CDS (II) 2021, English question paper

120 questions · 100 marks · 120 minutes · +0.83 per correct answer, -0.28 per wrong one

Every question in the order it was set, free to read. Tap an option to check it, or open the answer and worked solution. Answers open as you go; sign in free to keep opening them.

Sit it as a timed mock

Directions: complete the sentence with the correct alternative
1 $I asked two people the way to the station$
Tap an option to check your answer.
2 $The room was very warm$
Tap an option to check your answer.
3 $We could leave today or we could leave tomorrow$
Tap an option to check your answer.
4 $Mohan and I couldn't get into the house because$
Tap an option to check your answer.
5 $There are many good hotels, you can choose to stay in$
Tap an option to check your answer.
6 $The bus service is very good; there is a bus$
Tap an option to check your answer.
7 $We live near a busy airport; the planes fly$
Tap an option to check your answer.
8 $Dan was very quiet. He didn't say a word$
Tap an option to check your answer.
9 $I don't like stories$
Tap an option to check your answer.
10 $Not everything$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: answer the items based on the passage Passage – I As to happiness, I am not so sure. Birds, it is true, die of hunger in large numbers during the winter, if they are not birds of passage. But during the summer they do not foresee this catastrophe, or remember how nearly it befell them in the previous winter. With human beings the matter is otherwise. I doubt whether the percentage of birds that will have died of hunger during the present winter (1946-47) is as great as the percentage of human beings that will have died from this cause in India and central Europe during the same period. But every human death by starvation is preceded by a long period of anxiety, and surrounded by the corresponding anxiety of neighbours. We suffer not only the evils that actually befall us, but all those that our intelligence tells us we have reason to fear. The curbing of impulses to which we are led by forethought averts physical disaster at the cost of worry, and general lack of joy. I do not think that the learned men of my acquaintance, even when they enjoy a secure income, are as happy as the mice that eat the crumbs from their tables while the erudite gentlemen snooze. In this respect, therefore, I am not convinced that there has been any progress at all.
11 $The birds die of hunger in winter because$
Tap an option to check your answer.
12 $The birds do not foresee the catastrophe because they$
Tap an option to check your answer.
13 $Human beings cannot be happy because they$
Tap an option to check your answer.
14 $Which one of the following is the antonym of the word 'erudite' in the passage?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
15 $Which one of the following is the central theme of the passage?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: answer the items based on the passage Passage – II More than eight months after the national lockdown was announced in late March, urban India is learning to live with the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, indicating a positive outlook for the future, many survey respondents in a recent survey say they plan to return to pre-lockdown levels of shopping, personal grooming, going to cinemas and socializing as pandemic fears continues to recede. The survey findings highlight that the suppression of consumer demand because of fears of job losses and salary cuts could be coming to an end. Increasingly, urban Indians are showing increased confidence about the future of the economy. This could be an indicator of the possible ‘pent-up demand’ that several economists have been talking about – a demand that could be unleashed once a vaccine is developed and distributed, or when there are signs of the pandemic’s spread reducing to negligible levels or vanishing totally. Around 65 per cent of respondents said they had settled into new routines, or that they saw signs of the situation improving, or they had come to terms with the pandemic and were moving on with their lives. And since the survey was conducted before the news of the successful trials of the Pfizer vaccine for the coronavirus was announced, it is likely that the consumers are now even more positive in their outlook about the future.
16 $The general tone of the passage is that of$
Tap an option to check your answer.
17 $The willingness of consumers to go back to normal lifestyle indicates their$
Tap an option to check your answer.
18 $Which statement in the passage/phrase indicates that 'Life must go on'?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
19 $What does the author mean by 'pent-up demand'?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
20 $What, according to the author, is the reason behind suppression of consumer demands?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: find the error in three underlined parts or no error
21 $Everything is going well; we didn't have any problem.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
22 $Lavanya hasn't gone to work yesterday.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
23 $Look! The boy over there wears the same sweater as you.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
24 $It begins to turn dark: shall I switch on the lights?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
25 $Raman and Mitali have been married for twenty years.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
26 $I have played basketball for the past three hours.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
27 $Jamila had a book in front of her, but she didn't read it.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
28 $When she heard the news she hasn't been very pleased.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
29 $Where are you coming from? Are you an American?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
30 $I went to Canada a few years ago for a holiday.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: rearrange the jumbled parts P Q R S
31 $P: from Europe to America Q: in 1992 R: his first voyage S: Columbus made$
Tap an option to check your answer.
32 $P: scientists have Q: the effects of R: warned us about S: climate change$
Tap an option to check your answer.
33 $P: speed is a potent cause Q: industrial growth at a terrific R: in a big city S: of pollution$
Tap an option to check your answer.
34 $P: and garbage Q: today our environment R: filth and squalor S: is in constant grip of$
Tap an option to check your answer.
35 $P: of corruption everywhere Q: to ease out R: the monster S: it is the duty of the government$
Tap an option to check your answer.
36 $P: made the movement Q: the poor visibility R: of the vehicles S: quite difficult$
Tap an option to check your answer.
37 $P: Mohan clearly Q: I couldn't see R: only a few yards ahead S: though he was$
Tap an option to check your answer.
38 $P: both winter and summer Q: extreme R: are truly S: here in India$
Tap an option to check your answer.
39 $P: get crystallised Q: the self and world view R: and physical space where basic ideas of S: public culture is a mental$
Tap an option to check your answer.
40 $P: that he ordered Q: the post was R: the first job he performed on reaching S: my release from jail$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: choose the most appropriate meaning of the idiom
41 $Forty winks$
Tap an option to check your answer.
42 $Life in the raw$
Tap an option to check your answer.
43 $A paper tiger$
Tap an option to check your answer.
44 $Penny-wise and pound-foolish$
Tap an option to check your answer.
45 $Pin back your ears$
Tap an option to check your answer.
46 $Turncoat$
Tap an option to check your answer.
47 $Say your piece$
Tap an option to check your answer.
48 $Top-notch$
Tap an option to check your answer.
49 $Under the table$
Tap an option to check your answer.
50 $At the drop of a hat$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: order middle four sentences P Q R S between S1 and S6
51 $S1: An ideal citizen is one who establishes his standard in everything. S6: He can be called a thorough gentleman. P: Because he is a true patriot. Q: Also, he can lay down his life for the honour of his country. R: That he can make any sacrifice for his motherland. S: He loves his country so much so.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
52 $S1: There are multiple legal avenues for patients to indict doctors, but rarely is it the other way round. S6: It is clear that patients have multiple avenues to pursue, should they feel an injustice has been perpetrated against them. P: An FIR can be lodged against them under the section 304A of the Indian Penal Code. Q: A compensation case can be filed in a consumer forum. R: For one occurrence, there are multiple forums where doctors have to defend themselves. S: For instance, a complaint can be made to their employer.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
53 $S1: Paragraphs are the building blocks of any write-up. S6: Understanding of these makes one a good writer of paragraphs. P: A paragraph need not be pages together in length. Q: But actually a paragraph is a group of at least five sentences on the lower limit. R: In reality, unity and coherence, not length, constitute a real good paragraph. S: Many people define paragraphs in terms of their length.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
54 $S1: Then what is necessary with regard to taming science and technology is: S6: Then why do we not tame atomic energy to peaceful purposes? P: We must have the basic knowledge of the two. Q: It is said, 'Science is a useful servant but destructive master'. R: By the misuse of science, mankind will meet its doom quite soon. S: If we do not harness it for the welfare of mankind, I am afraid, a total annihilation is a must.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
55 $S1: Uttarakhand is vulnerable to disasters. S6: The lack of ability to learn lessons from disasters, and the lack of any accountability, ensure the perpetuation of the situation. P: The absence of necessary monitoring, early warning systems and the overall disaster management system add another layer of damages during the disasters. Q: Major interventions act as force multipliers during such disasters. R: The violation of legal and other prudent norms, further increases the damages. S: Climate change is increasing these vulnerabilities.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
56 $S1: Now only fifteen minutes were left. S6: Our performance was excellent. P: Thank God, we rubbed the word 'defeat' writ large on our forehead. Q: It was a game of life and death. R: Each one had concluded that we were going to lose. S: It was a matter of minutes.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
57 $S1: The river Ganga is very important for us culturally, spiritually, ecologically as well as economically. S6: Journey in the right direction is firmly making progress, gathering momentum and becoming a people's movement. P: It is rich in cultural heritage, natural splendour and biodiversity. Q: People have used its water since the beginning of civilisation for different purposes. R: It has most dense cultivation in its basin and is critical for ensuring food and water security. S: We need to utilise its water for different purposes while ensuring that its natural ecology is protected, aquatic life thrives, and forests along the river remain rejuvenated.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
58 $S1: The Republic Day in India falls on 26th January. S6: He attends the march past. P: The President of India takes the salute. Q: It is organized at the India Gate. R: People from far and wide come to witness it. S: It is celebrated with great pomp and show.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
59 $S1: Different people have different hobbies. S6: With hobbies, you spend time in a gainful way. P: Thus, they say, as many people, so many hobbies. Q: In due course, that becomes your hobby. R: Whatever leisure time you get, you use that in creative activity. S: Hobby is a leisure time activity.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
60 $S1: Life in a village is ideal. S6: They can no longer be considered backward. P: Our villages are no longer dirty. Q: Moreover, they are disease-free. R: Because, the village people are well-educated now. S: Rather, they are highly clean and tidy.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: select the most appropriate word for the blank
61 $Honesty is _______ on his face.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
62 $He lives _______ his pen.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
63 $Much water has run _______ the bridge since then.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
64 $The gun _______ with a loud noise.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
65 $They fought _______ the last man in the army.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
66 $Keep him _______ arm's length.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
67 $He succeeded _______.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
68 $Have you ever tried _______ a coconut tree?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
69 $He is a man _______ means.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
70 $He dislikes _______ punish his friends.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: nearest in meaning to the underlined word
71 $He drowned in the flood water last year.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
72 $Autumn is rather a dry season.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
73 $Our differences are growing day by day.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
74 $The big tree hindered access of sunlight into the house.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
75 $The complexity of the issue baffled everyone.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
76 $He drank excessive amount of liquor.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
77 $He initiated the dialogue.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
78 $She looked pale after recovering from Covid-19.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
79 $I overrule your proposal.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
80 $His behaviour shocked me.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: opposite in meaning to the underlined word
81 $I am very particular about it.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
82 $He has become paunchy .$
Tap an option to check your answer.
83 $This river originates from the Ganges.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
84 $The film I saw was hilarious .$
Tap an option to check your answer.
85 $On that day, pandemonium reigned in the hall.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
86 $The police detained me today amidst busy traffic.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
87 $In my state of despair, I confessed everything.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
88 $He was accused by the entire community after he failed in the mission.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
89 $There was much to boast about the quality of his work.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
90 $He delivered an eccentric speech.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: part of speech of the underlined word
91 $They wandered around aimlessly.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
92 $We went away after they had left.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
93 $Public culture is associated with extremely new civil societies.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
94 $You are paying less attention to your studies these days.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
95 $Why, is it really Sujata on the phone?$
Tap an option to check your answer.
96 $Sit down and rest a while .$
Tap an option to check your answer.
97 $Rakesh is too old to run fast.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
98 $For the next generation of interior architects and design graduates, work opportunities are immense.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
99 $Life is a solo fight, and each person makes his or her own journey.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
100 $The cat loves comfort.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: select the most appropriate word for each blank Passage The polythene bags ___(101)___ non-biodegradable, i.e., they cannot be decomposed ___(102)___ micro-organisms into manure. They remain as ___(103)___ even after years. Animals that started eating waste food ___(104)___ with these polythene bags, ultimately started dying ___(105)___ their internal system was getting blocked. The Government had no alternative ___(106)___ to ban these polythene bags. It is ___(107)___ duty of the Government to look into this matter; however, it is also the duty of each individual to ___(108)___ that we ___(109)___ use polythene bags. By using these we will not only harm the environment but ourselves as well. Thus, say ‘No’ to plastic bags and contribute ___(110)___ society.
101 $Blank (101): "The polythene bags _______ non-biodegradable, i.e., they cannot ..."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
102 $Blank (102): "... they cannot be decomposed _______ micro-organisms into manure."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
103 $Blank (103): "They remain as _______ even after years."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
104 $Blank (104): "Animals that started eating waste food _______ with these polythene bags ..."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
105 $Blank (105): "... ultimately started dying _______ their internal system was getting blocked."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
106 $Blank (106): "The Government had no alternative _______ to ban these polythene bags."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
107 $Blank (107): "It is _______ duty of the Government to look into this matter ..."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
108 $Blank (108): "... it is also the duty of each individual to _______ that we ... use polythene bags."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
109 $Blank (109): "... to see to it that we _______ use polythene bags."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
110 $Blank (110): "... say 'No' to plastic bags and contribute _______ society."$
Tap an option to check your answer.
Directions: select the most appropriate preposition or determiner
111 $He succeeded _______ dint of perseverance and hard work.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
112 $Due to his illness, he could not finish the work _______ time.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
113 $There is no meaning _______ what you say.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
114 $These are good rules _______ live by.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
115 $He is the man I have been looking _______.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
116 $Don't loiter _______ the street.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
117 $Sit here _______ me.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
118 $We mustn't shy _______ entry-level or freelance jobs as they help us gain an insight into the context in which a company operates.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
119 $Civil society and media have a major role in making the coalition work _______ the people.$
Tap an option to check your answer.
120 $He travelled _______ Mr. Joshi's car.$
Tap an option to check your answer.

Want the real exam feel? Sit this paper with a 120-minute timer and get your score straight away.

Sit it as a timed mock