← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
Synthesise the sentences using 'either..or': 'John has done it. Jacob has done it. It must be done by one of them.'
A)
John has done it either or Jacob has done it.
B)
Either one of them has done it or John or Jacob.
C)
Either John has done it. Or Jacob has done it.
D)
Either John or Jacob has done it.
The correlative conjunction 'either...or' is used to join two grammatical elements of equal rank (parallel structure). In this case, it joins the two singular subjects 'John' and 'Jacob' who share the same predicate 'has done it'. Option 'd' ('Either John or Jacob has done it.') is grammatically correct and perfectly synthesizes the original sentences. Option 'a' incorrectly places 'either or' together. Option 'c' incorrectly splits the conjunction into two separate sentences. Option 'b' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb: 'He ________ the local bus daily.'
A)
takes
B)
is taking
C)
have taken
D)
had took
The correct option is 'a' ('takes'). The adverb 'daily' indicates a habitual action or routine, which requires the Simple Present tense. Since the subject 'He' is third-person singular, the verb must also be singular ('takes'). Option 'b' ('is taking') is incorrect because the present continuous tense is used for ongoing actions, not daily habits. Option 'c' ('have taken') is grammatically incorrect because the singular subject 'He' requires 'has' instead of 'have'. Option 'd' ('had took') is grammatically incorrect because the past perfect tense requires the past participle 'taken' (i.e., 'had taken'), and it is not used to describe a present routine.
Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word in bold: 'We heard this story from a very credible source.'
A)
unbelievable
B)
entertaining
C)
boring
D)
believable
The word 'credible' means capable of being believed, trustworthy, or convincing. Therefore, its opposite (antonym) is 'unbelievable', which means not able to be believed or unlikely to be true. Option 'd' ('believable') is a synonym of 'credible'. Options 'b' ('entertaining') and 'c' ('boring') refer to how interesting the story is, which is unrelated to its credibility.
Transform the following sentence to imperative: 'Will you please close the door?'
A)
Close the door, please.
B)
You have closed the door.
C)
Oh! that the door may be closed!
D)
Would that the door be closed!
An imperative sentence is used to issue a command, instruction, or request, typically starting with the base form of a verb and having an implied subject 'you'. 'Close the door, please.' is the correct imperative transformation of the polite interrogative request 'Will you please close the door?'. Option 'b' is a declarative sentence in the present perfect tense. Options 'c' and 'd' are optative/exclamatory sentences expressing a wish rather than a direct request or command.
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Bigot'
A)
someone who does not believe in the concept of God
B)
someone who is heavy
C)
a person who is intolerant towards others holding different beliefs
D)
an extremely extroverted person
The word 'Bigot' refers to a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, and is highly intolerant towards others who hold different opinions or beliefs. Therefore, option 'c' is the correct definition. Let's look at why the other options are incorrect: Option 'a' describes an 'atheist' (someone who does not believe in God). Option 'b' describes someone who is 'obese' or 'stout'. Option 'd' describes an 'extrovert'.
Identify the type of sentence: 'Everyone knows that the earth is round.'
A)
Complex sentence
B)
Compound sentence
C)
Simple Sentence
D)
Noun clause
The sentence 'Everyone knows that the earth is round' is a complex sentence. It consists of one independent clause ('Everyone knows') and one dependent clause ('that the earth is round', which functions as a noun clause acting as the object of the verb 'knows'). A sentence containing one independent clause and at least one dependent clause is classified as a complex sentence. Option 'b' (Compound sentence) is incorrect because it requires two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. Option 'c' (Simple sentence) is incorrect because a simple sentence contains only one independent clause and no dependent clauses. Option 'd' (Noun clause) is incorrect because a noun clause is a type of clause, not a type of sentence.
Synthesise the sentences using 'for': 'I cannot read his note-book. His hand writing is poor.'
A)
I cannot read his note-book for his hand writing is poor.
B)
His poor hand writing, for I cannot read his note-book.
C)
His note-book is poor for his hand writing.
D)
I cannot read his poor writing for his note-book.
Option 'a' is correct because 'for' is used as a coordinating conjunction meaning 'because' to introduce the reason for the first action. The reason I cannot read his notebook is that his handwriting is poor. Therefore, 'I cannot read his note-book for his hand writing is poor' is grammatically correct and retains the original meaning. Option 'b' is a fragment and incorrectly reverses the cause-and-effect relationship. Options 'c' and 'd' distort the original meaning, making the sentences nonsensical.
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'He lives in the apartment _________ mine.'
A)
above
B)
over
C)
under
D)
next
The correct preposition is 'above'. 'Above' is used to indicate a position higher than something else, making it the standard and most appropriate choice when referring to an apartment on a higher floor ('the apartment above mine').
- 'over' (option b) is incorrect because 'above' is preferred when there is no direct contact or vertical overlap, especially when referring to levels or floors in a building.
- 'under' (option c) is incorrect because 'below' is the standard counterpart to 'above' for apartments; 'under' usually implies being directly covered by something.
- 'next' (option d) is grammatically incorrect here because it requires the preposition 'to' (i.e., 'next to mine') to function as a preposition of place.
Synthesise the sentences using a relative pronoun: 'The woman is in a green saree. She is the manager of the team.'
A)
The woman manager is in green saree
B)
The woman who is in green saree is the manager of the team
C)
The manager who is in green saree
D)
The woman is the manager who is in green saree
Option 'b' is the correct synthesis because it uses the relative pronoun 'who' to join the two sentences seamlessly. 'Who' refers back to 'The woman' and introduces the defining relative clause 'who is in green saree', followed by the main predicate 'is the manager of the team'. Option 'a' is incorrect because it does not use a relative pronoun. Option 'c' is an incomplete sentence fragment. Option 'd' is grammatically awkward and alters the focus of the original sentences.
Fill in the blank with a suitable conjunction: 'I shall not pardon you ________ you confess.'
A)
because
B)
as soon as
C)
unless
D)
while
The correct conjunction is 'unless', which means 'except if'. The sentence 'I shall not pardon you unless you confess' logically means 'I will not pardon you if you do not confess.' Other options are incorrect because: 'because' indicates a reason, which would illogically mean the confession is the reason for not being pardoned; 'as soon as' and 'while' are time-related conjunctions that do not fit the conditional context of the sentence.
Convert the following sentence to a simple sentence: 'As he is dishonest, so nobody likes him.'
A)
Being dishonest, nobody likes him.
B)
Nobody likes him because he is dishonest.
C)
He is dishonest and not liked by anybody.
D)
He is dishonest. Nobody likes him.
To convert a complex sentence into a simple sentence, we must reduce one of the clauses to a phrase so that the resulting sentence contains only one finite verb (one independent clause).
1. **Why Option 'a' is correct:** 'Being dishonest, nobody likes him' uses a participle phrase ('Being dishonest') and contains only one finite verb ('likes'). This makes it a grammatically simple sentence.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Option 'b'** is a complex sentence because it contains a subordinate clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'because'.
- **Option 'c'** is a compound sentence because it connects two clauses using the coordinating conjunction 'and'.
- **Option 'd'** splits the statement into two separate sentences instead of combining them into a single simple sentence.
Identify the type of sentence: 'Finishing my paper, I gave it to the teacher.'
A)
Complex Sentence
B)
Compound sentence
C)
Simple sentence
D)
Adverbial sentence
The correct option is 'c' (Simple sentence). A simple sentence contains only one independent clause with a single finite verb. In the sentence 'Finishing my paper, I gave it to the teacher', the only finite verb is 'gave'. 'Finishing my paper' is a participial phrase (non-finite clause) that acts as an adjective modifying 'I', not a clause with a finite verb.
- Option 'a' (Complex Sentence) is incorrect because a complex sentence requires at least one independent clause and one dependent clause containing a finite verb (e.g., 'After I finished my paper, I gave it to the teacher').
- Option 'b' (Compound sentence) is incorrect because it requires two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (like 'and', 'but').
- Option 'd' (Adverbial sentence) is incorrect because 'adverbial sentence' is not a standard grammatical classification for sentence structures.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb: 'Have you ever _________ in public?'
A)
sing
B)
sang
C)
sung
D)
singed
The sentence is in the Present Perfect tense, indicated by 'Have you ever...'. This tense requires the auxiliary verb 'have' followed by the past participle form of the main verb. The principal parts of the verb 'sing' are: sing (present), sang (past), and sung (past participle). Therefore, 'sung' is the correct form. Option 'a' (sing) is the base form, option 'b' (sang) is the simple past form, and option 'd' (singed) is the past tense of the verb 'singe' (meaning to burn superficially), making them grammatically incorrect for this context.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb: 'I cannot forgive him because he has ________ me deeply.'
A)
hurted
B)
hurt
C)
hurts
D)
hurten
The sentence is in the present perfect tense, which is formed using 'has/have' + the past participle of the verb. The verb 'hurt' is an irregular verb whose base form, past simple, and past participle are all the same ('hurt'). Therefore, 'hurt' (option b) is the correct form. Option 'a' ('hurted') and option 'd' ('hurten') are incorrect because they are not valid English words. Option 'c' ('hurts') is the third-person singular present tense form and cannot follow the auxiliary verb 'has' in this structure.
Fill in the blank choosing the correct adjective or adverb: 'He works _______; that is why he succeeded.'
A)
hardly
B)
hardily
C)
hard
D)
hardfully
The correct option is 'c' ('hard'). In this sentence, we need an adverb to modify the verb 'works' to indicate putting in a lot of effort. 'Hard' functions as both an adjective and an adverb, meaning 'with great energy or exertion', which logically explains his success. In contrast, 'hardly' (option a) is an adverb meaning 'scarcely' or 'barely', which would contradict the outcome of success. 'Hardily' (option b) means boldly or robustly and is not used in this context. 'Hardfully' (option d) is grammatically incorrect and is not a valid English word.
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Espionage'
A)
an engagement to marry
B)
practice of spying or using spies
C)
a newly enlisted soldier
D)
a short sword fixed on the end of a fire-arm
The term 'Espionage' refers to the practice of spying or using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information. Therefore, option 'b' is the correct word-substitute.
- Option 'a' ('an engagement to marry') refers to 'betrothal'.
- Option 'c' ('a newly enlisted soldier') refers to a 'recruit'.
- Option 'd' ('a short sword fixed on the end of a fire-arm') refers to a 'bayonet'.
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Precedent'
A)
the ruler of a country
B)
one who abstains from intoxicating drinks
C)
an earlier event that can be regarded as a guide to subsequent similar events
D)
property inherited from one’s ancestors
The word 'Precedent' refers to an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances. Therefore, option 'c' is the correct definition. The other options are incorrect because: 'a' refers to a 'President' or ruler; 'b' refers to a 'Teetotaler' (one who abstains from alcohol); and 'd' refers to 'Patrimony' or inheritance.
Synthesise the sentences using 'not only…but also': 'She is beautiful. She is charming.'
A)
Not only she is beautiful but also charming.
B)
She is not only beautiful, but also charming.
C)
She is not beautiful, but also charming only.
D)
She is not only but also beautiful. She is charming.
The correlative conjunction 'not only... but also' is used to join two parallel grammatical elements—in this case, the adjectives 'beautiful' and 'charming'. The correct structure is: Subject + verb + 'not only' + Adjective 1 + 'but also' + Adjective 2. Option 'b' perfectly follows this rule ('She is not only beautiful, but also charming.'). Option 'a' is incorrect because starting a sentence with 'Not only' requires subject-verb inversion (e.g., 'Not only is she...'). Option 'c' alters the meaning and is grammatically incorrect. Option 'd' groups the conjunctions together incorrectly and fails to synthesize the sentences.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the word in bold: 'It was inevitable that they should part.'
A)
prophesied
B)
unavoidable
C)
impossible
D)
amazing
The word 'inevitable' means certain to happen and impossible to avoid or prevent. Therefore, 'unavoidable' is the nearest in meaning.
- 'prophesied' (a) means predicted or foretold, which does not necessarily mean it is bound to happen.
- 'impossible' (c) means something that cannot happen, which is the exact opposite of inevitable.
- 'amazing' (d) means causing great surprise or wonder, which is unrelated to the certainty of an event.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb: 'He was distressed by the _______ of his watch.'
A)
lost
B)
lose
C)
loose
D)
loss
The blank requires a noun because it is preceded by the definite article 'the' and followed by the prepositional phrase 'of his watch'. 'Loss' (option d) is the noun form of the verb 'lose' and correctly fits the context of the sentence. 'Lose' (option b) is a verb, 'lost' (option a) is the past tense/past participle verb form or an adjective, and 'loose' (option c) is an adjective meaning not tight.
Transform the following sentence to interrogative: 'Hurry up.'
A)
Did you hurry up?
B)
You are so slow.
C)
Can you please hurry up?
D)
Kindly hurry up.
The original sentence 'Hurry up.' is an imperative sentence expressing a request or command. To transform an imperative sentence into an interrogative sentence while preserving its pragmatic meaning (asking someone to do something), we use polite modal interrogative forms. 'Can you please hurry up?' (Option c) correctly transforms the command into a polite question. Option a ('Did you hurry up?') changes the tense to the past, altering the meaning. Option b ('You are so slow.') is an assertive sentence, and Option d ('Kindly hurry up.') is still an imperative sentence.
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'He is blind _______ the faults of his lover.'
A)
to
B)
with
C)
by
D)
on
The correct preposition is 'to'. The phrase 'blind to' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'unwilling or unable to perceive or acknowledge something' (such as faults, defects, or reality). Therefore, 'blind to the faults' is the correct usage. 'Blind with' is typically used for physical or emotional states (e.g., 'blind with rage'), 'blind by' is incorrect (though 'blinded by' is used in passive voice to show cause), and 'blind on' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the word in bold: 'He listened to my tearful story with great apathy.'
A)
sympathy
B)
indifference
C)
empathy
D)
amusement
The word 'apathy' means a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. 'Indifference' is the closest synonym as it also refers to a lack of interest, care, or sympathy. In contrast, 'sympathy' (a) and 'empathy' (c) represent feelings of understanding and sharing another person's sorrow, which are opposites of apathy. 'Amusement' (d) means finding something funny or entertaining, which does not match the meaning of having no feeling or concern.
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'The thief was beaten ______ a stick.'
A)
by
B)
with
C)
to
D)
on
The correct preposition is 'with' (option b). In English grammar, 'with' is used to indicate the instrument, tool, or object used to perform an action (e.g., 'beaten with a stick', 'written with a pen'). In contrast, 'by' (option a) is used to denote the agent or person performing the action (e.g., 'beaten by the police'). The prepositions 'to' (option c) and 'on' (option d) are grammatically incorrect here as they do not express instrumentality.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the word in bold: 'He was very conscious of the enemy’s approach.'
A)
aware
B)
oblivious
C)
suspicious
D)
ready
The word 'conscious' means having knowledge of something or being awake and aware of one's surroundings. In the given sentence, 'conscious of the enemy's approach' means he was 'aware' of it. Therefore, 'aware' is the nearest in meaning.
- 'oblivious' is the antonym, meaning completely unaware of one's surroundings.
- 'suspicious' means having a feeling of distrust, which does not directly mean being aware.
- 'ready' means prepared, which is a state of preparation that might follow being aware, but is not a synonym for conscious.