PYQ Vault

CDS (II) 2024, 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
  1. Directions: opposite in meaning to the underlined word
    1
    The leader's views were equivocal on the contentious issue.

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  2. 2
    The authorities interacted with a group of mutinous students.

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  3. 3
    His behaviour was quite belligerent.

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  4. 4
    He was effusive in his praise.

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  5. 5
    He is often accused of being iniquitous in his conduct.

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  6. Directions: fill the blank with the right grammar word
    6
    Working in dim light _______ eye issues such as glaucoma.

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  7. 7
    He owns several sports cars and has an _______ lifestyle.

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  8. 8
    Those medicines, _______ are used to treat kidney infection, have been withdrawn from the market.

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  9. 9
    _______ intake of sugar can cause health problems.

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  10. 10
    She suffered _______ pain because of the leg injury.

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  11. 11
    The country's politics _______ complex, with more than ten parties competing for power.

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  12. 12
    The job advertisement stipulates that the applicant _______ three years' experience.

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  13. 13
    Newspapers have reported heavy flooding in the coastal areas. The damage _______ to be extensive.

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  14. 14
    The local bank was robbed by a group of men, _______ were armed.

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  15. 15
    The country _______ several economic changes in the past two decades.

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  16. Directions: Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d), which is the most appropriate meaning and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
    16
    A watched pot never boils

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  17. 17
    Look to your laurels

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  18. 18
    Play devil's advocate

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  19. 19
    Be in the same boat

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  20. 20
    Tilt at windmills

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  21. Directions: order the jumbled parts P,Q,R,S
    21
    P: the essence of human resource development is Q: remedial role in R: balancing the socio-economic fabric of the country S: education which plays a significant and

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  22. 22
    P: in this endeavour Q: gender budgeting is a critical strategy R: is central to mitigate gender inequalities and S: financing for gender equality

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  23. 23
    P: balanced diet and are vital items of Q: are essential ingredients for a wholesome and R: fruit and vegetables S: mass consumption

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  24. 24
    P: relating to the reduction of greenhouse gases Q: and extending financial support to R: developing countries S: India's position is reflected in decisions

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  25. 25
    P: disbursement of pension expeditiously Q: all efforts are made to process the R: once all requisite documents are received from S: the beneficiaries

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  26. 26
    P: than interpreting it Q: combating poverty continues R: understanding poverty is more important S: to elude humanity because

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  27. 27
    P: the National Education Policy-2020 envisages Q: and pedagogy in schools and colleges R: following the liberal approach S: a restructuring of existing curriculum

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  28. 28
    P: the Amazon Basin in the central north Q: America's physiography is R: in the west and S: dominated by the Andes Mountains

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  29. 29
    P: encompassing a great many Q: has been eclectic R: historically and culturally Indian society S: differences and contradictions

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  30. 30
    P: systems of India and is considered Q: the Siddha system is R: to be a form of age-old experiential wisdom S: one of the ancient comprehensive medical

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  31. Directions: order the jumbled sentences S1..S6
    31
    S1: Indian defence forces are fully aligned with national agenda of Atmanirbhar Bharat and have already embarked in mission mode. S6: As a result, the Indian defence industry will be apprised about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces and is thus better prepared to realize its goal. P: This will provide opportunity to the Indian industry to harness their potential and build an ecosystem which can sustain itself by being responsive to the needs of the defence forces. Q: Two Positive Indigenization Lists, comprising 101 and 108 items respectively, have been issued. R: Projects fielded are aimed to encourage indigenization of defence technologies and reduce dependence on import. S: The lists intend to implement ban on import of these items in a staggered manner up to 2025 and promote indigenous production.

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  32. 32
    S1: Our Constitution makers were fully conscious of the fact that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes had been oppressed and underprivileged sections of our society over the centuries and they deserved a special dispensation so that their condition may be vastly improved. S6: Consequently, adequate safeguards were provided for these communities in our Constitution. P: Similarly, they were also sensitive of the difficulties and problems which were likely to be faced by the persons belonging to the Anglo-Indian community in the country. Q: One such provision related to the reservation of seats for these communities in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. R: This provision found place in Article 330 and Article 332 of the Constitution. S: For this purpose, several special provisions were incorporated in our Constitution.

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  33. 33
    S1: Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India. S6: Under the Startup India scheme, eligible companies can get recognized as startups in order to access a host of tax benefits, easier compliance, IPR fast-tracking and other benefits. P: These programmes are managed by a dedicated Startup India team, which reports to DPIIT. Q: It envisions transforming India into a country of job creators instead of job seekers. R: It intends to catalyse the startup culture and build a strong and inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in India. S: Launched in 2016, Startup India has rolled out several programmes with the objective of supporting entrepreneurs and building up a robust startup ecosystem.

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  34. 34
    S1: In India the first Livestock Census was conducted during 1919 - 1920. S6: For the first time, data was collected through tablet computers, which reduced the time gap in data collection, data processing and report generation. P: Since its inception it is being conducted quinquennially by all States/UTs. Q: The 20th Livestock Census was conducted with participation of Animal Husbandry Departments of States/UTs. R: This five-yearly census is the only source which gives disaggregated information on various species of animals and poultry birds. S: The main objective of the census is to provide information on livestock population, species-wise and breed-wise, along with age, sex-composition, etc., in rural and urban areas.

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  35. 35
    S1: India has been a welfare state since Independence. S6: Elimination of poverty, ignorance, diseases and inequality of opportunities, and providing a better quality of life were the basic premise upon which all the plans of the development were built. P: The policies and programmes have been designed with the aim of alleviation of rural poverty. Q: The primary objective of all governmental endeavours has been the welfare of its rural population. R: It was realized that a sustainable strategy of poverty alleviation has to be based on increasing the productive employment opportunities in the process of growth itself. S: Ensuring rural welfare has been one of the main objectives of planned development in India.

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  36. 36
    S1: Covid-19 pandemic threw a lot of challenges on the entire economy. S6: In order to address this need and to promote economic activities post pandemic, MoHUA initiated ARHCs, a sub-scheme under PMAY(U). P: These urban migrants stay in slums, informal settlements, unauthorized colonies, peri-urban areas to save cost on housing. Q: Hence, they need decent rental housing at affordable rate near their worksites. R: The biggest challenge was reverse migration of urban migrants/poor in the country. S: The migration took place due to the temporary shutting down of industries and other sectors.

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  37. 37
    S1: Press Trust of India (PTI) is a non-profit making cooperative owned by the country's newspapers with a mandate to provide effective and unbiased news to all subscribers. S6: Increasingly, more and more subscribers are opting for satellite reception. P: It offers its news services in English and Hindi languages. Q: Over 500 newspapers and several news services subscribe to PTI, including many overseas news entities. R: PTI now has its own satellite delivery system. S: Bhasha is the Hindi language news service of the agency.

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  38. 38
    S1: The National School of Drama (NSD) was set up by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959. S6: The NSD has promoted Children's Theatre as well. P: Post admission, the students at NSD are required to undergo training of three year's duration. Q: The eligible applicants for admission are screened through two stages. R: The objective of the NSD is to train students in all aspects of theatre, including theatre history, production, scene design, costume design, lighting, make-up, etc. S: In 1975, it became an autonomous organisation.

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  39. 39
    S1: Gaganyaan is a national programme wherein ISRO is leveraging the domain expertise of various agencies for expediting its execution. S6: It will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run. P: With this programme, a new vertical has been created within ISRO to steer this growth. Q: The Gaganyaan Programme marks an inflection point in the growth profile of India's space endeavour. R: This new vertical envisages undertaking the demonstration of human space flight to Low Earth Orbit in the short-term. S: A new ISRO centre, Human Spaceflight Centre has been formed for Low Earth Orbit flights.

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  40. 40
    S1: India has the largest youth population in the world. S6: The role of the Department of Youth Affairs is to act as a facilitator and catalytic agent for youth development. P: The Department has also recognised adolescents as an important segment of the youth. Q: Youth represent the most dynamic and vibrant segment of the population. R: To optimally tap their constructive and creative energies, the Department of Youth Affairs pursues the twin objectives of personality development and nation building. S: Other Ministries and the State Governments are also working to support youth development and to enable productive youth participation.

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  41. Directions: which word class the underlined word belongs to
    41
    Consequently, this poses a threat to agriculture and human health.

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  42. 42
    His only answer was a grunt.

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  43. 43
    To swim every day is good for health.

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  44. 44
    I didn't tell him anything except that I needed the money.

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  45. 45
    She married at 18 and gave birth to her first child shortly thereafter.

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  46. 46
    He is one of the tallest boys in his class.

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  47. 47
    The mighty river Brahmaputra flows through the plains of Assam.

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  48. 48
    The money which one earns is not the money for himself, it is for the family and society.

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  49. 49
    The Principal said, "We should always be disciplined."

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  50. 50
    The river that flows through the village is a tributary of the Cauvery.

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  51. Directions: In this section, you have two short passages. After each passage, you will find some items based on the passage. Read the passage carefully and answer the items based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and the opinion of the author only. Passage – I It must not be imagined that a walking tour, as some would have us fancy, is merely a better or worse way of seeing the country. There are many ways of seeing landscape quite as good; and none more vivid, in spite of canting dilettantes, than from a railway train. But landscape on a walking tour is quite an accessory. He who is indeed of the brotherhood does not voyage in quest of the picturesque, but of certain jolly humours — of the hope and spirit with which the march begins at morning, and the peace and spiritual repletion of the evening's rest. He cannot tell whether he puts his knapsack on, or takes it off, with more delight. The excitement of the departure puts him in key for that of the arrival. Whatever he does is not only a reward in itself, but will be further rewarded in the sequel; and so pleasure leads on to pleasure in an endless chain. It is this that so few can understand; they will either be always lounging or always at five miles an hour; they do not play off the one against the other, prepare all day for the evening, and all evening for the next day. Now, to be properly enjoyed, a walking tour should be gone upon alone. If you go in a company, or even in pairs, it is no longer a walking tour in anything but name; it is something else and more in the nature of a picnic. A walking tour should be gone upon alone, because freedom is of the essence; because you should be able to stop and go on, and follow this way or that, as the freak takes you; and because you must have your own pace, and neither trot alongside a champion walker, nor mince in time with a girl. And then you must be open to all impressions and let your thoughts take colour from what you see. You should be as a pipe for any wind to play upon. "I cannot see the wit," says Hazlitt, "of walking and talking at the same time. When I am in the country I wish to vegetate like the country" — which is the gist of all that can be said upon the matter. There should be no cackle of voices at your elbow, to jar on the meditative silence of the morning. And so long as a man is reasoning he cannot surrender himself to that fine intoxication that comes of much motion in the open air, that begins in a sort of dazzle and sluggishness of the brain, and ends in a peace that passes comprehension. Passage – II Historical analysis combines several levels of thinking and study, posing a question about the past, setting up the problem in a form intended to facilitate its solution, solving the problem, and verifying the solution or interpretation. Academic history relies on formal analysis, based on rational and systematic apprehension of relevant evidence. Yet such formal analysis can be seen as a subset of the broader category of interpretation, including responses to evidence that are impressionistic and informal rather than formal and logically structured. Indeed, the many genres of academic and popular history run the full gamut from logically systematic to impressionistic. Historians come from a widely varying range of philosophical traditions, and the varying philosophies lead to quite different ways of posing questions and answers. The distinctions among philosophical principles sketched here help to show how it is that different analytical priorities arise on the main topics proposed for analysis; they also show how historians can rely on similar data yet come to different or conflicting conclusions. Nineteenth century philosophical outlooks remain central to the world-historical analysis: most notably the dialectics of G.W.F. Hegel and the materialism of Karl Marx. Another great nineteenth-century current of thought was positivism, elaborated by Auguste Comte and focusing on study through breaking large problems into small ones, seeking deterministic relationship within the smaller problems. Philosophies of structuralism and post modernism have developed in more recent times, rejecting the positivist separation of problems into discrete sub-problems and emphasizing interaction among aspects of a problem.
    51
    According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of a walking tour?

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  52. 52
    According to the passage, a walking tour should be gone upon alone because:

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  53. 53
    According to the passage, what can adversely affect the walking tour?

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  54. 54
    According to the passage, how should a walking tour conclude?

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  55. 55
    What is the meaning of the word "dilettantes" in the passage?

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  56. 56
    Which of the following does not amount to historical analysis?

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  57. 57
    'The many genres of academic and popular history run the full gamut from logically systematic to impressionistic' means:

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  58. 58
    What, according to the author, makes historians come to conflicting conclusions? 1. They are influenced by their philosophical beliefs in asking questions on the same data. 2. They apply different interpretations on the same data. 3. They go for the primary data and evidence. 4. They are influenced by the current political developments. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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  59. 59
    Which word(s) from the passage can be substituted for the assertion that "all events and human actions are ultimately shaped by causes external to the will"?

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  60. 60
    Which one of the following relates to the post-modernist approach to History?

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  61. Directions: fill the blank with the right grammar word
    61
    I saw Nandini _______ she was waiting for the bus.

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  62. 62
    This sauce has to be used _______ 23rd September.

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  63. 63
    I'll be working on this report _______ 10:30 p.m.

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  64. 64
    I have _______ energy left to complete the work.

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  65. 65
    I had _______ trouble finding the house.

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  66. 66
    _______ of these officers are very well-trained.

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  67. 67
    I don't like going to _______ dentist.

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  68. 68
    They placed the African elephant _______ their endangered list.

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  69. 69
    _______ travel industry is changing rapidly.

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  70. 70
    She is _______ MP from Rajasthan.

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  71. Directions: find the error in an underlined part, else No error
    71
    Everything what happened was because of my actions.

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  72. 72
    Some people could write well while others didn't.

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  73. 73
    The police are working hard until they are able to arrest the culprits.

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  74. 74
    Since he was going to live in South Korea for some time he thought he should learn something about their culture.

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  75. 75
    The company's phenomenal success are largely due to the new director and his team.

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  76. 76
    I am owning two houses in Bengaluru.

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  77. 77
    A boy was injured in the accident and was taken onto hospital.

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  78. 78
    Mr. Malhotra is a historian who's books have won international acclaim.

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  79. 79
    I hate it when I break in hives.

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  80. 80
    Either Vikas or his friends is going to cook dinner.

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  81. Directions: nearest in meaning to the underlined word
    81
    The village headman was old and cantankerous.

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  82. 82
    Psychological problems among the youth can be attributed to the pernicious influence of the Internet.

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  83. 83
    Our teacher told us not to be verbose while writing.

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  84. 84
    The actor narrated the story in a resonant voice.

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  85. 85
    They were fed-up with his doltish behaviour.

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  86. Directions: which of the two meanings of the word is/are correct
    86
    'Anarchism' 1. Absence of government and/or authority 2. Chaos and disorder in the absence of government Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  87. 87
    'Pristine' 1. In the original condition 2. In the defiled condition Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  88. 88
    'Enormity' 1. The fact of something being serious and grave 2. Abominable crime or sin Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  89. 89
    'Quotidian' 1. To quote inaccurately 2. Someone fond of quoting others Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  90. 90
    'Immolate' 1. To kill somebody or self by burning 2. To kill somebody or self or an animal as an act of sacrifice Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  91. 91
    'Minimise' 1. Reduce something to the smallest possible degree 2. Reduce expenses, or the degree of anything or of any activity Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  92. 92
    'Deify' 1. To treat someone in high office with utmost reverence 2. Worship or treat someone as a god Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  93. 93
    'Raconteur' 1. Someone who is capable of telling stories in an interesting manner 2. Somebody who believes in only telling tall tales Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  94. 94
    'Emasculate' 1. Making someone strong and powerful 2. Increase one's musculature Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  95. 95
    'Perturbation' 1. Mental anxiety and disturbance 2. Deviation of a system or moving object caused by an outside influence Which of the meanings given above is/are correct?

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  96. Directions: judge in which sentence(s) the underlined keyword is used correctly
    96
    1. In spite the cold he decided to climb the mountain top. 2. Despite of the warning she was determined to swim the entire distance. Which of the sentences given above is/are correct?

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  97. 97
    1. The issue of human rights is immanent in the constitution of most countries. 2. They invited an imminent person as the chief guest for the event. Which of the sentences given above is/are correct?

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  98. 98
    1. Among those who had applied for the job I found four candidates to be outstanding. 2. Amidst the confusion caused by the melee, the perpetrators slipped away. Which of the sentences given above is/are correct?

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  99. 99
    1. They will soon be applying for the permission. 2. They shall be pleased with the arrangements made by us. Which of the sentences given above is/are correct?

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  100. 100
    1. You have been frivolous, whereas I have been serious. 2. The difficulties seemed insurmountable; nevertheless, the courage to carry on was undaunted. Which of the sentences given above is/are correct?

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  101. Directions: match List I with List II using the code
    101
    Match List I with List II.
    List I (Game)List II (Arena)
    A. Golf1. Court
    B. Cricket2. Pitch
    C. Polo3. Course
    D. Tennis4. Ground

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  102. 102
    Match List I with List II.
    List I (Animal)List II (Sound)
    A. Dolphin1. Trumpet
    B. Elephant2. Chatter
    C. Monkey3. Chirp
    D. Cheetah4. Click

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  103. 103
    Match List I with List II.
    List I (Animal)List II (Grouping)
    A. Fish1. Colony of
    B. Ducks2. Flock of
    C. Ants3. Paddling of
    D. Crows4. School of

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  104. 104
    Match List I with List II.
    List I (Grouping)List II (Object)
    A. Clump of1. Clothes
    B. Bunch of2. Firewood
    C. Stack of3. Flowers
    D. Bundle of4. Grass

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  105. 105
    Match List I with List II.
    List I (Sport)List II (Related word)
    A. Swimming1. Touché
    B. Kho Kho2. Butterfly
    C. Kabaddi3. Chaser
    D. Fencing4. Ankle hold

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  106. Directions: combine the two sentences into one; choose the option that does it most appropriately
    106
    He was adamant about refusing the honour bestowed upon him. He did not trust the credentials of the organisation that intended to recognise his contribution.

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  107. 107
    He undertook the difficult task. He did so albeit the fact that he did not have any spare time.

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  108. 108
    He wrote the exam with the utmost confidence. He was grossly underprepared for the examination.

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  109. 109
    He pledged to donate his body parts. He was himself the beneficiary of organ transplantation.

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  110. 110
    He was adamant to undertake the journey to the hills. He had promised to visit his school.

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  111. Directions: improve/correct the underlined word
    111
    Similar mishaps are continually happening on the new highway because of improper signalling.

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  112. 112
    The visiting school children circumnavigated around the Dal Lake with visible delight during their visit to Srinagar.

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  113. 113
    The Principal of the school assembled the students and emphasised the importance of discipline in their everyday lives.

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  114. 114
    The group was accused of biased participation in the discussion because their entire attention was centred around their own proposal.

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  115. 115
    He claimed that he was merely an uninterested participant in the negotiation.

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  116. Directions: change the voice (active/passive)
    116
    Change from Active to Passive voice: Respect your elders.

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  117. 117
    Change from Active to Passive voice: Shut the door.

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  118. 118
    Change from Passive to Active voice: Sujata was advised by her mother to carry an umbrella while stepping out into the rain.

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  119. 119
    Change from Passive to Active voice: He was said to be a good cricketer.

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  120. 120
    Change from Passive to Active voice: His hair is being cut by a professional.

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