← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: The woman walked through the graveyard to get to her house.
A)
Verb
B)
Conjunction
C)
Preposition
D)
Adverb
In the given sentence, the underlined word is 'through'.
1. **Why 'Preposition' is correct:** A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. Here, 'through' is a preposition because it shows the spatial relationship between the action ('walked') and the noun phrase ('the graveyard'), which acts as its object.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Verb (a):** Verbs represent actions or states of being (e.g., 'walked' and 'get' are the verbs in this sentence).
- **Conjunction (b):** Conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'but', 'because').
- **Adverb (d):** Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, typically describing how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: To kick the bucket
A)
To die
B)
To be lazy
C)
To be angry
D)
To be argumentative
The idiom 'To kick the bucket' is an informal English euphemism that means 'to die'. Therefore, option 'a' is the correct meaning. The other options—'To be lazy' (option b), 'To be angry' (option c), and 'To be argumentative' (option d)—do not represent the meaning of this idiom.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: The judge made a decision and ruled that the estate be divided among the seven sons.
A)
Conjunction
B)
Interjection
C)
Adjective
D)
Preposition
In the given sentence, the underlined word is 'among'.
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** 'Among' is a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition, here 'the seven sons') and other words in a sentence. Here, 'among' indicates the distribution of the estate.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Conjunction (a):** Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'that' in this sentence).
- **Interjection (b):** Interjections express sudden or strong emotions (e.g., 'Alas!', 'Wow!').
- **Adjective (c):** Adjectives modify or describe nouns (e.g., 'seven' is an adjective modifying 'sons').
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: He is a strange person.
A)
Adverb
B)
Adjective
C)
Noun
D)
Pronoun
In the sentence 'He is a strange person', the word 'strange' describes the noun 'person'. Words that modify or describe nouns are classified as adjectives, making 'Adjective' (Option b) the correct answer.
- Option a (Adverb) is incorrect because adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, not nouns.
- Option c (Noun) is incorrect because 'person' is the noun in this phrase, while 'strange' is the describing word.
- Option d (Pronoun) is incorrect because pronouns (like 'He') are used to replace nouns, not describe them.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: Harvey wished to meet his estranged parents at the event .
A)
Verb
B)
Interjection
C)
Noun
D)
Pronoun
In this standard exam question, the underlined word is 'wished' (or 'meet'). 'Wished' is a Verb because it expresses the main action or state of desire performed by the subject ('Harvey') in the past tense.
- Noun (Option c) is incorrect because nouns are naming words for people, places, or things (e.g., 'Harvey', 'parents', 'event').
- Pronoun (Option d) is incorrect because pronouns replace nouns (e.g., 'his').
- Interjection (Option b) is incorrect because interjections express sudden emotions or reactions (e.g., 'Oh!', 'Wow!').
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: We admired the landscape of the country and decided to return annually.
A)
Adjective
B)
Conjunction
C)
Adverb
D)
Verb
In this sentence, the underlined word is 'annually'.
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** 'Annually' is an **Adverb** (specifically, an adverb of frequency/time) because it modifies the verb 'return', describing how often the action of returning will take place.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Adjective (a):** Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns (e.g., 'beautiful landscape'), whereas 'annually' modifies a verb.
- **Conjunction (b):** Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., 'and' is the conjunction in this sentence).
- **Verb (d):** Verbs express actions or states of being (e.g., 'admired', 'decided', and 'return' are verbs in this sentence).
Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom: A wide berth
A)
keep away from
B)
publicly condemn
C)
give publicity to
D)
not sympathise with
The idiom 'to give a wide berth' means to keep a safe distance from someone or something, or to avoid them entirely. It originates from nautical terminology, where a ship is given plenty of space (a wide berth) to maneuver safely and avoid collision. Therefore, 'keep away from' is the correct meaning. The other options ('publicly condemn', 'give publicity to', and 'not sympathise with') do not convey the concept of avoidance or keeping distance.
Transform the following sentence into an Exclamatory Sentence without changing the meaning: I wish I were a millionaire
A)
If I was only a rich man!
B)
How to be a millionaire!
C)
If only I were a millionaire!
D)
If only I could have been a millionaire!
To transform an assertive sentence expressing a wish (starting with 'I wish I were...') into an exclamatory sentence, we replace 'I wish' with 'If only' while keeping the subjunctive verb 'were' and the rest of the sentence structure intact. Therefore, 'If only I were a millionaire!' is the correct exclamatory form. Option 'a' incorrectly changes 'were' to 'was' and alters 'millionaire' to 'rich man'. Option 'b' is grammatically incorrect and changes the meaning. Option 'd' changes the tense to the past ('could have been'), which alters the original meaning of a present wish.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: When you enter the office, please mention the _______ of your visit.
A)
process
B)
precipitation
C)
purpose
D)
whereabouts
The correct word to complete the sentence is 'purpose'. 'Purpose' means the reason for which something is done or created. In an office setting, visitors are commonly asked to state the reason or 'purpose' of their visit. The other options are incorrect because: 'process' refers to a series of actions or steps; 'precipitation' refers to rain, snow, or a chemical reaction; and 'whereabouts' refers to the location of a person or object. None of these fit the context of the sentence.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: Moriarty found many shoes under the house.
A)
Adverb
B)
Verb
C)
Adjective
D)
Preposition
In the sentence 'Moriarty found many shoes under the house', the underlined word is 'under'.
1. **Why 'Preposition' (d) is correct**: The word 'under' is a preposition because it indicates a spatial relationship, linking the noun phrase 'the house' (its object) to the rest of the sentence to show where the shoes were found.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Adverb (a)**: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Here, 'under' introduces a prepositional phrase rather than acting as an adverb.
- **Verb (b)**: The verb in this sentence is 'found', which expresses the action performed by the subject (Moriarty).
- **Adjective (c)**: An adjective modifies or describes a noun. In this sentence, 'many' is an adjective modifying 'shoes', not 'under'.
Transform the following sentence into a Negative Sentence without changing the meaning: I was doubtful whether it was you.
A)
I was not sure that it was you.
B)
I was unsure that it was going to be you.
C)
I am rather unsure if it was you.
D)
I was very not sure if that was you or not.
To transform an affirmative sentence into a negative sentence without changing its meaning, we use the negative of the antonym. The antonym of 'doubtful' is 'sure', so 'was doubtful' becomes 'was not sure'. Option (a) correctly applies this rule while maintaining the original past tense ('was'). Option (b) changes the meaning by introducing 'going to be'. Option (c) incorrectly changes the tense from past ('was') to present ('am'). Option (d) is grammatically incorrect ('very not sure').
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: Gravity ________ (pull) objects towards the Earth.
A)
pulls
B)
does pull
C)
pulled
D)
has pulled
The correct option is 'a' (pulls). The sentence states a scientific fact and a universal truth, which must always be expressed in the Simple Present Tense. Since 'Gravity' is a singular noun, it takes the singular verb form 'pulls'. Option 'b' (does pull) is incorrect because emphatic form is not required here. Option 'c' (pulled) is in the past tense, which incorrectly implies that gravity no longer pulls objects. Option 'd' (has pulled) is in the present perfect tense, which is inappropriate for describing a continuous, universal law of nature.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: Mr. Phillips is an ________ man who will get the job done.
A)
unaware
B)
ineffective
C)
efficient
D)
inappropriate
The correct answer is 'c' (efficient). The sentence describes someone who is capable of successfully completing a task ('will get the job done'), which requires a positive adjective. 'Efficient' means working in a well-organized and competent way, making it the perfect fit. The other options are incorrect because: 'ineffective' (b) means failing to produce the desired effect, which contradicts the sentence; 'unaware' (a) means lacking knowledge, which is irrelevant to capability; and 'inappropriate' (d) means unsuitable, which carries a negative connotation unsuitable for this context.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: The head of the department informed her team that she would return _______ a week.
A)
For
B)
On
C)
within
D)
with
The correct preposition to fill in the blank is 'within'. 'Within a week' means before a week has passed, which perfectly fits the context of indicating the time frame of her return. 'For' (option a) would imply the duration of her stay rather than the time limit of her return. 'On' (option b) is used for specific days (e.g., 'on Monday') and is grammatically incorrect here. 'With' (option d) does not denote a time frame and is contextually incorrect.
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: Please help me cut the yarn ______ a scissor.
A)
with
B)
for
C)
by
D)
on
The correct preposition to use here is 'with'. In English, we use 'with' to indicate the instrument or tool used to perform an action (e.g., 'cut with a scissor/scissors'). 'By' is incorrect because it is used to denote the agent performing the action or the method/means (e.g., 'by hand'). 'For' and 'on' are grammatically incorrect in this context as they do not express the instrument of an action.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: We waited until she arrived.
A)
Adjective
B)
Adverb
C)
Noun
D)
Conjunction
In the sentence 'We waited until she arrived', the word 'until' connects the main clause ('We waited') with the subordinate clause ('she arrived'). Therefore, it functions as a subordinating conjunction.
- Adjective (a): Incorrect because 'until' does not modify a noun or pronoun.
- Adverb (b): Incorrect because 'until' here is introducing a clause with a subject and a verb, making it a conjunction rather than a simple adverb.
- Noun (c): Incorrect because 'until' does not represent a person, place, thing, or idea.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: We _____ (study) last night, but we went to the concert instead.
A)
must have studied
B)
might study
C)
should have studied
D)
would study
The correct option is 'c' ('should have studied'). The structure 'should have + past participle' is used to express a past obligation, recommendation, or desirable action that did not actually happen. Here, the speakers were supposed to study last night but chose to go to the concert instead. Option 'a' ('must have studied') is incorrect because it expresses a strong logical deduction about a past event (which contradicts the fact that they did not study). Option 'b' ('might study') is incorrect because it refers to present or future possibility, whereas the sentence is in the past. Option 'd' ('would study') is incorrect as it does not express the unfulfilled past obligation required by the context.
Choose the correct alternative to change the speech: Sarah said, “The sun rises in the East”.
A)
Sarah said that the sun will rise in the East.
B)
Sarah said that the sun rose in the East.
C)
Sarah said that the sun has risen in the East.
D)
Sarah said that the sun rises in the East.
When converting direct speech to indirect speech, if the reported speech expresses a universal truth, scientific fact, or habitual action, the tense of the verb remains unchanged, even if the reporting verb is in the past tense ('said'). Since 'The sun rises in the East' is a universal truth, the verb 'rises' must remain in the simple present tense. Therefore, option 'd' is correct. Options 'a', 'b', and 'c' are incorrect because they unnecessarily change the tense to future ('will rise'), simple past ('rose'), and present perfect ('has risen') respectively.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: You might feel despair however there is always hope as long as one is alive.
A)
Conjunction
B)
Adverb
C)
Preposition
D)
Adjective
The underlined word in the sentence is 'however'.
1. **Why the correct option is correct (b - Adverb):** 'However' is a conjunctive adverb (also known as a transition word). It is used to show contrast between two independent clauses. Grammatically, it functions as an adverb rather than a true conjunction.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **a (Conjunction):** Although 'however' connects ideas like a conjunction, it is grammatically an adverb because it cannot join two independent clauses with only a comma (doing so results in a run-on sentence/comma splice; it requires a semicolon or a period).
- **c (Preposition):** Prepositions (like 'in', 'at', 'under') show spatial, temporal, or logical relationships between a noun/pronoun and other words. 'However' does not serve this function.
- **d (Adjective):** Adjectives modify or describe nouns or pronouns. 'However' does not modify any noun in the sentence.
Transform the following sentence into an Imperative sentence without changing the meaning: You are forbidden to drink.
A)
Don’t drink.
B)
Please drink.
C)
Do drink.
D)
Drink instantly.
The original sentence 'You are forbidden to drink' expresses a prohibition (not being allowed to drink). To transform this into an imperative sentence without changing the meaning, we must use a negative imperative. 'Don’t drink' (Option a) correctly conveys this prohibition. Options b, c, and d are incorrect because they encourage or command the action of drinking, which directly contradicts the original meaning of being forbidden to drink.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: Mr. Dasgupta _____ (monitor) this patch of land since 2000.
A)
will monitor
B)
will have been monitoring
C)
has been monitoring
D)
monitor
1. **Why 'c' is correct**: The phrase 'since 2000' indicates an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present. This scenario requires the Present Perfect Continuous tense. Since the subject 'Mr. Dasgupta' is singular, the correct verb form is 'has been monitoring'.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Option 'a' (will monitor)** is in the simple future tense, which cannot be used with 'since' to show an action continuing from the past.
- **Option 'b' (will have been monitoring)** is in the future perfect continuous tense, which is used to project an action into a future point in time, which is not the case here.
- **Option 'd' (monitor)** is in the simple present tense and also violates subject-verb agreement with the singular subject 'Mr. Dasgupta'.
Transform the following sentence into a Simple Sentence without changing the meaning: Martin finished his lesson and put away his textbooks.
A)
Martin finished his lesson hence he put away his books.
B)
Martin finished his lesson however he put away his textbooks.
C)
Martin finished his lesson then and there he put his textbooks away.
D)
Martin finished his lesson, he put away his textbooks.
In standard English grammar, a simple sentence contains only one independent clause (one subject and one finite verb). The grammatically precise way to convert the given sentence into a simple sentence is: 'Having finished his lesson, Martin put away his textbooks.'
Since this standard option is not present among the choices, we must evaluate the options based on semantic equivalence (preserving the original meaning) and logical relationship:
1. **Why Option A is correct**: Option (a) uses the conjunctive adverb 'hence' to correctly preserve the cause-and-effect relationship of the original sentence (finishing the lesson led to putting the books away).
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Option B** uses 'however', which introduces a contrast that completely changes the meaning of the original sentence.
- **Option C** uses 'then and there', which incorrectly alters the meaning by implying an immediate, dramatic action at a specific spot.
- **Option D** is a comma splice (joining two independent clauses with only a comma), which is a major grammatical error.
Choose the correct alternative to change the speech: The planner said that the next meeting would be on Friday.
A)
The planner said, “The next meeting will be on Friday”.
B)
The planner said, “The next meeting would be on Friday”.
C)
The planner said, “The next meeting must be on Friday”.
D)
The planner says, “The next meeting will be on Friday”.
To convert the sentence from indirect speech to direct speech, we reverse the standard rules of backshifting tenses. 1. The reporting verb 'said' (past tense) must remain 'said' in direct speech, which rules out option d ('says'). 2. The modal verb 'would' in indirect speech changes back to 'will' in direct speech, which rules out option b ('would') and option c ('must'). Therefore, option a is the correct direct speech form: "The planner said, 'The next meeting will be on Friday'."
Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank: My sister knows French and German _______ Latin.
A)
beside
B)
besides
C)
with
D)
for
The correct answer is 'besides' (option b). 'Besides' is a preposition that means 'in addition to' or 'as well as', which perfectly fits the context of knowing French and German in addition to Latin. In contrast, 'beside' (option a) means 'next to' or 'at the side of' (e.g., 'she sat beside me'). 'With' (option c) and 'for' (option d) do not grammatically or semantically fit the sentence to convey the meaning of adding to a list of known languages.
Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate word: The repairman told me that my printer was _______ so he cannot find the spare parts.
A)
obsolete
B)
unanimous
C)
pascifist
D)
piscivore
The correct word to complete the sentence is 'obsolete'. Here is the breakdown:
1. **Why 'obsolete' is correct:** 'Obsolete' means no longer produced, used, or out of date. If a machine or printer is obsolete, manufacturers stop producing its components, making it extremely difficult to find spare parts.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **unanimous (b):** Means fully in agreement (e.g., a unanimous decision), which cannot describe a physical object like a printer.
- **pascifist (c):** A misspelling of 'pacifist', which refers to a person who opposes war or violence.
- **piscivore (d):** Refers to a carnivorous animal that feeds primarily on fish.