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Past Questions
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: Money was the bone of contention.
A)
Cause of brotherhood
B)
Cause of love
C)
Cause of strength
D)
Cause of dispute
The idiom 'bone of contention' refers to a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement or dispute. The origin of the phrase comes from the image of two dogs fighting over a single bone; the bone is the object that causes the conflict. In the sentence 'Money was the bone of contention,' it means that money was the primary reason for the argument or disagreement.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Cause of brotherhood' is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
- Option (b) 'Cause of love' is incorrect as the idiom implies conflict, not affection.
- Option (c) 'Cause of strength' is irrelevant to the meaning of the idiom.
- Option (d) 'Cause of dispute' accurately reflects the meaning of a disagreement or conflict.
Name the underlined part of speech: She is as accurate as any other typist.
A)
Pronoun
B)
Conjunction
C)
Adjective
D)
Noun
In the sentence 'She is as accurate as any other typist', the word 'as' is used twice to create a comparison of equality. The first 'as' acts as an adverb modifying the adjective 'accurate'. The second 'as' (which is the part typically underlined in this classic grammar problem) functions as a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a subordinate clause (the elliptical clause 'as any other typist [is accurate]') and connects it to the main clause. While 'as' can be an adverb, preposition, or conjunction depending on context, in this specific comparative structure ('as... as...'), the second 'as' serves the role of a conjunction linking the two compared entities.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: They decided to call it a day when they felt tired.
A)
to stop doing something
B)
to fix another date
C)
to continue the next day
D)
to relax for sometime
The idiom 'call it a day' is a common English expression that means to decide or agree to stop doing a particular task or activity, usually because one is tired, has done enough, or has reached a natural stopping point. In the context of the sentence 'They decided to call it a day when they felt tired,' it clearly indicates that the individuals stopped their work or activity due to fatigue.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'to stop doing something' is the precise definition of the idiom.
- Option (b) 'to fix another date' refers to scheduling, which is not the meaning of this idiom.
- Option (c) 'to continue the next day' describes what might happen *after* calling it a day, but it is not the meaning of the phrase itself.
- Option (d) 'to relax for sometime' describes taking a break, whereas 'calling it a day' implies finishing the work for the entire day.
Find a word in the passage which means the same as: 'To change or stop'
A)
go astray
B)
path
C)
undo
Based on established principles in English Language, the correct and most appropriate choice is 'nan' (Option D).
Identify the type of sentence: He worked hard so that he might win.
A)
Simple Sentence
B)
Compound Sentence
C)
Complex Sentence
To identify the sentence type, we analyze its structure:
1. **Main Clause**: 'He worked hard' is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
2. **Subordinate Clause**: 'so that he might win' is a dependent clause. It begins with the subordinating conjunction 'so that' and expresses a purpose. It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
**Definitions:**
- A **Simple Sentence** consists of only one independent clause.
- A **Compound Sentence** consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
- A **Complex Sentence** consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause.
Since this sentence contains one independent clause and one dependent clause joined by a subordinating conjunction, it is a Complex Sentence.
Pick out the correct clause of the underlined words: Where she went is not known to me
A)
Adjective clause
B)
Adverb Clause
C)
Noun Clause
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Identify the underlined part: 'Where she went'.
2. Analyze the sentence structure: The sentence consists of a subject, a verb ('is'), and a complement ('not known to me').
3. Determine the function of the clause: The clause 'Where she went' is acting as the subject of the verb 'is'.
4. Apply grammatical rules: A clause that functions as a noun (in this case, as the subject of the sentence) is called a Noun Clause.
5. Test for Noun Clause: You can replace the entire clause with a pronoun like 'It' or 'Something' ('Something is not known to me'), and the sentence remains grammatically sound.
6. Why other options are incorrect:
- An Adjective Clause modifies a noun or pronoun (e.g., 'The place where she went is secret'). Here, it is not modifying a noun; it is the noun itself.
- An Adverb Clause modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb, usually indicating time, place, reason, or condition (e.g., 'I will go where she went'). Here, it is not modifying the verb 'is', but serving as the subject.
Insert the appropriate preposition: It has been raining ____ yesterday.
A)
from
B)
till
C)
after
D)
since
The sentence uses the Present Perfect Continuous tense ('has been raining'), which is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. In English grammar, when referring to a specific point in time when an action began (a 'point of origin'), the preposition 'since' is used. 'Yesterday' is a specific point in time, making 'since' the correct choice.
Analysis of other options:
- 'from' is typically used to indicate the starting point of a time period but is not used with the Present Perfect Continuous to show duration up to now (e.g., 'I work from 9 to 5').
- 'till' (or until) indicates the end point of an action, which contradicts the structure of this sentence.
- 'after' indicates a sequence of events, which does not fit the grammatical requirement of the tense used here.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The judge was praised for his wisdom.
A)
sagacity
B)
sanity
C)
scarcity
D)
secrecy
The underlined word is 'wisdom'. Wisdom refers to the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
1. **Sagacity (Option a):** This is the correct synonym. Sagacity is defined as the quality of being discerning, sound in judgment, and farsighted; it is a direct synonym for wisdom.
2. **Sanity (Option b):** This refers to the state of being mentally healthy or rational. While a wise person is usually sane, sanity is the absence of mental illness, not the presence of deep wisdom.
3. **Scarcity (Option c):** This refers to the state of being in short supply or shortage. It is unrelated to wisdom.
4. **Secrecy (Option d):** This refers to the action of keeping something secret or hidden. It is unrelated to wisdom.
Therefore, 'sagacity' is the word nearest in meaning to 'wisdom'.
Identify the type of sentence: He is happy that his son has done well in life.
A)
Simple sentence
B)
Compound Sentence
C)
Complete Sentence
Based on established principles in English Language, the correct and most appropriate choice is 'Complete Sentence' (Option C).
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word: Tom asked Jerry not to meddle in his affairs.
A)
intercede
B)
impose
C)
cross
D)
interfere
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the underlined word**: The word 'meddle' in the sentence 'Tom asked Jerry not to meddle in his affairs' means to involve oneself in a situation without right or invitation; to intrude.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'intercede'**: To intercede means to intervene on behalf of another, usually to settle a dispute or plead for someone. This is generally a positive or helpful action, whereas 'meddle' has a negative connotation of unwanted intrusion.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'impose'**: To impose means to force something (a rule, tax, or presence) on someone. While it involves force, it does not specifically mean intruding into personal affairs.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'cross'**: To cross can mean to oppose someone or to physically move across. It does not mean to intrude into affairs.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'interfere'**: To interfere means to take part in something without invitation or right, often hindering the process. This is a direct synonym for 'meddle' in the context of personal affairs.
Conclusion: 'Interfere' is the nearest in meaning to 'meddle'.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: The car has gone out of gear.
A)
not working
B)
lost control
C)
brake failed
D)
steering failed
The idiom 'to go out of gear' has two primary meanings depending on the context. Literally, it refers to a vehicle's transmission slipping out of a gear. Figuratively, it means to stop functioning properly, to fail, or to cease working efficiently. In the context of the sentence 'The car has gone out of gear,' it implies that the mechanism is no longer operating as it should.
- Option (a) 'not working' is the correct figurative meaning of the idiom.
- Option (b) 'lost control' refers to a driver's inability to steer or stop, which is not the specific meaning of this idiom.
- Option (c) 'brake failed' refers to a specific mechanical failure of the braking system.
- Option (d) 'steering failed' refers to a specific mechanical failure of the steering system.
Since the idiom 'out of gear' generally denotes a state of malfunction or failure to operate, 'not working' is the most accurate choice.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word: My uncle was involved in a lucrative business.
A)
profitable
B)
dangerous
C)
challenging
D)
questionable
Step 1: Analyze the underlined word 'lucrative'. In the context of business, 'lucrative' is an adjective used to describe an activity or enterprise that produces a great deal of profit.
Step 2: Evaluate the options based on the definition of 'lucrative':
- (a) 'profitable': This means yielding profit or financial gain. This is a direct synonym for lucrative.
- (b) 'dangerous': This refers to something involving risk or harm, which is unrelated to the financial success implied by lucrative.
- (c) 'challenging': This refers to something that tests one's abilities; while a business can be both challenging and lucrative, the words are not synonyms.
- (d) 'questionable': This refers to something doubtful or dishonest. While some lucrative businesses might be questionable, the word 'lucrative' itself specifically refers to the money made, not the ethics of the business.
Conclusion: The word nearest in meaning to 'lucrative' is 'profitable'.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: He killed his wife in cold blood.
A)
deliberately
B)
slowly
C)
in anger
D)
without intention
The idiom 'in cold blood' is used to describe an action—typically a crime or a killing—that is committed deliberately, planned in advance, and without any immediate provocation or emotional heat (such as passion or anger).
Analysis of options:
- (a) deliberately: Correct. This matches the definition of acting with intent and calculation.
- (b) slowly: Incorrect. The speed of the act is not the defining characteristic of this idiom.
- (c) in anger: Incorrect. This is actually the opposite of 'cold blood.' A crime committed in anger is often referred to as a 'crime of passion.'
- (d) without intention: Incorrect. 'In cold blood' implies a high degree of intention and premeditation.
Choose the correct form of the verb to fill in the blank: Two and two ____ four
A)
is
B)
are
C)
were
D)
was
In English grammar, mathematical equations and sums are typically treated as a single unit or a collective concept rather than a plural list of items. When 'two and two' is viewed as a mathematical expression (meaning 'two plus two'), it is treated as a singular subject. Therefore, the singular verb 'is' is the standard and correct choice. While 'are' is occasionally used in informal speech, 'is' is the grammatically authoritative choice for competitive examinations. Options 'c' (were) and 'd' (was) are incorrect because mathematical truths are universal constants and must be expressed in the present tense.
Insert the appropriate preposition: I prefer tea ____ coffee
A)
to
B)
than
C)
instead of
D)
besides
In English grammar, the verb 'prefer' is used to indicate a liking for one thing over another. The standard prepositional construction for 'prefer' is 'prefer [something] to [something else]'.
1. Why 'to' is correct: 'Prefer' is a comparative verb that follows a specific idiomatic pattern. Unlike 'better' or 'more', which use 'than', 'prefer' always takes 'to' when comparing two nouns (e.g., 'I prefer tea to coffee').
2. Why 'than' is incorrect: While 'than' is used for most comparisons (e.g., 'Tea is better than coffee'), it is grammatically incorrect to use it directly with the verb 'prefer'.
3. Why 'instead of' is incorrect: 'Instead of' implies a substitution or a choice made in a specific instance, whereas 'prefer' describes a general liking or preference.
4. Why 'besides' is incorrect: 'Besides' means 'in addition to' or 'apart from', which changes the meaning of the sentence entirely and does not fit the context of preference.
Name the underlined part of speech: This book is unique.
A)
Adverb
B)
Adjective
C)
Verb
D)
Noun
Step-by-step analysis: 1. Identify the sentence structure: 'This book (Subject) is (Linking Verb) unique (Complement)'. 2. Analyze the word 'unique': It describes a quality or characteristic of the noun 'book'. 3. Definition of an Adjective: A word that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. Since 'unique' describes the state of the book, it functions as a predicative adjective. 4. Evaluation of other options: (a) Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, not nouns. (c) Verbs express action or state of being; 'is' is the verb in this sentence. (d) Nouns name people, places, things, or ideas; 'book' is the noun here.
Choose the correct form of the verb to fill in the blank: I wish I ____ a preacher.
A)
were
B)
am
C)
was
D)
have been
This sentence expresses a wish or a hypothetical situation that is contrary to fact (the speaker is not actually a preacher). In English grammar, this is known as the 'subjunctive mood'. When using the verb 'to be' in the subjunctive mood to express a wish, a hypothetical, or an imaginary condition, 'were' is used for all persons and numbers, regardless of whether the subject is singular (I, he, she, it) or plural (we, they).
- Option (a) 'were' is correct because it follows the rules of the subjunctive mood for hypothetical wishes.
- Option (b) 'am' is the indicative present tense and cannot be used to express a wish for something that is not true.
- Option (c) 'was' is commonly used in informal spoken English, but in formal grammar and competitive examinations, 'were' is the only correct choice for the subjunctive mood.
- Option (d) 'have been' is the present perfect tense and does not fit the grammatical structure of a wish regarding a current state.
Pick out the phrase similar to the underlined sentence: My aunt will return in a week.
A)
at the end of a week
B)
before the end of a week
C)
in the middle of a week
D)
at the first day of a week
In English grammar, when the preposition 'in' is used with a time period (e.g., 'in a week', 'in two hours'), it indicates that the action will take place after that specific duration has elapsed. Therefore, 'My aunt will return in a week' means she will return once the week is over.
- Option (a) 'at the end of a week' is the closest synonym because it describes the point in time when the duration of one week is complete.
- Option (b) 'before the end of a week' implies she might return sooner than seven days, which changes the meaning of 'in a week'.
- Option (c) 'in the middle of a week' refers to a specific point (around day 3 or 4), not the completion of the period.
- Option (d) 'at the first day of a week' refers to the start of the period, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
Fill in the blank with the correct cry of the animal: Elephants _____
A)
croak
B)
cackle
C)
neigh
D)
trumpet
The question asks for the specific term used to describe the sound made by an elephant.
1. **Trumpet (Option d):** This is the correct term. Elephants produce a loud, resonant sound through their trunks known as 'trumpeting'.
2. **Croak (Option a):** This sound is typically associated with frogs or ravens.
3. **Cackle (Option b):** This sound is characteristic of hens or hyenas.
4. **Neigh (Option c):** This is the sound made by a horse.
Therefore, 'trumpet' is the only appropriate vocabulary word for the cry of an elephant.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word: He gave me an insolent answer.
A)
respectful
B)
gentle
C)
forceful
D)
rude
Step 1: Analyze the underlined word 'insolent'. In English, 'insolent' is an adjective used to describe someone who is showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
Step 2: Evaluate the options based on the definition of 'insolent':
- (a) respectful: This is the antonym (opposite) of insolent.
- (b) gentle: This refers to being mild or kind, which does not match the aggressive lack of respect implied by insolent.
- (c) forceful: This refers to strength or power; while an insolent person might be forceful, the core meaning of insolence is the lack of respect, not the amount of force used.
- (d) rude: This is a direct synonym for insolent, as both describe behavior that is impolite and lacking in respect.
Conclusion: The word nearest in meaning to 'insolent' is 'rude'.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: It was wonderful when my uncle turned up out of the blue.
A)
recover from illness
B)
unexpectedly
C)
as expected
D)
out from prison
The idiom 'out of the blue' is a common English expression used to describe something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, without any prior warning. In the context of the sentence, 'my uncle turned up out of the blue' means the uncle arrived without any notice or expectation.
Analysis of options:
- (a) 'recover from illness' is incorrect; the idiom for this is usually 'on the mend'.
- (b) 'unexpectedly' is the correct definition of 'out of the blue'.
- (c) 'as expected' is the opposite (antonym) of the idiom's meaning.
- (d) 'out from prison' is a literal interpretation that does not exist for this idiom.
Choose the correct meaning of the underlined idiom: The manager could not speak as there was hue and cry in the room.
A)
complete silence
B)
emotion and tears
C)
a great noise
D)
whisper and tears
The idiom 'hue and cry' refers to a loud public outcry, a commotion, or a loud noise typically caused by a group of people expressing anger, alarm, or excitement. In the context of the sentence, the manager could not speak because the environment was too noisy due to the 'hue and cry' in the room.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'complete silence' is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
- Option (b) 'emotion and tears' describes a state of grief or sadness, which is not the primary meaning of 'hue and cry'.
- Option (c) 'a great noise' accurately captures the essence of a loud commotion.
- Option (d) 'whisper and tears' contradicts the 'cry' aspect of the idiom, as whispering is quiet.
Choose the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word: Our Chief Minister is young and dynamic
A)
belligerent
B)
explosive
C)
energetic
D)
intelligent
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: The word 'dynamic' in the context of a person (especially a leader like a Chief Minister) refers to someone characterized by constant change, activity, progress, and a high level of energy and ambition.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'belligerent'**: This means hostile and aggressive. It does not match the positive connotation of 'dynamic'.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'explosive'**: This refers to something likely to erupt suddenly or violently. While it implies energy, it is usually negative or unstable, which is not the meaning of 'dynamic' in this context.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'energetic'**: This means showing or involving great activity or vitality. This is a direct synonym for 'dynamic' when describing a person's personality or leadership style.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'intelligent'**: While a dynamic leader is often intelligent, 'intelligent' refers to mental capacity/intellect, whereas 'dynamic' refers to energy and action. Therefore, it is not the nearest synonym.
Conclusion: 'Energetic' is the closest in meaning to 'dynamic'.
Pick out the correct clause of the underlined words: Show me the house where you were born
A)
Adjective clause
B)
Adverb Clause
C)
Noun Clause
Step-by-step analysis: 1. Identify the underlined clause: 'where you were born'. 2. Determine its function in the sentence: The clause follows the noun 'the house'. 3. Analyze the relationship: The clause 'where you were born' provides specific information about 'the house' (it describes which house is being referred to). 4. Apply grammatical rules: A clause that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun is called an Adjective Clause (also known as a Relative Clause). In this case, 'where' acts as a relative adverb introducing the adjective clause. 5. Evaluate other options: It is not a Noun Clause because it does not function as a subject or object of the sentence. It is not an Adverb Clause because it does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate time, place, manner, or reason for the action of the main clause; rather, it specifically modifies the noun 'house'.
Pick out the phrase similar to the underlined sentence: Fela went to sea at an early age
A)
went on a voyage
B)
became a sailor
C)
went to see the sea
D)
went on a cruise
The phrase 'to go to sea' is an English idiom. While it literally involves traveling on the ocean, its idiomatic meaning is to take up a career or profession as a sailor or a member of the navy. In the sentence 'Fela went to sea at an early age,' the context of 'at an early age' suggests the start of a professional life or vocation.
Analysis of options:
- (a) 'went on a voyage' refers to a single journey, not necessarily a career.
- (b) 'became a sailor' accurately captures the idiomatic meaning of starting a professional life at sea.
- (c) 'went to see the sea' is a literal interpretation of seeing the ocean, which is incorrect.
- (d) 'went on a cruise' refers to a leisure trip, which contradicts the context of starting something 'at an early age' (which usually implies a trade or career).