Note: The questions provided in this document are similar to the questions that were asked in the actual Olympiad exam. So, we recommend you study these for your Olympiad preparation.
Word and Structure Knowledge
Choose the correct option to fill in the blank. (Question 1 to 24)
Q1: Sophie spoke to her ________ angels in times of crisis.
(a) inert
(b) volatile
(c) guardian
(d) fragrant
View AnswerAns: (c)
- In this context, the correct answer is guardian angels. These are believed to be protective spirits that guide and help individuals during difficult times.
- The other options like inert, volatile, and fragrant do not relate to the concept of angels providing support or protection.
- Guardian angels are often thought of as comforting figures that people turn to in moments of need.
- Thus, the phrase emphasizes the idea of seeking help from protective forces during crises.
Q2: Elphin has a sweet tooth for all milk-based ________.
(a) conditions
(b) celebrations
(c) conjectures
(d) confectioneries
View AnswerAns: (d)
- In this sentence, the blank is looking for a word that relates to sweet treats made with milk.
- The correct answer is confectioneries, which refers to sweets and candies.
- The other options do not fit because conditions, celebrations, and conjectures do not relate to sweet foods.
- Thus, Elphin enjoys all types of milk-based sweets or confectioneries.
Q3: My pet dog always enjoys the mantelpiece ________ the winter season, as it is warm.
(a) at
(b) during
(c) on
(d) in
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is during, which indicates a period of time.
- Using during suggests that the dog enjoys the warmth of the mantelpiece throughout the entire winter season.
- Other options like at and on do not convey the same sense of time as during does.
- Thus, during is the most appropriate choice for this context.
Q4: The teacher asked the students ________ to the dictionary whenever they came across a new word.
(a) referring
(b) refers
(c) to refer
(d) referred
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct phrase is to refer, which indicates the action the students should take.
- Using to refer shows that the students are being instructed to look up new words in the dictionary.
- Options like referring and referred do not fit grammatically in this context.
- Thus, to refer is the appropriate choice for the sentence structure.
Q5: The parliamentarians opposed to the passing of the bill and staged a ________.
(a) back on
(b) walkout
(c) roll on
(d) driveway
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The term walkout refers to a situation where members leave a meeting or session in protest.
- In this context, the parliamentarians were against the bill and chose to express their dissent by leaving.
- This action is a common form of protest in legislative bodies to show disagreement with proposed legislation.
- Other options like "back on," "roll on," and "driveway" do not accurately describe this form of protest.
Q6: After the prison-break, things ________ hand, and the security of the victim was at stake.
(a) get across
(b) get in
(c) get away with
(d) got out of
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The phrase "got out of hand" means that a situation has become uncontrollable or chaotic.
- In this context, after the prison-break, the situation became very serious, putting the victim's safety in danger.
- Options (a), (b), and (c) do not convey the same meaning as "got out of hand".
- Thus, the correct answer is (d) got out of.
Q7: He was unable to ________ the puzzle for two days.
(a) figure out
(b) figure in
(c) make to
(d) muzzle in
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The phrase "figure out" means to solve or understand something.
- In this context, it indicates that he was trying to solve the puzzle but couldn't do it for two days.
- The other options do not fit the meaning of trying to solve or understand a puzzle.
- Thus, the correct answer is (a) figure out, as it accurately conveys the intended meaning.
Q8: The geological research team embarked ________ an adventure to the rocky mountains.
(a) under
(b) into
(c) on
(d) across
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct phrase is "embarked on," which means to begin a journey or adventure.
- Using "on" indicates that the team is starting their adventure.
- Other options like "under," "into," and "across" do not fit the context of beginning an adventure.
- Thus, "on" is the only suitable choice for this sentence.
Q9: The pied piper ________ the whole town all day.
(a) fumble at
(b) fiddled around
(c) tumble of
(d) rambled upon
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct phrase here is fiddled around, which means to play or engage in a casual manner.
- This suggests that the pied piper was not serious and was just messing around in the town.
- Other options like fumble at and tumble of do not fit the context of the sentence.
- Thus, fiddled around is the most appropriate choice for describing the pied piper's actions.
Q10: The family entertained their guests ________ their stories and Turkish delights.
(a) upon
(b) until
(c) with
(d) beside
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is with. This indicates that the family provided enjoyment to their guests through their stories and Turkish delights.
- Using with shows that the guests were entertained by the combination of the stories and the treats.
- Other options like upon and until do not fit the context of providing entertainment.
- Thus, with is the most appropriate choice for this sentence.
Q11: Bhupen Hazarika Bridge is the longest bridge in India, ________ the Lohit river, in Assam.
(a) up to
(b) over
(c) under
(d) off
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The Bhupen Hazarika Bridge spans the Lohit River in Assam, making it the longest bridge in India.
- The correct preposition here is "over," indicating that the bridge is built above the river.
- Using "up to" or "under" would not accurately describe the bridge's position relative to the river.
- Thus, the answer is "over," as it correctly conveys the bridge's location.
Q12: One cannot generalise something based ________ an exception.
(a) under
(b) outside
(c) of
(d) on
View AnswerAns: (d)
- In this context, the phrase "based on an exception" means that you cannot make a broad statement or conclusion when there is an exception to the rule.
- The correct preposition here is "on," which indicates the foundation of the generalization.
- Using "under," "outside," or "of" would not convey the same meaning in this context.
- Thus, the correct answer is "on," as it fits perfectly with the idea of forming a generalization.
Q13: The old man was clever ________ to see through all the lies and manipulations.
(a) upon
(b) above
(c) sufficient
(d) enough
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The word enough indicates that the old man had the required skill or ability to see through the lies.
- Using sufficient would imply a similar meaning, but it is not the correct form in this context.
- Upon and above do not fit the sentence structure, as they do not convey the necessary meaning of capability.
- Thus, enough is the best choice, showing that he had the right amount of cleverness to discern the truth.
Q14: She quickly got better from the fever and was ________ fine in a few days.
(a) quite
(b) best
(c) quiet
(d) fare
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The word quite means "to a certain extent" or "completely," which fits well in this context.
- In this sentence, it indicates that she was completely fine after her recovery.
- The other options do not fit grammatically or contextually: best is a superlative, quiet refers to sound, and fare is not used correctly here.
- Thus, the correct choice is quite, as it emphasizes her full recovery.
Q15: The huge dolphin ________ into the water in no time.
(a) will disappearing
(b) were disappearing
(c) disappeared
(d) are disappeared
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The sentence describes an action that has already happened, which is indicated by the word "into the water in no time." This suggests a past event.
- The correct form of the verb is "disappeared," which is the simple past tense of "disappear."
- Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because they do not fit the past context of the sentence.
- Option (d) is also incorrect as "are disappeared" is not a proper grammatical structure.
Q16: Alex ________ her friends to the amusement park.
(a) have invited
(b) has invited
(c) was invited
(d) were invited
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct answer is has invited because it uses the present perfect tense, which is appropriate here.
- Alex is a singular subject, so we use has instead of have.
- The phrase indicates that the action of inviting has occurred at some point in the past and is relevant to the present.
- Options c and d are incorrect as they imply a passive voice, which does not fit the context of the sentence.
Q17: The Meteorological Department ________ rainfall in various areas.
(a) records
(b) was recorded
(c) have records
(d) is recording
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The correct answer is records because it indicates that the Meteorological Department regularly keeps track of rainfall data.
- Option (b) "was recorded" suggests a past action, which does not fit the context of ongoing activity.
- Option (c) "have records" is grammatically incorrect in this context, as it lacks a subject-verb agreement.
- Option (d) "is recording" implies a current action but does not convey the regularity of the department's work.
Q18: In the morning, she ________ the pigeons in the lawn.
(a) have fed
(b) feed
(c) was feeding
(d) feeds
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct answer is was feeding because it indicates an action that was happening at a specific time in the past.
- Using was feeding shows that she was in the process of feeding the pigeons during the morning.
- Other options like have fed and feed do not fit the past continuous tense required here.
- Thus, was feeding is the right choice to describe the action that took place in the morning.
Q19: The nurses went on ________ indefinite strike for various issues.
(a) a
(b) an
(c) the
(d) no article
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct answer is an because it is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
- The word indefinite starts with a vowel sound, so we use an instead of a.
- Using the would imply a specific strike, which is not the case here.
- No article is incorrect because we need an article to describe the strike.
Q20: ‘Tongue-in-cheek’ means ________.
(a) healthy
(b) ironically
(c) delicious
(d) traditionally
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The phrase tongue-in-cheek refers to a statement or action that is not meant to be taken seriously. It often conveys a sense of irony or humor.
- When someone uses this expression, they are usually being playful or sarcastic, indicating that their words should be interpreted in a light-hearted manner.
- For example, if someone makes a silly comment while pretending to be serious, they might be speaking tongue-in-cheek.
- Thus, the correct answer is (b) ironically, as it captures the essence of the phrase perfectly.
Q21: ________ to being expensive, the furniture is so non-functional.
(a) Unless
(b) After all
(c) In addition
(d) Furthermore
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The phrase "In addition" indicates that there is an extra point being made about the furniture.
- It suggests that besides being expensive, it also has the quality of being non-functional.
- This option effectively connects the two ideas, emphasizing that both aspects are true.
- The other options do not convey the same meaning or connection between the two statements.
Q22: We should consume nutritious meals ________ to maintain our health.
(a) so that
(b) however
(c) during
(d) prior
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The phrase "so that" indicates a purpose or reason for eating nutritious meals.
- It shows that the intention behind eating well is to ensure we can be healthy.
- Other options like "however" and "during" do not convey the same meaning.
- Thus, "so that" is the correct choice as it directly relates to the goal of health.
Q23: The letter arrived ________ I had gone out shopping.
(a) that
(b) without
(c) while
(d) if
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is while. It indicates that the letter arrived at the same time I was out shopping.
- Using while shows a simultaneous action, meaning both events happened together.
- Other options like that, without, and if do not convey the same meaning of timing.
- Thus, while is the best choice to express the relationship between the two actions.
Q24: I had a toothache, ________ I needed to see the dentist.
(a) so
(b) until
(c) or
(d) unless
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The word "so" indicates a cause and effect relationship. In this case, the toothache is the reason for visiting the dentist.
- Using "until" would imply waiting, which doesn't fit the context of needing immediate help.
- "Or" suggests an alternative, which is not relevant here since the action is necessary.
- "Unless" implies a condition that must be met, which also does not apply in this situation.
Q25: Choose the correct synonym of the given word.
Encounter
(a) Truce
(b) Overcome
(c) Solve
(d) Bout
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The word "Encounter" means to come across or meet someone or something unexpectedly.
- Among the options, "Bout" refers to a contest or struggle, which can relate to an encounter in a competitive sense.
- Other options like "Truce," "Overcome," and "Solve" do not convey the same meaning as "Encounter."
- Thus, "Bout" is the most fitting synonym in this context.
Q26: Choose the correct synonym of the given word.
Emulate
(a) Inert
(b) Multiply
(c) Assemble
(d) Imitate
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The word emulate means to imitate or strive to equal or excel someone or something.
- Among the options, imitate is the closest in meaning to emulate.
- Inert refers to being inactive, multiply means to increase in number, and assemble means to gather together.
- Thus, the correct answer is imitate, as it captures the essence of emulating someone.
Q27: Choose the correct antonym of the given word.
Optimistic
(a) Despondent
(b) Hopeful
(c) Mystical
(d) Optical
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The word optimistic means having a positive outlook or hope for the future.
- The opposite of this is despondent, which means feeling hopeless or in low spirits.
- Hopeful is not the opposite; it also conveys a positive feeling.
- Mystical and optical are unrelated to the concept of optimism or its opposite.
Q28: Choose the correct antonym of the given word.
Flimsy
(a) Sub-standard
(b) Salutary
(c) Substantial
(d) Fragile
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The term flimsy refers to something that is weak or not sturdy.
- In contrast, substantial means something that is strong, solid, or significant.
- Thus, the correct answer is substantial, as it represents the opposite quality of being flimsy.
- Options like sub-standard and fragile do not convey the opposite meaning effectively.
Q29: What is the correct spelling of the term that signifies ‘harmful’?
(a) Prencious
(b) Prenicious
(c) Pernicious
(d) Pernicuous
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The word that means ‘harmful’ is ‘pernicious’.
- Options (a) and (b) are incorrect spellings and do not represent the word.
- Option (d) is also a misspelling and does not convey the correct meaning.
- Thus, the correct answer is (c) ‘pernicious’, which is the accurate spelling.
Q30: What is the correct spelling of the term that signifies 'greedy'?
(a) Avaricious
(b) Awarecious
(c) Avariceious
(d) Avarisious
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The word that means 'greedy' is 'avaricious'.
- It is important to know the correct spelling to convey the meaning accurately.
- Options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect spellings and do not represent the word for greed.
- Understanding the meaning helps in using the word correctly in sentences.
Reading
Read the Passage and answer the question that follow. (Question 31 to 35)
In today’s world, one can hardly escape the subject of fuel prices and fuel supply. For a number of different reasons, people have turned from standard petroleum based fuel sources and looked for a reliable alternative fuel. Biodiesel is one such fuel that experts and enthusiasts have embraced as not only their idea of a fuel for future, but also as their choice of fuel for today. But, what is Biodiesel? Biodiesel is a fuel containing some of the same traits as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel is made from high quality vegetable oils through a manufacturing process that can be done on a large scale - such as a refinery, or on a small scale - such as a home Biodiesel kit. Biodiesel is primarily used right now as a substitute for petroleum based diesel fuel. In different parts of the world, different plants are used as the source for the vegetable oil that is made into Biodiesel. Theoretically, any vegetable grown can be broken down and turned into Biodiesel, but right now most Biodiesel producers use one primary crop as their source. In America, the primary crop grown for Biodiesel production is corn. Corn, being one of the most common crops grown in America, provides a readily available supply of vegetable matter for Biodiesel manufacturers. In much of Europe, rapeseed is used in the production of Biodiesel. And, in Southeast Asia the primary plant grown for manufacturing of Biodiesel is soybeans. After going through the manufacturing process, there is a little difference in the properties of Biodiesel made from one plant over another.
The process used to manufacture Biodiesel from pure vegetable oil is called ester interchange. In the process, the vegetable oil is combined with a much smaller amount of Methanol. Methanol can be manufactured by the fermentation of starch or sugar and it can also be produced from natural gas. The vegetable oil and methanol are placed in a small quantity of an alkaline catalyst and it is in this process that the chemical makeup of the vegetable oil is altered. The result is a clean burning fuel with a viscosity approximating that of standard diesel fuel. During this process, approximately 90% of what is manufactured is Biodiesel fuel, while the remaining 10% is in the form of glycerine that was broken down from the vegetable matter. This glycerine can also be used in other applications in the chemical industry, making the manufacture of Biodiesel practically waste-free.
Biodiesel is mainly used as a replacement for petroleum based diesel fuel. Biodiesel can be both economically viable and highly efficient for most mobile applications. There will be some performance and usage differences between diesel and Biodiesel and they will vary from vehicle to vehicle as expected. It is possible for most modern diesel engines to burn standard Biodiesel. Currently, Biodiesel is also marketed as a Biodiesel Ethanol mix or a Biodiesel/ Diesel mix.
Still a young industry by any measure, Biodiesel is on its way to becoming one of the brightest lights in the search for a viable alternative fuel.
Q31: Choose the suitable title for the passage.
(a) Diesel and its Use
(b) Petroleum and its Use
(c) Biodiesel: An Alternative Fuel
(d) Fuels in the World
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The passage discusses biodiesel, which is a type of alternative fuel derived from renewable resources.
- While diesel and petroleum are mentioned, the main focus is on biodiesel as a sustainable option.
- Choosing option (c) highlights the importance of biodiesel in the context of alternative energy sources.
- Other options do not capture the specific focus on biodiesel as an alternative fuel.
Q32: Biodiesel is produced from ________.
(a) animal fat
(b) metals
(c) vegetable oils
(d) natural gas
View AnswerAns: (c)
- Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made primarily from vegetable oils.
- It can also be produced from animal fats, but the main source is vegetable oils.
- Unlike fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, biodiesel is more environmentally friendly.
- Using vegetable oils helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel.
Q33: Match the countries with the primary crops grown for producing Biodiesel and select the correct option.
(A) (i) - b, (ii) - c, (iii) - a
(B) (i) - c, (ii) - b, (iii) - a
(C) (i) - a, (ii) - b, (iii) - c
(D) (i) - b, (ii) - a, (iii) - c
View AnswerAns: (c)
- America primarily grows Soybeans for biodiesel.
- Southeast Asia is known for its production of Corn.
- Thus, the correct matches are: (i) - a, (ii) - b, (iii) - c.
- Europe mainly produces Rapeseed for biodiesel.
Q34: What is the term for the method employed to produce Biodiesel from pure vegetable oil?
(a) Pasteurization
(b) Fermentation
(c) Ester interchange
(d) Hydrolysis
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The process of making Biodiesel from pure vegetable oil is known as Ester interchange.
- This method involves a chemical reaction where triglycerides in the oil react with an alcohol (usually methanol) to form biodiesel and glycerin.
- Other options like Pasteurization and Fermentation are unrelated to biodiesel production.
- Thus, the correct answer is Ester interchange, which is a key process in biodiesel manufacturing.
Q35: What percentage of glycerine is produced from plant materials?
(a) 90%
(b) 10%
(c) 70%
(d) 60%
View AnswerAns: (b) 10%
- The question asks about the percentage of glycerine derived from vegetable matter.
- The correct answer is 10%, indicating that a small portion of glycerine comes from plants.
- This means that out of all the glycerine produced, only 10% is sourced from vegetable materials.
- Understanding this helps in recognizing the role of plant matter in glycerine production.
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow. (Question 36 to 40)
Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, “and what is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversations?” So she was considering in her own mind, (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid,) whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a white rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her.
There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!” (when she thought it over afterwards, it occurred to her that she ought to have wondered at this, but at the time it all seemed quite natural); but when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started on her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket or a watch to take out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and was just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge.
In another moment, down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again.
The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down what seemed to be a very deep well.
Either the well was very deep, or she fell very slowly, for she had plenty of time as she went down to look about her, and to wonder what was going to happen next. First, she tried to look down and make out what she was coming to, but it was too dark to see anything : then she looked at the sides of the well, and noticed that they were filled with cupboards and bookshelves: here and there she saw maps and pictures hung upon pegs. She took down a jar from one of the shelves as she passed; it was labelled “ORANGE MARMALADE,” but to her great disappointment it was empty: she did not like to drop the jar for fear of killing somebody underneath, so she managed to put it back into one of the cupboards.
-Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll
Q36: What did the rabbit think to itself prior to entering a big rabbit-hole?
(a) "Help me!"
(b) "Good morning, dear!"
(c) "I shall be too late!"
(d) "What a lovely day!"
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The rabbit was concerned about being late, which shows its sense of urgency.
- This thought reflects the rabbit's awareness of time and its importance.
- It indicates that the rabbit had somewhere important to be.
- Other options do not convey the same sense of urgency or concern.
Q37: Why did Alice hurry across the field after the rabbit?
(a) Because it was her pet rabbit.
(b) Because she disliked the rabbit and wanted to catch it.
(c) Because it looked like the rabbit she dreamed about one day.
(d) Because she was curious and had never seen a rabbit with a waistcoat-pocket and a watch before.
View AnswerAns: (d)
- Alice's curiosity drove her to chase the rabbit.
- She had never encountered a rabbit wearing a waistcoat-pocket and a watch, which intrigued her.
- This unusual sight sparked her interest, prompting her to follow it.
- Her action was not out of fear or dislike, but rather a sense of wonder.
Q38: Why did Alice dislike the book her sister was reading?
(a) Because it was brown in colour.
(b) Because she hated books.
(c) Because it had no pictures or conversations.
(d) Because it was too long.
View AnswerAns: (c)
- Alice found the book uninteresting because it lacked pictures and conversations.
- She preferred books that were more engaging and visual.
- The absence of these elements made the book feel boring to her.
- Thus, her dislike stemmed from the content of the book rather than its appearance or length.
Q39: What item did Alice grab from the shelf while she was descending the tunnel?
(a) A book
(b) Waistcoat-pocket
(c) A jar
(d) A hat
View AnswerAns: (c)
- Alice was in a peculiar situation, falling down a tunnel.
- As she fell, she noticed various items on the shelf.
- Among these items, she managed to pick up a jar.
- This moment is significant as it showcases Alice's curiosity and the whimsical nature of her adventure.
Q40: What does the term 'hedge' refer to in the passage?
(a) A row of bushes close together
(b) A stack of boxes
(c) A pile of hay stacked up
(d) A bushel of grain
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The word hedge typically means a row of bushes that are planted closely together.
- This is often used in gardens or landscapes to create boundaries or privacy.
- Other options like a stack of boxes or hay do not match the common meaning of hedge.
- Thus, the correct interpretation of 'hedge' in this context is indeed a row of bushes close together.
Spoken and Written Expression
Choose the correct option to complete each conversation. (Question 41 to 45)
Q41: Anju: I hate it ________ it rains during the winter. It is already cold.
(a) whom
(b) when
(c) however
(d) why
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is when. This is because it indicates a specific time, which is when it rains.
- Using when makes sense in the context of the sentence, as it connects the dislike of rain to the winter season.
- Other options like whom, however, and why do not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
- Thus, the sentence reads smoothly and clearly with when as the answer.
Q42: Policeman: The thieves were apprehended ________ yesterday, while they were attempting to break into a hotel.
(a) ironic
(b) blatant
(c) red-handed
(d) swiftly
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The term red-handed means being caught in the act of doing something wrong, especially a crime.
- In this context, it indicates that the thieves were caught during their attempt to break into the hotel.
- The other options do not fit the context of being caught in the act of a crime.
- Thus, the correct answer is (c) red-handed, as it accurately describes the situation.
Q43: Robert: Everyone should keep ________ updated about the modern day developments and changes.
(a) themselves
(b) theirselves
(c) oneselves
(d) ourself
View AnswerAns: (a)
- The correct word to use here is themselves, which is the proper reflexive pronoun for the plural subject "everyone."
- Theirselves is not a standard English term, while oneselves and ourself are also incorrect in this context.
- Using themselves indicates that each individual should stay informed about modern developments.
- This emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in keeping up with changes in society.
Q44: Sindhu: Any day, I prefer fruits ________ vegetables for they are sweet.
(a) from
(b) of
(c) to
(d) with
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is "to". This is because we use "prefer A to B" to indicate a choice between two things.
- In this context, Sindhu is expressing a preference for fruits over vegetables.
- Using "to" shows that fruits are favored because they are sweeter than vegetables.
- Thus, the complete sentence reads: "Any day, I prefer fruits to vegetables for they are sweet."
Q45: Swati: All singers on the podium ________ and sang their songs one after another.
(a) took up
(b) took turns
(c) take to task
(d) took by surprise
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The phrase "took turns" means that each singer performed one after the other in a sequence.
- This indicates a shared responsibility among the singers, allowing everyone a chance to perform.
- Options like "took up" and "take to task" do not fit the context of performing in a sequence.
- Thus, "took turns" is the most appropriate choice for describing how the singers performed.
Achievers Section
Choose the correct option to fill in the blank. (Question 46 to 47)
Q46: His responses to the inquiries were ________.
(a) caring
(b) iconically
(c) arbitrary
(d) evasive
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The word arbitrary means that his answers were based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
- In this context, it suggests that his responses lacked consistency or logic.
- Options like caring and iconically do not fit the meaning of the sentence.
- Thus, the correct choice is arbitrary, indicating a lack of structured reasoning in his answers.
Q47: The rain clouds ________ together before the rain started.
(a) jinxed
(b) gathered
(c) created
(d) compiled
View AnswerAns: (b)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is gathered. This means that the rain clouds came together or accumulated in one place.
- Jinxed means to bring bad luck, which does not fit the context of clouds forming.
- Created suggests making something new, which is not what happens with clouds before it rains.
- Compiled means to collect items, but it is not commonly used to describe clouds.
Q48: Choose the correct synonym of the given word.
Dexterity
(a) Praise
(b) Proficiency
(c) Admired
(d) Comprehended
View AnswerAns: (b)
- Dexterity refers to skill and agility, especially in using the hands or body.
- The correct synonym is Proficiency, which means having a high degree of skill or competence.
- Other options like Praise and Admired relate to approval, not skill.
- Comprehended means to understand, which is not related to skill.
Q49: Choose the correct antonym of the given word.
Impoverished
(a) Tranquil
(b) Regular
(c) Prosperous
(d) Underprivileged
View AnswerAns: (c)
- The word impoverished means being poor or lacking in resources.
- The correct antonym is prosperous, which means being wealthy or successful.
- Options like tranquil and regular do not relate to wealth, while underprivileged is similar to impoverished.
- Thus, prosperous is the opposite of impoverished, indicating abundance and wealth.
Q50: Choose the correct option to complete the conversation.
John: The corrupt official was careful to avoid any or all ________ during the press meeting.
(a) constitutions
(b) contractions
(c) constellations
(d) confrontations
View AnswerAns: (d)
- The correct word to fill in the blank is confrontations. This means the official was trying to avoid any direct conflicts or disagreements during the meeting.
- Constitutions, contractions, and constellations do not fit the context of avoiding issues in a press meeting.
- In this situation, avoiding confrontations helps maintain a calm atmosphere and prevents any negative attention.
- Thus, the official's carefulness indicates a desire to keep the meeting smooth and controlled.