← Combined Technical (NG)
Past Questions
During slaughtering of pig, the captive bolt should be placed _______.
A)
on top of head
B)
middle of forehead
C)
2.5 centimeters above eye level
D)
13 mm running down the centre of forehead
In animal welfare and humane slaughter practices, the goal of stunning (using a captive bolt) is to induce immediate unconsciousness by destroying the cerebral cortex. For pigs, the anatomical target is a specific point on the forehead. According to standard veterinary and slaughter guidelines (such as those provided by the AVMA or EFSA), the bolt should be placed in the center of the forehead, approximately 2-2.5 cm above the eyes, but the precise anatomical target for the bolt's trajectory is often described as being centered on the forehead. Option (d) refers to the specific alignment/placement along the midline of the forehead to ensure the bolt penetrates the skull at the correct angle to reach the brainstem/cerebrum. While option (c) mentions 'above eye level' (which is a general guideline for height), option (d) specifies the 'centre of forehead' which is the critical axis for a successful stun. In many technical manuals for pig stunning, the focus is on the midline (centre) of the forehead to avoid the thickest parts of the frontal bone or missing the brain entirely.
The first step in disease investigation:
A)
Analytical epidemiology
B)
Horizontal epidemiology
C)
Descriptive epidemiology
D)
Predictive epidemiology
In the field of epidemiology, the investigation of a disease typically follows a logical sequence. The first step is Descriptive Epidemiology, which focuses on characterizing the disease by observing the distribution of the health event. It answers the questions: 'Who is affected?' (Person), 'Where is it occurring?' (Place), and 'When is it occurring?' (Time). Once the descriptive patterns are established, researchers can formulate hypotheses, which are then tested using Analytical Epidemiology (the second step) to determine the cause or risk factors.
Breakdown of options:
- a. Analytical epidemiology: This is the second stage, used to test hypotheses generated during the descriptive phase to establish causal relationships.
- b. Horizontal epidemiology: This is not a standard primary step in disease investigation; it generally refers to the study of disease prevalence across a population at a single point in time (cross-sectional).
- d. Predictive epidemiology: This involves forecasting future outbreaks based on existing data, which can only happen after descriptive and analytical phases are complete.
Choose the sentence that accurately convey the meaning of the word – ‘horde’
A)
The picnic was interrupted by a horde of ants attracted to the sweet treats.
B)
She tends to horde food items in the pantry, fearing they will run out.
C)
He had a horde of comic books in his library.
D)
Ants are known to horde sweets like sugar and honey.
To solve this question, it is essential to distinguish between two homophones: 'horde' and 'hoard'.
1. **Horde (Noun):** Refers to a large group of people or animals, often perceived as disorganized or overwhelming (e.g., a horde of tourists, a horde of insects).
2. **Hoard (Verb/Noun):** Refers to the act of accumulating and hiding a store of money or valued objects, or the secret store itself.
Evaluating the options:
- **Option a:** 'a horde of ants' correctly uses the word as a noun meaning a large group of insects. This is the correct usage.
- **Option b:** 'She tends to horde food items' is incorrect. The intended word here is the verb 'hoard' (to accumulate).
- **Option c:** 'He had a horde of comic books' is incorrect. A collection of objects is a 'hoard', not a 'horde' (which refers to living beings).
- **Option d:** 'Ants are known to horde sweets' is incorrect. The intended word is 'hoard' (the act of storing food for later).
Therefore, only option (a) uses the word 'horde' accurately according to its definition.
Choose the correct determiner: 'A child usually has perfect trust in __________ parents.'
A)
their
B)
him
C)
its
D)
her
1. Analysis of the Subject: The subject of the sentence is 'A child'. In English grammar, when a singular noun is used to represent a general class of people (generic singular), it is common to use a gender-neutral pronoun to refer back to it.
2. Evaluating the Options:
- (a) 'their': This is the 'singular they'. In modern standard English, 'their' is the preferred determiner for a singular subject of unspecified or general gender to avoid gender bias and clunky phrasing (like 'his or her').
- (b) 'him': This is an object pronoun, not a possessive determiner. It cannot modify the noun 'parents'.
- (c) 'its': This is used for animals or inanimate objects. Referring to a human child as 'its' is grammatically incorrect and dehumanizing.
- (d) 'her': While grammatically possible, it limits the subject to only female children, which contradicts the general nature of the statement ('A child usually...').
3. Conclusion: 'Their' is the most appropriate determiner to maintain the general, inclusive, and gender-neutral meaning of the sentence.
Choose the appropriate adjective to complete the sentence: 'The Joker is often considered __________villain.'
A)
a madder
B)
mad
C)
a madman
D)
the maddest
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analysis of the sentence structure: The sentence 'The Joker is often considered __________ villain' requires an adjective phrase to modify the noun 'villain'. 2. Evaluating Option (a) 'a madder': 'Madder' is a comparative adjective. Comparative adjectives are used to compare two specific entities (e.g., 'The Joker is madder than Penguin'). Without a comparison point ('than...'), this is grammatically incomplete. 3. Evaluating Option (b) 'mad': While 'mad' is an adjective, the sentence structure 'considered mad villain' is grammatically incorrect because 'villain' is a singular countable noun and requires an article (a/an/the). 4. Evaluating Option (c) 'a madman': 'Madman' is a noun, not an adjective. Placing it here would result in 'considered a madman villain', which is redundant and grammatically incorrect. 5. Evaluating Option (d) 'the maddest': 'Maddest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'mad'. Superlatives are used to describe an object that possesses a quality to the highest degree among a group. In the context of fictional characters or the DC universe, the Joker is frequently characterized as the most insane of all villains. The use of the definite article 'the' correctly precedes the superlative adjective to modify the noun 'villain'. Therefore, 'the maddest' is the only grammatically and contextually sound choice.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word in the sentence: 'The actor appeared in a costly array.' (Underlined word: costly)
A)
Noun
B)
Verb
C)
Adverb
D)
Adjective
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Analyze the sentence structure**: 'The actor (Subject) appeared (Verb) in a costly (Modifier) array (Object of preposition).'
2. **Identify the word being modified**: The word 'costly' is placed immediately before the noun 'array'.
3. **Determine the function**: In English grammar, a word that describes or modifies a noun is an adjective. Here, 'costly' describes the nature of the 'array' (meaning expensive).
4. **Address common misconceptions**: Many students mistake words ending in '-ly' for adverbs. However, while most adverbs end in '-ly' (e.g., quickly, happily), some adjectives also end in '-ly' (e.g., friendly, lovely, costly, lonely). To distinguish them, check what they modify: if they modify a noun, they are adjectives; if they modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, they are adverbs. Since 'costly' modifies the noun 'array', it is an adjective.
Why other options are incorrect:
- **Noun**: 'Costly' does not name a person, place, thing, or idea.
- **Verb**: 'Costly' does not express an action or state of being.
- **Adverb**: 'Costly' is not modifying the verb 'appeared' (it doesn't describe *how* he appeared, but *what* he wore).
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'She was acquitted __________ all charges.'
A)
of
B)
on
C)
in
D)
at
The word 'acquitted' is a verb that follows a specific prepositional pattern in English grammar. To 'acquit' someone means to formally state that they are not guilty of a crime. In English, the verb 'acquit' is always followed by the preposition 'of' when referring to the charge or crime from which the person is cleared.
- 'Acquitted of' is the standard idiomatic collocation (e.g., 'acquitted of murder', 'acquitted of all charges').
- Option 'b' (on) is incorrect because we do not say 'acquitted on charges' (though one might be 'charged on' certain grounds, the acquittal is 'of' the charge).
- Option 'c' (in) and 'd' (at) are grammatically incorrect in this context as they do not form a valid phrasal relationship with the verb 'acquit'.
Choose the correct sentence structure from the given options:
A)
Everyone must respect their superiors.
B)
Everyone should respect their superiors.
C)
Everyone should respect his superior.
D)
Each one should respect his superior.
This question tests the rule of pronoun-antecedent agreement in formal English grammar.
1. **The Antecedent**: Words like 'Everyone', 'Everybody', 'Each', and 'Each one' are singular indefinite pronouns.
2. **The Pronoun Agreement**: According to traditional formal grammar (which is the standard for competitive exams like MPSC), a singular antecedent must be followed by a singular possessive pronoun.
3. **Analysis of Options**:
- **Option (a) and (b)**: Use 'their' (plural) to refer back to 'Everyone' (singular). While 'their' is commonly used as a singular gender-neutral pronoun in modern spoken English, it is technically considered a grammatical error in formal, prescriptive exam contexts.
- **Option (c)**: 'Everyone should respect his superior.' While grammatically singular, 'Everyone' is a general collective singular.
- **Option (d)**: 'Each one should respect his superior.' This is the most precise structure. 'Each one' explicitly emphasizes the individual nature of the subject, and 'his' correctly matches the singular antecedent. In traditional grammar, the masculine pronoun 'his' was used as the generic singular to cover both genders.
Therefore, Option (d) follows the strictest rules of formal sentence structure required for technical competitive examinations.
I have much __________ with you, my friend.
A)
compassion
B)
pity
C)
sympathy
D)
mercy
The question tests the nuanced difference between four synonyms related to feeling for others.
1. **Sympathy (Correct):** This refers to the feeling of sorrow or understanding for someone else's misfortune. It is the most natural and common word to use when expressing emotional support to a friend ('I have sympathy with you').
2. **Compassion:** This is a deeper feeling that involves a strong desire to help alleviate the suffering of another. While similar, it is usually described as 'having compassion *for*' someone rather than 'with' someone.
3. **Pity:** This often carries a negative connotation of condescension, implying that the speaker feels superior to the person they are pitying. It is rarely used in a supportive context between friends.
4. **Mercy:** This refers to leniency or forgiveness shown by someone in a position of power toward someone they have the power to punish. It is not applicable in a general friendship context.
Therefore, 'sympathy' is the most appropriate word both grammatically (collocating with 'with') and contextually (expressing support to a friend).
You are XYZ, a resident of ABC Veng, Aizawl. You are disturbed by the poor maintenance as well as the dilapidated condition of the recently constructed and inhabited AMC Multi Complex located at Tuikual. Write a complaint letter to the Municipal Commissioner, Aizawl Municipal Corporation to take necessary actions regarding the same.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word in the sentence: 'Although Mary and Jerry love to dance, they hardly have time for it.' (Underlined word: Although)
A)
Preposition
B)
Conjunction
C)
Noun
D)
Adverb
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the function of the word 'Although' in the sentence. It is used to connect two clauses: 'Mary and Jerry love to dance' (dependent clause) and 'they hardly have time for it' (independent clause). 2. Specifically, 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a concession or contrast. 3. Evaluate the options: (a) Prepositions show relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence; 'Although' does not do this. (c) Nouns name people, places, or things; 'Although' is not a naming word. (d) Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs; while 'hardly' in the sentence is an adverb, 'Although' serves as a connector for the entire clause. Therefore, 'Conjunction' is the correct part of speech.
Choose the correct determiner: 'Mawia is ___________ head of his family.'
A)
the
B)
a
C)
every
D)
each
The sentence requires a determiner to specify the role of 'Mawia' within his family.
1. **Analysis of 'the' (Definite Article):** The phrase 'head of his family' refers to a unique, specific position. In any given family, there is typically only one primary 'head'. When a noun refers to a unique position or a specific title, the definite article 'the' is used. Therefore, 'the head of his family' is grammatically correct.
2. **Analysis of 'a' (Indefinite Article):** 'A' is used for non-specific members of a group. While a family could theoretically have multiple heads, the standard idiomatic expression for leadership in a family unit is 'the head'.
3. **Analysis of 'every' and 'each' (Distributives):** 'Every' and 'each' are used to refer to individual members of a group (e.g., 'every member of the family'). They cannot be used here because 'head' is a singular specific role, not a distributive quality applied to multiple people in this context.
Conclusion: 'The' is the only determiner that correctly identifies the specific, unique role Mawia holds.
Choose the appropriate adjective to complete the sentence: 'The farmer said that there has not been __________ rain this year.'
A)
significant
B)
much
C)
sufficient
D)
many
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the Noun**: The noun being modified is 'rain'. In this context, 'rain' is an uncountable noun (mass noun).
2. **Evaluate Option (d) 'many'**: 'Many' is used exclusively with countable nouns (e.g., many drops of rain, many days). Therefore, it is grammatically incorrect here.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'much'**: 'Much' is the standard quantifier used with uncountable nouns, particularly in negative sentences ('has not been much rain') and questions. This fits perfectly both grammatically and contextually.
4. **Evaluate Option (a) 'significant' and (c) 'sufficient'**: While these adjectives can describe rain, they typically require an article ('a significant amount of rain') or are used in affirmative contexts to describe quality/quantity. In a simple negative sentence regarding the volume of an uncountable substance, 'much' is the most natural and grammatically appropriate choice for a standard English proficiency exam.
Conclusion: 'Much' is the correct quantifier for the uncountable noun 'rain' in a negative sentence.
Choose the correct determiner: 'I didn’t take __________ vacations last year.'
A)
much
B)
many
C)
a
D)
the
To determine the correct determiner, we must analyze the noun it modifies: 'vacations'.
1. **Analyze the Noun**: 'Vacations' is a plural countable noun.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'much'**: 'Much' is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., 'much water', 'much time'). Since 'vacations' is countable, 'much' is grammatically incorrect.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'many'**: 'Many' is used specifically with plural countable nouns to indicate a large number. It fits perfectly in this negative sentence ('didn't take many vacations').
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'a'**: 'A' is an indefinite article used with singular countable nouns. It cannot be used with the plural 'vacations'.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'the'**: While 'the' can be used with plural nouns, it is a definite article used to refer to specific vacations already mentioned or known to the listener. In this general context of quantity over a year, 'many' is the appropriate determiner to express the amount of vacations taken.
The kind of adjective used in the sentence ‘We have enough provisions to last a month’ is :
A)
Adjective of Quantity
B)
Adjective of Quality
C)
Adjective of Number
D)
Demonstrative Adjective
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Identify the adjective in the sentence: In the sentence 'We have enough provisions to last a month', the word 'enough' modifies the noun 'provisions'.
2. Analyze the function of 'enough': It describes 'how much' of the provisions are available. It does not specify a precise count (like 'ten' or 'five'), but rather an approximate amount or sufficiency.
3. Evaluate the options:
- (a) Adjective of Quantity: These adjectives indicate the approximate amount of an uncountable noun or a collective mass. 'Enough' is a classic example of an adjective of quantity.
- (b) Adjective of Quality: These describe the nature or characteristic of a noun (e.g., 'brave', 'large'). 'Enough' does not describe a quality.
- (c) Adjective of Number: These specify the exact number of countable items (e.g., 'one', 'several', 'many'). While 'provisions' can be countable, 'enough' refers to the sufficiency of the quantity rather than a specific numerical count.
- (d) Demonstrative Adjective: These point out specific nouns (e.g., 'this', 'that', 'these', 'those'). 'Enough' does not point out a specific object.
Therefore, 'enough' functions as an Adjective of Quantity.
The luxury yacht that we bought was nothing but a white elephant. The idiom ‘white elephant’ means-
A)
An expensive thing
B)
A costly and useful thing
C)
A cheap thing
D)
A costly and useless thing
The idiom 'white elephant' refers to a possession that is very expensive to maintain or purchase but provides little to no practical use or profit.
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Origin: The term originates from the ancient practice in Southeast Asia where kings would gift rare white elephants to courtiers they disliked. Because the animals were sacred, they couldn't be put to work, but their upkeep was incredibly expensive, effectively bankrupting the recipient.
2. Application: In the given sentence, the 'luxury yacht' is described as a white elephant, implying that while it was a high-status purchase, it has become a financial burden without providing equivalent value.
3. Evaluating Options:
- (a) 'An expensive thing' is partially correct but incomplete, as not all expensive things are white elephants.
- (b) 'A costly and useful thing' is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
- (c) 'A cheap thing' is factually incorrect regarding the idiom.
- (d) 'A costly and useless thing' perfectly captures both the financial burden and the lack of utility associated with the idiom.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word in the sentence: 'The chef tasted the soup before adding salt.' (Underlined word: tasted)
A)
Noun
B)
Pronoun
C)
Conjunction
D)
Preposition
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'The chef (Subject) tasted (Action) the soup (Object)'.
2. Identify the function of the word 'tasted': In this context, 'tasted' describes the physical action performed by the subject (the chef). Any word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being is classified as a Verb.
3. Evaluate the provided options:
- a. Noun: A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. 'Tasted' is not a name.
- b. Pronoun: A pronoun replaces a noun (e.g., he, she, it). 'Tasted' does not replace a noun.
- c. Conjunction: A conjunction connects words or phrases (e.g., and, but, or). 'Tasted' does not serve as a connector.
- d. Preposition: A preposition shows relationship in space or time (e.g., in, on, at). 'Tasted' does not show a relationship between a noun and another part of the sentence.
Note: There is a discrepancy in the provided options as 'Verb' is the correct part of speech, but it is not listed among options a, b, c, or d. However, based on linguistic rules, 'tasted' is definitively a verb.
Choose the most suitable connector to complete the sentence: 'My friend came to my home __________ I was out.'
A)
when
B)
while
C)
after
D)
before
The sentence describes two events: the friend's arrival and the speaker's absence. The most suitable connector here is 'when', which is used to indicate a specific point in time or a situation that existed at the moment another event occurred. 'My friend came to my home when I was out' means that at the time of the friend's arrival, the speaker was not at home.
Analysis of other options:
- 'while' (b) is typically used for two continuous actions happening simultaneously (e.g., 'I was reading while he was sleeping'). Being 'out' is a state, but 'came' is a punctual action, making 'when' more natural.
- 'after' (c) would imply the friend arrived only after the speaker had already left, which is grammatically possible but less common in this specific phrasing unless a sequence of events is being emphasized.
- 'before' (d) would imply the friend arrived before the speaker left, which contradicts the logical implication of the sentence (usually, such a sentence is used to explain why the speaker didn't meet the friend).
Choose the most suitable connector to complete the sentence: 'I read all genres of books but I prefer thriller __________ romance.'
A)
and
B)
to
C)
with
D)
than
The sentence uses the verb 'prefer', which is used to indicate a liking for one thing over another. In English grammar, the standard construction for expressing preference between two nouns is 'prefer [something] to [something else]'.
1. 'Prefer... to' is the idiomatic prepositional pairing used for comparisons of preference.
2. Option (a) 'and' would imply the speaker likes both equally, which contradicts the intent of 'prefer'.
3. Option (c) 'with' is grammatically incorrect in this context of comparison.
4. Option (d) 'than' is a common error; while 'than' is used with comparative adjectives (e.g., 'better than'), it is not used with the verb 'prefer'. One would say 'I like thrillers more than romance,' but 'I prefer thrillers to romance.'
Choose the appropriate preposition: '__________ studying John is also working somewhere.'
A)
Beside
B)
Besides
C)
Instead of
D)
Over
The sentence requires a preposition that means 'in addition to' or 'as well as'.
1. **'Besides' (Option b)** is used to mean 'in addition to'. In this context, it indicates that John is doing two things simultaneously: studying AND working. This fits the logic of the sentence perfectly.
2. **'Beside' (Option a)** means 'next to' or 'at the side of' (physical proximity). It would be grammatically incorrect to say John is 'next to studying'.
3. **'Instead of' (Option c)** means 'in place of'. If John were working 'instead of' studying, he would not be doing both; he would be doing one and not the other. The sentence structure 'is also working' implies addition, not substitution.
4. **'Over' (Option d)** typically refers to physical position (above) or a period of time, neither of which fits the context of adding an activity to a routine.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word in the sentence: 'He still lives in that house.' (Underlined word: still)
A)
Adverb
B)
Adjective
C)
Preposition
D)
Conjunction
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence: 'He still lives in that house.' 2. Identify the word to be analyzed: 'still'. 3. Determine what 'still' is modifying: In this sentence, 'still' modifies the verb 'lives'. It provides information about the duration or continuity of the action. 4. Apply the definition of an adverb: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Specifically, 'still' here functions as an adverb of time, indicating that a situation continues to exist. 5. Evaluate other options: (b) Adjective: It does not describe a noun. (c) Preposition: It does not show a relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence. (d) Conjunction: It is not connecting two clauses or words. Therefore, 'still' is an adverb.
In the sentence 'I must go home, or else my parents will be cross with me.', the sentence connector is –
A)
or else
B)
will be
C)
must
D)
The comma (,)
A sentence connector (or conjunction) is a word or phrase used to link words, phrases, or clauses together, establishing a logical relationship between them. In the sentence 'I must go home, or else my parents will be cross with me.', the phrase 'or else' acts as a connector that indicates a consequence or an alternative result if the first action (going home) is not taken.
Analysis of options:
- (a) 'or else': Correct. It connects the two independent clauses and shows the negative consequence of not going home.
- (b) 'will be': Incorrect. This is a verb phrase indicating the future tense.
- (c) 'must': Incorrect. This is a modal auxiliary verb indicating obligation.
- (d) 'The comma (,)': Incorrect. A comma is a punctuation mark, not a linguistic connector/conjunction, although it often accompanies one.
Choose the appropriate adjective to complete the sentence: '__________ food they had was damaged by the rain.'
A)
A little
B)
The little
C)
Little
D)
Most
The sentence requires a quantifier for 'food' (an uncountable noun). Here is the breakdown of the options:
1. 'Little' (Option c) has a negative connotation meaning 'hardly any' or 'almost none'.
2. 'A little' (Option a) has a positive connotation meaning 'some' or 'a small amount'.
3. 'The little' (Option b) means 'not much, but all that there is'. It is used when referring to a specific small quantity that is then further described or acted upon. In this sentence, the speaker is referring to the entire specific amount of food they possessed, all of which was damaged. The presence of the definite article 'the' is necessary because the food is specified as 'they had'.
4. 'Most' (Option d) would typically require 'of the' (Most of the food) to be grammatically correct in this specific sentence structure.
Therefore, 'The little' is the only option that correctly modifies the specific, limited amount of food mentioned.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word in the sentence: 'Jane always cries.' (Underlined word: always)
A)
Noun
B)
Adverb
C)
Preposition
D)
Adjective
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence: 'Jane always cries.' 2. Identify the word in question: 'always'. 3. Determine what 'always' is modifying: It modifies the verb 'cries'. 4. Define the part of speech: A word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb is an adverb. Specifically, 'always' is an 'adverb of frequency,' as it tells us how often the action (crying) occurs. 5. Evaluate other options: (a) Noun: 'always' does not name a person, place, thing, or idea. (c) Preposition: 'always' does not show a relationship of time, place, or direction between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence. (d) Adjective: 'always' does not describe a noun or pronoun; it describes the frequency of the action.
Cigarettes happen to be my father’s __________.
A)
sin
B)
crime
C)
custom
D)
vice
The sentence requires a noun that describes a bad habit or a moral failing that is not necessarily illegal.
1. **Vice (Option d):** A 'vice' is defined as a moral fault, a wicked habit, or a practice that is considered immoral or harmful to the person (e.g., smoking, gambling). Smoking cigarettes is a classic example of a personal vice.
2. **Sin (Option a):** A 'sin' is a transgression against divine law. While some religions view smoking as a sin, in general English vocabulary, 'vice' is the precise term for a habitual bad practice.
3. **Crime (Option b):** A 'crime' is an action that is punishable by law. Smoking cigarettes is legal for adults, so it cannot be termed a crime.
4. **Custom (Option c):** A 'custom' is a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time. Smoking is a habit, not a cultural custom.
Therefore, 'vice' is the most appropriate word to describe a harmful personal habit like smoking.