← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: 'Though he worked hard, he failed.'
A)
Preposition
B)
Conjunction
C)
Pronoun
D)
Adjective
In the sentence 'Though he worked hard, he failed', the word 'Though' acts as a subordinating conjunction. It connects the dependent clause ('Though he worked hard') to the independent clause ('he failed') to show contrast. Therefore, option (b) is correct. Option (a) is incorrect because a preposition typically precedes a noun or pronoun to show its relation to another word, whereas 'though' introduces a clause with a subject and a verb. Option (c) is incorrect because a pronoun replaces a noun, which 'though' does not do. Option (d) is incorrect because an adjective modifies a noun or pronoun, which is not the function of 'though' here.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'I cannot stand his tendency to beat about the bush.'
A)
to talk irrelevantly without coming to a point
B)
gardening
C)
to dig a grave
D)
to live in solitude
The idiom 'beat about the bush' (or 'beat around the bush') means to discuss a matter without coming to the point, or to speak in an evasive and roundabout way. Therefore, option 'a' is the correct meaning. The other options ('gardening', 'to dig a grave', and 'to live in solitude') are incorrect as they represent literal interpretations or completely unrelated concepts that do not match the figurative meaning of this common idiom.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'Tom managed to hold his own against the nationwide champions.'
A)
to uphold one’s heritage
B)
to keep up one’s position
C)
to safeguard oneself
D)
to be defeated
The idiom 'to hold one's own' means to maintain one's position, strength, or status against an opponent or in a challenging situation without being defeated. Therefore, 'to keep up one’s position' is the correct meaning. Option 'a' is incorrect because the idiom has nothing to do with heritage. Option 'c' is incorrect because 'safeguard' means to protect from harm, which does not capture the competitive sense of maintaining one's ground. Option 'd' is incorrect as it is the exact opposite of the idiom's meaning.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of the verb: 'Don’t disturb him while he _________ his homework.'
A)
does
B)
had done
C)
is doing
D)
will do
The correct option is 'c' (is doing). The sentence begins with an imperative command ('Don’t disturb him'), which implies that the action is happening at the present moment of speaking. The conjunction 'while' is used to denote an ongoing action in progress. Therefore, the present continuous tense ('is doing') is required. Option 'a' (does) is incorrect because the simple present tense is used for habitual actions, not ongoing ones. Option 'b' (had done) is in the past perfect tense, and Option 'd' (will do) is in the simple future tense, both of which are grammatically incorrect in this context.
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'Sweets were distributed __________ the children.'
A)
between
B)
with
C)
among
D)
alongwith
The correct preposition is 'among' (option c). 'Among' is used when distributing or sharing something within a group of more than two people (in this case, 'the children'). 'Between' (option a) is incorrect because it is typically used for distribution between only two people or distinct entities. 'With' (option b) and 'alongwith' (option d) are incorrect as they denote accompaniment or association, which does not fit the context of distribution.
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Simultaneous'
A)
to happen suddenly
B)
to copy someone’s work
C)
to happen at the same time
D)
to be indifferent to everything
The word 'Simultaneous' is defined as happening, existing, or done at the same time. Therefore, option (c) is the correct word-substitute.
- Option (a) 'to happen suddenly' describes something that is 'abrupt' or 'sudden'.
- Option (b) 'to copy someone’s work' refers to the act of 'plagiarism'.
- Option (d) 'to be indifferent to everything' describes being 'apathetic' or 'indifferent'.
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in bold: 'How dare she give herself airs when everyone knows that she is broke.'
A)
to travel
B)
to take a breath of fresh air
C)
to boast
D)
to break free from a harsh situation
The idiom 'to give oneself airs' means to behave in an arrogant, pretentious, or snobbish manner, acting as if one is superior to others or boasting about one's status. In the context of the sentence, she is acting superior or boasting despite being broke. Therefore, 'to boast' is the correct meaning. The other options are incorrect: 'to travel' (a) and 'to break free from a harsh situation' (d) are unrelated to the idiom, while 'to take a breath of fresh air' (b) is a literal misinterpretation of the word 'airs'.
Identify the notion expressed by the sentence: 'Can anyone be this stupid?'
A)
Interrogative
B)
Assertive
C)
Imperative
D)
Exclamatory
The sentence 'Can anyone be this stupid?' is a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is not asked to get an answer, but to make a strong point or statement. The underlying notion or meaning of this sentence is 'No one can be this stupid,' which is an assertive (declarative) statement. Therefore, the notion expressed is 'Assertive'.
- 'Interrogative' (Option a) is incorrect because while the sentence is grammatically in the form of a question, its functional notion is not to seek information.
- 'Imperative' (Option c) is incorrect because the sentence does not express a command, request, or advice.
- 'Exclamatory' (Option d) is incorrect because it does not directly express a sudden burst of emotion in the standard exclamatory structure (e.g., 'How stupid he is!').
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Incorrigible'
A)
that which cannot be defeated
B)
that which cannot be corrupted
C)
that which cannot be measured
D)
that which cannot be corrected
The word 'Incorrigible' is used to describe a person or their behavior that is bad and cannot be changed, reformed, or corrected. Therefore, 'that which cannot be corrected' is the correct word-substitute.
- Option 'a' (that which cannot be defeated) is the definition of 'Invincible'.
- Option 'b' (that which cannot be corrupted) is the definition of 'Incorruptible'.
- Option 'c' (that which cannot be measured) is the definition of 'Immeasurable'.
Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: 'I shall return within a week.'
A)
Conjunction
B)
Preposition
C)
Adjective
D)
Adverb
In the sentence 'I shall return within a week', the word 'within' is a preposition. 1. **Why 'Preposition' is correct:** A preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show its relation to some other word in the sentence. Here, 'within' is placed before the noun phrase 'a week' to indicate a limit of time. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** 'Conjunction' (a) is incorrect because it does not connect two clauses or sentences. 'Adjective' (c) is incorrect because it does not describe or modify a noun directly. 'Adverb' (d) is incorrect because, although 'within' can function as an adverb in other contexts (e.g., 'the light comes from within'), here it is followed by its object ('a week'), which makes it function as a preposition.
Choose the appropriate preposition: 'He is a disgrace _____ his family.'
A)
upon
B)
to
C)
by
D)
at
The noun 'disgrace' is idiomatically followed by the preposition 'to' when referring to the person, group, or entity that suffers the shame or dishonor. Therefore, 'a disgrace to his family' is the correct expression. The other options ('at', 'by', and 'upon') are incorrect because they do not form standard idiomatic collocations with the noun 'disgrace' in this context. While 'upon' can be used in the verb phrase 'to bring disgrace upon someone', it is incorrect here.
Choose the correct word-substitute for: 'Utopia'
A)
an imagined place where everything is perfect
B)
a practice that has gone out of style
C)
inability to think logically
D)
an intoxicated state
The word 'Utopia' refers to an imagined place, state, or society in which everything is perfect, ideal, or social-harmony is achieved. Therefore, option 'a' is the correct word-substitute. Option 'b' describes something that is 'obsolete' or 'outdated'. Option 'c' refers to 'irrationality' or 'cognitive impairment'. Option 'd' refers to 'inebriation' or 'intoxication'.
Transform the following sentence to interrogative: 'Every rose has its thorn.'
A)
Does every rose have its thorn?
B)
Does a thorn has every rose?
C)
Had every rose have its thorn?
D)
Is every thorn had by a rose?
To transform an assertive sentence in the simple present tense into an interrogative sentence, we use the auxiliary verb 'do' or 'does'. Since the subject 'Every rose' is singular, we use 'Does' at the beginning of the sentence, and the main verb 'has' changes to its base form 'have'. This gives us: 'Does every rose have its thorn?', making option 'a' correct.
- Option 'b' is incorrect because it changes the meaning of the sentence and incorrectly uses 'has' after 'does'.
- Option 'c' is incorrect because 'Had' changes the tense to past, and the construction 'Had... have' is grammatically incorrect here.
- Option 'd' is incorrect because it unnecessarily converts the sentence into the passive voice, which is not the standard way to form a direct interrogative from the active voice.
Change the following to a Simple sentence: You should finish your work. Then you can go home.
A)
You should finish your work and go home.
B)
After finishing your work, you can go home.
C)
You can go home if you finish your work.
D)
You should finish your work and only then, you can go home.
A simple sentence contains only one independent clause with a single finite verb.
1. **Why Option B is correct:** 'After finishing your work, you can go home' contains only one independent clause ('you can go home') with one finite verb ('can go'). 'After finishing your work' is a prepositional phrase containing a non-finite verb (the gerund 'finishing'). This perfectly converts the two original sentences into a single simple sentence while retaining the sequential meaning ('then').
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Option A** uses the coordinating conjunction 'and' to join two verb phrases, which is less precise in maintaining the sequential relationship ('then') and is often classified as a compound predicate.
- **Option C** is a complex sentence because it contains a subordinate clause ('if you finish your work') introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'if'.
- **Option D** is a compound sentence because it connects two independent clauses using the coordinating conjunction 'and'.
Change the following to a Complex sentence: She is an heiress. Everyone knows that.
A)
Everyone knows that she is an heiress.
B)
She is an heiress and everyone knows that.
C)
She is an heiress, yet everyone knows that.
D)
That she is an heiress is known to us.
A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. In option (a), 'Everyone knows' is the independent clause, and 'that she is an heiress' is a dependent noun clause acting as the direct object of the verb 'knows'. This successfully combines the two sentences into a complex sentence while preserving the original meaning. Options (b) and (c) are compound sentences because they use coordinating conjunctions ('and', 'yet') to connect two independent clauses. Option (d) alters the original meaning by introducing 'to us', which is not present in the source sentences.
Change the following to a Simple sentence: It is very spicy. I cannot eat it.
A)
It is too spicy to be eaten.
B)
It is very spicy, so I cannot eat it.
C)
Since it is very spicy, I cannot eat it.
D)
It is very spicy yet I cannot eat it.
A simple sentence contains only one independent clause with a single finite verb. Option 'a' ('It is too spicy to be eaten.') is a simple sentence because it contains only one finite verb ('is') and uses the non-finite infinitive phrase 'to be eaten' to combine the ideas. In contrast, Option 'b' and Option 'd' are compound sentences containing two independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions ('so' and 'yet' respectively). Option 'c' is a complex sentence containing a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'since'.
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb or adjective: The Director said that he was ________ happy with our project.
A)
too
B)
so
C)
much
D)
very
1. **Why 'very' is correct**: 'Very' is an adverb of degree used to modify positive degree adjectives (like 'happy') to emphasize a high degree of a quality in a standard, positive statement.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **'too' (a)** implies excessiveness with a negative connotation (e.g., 'too difficult'), which does not fit the positive context of the Director's approval.
- **'so' (b)** is typically used in 'so... that' structures to express a consequence (e.g., 'so happy that he gave us a bonus') or in informal exclamations.
- **'much' (c)** is used to modify comparative adjectives (e.g., 'much happier') or past participles, but cannot directly modify positive degree adjectives like 'happy'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: Right now, the contractor ________ a house next to mine.
A)
has built
B)
builds
C)
is building
D)
had builed
The correct option is 'c' because the phrase 'Right now' indicates an action that is currently in progress at the moment of speaking, which requires the Present Continuous tense ('is/are + verb-ing'). Since 'the contractor' is a singular subject, 'is building' is the correct form. Option 'a' (has built) is in the Present Perfect tense, used for completed actions. Option 'b' (builds) is in the Simple Present tense, used for habitual actions or general truths. Option 'd' (had builed) is grammatically incorrect because 'builed' is not a valid English word (the past participle of 'build' is 'built') and Past Perfect is incorrect for a present action.
Choose the correct antonym of the underlined word: He is handsome but his apathy towards poor people makes him ugly.
A)
passion
B)
sympathy
C)
mistreatment
D)
cruelty
1. **Why the correct option is correct**: 'Apathy' means a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern (indifference). In the context of attitude towards poor people, the opposite of indifference is showing care, pity, or sorrow for their misfortunes, which is defined as 'sympathy'. Therefore, 'sympathy' is the most appropriate antonym.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **passion** (Option a) means strong, barely controllable emotion or intense enthusiasm. While it is a general antonym of apathy, it is less contextually appropriate than 'sympathy' when referring to one's attitude towards the poor.
- **mistreatment** (Option c) means treating someone badly or abusively, which is not an antonym of apathy.
- **cruelty** (Option d) means behavior that causes physical or mental pain to others, which is a negative trait and not the antonym of apathy.
Synthesize the following sentences using a Participial phrase: The class was over. The students left the classroom.
A)
The class having been over, the students left the classroom.
B)
The class was over and the students left the classroom.
C)
Since the class was over, the students left the classroom.
D)
The students left the classroom as the class was over.
To synthesize the sentences using a participial phrase, we must use a participle (a verb form acting as an adjective or adverb). Option 'a' correctly uses the perfect participle 'having been' in a nominative absolute construction ('The class having been over') to connect the two clauses. In contrast, option 'b' uses the coordinating conjunction 'and' to form a compound sentence, while options 'c' and 'd' use subordinating conjunctions ('since' and 'as') to form complex sentences, none of which utilize a participial phrase.
Choose the correct synonym of the underlined word: John was a candid person whom I liked tremendously.
A)
humorous
B)
sarcastic
C)
beautiful
D)
frank
The word 'candid' means truthful, straightforward, and sincere. Therefore, 'frank' is its correct synonym as it also means open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.
- 'humorous' (option a) means funny or amusing, which is unrelated to being candid.
- 'sarcastic' (option b) means using irony to mock or convey contempt, which is often the opposite of sincere honesty.
- 'beautiful' (option c) refers to aesthetic appeal, which does not match the meaning of candid.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: My efforts to marry her eventually ended in smoke.
A)
to have a happy ending
B)
still undecided
C)
to come to nothing
D)
leading to enmity
Based on established principles in English Language, the correct and most appropriate choice is 'to come to nothing' (Option C).
Identify the Part of Speech of the underlined word: Work hard else you will fail.
A)
Preposition
B)
Conjunction
C)
Adverb
D)
Interjection
In the sentence 'Work hard else you will fail', the word 'else' acts as a Conjunction because it connects two independent clauses: 'Work hard' and 'you will fail' (meaning 'otherwise' or 'or else').
- **Preposition (a)** is incorrect because 'else' does not introduce a noun phrase or show spatial/temporal relationships here.
- **Adverb (c)** is incorrect because, although 'else' can function as an adverb in other contexts (e.g., 'someone else'), here its primary function is to link two clauses.
- **Interjection (d)** is incorrect because it does not express sudden emotion or exclamation.
Analyse the following by picking out the main clause: She failed because she did not work.
A)
She failed
B)
because she did not work
C)
she did not work
D)
because
In the sentence 'She failed because she did not work', the main clause (or independent clause) is 'She failed'. A main clause contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. Option 'b' ('because she did not work') is a subordinate (dependent) clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'because', meaning it cannot stand alone. Option 'c' ('she did not work') is the clause within the subordinate clause, and option 'd' ('because') is simply a conjunction.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: I ________ for you since 4:00 pm.
A)
waited
B)
was waiting
C)
will have been waiting
D)
have been waiting
The correct option is 'd' (have been waiting). The preposition 'since' followed by a specific point in time ('4:00 pm') indicates an action that started in the past and is still continuing up to the present moment. This requires the Present Perfect Continuous tense ('has/have been + verb-ing'). Option 'a' (waited) is in the Simple Past tense, which is used for completed past actions. Option 'b' (was waiting) is in the Past Continuous tense, which describes an action in progress at a specific moment in the past. Option 'c' (will have been waiting) is in the Future Perfect Continuous tense, which is incorrect here as there is no future reference point.