← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions — 2024
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who sneers at the aims and beliefs of his fellowmen.
A)
Cynic
B)
Novice
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided: 'One who sneers at the aims and beliefs of his fellowmen.' This describes a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest and often expresses a mocking or pessimistic view of human sincerity and virtue.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Cynic'. A cynic is defined as a person who believes that people are motivated by self-interest; they are characterized by skepticism and a tendency to sneer at the perceived idealism or sincerity of others. This matches the definition perfectly.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Novice'. A novice is a person new to and inexperienced in a job or situation (a beginner). This does not relate to sneering at beliefs or aims.
Step 4: Conclusion. Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example Sentence: 'Despite the team's genuine enthusiasm for the new project, the office cynic dismissed it as just another corporate ploy to increase productivity.'
Choose the correct antonym of the word: isolated
A)
integrated
B)
polluted
C)
dusted
D)
gusted
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Isolated' means far away from other places, buildings, or people; remote; or separated from others.
Step 2: Identify the requirement. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of being separated or remote is being combined, connected, or unified.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'integrated': This means with various parts or aspects linked or coordinated. It is the direct opposite of being isolated or separated.
- (b) 'polluted': This refers to contamination (e.g., air or water pollution) and has no semantic relationship to isolation.
- (c) 'dusted': This refers to removing dust or sprinkling powder; it is unrelated to isolation.
- (d) 'gusted': This refers to a sudden strong rush of wind; it is unrelated to isolation.
Step 4: Conclusion. 'Integrated' is the only word that provides the opposite meaning to 'isolated'.
Choose the correct antonym of the word: inaccurate
A)
precise
B)
exercise
C)
excise
D)
exhort
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Inaccurate' means not accurate, containing mistakes, or not precise (e.g., an inaccurate measurement).
Step 2: Identify the requirement. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of 'not accurate' is 'accurate' or 'exact'.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'precise': Means marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail. This is the direct opposite of inaccurate.
- (b) 'exercise': Refers to physical activity or the application of a faculty/right. It is unrelated to accuracy.
- (c) 'excise': Means to cut out surgically or a tax levied on certain goods. It is unrelated to accuracy.
- (d) 'exhort': Means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something. It is unrelated to accuracy.
Step 4: Conclusion. Since 'precise' is the only word that represents the opposite of 'inaccurate', it is the correct antonym.
Choose the antonym of the given word: Fresh
I)
unfim
II)
wart
III)
stale
IV)
sum
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Fresh' typically means new, not decayed, or recently produced (especially in the context of food or air).
Step 2: Evaluate the options for an antonym (opposite meaning).
- 'unfim' is not a standard English word.
- 'wart' refers to a small hard growth on the skin.
- 'stale' refers to food (like bread or cake) that is no longer fresh, hard, or musty; it is the direct opposite of fresh.
- 'sum' refers to a total amount of money or a mathematical calculation.
Step 3: Conclusion. Since 'stale' is the opposite of 'fresh', option iii is the correct answer.
The doctor was exposed as a ________ after his fake degrees and certificates were discovered.
A)
charlatan
B)
jester
C)
cardinal
D)
jackanape
The sentence describes a person pretending to be a doctor using fake credentials. The correct word to describe such a person is a 'charlatan'.
1. **Charlatan (Option a):** A person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud or a quack. This fits the context of fake degrees and certificates perfectly.
2. **Jester (Option b):** A professional clown or a person who is playful and jokes around. This does not fit the context of professional fraud.
3. **Cardinal (Option c):** A high-ranking official in the Catholic Church. This is irrelevant to the context of medical fraud.
4. **Jackanape (Option d):** An impertinent or conceited person; a rustic or awkward person. While it describes a personality trait, it does not specifically refer to someone committing professional fraud with fake certificates.
Choose the antonym of the given word: Collect
I)
gather
II)
scatter
III)
demote
IV)
dear
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Collect' means to bring together into one place, mass, or group (e.g., to gather items or people).
2. **Evaluate Option i (gather)**: 'Gather' is a synonym of 'collect'. Since the question asks for an antonym (opposite), this is incorrect.
3. **Evaluate Option ii (scatter)**: 'Scatter' means to throw in various random directions or to disperse. This is the direct opposite of bringing things together. Therefore, it is the correct antonym.
4. **Evaluate Option iii (demote)**: 'Demote' means to move someone to a lower rank or position. This is unrelated to the act of collecting.
5. **Evaluate Option iv (dear)**: 'Dear' refers to someone beloved or something expensive. This is unrelated to the act of collecting.
Conclusion: The opposite of collecting (bringing together) is scattering (spreading apart).
Choose the synonym of the given word: Death
I)
demise
II)
yield
III)
sink
IV)
wring
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the target word: 'Death' refers to the end of life or the act of dying.
2. Evaluate Option (i) 'demise': This word is a formal synonym for death, often used to describe the end of a person's life or the failure/end of an institution.
3. Evaluate Option (ii) 'yield': This means to produce or provide (e.g., a crop) or to surrender under pressure. It is not a synonym for death.
4. Evaluate Option (iii) 'sink': This means to descend below the surface of liquid or to drop to a lower level. While it can be used metaphorically, it is not a direct synonym for death.
5. Evaluate Option (iv) 'wring': This means to squeeze or twist something to force liquid out of it. It has no relation to death.
Conclusion: 'Demise' is the only word among the options that shares the same meaning as 'Death'.
She was ________ over the news of her success in her exams.
A)
apoplectic
B)
ecstatic
C)
caustic
D)
copacetic
The sentence describes a person's reaction to 'success in her exams,' which is a positive event. Therefore, the blank requires a word that expresses extreme happiness or joy.
1. **Ecstatic (Correct):** This means feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement. It fits the context perfectly.
2. **Apoplectic (Incorrect):** This refers to being overcome with anger or being affected by a stroke. It is a negative emotion and does not fit the context of success.
3. **Caustic (Incorrect):** This describes something sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way, or chemically corrosive. It does not describe an emotional state of happiness.
4. **Copacetic (Incorrect):** This means in excellent order or satisfactory. While positive, it is typically used to describe a situation (e.g., 'Everything is copacetic') rather than a person's emotional reaction to news.
Choose the antonym of the given word: Sympathy
I)
apathy
II)
pain
III)
pity
IV)
empathy
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Sympathy' refers to the feeling of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune; it is a state of emotional concern or compassion for others.
2. **Evaluate Option (i) 'apathy'**: Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It is the state of being indifferent or emotionally cold. Since sympathy is the presence of emotional concern and apathy is the total absence of it, 'apathy' is the direct antonym.
3. **Evaluate Option (ii) 'pain'**: Pain is a physical or emotional suffering. While sympathy is often felt *towards* someone in pain, pain itself is not the opposite of sympathy.
4. **Evaluate Option (iii) 'pity'**: Pity is a feeling of sorrow for the misfortunes of others. This is a synonym of sympathy, not an antonym.
5. **Evaluate Option (iv) 'empathy'**: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This is a closely related synonym (or a deeper form of sympathy), not an antonym.
Conclusion: Option (i) is the only word that represents the opposite emotional state of the target word.
Choose the antonym of the given word: Diligent
I)
industrious
II)
toll
III)
greatness
IV)
idle
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Diligent' means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties; it is synonymous with being hardworking and persistent.
Step 2: Evaluate the options to find the opposite meaning (antonym).
- Option (i) 'industrious' is a synonym of diligent, meaning hard-working.
- Option (ii) 'toll' refers to a charge or a cost, which is unrelated to the target word.
- Option (iii) 'greatness' refers to the quality of being great or distinguished, which is unrelated to the target word.
- Option (iv) 'idle' means avoiding work, lazy, or inactive. This is the direct opposite of being diligent.
Conclusion: Since 'diligent' describes a hardworking person and 'idle' describes a lazy person, 'idle' is the correct antonym.
The King ________ the throne to marry a commoner.
A)
adulated
B)
abdicated
C)
allocated
D)
eradicated
The sentence requires a verb that describes the act of a monarch giving up their power or position.
1. **Abdicated (Option b):** To 'abdicate' means to formally renounce one's throne or fail to fulfill a duty. This is the precise legal and historical term used when a King or Queen leaves the throne, making it the correct fit for the context of marrying a commoner.
2. **Adulated (Option a):** To 'adulate' means to praise someone excessively or flatter them. This does not fit the context of leaving a throne.
3. **Allocated (Option c):** To 'allocate' means to distribute resources or assign a portion of something for a specific purpose. One does not 'allocate' a throne in this context.
4. **Eradicated (Option d):** To 'eradicate' means to destroy completely or put an end to something (usually a disease or a social problem). It is not used for the act of resigning from royalty.
The elections will ________ the fate of the whole nation.
A)
implant
B)
inflect
C)
impact
D)
inflate
The sentence requires a verb that describes how an event (elections) will affect the future or condition (fate) of a country.
1. 'Impact' (Option c) means to have a strong effect on someone or something. In this context, 'impact the fate' is a standard colocation meaning the elections will significantly influence or determine the nation's future.
2. 'Implant' (Option a) means to insert or fix something firmly in a person's body or mind, which does not fit the context of 'fate'.
3. 'Inflect' (Option b) is a linguistic term referring to the change in the form of a word to express a grammatical function, or to change the pitch of a voice. It is irrelevant here.
4. 'Inflate' (Option d) means to fill with air or to increase prices artificially, which is logically incorrect in this context.
Therefore, 'impact' is the only logically and grammatically correct choice.
Choose the synonym of the given word: Inevitable
I)
evitable
II)
stress
III)
wonder
IV)
unavoidable
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Inevitable' is an adjective used to describe something that is certain to happen and cannot be prevented or avoided.
2. **Evaluate Option i (evitable)**: This is the antonym (opposite) of inevitable. 'Evitable' means something that can be avoided.
3. **Evaluate Option ii (stress)**: This is a noun or verb referring to pressure or tension. It has no semantic relationship to the certainty of an event.
4. **Evaluate Option iii (wonder)**: This refers to a feeling of amazement or a desire to know something. It is unrelated to the meaning of inevitable.
5. **Evaluate Option iv (unavoidable)**: This adjective describes something that cannot be avoided or prevented. This matches the definition of 'inevitable' perfectly.
Conclusion: 'Unavoidable' is the correct synonym.
You should stop ignoring the problem and just face the music.
A)
To accept the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions
B)
To confess to one’s crimes
C)
To solve ones’ problems immediately
D)
To escape one’s situation
The idiom 'face the music' is a common English expression that means to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's own actions or mistakes. In the context of the sentence 'You should stop ignoring the problem and just face the music,' the speaker is advising the person to stop avoiding a situation and instead deal with the inevitable negative results or criticism that follow.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is the precise definition of the idiom.
- Option (b) 'To confess to one’s crimes' is too narrow; while confession may be part of facing the music, the idiom applies to any unpleasant consequence, not just criminal ones.
- Option (c) 'To solve ones’ problems immediately' is incorrect because 'facing the music' refers to accepting the penalty or criticism, not necessarily the act of solving the problem itself.
- Option (d) 'To escape one’s situation' is the exact opposite of the idiom's meaning.
Choose the synonym of the given word: Yearn
I)
mar
II)
ty
III)
pine
IV)
lose
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Yearn' means to have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from.
2. **Evaluate Option i (mar)**: 'Mar' means to impair the appearance of; disfigure or spoil. This is unrelated to longing.
3. **Evaluate Option ii (ty)**: 'Ty' is not a standard English word in this context; it appears to be a typo or a non-word.
4. **Evaluate Option iii (pine)**: 'Pine' (as a verb) means to suffer a mental and physical decline, especially because of a broken heart or a longing for someone or something. It is a direct synonym for 'yearn'.
5. **Evaluate Option iv (lose)**: 'Lose' means to be deprived of or cease to have. While losing something might cause one to yearn for it, the act of losing is not the same as the act of yearning.
Conclusion: 'Pine' is the only word that matches the meaning of 'yearn'.
The singer was able to ________ powerful emotions from the audience through her singing.
A)
amass
B)
denote
C)
evoke
D)
demote
The sentence requires a verb that describes the act of bringing out or calling forth a feeling or emotion from an audience.
1. **evoke (Correct):** To evoke means to bring or recall to the conscious mind, or to elicit a particular response or emotion. In the context of art or music, a performer 'evokes' emotions from their listeners. This fits the sentence perfectly.
2. **amass (Incorrect):** To amass means to gather together or accumulate a large amount of something (e.g., 'amass a fortune'). You do not 'amass' emotions from an audience.
3. **denote (Incorrect):** To denote means to be a sign of, to indicate, or to mean literally. It is used for definitions or symbols, not for triggering emotional responses.
4. **demote (Incorrect):** To demote means to move someone to a lower rank or less important position. This is completely irrelevant to the context of singing and emotions.
I felt like a fish out of water as the only single person in a room full of married people.
A)
Being the centre of attention
B)
To be admired by other people
C)
To be out of your comfort zone
D)
To feel accepted
The phrase 'a fish out of water' is a common English idiom used to describe a person who feels uncomfortable, awkward, or misplaced because they are in an unfamiliar situation or among people who are different from them. In the context of the sentence, the speaker is the only single person in a room full of married people, which creates a sense of social misalignment and discomfort.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Being the centre of attention' is incorrect because feeling like a fish out of water usually involves feeling awkward or alienated, not necessarily being the focus of positive or intentional attention.
- Option (b) 'To be admired by other people' is incorrect as the idiom denotes discomfort, not admiration.
- Option (c) 'To be out of your comfort zone' is correct as it accurately reflects the feeling of being in an environment where one does not fit in or feel at ease.
- Option (d) 'To feel accepted' is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
The Manager ________ the guard for sleeping during his duty.
A)
supervised
B)
berated
C)
debated
D)
extrapolated
The sentence describes a scenario where a subordinate (the guard) has committed a serious lapse in duty (sleeping while on duty). In a professional or disciplinary context, a manager would react to such negligence with a reprimand.
1. 'Berated' means to scold or criticize someone angrily, which fits the context of a manager reacting to a guard sleeping on duty.
2. 'Supervised' means to observe and direct the execution of a task. While a manager supervises, one does not 'supervise someone for sleeping'; supervision happens during the act of working, not as a reaction to a failure.
3. 'Debated' means to argue about a subject in a formal manner. It is unlikely a manager would hold a formal debate with a guard regarding the fact that he was sleeping.
4. 'Extrapolated' means to estimate or conclude something by assuming that existing trends will continue. This is a mathematical or logical term and is completely irrelevant to the context of disciplinary action.
He deliberately bought the phone, ________ of my advice to wait for a better model.
A)
observing
B)
heedless
C)
adamant
D)
desirous
The sentence describes a contrast between the subject's action (buying the phone) and the advice given (to wait). The word 'deliberately' suggests a conscious choice to ignore the suggestion.
1. **Heedless**: This means 'showing a reckless lack of care or attention' or 'ignoring'. The phrase 'heedless of' is a standard idiomatic expression meaning to disregard advice or warnings. This fits the context perfectly.
2. **Observing**: This means following or complying with. If he were observing the advice, he would have waited, not bought the phone.
3. **Adamant**: This means refusing to be persuaded. While the person might be adamant, the preposition 'of' does not follow 'adamant' in this context (one is 'adamant about' something or 'adamant that...').
4. **Desirous**: This means having a strong desire for something. While he was desirous of the phone, the phrase 'desirous of my advice' would mean he wanted the advice, which contradicts the action of ignoring it to buy the phone.
Choose the synonym of the given word: Force
I)
excess
II)
scatter
III)
dissonance
IV)
compel
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the target word: 'Force' as a verb means to make someone do something against their will or to coerce them into an action.
2. Evaluate Option (i) 'excess': This refers to an amount of something that is more than necessary. It is not a synonym for force.
3. Evaluate Option (ii) 'scatter': This means to throw in various random directions. It is unrelated to the meaning of force.
4. Evaluate Option (iii) 'dissonance': This refers to a lack of harmony or a clash (usually in music or cognitive thought). It is not a synonym for force.
5. Evaluate Option (iv) 'compel': This means to force or oblige someone to do something. This matches the definition of 'force' perfectly.
Therefore, 'compel' is the correct synonym.
He has already burned his bridges by alienating all his friends and family.
A)
Do something which makes it impossible to return to an earlier state
B)
To commit a horrible sin
C)
To do something which has unfortunate consequences on others
D)
To forgive someone who has wronged you
The idiom 'burn one's bridges' (or 'burn one's boats') originates from military strategy, where an army would burn the bridge behind them after crossing a river to ensure there was no possibility of retreat, forcing the soldiers to move forward or perish. In modern usage, it means to act in a way that destroys one's path back to a previous situation or relationship. In the context of the sentence, by alienating his friends and family, the person has destroyed those relationships to the point where he cannot easily reconcile or return to the support system he once had.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (b) is incorrect because the idiom refers to the consequence of an action (irreversibility), not the moral quality of the act (sin).
- Option (c) is incorrect because while the consequences may be unfortunate, the specific meaning of the idiom is the 'impossibility of return,' not just the presence of negative outcomes.
- Option (d) is the opposite of the meaning of the idiom.
The corrupt politician’s victims were pleased to see him hoist by his own petard.
A)
To be caught in one’s own trap
B)
To be punished
C)
To have one’s misdeeds be discovered
D)
To redeem oneself through good acts
The idiom 'hoist by his own petard' originates from Shakespeare's Hamlet. A 'petard' was a small bomb used to blow open gates; if the engineer (the person setting the bomb) was accidentally blown up by his own device, he was 'hoist by his own petard.' In modern usage, it means that a person's own schemes or traps intended to harm others have instead caused their own downfall.
- Option (a) is correct because it accurately reflects the meaning of being undone by one's own plot.
- Option (b) is too general; while the person is punished, the specific nature of the punishment (being caused by their own actions) is missing.
- Option (c) refers to exposure, but the idiom implies a consequence or failure resulting from the plan, not just the discovery of it.
- Option (d) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
Do not disturb me today as I have bigger fish to fry.
A)
Desiring sleep or rest
B)
To have too much work to do
C)
To travel long distance
D)
To have more important things to do
The phrase 'to have bigger fish to fry' is a common English idiom. It is used to indicate that someone has more important, urgent, or interesting matters to attend to than the one currently being discussed or suggested.
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Analysis of the idiom: 'Bigger fish' symbolizes a more significant task or a more important goal, while 'to fry' represents the act of dealing with or processing that task.
2. Evaluating Option (a): 'Desiring sleep or rest' is unrelated to the meaning of the idiom.
3. Evaluating Option (b): 'To have too much work to do' refers to quantity (volume of work), whereas the idiom refers to priority (importance of work).
4. Evaluating Option (c): 'To travel long distance' is a literal interpretation of movement, which is not applicable here.
5. Evaluating Option (d): 'To have more important things to do' perfectly matches the idiomatic meaning of prioritizing a more significant matter over a minor one.
This song always makes me cry since it was her swan song.
A)
The most successful work of an artist
B)
A work which launches an artist into popularity
C)
The last work done by an artist before their death
D)
A work which destroys an artist’s credibility
The idiom 'swan song' refers to a final performance or activity of a person's career, often specifically the last work produced before death or retirement. The origin of the phrase comes from an ancient Greek belief that swans, which are silent most of their lives, sing a beautiful, mournful song just before they die.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because a 'swan song' is defined by its timing (the end), not necessarily by its level of success.
- Option (b) is incorrect; a work that launches an artist into popularity is typically called a 'breakthrough' work.
- Option (c) is correct as it accurately describes the idiomatic meaning of a final work before death or the end of a career.
- Option (d) is incorrect as the term does not imply a loss of credibility or a failure.
Since we are both too tired to continue, let us call it a day and resume working tomorrow.
A)
Decide or agree to stop doing something
B)
To call someone daily
C)
To have a short break
D)
To be angry with someone
The phrase 'call it a day' is a common English idiom. In the context of the sentence provided ('Since we are both too tired to continue...'), it is used to indicate that the speakers have decided to stop working for the remainder of the day because they are exhausted.
- Option (a) is correct because 'call it a day' specifically means to stop an activity for the day, usually because you have done enough or are too tired to continue.
- Option (b) is a literal interpretation of the words 'call' and 'day', which is incorrect for an idiomatic expression.
- Option (c) is incorrect because a 'short break' implies a temporary pause before continuing immediately, whereas 'call it a day' implies finishing the work entirely for that day.
- Option (d) is incorrect as there is no connotation of anger or conflict in this idiom.