← Group B (Gazetted)
Past Questions
Identify the Part of Speech of the underlined word: I ran after the thief, but was unable to catch him.
A)
Preposition
B)
Conjunction
C)
Adjective
D)
Verb
In the given sentence, the underlined word is 'after'. Here, 'after' is a Preposition because it is placed before the noun phrase 'the thief' to show the relationship (direction/target) between the verb 'ran' and the noun 'thief'.
- Option B (Conjunction) is incorrect because 'but' is the conjunction in this sentence, not 'after'.
- Option C (Adjective) is incorrect because 'after' does not modify any noun in this context.
- Option D (Verb) is incorrect because 'after' does not denote an action or state; 'ran' and 'was' are the verbs.
Analyse the following by picking out the Main clause: I will do it since you want me to do it.
A)
I will do it
B)
since
C)
since you want me to do it
D)
to do it
A main (or independent) clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought, meaning it can stand alone as a sentence. In the given sentence, 'I will do it' is the main clause because it makes complete sense on its own. Option 'c' ('since you want me to do it') is a subordinate (dependent) clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'since' (option 'b'), and it cannot stand alone. Option 'd' ('to do it') is merely an infinitive phrase, not a clause.
Analyse the following by picking out the adverbial clause: Wait here till I come back
A)
Wait here
B)
till i
C)
come back
D)
till I come back
An adverbial clause is a dependent clause that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb in the main clause. In the sentence 'Wait here till I come back', the clause 'till I come back' is an adverbial clause of time because it modifies the main verb 'Wait' by indicating when the action should happen. Option 'a' ('Wait here') is the main independent clause. Option 'b' ('till i') is an incomplete fragment. Option 'c' ('come back') is only a verb phrase within the dependent clause, lacking the subordinating conjunction and subject.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: Peter liked to hold his cards close to his chest when dealing with people.
A)
secretive
B)
effeminate
C)
talk too much
D)
touch people needlessly
The idiom 'to hold one's cards close to one's chest' (derived from card games like poker where players hide their cards from opponents) means to be extremely secretive, cautious, or reluctant to reveal one's plans, intentions, or thoughts. Therefore, 'secretive' (option a) is the correct meaning. Option b ('effeminate') means having feminine qualities and is unrelated. Option c ('talk too much') is the opposite of keeping things to oneself. Option d ('touch people needlessly') is an incorrect, literal interpretation of the phrase.
Identify the Part of Speech of the underlined word: I long to see your face again.
A)
Verb
B)
Noun
C)
Adverb
D)
Adjective
In the sentence 'I long to see your face again', the word 'long' is a Verb. It functions as the main verb of the sentence, meaning 'to have an earnest or strong desire'. It follows the subject pronoun 'I' and takes the infinitive 'to see' as its complement. It is not a Noun (b) because it does not represent a person, place, or thing here. It is not an Adverb (c) or an Adjective (d) because it is not modifying a verb, adjective, or noun in this context.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: My father was a close-fisted man.
A)
violent
B)
kind
C)
silent
D)
miserly
The idiom 'close-fisted' means unwilling to spend money, stingy, or cheap. Therefore, 'miserly' (option d) is the correct meaning. Option 'a' (violent) is incorrect because the idiom does not refer to physical aggression or fighting with fists. Option 'b' (kind) is incorrect as it represents a positive trait, whereas being close-fisted is generally viewed negatively. Option 'c' (silent) is incorrect because it refers to quietness, which is unrelated to financial stinginess.
Synthesize the following sentences using a Participle: The baby cried for milk. It crawled to its mother.
A)
The baby cried for milk and crawled to its mother.
B)
Crying for milk, the baby crawled to its mother.
C)
The baby cried for milk to crawl to its mother.
D)
The baby cried and crawled to its mother.
To synthesize sentences using a participle, one of the finite verbs must be converted into a participle (a verb form ending in -ing, -ed, etc., acting as an adjective or adverb).
1. **Option 'b' is correct** because it converts the finite verb 'cried' into the present participle 'Crying' ('Crying for milk...'), successfully combining the two sentences into a single coherent sentence with a participle clause.
2. **Option 'a' and 'd' are incorrect** because they use the coordinating conjunction 'and' to join the clauses/verbs, which does not use a participle.
3. **Option 'c' is incorrect** because it uses an infinitive ('to crawl') instead of a participle, and it also changes the logical meaning of the original sentences.
Choose the correct synonym of the underlined word: He was a peculiar man whom I met while travelling to Delhi.
A)
unusual
B)
normal
C)
careful
D)
intelligent
The word 'peculiar' means strange, odd, or different from what is normal or expected. Therefore, 'unusual' (option a) is the correct synonym.
- 'normal' (option b) is an antonym of peculiar, meaning ordinary or conforming to a standard.
- 'careful' (option c) means cautious or avoiding mistakes, which is unrelated.
- 'intelligent' (option d) means smart or having high mental capacity, which is also unrelated.
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb or adjective: My scooter can only go ________.
A)
foreword
B)
forwardly
C)
forward
D)
forwarded
The correct option is 'c' (forward). Here is the breakdown:
1. **Why 'forward' is correct**: 'Forward' is an adverb of direction meaning 'towards the front' or 'onward'. It correctly modifies the verb 'go' to describe the direction the scooter can travel.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **'foreword' (a)** is a noun meaning an introductory section or preface of a book.
- **'forwardly' (b)** is a non-standard or obsolete adverb; 'forward' itself is already the correct adverbial form.
- **'forwarded' (d)** is the past tense or past participle form of the verb 'forward' (meaning to send on), which does not fit grammatically after 'go'.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition or conjunction: I will not help you ________ you try your best as well.
A)
lest
B)
if
C)
unless
D)
as long as
The correct conjunction to complete the sentence is 'unless'. 'Unless' means 'except if' or 'if... not'. In this context, the sentence means 'I will not help you if you do not try your best as well,' which is grammatically correct and logically sound. 'If' and 'as long as' are incorrect because they would reverse the logical meaning, implying that the speaker will refuse to help *because* the listener is trying their best. 'Lest' means 'for fear that' or 'in case', which does not fit the conditional requirement of the sentence.
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb or adjective: She worked ________ so that she could be financially stable.
A)
hardly
B)
hardily
C)
hard
D)
hardsomely
The correct option is 'c' (hard). In this context, 'hard' is used as an adverb meaning 'with a great deal of effort or energy,' which correctly modifies the verb 'worked' to show her dedication to becoming financially stable. Option 'a' (hardly) is incorrect because it means 'scarcely' or 'barely,' which would contradict the goal of achieving financial stability. Option 'b' (hardily) means in a robust or bold manner, which does not fit the context. Option 'd' (hardsomely) is not a valid English word.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: He attacked me without rhyme or reason.
A)
with full might
B)
in a half-hearted manner
C)
with great anger
D)
without a cause
The idiom 'without rhyme or reason' means lacking any logic, common sense, or clear justification. Therefore, 'without a cause' is the correct meaning. Option 'a' (with full might) refers to using all of one's strength. Option 'b' (in a half-hearted manner) means doing something without enthusiasm. Option 'c' (with great anger) describes an emotional state of rage. None of these options capture the meaning of lacking logical sense or purpose.
Synthesize the following sentences by removing ‘too’: Her voice was too loud. I cannot enjoy her singing.
A)
Her voice was loud that I cannot enjoy her singing.
B)
Her voice was so loud that I cannot enjoy her singing.
C)
Her voice, being loud, I cannot enjoy her singing.
D)
I cannot enjoy her singing as her voice was too loud.
To synthesize sentences by removing 'too' while maintaining the original meaning, the standard grammatical transformation is to use the 'so... that' structure.
1. **Why Option B is correct**: It correctly replaces 'too' with 'so... that' ('Her voice was so loud that...'), which perfectly connects the cause (loud voice) and the effect (cannot enjoy her singing) in a grammatically correct manner.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **Option a** is grammatically incorrect because it omits 'so' before 'loud', making the 'that' clause incomplete.
- **Option c** is structurally awkward and grammatically incorrect (dangling modifier/comma splice).
- **Option d** fails to follow the instruction because it still contains the word 'too'.
Analyse the following by picking out the Noun clause: Where she went is not known to me
A)
Where she went
B)
it is not known to me
C)
is not known
D)
to me
In the sentence 'Where she went is not known to me', the clause 'Where she went' acts as the subject of the verb 'is'. Since it performs the function of a noun (acting as the subject), it is a noun clause. Option 'c' ('is not known') is the verb phrase/predicate of the sentence, option 'd' ('to me') is a prepositional phrase, and option 'b' is an incorrect restatement of the sentence rather than a clause within it.
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb or adjective: There is ________ food for all of us.
A)
amplify
B)
ample
C)
amplitude
D)
amply
The blank requires an adjective to modify the noun 'food'. 'Ample' is an adjective meaning 'enough or more than enough; plentiful', making it the grammatically correct choice. 'Amplify' is a verb (to increase strength or volume), 'amplitude' is a noun (breadth or range), and 'amply' is an adverb (in a plentiful manner), none of which can directly modify the noun 'food' in this context.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: Death is an ________ part of human existence.
A)
inedible
B)
indelible
C)
inevitable
D)
ineligible
The correct answer is 'c' (inevitable). 'Inevitable' means certain to happen and unavoidable, which perfectly fits the context of death being a certain part of human life. Let's look at why the other options are incorrect: Option 'a' (inedible) means not fit to be eaten, which is irrelevant here. Option 'b' (indelible) means making marks that cannot be removed or forgotten (e.g., indelible ink/memories), which does not fit the sentence. Option 'd' (ineligible) means not qualified or permitted to do or receive something, which is contextually incorrect.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: He searched high and low for his dog.
A)
everywhere
B)
dangerous places
C)
enlisting help
D)
performing a task lazily
The idiom 'high and low' means to search everywhere or in all possible places (both high up and down low). Therefore, option 'a' is the correct meaning. Option 'b' (dangerous places) is incorrect because the idiom refers to spatial coverage, not safety. Option 'c' (enlisting help) is incorrect as it refers to seeking assistance, which is unrelated to the idiom. Option 'd' (performing a task lazily) is incorrect because searching 'high and low' implies a thorough and diligent effort rather than a lazy one.
Choose the correct antonym of the underlined word: The king’s army was so strong they were almost invincible.
A)
defenceless
B)
perfect
C)
invisible
D)
penetrable
The word 'invincible' means too powerful to be defeated or overcome (unconquerable). Its direct antonym is 'defenceless', which means lacking protection or support, making one vulnerable and easy to defeat.
- 'perfect' (option b) means without flaws, which is unrelated.
- 'invisible' (option c) means unable to be seen, which is a phonetic distractor.
- 'penetrable' (option d) means able to be pierced or entered, which is the antonym of 'impenetrable', not 'invincible'.
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb or adjective: I asked him how ________ money he had, and he refused to answer.
A)
much
B)
many
C)
any
D)
few
The correct option is 'a' (much). 'Money' is an uncountable noun, and we use 'much' to ask about the quantity of uncountable nouns (e.g., 'how much money'). In contrast, 'many' (option b) and 'few' (option d) are only used with plural countable nouns (e.g., 'how many dollars'). 'Any' (option c) is grammatically incorrect in this context as 'how any' does not form a valid question structure.
Synthesize the following sentences using Infinitives: I have many people depending on me. I need a lot of strength.
A)
Since I have many people depending on me, I need a lot of strength.
B)
I have many people depending on me, therefore I need a lot of strength.
C)
I need a lot of strength to support the many people depending on me.
D)
Having many people depending on me, I need a lot of strength.
Based on established principles in English Language, the correct and most appropriate choice is 'Having many people depending on me, I need a lot of strength.' (Option D).
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: The king hired a ________ to kill all his enemies.
A)
mercenary
B)
missionary
C)
mercer
D)
machinery
The correct option is 'a' (mercenary).
1. **Why 'mercenary' is correct**: A 'mercenary' is a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army or fight for personal gain/money. In this context, a king would hire a mercenary to eliminate his enemies.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **b (missionary)**: A missionary is a person sent on a religious mission, especially to promote Christianity, which does not fit the context of killing enemies.
- **c (mercer)**: A mercer is a dealer in textile fabrics, especially fine silks and velvets.
- **d (machinery)**: Machinery refers to machines collectively, which is grammatically and contextually incorrect here.
Change the following to a Compound sentence: Walking fast, he reached the station on time.
A)
He walked fast, he reached the station on time.
B)
He walked fast and hence he reached the station on time.
C)
He walked fast to reach the station on time.
D)
He walked too fast to reach the station on time.
A compound sentence consists of at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as 'and', 'but', 'or', etc.). Option 'b' correctly transforms the simple sentence into a compound sentence by joining two independent clauses ('He walked fast' and 'he reached the station on time') with the coordinating conjunction 'and' (accompanied by the conjunctive adverb 'hence'). Option 'a' is incorrect because it is a comma splice (joining two independent clauses with only a comma). Options 'c' and 'd' are simple sentences as they contain only one independent clause with an infinitive phrase ('to reach...').
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb: She ________ that you are a complete liar.
A)
thinks
B)
thought
C)
think
D)
is thinking
1. **Why 'a' is correct**: The subject 'She' is third-person singular, which requires the singular verb form 'thinks' in the simple present tense. Additionally, 'think' is used here as a stative verb (meaning 'to hold an opinion'), which is correctly expressed in the simple present tense to match the present tense 'are' in the subordinate clause.
2. **Why other options are incorrect**:
- **'b' (thought)**: If the past tense 'thought' were used, the subordinate clause would typically require backshifting to the past tense ('were' instead of 'are') to maintain tense harmony.
- **'c' (think)**: This violates subject-verb agreement, as 'think' is used with plural subjects or 'I/you/we/they'.
- **'d' (is thinking)**: Stative verbs expressing opinions or beliefs are not used in the continuous (progressive) form.
Identify the Part of Speech of the underlined word: This is a very long movie.
A)
Verb
B)
Adverb
C)
Noun
D)
Adjective
In the sentence 'This is a very long movie', the word **'very'** is an **Adverb** (specifically, an adverb of degree) because it modifies the adjective 'long' to indicate the intensity of the movie's length.
* **Why Option B is correct:** 'Very' is an adverb because it modifies the adjective 'long'. (Note: If 'long' were the underlined word, the correct option would be **d** (Adjective), as it describes the noun 'movie').
* **Why other options are incorrect:**
* **Option A (Verb):** The verb in this sentence is 'is'.
* **Option C (Noun):** The noun in this sentence is 'movie'.
* **Option D (Adjective):** 'Long' is the adjective, whereas 'very' is the adverb modifying it.
Identify the Part of Speech of the underlined word: He worked hard to provide for his family.
A)
Adverb
B)
Noun
C)
Adjective
D)
Preposition
In the sentence 'He worked hard to provide for his family', the underlined word is 'hard'.
1. **Why the correct option is correct:** 'hard' is an **Adverb** because it modifies the verb 'worked', describing *how* he worked.
2. **Why other options are incorrect:**
- **Noun (b):** 'hard' does not function as a person, place, thing, or idea here.
- **Adjective (c):** While 'hard' can be an adjective (e.g., 'a hard task' modifying a noun), in this context, it modifies a verb, making it an adverb.
- **Preposition (d):** 'hard' does not express spatial, temporal, or logical relationships between a noun/pronoun and other words.