← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions — 2024
We (be) there for more than half an hour by the time the show began.
I)
had been
II)
were
III)
have been
IV)
are being
The sentence describes two actions in the past: 'being there' and 'the show beginning'. The phrase 'for more than half an hour' indicates a duration of time leading up to a specific point in the past ('by the time the show began'). In English grammar, when an action started in the past and continued up until another point in the past, the Past Perfect tense (or Past Perfect Continuous) must be used.
1. 'had been' (Past Perfect) correctly indicates that the state of being there occurred before the show began.
2. 'were' (Simple Past) would only indicate a state at a specific time, but it cannot be used with 'for [duration]' to describe a period leading up to another past event.
3. 'have been' (Present Perfect) is used for actions continuing up to the present, which contradicts the past tense 'began'.
4. 'are being' (Present Continuous) is used for current actions and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'Although I love to cook, I hardly have time for it.' (Underlined: Although)
I)
Preposition
II)
Conjunction
III)
Noun
IV)
Adverb
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'Although I love to cook, I hardly have time for it.'
2. Identify the clauses: The sentence consists of two clauses: 'I love to cook' (dependent clause) and 'I hardly have time for it' (independent clause).
3. Determine the function of 'Although': The word 'Although' is used to connect these two clauses and introduce a contrast or concession.
4. Classify the part of speech: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses is called a conjunction. Specifically, 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction because it introduces a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Preposition: Prepositions show the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence (e.g., 'in', 'on', 'at'). 'Although' does not function as a preposition here.
- Noun: A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. 'Although' does not name anything.
- Adverb: While some conjunctions can act as conjunctive adverbs, 'Although' specifically functions to subordinate one clause to another, making it a conjunction.
We have full confidence ___ you and your abilities.
I)
with
II)
in
III)
on
IV)
upon
This question tests the knowledge of 'dependent prepositions' (prepositions that must follow specific nouns, verbs, or adjectives). In English grammar, the noun 'confidence' is conventionally paired with the preposition 'in' when it means trust or faith in someone or something.
1. 'Confidence in' is the standard idiomatic expression (e.g., 'I have confidence in his leadership').
2. 'Confidence with' is incorrect in this context; 'with' usually denotes accompaniment or instrument.
3. 'Confidence on' and 'Confidence upon' are grammatically incorrect as 'on/upon' typically denote position or a basis for an action, not the object of trust.
I expressed my abhorrence ___ flattery.
I)
to
II)
at
III)
of
IV)
in
The sentence requires a preposition that correctly follows the noun 'abhorrence'. 'Abhorrence' is a noun meaning a feeling of repulsion or disgusted loathing. In English grammar, the noun 'abhorrence' is typically followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the object of that hatred or disgust (e.g., 'abhorrence of cruelty', 'abhorrence of lies').
Analysis of options:
- 'to' is generally used for direction or reaction (e.g., 'reaction to'), but not with abhorrence.
- 'at' is used for specific points or reactions to events (e.g., 'shocked at'), but not to describe the object of abhorrence.
- 'of' is the standard preposition used to link the feeling of abhorrence to the thing being abhorred.
- 'in' denotes location or state, which is logically incorrect in this context.
Therefore, 'I expressed my abhorrence of flattery' is the grammatically correct construction.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'This is my friend who lives in Aizawl.' (Underlined: who)
I)
Personal Pronoun
II)
Indefinite Pronoun
III)
Demonstrative Pronoun
IV)
Reflexive pronoun
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Analyze the sentence: 'This is my friend who lives in Aizawl.'
2. Identify the role of 'who': The word 'who' refers back to the noun 'friend' and introduces a relative clause ('who lives in Aizawl').
3. Classification: Grammatically, 'who' is a Relative Pronoun.
4. Evaluating the Options:
- (i) Personal Pronoun: While 'who' is specifically a relative pronoun, in many traditional or simplified grammar classifications used in competitive exams, relative pronouns are categorized under the broader umbrella of personal/relative pronouns because they refer to specific persons.
- (ii) Indefinite Pronoun: These refer to non-specific people or things (e.g., someone, anyone). 'Who' refers to a specific friend, so this is incorrect.
- (iii) Demonstrative Pronoun: These point to specific things (e.g., this, that). 'Who' does not function as a pointer in this context, so this is incorrect.
- (iv) Reflexive Pronoun: These end in -self or -selves (e.g., myself, himself). 'Who' is not a reflexive pronoun.
Conclusion: Since 'who' refers to a person and is the only option that aligns with the category of pronouns referring to persons (as opposed to indefinite, demonstrative, or reflexive), Option (i) is the intended answer, despite 'Relative Pronoun' being the more precise technical term.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'He still lives in that house.' (Underlined: still)
I)
Adverb
II)
Adjective
III)
Preposition
IV)
Conjunction
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence: 'He still lives in that house.' 2. Identify the word in question: 'still'. 3. Determine what 'still' is modifying: It modifies the verb 'lives'. 4. Define the function: 'Still' is used here to indicate that an action or situation continues to exist; it describes the duration or continuity of the action. 5. Apply grammatical rules: A word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb is classified as an Adverb. Specifically, 'still' in this context is an adverb of time. Why other options are incorrect: (ii) Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns; 'still' is not describing 'He' or 'house'. (iii) Prepositions show the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence; 'still' does not function as a relational link. (iv) Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses; 'still' is not joining two grammatical elements here.
The Titanic (cross) the Atlantic when it struck an iceberg.
I)
crosses
II)
had been crossing
III)
crossed
IV)
was crossing
This sentence describes two actions happening in the past: one continuous action (crossing the Atlantic) and one sudden, interrupting action (striking an iceberg). In English grammar, when a longer action in the past is interrupted by a shorter action, we use the Past Continuous tense for the longer action and the Simple Past tense for the interrupting action.
1. 'Struck' is in the Simple Past, indicating the interrupting event.
2. The act of crossing the ocean was an ongoing process at that moment, requiring the Past Continuous form: 'was/were + verb-ing'.
Analysis of options:
- (i) 'crosses' is Simple Present, which is grammatically incorrect for a historical event.
- (ii) 'had been crossing' is Past Perfect Continuous; while it describes a duration, it is typically used to emphasize the time elapsed before another event, rather than a simultaneous interruption.
- (iii) 'crossed' is Simple Past; using it here would imply the crossing was completed before the iceberg was struck, which is logically impossible.
- (iv) 'was crossing' is Past Continuous, correctly depicting the ongoing journey that was interrupted.
The children (cheer) loudly during the game.
I)
cheers
II)
cheer
III)
was cheering
IV)
will cheered
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Identify the Subject**: The subject of the sentence is 'The children'. This is a plural noun.
2. **Subject-Verb Agreement**: In the present simple tense, a plural subject requires the base form of the verb without an 's'. Therefore, 'cheer' is correct, while 'cheers' (used for singular subjects like 'the child') is incorrect.
3. **Analyze Options**:
- **i. cheers**: Incorrect. This is the singular form of the verb, but the subject 'children' is plural.
- **ii. cheer**: Correct. This matches the plural subject in the present simple tense, describing a general action or habit.
- **iii. was cheering**: Incorrect. 'Was' is singular, but 'children' is plural. The correct past continuous form would be 'were cheering'.
- **iv. will cheered**: Incorrect. The modal verb 'will' must be followed by the base form of the verb ('will cheer'), not the past participle/past tense form ('cheered').
Every Friday, Mr. John (drive) his kids to the park.
I)
is driving
II)
drove
III)
drives
IV)
has been driving
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Identify the Time Marker**: The phrase 'Every Friday' indicates a habitual action or a repeated routine that occurs regularly.
2. **Determine the Correct Tense**: In English grammar, the Simple Present Tense is used to describe habits, general truths, and repeated actions.
3. **Subject-Verb Agreement**: The subject 'Mr. John' is a third-person singular noun. According to the rules of the Simple Present Tense, the verb must take an '-s' or '-es' suffix for third-person singular subjects. Therefore, 'drive' becomes 'drives'.
4. **Evaluating Options**:
- (i) 'is driving' (Present Continuous) is used for actions happening right now, not habits.
- (ii) 'drove' (Simple Past) is used for completed actions in the past.
- (iii) 'drives' (Simple Present) correctly matches the habitual nature of the sentence and the singular subject.
- (iv) 'has been driving' (Present Perfect Continuous) is used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, usually accompanied by a duration (e.g., 'for two hours').
The bird flew ___ the roof, soaring high in the sky.
I)
upon
II)
above
III)
over
IV)
on
The sentence describes a bird in motion moving from one side of a roof to another or passing across it while ascending.
1. 'Over' is used to describe movement across a surface or a position higher than something else, often implying a path from one side to another. In this context, 'flew over the roof' correctly describes the bird's trajectory as it moves across the roof to soar higher.
2. 'Above' refers to a position higher than something else but does not necessarily imply movement across it. While a bird can be 'above' a roof, 'flew over' is the idiomatic choice for the action of crossing a landmark.
3. 'Upon' and 'On' both imply contact with the surface. If the bird flew 'on' or 'upon' the roof, it would mean it landed on the roof or was skimming the surface, which contradicts the second part of the sentence ('soaring high in the sky').
Therefore, 'over' is the most appropriate preposition to describe the movement of crossing the roof to reach a higher altitude.
Henry is very sparing ___ expenditure.
I)
of
II)
at
III)
in
IV)
under
The sentence tests the knowledge of fixed prepositions (collocations). The adjective 'sparing' means to be frugal, economical, or cautious in using something. In English grammar, when 'sparing' is used to describe someone who is economical with a particular resource (like money, praise, or expenditure), it is conventionally followed by the preposition 'of'.
- 'Sparing of' is the standard idiomatic expression (e.g., 'sparing of his words', 'sparing of expenditure').
- 'At', 'in', and 'under' do not form a standard idiomatic pairing with 'sparing' in this context.
Therefore, 'Henry is very sparing of expenditure' is the grammatically correct construction.
The letter must be mailed ___ Monday.
I)
on
II)
until
III)
by
IV)
at
The sentence requires a preposition that indicates a deadline.
1. 'By' is used to mean 'not later than' or 'at or before a specific time.' In the context of mailing a letter, 'by Monday' implies that Monday is the final deadline for the action to be completed.
2. 'On' is used for specific days (e.g., 'The letter was mailed on Monday'), but in the context of 'must be,' it usually implies a requirement for a deadline rather than a specific appointment.
3. 'Until' describes a state or action that continues up to a certain point in time (e.g., 'I will wait until Monday'). Mailing a letter is a momentary action, not a continuous state, so 'until' is grammatically incorrect here.
4. 'At' is used for precise times (e.g., 'at 5 PM') or specific locations, not for days of the week.
Therefore, 'by' is the most appropriate preposition to express the deadline requirement.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'The car is very beautiful.' (Underlined: very)
I)
Adverb
II)
Adjective
III)
Verb
IV)
Noun
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'The car' (Subject) + 'is' (Linking Verb) + 'very beautiful' (Subject Complement). 2. Identify the word being modified: The word 'beautiful' is an adjective describing the noun 'car'. 3. Identify the role of 'very': The word 'very' is modifying the adjective 'beautiful' to indicate the degree or intensity of the beauty. 4. Apply grammatical rules: A word that modifies an adjective, a verb, or another adverb is classified as an Adverb. Specifically, 'very' is an adverb of degree. Why other options are incorrect: (ii) Adjective: 'Beautiful' is the adjective; 'very' describes the adjective, not the noun. (iii) Verb: 'Is' is the verb; 'very' does not express an action or state of being. (iv) Noun: 'Car' is the noun; 'very' does not name a person, place, thing, or idea.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'I always get up at six in the morning and my mother gets up earlier.' (Underlined: earlier)
I)
Adverb
II)
Adjective
III)
Verb
IV)
Preposition
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the sentence structure**: The sentence is 'I always get up at six in the morning and my mother gets up earlier.'
2. **Identify the word's function**: The word 'earlier' is modifying the verb 'gets up'. It describes *when* or *to what extent* the action of getting up occurs.
3. **Determine the Part of Speech**: Words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs are classified as adverbs. Specifically, 'earlier' is the comparative form of the adverb 'early'.
4. **Evaluate other options**:
- **Adjective**: Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns. 'Earlier' is not describing a person or object here; it is describing the action of waking up.
- **Verb**: A verb expresses an action or state. 'Earlier' does not express an action.
- **Preposition**: A preposition shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another part of the sentence. 'Earlier' does not function as a relational link in this context.
When I arrived home last night, I discovered that my wife (prepare) a delicious dinner.
I)
had prepared
II)
have prepared
III)
has prepared
IV)
prepared
The sentence describes two actions that happened in the past: 'arriving home' and 'preparing dinner'. When two actions occur in the past, the action that happened first (the earlier action) must be expressed in the Past Perfect Tense (had + past participle), while the action that happened later is expressed in the Simple Past Tense. In this context, the wife finished preparing the dinner before the speaker arrived home. Therefore, 'had prepared' is the correct form.
Analysis of options:
- i. 'had prepared' (Past Perfect): Correct. It indicates the dinner was ready before the arrival.
- ii. 'have prepared' (Present Perfect): Incorrect. This cannot be used in a sentence where the main timeframe is established as 'last night' (past).
- iii. 'has prepared' (Present Perfect): Incorrect. Similar to option ii, it contradicts the past tense context.
- iv. 'prepared' (Simple Past): Incorrect. While grammatically possible in some contexts, it would imply the preparation happened at the exact moment of arrival, which is logically inconsistent with 'discovering' a finished dinner.
John arrived at Mary’s house a little before 9:00 P.M. but she was not there. She (study, at the library).
I)
studied at the library
II)
has been studying at the library
III)
had studied at the library
IV)
was studying at the library
The sentence describes a specific moment in the past: when John arrived at Mary's house (a little before 9:00 P.M.). At that precise moment, Mary was not there because she was in the middle of an ongoing action (studying). To describe an action that was in progress at a specific point in the past, we use the Past Continuous tense (was/were + verb-ing).
Analysis of options:
- i. 'studied' (Simple Past) implies a completed action or a habit, but doesn't capture the 'in-progress' nature of her absence at that specific moment.
- ii. 'has been studying' (Present Perfect Continuous) is used for actions starting in the past and continuing to the present; it is grammatically incompatible with the past tense context ('arrived', 'was').
- iii. 'had studied' (Past Perfect) implies she finished studying before John arrived, which would mean she should have been home or elsewhere, but it doesn't explain why she 'was not there' as an ongoing state.
- iv. 'was studying' (Past Continuous) correctly indicates that the act of studying was happening simultaneously with John's arrival, explaining her absence.
I have decided ___ my course of action.
I)
on
II)
upon
III)
at
IV)
in
The sentence requires a preposition that follows the verb 'decide' to indicate the choice made after consideration.
1. 'Decide on' is a phrasal verb meaning to choose something from a number of possibilities after thinking about it. In this context, 'deciding on a course of action' means the speaker has selected a specific plan to follow.
2. 'Decide upon' is also grammatically correct and carries the same meaning as 'decide on', but 'on' is the more common and standard usage in modern English for this specific context. In competitive exams, when both 'on' and 'upon' are provided, 'on' is typically preferred unless the context is extremely formal.
3. 'Decide at' is incorrect as 'at' usually refers to a specific point in time or a location.
4. 'Decide in' is incorrect as 'in' refers to a state, a period of time, or a physical space.
Therefore, 'on' is the most appropriate preposition to complete the sentence.
He excelled ___ painting.
I)
in
II)
at
III)
on
IV)
for
The verb 'excel' is typically followed by the preposition 'in' when referring to a field of study, a skill, or a specific activity in which someone shows superiority or great proficiency. In this sentence, 'painting' is the field of activity, making 'excelled in' the grammatically correct collocation.
Analysis of options:
- 'in' (Correct): Used to denote the area or activity of excellence.
- 'at' (Incorrect): While 'good at' is common, 'excel' specifically pairs with 'in' for general fields of expertise.
- 'on' (Incorrect): 'On' is used for surfaces or specific dates/topics, not for proficiency in a skill.
- 'for' (Incorrect): 'For' usually denotes purpose or duration, which does not fit the context of proficiency.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'The thief was killed in a police encounter.' (Underlined: encounter)
I)
Adverb
II)
Adjective
III)
Noun
IV)
Interjection
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'The thief was killed in a police encounter.'
2. Identify the position of the word 'encounter'. It follows the word 'police' (which acts as an attributive noun/adjective here) and is preceded by the indefinite article 'a'.
3. In English grammar, any word that follows an article ('a', 'an', 'the') and functions as the object of a preposition (in this case, the preposition 'in') is acting as a noun.
4. Definition check: An 'encounter' in this context refers to a specific event or confrontation, which is a thing/event, thus fitting the definition of a noun.
5. Evaluating other options:
- Adverb: It does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
- Adjective: It does not describe a noun; rather, it is the entity being described by 'police'.
- Interjection: It is not an abrupt exclamation of emotion.
He is intent ___ repeating his attempt.
I)
at
II)
in
III)
on
IV)
of
The sentence requires a preposition that correctly collocates with the adjective 'intent'. In English grammar, the adjective 'intent' (meaning determined or resolved to do something) is followed by the fixed preposition 'on'. The standard idiomatic structure is 'to be intent on + [gerund/noun]'.
Analysis of options:
- 'at': Incorrect. 'Intent' does not pair with 'at'.
- 'in': Incorrect. While 'interested in' is a common phrase, 'intent' does not use 'in'.
- 'on': Correct. This is the standard preposition used to indicate the object of one's determination (e.g., 'He is intent on winning').
- 'of': Incorrect. 'Intent' does not pair with 'of'.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy brown dog.' (Underlined: quick)
I)
Noun
II)
Adverb
III)
Adjective
IV)
Preposition
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy brown dog.' 2. Identify the word in question: 'quick'. 3. Determine the word it modifies: 'quick' describes the 'fox'. 4. Since 'fox' is a noun, a word that describes or modifies a noun is categorized as an adjective. 5. Evaluating the options: (i) Noun: A noun is a person, place, or thing; 'quick' is a quality, not a thing. (ii) Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb; 'quick' is not modifying the action 'jumps' (that would be 'quickly'). (iii) Adjective: Correct, as it describes the noun 'fox'. (iv) Preposition: A preposition shows relationship/position (e.g., 'over'); 'quick' does not perform this function.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'Wow! That is a beautiful dress indeed' (Underlined: Wow!)
I)
Conjunction
II)
Interjection
III)
Pronoun
IV)
Verb
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the word 'Wow!': It is used to express a strong emotion of surprise, admiration, or pleasure. 2. Grammatical function: The word stands alone and is not grammatically connected to the rest of the sentence (it does not function as a subject, verb, or modifier). 3. Punctuation: It is followed by an exclamation mark, which is a hallmark of interjections. 4. Evaluating options: (i) Conjunctions connect words or clauses (e.g., and, but); (ii) Interjections express sudden emotion (e.g., Wow, Ouch, Alas); (iii) Pronouns replace nouns (e.g., He, It); (iv) Verbs express action or state of being (e.g., is, run). Therefore, 'Wow!' is an interjection.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'Stella appeared in a costly array.' (Underlined: array)
I)
Noun
II)
Verb
III)
Adverb
IV)
Adjective
Step-by-step analysis: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'Stella (Subject) appeared (Verb) in (Preposition) a (Article) costly (Adjective) array (Object of the preposition).' 2. Identify the function of the word 'array': In this context, 'array' refers to an impressive display of clothing or attire. 3. Apply grammatical rules: The word 'array' is preceded by an article ('a') and an adjective ('costly'). In English grammar, articles and adjectives modify nouns. Therefore, 'array' is functioning as a noun. 4. Evaluate options: (i) Noun is correct. (ii) Verb is incorrect as 'appeared' is the verb. (iii) Adverb is incorrect as it does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. (iv) Adjective is incorrect as 'costly' is the adjective modifying 'array'.
He was acquitted ___ all charges.
I)
to
II)
of
III)
in
IV)
on
This question tests the knowledge of 'fixed prepositions' (prepositions that are traditionally paired with specific verbs). The verb 'acquitted' (meaning to be found not guilty of a crime) is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'of'.
1. 'Acquitted of' is the standard English collocation used when referring to the charges or crimes from which someone is cleared.
2. Option (i) 'to' is incorrect because 'acquitted to' is not a recognized grammatical structure in this context.
3. Option (iii) 'in' is incorrect as it does not denote the removal of a charge.
4. Option (iv) 'on' is incorrect; while one might be 'charged on' certain grounds, one is 'acquitted of' those charges.
We are confident ___ winning the game.
I)
of
II)
at
III)
in
IV)
on
The sentence requires a preposition that correctly follows the adjective 'confident'. In English grammar, the adjective 'confident' is typically paired with the preposition 'of' when expressing a belief or certainty about a future outcome or a specific fact (e.g., 'confident of success', 'confident of winning').
Analysis of options:
- 'of' (Correct): This is the standard preposition used to indicate the object of one's confidence.
- 'at' (Incorrect): 'At' is typically used for skills or locations (e.g., 'good at math'), not for certainty.
- 'in' (Incorrect): While we have 'confidence in' (noun form), the adjective 'confident' is followed by 'of' when referring to a result. One might be 'confident in someone's ability', but 'confident of winning'.
- 'on' (Incorrect): 'On' is not used with 'confident' to express certainty.