← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions
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).
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.
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.
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.
He puts his personal matters on ice for the duration of his sister’s wedding preparations.
A)
To put oneself and one’s problems first
B)
To put something on hold
C)
To unnecessarily complicate things
D)
To complete one’s affairs
The idiom 'to put something on ice' means to delay something, postpone it, or stop progress on a particular matter for a period of time. In the context of the sentence, the subject is delaying his personal matters to focus entirely on his sister's wedding preparations.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
- Option (b) 'To put something on hold' is a direct synonym for 'putting something on ice'.
- Option (c) refers to complicating things, which is not the meaning of this phrase.
- Option (d) refers to finishing tasks, whereas 'on ice' implies the tasks are not being worked on at all.
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.
The boxer was down for the count after the punch landed on him by his opponent.
A)
Feeling hungry
B)
Extremely energetic
C)
Feeling motivated
D)
Defeated and finished
The phrase 'down for the count' is an idiom derived from boxing. In a boxing match, when a fighter is knocked down, the referee counts to ten; if the fighter cannot stand up by the count of ten, they are declared the loser (a knockout). In a broader sense, the idiom means to be completely defeated, exhausted, or unable to continue.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Feeling hungry' is unrelated to the context of a boxing match or the idiom.
- Option (b) 'Extremely energetic' is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
- Option (c) 'Feeling motivated' is incorrect as being 'down for the count' implies a state of failure or collapse, not motivation.
- Option (d) 'Defeated and finished' accurately reflects the meaning of being knocked out or rendered incapable of continuing a struggle.
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 lady was an ________ explorer, who had travelled alone to all corners of the globe.
A)
intrepid
B)
insipid
C)
elicit
D)
ennobled
The sentence describes a lady who 'travelled alone to all corners of the globe,' which implies a high degree of courage, bravery, and a lack of fear.
1. **Intrepid (Option a):** This adjective means fearless, adventurous, and bold. It perfectly fits the context of an explorer traveling alone globally.
2. **Insipid (Option b):** This means lacking flavor, vigor, or interest (bland). It is logically incorrect in the context of a daring explorer.
3. **Elicit (Option c):** This is a verb meaning to evoke or draw out a reaction from someone. It cannot be used as an adjective to describe a person in this sentence structure.
4. **Ennobled (Option d):** This means to give someone a noble rank or to make something more noble. While a person can be ennobled, it does not describe the quality of being an adventurous explorer.
Therefore, 'intrepid' is the only word that logically and grammatically completes the sentence.
He openly carried on an affair, in ________ disregard for his wife’s feelings.
A)
latent
B)
potent
C)
content
D)
blatant
The sentence describes a situation where someone is acting openly and without shame regarding an affair. The key word 'openly' provides the context for the missing adjective.
1. **Blatant (Correct):** This means 'done openly and unashamedly' or 'completely obvious'. 'Blatant disregard' is a common collocation used to describe a total and obvious lack of care or respect for rules or feelings.
2. **Latent (Incorrect):** This means 'existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden'. This contradicts the word 'openly' used earlier in the sentence.
3. **Potent (Incorrect):** This means 'having great power, influence, or effect'. While a disregard can be strong, 'potent' is not used to describe the visibility or shamelessness of an action.
4. **Content (Incorrect):** This means 'in a state of peaceful happiness' or 'satisfied'. It does not fit grammatically or contextually as a modifier for 'disregard'.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Choose the antonym of the given word: Deficit
I)
surplus
II)
retire
III)
demerit
IV)
deficiency
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Deficit' refers to the amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small; a shortage or a shortfall.
2. **Evaluate the options**:
- **i. surplus**: This means an amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess of production or supply over demand. This is the direct opposite of a shortage/deficit.
- **ii. retire**: This means to leave one's job and cease to work, typically upon reaching a certain age. It is unrelated to the concept of quantity or finance in this context.
- **iii. demerit**: This refers to a fault or a disadvantage. While it has a negative connotation like 'deficit', it is not an antonym.
- **iv. deficiency**: This means a lack or shortage. This is a synonym of 'deficit', not an antonym.
3. **Conclusion**: Since 'surplus' (excess) is the opposite of 'deficit' (shortage), option (i) is the correct antonym.
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.
Michael’s tendency to play the Devil’s advocate has irritated a lot of people.
A)
To commit illegal acts
B)
To argue, just for the sake of it
C)
To verbally abuse others
D)
To wilfully ignore others
The idiom 'to play the Devil's advocate' means to argue against an idea or position—not necessarily because one disagrees with it, but to test the validity of the argument, provoke critical thinking, or simply for the sake of debate.
Step-by-step analysis:
1. **Option (a) 'To commit illegal acts'** is incorrect because the idiom is about intellectual or verbal debate, not criminal activity.
2. **Option (b) 'To argue, just for the sake of it'** is correct as it captures the essence of taking an opposing view to challenge a premise, regardless of one's actual beliefs.
3. **Option (c) 'To verbally abuse others'** is incorrect; playing the Devil's advocate is a method of argumentation, not an act of abuse or harassment.
4. **Option (d) 'To wilfully ignore others'** is incorrect because the idiom involves active engagement and contradiction, which is the opposite of ignoring someone.
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.
If the reflection coefficient is 1/5, what is the corresponding VSWR?
A)
3/2
B)
2/3
C)
5/2
D)
2/5
The Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is related to the reflection coefficient (Γ) by the following formula: VSWR = (1 + |Γ|) / (1 - |Γ|). Given that the reflection coefficient Γ = 1/5, we substitute this value into the formula: VSWR = (1 + 1/5) / (1 - 1/5). Simplifying the numerator: 1 + 1/5 = 6/5. Simplifying the denominator: 1 - 1/5 = 4/5. Therefore, VSWR = (6/5) / (4/5) = 6/4 = 3/2. Thus, option (a) is correct. Options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect as they do not satisfy the mathematical relationship between the reflection coefficient and VSWR.
A memory system of size 32 kbyte is required to be designed using memory chips which have 12 address lines and 4 data lines each. What is the number of such chips required to design the memory system?
A)
4
B)
8
C)
16
D)
32
Step-by-step calculation:
1. **Determine the capacity of a single memory chip**:
- The chip has 12 address lines. The number of addressable locations is $2^{12} = 4096$ locations.
- The chip has 4 data lines, meaning each location stores 4 bits (a nibble).
- Total capacity of one chip = $4096 \times 4$ bits = $16,384$ bits.
2. **Convert the chip capacity to bytes**:
- Since 8 bits = 1 byte, the capacity of one chip = $16,384 / 8 = 2048$ bytes (or 2 KB).
3. **Determine the total required memory size**:
- Total required size = 32 kbyte = $32 \times 1024$ bytes = $32,768$ bytes.
4. **Calculate the number of chips required**:
- Number of chips = (Total required size) / (Capacity of one chip)
- Number of chips = $32,768 / 2,048 = 16$.
Alternative calculation using K-units:
- Single chip capacity = $2^{12} \times 4$ bits = $4096 \times 0.5$ bytes = 2 KB.
- Total required = 32 KB.
- Chips required = $32 \text{ KB} / 2 \text{ KB} = 16$.
A 10 MHz carrier is frequency modulated by a sinusoidal signal of 500 Hz, the maximum frequency deviation being 50 KHz. The bandwidth required as given by the Carson's rule is -
A)
500 Hz
B)
500 KHz
C)
10 MHz
D)
101 KHz
To find the bandwidth of a Frequency Modulated (FM) signal using Carson's Rule, we use the following formula:
BW = 2(Δf + fm)
Where:
1. Δf = Maximum frequency deviation = 50 kHz
2. fm = Frequency of the modulating signal = 500 Hz = 0.5 kHz
Step-by-step calculation:
BW = 2 * (50 kHz + 0.5 kHz)
BW = 2 * (50.5 kHz)
BW = 101 kHz
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 500 Hz is just the modulating frequency (fm).
- Option (b) 500 KHz is an incorrect magnitude.
- Option (c) 10 MHz is the carrier frequency (fc), which does not determine the bandwidth of the FM signal.
- Option (d) 101 KHz matches our calculated result exactly.