← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'He would have been a poor man if not for his better-half.'
A)
twin
B)
wife
C)
strength of character
D)
faith in God
The idiom 'better-half' is a common colloquial expression used to refer to a person's spouse, most frequently a wife. Therefore, option 'b' is the correct meaning. The other options are incorrect because 'twin' (option a) refers to a sibling born at the same birth, while 'strength of character' (option c) and 'faith in God' (option d) refer to personal qualities or beliefs rather than a marital partner.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: 'A large crowd had gathered to watch the show.'
A)
Noun
B)
Pronoun
C)
Adverb
D)
Adjective
In the sentence 'A large crowd had gathered to watch the show', the underlined word 'crowd' is a Noun (specifically, a collective noun) because it represents a collection or group of people.
- **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Pronoun (Option b):** A pronoun replaces a noun (e.g., 'they', 'it'), whereas 'crowd' is the actual naming word.
- **Adverb (Option c):** An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., 'quickly', 'very'), which does not apply to 'crowd'.
- **Adjective (Option d):** An adjective describes a noun (like 'large' describes 'crowd'), whereas 'crowd' is the noun being described.
Identify the type of sentence: 'I have sold my cow which was black in colour.'
A)
Simple sentence
B)
Adjectival clause
C)
Complex Sentence
D)
Adverbial clause
The sentence 'I have sold my cow which was black in colour' is a Complex Sentence because it consists of one independent clause ('I have sold my cow') and one dependent/subordinate clause ('which was black in colour'). Option 'a' is incorrect because a simple sentence contains only one independent clause. Options 'b' and 'd' are incorrect because they describe types of clauses, whereas the question asks to identify the type of sentence.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'He is in hot water after lying to the police.'
A)
to take a bath
B)
to recover peacefully
C)
to be in trouble
D)
to live one’s best life
The idiom 'in hot water' means to be in trouble or facing serious difficulties/criticism, typically as a result of one's own actions or misconduct (such as lying to the police). Therefore, option 'c' is the correct meaning. Option 'a' is incorrect as it is a literal interpretation of the words. Options 'b' and 'd' are incorrect because they represent positive or peaceful states, which are opposite to the stressful nature of being in trouble.
Fill in the blank with a suitable conjunction: 'He tried his best ______ could not succeed.'
A)
yet
B)
hence
C)
but
D)
still
The correct conjunction is 'but' (option c). 'But' is a coordinating conjunction used to join two contrasting ideas: 'trying his best' (positive effort) and 'could not succeed' (negative outcome). While 'yet' and 'still' can also express contrast, 'but' is the most natural and grammatically standard choice for this sentence structure. 'Hence' is incorrect because it indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, which does not fit the contrasting nature of the sentence.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: 'I must finish this work tonight.'
A)
Adverb
B)
Pronoun
C)
Verb
D)
Preposition
In the sentence 'I must finish this work tonight', the underlined word is 'must' (or 'finish'), which functions as a verb. Specifically, 'must' is a modal auxiliary verb used to express necessity or obligation, and 'finish' is the main verb. Therefore, the correct part of speech is 'Verb'.
- **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Pronoun (b):** Pronouns are words that replace nouns (e.g., 'I' is a pronoun in this sentence, but it is not the underlined word).
- **Preposition (d):** Prepositions show spatial, temporal, or logical relationships between nouns and other words (there are no prepositions in this sentence).
- **Adverb (a):** Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., 'tonight' is an adverb of time, but it is not the underlined word).
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the word in bold: 'She had become reclusive after her husband’s death.'
A)
festive
B)
poor
C)
ill
D)
avoiding society
The word 'reclusive' means avoiding the company of other people or living in isolation. Therefore, 'avoiding society' (option d) is the correct synonym. Let's look at the other options: 'festive' (option a) means cheerful and celebratory, which is unrelated; 'poor' (option b) refers to a lack of wealth; and 'ill' (option c) means being in poor health.
Identify the type of sentence: 'That he cannot stand.'
A)
Simple sentence
B)
Adverbial clause
C)
Noun clause
D)
Complex sentence
The sentence 'That he cannot stand.' is a simple sentence. It is an inverted form of 'He cannot stand that', where 'that' is a demonstrative pronoun acting as the direct object of the verb 'stand', 'he' is the subject, and 'cannot stand' is the verb phrase. Since it contains only one independent clause with a single subject and predicate, it is a simple sentence. Options 'b' and 'c' are incorrect because they refer to types of dependent clauses, not types of sentences. Option 'd' is incorrect because a complex sentence requires at least one independent clause and one dependent clause, which is not the case here.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'After a long illness, he has drawn near to death.'
A)
to withdraw
B)
to approach
C)
to recover
D)
to take out a weapon
The idiom 'draw near' means to approach or come close in distance, time, or state. In the sentence 'he has drawn near to death', it signifies that he is approaching or getting closer to death due to his illness. Therefore, option 'b' is correct. Option 'a' ('to withdraw') is the opposite of approaching. Option 'c' ('to recover') is incorrect as approaching death indicates worsening health, not recovery. Option 'd' ('to take out a weapon') is a literal misinterpretation of the verb 'draw' (as in drawing a sword) and is irrelevant to this context.
Transform the following sentence to assertive: 'Have you done your homework?'
A)
Alas! Your homework has not been done.
B)
May your homework be done!
C)
You have done your homework.
D)
Has your homework been done by you?
To transform an interrogative sentence into an assertive (declarative) sentence, we change the word order from verb-subject ('Have you...') to subject-verb ('You have...'). Option 'c' ('You have done your homework.') correctly makes a statement, which is the defining characteristic of an assertive sentence. Option 'a' is an exclamatory sentence expressing regret ('Alas!'). Option 'b' is an optative sentence expressing a wish ('May...'). Option 'd' remains an interrogative sentence, simply converted into the passive voice.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: 'The money was divided among the thieves.'
A)
Adjective
B)
Adverb
C)
Verb
D)
Preposition
The word 'among' is a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition, here 'the thieves') and other words in a sentence. In this sentence, 'among' indicates the distribution of the money.
- Verb (Option c) is incorrect because verbs express actions or states of being (e.g., 'was divided').
- Adverb (Option b) is incorrect because adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, typically answering questions like how, when, or where.
- Adjective (Option a) is incorrect because adjectives modify or describe nouns (e.g., 'The').
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'India and Pakistan are at daggers drawn.'
A)
close neighbours
B)
having similar backgrounds
C)
a truce
D)
bitter enemies
The idiom 'at daggers drawn' means to be in a state of extreme hostility, tension, or on the verge of a fight. Therefore, 'bitter enemies' is the correct meaning. Option 'a' (close neighbours) is incorrect because, although geographically true, it does not capture the hostile meaning of the idiom. Option 'b' (having similar backgrounds) is incorrect as the idiom denotes conflict rather than shared history. Option 'c' (a truce) is incorrect because a truce represents a temporary peace, which is the opposite of being hostile or ready to fight.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the word in bold: 'After being bitten by a radioactive spider, he had become almost invincible.'
A)
invisible
B)
near death
C)
undefeatable
D)
undetectable
The word 'invincible' means too powerful to be defeated or overcome. Therefore, 'undefeatable' (option c) is the nearest synonym. The other options are incorrect because: 'invisible' (option a) means unable to be seen; 'near death' (option b) means close to dying; and 'undetectable' (option d) means impossible to detect or discover.
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'I was born ______ Thursday, 12th March.'
A)
at
B)
in
C)
by
D)
on
The correct preposition is 'on'. We use 'on' before specific days of the week (e.g., Thursday) and specific dates (e.g., 12th March). 'at' is incorrect because it is used for specific times of the day (e.g., at 5 PM). 'in' is incorrect because it is used for months, years, or seasons (e.g., in March, in 1990). 'by' is incorrect as it indicates a deadline or limit of time (e.g., by Thursday).
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: 'There are a few boys inside the classroom.'
A)
Noun
B)
Adverb
C)
Adjective
D)
Pronoun
In this standard exam question, the underlined word is 'few'.
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** In the sentence 'There are a few boys inside the classroom', the word 'few' directly modifies the noun 'boys' by describing its quantity. Therefore, it functions as an **Adjective** (specifically, a determiner or adjective of quantity).
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Noun (a):** 'few' is not a person, place, thing, or idea in this context; 'boys' and 'classroom' are the nouns.
- **Adverb (b):** 'few' does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
- **Pronoun (d):** While 'few' can act as a pronoun when standing alone (e.g., 'Few were invited'), here it is followed immediately by the noun 'boys' which it modifies, making it an adjective.
Identify the notion expressed by the sentence: 'Fetch me my slippers at once.'
A)
Optative
B)
Assertive
C)
Exclamatory
D)
Imperative
The sentence 'Fetch me my slippers at once.' expresses a direct command or order. Sentences that convey commands, requests, invitations, or instructions are classified as Imperative sentences. Therefore, option 'd' is correct. Option 'a' (Optative) is incorrect because optative sentences express a wish or prayer. Option 'b' (Assertive) is incorrect because assertive sentences make simple statements or declarations of facts. Option 'c' (Exclamatory) is incorrect because exclamatory sentences express strong, sudden emotions and typically end with an exclamation mark.
Convert the following sentences to a complex sentence: 'My common sense led me to believe it. He was cheating me.'
A)
My common sense led me to believe that he was cheating me.
B)
That he was cheating me was led by my common sense to believe it.
C)
My common sense led me to believe he was cheating me.
D)
He was cheating me since my common sense led me to believe it.
1. **Why Option 'a' is correct**: A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Option 'a' correctly combines the two simple sentences by replacing the pronoun 'it' with a noun clause ('that he was cheating me') introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'that'. This clause acts as the direct object of the verb 'believe', maintaining the exact meaning and proper grammatical structure.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Option 'b'** is grammatically incorrect, highly awkward, and distorts the original meaning through faulty passive voice construction.
- **Option 'c'** omits the conjunction 'that'. While acceptable in informal spoken English, formal grammar exams prefer the explicit inclusion of 'that' to clearly mark the dependent noun clause.
- **Option 'd'** uses the conjunction 'since' (meaning 'because'), which incorrectly reverses the cause-and-effect relationship and alters the original meaning of the sentences.
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Philanderer'
A)
a man who pursues many women
B)
one who contributes generously for a cause
C)
an investigator
D)
one who copies the writings of other people
The correct word-substitute for 'Philanderer' is 'a man who pursues many women' (Option a). A philanderer is defined as a man who frequently enters into casual sexual relationships with women without intending to marry them.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- Option 'b' ('one who contributes generously for a cause') refers to a 'Philanthropist'.
- Option 'c' ('an investigator') refers to a 'Detective' or 'Investigator'.
- Option 'd' ('one who copies the writings of other people') refers to a 'Plagiarist'.
Identify the notion expressed by the sentence: 'Please take me with you.'
A)
Imperative
B)
Affirmative
C)
Assertive
D)
Interrogative
The sentence 'Please take me with you' expresses a polite request. In English grammar, sentences that express requests, commands, advice, or entreaties are classified as Imperative sentences. Therefore, option 'a' is correct. Option 'c' (Assertive) and option 'b' (Affirmative) are incorrect because they are used to make statements or declare facts. Option 'd' (Interrogative) is incorrect because it is used to ask questions.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'We have learnt to do without luxury items.'
A)
to be successful
B)
to destroy
C)
to live without something
D)
to depend on
The idiom 'do without' means to manage, survive, or live without having something. In the given sentence, 'We have learnt to do without luxury items' means we have learned to live without them, making option 'c' the correct choice. Option 'd' ('to depend on') is incorrect as it means the opposite (to rely on something). Options 'a' ('to be successful') and 'b' ('to destroy') are completely unrelated to the meaning of 'do without'.
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'I have been working _______ five hours.'
A)
for
B)
upto
C)
since
D)
until
1. **Why 'for' is correct**: The preposition 'for' is used to denote a period of time or duration (e.g., 'five hours', 'two weeks', 'ten years'). In the present perfect continuous tense ('have been working'), 'for' is the correct choice to indicate the length of time the action has been ongoing.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **'since'** is incorrect because it is used to indicate a specific starting point in time (e.g., 'since 9 AM', 'since Monday'), not a duration.
- **'upto'** and **'until'** are incorrect because they refer to a terminal point or limit in time, which does not grammatically fit the structure of expressing the duration of an action continuing up to the present.
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Oblivious'
A)
after one’s death
B)
inability to pay off one’s debts
C)
to be unaware of what is happening around one
D)
to recover from an illness
The word 'Oblivious' means not aware of or concerned about what is happening around oneself. Therefore, option 'c' is the correct word-substitute.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- Option 'a' ('after one’s death') refers to 'Posthumous'.
- Option 'b' ('inability to pay off one’s debts') refers to 'Insolvent' or 'Bankrupt'.
- Option 'd' ('to recover from an illness') refers to 'Convalesce'.
Synthesise the sentences using an infinitive: 'It is very cold. One cannot take a bath.'
A)
One cannot take a bath since it is very cold.
B)
It is very cold as I cannot take a bath.
C)
It is too cold to take a bath.
D)
Owing to the cold, one cannot take a bath.
To synthesise the given sentences using an infinitive, we use the 'too + adjective + to-infinitive' structure. 'It is too cold to take a bath' correctly uses the infinitive 'to take' to combine the two sentences while retaining the original meaning. Options 'a' and 'b' use conjunctions ('since' and 'as') instead of an infinitive, and option 'd' uses the prepositional phrase 'Owing to' instead of an infinitive.
Synthesise the sentences using 'though': 'He failed. He worked hard.'
A)
Though he failed, he worked hard.
B)
he worked hard though he failed.
C)
He failed to work hard though.
D)
He failed though he worked hard.
The correct option is 'd'. 'Though' is a subordinating conjunction used to express contrast or concession, meaning 'despite the fact that'. The logical relationship between the two sentences is that he failed despite his hard work. Therefore, 'He failed though he worked hard' is the correct synthesis. Options 'a' and 'b' reverse this logic, implying that he worked hard despite failing. Option 'c' changes the meaning entirely, suggesting that he did not work hard.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb: 'The thief ________ a rare stamp from the collector.'
A)
steal
B)
have stolen
C)
had stolen
D)
steals
1. **Why 'c' is correct:** 'had stolen' is in the past perfect tense. Since a theft is a completed event in the past and the simple past tense ('stole') is not provided as an option, 'had stolen' is the most appropriate and grammatically correct choice to describe this completed action.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **(a) 'steal'** is incorrect because it is a plural/base verb form and does not agree with the singular subject 'The thief'.
- **(b) 'have stolen'** is incorrect because the auxiliary verb 'have' is plural, whereas the singular subject 'The thief' requires 'has'.
- **(d) 'steals'** is in the simple present tense, which is semantically unsuitable because a specific theft is a completed past event rather than a habitual action or general truth.