process was propounded by Tor Bergeron (often spelled Tor Bergerson in some exam papers) and his colleagues. While the 'Bergeron-Findeisen process' specifically deals with cold clouds (ice crystal process), the broader study of droplet growth and the collision-coalescence mechanism in warm clouds is attributed to the research lineage associated with Bergeron. Note: In many academic texts, the specific development of the collision-coalescence theory is further detailed by researchers like Borisov, but in the context of standard Geography/Climatology competitive exams, Tor Bergeron is the recognized authority among the given options. Options b, c, and d are not recognized as the primary propounders of this specific climatological theory.
Which type of precipitation is associated with the salient feature of inversion of rainfall?
A)
Convectional
B)
Cyclonic
C)
Orographic
D)
Both convectional and cyclonic
The 'inversion of rainfall' (also known as the rain-shadow effect) is a characteristic feature of orographic precipitation. In orographic rainfall, moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range (windward side), where it cools adiabatically, condenses, and precipitates. As the air descends on the opposite side (leeward side), it warms adiabatically and its relative humidity decreases, leading to dry conditions. This stark contrast—heavy rainfall on the windward side and arid/semi-arid conditions on the leeward side—is the 'inversion' or reversal of the precipitation pattern across the mountain barrier.
- Convectional rainfall (a) occurs due to surface heating and is generally localized or widespread across a plain, not characterized by a spatial inversion across a barrier.
- Cyclonic/Frontal rainfall (b) occurs due to the meeting of two different air masses and does not produce a consistent 'inversion' effect based on topography.
- Therefore, only orographic precipitation creates the specific spatial inversion of rainfall associated with mountain ranges.
The instrument used for reduction and enlargement of plans, charts and maps is
A)
Planimeter
B)
Pantograph
C)
Opisometer
D)
Altimeter
The correct instrument for the reduction and enlargement of maps, plans, and charts is the Pantograph. A pantograph is a mechanical linkage based on parallelograms that allows a user to trace a figure, which is then reproduced by a drawing pen at a different scale (either larger or smaller) depending on the position of the pivot point.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- a. Planimeter: An instrument used to measure the area of an irregular plane figure on a map.
- c. Opisometer: Also known as a curvimeter, it is used to measure the length of curved lines (such as roads or rivers) on a map.
- d. Altimeter: An instrument used to measure altitude (height above a fixed level, usually sea level), typically used in aviation and surveying, not for map scaling.
Persian Gulf is an example for
A)
Tropical depressions
B)
Thermal lows
C)
Lee depressions
D)
Polar air-depressions
The Persian Gulf is a classic example of a 'Thermal Low'. A thermal low is a low-pressure area that develops due to the intense heating of the land surface by the sun. In the case of the Persian Gulf and the surrounding Arabian Peninsula, the arid, sandy terrain heats up rapidly during the summer months. This causes the air above the surface to expand and rise, creating a region of low atmospheric pressure. This is distinct from dynamic lows (like polar depressions) which are caused by the meeting of air masses.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Tropical depressions: These are low-pressure systems that form over warm tropical oceans and are characterized by strong cyclonic circulation and heavy precipitation (e.g., hurricanes or cyclones), which is not the primary characteristic of the Persian Gulf's seasonal pressure system.
- c. Lee depressions: These occur on the leeward side of a mountain range where air descends and warms adiabatically (e.g., the rain shadow areas of the Rockies).
- d. Polar air-depressions: These are extratropical cyclones that form due to the interaction of cold polar air and warmer mid-latitude air (frontal systems), occurring in high latitudes, not in the subtropical Persian Gulf.
How did these things _____________?
A)
come around
B)
come about
C)
come into
D)
come before
The sentence 'How did these things _____________?' is asking about the cause or the manner in which a situation occurred.
1. **'Come about'** is a phrasal verb meaning 'to happen' or 'to take place,' especially in a way that seems unplanned or as a result of certain circumstances. In this context, 'How did these things come about?' means 'How did these things happen?' which is grammatically and logically correct.
2. **'Come around'** usually means to regain consciousness, to change one's opinion, or for a recurring event to happen again (e.g., 'Christmas comes around every year'). It does not fit the context of asking how a situation originated.
3. **'Come into'** usually means to inherit (e.g., 'come into money') or to enter a place. It requires an object and does not fit the structure of this sentence.
4. **'Come before'** means to be more important than something else or to appear in front of someone (e.g., 'to come before a judge'). It does not fit the meaning of 'happening' or 'occurring' in this context.
Identify whether the following sentence is Simple, Complex or Compound: The janitor and the principal met in the canteen near the auditorium.
A)
Simple
B)
Complex
C)
Compound
To determine the sentence structure, we analyze the clauses present in the sentence: 'The janitor and the principal met in the canteen near the auditorium.'
1. **Identify the Subject**: The subject is 'The janitor and the principal'. This is a **compound subject** (two people), but it still functions as a single subject unit for the verb.
2. **Identify the Predicate**: The verb is 'met'. There is only one finite verb in the sentence.
3. **Analyze the Clauses**: A clause consists of a subject and a predicate. This sentence contains only one independent clause and no dependent (subordinate) clauses.
**Why it is a Simple Sentence**: A simple sentence consists of exactly one independent clause. Even though the subject is compound, the sentence expresses a single complete thought with one main verb.
**Why it is NOT Compound**: A compound sentence requires at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon. There is only one clause here.
**Why it is NOT Complex**: A complex sentence requires one independent clause and at least one dependent clause (starting with words like although, because, since, which, who). There are no dependent clauses in this sentence.
Identify whether the following sentence is Simple, Complex or Compound: After midnight the rats will come out of the dirty attic.
A)
Simple
B)
Complex
C)
Compound
To determine the sentence structure, we analyze the clauses present in the sentence: 'After midnight the rats will come out of the dirty attic.'
1. **Identify the Subject and Predicate**: The subject is 'the rats' and the predicate is 'will come out of the dirty attic'.
2. **Count the Clauses**: A clause contains a subject and a verb. In this sentence, there is only one independent clause ('the rats will come out of the dirty attic').
3. **Analyze the Modifiers**: 'After midnight' is a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial of time. It does not contain a subject and a verb, so it is not a clause.
**Definitions:**
- **Simple Sentence**: Contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses. (Matches this sentence).
- **Compound Sentence**: Contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.
- **Complex Sentence**: Contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.
Since the sentence consists of a single independent clause, it is a Simple sentence.
Identify whether the following sentence is Simple, Complex or Compound: Many brave soldiers fought in the war, and they received medals.
A)
Simple
B)
Complex
C)
Compound
To determine the sentence structure, we analyze the clauses present in the sentence: 'Many brave soldiers fought in the war, and they received medals.'
1. **Clause 1**: 'Many brave soldiers fought in the war' is an independent clause because it has a subject ('Many brave soldiers'), a verb ('fought'), and expresses a complete thought.
2. **Clause 2**: 'they received medals' is also an independent clause because it has a subject ('they'), a verb ('received'), and expresses a complete thought.
3. **Connecting Element**: The two independent clauses are joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'and' (one of the FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So).
By definition:
- A **Simple sentence** consists of only one independent clause.
- A **Complex sentence** consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.
- A **Compound sentence** consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.
Since this sentence contains two independent clauses joined by 'and', it is a Compound sentence.
Tanpuia said he __________________ four movies so far this month.
A)
See
B)
Saw
C)
has seen
D)
had seen
This question tests the application of 'Sequence of Tenses' in indirect speech.
1. **Analyze the Main Clause**: The sentence begins with 'Tanpuia said', which is in the Simple Past tense. According to the rules of reported speech, when the reporting verb is in the past, the verb in the reported clause must also shift to a past form (Backshifting).
2. **Analyze the Time Marker**: The phrase 'so far this month' indicates a period of time that started in the past and continues up to the point of speaking. In direct speech, this would require the Present Perfect tense ('I have seen four movies so far this month').
3. **Apply Backshifting**: When converting Present Perfect ('have seen') into indirect speech following a past reporting verb ('said'), it must shift to the Past Perfect tense ('had seen').
4. **Evaluating Options**:
- (a) 'See' is present tense and grammatically incorrect here.
- (b) 'Saw' is simple past; while it denotes the past, it does not capture the 'up to now' aspect implied by 'so far'.
- (c) 'has seen' is present perfect; it cannot be used because the reporting verb 'said' requires the tense to shift backward.
- (d) 'had seen' is the Past Perfect, which correctly follows the sequence of tenses and maintains the meaning of the original perfect aspect.
Liana kept looking at Siami, wondering where he _______________ her before.
A)
see
B)
saw
C)
has seen
D)
had seen
The sentence is written in the past tense, as indicated by the verbs 'kept' and 'wondering'. The action of 'seeing' Siami happened prior to the moment Liana was 'wondering' about her. In English grammar, when we refer to an action that was completed before another action in the past, we use the Past Perfect tense (had + past participle).
Breakdown of options:
- (a) 'see' is present tense and grammatically incorrect here.
- (b) 'saw' is simple past; while common in casual speech, it does not clearly establish the sequence of events (the seeing happened before the wondering).
- (c) 'has seen' is present perfect, which cannot be used in a sentence where the main narrative is set in the past.
- (d) 'had seen' is the past perfect, correctly indicating that the act of seeing occurred before the act of wondering.
Equal in rank
A)
veer
B)
peer
C)
jeer
D)
seer
The question asks for a one-word substitution for 'Equal in rank'.
1. **Peer (Option b):** A peer is defined as a person of the same age, status, or rank as another. In legal contexts, a 'jury of one's peers' refers to people of equal social or legal standing. Therefore, 'peer' is the correct substitution.
2. **Veer (Option a):** To veer means to change direction suddenly.
3. **Jeer (Option c):** To jeer is to make rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice.
4. **Seer (Option d):** A seer is a person who is supposed to be able, through supernatural insight, to see the future (a prophet).
Comparing the definitions, only 'peer' matches the criteria of being equal in rank.
Identify the part of speech of the word 'and' in: Enid and Lily do everything together.
A)
Conjunction
B)
Adverb
C)
Verb
D)
Noun
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence: 'Enid and Lily do everything together.' 2. Identify the role of the word 'and'. In this sentence, 'and' is used to connect two nouns ('Enid' and 'Lily') to form a compound subject. 3. Define the parts of speech: A conjunction is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses. Specifically, 'and' is a coordinating conjunction. 4. Evaluate other options: (b) An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb; 'and' does not do this. (c) A verb expresses an action or state of being; the verb in this sentence is 'do'. (d) A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea; 'Enid' and 'Lily' are nouns, but 'and' is the connector between them. Therefore, 'and' is a conjunction.
Identify the part of speech of the word 'again' in: North Korea tested a nuclear bomb yet again.
A)
Adverb
B)
Noun
C)
Pronoun
D)
Verb
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence: 'North Korea tested a nuclear bomb yet again.' 2. Identify the function of the word 'again'. In this context, 'again' describes the frequency or repetition of the action 'tested'. 3. By definition, a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb—specifically one that tells us 'when', 'how', 'where', or 'how often' an action occurs—is an adverb. 4. 'Again' is an adverb of frequency/repetition. 5. Evaluation of other options: (b) Noun: 'Again' does not name a person, place, thing, or idea. (c) Pronoun: 'Again' does not replace a noun. (d) Verb: 'Again' does not express an action or state of being; 'tested' is the verb in this sentence.
The Principal _____________ an explanation of his conduct.
A)
called out
B)
called for
C)
called in
D)
called at
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that means 'to demand' or 'to require' an explanation.
1. 'Called for' (Option b) means to demand, require, or make necessary. In this context, 'The Principal called for an explanation' means the Principal demanded that an explanation be provided. This is the grammatically and contextually correct choice.
2. 'Called out' (Option a) typically means to shout or to summon someone to deal with an emergency (e.g., 'called out the fire brigade'). It does not fit the context of requesting a written or verbal explanation.
3. 'Called in' (Option c) means to ask someone to come to a place, often for professional help or a meeting (e.g., 'called in a specialist'). While a Principal might call a student 'in', they would 'call for' the explanation itself.
4. 'Called at' (Option d) means to visit a place for a short time (e.g., 'called at the office'). It cannot be used with 'an explanation' as the object.
Unwilling to face a situation
A)
diffident
B)
dividend
C)
different
D)
defiant
The question asks for a one-word substitution for 'unwilling to face a situation' or lacking self-confidence.
1. **Diffident (Option a):** This is the correct answer. A diffident person lacks self-confidence and is shy or hesitant to speak or act, often making them unwilling to face certain situations or social interactions due to a lack of confidence.
2. **Dividend (Option b):** This is a financial term referring to a sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders out of its profits. It is unrelated to personality or behavior.
3. **Different (Option c):** This is a general adjective meaning not the same as another or separate. It does not describe a psychological state of unwillingness.
4. **Defiant (Option d):** This is the opposite of diffident. A defiant person is boldly resistant or challenging, showing a willingness to confront or oppose authority, rather than an unwillingness to face a situation.
A person leaving his native country to settle in another
A)
immigrant
B)
integrate
C)
emigrant
D)
ingrate
The question asks for a term describing a person who leaves their native country to settle elsewhere.
1. **Emigrant (Option c):** Derived from the Latin 'emigrare' (ex- meaning 'out' and migrare meaning 'to move'). An emigrant is a person who leaves their own country in order to settle permanently in another. This matches the definition provided in the question.
2. **Immigrant (Option a):** Derived from 'immigrare' (in- meaning 'into'). An immigrant is a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country. While the process is related, the focus of the question is on the act of *leaving* the native country, not arriving in the new one.
3. **Integrate (Option b):** This is a verb meaning to combine one thing with another so that they become a whole, or to blend into a society. It is not a noun describing a person.
4. **Ingrate (Option d):** This is a noun referring to an ungrateful person. It has no relation to migration.
Therefore, 'emigrant' is the correct one-word substitution for a person leaving their native country.
Choose the correct sentence type for: Avoid eating oily food.
A)
Imperative
B)
Assertive
C)
Exclamatory
D)
Negative
The sentence 'Avoid eating oily food' is an Imperative sentence. An imperative sentence is used to give a command, a request, a piece of advice, or an instruction. In this case, the sentence provides a piece of health advice. Structurally, imperative sentences typically begin with a verb (the base form) and have an implied subject 'you'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Assertive: Assertive (or declarative) sentences make a statement or state a fact (e.g., 'Oily food is unhealthy').
- c. Exclamatory: Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion and typically end with an exclamation mark (e.g., 'How oily this food is!').
- d. Negative: While the sentence advises against something, it is not grammatically a negative sentence because it does not contain negative particles like 'not' or 'never' (e.g., 'Do not eat oily food').
Choose the correct sentence type for: I will marry only Virat Kohli
A)
Affirmative
B)
Assertive
C)
Exclamatory
D)
Negative
Step-by-step analysis: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'I will marry only Virat Kohli' is a statement that declares a fact or a strong intention. 2. Evaluate 'Affirmative': An affirmative sentence is a type of assertive sentence that affirms a positive statement and does not contain negative words like 'not', 'no', 'never', or 'neither'. This sentence fits this definition perfectly. 3. Evaluate 'Assertive': While the sentence is technically assertive (as it makes a statement), 'Affirmative' is a more specific sub-type of assertive sentences. In multiple-choice questions of this nature, the most specific correct category is preferred. 4. Evaluate 'Exclamatory': Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion and typically end with an exclamation mark (!). This sentence ends with a period and is a declaration, not an exclamation. 5. Evaluate 'Negative': Negative sentences contain words that deny something (e.g., 'I will NOT marry...'). Although the word 'only' limits the scope, the grammatical structure of the sentence is positive/affirming. Therefore, the correct classification is Affirmative.
Identify whether the following sentence is Simple, Complex or Compound: Harry and Linda rode their bicycles after they ate dinner.
A)
Simple
B)
Complex
C)
Compound
To determine the sentence structure, we must analyze the clauses present in the sentence: 'Harry and Linda rode their bicycles after they ate dinner.'
1. **Identify the Independent Clause**: 'Harry and Linda rode their bicycles' is an independent clause because it contains a subject (Harry and Linda) and a verb (rode) and expresses a complete thought.
2. **Identify the Dependent (Subordinate) Clause**: 'after they ate dinner' is a dependent clause. It contains a subject (they) and a verb (ate), but it begins with the subordinating conjunction 'after', which means it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
3. **Apply Sentence Structure Rules**:
- A **Simple Sentence** consists of only one independent clause.
- A **Compound Sentence** consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) or a semicolon.
- A **Complex Sentence** consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
Since this sentence contains one independent clause and one dependent clause, it is classified as a Complex sentence.
Everyone _______________ Sam were chosen to represent the school.
A)
accept
B)
except
C)
unlike
D)
until
The sentence requires a preposition that indicates an exclusion from a group.
1. 'Except' (Option b) is a preposition meaning 'not including' or 'other than.' In this context, 'Everyone except Sam' means that every person was chosen, but Sam was the only one who was not. This fits the grammatical structure and logic of the sentence perfectly.
2. 'Accept' (Option a) is a verb meaning to receive or agree to something. It cannot function as a preposition in this sentence. This is a common homophone error (accept vs. except).
3. 'Unlike' (Option c) is used to highlight a difference between two things (e.g., 'Unlike Sam, everyone else was chosen'). While it deals with contrast, it does not fit the 'Everyone [preposition] Sam' structure to denote exclusion from a collective group in this specific phrasing.
4. 'Until' (Option d) is a preposition or conjunction referring to time, which is irrelevant to the context of selecting representatives.