← CDPO
Past Questions — 2025
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition/adverb: The man died ____ cholera, leaving behind his wife and two children.
A)
by
B)
of
C)
from
D)
with
In English grammar, the choice of preposition following the verb 'die' depends on the cause of death.
1. 'Die of' is used when the cause of death is a specific disease, illness, or internal cause (e.g., die of cholera, die of cancer, die of hunger). Since cholera is a specific infectious disease, 'of' is the grammatically correct preposition.
2. 'Die from' is typically used for external causes or indirect causes, such as injuries, exhaustion, or poisoning (e.g., die from a wound, die from overwork).
3. 'Die by' is used when the death is caused by a specific instrument or a violent act, often associated with suicide or execution (e.g., die by the sword, die by suicide).
4. 'Die with' is generally used to describe a state or accompanying circumstance at the time of death, rather than the cause (e.g., he died with a smile on his face).
Therefore, because cholera is a disease, 'of' is the only appropriate choice.
Identify the part of speech in the underlined word: There is a party next week though I don’t think I can go. (Underlined: though)
A)
Preposition
B)
Conjunction
C)
Adverb
D)
Adjectives
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the sentence structure: The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'There is a party next week' and 'I don’t think I can go'.
2. Identify the role of the word 'though': The word 'though' is used to connect these two clauses, introducing a contrast or a concession (a 'concessive' relationship).
3. Define the part of speech: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses is called a conjunction. Specifically, 'though' is a subordinating conjunction because it introduces a dependent clause ('though I don’t think I can go') that modifies the main clause.
4. Evaluate other options:
- (a) Preposition: Prepositions show relationship (like position or time) between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence; they do not connect two full clauses.
- (c) Adverb: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs; 'though' does not function as a modifier here.
- (d) Adjectives: Adjectives describe nouns; 'though' does not describe a noun in this context.
Identify the part of the sentence that contains an error: (a) Mr. Sharma is planning / (b) to settle in Delhi / (c) as soon as he will retire in Apil next year. / (d) No error
A)
(a)
B)
(b)
C)
(c)
D)
(d)
The error lies in the use of the future tense ('will retire') within a subordinate clause of time. In English grammar, when a sentence refers to a future action using time conjunctions such as 'as soon as', 'when', 'until', 'before', or 'after', the clause following the conjunction must be in the Simple Present Tense, even though the meaning is future.
Step-by-step breakdown:
1. Main Clause: 'Mr. Sharma is planning to settle in Delhi' (Correct).
2. Time Clause: 'as soon as he will retire in April next year'.
3. Rule: In time clauses, the Simple Present is used instead of the Simple Future.
4. Correction: 'will retire' should be replaced with 'retires'.
Corrected Sentence: 'Mr. Sharma is planning to settle in Delhi as soon as he retires in April next year.'
Identify the underlined part of the sentence: The book that you gave me was fascinating. (Underlined: that you gave me)
A)
Noun clause
B)
Adverbial clause
C)
Adverb phrase
D)
Adjective clause
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Identify the structure**: The underlined part 'that you gave me' contains a subject ('you') and a verb ('gave'), making it a clause, not a phrase. This immediately eliminates option (c).
2. **Determine the function**: The clause 'that you gave me' follows the noun 'The book'. Its purpose is to describe or specify which book is being referred to.
3. **Classify the clause**: A clause that modifies a noun or pronoun is called an Adjective Clause (also known as a Relative Clause). In this sentence, 'that' is a relative pronoun referring back to 'The book'.
4. **Evaluate other options**:
- A **Noun clause** (a) would act as a subject or object (e.g., 'I know *that you gave me the book*'). Here, the clause describes the book; it doesn't replace the noun.
- An **Adverbial clause** (b) would modify a verb, adjective, or adverb, usually indicating time, place, reason, or condition (e.g., 'I read the book *because you gave it to me*'). This is not the case here.
Choose the correct word to connect the following sentences: You may have a cookie ______ you finish your vegetables first.
A)
provided
B)
though
C)
unless
D)
until
The sentence describes a conditional situation where receiving a cookie is dependent on the completion of eating vegetables.
1. 'Provided' (or 'provided that') is a conjunction used to introduce a condition. It means 'on the condition that' or 'if'. In this context, 'You may have a cookie provided you finish your vegetables first' means you can have the cookie ONLY IF you finish the vegetables. This is logically sound.
2. 'Though' is a concessive conjunction used to show contrast (e.g., 'You may have a cookie though you didn't finish your vegetables'). This contradicts the logic of the sentence structure.
3. 'Unless' means 'except if'. If we use 'unless', the sentence would mean 'You may have a cookie except if you finish your vegetables,' which implies that finishing vegetables prevents you from getting a cookie. This is logically incorrect.
4. 'Until' refers to time. 'You may have a cookie until you finish your vegetables' would mean you can eat cookies up to the moment you start/finish your vegetables, which is nonsensical in this context.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets: She _____ (work) in this office since 2000.
A)
will work
B)
will be working
C)
has been working
D)
had worked
The sentence contains the time marker 'since 2000', which indicates an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present. In English grammar, the Present Perfect Continuous tense (has/have + been + verb-ing) is used to describe an action that began in the past and continues up to the present moment.
Analysis of options:
- (a) 'will work' is Future Simple, which does not fit a timeline starting in 2000.
- (b) 'will be working' is Future Continuous, which refers to a future action.
- (c) 'has been working' is Present Perfect Continuous, which correctly matches the 'since' time expression.
- (d) 'had worked' is Past Perfect, which is used for an action completed before another action in the past, not for an action continuing into the present.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition/adverb: I shall be back _____ 11:00 a.m. today.
A)
within
B)
in
C)
by
D)
on
The sentence requires a preposition that indicates a deadline or a point in time by which an action will be completed.
1. 'By' is used to mean 'not later than' or 'at or before.' In the context of 'I shall be back by 11:00 a.m.', it indicates that the person will return at some point before or exactly at 11:00 a.m.
2. 'Within' is used for a period of time (e.g., 'within an hour'), not a specific point on the clock (11:00 a.m.).
3. 'In' is used for months, years, or to indicate the amount of time before something happens (e.g., 'in ten minutes'), but it is not used for a specific clock time.
4. 'On' is used for specific days or dates (e.g., 'on Monday'), not for specific times of the day (which usually take 'at').
Therefore, 'by' is the only grammatically correct choice to express a deadline for returning.
Change the following sentence to Direct speech: The teacher said that the earth revolves around the sun.
A)
The teacher said, “The earth revolves around the sun.”
B)
The teacher said, “the earth revolved around the sun.”
C)
The teacher says, “The earth revolve around the sun.”
D)
The teacher said, “The earth has revolved around the sun.”
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the Indirect Speech**: The sentence 'The teacher said that the earth revolves around the sun' contains a reporting verb in the past tense ('said') and a subordinate clause ('the earth revolves around the sun').
2. **Identify the Nature of the Statement**: The clause 'the earth revolves around the sun' is a universal truth/scientific fact.
3. **Rule of Tense in Direct/Indirect Speech**: When a statement expresses a universal truth or a permanent fact, the tense remains unchanged even when converting from direct to indirect speech (and vice versa). Therefore, the present simple tense 'revolves' must be maintained.
4. **Conversion to Direct Speech**:
- The reporting verb 'said' remains 'said'.
- The conjunction 'that' is removed and replaced by a comma and quotation marks.
- The statement inside the quotes must be the original words spoken: 'The earth revolves around the sun.'
**Evaluation of Options**:
- **Option a**: Correct. It maintains the reporting verb 'said' and the universal truth in the present tense.
- **Option b**: Incorrect. It changes 'revolves' to 'revolved', which is grammatically incorrect for a universal truth.
- **Option c**: Incorrect. It changes the reporting verb to 'says' and uses 'revolve' (incorrect subject-verb agreement for 'the earth').
- **Option d**: Incorrect. It changes the tense to present perfect ('has revolved'), altering the meaning of the scientific fact.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition/adverb: He is late;______, we shall start without him.
A)
finally
B)
whereas
C)
consequently
D)
provided
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the sentence structure: The sentence consists of two independent clauses. The first clause ('He is late') presents a cause or a situation. The second clause ('we shall start without him') presents the result or effect of that situation.
2. Evaluate the options based on logical connection:
- (a) 'finally': Used to introduce a final point or conclusion after a series of events. It does not logically link a cause to an immediate effect in this context.
- (b) 'whereas': A conjunction used to highlight a contrast between two ideas (e.g., 'He likes tea, whereas she likes coffee'). There is no contrast here, only a cause-and-effect relationship.
- (c) 'consequently': An adverb meaning 'as a result'. This perfectly fits the logic: Because he is late (cause), the result is that we will start without him (effect).
- (d) 'provided': A conjunction meaning 'on the condition that'. This would imply we start without him only if he is late, but the sentence states as a fact that he *is* late.
3. Conclusion: 'Consequently' is the only option that correctly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets: She _____ (sit) there waiting for you for over an hour.
A)
sits
B)
had sat
C)
has been sitting
D)
was sitting
The sentence contains the phrase 'for over an hour', which is a time marker indicating a duration of time. When an action started in the past and is still continuing up to the present moment, the Present Perfect Continuous tense is required. The structure for this tense is: Subject + has/have + been + verb-ing.
Analysis of options:
- (a) 'sits' (Simple Present): Used for habits or general truths, not for actions continuing over a specific duration.
- (b) 'had sat' (Past Perfect): Used for an action completed before another action in the past; there is no second past event here to justify its use.
- (c) 'has been sitting' (Present Perfect Continuous): Correct. It links the past start of the action to the present moment of waiting.
- (d) 'was sitting' (Past Continuous): Used for an action that was happening at a specific moment in the past, but it does not typically pair with 'for [duration]' to show a continuing state leading to the present.
Change the following sentence to Indirect speech: She said to Peter, “Give me your book, please”
A)
She said to Peter that give her his book please.
B)
She requested Peter to give her his book.
C)
She told Peter to give her his book please.
D)
She asked Peter to give me your book.
Step-by-step conversion from Direct to Indirect speech:
1. **Identify the Sentence Type**: The sentence 'Give me your book, please' is an Imperative sentence used as a request (indicated by the word 'please').
2. **Reporting Verb**: In imperative sentences, 'said to' is changed based on the tone. Since 'please' is used, 'said to' becomes 'requested'.
3. **Connecting Word**: For imperative sentences, the comma and quotation marks are replaced by the infinitive 'to'.
4. **Pronoun Changes**:
- 'me' (first person) refers to the speaker ('She'), so it changes to 'her'.
- 'your' (second person) refers to the listener ('Peter'), so it changes to 'his'.
5. **Removal of Politeness Markers**: The word 'please' is absorbed into the reporting verb 'requested' and is not repeated in the indirect speech.
Analysis of options:
- **Option a**: Incorrect. It uses 'that' (used for assertive sentences) and retains 'please', which is grammatically wrong in indirect speech.
- **Option b**: Correct. It correctly uses 'requested', the infinitive 'to', and the correct pronoun shifts.
- **Option c**: Incorrect. 'Told' is less accurate than 'requested' for a 'please' sentence, and it incorrectly retains the word 'please'.
- **Option d**: Incorrect. It fails to change the pronouns 'me' and 'your', which is a fundamental rule of indirect speech.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition/adverb: Many years ______, I met a man who told me my fortune.
A)
since
B)
hence
C)
ago
D)
then
The sentence is written in the Simple Past Tense ('I met'), which indicates a completed action at a specific point in the past.
1. 'Ago' is an adverb used to refer to a period of time measured back from the present moment. It is the standard word used with the simple past to indicate how far back in the past something happened (e.g., 'Many years ago').
2. 'Since' is used to refer to a point in time from which an action started and continues to the present; it is typically used with the Present Perfect tense (e.g., 'It has been many years since I met him').
3. 'Hence' is an adverb meaning 'from now' or 'therefore,' used for future time or logical conclusions (e.g., 'Two years hence').
4. 'Then' refers to a specific time in the past or future, but it cannot be used as a quantifier for a duration of time like 'many years' in this syntactic position.
Choose the most appropriate meaning for the idiom: Up to one’s elbows
A)
Deeply involved in something
B)
Pay no attention to something
C)
In great suspense
D)
To feel discouraged
The idiom 'up to one's elbows' (or 'up to one's neck') is a metaphorical expression used to describe a person who is heavily engaged or deeply immersed in a particular activity, often one that is demanding, messy, or time-consuming. For example, 'She is up to her elbows in paperwork' means she is completely occupied with it.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (b) 'Pay no attention to something' is incorrect; this would be closer to idioms like 'turn a deaf ear'.
- Option (c) 'In great suspense' is incorrect; this would be described as being 'on the edge of one's seat'.
- Option (d) 'To feel discouraged' is incorrect; this would be described as being 'down in the dumps'.
Identify the part of speech in the underlined word: She is very uninclined to read the manuscript. (Underlined: uninclined)
A)
Adjective
B)
Adverb
C)
Preposition
D)
Pronoun
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Analyze the word**: The word 'uninclined' is derived from the root 'incline' (meaning to be disposed toward something), with the prefix 'un-' (meaning not) and the suffix '-ed' (forming an adjective).
2. **Analyze the sentence structure**: In the sentence 'She is very uninclined to read the manuscript,' the word 'uninclined' follows the linking verb 'is'.
3. **Determine the function**: A word that follows a linking verb to describe the subject ('She') is called a subject complement. Specifically, since it describes a quality or state of the subject, it functions as an adjective.
4. **Verify with modifiers**: The word 'very' is an adverb of degree. Adverbs of degree typically modify adjectives or other adverbs. In this context, 'very' modifies 'uninclined', confirming that 'uninclined' is an adjective.
Why other options are incorrect:
- **b. Adverb**: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. 'Uninclined' describes the person ('She'), not the action.
- **c. Preposition**: Prepositions show the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence (e.g., in, on, at). 'Uninclined' does not perform this function.
- **d. Pronoun**: Pronouns replace nouns (e.g., he, she, it). 'Uninclined' is a descriptive word, not a replacement for a noun.
Choose the most appropriate meaning for the idiom: To be close-fisted
A)
To attack someone
B)
To lack warmth or affection
C)
To keep a secret
D)
To be miserly
The idiom 'close-fisted' is a metaphorical expression. A 'closed fist' symbolizes someone who holds onto their money tightly and refuses to spend it or give it away. Therefore, 'close-fisted' means being stingy, parsimonious, or miserly.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (a) 'To attack someone' is incorrect; while a fist is used for attacking, the adjective 'close-fisted' specifically refers to financial habits, not physical aggression.
- Option (b) 'To lack warmth or affection' is incorrect; this would be described as being 'cold' or 'distant'.
- Option (c) 'To keep a secret' is incorrect; this would be described as 'keeping something under wraps' or 'tight-lipped'.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition/adverb: We must treat everyone equally, irrespective _____ race, class or gender.
A)
on
B)
to
C)
by
D)
of
The word 'irrespective' is a fixed adjective/adverb that requires the preposition 'of' to form the compound prepositional phrase 'irrespective of'. This phrase means 'regardless of' or 'without taking into account'.
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Analyze the phrase: 'irrespective ____ race, class or gender'.
2. Check collocations: In English grammar, 'irrespective' always pairs with 'of' to indicate that something is not affected by a particular factor.
3. Evaluate options:
- 'on' (a): Incorrect. 'Irrespective on' is not a recognized English idiom.
- 'to' (b): Incorrect. 'Irrespective to' is grammatically incorrect.
- 'by' (c): Incorrect. While 'regardless' is sometimes confused with other prepositions, 'irrespective' specifically requires 'of'.
- 'of' (d): Correct. It completes the standard idiomatic expression 'irrespective of'.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets: She _____ (go) for a walk every evening.
A)
go
B)
goes
C)
went
D)
gone
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Identify the time marker: The phrase 'every evening' indicates a habitual action or a routine. 2. Determine the tense: In English grammar, the Simple Present Tense is used to describe habits, general truths, and repeated actions. 3. Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject 'She' is a third-person singular pronoun. According to the rules of Simple Present Tense, when the subject is third-person singular (He, She, It, or a singular noun), the verb must take the suffix '-s' or '-es'. Therefore, 'go' becomes 'goes'.
Analysis of other options:
- (a) 'go' is used for first-person (I), second-person (you), or plural subjects (we, they).
- (c) 'went' is the past tense, which contradicts the habitual nature of 'every evening'.
- (d) 'gone' is the past participle and cannot be used as a main verb without an auxiliary verb (like 'has' or 'had').
Identify the part of speech in the underlined word: Well, I don’t know about that. (Underlined: Well)
A)
Conjunction
B)
Adjective
C)
Interjection
D)
Adverb
In the sentence 'Well, I don’t know about that,' the word 'Well' is used as an interjection. An interjection is a word or phrase used to express a feeling, a reaction, or to introduce a sentence (often acting as a filler word or a discourse marker) without having a direct grammatical connection to the rest of the sentence. Here, 'Well' serves as a pause or a way to signal the speaker's hesitation or thought process before delivering the main statement.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Conjunction: A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'but'). 'Well' is not connecting two grammatical units here.
- b. Adjective: An adjective modifies a noun (e.g., 'a well-dressed man'). In this sentence, 'Well' does not describe a noun.
- d. Adverb: While 'well' can be an adverb (e.g., 'He plays the piano well'), in this specific context, it is not modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb; it is an independent exclamation/filler.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition/adverb: Go, and run ______; we shall call you when it is time to come in.
A)
on
B)
about
C)
in
D)
across
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that fits the context of children or people being told to go play or occupy themselves while waiting.
1. 'Run about' is a phrasal verb meaning to move around quickly from place to place, typically in a playful or aimless manner. In the context of 'we shall call you when it is time to come in,' it implies that the subjects should go play and move around outside until summoned.
2. Analysis of other options:
- 'Run on' usually means to continue without stopping (like a sentence or a machine) or to exhaust a supply. It does not fit the context of physical play.
- 'Run in' usually refers to breaking in a new engine or entering a place quickly. It contradicts the second part of the sentence ('time to come in').
- 'Run across' means to meet someone or find something by chance. It does not fit the imperative structure of this sentence.
Therefore, 'run about' is the most appropriate choice for describing active, playful movement.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets: I ______ (wear) a white dress on my wedding day.
A)
will have worn
B)
will wear
C)
will have been wearing
D)
will worn
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the Context**: The sentence refers to a future event ('my wedding day'). Therefore, a future tense is required.
2. **Evaluate Option (b) 'will wear'**: This is the Simple Future Tense. It is used to express a decision, a plan, or a fact about the future. In this context, it correctly expresses the speaker's intention for their wedding day.
3. **Evaluate Option (a) 'will have worn'**: This is the Future Perfect Tense. It is used for an action that will be completed before another point in the future (e.g., 'I will have worn the dress by the time the party starts'). It does not fit the simple statement of intent here.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'will have been wearing'**: This is the Future Perfect Continuous Tense. It describes an action that will be continuing up until a point in the future. It is grammatically incorrect for a general statement about what one intends to wear.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'will worn'**: This is grammatically incorrect. The modal verb 'will' must be followed by the base form of the verb ('wear'), not the past participle ('worn').
Conclusion: Option (b) is the only grammatically correct and contextually appropriate choice.
Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank: He is a(n) _______ who hates anyone practicing a different religion.
A)
atheist
B)
racist
C)
bigot
D)
infidel
The sentence describes a person who is intolerant of those who hold different beliefs or practice different religions.
1. **Bigot (Correct):** A bigot is defined as a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, especially one who is prejudiced against or antagonistic toward a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular group (such as a different religion).
2. **Atheist (Incorrect):** An atheist is someone who does not believe in the existence of a god or gods. This describes a belief system, not necessarily a hatred for others' religions.
3. **Racist (Incorrect):** A racist is someone who believes that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another. While racism and religious intolerance often overlap, the specific mention of 'practicing a different religion' points directly to religious bigotry rather than racial prejudice.
4. **Infidel (Incorrect):** An infidel is a person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's own. This is typically a label applied *to* someone by a believer, rather than a term describing the personality trait of hating others' religions.
Choose the correct word to connect the following sentences: In an unjust society, the corrupt prosper _____ the honest stay poor.
A)
while
B)
so
C)
when
D)
therefore
The sentence presents a contrast between two opposing groups in an unjust society: 'the corrupt' (who prosper) and 'the honest' (who stay poor).
1. 'While' is a subordinating conjunction used here to show contrast or a simultaneous opposing state. It effectively highlights the irony and disparity between the two situations.
2. 'So' is used to show result or consequence. The honest staying poor is not a direct result of the corrupt prospering, but rather a parallel occurrence in an unjust system.
3. 'When' refers to time. While the events happen at the same time, 'when' does not capture the necessary contrast required by the context of the sentence.
4. 'Therefore' is a conjunctive adverb used to show a logical conclusion. It would require a semicolon or a new sentence and does not fit the grammatical structure or the intended meaning of contrast here.
Therefore, 'while' is the most appropriate word to connect these two contrasting ideas.
Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank: Jack was the _______ of elegance and class.
A)
epigram
B)
epitome
C)
epicenter
D)
epilogue
The sentence requires a noun that describes someone who is a perfect example or a personification of specific qualities (elegance and class).
1. **epitome (Option b):** This word means a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type. In this context, 'Jack was the epitome of elegance' means Jack perfectly represented elegance and class. This is the correct fit.
2. **epigram (Option a):** An epigram is a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way. It does not describe a person's character or quality.
3. **epicenter (Option c):** The epicenter is the point on the earth's surface vertically above the focus of an earthquake, or more generally, the central point of something (usually something negative like a crisis). It is not used to describe a person as an example of a virtue.
4. **epilogue (Option d):** An epilogue is a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened. It is unrelated to personal attributes.
Choose the correct word to connect the following sentences: The triangles are congruent; _______ they are equal.
A)
but
B)
hence
C)
otherwise
D)
still
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the relationship between the two clauses: 'The triangles are congruent' (Cause/Premise) and 'they are equal' (Effect/Conclusion). In geometry, congruence implies that the shapes are identical in form and size, which logically leads to them being equal in area and perimeter. 2. Evaluate the options: (a) 'but' is used for contrast, which is not present here. (b) 'hence' is a conjunctive adverb used to indicate a logical consequence or result ('therefore'), which perfectly fits the cause-and-effect relationship. (c) 'otherwise' is used to show what would happen if a condition were not met, which is irrelevant here. (d) 'still' is used to show contrast or persistence despite something, which does not fit the logical flow. 3. Conclusion: Since the second clause is a direct logical result of the first, 'hence' is the correct connector.
Page 17
← Prev
Next →