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Basic Learning Material

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English Foundation

BMM10301

www.vistamind.in

Basic Learning MaterialEnglish Foundation

BMM10301

Second Edition 2013

Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form or by anymeans without the prior written permission of the publishers.

Published by VistaMind Education Pvt. Ltd.,2nd Floor, G. K. Shivaswami Copmlex, No. 861, 80 Feet Peripheral Road, 8th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore,Karnataka, India - 560095Contact No.: 080-41239125Email Address: [email protected]: www.vistamind.in

Conjunction 25

Pronoun 28

Question Tag 33

Idioms and Phrases 36

Reading Comprehension 39

Vocabulary 50

Adjective 3

Noun 1

Adverb 6

Article 8

Tense 11

Verb 19

Preposition 22

Content

VistaMind | English Foundation | BMM10301 | 1 of 59

Noun

There are five kinds of noun in English:

(1) Proper noun (2) Common noun (3) Collective noun (4) Material noun (5) Abstract noun.

1. Proper Noun: Proper noun refers to the name of a person, place or thing.For example: Ram, Alwar, Tom, France, Madrid, Mrs. Smith, etc.

2. Common Noun: A Common noun is a noun referring to a person, place or thing in a general way.For example: King, boy, girl, city, dog, man, table, etc., are all common nouns.

3. Collective noun: A collective noun is the name of a group of persons or things taken together and spoken of as a whole, asa unit.For example: team, committee, army, crowd, flock, group, swarm, etc.

4. Material Noun: A material noun is the name of metal or substance, of which things are made.For Example: Silver, iron, wood, etc.

5. Abstract Noun: An Abstract noun is a noun which names anything which you cannot perceive through your five physicalsenses.For example: Honesty, bravery, beauty (quality), joy, hatred, laughter, etc.

Noun is a word used to name a person, place, animal, thing and abstract idea.

Correct the following sentences:

1. Shelley’s poetries are great.

2. I saw beautiful sceneries in Kashmir last year.

3. He has purchased new machineries.

4. He said, “ He has purchased very costly crockeries”.

5. There were very heavy traffics on the road.

6. She has bought very beautiful furnitures.

7. He gave me many informations.

8. I am going to purchase some stationeries.

9. Ram said, “ The hair of Sita are black”.

10. This house is made of bricks and stones.

Practice Exercise - 1


Answer & Explanation Practise Exercise - 1

1 . Shelley ’s poetry is great.

2 . I saw beautiful scenery in Kashmir last year.

3. He has purchased new machinery.

4. He said, “He has purchased very costly crockery”.

5 . There was very heavy traffic on the road.

6. She has bought very beautiful furniture.

7 . He gave me a lot of information.

8. I am going to purchase some stationery.

9. Ram said, “The hair of Sita is black”.

10 . This house is made of brick and stone.

11 . Citiy after city was destroyed by the army.

12 . Hour after hour was passed, but she didn’t turn up.

13 . Ram said, “I beg from door to door daily”.

14 . Ship after ship was sailing by those days.

15 . Row upon row of pink marble is soothing to the eyes.

16 . I gave her three and a half apples.

17 . The meeting was held for three and a quarter hours.

18 . The length of this hall is three and a half times more than that ofthat hal l.

19. His salary is two and a half times to that of mine.

20 . I have two and a half rupees only.

11. Cities after cities were destroyed by the army.

12. Hours after hours were passed, but she didn’t turn up.

13. Ram said, “ I beg from doors to doors daily”.

14. Ships after ships were sailing by those days.

15. Rows upon rows of pink marble are soothing to the eyes.

16. I gave her three apples and a half.

17. The meeting was held for three hours and a quarter.

18. The length of this hall is three times and a half to that hall.

19. His salary is two times and a half to that of mine.

20. I have two rupee and a half only.


Adjective

An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying or quantifying words.An adjective usually precedes the noun or the pronoun which it modifies.

Kind of Adjectives

1. Proper Adjective: Adjectives that are from proper nouns are called proper adjectives.(A) This Indian town has an interesting history.(B) He is an American.

2. Attributive Adjective: Adjectives which precede the noun they modify are known as attributive adjectives.(A) Heavy rain is expected.(B) We saw a white tiger in the zoo.In above examples, ‘heavy’ is an attributive adjective modifying the noun ‘rain’; and ‘white’ is an attributive adjectivemodifying the noun ‘tiger’.

3. Possessive Adjective: Possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, its, our, their, etc) are identical to possessive pronouns. APossessive adjective modifies a noun or a noun phrase.(A) This is my book.(B) That is your almirah.(C) What is your phone number?

4. Demonstrative Adjective: Demonstrative adjectives (this, these, that, those, what, such, etc) are identical to the demonstra-tive pronouns. These are used to modify nouns or noun phrase.(A) This girl is more intelligent than Sarla.(B) These apples are unripe.

5. Interrogative Adjectives: Interrogative adjectives (which, what, whose, etc) are like interrogative pronouns.(A) What book are you reading?(B) Whose pen is this?

6. Indefinite Adjectives: An indefinite adjective is similar to an indefinite pronoun. An indefinite adjective modifies a noun, apronoun or a noun phrase. Examples of such adjectives are: All, any, many, several, few, etc..(A) There are many people who support him.(B) He has a few books of english grammar.



Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners:

1. .................... people have car. a few/a little

2. Give me .................... time to decided the matter. a few/ a little

3. He drank .................... the water. all/whole

4. Delhi is .................... from Alwar than Jaipur. further/farther

5. He is senior .................... me than/to

6. There are .................... chidren outside the room. some/any

7. Have you .................... question? some/any

8. Please give me .................... water. some/any

9. Has he bought .................... dress? some/any

10. He can’t find .................... banana tree? some/any

11. She has .................... flowers of rose. some/any

12. I could not get .................... note book there. some/any

13. Nisha did not eat .................... mango. some/any

14. Will you please lend me .................... money? some/any

15. She must give me .................... time to finish this work. some/any

16. Is there .................... money in your pocket? some/any

17. .................... dreams are very romantic. some/any

18. Sorry, I am stranger here, I have .................... knowledge about this place. few/l ittle

19. She has .................... clothes. some/any

20. He has not .................... car. some/any


Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1

1. a few

2. a little

3. all

4. farther

5. to

6. some

7. any

8. some

9. any

10. any

11. some

12. any

13. any

14. some

15. some

16. any

17. some

18. little

19. some

20. any


PRACTICE EXERCISE - 1Correct the sentences:

1. Hari speaks clear.

2. Sita writes neat.

3. Sarla hit the thief hardly on the head.

4. He is perfectly quite right.

5. The speaker spoke enough loud to be heard easily.

6. Ram is much old.

7. The story is much old.

8. Ram comes here seldom.

9. I am very satisfied with her conduct.

10. The train will arrive just now.

11. The film was mostly over when you entered.

12. He fared bad in the second innings.

13. Repeat again what you have said.

14. Breathe deeply when you walk.

Adverb

An adverb is that word in a sentence, which modifies the meaning of a verb or an adjective or another adverb or phrase or clause.

RELATIVE ADVERBS

Relative adverb not only modifies verbs but also refers back to the antecedent.

E.g., What, when, where, why, How, Whatever, Whether, Wherever, etc.

INTERROGATIVE ADVERBS

When adverbs introduce a question, they are called interrogative adverbs.

E.g., When, Why, How, etc.



Solutions:

1. Hari speaks clearly.

2. Sita writes neatly.

3. Sarla hit the thief hard on the head.

4. He is perfectly right.

5 . The speaker spoke loud enough to be heard easily.

6. Ram is very old.

7. The story is very interesting.

8. Ram seldom comes here.

9. I am much satisfied with her conduct.

10. The train will arrive shortly.

11. The film was almost over when you entered.

12. He fared badly in the second innings.

13. Repeat what you have said.

14. Breathe deep when you walk.



Fill in the blanks with articles, where necessary.

1. He went to .................... college to meet .................... class teacher.

2. I will take .................... tram from .................... church.

3. He came and sat on .................... bed.

4. He has already gone to .................... bed.

5. Ram was appointed .................... clerk.

6. Suresh was declared .................... captain of our team.

7. Ramesh invited Sarla for .................... dinner yesterday.

8. He organised .................... nice lunch in honour of .................... President.

9. .................... dinner hosted by Ram was superb.

10. .................... measles is .................... contagious disease.

11. he died of .................... cholera.

Article

Articles are members of determiner family. Articles are used before nouns.

‘A (or An) and The’

There are two Articles - ‘A’ (or An) and ‘The’. A (or An) is called - Indefinite Article.

‘The’ is called the Definete Article, because it refers some particular person or thing.

Article ‘A’ or ‘An’ is used before a singular noun. The choice between ‘A’ or ‘An’ is determined by first sound ofpronunciation (not by the letter of alphabet even; it may be A, E, I, O, U of the noun.) If the first sound is vowel, An, is used:

Ex.

(A) He is an honest man.(B) He is an M.L.A.

The definite article ‘The’ is used in following cases:

A. The book you referred is out of print.B. I dislike the fellow who came here yesterday.


12. She has been suffering from .................... fever for three days.

13. He can speak .................... Hindi, but I can’t speak .................... English.

14. I like .................... blue colour.

15. When I went .................... home, Raja was watching .................... TV.

16. I heard .................... news on .................... radio.

17. He is .................... rich man, he always goes by .................... car.

18. Three percent posts are reserved for .................... disabled and two percent for .................... ex-servicemen.

19. He went first to .................... Mexico and then to .................... USA.

20. Ram took .................... action with .................... swiftness of .................... tiger.


Insert suitable articles, where necessary.

1. Will you like to have .................... cup of tea?

2. .................... room is airy.

3. .................... dog is a faithful animal.

4. Will you go to .................... hospital to see your friend?

5. There are sixty seconds in .................... minute.

6. Take .................... umbrella with you.

7. I have made .................... mistake.

8. I saw .................... old man yesterday.

9. This poem is written by .................... foreign writer.

10. I found .................... book last night. .................... book is very useful.

11. He is .................... able man.

12. He has applied for .................... post of an officer.

13. .................... camel is .................... ship of .................... desert.

14. .................... earth revolves round .................... sun.

15. Kalidas is .................... Shakespeare of .................... India.

VistaMind | English Foundation | B MM10301 | 10 of 59



Solutions:

1. the, the

2. a, the

3. the

4. x

5. x

6. x

7. x

8. a, the

9. the

10 . a

11 . x

12. x

13. x, x

14. x

15. x, x

16. the, the

17. a, x

18. the, the

19. x, the

20 . the , a

Solutions:

1. a

2. the

3 . the

4 . the

5 . a

6 . an

7 . a

8 . an

9 . a

10 . a, the

11 . an

12 . the

13 . the , the, the

14 . the, the

15 . the , x


TENSE

In English, there are three basic tenses: Present, Past, and Future. Each has a perfect form indicating completed action;each has a progressive form, indicating ongoing action; and each has a perfect progressive form, indicating ongoingaction that will be completed at some definite time.Read the following sentences:I. I write a letter.II. I wrote a letter.III. I shall write a letterAll underlined words in above sentences are the verbs.

FORMS OF VERBS

Verb is also classified as Regular and Irregular Verbs:Regular Verbs: Those verbs which form their past tense and past participle by adding ‘ed’ are called regular verbs.Irregular Verbs: Those verbs which from their past tense and past participle in a different way are called irregular verbs.We are giving below three lists of Irregular Verbs:List I: Verbs which have all the three forms same.List II: Verbs which have two forms same.List III: Verbs which have all the three forms different.

List (I), All three forms are the same (Irregular verbs):Base form Past Tense Past ParticipleBet bet betBurst burst burstCast cast castCost cost costCut cut cutHit hit hitHurt hurt hurtLet let letPut put putRead read readRid rid ridSet set setShut shut shutSplit split splitSpread spread spread

List (II), Two of the forms are the same (Irregular verbs):Base Form Past Tense Past ParticipleAbide abode abodeBeat beat beat enBecome became becomeBend bent bentBleed bled bledBreed bred bred

Tense


Bring brought broughtBuild built builtBurn burnt/ burned burnt/burnedBuy bought boughtCatch caught caughtCome came comeCreep crept creptDeal dug dugDream dreamt/dreamed dreamt/dreamedFeed fed fedFeel felt feltFight fought foughtFind found foundFling flung flungGet got gotHang hung hungHave had hadHear heard heardHold held heldKeep kept keptLay laid laidLead led ledlean leant/leaned leant/leanedLearn learnt/learned learnt/learnedLeap leapt/ leaped leapt/ leapedLeave left leftLend lent lentLight lit litLose lost lostMake made madeMean meant meantMeet met metPay paid paidRun ran runSay said saidSell sold soldSend sent sentShine shone shoneShoot shot shotSit sat satSleep slept sleptsmell smelt/smelled smelt/smelledSpell spelt speltSpend spent spentSpit spat spatSpoil spoilt/spoiled spoilt/spoiledStand stood stoodStick stuck stuckStrike struck struckSting stung stungSweep swept sweptSwing swung swung


Teach taught taughtTell told toldThink thought thoughtUnderstand understood understoodWin won wonWind wound wound

List (III), All three forms are different (Irregular verbs):Base Form Past Tense Past ParticipleAri se arose ari senBe was/were beenBear bore borneBegin began begunBite bit bittenBlow blew blownBreak broke brokenChoose chose chosenDo did doneDeaw drew drawnDrink drank drunkDrive drove drivenEat at e eat enFall fell fall enFly fl ew flownForbid forbade forbiddenForget forgot forgottenForgive forgave forgivenFreeze froze frozenGiven gave givenGo went goneGrow grew grownHide hid hiddenKnow knew knownLie lay lainMistake mistook mistakenRide rode riddenRing rang rungRise rose risenSee saw seenShake shook shakenSew sewed sewn/ sewedShow showed shownShrink shrank shrunkSing sang sungSink sank sunkSpeak spoke spokenSpring sprang sprungSteal stole stolenSwear swore swornSwim swam swumTake took takenTear tore torn



Fill in the blanks with correct form of the verbs (present & past) given in blackets in the space given.

1. It is already four p.m. They ........... (not arrive) yet.

2. Rashmi is not in the hostel. She ...........(go) out.

3. Sita ........... (hurt) her leg. She can’t walk fast.

Throw threw thrownWake woke wokenWear wore wornWrite wrote writtenWeave wove woven


1. Sarita go to office at 10 A.M. daily

2. She has been cooking meal from 7 A.M.

3. Nisha is playing tabla for two hours.

4. Rani have just come from college.

5. They have been residing here since four years.

6. They goes to field at 5 A.M.

7. Ram do his work in time.

8. He drink coffee in the morning.

9. Mr. Sharma teachs us English grammar.

10. Sakshi catchs the train at 8 O’clock.

11. He flys kite on Sunday.

12. We takes bath together in the river.

13. We have been playing for 12 O’clock.

14. Raheja has been singing since one hour.

15. He pass all the tests without fail.



4. Suresh has no more books to sell. He ...........(sell) all the books.

5. They ...........(play) the second match in the morning.

6. Shilpa ........... (reach) home last evening.

7. They ...........(complete) their project just now.

8. Ramesh ...........(finish) his work before Rakhi came.

9. The girl ........... (fall) from the roof while ........... (fly) a kite.

10. It ........... (rain) heavily since Monday.

11. Raksha ........... (fall) down while she ........... (walk) in the gallery.

12. Ranu ........... (slip) while she ........... (climb) up the roof.

13. The light ........... (go) out while we ........... (have) drinks in the hotel.

14. Swami ........... (ring) the bell at 4 p.m. daily.

15. We ........... (live) in this country since India attained freedom.

16. We ........... (wait) for the train for last three hours.

17. Ankita ........... (read) the ‘Ramayana’ daily in the morning.

18. A dog ........... (bite) him, while she ...........(pass) through the forest last week.

19. Smrita ........... (write) an story when Rahul ........... (enter) the room.

20. They ........... (climb) up the ladder when they ........... (hear) the noise.

21. When Seema arrived, they ........... (take) their lunch.

22. They ........... (play) football for half an hour when it started to rain.

23. We ........... (try) hard for ten weeks when we succeeded in solving the puzzle.

24. He ........... (put) in hard work to secure the first rank for three years, before he finally achieved success.

25. She ........... (suffer) from fever for more than five days, when she received the appointment.


Fill in the blanks with the future continuous/perfect/perfect continuous form of the verbs, given in the brackets:

1. .......... she .......... (go) home after Holi?

2. The students .......... (works) on their project next year.

3. The gardener .......... (water) the plants at 7 p.m. in the evening tomorrow.

4. Ramesh .......... (repair) his bicycle all the day tomorrow.

5. Her brother .......... (study) in this college next year positively.

6. You .......... (complete) your work by the end of this month.

7. By the end of next year I .......... (finish) my project positively.

8. The farmers .......... (plough) all their fields before the monsoon reaches.

9. We .......... (manufacture) remote controlled planes by the end of the next year.

10. By next month, you .......... (visit) all the famous places of Udaipur.

11. Rahul .......... (practise) it for two years by January next.

12. Sangita .......... (teach) English for two years by March, 2006.

13. Mr. Prasanna .......... (work) in this hospital for three years by Dec. 2006.

14. We .......... (serve) in this firm for three years by Jan. 2007.

15. I .......... (live) here for twenty years by Nov. 2003.



1 . Change ‘go’ to ‘goes;

2. Change ‘from’ to ‘since’

3. Change ‘is’ to ‘has been’

4 . Cha nge ‘have’ to ‘has’

5 . Cha nge ‘s ince’ to ‘f or’

6. Change ‘goes’ to ‘go’

7. Change ‘do’ to ‘ does’

8 . Change ‘d rink’ to ‘d rinks’

1. Have not arrived

2. Has gone

3. Has hurt

4. Has sold

5. Have played

6. Reached

7. Have completed

8 . Had finished

9. Fell, fly ing

10. Has been raining

11. Fell, was walking

12. Slipped, was climbing

Answer & Explanation

9 . Change ‘tea chs’ to ‘teac hes’

10. Change ‘catchs’ to ‘catches’

11. Change ‘fly s’ to ‘flies’

12. Chage ‘takes’ to ‘take’

13. Change ‘for’ to ‘since’

14. Change ‘since’ to ‘for’

15. Change ‘pass’ to ‘passes



13 . Went, wer e having

14. Rings

15. Have been living

16. Have been waiting

17. Reads

18. Bit, was passing

19. Was writing, entered

20 . Were climbing, heard

21. Had been taking

22. Had been play ing

23. Had been try ing

24 . Had put

25. Had been suffering.


1 . will, be going

2 . will be working

3 . will be watering

4 . will be repairing

5 . will be study ing

6 . will have completed

7 . will have finished

8 . will have ploughed

9 . will have manufactured

10 . shall have visited

11 . will have been practising

12 . will have been teaching

13 . will have been working

14 . shall have been serving

15 . shall have been living



If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

The subject of a sentence must agree with the verb of the sentence. They must agree in two ways:(A) In Number: Singular vs. Plural(B) In Person: First, Second, or Third Person

INVERSION

In normal english sentences, subject comes before the verb with following construction:Subject + Verb +..........

In some situations, like in questions, the order is reversed with following construction:Verb + Subject + ..........

Such types of constructions, wherein the verb comes before the subject, are known as inversion.Inversion of the Verb: ‘Certain adverbs and adverb phrases, ,most with a restrictive or negative sense, can, for emphasisbe placed first in a sentence or clause and are then followed by the inverted (i.e. interrogative) form of the verb.’(Thomson and Martinet).

Inversion can be of two types.1. When ‘Auxiliary’ comes before the subject but main verb comes after the subject:

(A) Never does he go to temple.(B) Hardly does he come here.

2. When main verb comes before the subject:(A) Round the corner went Jacob. (Main Verb + Subject)(B) Under a tree was sitting an old lady. (Auxiliary + Main Verb + Subject)

Spotting the error (Inversion):

1. “ Under no circumstances I can help you in this venture”, said Sita.A B C D

2. “ I don’t like such a bright colour, nor she does”, he said to Ram.A B C D

3. Every member of his family is addicted to gambling and so John is. A B C D

4. Never before I had been asked to go there by bus. A B C D


Verb


5. On no account this switch must be touched. A B C

6. “ Seldom I had seen such a beautiful girl”, said Mohanti. A B C D

7. Under a tree was sleeping an old lady with her young child. A B C D

8. To such a degree he created the problems that people thrashed him. A B C D

9. Not only she watched the news but she also cooked food. A B C D

10. No sooner the plane landed at the airport than a group of armed commandos surrounded it.A B C D

Fill in the blanks with suitable forms of verbs given in brackets:

1. He (live) in Kolkata for five years.

2. At the moment he (play) in the park.

3. I (wish) I knew the girl’s name.

4. She (take) a bath when the telephone rang.

5. I (tell) already you that you should work hard.

6. Ram always (remember) that honesty is the best policy.

7. Ramesh (leave) his house before I called on him.

8. They always (believe) that love is stronger than hatred.

9. She told me that her mother (go) to the doctor half an hour before.

10. I (wash) my hands when he came.

11. I (tell) already you what to do under these circmstances.

12. It is high time you (start) working with full zeal.



1. (B)

2. (C)

3. (D)

4. (B)

5. (B)

1. He has been living in Kolkata for five years.

2. At the moment he is play ing in the park.

3. I wish I knew the girl’s name.

4. She was taking a bath when the telephone rang.

5. I have already told you that you should work hard.

6. Ram always remembers that honesty is the best policy.


6. (A)

7. (E) Correct sentence

8. (B)

9. (B)

10. (A)

7 . Ramesh had left his house before I called on him.

8 . They always believe that love is stronger than hatre.

9. She told me that her mother had gone to the doctor half an hour before.

10 . I was washing my hands when he came

11 . I have already told you what to do under these circumstances.12 . It is high time you starte d working with full zeal.



Preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun or gerund, and it denotes the relation, the person or thing referredto by it, has with something else.A word such as a noun, pronoun or gerund following a preposition is said to be the object of the preposition.A preposition is followd by a ‘noun’. It is never followed by a verb.

Fill in the blank with appropriate prepositions:

1. Ram killed the snake ............... a stick.

2. He lives ............... Alwar.

3. Rice is selling ............... five rupees a kilo.

4. His car ran ............... a dog.

5. He assured to stand ............... me in all circumstances.

6. I will stand ............... for my rights.

7. He put ............... a coat of red colour.

8. He is proud ............... his riches.

9. He lives ............... Mumbai.

10. In general, acids act ............... metals.

11. Ram was beaten ............... by Mohan for no reason.

12. He sat ............... the ground.

13. He fell the tree ............... an axe.

14. An epidemic broke ............... in the town last year.

15. I called ............... to her from a distant place.


Preposition


Correct the sentence:

1. You cannot prevent me to go to the market.

2. She refrains to do this work.

3. I insisted him to attend the class.

4. He has a passion to learn English grammar.

5. She is negligent to attend the meetings.

6. She persisted to write again.

7. He is bent to fight again.

8. I am confident to win the match.

9. He succeeded to pass the examination this time.

10. I am proud to have a friend like Ram.

11. I cannot hinder her to enter the temple.

12. She is desirous to leave the place.

13. Ram was disqualified to compete in this tournament.

14. I cannot think to oppose him.

15. He was prohibited entering the temple.

16. You should abstain to drink now.

17. He intends going to Jaipur.

18. It is very difficult to dissuade him to go there.

19. He is fortunate to get a ticket.

20. I am hopeful to achieve success.



1. with

2. at

3. at

4. over

5. by

6. up

7. on

8. of

1. You cannot prevant me from going to the market.

2. She refrains from doing this work.

3. I insisted him on attending the class.

4. He has a passion for learning English grammar.

5. She is negligent in attending the meeting.

6 . She persisted in writing.

7. He is bent on fighting again.

8. I am confident of winning the match.

9. He succeeded in passing the examination this time.

10 . I am proud of having a friend like Ram.


9. in

10. on

11. up

12. on

13. with

14. out

15. out

11 . I cannot hinder her from entering the temple.

12. She is desirous of leaving the place.

13. Ram was disqualified from competing in this tournament.

14. I cannot think of opposing him.

15. He was prohibited from entering the temple.

16. You should abstain from drinking now.

17 . He intends to go to Jaipur.

18. It is very difficult to dissuade him from going there.

19. He is fortunate in getting a ticket.

20. I am hopeful of achieving success.



Aconjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, clauses or sentences.A conjunction is called a joiner, connector or sentence linker.

Kinds of Conjunction

There are three types of conjunction:(A) Coordinating Conjunction,(B) Subordinating Conjunction,(C) Correlative Conjunction.

(A) Coordinating Conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions may join single words, or they may join groups of words, butthey always join elements of same kind: either subject and subject,or verb phrase and verb phrase, or sentence andsentence.

(B) Subordinating Conjunctions: Subordinating conjunctions, the largest class of conjunctions, connect subordinateclauses to a main clause. After, although, as as if, as long as, as though, because, bofore, even if, even though, if, ifonly, in order that, now that, once, rather than, since, so that, than, that, though, till, unless, until, when, whenever,where, whereas, wherever, while.

(C) Correlative Conjunctions: Correlative conjunctions also connect sentence elements of the same kind: however,unlike coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs. Such Conjunctions are: Either.......... or, Neither ........... nor, Both ............. and, Whether ......... or, Not only, .......... but also.

Join the following pairs of sentences using the connectors given in brackets:

1. My father is ill.My wife is ill. (both .......... and)

2. The teacher was not in the class. The monitor was not in the class. (neither ........... nor)

3. He is poor. He is honest. (though ..........yet)

4. The book may be in the bag. It may be in the cupboard. (either .......... or)

5. There was a violent strom. Many trees were uprooted. (such .......... that)

6. The doctor reached. The patient died. (hardly .......... when)

7. He is strong. He is brave. (not only .......... but also)

8. Do not be a borrower. Do not be a lender. (neither .......... nor)


Conjunction


9. It was very dark. We could see nothing. (so .......... that)

10. The thief saw the policemen. He ran away at once. (no sooner ..........than)

Fill in the blanks with suitable connectors chosen from the ones given in brackets:

1. We want others to respect our feelings ............, we should respect the feeelings of others. ( nevertheless, similarly, on theother hand)

2. We lost the key. We had ............ to break open the lock. (still, for, therefore)

3. His parents were transferred to Agra ............ he was five years old. (when, since, while)

4. A mechanic was sent for ............ our car broke down. (since, as soon as, because)

5. The rent being very high he will not take that house ............ it is very far away from his office. (because, moreover,still)

6. The police asked the suspect question after question, ............ he did not open his mouth. (yet, still, howrver)

7. I have been to the hanging garden four times,............ I won’t mind going there again. (but, nevertheless, however)

8. ............ much I tried, I could not help him. (though, however, as)

9. My uncle left for Mexico ............ I was six years old. (when, since, while)



1. Both my father and my wife are ill.

2. Neither the teacher nor the monitor was in the class.

3. Though he is poor, yet he is honest.

4. The book may be either in the bag or in the cupboard.

5. There was such a violent strom that many trees were uprooted.

1. similarly

2. therefore

3. when

4. because

5. moreover


6 . The doctor had hardly reached when the patient died. orHardly had the doctor reached when the patient died

7 . He is not only strong but also brave.

8. Neither be a borrower nor be a lender.

9 . It was so dark that we could see nothing.

10. No sooner did the policeman see the thief than he ran away.

6. sti ll

7. bu t

8. however

9. when



Pronouns are words which are used in the place of nouns.

Kinds of Pronoun

Pronouns are classified as per following:1. Personal Pronoun 2. Reflexive Pronoun3. Emphatic Pronoun 4. Reciprocal Pronoun5. Demonstrative Pronoun 6. Indefinite Pronoun7. Interrogative Pronoun 8. Relative Pronoun9. Distributive Pronoun 10. Exclamatory Pronoun

Personal Pronouns: Personal pronouns refer persons or things. Personal Pronouns change form,according to theirdifferent uses in a sentence.

Personal pronouns in the subjective and objective cases:

Subjective Case Objective CaseI meYou youHe himShe herIt itWe usThey them

Singlular And Plural Pronouns

Person Singlular PluralFirst Person I weSecond Person you youThird Person he, she, it they

Possessive forms of personal pronouns

The forms of personal pronouns which indicate possession are called possessive forms of personal pronouns.The subjective, objective and possessive forms of the personal pronouns are shown in the following table:

Pronoun


Subjective Objective Possessive form case

Possessive form case

I Me My Mine You You Your Yours He Him H is His She Her Her Hers I t I t I ts Its

W e Us O ur Ours They Them T heir Theirs

Reflexive Pronouns:

The reflexive pronouns, ending in -self, are used when the action denoted by the verb is directed toward the thing referredto by the subject.

Examples.(A) She washed herself thoroughly before putting on new dress.(B) Did you hurt yourself?(C) You ruined yourself.

Emphatic Pronouns

The Emphatic pronouns (such as myself, yourself, herself, ourselves, themselves) consist of a personal pronoun plus selfor selves. The Emphatic pronoun is used to emphasize a noun. It is possible (but rather unusual) for an emphatic ponounto precede the noun it refers to; e.g., - Myself, I don’t believe a word she says.) Usually Emphatic pronoun isplaced after the noun it refers:(A) I myself solved this question. (B) She herself found the solution(C) He himself came to see the patient (D) You yourself admitted your fault.

Reciprocal Pronouns

A pronoun that express a mutual action or relationship between the individuals indicated in the plural subject.Examples : They cared for each other. We all try and help one another.

Demonstrative Pronouns

The family of demonstratives (this/that/these/those/such) functions either as pronouns or as determiners.The words ‘this, that, these and those’ are Demonstrative pronouns. These are used to denote specific persons orthings. In the following examples, the words ‘this’ ‘that’ ‘these’ and those’ are used as demonstrative pronouns:(A) This is an umbrella. (B) That is a good idea.(C) These are my friends. (D) Those are our shops.


Indefinite Pronouns

A pronoun that refers to a person or a things in a general way (not in a definite way) is called Indefinite Pronoun. Theindefinite pronouns (everybody/ anybody/somebody/all/each/every/some/none/ one) do not act for specific nouns butfunction themselves as nouns.Indefinite pronouns may be used without antecedents. Look at the following sentences:(A) One cannot get every thing one desires.(B) I will try to think of somebody who can help you.(C) Nobody will believe it !

Interrogative Pronouns

The Interrogative pronouns are used for making queries or asking questions. The pronouns ‘who, what and which’ areused as interrogative pronouns.(A) Who telephoned?(B) What did you say?(C) Which is your pen?

Relative Pronouns

A relative pronoun is a word such as ’who’, whom’ that’, or ‘which’ that is used to introduce a relative clause. Thesewords are called relative pronouns. The compounds’ whoever, ‘ whomever,’ and ‘whichever’ are also relative pronouns.Look at the following sentences:(A) The woman who is wearing red saree is a doctor.(B) The door, which is dark blue, is very tight.(C) Have you found the magazine that was missing?

Distributive Pronouns

Each, either and neither are classified as distributive pronouns. They denote person or thing one at a time. Thesepronouns are always treated as singlular and take singular verbs.

Look at the following sentences:(A) Each of the students gets a prize(B) Each got his turn.(C) Either of the two will win the race.

Exclamatory Pronoun

A pronoun used as an exclamation is called an exclamatory pronoun:

(A) What ! You don’t know Sonia Gandhi?(B) What ! You lost the chain ?

In above sentences ‘What’ is functioning as an exclamatory pronoun.



1. It was me who telephoned you yesterday.

2. The girl who you spoke to in the office is my friend.

3. My brother and myself are glad to get your greetings.

4. I am not one of those who cannot keep his promise.

5. It is not us who are respoonsible for the delay.

6. They admired his wife and he.

7. What place are you going?

8. Which house do you live ?

9. She has absented from duty today again.

10. I could not avail of the opportunity I got last year.

11. The treatment received by me was such, which I never expected.

12. His expectation is the same which is hers.

13. One cannot bear his insult like this.

14. My house is bigger than their.

15. This is a secret between you and I.

Fill in the blanks with interrogative / relative pronouns:




1. It was I who telephoned you yesterday.

2 . The girl whom you spoke to in the office, is my friend.

3. My brother and I are glad to get your greetings.

4. I am not one of those who cannot keep their promise.

5. It is not we who are responsible for the delay.

6. They admired his wife and him.

7 . Where are you going ?

8 . Which house do you live in?

1. which

2. who

3. where

4. which

5. when


9. She has absented herself from duty today again.

10. I could not avail myself of the opportunity I got last year.

11. The treatment received by me was such as is hers.

12 . His expectation is the same as I had never expected.

13. One cannot bear one’s insult like this.

14. My house is bigger than theirs.

15. This is a sescret between you and me.

6. whom

7. which

8. what

9. who

10. whose.



Question Tag

The whole sentence is a ‘tag question’, and the mini-question at the end is called a ‘question tag’.


Write the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 of correct answer in the brackets:1. Do as i say, ........................?

(1) didn’t you (2) won’t you (3) needn’t you (4) shan’t you ( )

2. Now you can make question tags, ........................?(1) can you (2) won’t you (3) can’t you (4) will you ( )

3. You fell on your back, ........................?(1) didn’t you (2) weren’t you (3) have you (4) haven’t they ( )

4. Few people know that you are an artist, ........................?(1) do they (2) will we (3) aren’t they (4) haven’t they ( )

5. Tomorrow we will attend our college, ........................?(1) shall we (2) will we (3) won’t we (4) should’t they ( )

6. The Bishnois of Rajasthan protect trees and animals, ........................?(1) have they (2) weren’t they (3) do they (4) don’t they ( )

7. Everyone wanted a ticket, ........................ ?(1) didn’t they (2) didn’t he (3) didn’t she (4) haven’t we ( )

8. Let’s take a little rest before we start again, ........................?(1) will we (2) should we (3) shall we (4) needn’t we ( )

9. Anjali dances very well, ........................?(1) does she (2) doesn’t she (3) are’t she (4) isn’t she ( )

10. Both Ram and Shyam are engineers, ........................?(1) isn’the (2) isn’t she (3) are they (4) aren’t they ( )

11. He knows nobody in the colony, ........................?(1) does he (2) did he (3) doesn’t the (4) weren’t he ( )

12. Jahangir was a great judge, ........................?(1) doesn’t he (2) didn’t he (3) wasn’t he (4) weren’t he ( )

13. I am looking after the garden, ........................?(1) amn’t I (2) aren’t I (3) isn’t I (4) don’t I ( )

14. It is quite hot outside today,........................?(1) is it (2) isn’t it (3) doesn’t it (4) aren’t it ( )


Complete the following by using the correct tages:

1. He doesn’t want to go to college today, ........................?

2. Let’s pray to God, ........................?

3. You had met me before ........................?

4. We couldn’t enjoy the picnic,........................?

5. He is a rude man, ........................?

6. Everybody was watching the TV, ........................?

7. Mrs. Saxena is a good lady, ........................?

8. Something must be done for us, ........................?

9. Someone might come, ........................?

10. He needs money, ........................?

11. I needn’t write, ........................?

12. Nisha need not go there, ........................?




1 . (2 )

2 . (3 )

3 . (1 )

4 . (1 )

5 . (3 )

6 . (4 )

7 . (1 )

8 . (3 )

9 . (2 )

10 . (4 )

11 . (1 )

12 . (3 )

13 . (2 )

14 . (2)


1. Does he

2 . shall we

3. hadn’t you

4. could we

5. isn’t he

6 . weren’t they

7 . isn ’t she

8. must’t it

9. mightn’t they

10. doens’t he

11. need I

12. need she


Idioms & Phrases

A gentleman at large (an unreliable person): He is a gentleman at large, you must not trust him.A wolf in sheep’s clothing (a dangerous person pretending harmless): Charles Shobhraj is a wolf in sheep’s clothing forgeneral public.ABC (very common knowledge): He doesn’t know ABC of Physics.Above board (fair and honest): He is a straightforward man. His financial dealings are above board.Again and again (repeatedly): One who tries again and again gets success positively.All and sundry (without making any distinction): He invited all and sundry in the marriage party of his younger brother.All in all (whole-sole, most important): The Forest Minister is all in all of our department.Alpha and omega (First and last letter of Greek alphabet, means-beginning and end): The alpha and omega of Britishpolicy was to keep the Indians divided.An eye wash (a pretence): He does nothing without self interest, all his excuses are but an eye wash.An iron hand (by force): Indira Gandhi put down the opposition with an iron hand.At sixes and sevens (persons who are having different opinions): Economists are at sixes and seven on the policy ofrationing.Beck and call (at the service): Don’t worry, I am at your beck and call.Bag and baggage (with all goods) : He returned his village bag and baggage.Between scylla and Charybdis: (choice between two unpleasant alternatives): Don’t make haste, take care so that inavoiding scylla you don’t fall in Charybdis.Between the cup and the lips: (On the point of achievement): Until I got the appointment letter in hand, I was not sure ofthe posting, as there were many slips between the cup and the lips.Black and white (in writing): It is always better to get everything in black and white, before entering a partnership.Blow hot and cold (having no stand, showing favour at one time and unfavour at another): He can’t be relied upon, ashe blows hot and cold in this matter.Body and soul (entirely): She devoted herself body and soul to win the medal.By fits and starts (irregularly): Work done by fits and starts never completes in time.By hook or by crook (by any means): I want to get this licence by hook or by crook.By leaps and bounds (speedily): The population is increasing by leaps and bounds.Call a spade a spade (straight talk): He believes in calling a spade a spade.Cats and dogs (heavy rain): It has been raining cats and dogs for the last three hours.Cock and bull story (untrue story): All his excuses seem a cock and bull story.Confusion worse confounded (be in further worse position): Such demonstrations and communal speeches in presentsituation make confusion worse confounded.Cut and dried (readymade form): There is no cut and dried method of English speaking.Ever and anon (now and then): She goes to temple ever and anon.Fair and square (honest): He is fair and square in his dealings.Fair field and no favour (equal opportunity to all): All the staff wants fair field and no favour in the matter of transfer.Far and wide (every where): Many tourists come to see the Taj from far and wide.Fire and brimstone (fearful penalties): The USA has threatened Iran with fire and brimstone if she refuses to follow theresolutions of UNO.Fire and fury (extreme enthusiasm): The speech of the leader was full of fire and fury.


First and foremost (highest priority): To be sincere and devoted is the first and foremost requirement of a good employee.Fishy (doubtful) : There seems to be something fishy going on.Free and easy (natural and simple): The principal found his arguments free and easy.Gall and wormwood (source of irritation): Her remarks about his father were gall and wormwood to him.Gird up the loins (to be ready): We should gird up the loins to fight the menace of poverty and dowery.Goods and chattels (belongings of home): On transfer, he brought all goods and chattels by road.Hand gloves (very intimate friends): Ram and Rahim are hand in gloves with each other.Hard and fast (certain): There are no hard and fast rules to sanction the loan.Heart and soul (with full devotion): He threw himself heart and soul to pass the examination.Herculean task (a tedious job): Getting selected in IAS is a herculean task for everybody.Hit below the belt (contrary to principles of fairness): By making his enemy’s private secrets public, he hit him below thebelt.Hither and thither (here and there): He is in the habit of putting his belongings hither and thither.Hole and corner policy (a secret policy for an evil purpose): The officer adopted a hole and corner policy to get his P.A .trasferred.Hue and cry (great noise): A lot of hue and cry was raised in Parliament against this bill.Ins and outs (full detail): Before starting any new business you must know all ins and outs of it.Intents and purposes (practically): My wife is the incharge of the house for all intents and purposes.Kith and kin (blood relatives): All kith and kin were invited in the marriage function of his son.Latin and Greek (unable to understand): His speech in English was Latin and Greek to the rural folk.Law and equity (legal and moral justice): Law and equity demands that the reservations should be based on economicparameters.Leave no stone unturned (make all possible efforts): I shall leave no stone unturned to get the promotion.Length and breadth (all over): Anti-English agitation spread throughout the length and breadth of the country.Life and soul (main support): Soniya Gandhi is the life and soul of Congress (I).Like a fish out of water (in a very difficult and unsuitable situation): Ram was given an unremunerative post. He is feelinglike afish out of water.Loaves and fish (material interests): Nowadays Government servants are concerned with the loaves and fish of the officethan to solve the problems of common public.Lock and key (in safe place): He keeps the jewellery under lock and key.Might and main (with all enthusiasm): If you study with might and main you will positively secure the success.Milk and water (weak): The foreign policy of India is nothing more than a milk and water policy.Neck and crop (completely): The Pak army ruined the border village neck and crop.Need of the hour (necessity of time): Providing full security to the residents of border area is the need of hour.Nook and corner (everywhere): I searched her in every nook and corner.Not born yesterday (worldlywise): You can’t befool me as I was not born yesterday.Now and then (Occasionally): I visit church now and then.Null and void (of no use, without force of application) : The law passed by legislature was declared null and void by theSupreme court.Odds and ends (remaining goods): Except odds and ends, all the items have since been arranged in order.Often and often (frequently): She visits her parents often and often.Once and again (repeatedly): I have told you once and again that I have no money to purchase the car at the moment.Open and above board (very clear, transparent): He believes in open and above board discussion on every point beforearriving at a conclusion.


Out of gear (in disorder): The strike of employees always puts the government machinery out of gear.Over and above (besides): I paid him rupees ten thousand over and above what he demanded.Over head and ears (excessively): He is over head and ears in debt.Part and Parcel (being an important part of): Each employee should feel himself part and parcel of the business enterprises.Pell mell (putting one upon the other, in confusion): He was in such a hurry that he put all the articles pell mell and closedthe room .Pick and choose (to choose selectively as per wish): The management adopted pick and choose policy in the matter ofpromotions from clerical to assistant cadre.Pins and needles (small items): It is unwise to use swords and scissors where pins and needles can do.Pros and Cons (merits and demerits): Before signing this agreement you must understand all its pros and cons well.Rain or shine (favourable or unfavourable circumstances.): Rain or shine, I will speak to oppose the proposal.Rank and file (everyone without discrimination): For the actual prosperity of the nation, the economic conditions of rankand fie should be improved.Rank and ruin (complete destructions): The present drought has put the farmers on the verge of rank and ruin.Rhyme or reason (rational cause): He resigned from the service without any rhyme or reason.Right and left (in all ways): The robbers looted the village right and left and fled away.Root and branch (complete): Poverty among the public is the root and branch of all the crimes.Safe and sound (quite well): She reached there safe and sound.Speck and span (neat and smart): Mr. J.L. Nehru was always spick and span in his dressing style.Stuff and nonsense (worthless) : The judge found all his arguments stuff and nonsense.Sum and substance (the actual theme): The sum and substance of the paragraph must be reflected in a good precis.The die is cast (decided finally): The die is cast, there is not point of discussing over it now.The last nail in the coffin (the last action which resulted in the complete end of something.): The reservation policy ofV.P. Singh was the last nail in the coffin of the Janta Party.Thick and thin (in all circumstances): I shall support you through thick and thin.Through fire and water (in all sort of difficulties): He can go through fire and water to achieve his goal.Time and tide (course of time): Time and tide waits for none.To and fro (going and coming, backward and forward): What are the to and fro taxi charges for Alwar to Delhi?Cheek by jowl (very near with somebody / something): As the space was short, so he kept all the articles cheek by jowl.To move heaven and earth (to make all possible efforts): I am ready to move heaven and earth to bring him to justice.To play ducks and drakes (to waste money): He is playing ducks and drakes with parental moneyToil and moil (hard labour): It requires too much of toil and moil to secure the first position.Tom Dick and Harry (everyone): Every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that Sachin is the greatest cricketer .Tooth and nail (with all force): Students of general caste opposed the reservation policy tooth and nail but of no avail.Ups and downs (prosperity and adversity): There are ups and downs in every business.Warp and woof (essential parts of a thing): Blood and bones are warp and woof of human body.Watch and ward (careful guard): At least three guards are required to have perfect watch and ward of the building.Weal and woe (prosperity and adversity): I will abide by you in all weal and woe.Whips and spur (with greatest hurry): He completed the project whips and spur.Why and wherefore (the basic reason): Please tell me the why and wherefore of your decision to take voluntary retirement.Willy nilly (wish or not wish): Willy nilly, you are to obey the orders of your father.


Reading comprehension

COMPREHENSION

“ Comprehensions judge your capability and ability of understanding the passage, your power of analyzing the problem inproper perspective and your ability of presenting your answers systematically”.

RIGHT APPROACH TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS:

1. Questions are to be answered on the basis of the information provided in the passage, and you are not expected to rely onoutside knowledge of a particular topic. Your own views or opinions may sometimes conflict with the views expressed orthe information provided in the passage. Be sure that you work within the context of the passage. You should not expect toagree to everything you encounter in reading passages.

2. You should analyses each passage carefully before answering the accompanying questions. As with any kind of close andthoughtful reading, look for clues that will help you understand less explicit aspects of the passage. Try to separate mainideas from supporting ideas or evidence.

3. Note transitions from one idea to the next, and examine the relationships among the different ideas or parts of the passage.For example, are they contrasting? Are they complementary? Consider the points the author makes, the conclusions drawn,and how and why those points are made or conclusions are drawn.

4. Read each question carefully and be certain that you understand exactly what is being asked.

5. Always read all the answer choices before selecting the best answer.

6. The best answer is the one that most accurately, and most completely answers the questions being posed. Be carefulnot to pick an answer choice simply because it is a true statement. Be careful also not to be misled by answer choices that areonly partially true or only partially satisfy the problem posed in the question.

Directions : Read the following passage carefully and answer the question given below it.

Passage - 1

Many people believe that science and religion are contrary to each other. But this notion is wrong. As a matter of fact, bothare complementary to each other. The aim of both these institutions is to explain different aspects of life, universe andhuman existence. There is no doubt that the methods of science and religion are different. The method of science is obser-vation, experimentation and experience. Science takes its recourse to progressive march towards perfection; the rules ofreligion are faith, intuition and spoken word of the enlightened; in general, while science is inclined towards reason andrationality, spiritualism is the essence of religion.

In earlier times when man appeared on earth, he was overawed at the sight of violent and powerful aspects of nature. Incertain cases, the usefulness of different natural objects of nature overwhelmed man. Thus began the worship of forces ofnature - fire, the sun, the rivers, the rocks, the trees, the snakes, etc. The holy scriptures were written by those who haddeveloped harmony between external nature and their inner self. Their object was to ennoble, elevate and liberate the humanspirit and mind. But the priestly class took upon itself the monopoly of scriptural knowledge and interpretation to its ownadvantage. Thus the entire human race was in chains. Truth was flouted and progressive, liberal and truthful ideas or ideasexpressing doubt and skepticism were suppressed and their holders punished. It was in these trying circumstances, the


science emerged as a saviour of making but its path was not smooth and safe. The scientists and free thinkers were tortured.This was the fate of Copernicus, Galileo, Bruno and others. But, by and by science gained ground.

1. Why does man worship the force of nature?(1) The holy scriptures advocate the worship of forces of nature(2) The worship elevates and liberates the human spirit and mind(3) The worship makes man believe in faith and intuition(4) Forces of nature reach us spiritualism(5) None of these.

2. Which of the following statements is true in the context of the passage?(1) Science and religion are antagonistic to each other(2) Science encourages worshipping of nature(3) Religion is essential for external peace and harmony(4) Regimental religion was replaced by scientific principles(5) Science is essential for inner peace of mind.

3. According to the passage, science and religion both:(1) Rely on the spoken word of the enlightened(2) Emerged out of the fear of man(3) Emerged from the desire of man to worship the forces of nature(4) Employ different methods of enquiry(5) Work at the cross - purpose of each other.

4. Why is it said in the passage that, science emerged as a saviour of mankind?(1) Many great thinkers contributed to the progress of science(2) Science takes recourse to progressive march towards perfection(3) Science is inclined towards reason and rationality(4) Man was bound in chains by religious orthodoxy(5) The free thinkers and enlightened men were tortured.

5. Which of the following statements is not true in the context of the passage?(1) Man worships the forces of nature(2) Methods of science and religion are different(3) Regimental religion got degenerated into orthodoxy(4) Galileo and Bruno were disciples of copernicus(5) The holy scriptures were written by people who had tremendous inner strength.

6. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word ‘flouted’, as used in the passage.(1) Mocked (2) Nourished (3) Expressed (4) Deflated (5) Concealed

7. According to the passage, science and religion;(1) Are contrary to each other(2) Have the same origin(3) Are supportive to each other(4) Have the same aim of controlling universe(5) Do not allow any deviation from their rules.


8. According to the passage, at the present juncture, there is a need to:(1) encourage spiritualism as much as possible(2) Teach people to worship the forces of nature(3) Free man from all sorts bondages.(4) Explain to the people different aspects of life and universe(5) Judiciously mix the principles of science and true spirit of religion.

9. What was the object of the authors of the holy scripture?(1) To teach man the methods of worshipping nature(2) To advocate the progressive(3) To educate and raise the human spirit and mind(4) To develop harmony between external nature and their inner self(5) None of these.

10. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word enlightened’ as used in the passage:(1) Uninformed (2) Derogatory (3) Downtrodden (4) Educated (5) Authority

Passage - 2

Directions; Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it;Mountaineering is now looked upon as the king of sports. But men have lived amongst the mountains since prehistoric timesand in some part of the world, as in the Andes and the Himalayas, difficult mountain journeys have inevitably been part oftheir everyday life. However, some of the peaks there, were easily accessible from most of the cities of Europe. It is quiteinteresting that while modern mountaineers prefer difficult routes for the greater enjoyment of the sport, the early climberslooked for the easiest ones, for the summit was the prize they all set their eyes on. Popular interest in mountaineeringincreased considerably after the ascent of the Alpine peak of Matterhorn in 1865 and Edward Whymper’s dramatic accountof the climb and fatal accident which occurred during the descent.

In the risky sport of mountaineering, the element of competition between either individuals or teams is totally absent.Rather, one can say that the competition is between the team and the peaks themselves. The individuals making up a partieswhich are inexperienced or not properly equipped. Since many accidents are caused due to bad weather, the safe chamber isthe man who knows, when it is time to turn back, however, tempting it may be to press on and try to reach the summit.

1. Mountaineering is different from other sports because:(1) It is risky and dangerous.(2) It can be fatal(3) It is most thrilling and exciting, there is no competition between individuals.

2. People living in the Andes and the Himalayas made mountain journeys because:(1) It was a kind of sport.(2) They had to undertake them in their day-to-day life(3) They lived in pre-historic time(4) Of the challenge offered by the difficult journey.

3. Mountaineers climb as a team because:(1) The height is too much for one individual.(2) The competition is between the team and the peak(3) They have to rely on each other for safety(4) There is no competition among them.


4. “ The summit was the prize they all set their eyes on.” In the context of the passage, this means:(1) Reaching the top was their exclusive concern,(2) They kept their eyes steadily on reaching the summit.(3) They cared for nothing but the prize of reaching the summit.(4) They chose a route from which they could see the summit clearly.

5. “ To press,” in the last sentence of the passage means:(1) To struggle in a forceful manner,(2) To force upon others,(3) To work fearlessly,(4) To continue in a determined manner.

Passage - 3

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it;On the morning of August 31, 1573, 300 horsemen of the imperial Mughal army paused at the banks of the Sabarmati. Therebels, they were after, lay just beyond the swollen river, but the soldiers were exhausted; they had traversed 960 kilometersof difficult terrain in nine days, riding almost continuously. Suddenly a warrior on a chestnut charger plunged into the ragingtorrent. As man and horse struggled on the opposite bank, a thrill ran through the army. It was the emperor, Jalay-uddinAkbar! With a roar, the soldiers followed him across and within two days, they had put down the rebellion so thoroughly thatGujrat remained in Mughal hands for the next 185 years.

1. The rebels were camped:(1) Across the Sabarmati river(2) On the banks of Sabarmati river(3) In Gujrat(4) In imperial Mughal courts.

2. The expression “ swollen river” means:(1) A river in flood(2) A clam and serene river(3) A deep river(4) A shallow river.

3. The Mughal soldiers didn’t cross the river because:(1) They were cowards(2) They had joined hands with the rebels(3) They were waiting for the king to arrive(4) They were tired after a difficult journey.

4. The sudden arrival of King Akbar:(1) Surprised the soldiers(2) Angered the soldiers(3) Dismayed the soldiers(4) Enthused the soldiers.

5. The attack on the rebels turned out to be;(1) A dismal failure(2) A grand success(3) Of no particular significance(4) An ordinary affair.


Passage - 4

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it:

He saw nothing, he had no knife or sharp instrument, the grating of the window was of iron and he had too often assuredhimself of its solidity. His furniture consisted of a bed, a chair, a table, a pail and a jug. The bed had iron clamps, but theywere screwed to the wall and it would have required a screwdriver to take them off.

Dantes had but one recource, which was to break the jug and with one of the sharp fragments attack the wall. He left the jugfall on the floor and it broke in pieces. He concealed two or three of the sharpest fragments in his bed, leaving the rest on thefloor. The breaking of the jug was too natural an accident to excite suspicion, and next morning the gaoler went grumblinglyto fetch another, without giving himself the trouble to remove the fragments. Dantes heard joyfully the key grate in the lockas the guard departed.

1. Dantes was in :(1) A hostel (2) A dining room (3) An army barracks (4) A prison.

2. Dantes was planning to:(1) Carve his name (2) Make his escape (3) Tease the guard (4) Call for breakfast.

3. The guard left the fragments because he:(1) Didn’t notice them (2) Wished to punish Dantes(3) Was too lazy to bother (4) Wanted Dantes to clear up.

4. Dantes probably broke the jug:(1) In the morning (2) During the night (3) After breakfast (4) At exactly 3 p.m.

5. Dantes heard the key grate in the lock, when the:(1) Cell door was shut (2) Cell door was opened(3) Storeroom was opened (4) Storeroom was shut.

Passage - 5

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and then answer these questions based on what is stated orimplied in the passage:

One simple concept lies behind the formation of the stars: gravitational in stablity. The concept is not new. Newton firstperceived it late in the 17th Century. Imagine a uniform, static cloud of gas in space. Imagine then that the gas is some-how disturbed, so that one small spherical region becomes a little denser than the gas around it so that the small region’sgravitational field becomes slightly stronger. It and its gravity increases further, causing it to begin to contract. As itcontracts its density increases, which increases its gravity even more, so that it picks up even more matter and contractseven further. The process until the small refine of gas finally forms a gravitationally bound object.

1. The primary purpose of the passages is to:(1) Describe a static condition(2) Support a theory considered out mode(3) Depict the successive stages of a phenomenon(4) Demonstrate the evolution of the meaning of a term.


2. It can be inferred from this passage that the author views the information contained within it as:(1) Lacking in elaboration (2) Original but obscure(3) Speculative and unprofitable (4) Uncomplicated and traditional.

3. With which of the following words can you replace the word uniform as given in this passage?(1) Uniting (2) Varying (3) Gaseous (4) Unvarying.

4. What does the underlined word ‘it’ stands for in he passage?(1) Gravitational instability (2) Cloud of gas(3) Small spherical denser region (4) Matter.

5. The author provides information that answers which of following questions?(1) What causes the disturbances that changes the cloud from its original static condition?(2) How does this small region’s increasing density affect its gravitational field?(3) What is the end result of the gradually increasing concentration of the small region of gas?

Passage - 6

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it:

A great deal of the world’s work is neither producing material things nor altering the things that Nature produces, butdoing services of one sort or another.

Throughless people are apt to think a brickmaker more of a producer than a clergyman. When a village carpenter makes agate to keep cattle out of a field of wheat, he has something solid in his hand which he can claim for his own until thefarmer pays him for it. But when a village boy makes a noise to keep the birds off, he has nothings to show, though thenoise is just a necessary as the gate. The postman does not make anything...... The policeman does not make anything....... The doctor makes pills sometimes; but that is not his real business, which is to tell you when you ought to take pills,and what pills to take, unless indeed he has the good sense to tell you not take them at all, and you have the good sense tobelieve him, When he is giving you good advice instead of bad. The lawyer does not make anything substantial...... Theyare all in service.

1. Thoughtless people think a brickmaker more of a producer than a clergyman because:(1) A clergyman is an idler,(2) A brickmaker produces something solid which he can keep with him till he gets its price(3) A brickmaker, being physically stronger than a clergyman, can naturally produce more(4) He cannot understand the philosophical lectures of the clergyman.

2. According to the author of the passage, a large number of persons:(1) Are producing material things(2) Are altering the things that Nature produces(3) Are doing nothing in particular(4) Offer services.

3. The writer thinks that;(1) Both the doctor and the patient are sensible when one makes pills and the other buys them(2) The doctor is sensible and the patient is insensible(3) The doctor is insensible and the patient is insensible(4) Both the doctor and the patient make sense when the doctor tells not to take pills and the patient believes him.


4. The writer’s description of the doctor’s business:(1) Strengthens the main argument of the passage because the doctor’s business is to make pills,(2) Is irrelevant to the main argument of the passage,(3) Weakens the main argument of the passage,(4) Illustrates the difference between producing something and offering a service.

Passage - 7

Directions: Read the passage carefully, then answer the questions which are based on what is stated or implied in thepassage:

Since the world has become industrialized, there has been an increase in the number of animal species that have eitherbecome extinct or have neared extinction. Bengal tigers for instance, which once roamed the jungle in vast numbers, nownumber only 2300 and by the year 2025 their population is estimated to be down to zero. What is alarming about the caseof Bengal tiger is that this extinction will have been caused almost entirely by poachers who according to some sources,are not interested in material gain but in personal gratification. This is an example of the callousness that is part of whatis causing the problem of extinction. Animals like the Bengal tiger, as well as, those belonging to other endangeredspecies, are a valuable part of the world’s ecosystem. International laws protecting these animals must be enacted toensure their survival, and the survival of our planet. Countries around the world have begun to deal with the problem invarious ways. Some countries, in order to circumvent the problem, have allocated large amount of land to animalreserves. They then charge admission fees to help defray the costs of maintaining the parks, and they often must alsodepend on world organizations for support. With the money get, they can invest in equipment and patrols to protect theanimals. Another solution that is an attempt to stem the tide of animal extinction is an international boycott of productsmade from endangered species. This seems fairly effective, but it will not, by itself, prevant animals from being huntedand killed.

1. What is the author’s main concern in this passage?(1) Problems of industrialization (2) The Bengal tiger(3) Endangered species (4) Callousness of man.

2. According to the passage, poachers kill for:(1) Material gain (2) Personal satisfaction(3) Both (4) None of above.

3. Which of the following words is closest in meaning to the underlined word ‘alarming’?(1) Serious (2) Dangerous (3) Disressing (4) Frightening.

4. Certain species are becoming extinct because of :(1) Industrialisation (2) Poaching(3) Love of products made from them (4) All the above.

5. The Phrase ‘Stem the tide’ means:(1) Save (2) Stop (3) Touch (4) Spare.

6. Which of the following, best describes the author’s attitude?(1) Concerned (2) Vindictive (3) Surprised (4) Generous.


Passage - 8

Directions: Read the passage carefully and then choose the one best answer for each question given below:

The conservative is not an extreme individualist. He may be willing to concede numerous arguments of the unqualifiedindividualist, for his own respect, for the dignity of the individual is not surpassed by that of any man. Yet, he cannotagree to the full implications of individualism, which is based so he thinks, on an incorrect appraisal of man, society,history, and government. In his own way, the individualist is as much a perfectionist as the Socialist, and with perfection-ism the conservative can have no truck.

In particular, the conservative refuses to go all the way with economic individualism. His distrust of unfettered man, hisrecognition to groups, his sense of the complexity of the social process, his recognition of the real services that govern-ment can perform-all these sentiments make it impossible for him to subscribe to the dogmas and shibboleths of eco-nomic individualism: laisses-faire, the negative state, enlightened self-interest, the law of supply and demand, the profitcareful to qualify his support by stating other, more important social truths. For example, he does not for a moment denythe prominence of the profit motive, but he insists that it be recognised for the selfish thing it is and be kept writhingreasonable, socially imposed limits.

1. The conservative is:(1) A perfectionist (2) An economist (3) A socialist (4) None of above.

2. The conservative is against Econo+mic individualism for all the following reasons except:(1) He does not trust free men(2) He believes in the authority of the government(3) He believes in groups(4) He feels that social processes are important.

3. The author mentions all the following catch words of economic individualism except:(1) Free trade(2) The profit motive(3) Balance of trade(4) The negative state.

4. Which of the following words can replace the underlined word ‘truck’?(1) Dealing (2) Bargain (3) Debate (4) Transport.

5. Which of the following statements is true?(1) The socialist and the individualist tend to be broadly similar in their views(2) The conservative belives that profit motive originates in selfishness(3) The conservative is also an extreme individualist(4) None of the above.

6. Which of the following could be an appropriate title for the passage?(1) Anarchy and freedom(2) Progress and The conservative(3) A conservative apology(4) The conservative stand.


Passage - 9

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:

An old gentleman was walking slowly along a street. One day he saw a little boy who was trying to reach a door-bellwhich was too high for him. He was a kind-hearted old man, so he stopped and said,”I will ring the bell for you,” andthen he pulled the bell so hard that it could be heard all over the house.

The little boy looked up at him and said, “ Now we will run away, come on,”and before the old gentleman knew what washappening the naughty boy had run round the corner of the street leaving the man to explain to the angry owner of thehouse why he had rung the bell.

1. Write the letter 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the correct answer in the answer book:The old man rang the bell because:(1) He wanted to help the little boy(2) He wanted to have some fun(3) The boy asked him to do so(4) He wished to see the owner of the house.

2. Who did the owner of the house see at the door?

3. Who did the little boy want to make fun of?

4. “ ...... So he stopped and said ......” Who does the word ‘he’ here refer to ?

5. “ ....... I will ring the bell for you.” Who does the word ‘you’ here refer to?

6. Why did the boy ask the old man to run away with him?

Passage - 10

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:

Once a smart looking young man visited the office of a business firm to look for a job. The manager though pleased withhis behavior said, “ There is no vacancy for a clerk.” The young man was very unhappy and turned to go. As he waspassing out of the door way, he found a pin lying near it. He at once picked it up. The manager saw this and was greatlyimpressed. He thought that the applicant was good enough to be employed in the office. So he called him back andappointed him a clerk in his office. The young man in due course became the head of the firm. It was his love of orderand economy, that brought him success in life.

1. Write the letter 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the correct answer book:The young man was very:(1) Happy (2) Unhappy (3) Sorry (4) Pleased.

2. What was the young man in need of?3. What made the yound man very sad?4. What did the yound man see when he was leaving the room?5. What did the manager see the yound man doing?6. “ ........ and appointed him a clerk .....” Who does the word ’him’ here refer to?


Answer Key And Solution

1. (1) 2. (4) 3. (4) 4. (4) 5. (4)6. (4) 7. (3) 8. (5) 9. (3) 10. (1)

Passage - 1

1. (3) 2. (2) 3. (3) 4. (1) 5. (4)

Passage - 2

1. (1) 2. (1) 3. (4) 4. (4) 5. (2)

Passage - 3

1. (4) 2. (2) 3. (3) 4. (2) 5. (1)

Passage - 4

1. (3) 2. (4) 3. (4) 4. (3) 5. (3)

Passage - 5


1. (2) 2. (4) 3. (4) 4. (4)

Passage - 6

Passage - 7

1. (3) 2. (2) 3. (4) 4. (4) 5. (2) 6. (1)

Passage - 8

1. (4) 2. (4) 3. (1) 4. (1) 5. (2) 6. (4)

Passage - 9

1. (1)

2. The owner of the house saw the old man at the door.

3. The little boy wanted to make fun of the owner of the house

4. The ‘old man’.

5 . The word ‘you’ here refe rs to the ‘litt le boy ’.

6. The boy asked the old man to run away, because he knew that the owner of the house would be angry.

Passage - 10

1. (2)

2. The young man was in need of a job.

3 . On hearing the words of the manager that there was no vacancy for a clerk, the young man became

very sad.

4 . The young man, while passing out of the door way, saw a pin ly ing near it.

5 . The manager saw the young man picking up the pin.

6 . The word ‘him’ here refers to the young man.


Choose the correct meaning of the italicized word from the options given.

1. The use of bullock carts is an outmoded way of transportation.(1) cheaper (2) obsolete (3) quicker (4) rural

2. It was a scurrilous attack on him.(1) serious (2) unjustified (3) insulting (4) justified

3. Both parties were amenable to a peaceful settlement of the land dispute.(1) agreeable (2) responsive (3) unwilling (4) doubtful

4. Unilateral action may not be acceptable to them.(1) underpressure (2) one-sided (3) strong (4) harmful

5. The nexus between the Punjab militants and the J&K terrorists has been established.(1) fight (2) rivalry (3) connection (4) internal fighting

6. His fidelity to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi was exemplary.(1) criticism (2) acceptance (3) loyalty (4) strong opposition

7. We have sanctioned his leave on compassionate grounds.(1) as an exception (2) real (3) merciful (4) deserving

8. Jogging is considered an antidote to mental stress.(1) poisonous (2) remedy (3) equivalent (4) dangerous

9. Bengalis are innate poets.(1) excellent (2) romantic (3) dull (4) instinctive

10. They connived to loot the bank during the week-end.(1) helped (2) conspired (3) forced (4) tried

11. It is a truism that politics is the last refuge for criminals.(1) universal belief (2) quick judgement (3) obvious truth (4) immediate guess

12. Industrial Relations was his bailiwick.(1) weakness (2) area of authority (3) foolishness (4) failure

13. It was altruism of nations that sent relief supplies to Maharashtra.(1) richness (2) greatness (3) hypocrisy (4) unselfish concern

14. It was his magnanimity to overlook such remarks.(1) weakness (2) generosity (3) judgement (4) greatest fault


Vocabulary


15. Amity between neighboring countries is always beneficial to the citizens.(1) goodwill (2) competition (3) defence cooperation (4) enmity

16. The national leaders’ insatiable greed for power has weakened the government,(1) cunning (2) inexperience (3) forceful (4) impossible to satisfy

17. His professional qualification was of paramount value.(1) advantageous (2) foremost (3) equal (4) little

18. Her career is a paradigm of political opportunism.(1) result (2) signal (3) model (4) cause

19. Every engineer appreciates a proficient electrician.(1) experienced (2) mature (3) honest (4) skilled

20. He had a profusion of talents.(1) abundance (2) dearth (3) limitation (4) enough

21. His pacific personality helps maintain harmony in the family.(1) stout (2) tranquil (3) strong (4) attractive

22. Their diverse attitude seems to preclude an amicable settlement with the management(1) to quickly negotiate (2) mediate (3) prevent (4) negotiate

23. The payment of bonus was witin the “ Purview” of the management..(1) authority (2) scope of vision (3) duties (4) power

24. He works for a paltry sum in a provisions store.(1) huge (2) heavy (3) worthless (4) sufficient

25. It was nothing but a ponderous lecture.(1) exaggerated (2) thoughtful (3) thoughtful (4) dull and laboured

26. You cannot question the Inspector’s veracity.(1) effici ency (2) truthfulness (3) honesty (4) character

27. The land was parched by the scorching summer heat.(1) sterilised (2) cleaned (3) dried (4) burnt

28. People who smoke stand greater chance of getting cancer than those who abstain.(1) refuse (2) refrain (3) accept (4) teetotaler

29. The annual meetings of trade unions are always boisterous.(1) well-attended (2) disturbing (3) noisy (4) poorly attended

30. The tension between the Chief Election Commissioner and the Finance Minister has subsided.(1) become strong (2) started (3) decreased (4) widened

31. The new manager could earn the confidence of his staff due to his urbane nature.(1) indi fferent (2) polite (3) friendly (4) unfriendly


32. Nothing can be done when the whole system is paralysed by inertia(1) corruption (2) weakness (3) politics (4) sluggishness

33. If you want real solace, go to Manali.(1) holiday (2) consolation (3) happiness (4) rest

34. Discussion on sex has always been a taboo in our society.(1) punishable (2) prohibited by social norms(3) a difficult subject (4) permitted

35. A sumptuous dinner was served after the meeting.(1) expensive (2) nutritive (3) indigestible (4) very light

36. He was engrossed in his office routine.(1) involved (2) tired (3) fully occupied (4) lost

37. He is unpopular due to his overbearing behaviour.(1) over smartness (2) cunning (3) disloyal (4) arrogant

38. The I.G. of Police has made a dossier of all those who had links with terrorists in Punjab.(1) list of criminals (2) record or file (3) secret album (4) to put on a hit list

39. I have read an excerpt from his recent book.(1) review (2) assessment (3) long paragraph (4) extract

40. He has become a millionaire by his devious means.(1) hard work (2) dishonest (3) skillful (4) neverending

41. When the two friends met after a long break, they hugged each other.(1) greeted warmly (2) kissed (3) embraced (4) looked into each other’s eyes

42. There is an ambiguity in the office order.(1) uncertainty of meaning (2) danger(2) error (4) mistake

43. Though dilatory in undertaking assignment, she was quick in its execution.(1) hesitant (2) slow (3) reluctant (4) unwilling

44. The lessons of his past mistakes might teach him a lesson in circumspection to the full(1) avoidance (2) influence deeply (3) caution (4) fear

45. Leave him to reap the fruits of his own heinous crimes.(1) unlawful (2) extremely wicked (3) punishable (4) uncountable

46. They were beguiled into forming an unwise alliance.(1) force (2) cheated (3) compelled (4) reluctant

47. The Supreme Court defused the tension between the government and the Chief Election Commissioner.(1) exaggerated (2) reduced (3) ruled out (4) increased

48. The reporter filed a verbatim report of the Prime Minister’s address.(1) frank (2) clear (3) exact (4) correct


49. Industrialists have lobbied strongly against the government’s liberalisation policy.(1) stormed (2) criticised (3) influenced (4) cautioned

50. The Joint Parliamentary Committee was flabbergasted on reading the files.(1) deeply engrossed (2) to glance quickly (3) to search (4) astonished

51. The soldier received the Bravery Award for his exemplary display of courage during the war.(1) new (2) strange (3) abnormal (4) praiseworthy

52. This is a small room and cannot accommodate more than three people.(1) hold (2) allow (3) hide (4) associate

53. Sporadic rise in his temperature has caused the doctors much worry.(1) frequent (2) irksome (3) irregular (4) scattered

54. Sita never finishes her work on time as she is always dawdling,(1) confused (2) playing (3) loitering (4) chatting

55. Kerala is still a virgin state with an excellent potential for tourism.(1) undone . (2) unexplored (3) uncouth (4) unexploded

56. They could not help laughing at the puerility of his statement.(1) inaccuracy (2) childishness (3) insincerity (4) falsehood

57. During his stay in London, he had quite a few frustrating experiences.(1) disappointing (2) disenchanting (3) humiliating (4) repulsive

58. Many species of animals and birds have become extinct during the last two hundred years(1) feeble (2) aggressive (3) scattered (4) non-existent

59. The accountant was punished by the officials for shirking his job.(1) slowing (2) postponing (3) avoiding (4) delegating

60. It was presumptuous of Mr. Sharma to make such a remark in the assembly.(1) ridiculous (2) unthoughtful (3) arrogant (4) ambiguous

61. Artists and poets are sensuous by nature.(1) sensible (2) sentimental (3) sensual (4) sensitive

62. Many redundant words are included in this report.(1) bombastic (2) unimportant (3) flowery (4) unwanted

63. The irate customer was pacified by the shopkeeper.(1) quietened (2) silenced (3) pleased (4) flattered

64. The student was asked to rectify the problem.(1) correct (2) condone (3) clarify (4) repeat

65. “ Brevity is the soul of wit.”(1) conciseness (2) sharpness (3) quickness (4) confidence


66. We were all in a state if euphoria after hearing the news.(1) pleasant excitement (2) intense indignation (3) utter depression (4) great disorder

67. Though innocent, he has been languishing in the jail for the last ten years.(1) enjoying (2) avoiding (3) suffering (4) convicted

68. The Miss World Pageant was held in India a few years ago.(1) contest (2) show (3) function (4) carnival

69. The spectators went berserk at the outcome of the match.(1) began to cry (2) sped away (3) became wild (4) started shouting

70. Vicky was fired for continually coming late to office.(1) beaten (2) scolded (3) abused (4) dismissed

71. A conscientious worker is always admired by his colleagues.(1) obedient (2) sincere (3) skillful (4) careful

72. That dilapidated building has become a rendezvous for anti-social elements.(1) resort (2) hiding place (3) public place (4) meeting place

73. The Republic Day Parade route was down the main boulevard.(1) alley (2) highway (3) avenue (4) driveway

74. After two hours of tortuous trek, he reached the summit of the mountain.(1) winding (2) painful (3) fearsome (4) slow

75. Most people these days are gripped by a pervading sense of ennui.(1) anger (2) anxiety (3) weariness (4) melancholy

76. No obstacle seemed insurmountable for the fearless Rani of Jhansi.(1) too easy to achieve (2) too difficult to overcome(3) too tall and high (4) too trivial to attract attention

77. She is a garrulous girl and every one is wary of her.(1) repeats gossip (2) talks a lot (3) giggles all the time (4) laughs a lot

78. Sarika succumbed to her injuries following the day of the accident.(1) surrendered (2) yielded (3) fell down (4) died

79. The intrepid mountaineers who scaled Mt. Everest in winter should be specially congratulated.(1) bold (2) tired (3) vigorous (4) experienced

80. The meeting was adjourned after discussion on the matter for three hours.(1) postponed (2) stopped (3) begun (4) reviewed

81. Aziz has never been an outgoing type.(1) courageous (2) frank (3) outspoken d sociable(4) sociable

82. Provoked by the unfair remark, the young man hit his companion.(1) angered (2) furious (3) euphoric (4) excited


83. It was proved that dates grow well in arid climate.(1) dull (2) dry (3) sandy (4) temperate

84. Industrious people should be rewarded.(1) hardworking (2) intelligent (3) commercial (4) energetic

85. It is estimated that it would take three months to complete this project.(1) decided (2) calculated (3) confirmed (4) examined

86. Children of excessively indulgent parents often become very recalcitrant.(1) disobedient (2) indolent (3) insipid (4) dependent

87. All the passengers died in the bus accident, but providentially Verma escaped.(1) narrowly (2) unexpectedly (3) effortlessly (4) luckily

88. In spite of his remarkable qualities, he failed to win popular support because of his affectation.(1) pretence (2) deception (3) arrogance (4) formalism

89. Those who admit the ultimacy of values, implicitly recognise the spiritual reality that begets the universe.(1) essentially (2) imperceptibly (3) intrinsically (4) tacitly

90. The automobile industry depends on indigenous technology.(1) sophisticated (2) ancient (3) alien (4) native

91. Only those who are gullible take every advertisement seriously.(1) fallible (2) enthusiastic (3) unsuspecting (4) unrealistic

92. This young man appears to be quite headstrong.(1) thick-headed (2) obstinate (3) robust (4) witty

93. That great artist’s life was full of vicissitudes.(1) sorrows (2) misfortunes (3) fluctuations (4) surprises

94. The visitor had a bohemian look.(1) hostile (2) unconventional (3) sinister (4) unfriendly

95. As the driver was inebriated he could not control the car.(1) inexperienced (2) tired (3) befuddled (4) intoxicated

96. A scramble for power began in right earnest.(1) struggle (2) contest (3) quarrel (4) dispute

97. My students in the laboratory are rather inquisitive about the apparatus.(1) sensitive (2) careful (3) curious (4) anxious

98. It was a shocking act of repugnant irresponsibility.(1) offensive (2) shameless (3) sheer (4) criminal

99. The crowd was getting restive.(1) restful (2) restless (3) tired (4) excited

100. It is possible for a writer to be copious in his words, and, at the same time, to give the reality of a natural form.(1) scanty (2) plentiful (3) repetitive (4) arrogant



In each of the following, select the antonym for the italicised word or phrase in the sentence.

1. The tourist had to surrender under the most pressing circumstances.(1) release (2) claim (3) plunder (4) attack

2. There is a dearth of drinking water in Chennai nowadays.(1) extravagance (2) scarcity (3) abundance (4) sufficiency

3. The freedom fighters advocated the use of indigenous goods.(1) cheap (2) native (3) silly (4) foreign

4. Sam’s rustic behaviour astonished his teacher.(1) impetuous (2) genuine (3) sophisticated (4) awkward

5. To purge society of all vices is really a difficult job.(1) promote (2) increase (3) rehabilitate (4) encourage

6. Nisha felt tired with the monotony of her daily routine.(1) peacefulness (2) variety (3) excitement (4) range

7. The old woman had a loud shrill voice.(1) feeble (1) blunt (3) piercing (4) inaudible

8. It is a sin to adopt a callous attitude towards your duties.(1) cooperative (2) cautious (3) considerate (4) courteous

9. Only an inquisitive person can gain proper knowledge and achieve success in life.(1) careless (2) indolent (3) dull (4) uninterested

10. Rajesh is always jeered at by his companions .(1) praised (2) scorned (3) mocked (4) mourned

11. The proposal was denounced by one and all.(1) announced (2) pronounced (3) appraised (4) commended

12. Where ignorance is sometimes bliss, illiteracy is always considered a curse.(1) erudition (2) experience (3) education (4) information

13. The news brought by the maid servant is authentic.(1) authoritative (2) baseless (3) ridiculous (4) vacuous

14. The doctor said that there was no improvement in the condition of the patient.(1) depression (2) deterioration (3) change (4) degradation

15. He plunged into the turbid waters of the stream.(1) deep (2) muddy (3) clear (4) fresh

16. This new magazine is known for its comprehensive coverage of news.(1) casual (2) inadequate (3) indifferent (4) superficial


17. Many people suffer setbacks in their career because of their inherent levity,(1) promptness (2) frivolity (3) religiosity (4) gravity

18. There was something strange and morbid about the whole house.(1) healthy (2) cheerful (3) insipid (4) appealing

19. His critics found in his overt statements some hidden designs.(1) converse (2) pervert (3) covert (4) contrived

20. Given these constraints, we had no alternative but to suggest an improvised solution,(1) complete (2) preplanned (3) permanent (4) prescribed

21. They have tried their best to pacify the flood victims.(1) attract (2) gratify (3) provoke (4) convince

22. The judge implicated the investigating officer in the murder.(1) absolved (2) convicted (3) explicated (4) liberated

23. His comment was considered pointless by the chairman of the meeting.(1) significant (2) original (3) objective (4) impartial

24. The rainfall was plentiful in this part during the last season.(1) handful (2) rare (3) small (4) scanty

25. I have vague memories of my childhood.(1) pleasant (2) sufficient (3) profound (4) clear

26. There is a fair chance that we might win the game.(1) distant (2) unlikely (3) remote (4) bare

27. His father was generally gratified with his examination report.(1) displeased (2) worried (3) surprised (4) disheartened

28. The man was reprimanded by his family for sending his son to the army.(1) encouraged (2) rebuked (3) rewarded (4) praised

29. His transfer order was revoked yesterday.(1) issued (2) proposed (3) approved (4) prepared

30. There is always ambiguity in what he says.(1) lucidity (2) clarity (3) transparency (4) plainness

31. He was erroneous in his assessment of her character.(1) justified (2) impartial (3) sincere (4)correct

32. His flippancy makes it difficult to have a prolonged conversation with him.(1) silence (2) seriousness (3) reticence (1) vanity

33. The general did not divulge the secret.(1) disguise (2) veil (3) suppress (4) conceal


34. I took a durable pair of shoes when I went on the trip.(1) worn out (2) fragile (3) light (4) delicate

35. There are many luxuriant forests in this region.(1) dense (2) small (3) slender (4) thin

36. He was immaculately dressed for the party.(1) imperfectly (3) irresponsibly (3) incompletely (4) moderately

37. The teachers have been observing his impertinent behaviour.(1) indifferent (2) polite (3) rude (4) unpleasant

38. The new disciplinary measures strengthened the economy of the country.(1) destroyed (2) changed (3) crippled (4) constrained

39. There are people who always deprecate the achievements of others.(1) exaggerate (2) appreciate (3) approve (4) encourage

40. The refreshment we received at the end of a hard day’s work was frugal.(1) lavish (2) exorbitant (3) wholesome (4) ostentatious

41. The new manager is well-known for his rigid approach to all problems.(1) sympathetic (2) swift (3) flexible (4) logical

42. My neighbour is very wealthy, but rather parsimonious in his habits.(1) extravagant (2) arrogent (3) careless (4) strict

43. The inhabitants of the newly discovered continent were believed to be barbarians,(1) bad (2) uncivilised (3) crude (4) civilised

44. Adversity is the source of numerous vices.(1) money (2) luxury (3) wealth (4) prosperity

45. The casual remarks made by the candidate were taken note of by all members of the board.(1) sincere (2) careful (3) flawless (4) precise

46. Vijay is an amateur photographer.(1) skilled (2) professional (3) average (4) experienced

47. The artist led a very austere life.(1) eventful (2) exciting (3) boisterous (4) luxurious

48. If you pamper the naughty boy, you will regret it.(1) neglect (2) scold (3) discourage (4) scorn

49. The witness affirmed on oath that he was an eye witness to the crime under investigation.(1) denied (2) contradicted (3) opposed (4) disputed

50. These regulations are meant to prevent further appointments.(1) aggravate (1) expedite (1) accelerate (4) facilitate


11. (4)12. (1)13. (2)14. (2)15. (3)16. (4)17. (4)18. (2)19. (3)20. (2)

31. (4)32. (2)33. (4)34. (2)35. (4)36. (1)37. (2)38. (3)39. (2)40. (3)

1. (2)2. (3)3. (4)4. (3)5. (3)6. (2)7. (3)8. (3)9. (4)10. (1)

41. (3)42. (1)43. (4)44. (4)45. (2)46. (2)47. (4)48. (1)49. (1)50. (4)

21. (3)22. (1)23. (1)24. (4)25. (4)26. (3)27. (1)28. (4)29. (1)30. (2)


Answer key


21. (2)22. (3)23. (2)24. (3)25. (4)26. (2)27. (3)28. (2)29. (3)30. (3)31. (2)32. (4)33. (2)34. (2)35. (1)36. (3)37. (4)38. (2)39. (4)40. (2)

61. (4)62. (4)63. (1)64. (1)65. (1)66. (1)67. (3)68. (2)69. (3)70. (4)71. (2)72. (4)73. (3)74. (1)75. (3)76. (2)77. (2)78. (4)79. (1)80. (1)

1. (2)2. (3)3. (2)4. (2)5. (3)6. (3)7. (3)8. (2)9. (4)10. (2)11. (3)12. (2)13. (4)14. (2)15. (1)16. (4)17. (2)18. (3)19. (4)20. (1)

81. (4)82. (1)83. (2)84. (1)85. (2)86. (1)87. (4)88. (1)89. (4)90. (4)91. (3)92. (2)93. (3)94. (2)95. (4)96. (1)97. (3)98. (1)99. (2)100. (2)

41. (3)42. (1)43. (2)44. (3)45. (2)46. (2)47. (2)48. (3)49. (3)50. (4)51. (4)52. (1)53. (3)54. (3)55. (2)56. (2)57. (1)58. (4)59. (3)60. (3)

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