← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
In geographical term, a body of land that is bordered on three sides by water, including the southern parts of India, is termed as -
A)
Peninsula
B)
Archipelago
C)
Strait
D)
Island
A peninsula is a piece of land that is almost entirely surrounded by water but is connected to a larger landmass on one side. The southern part of India is a classic example of a peninsula (the Indian Peninsula), as it is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Archipelago: This refers to a group or chain of islands (e.g., Indonesia or the Lakshadweep islands).
- c. Strait: A strait is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water (e.g., the Palk Strait).
- d. Island: An island is a piece of land completely surrounded by water on all sides.
The key characteristic of Nehru’s democracy is -
A)
Marxism
B)
Capitalism
C)
Socialism
D)
Totalitarianism
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, envisioned a 'Democratic Socialism'. His approach was to combine the political freedom and democratic processes of a liberal democracy with the socio-economic goals of socialism to ensure equitable distribution of wealth and the removal of poverty.
- Option (a) Marxism: While Nehru was influenced by Marxist analysis of history and economics, he rejected the Marxist concept of 'class struggle' and the 'dictatorship of the proletariat' in favor of parliamentary democracy.
- Option (b) Capitalism: Nehru was critical of unrestrained capitalism, believing it led to extreme inequality and exploitation, which is why he advocated for a 'mixed economy' with a strong public sector.
- Option (d) Totalitarianism: This is the opposite of Nehru's ideology; he was a staunch advocate for individual liberties, civil rights, and democratic governance.
Soils which have been brought down and deposited by rivers are called:
A)
Black soil
B)
Red soil
C)
Laterite soil
D)
Alluvial soil
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for the type of soil formed by the deposition of materials brought down by rivers. 2. Alluvial soil is formed by the process of sedimentation, where rivers carry silt, sand, and clay from mountains and erode them, eventually depositing these materials in plains and river deltas. 3. Analysis of other options: (a) Black soil is primarily formed from the weathering of volcanic basalt rocks (lava flows). (b) Red soil is formed from the weathering of crystalline igneous rocks and gets its color from iron oxides. (c) Laterite soil is formed due to intense leaching in tropical areas with high rainfall. Therefore, only Alluvial soil fits the description of being river-deposited.
‘Base year’ in National Income accounting means -
A)
The year whose income is being used to calculate the nominal GDP
B)
The year whose prices are being used to calculate the nominal GDP
C)
The year whose prices are being used to calculate the real GDP
D)
The year whose income are being used to calculate the real GDP
In National Income accounting, the 'Base Year' is a benchmark year used as a reference point to compare economic data over time.
1. **Nominal GDP** is calculated using current market prices (the prices of the year being measured). Therefore, it does not require a base year.
2. **Real GDP** is adjusted for inflation. To remove the effect of price changes and measure the actual growth in production/volume, economists use the prices of a fixed 'Base Year'.
3. By keeping prices constant (using the base year's prices), any change in the GDP value reflects a change in the quantity of goods and services produced, rather than just a change in prices.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) and (d) are incorrect because GDP is calculated based on the value of output (Price × Quantity), not by using the 'income' of a specific year as a multiplier.
- Option (b) is incorrect because Nominal GDP uses current prices, not base year prices.
- Option (c) is correct because Real GDP is specifically defined as GDP calculated at constant prices (base year prices).
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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').
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Identify the Part of speech of the underlined word: 'She succumbed to the burns she received in the terrifying accident.' (Underlined: terrifying)
I)
Adjective
II)
Preposition
III)
Verb
IV)
Adverb
Step-by-step analysis: 1. Identify the word in context: In the phrase 'the terrifying accident', the word 'terrifying' is placed immediately before the noun 'accident'. 2. Determine the function: The word 'terrifying' is describing or modifying the noun 'accident', specifying what kind of accident it was. 3. Apply grammatical rules: A word that modifies or describes a noun is classified as an Adjective. In this case, 'terrifying' is a participial adjective (derived from the verb 'terrify'). 4. Evaluate other options: (ii) Preposition: It does not show a relationship between a noun and another part of the sentence. (iii) Verb: While derived from a verb, it is not acting as the action or state of the subject in this clause. (iv) Adverb: It does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb; it modifies a noun.
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.
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.
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'.
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: '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.
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 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 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.