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English Usage Test 25

Description: English Usage Test - Free english verbal ability test for entrance examinations like mba entrance, gre, sat, gmat, toefl preparation and practice tests
Number of Questions: 25
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Tags: English Usage Test English Skills GRE Preparation GMAT TOEFL SAT English Verbal Ability English Speaking IELTS LAW Bank PO English Verbs Sentence Arrangement (Para Jumbles) Sentence Rearrangement Verbal Analogies Critical Reasoning Short Paragraph (Text Missing) Paragraph Completion Critical Reasoning (Paragraph Based)
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Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements.
A. To think well, one must think for oneself.
B. That is the very first step towards wisdom as it was understood in antiquity.
C. A man does not truly free himself from the chains of outworn traditions or ready-made ideas until he examines and re-examines incessantly and critically his own ideas, many of which will be found to be borrowed from others.
D. For those who are frightened by the word 'philosophy', let us recall the excellent definition of it which goes: 'To philosophize is to reflect, to use one's reason, anywhere and everywhere'.

  1. ABCD

  2. ADCB

  3. DABC

  4. CBAD

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

This para jumble emphasizes very practical aspects - Thinking for oneself. It begins with the quotation in D, followed by main idea in A. Statement B supports statement A and C marks off the concept of this para jumble, so, form the concluding statement. Hence, (3) is the correct option.

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements.
A. Thought is thus not innate, neither it is a primary intuition. B. To be conscious of one's sensations is already to think. C. The living being acquires thought and consciousness from the time when it preserves the memory of certain sensations for a shorter or longer period. D. To be a creature capable of sensation implies the possession of a certain consciousness of that sensitiveness.

  1. ACBD

  2. DBCA

  3. ABCD

  4. CABD

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This para jumble underlines the psychology of consciousness and thought, which is clear in statement D and thus, it in the beginning statement. B is in continuation with D. Out of C and A, A explains statement C, so, it would follow C i.e. C à A. All these conditions are met only in (2) option, hence, it is the answer.

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements.
A. Our failures to understand things flow from our lack of sufficient knowledge of facts - that is, from our inability to grasp their analytical relationships and not from any radical weakness of the human mind itself.
B. It is therefore impossible without flagrant logical contradiction for reason to renounce reason entirely.
C. That can only be done in the name of intuitionism, traditionalism, or sheer irrationalism, that is to say, for reasons which have no standing in the light of reason.
D. Reason cannot be condemned root and branch except by reason itself.

  1. ABCD

  2. DCBA

  3. CBDA

  4. ADBC

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This para jumble provides critical empiricism on human reason, which is clear in statement A, hence it makes the beginning statement. Out of left options, D is a link to A i.e. A à D as it further elaborates statement A. As B is an explanation to D, so it would follow D. Hence, (4) is the correct option.

Directions: In the question below, a related pair of words is followed by four pairs of words. Choose the one pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.

Verbose : Loquacious

  1. Wassail : Sardonic

  2. Euphuism : Fustian

  3. Igneous : Pecuniary

  4. Trivial : Inordinate

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

(Synonyms). Verbose and loquacious are synonymous with meaning talkative. Euphuism and fustian are synonyms meaning boastful talk.

Directions: In the question below, a related pair of words is followed by four pairs of words. Choose the one pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.

Evanescent : Seasonal

  1. Renaissance : Deleterious

  2. Obsequious : Zealot

  3. Intractable : Insurgent

  4. Pedagogic : Tyro

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

(Characteristic feature) Seasonal is something which is evanescent (meaning for a short duration of time). On similar lines, insurgent (meaning a rebel) is intractable (meaning stubbornly disobedient).

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements. A. Happiness implies the notion of stability, of enduring contentment, of peace of mind, while our pleasures, joys, and amusements are essentially ephemeral. B. If the word 'happiness' is used in its broadest sense as signifying all that pleases man not in a transitory but a lasting manner, then it is hard to find fault with the assertion that man's highest good is happiness. C. Happiness being the natural end of man, the only rational ethics for human beings consists in finding out the conditions of our happiness and in striving to bring them into being. D. Having made this distinction, it must be admitted that the majority of men sacrifice their true happiness in the pursuit of passing pleasures.

  1. ACBD

  2. CADB

  3. BADC

  4. ABCD

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

This para jumble takes about happiness - the essential aim of ethics. Out of A, B and C, B starts the paragraph as it introduces the concept and A further explains B. Looking carefully at C and D, C forms the concluding statement as it sums up the thought of this para jumble. Only option that satisfies this is (3).

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements.
A. To the extent that I appeal to it more and more, I find that my reason constitutes the most reliable guide to conduct which I possess. B. The faculty of making a choice between two ideas, that is my reason, often finds itself opposed to what my instincts and feelings dictate. C. Thus, I conclude that, in the future, it will be to my reason that I will submit all my thoughts, beliefs, and projects. D. Although my reason is not infallible, in the long run, I find that it very often enables me to avoid the errors into which my feelings would lead me.

  1. ABDC

  2. DBAC

  3. ADBC

  4. BDAC

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This para jumble underlines the influence of reason on our conscience. Looking at all the options carefully, B forms the beginning statement. As D is an explanation to B, so B à D. Out of A and C, only C could be a concluding statement as it sums up the thought of the para jumble. Hence, (4) is the correct option.

Directions: In the question below, a related pair of words is followed by four pairs of words. Choose the one pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.

Yeast : Fermentation

  1. Carbon dioxide : Photosynthesis

  2. Oxygen : Respiration

  3. Scavengers : Dissevering

  4. Bacteria : Dissolution

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Defining characteristic Action). Yeast promotes fermentation and bacteria promotes dissolution (meaning decomposition)

Directions: In the question below, a related pair of words is followed by four pairs of words. Choose the one pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.

Rave : Anger

  1. Quail : Fear

  2. Fret : Calm

  3. Ebullient : Glad

  4. Burnish : Embarrass

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

(Action to express). One raves (meaning talks incoherently or wildly) in anger similarly, one quails (meaning shrinks back) in fear.

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements.

A. Therefore, the world has had no need of being created. B. There exists, therefore, a substratum consisting of matter or energy which is indestructible, and which has existed from all eternity.
C. We have no instance demonstrating that something can be created from nothing, and furthermore, we cannot even imagine how that could occur. D. Our experiences show us that in the material world nothing is created without somethings giving birth to it, and that nothing is destroyed without giving birth to some other thing, whether matter or energy, in constant proportions.

  1. ABCD

  2. ADCB

  3. BACD

  4. DCBA

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This para jumble clearly states that the world had no need of being created. But that doesn't mean that A forms the beginning statement instead it is the concluding statement because of the word 'Therefore'. Only D starts the paragraph. Out of B and C, B explains C, so B is to follow C. Hence, the correct sequence is met in option (4).

Directions: In the question below, a related pair of words is followed by four pairs of words. Choose the one pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.

Baldachin : Room

  1. Palate : Mouth

  2. Sidewalk : Trail

  3. Quasar : Sky

  4. Palisade : Range

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

(Part of the whole). Baldachin (meaning ceiling) is the upper part of the roof. Palate is the upper part of the mouth.

Directions: In the question below, a related pair of words is followed by four pairs of words. Choose the one pair that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.

Satiate: Hunger

  1. Exude : Endeavor

  2. Wail : Speech

  3. Twinge : Muscle

  4. Slake : Thirst

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

(Quell). To satiate one's hunger means to satisfy hunger. Also, to slake means to quench (or satisfy) thirst.

Directions: Read the following passage/information and answer the question that follows.

Only a receptive observer can perceive the concealed essence behind forms, though immutable words change their forms. A curious temple priest asked a child who was whispering audibly - ''My child what do you seek?'' The child replied, ''I seek nothing. I wonder how the Lord has transformed eternal sound into syllables, words and sentences, enabling creation of a vast storehouse of knowledge and wisdom''.

The child's answer does not indicate that ______.

  1. he was seeking for something beyond material possessions

  2. he was moved to question the wonder of the creation of language

  3. his understanding of the creation of language had failed to impress his thoughts

  4. all of the above

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The child's appreciation of the development of language had impressed him. Hence (3) is the answer.

Directions: The following question contains a paragraph with a sentence or phrase missing, indicated parenthetically. From the alternatives, select the sentence or phrase that best provides the missing link.

Antitrust laws are intended to maintain competition among business firms. A 'trust' consists of two or more companies that collude in order to control the supply or price of a product or service. (______). This forbade any business combination or practice that interfered with free competition or promoted monopoly.

  1. Most states have laws that prevent the formation of trusts.

  2. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has the authority to break up price-fixing arrangements between companies.

  3. The first antitrust legislation in the United States was the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890.

  4. In the 1970s, the shortage of petroleum products led to some government regulation of the distribution and sale of gasoline.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

(1) and (2) are contradictory to the statement, (4) is not related to the statement. Hence (3).

Directions: Select the word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word.

Approximate

  1. Nearly

  2. Exact

  3. Almost

  4. Inaccurate

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Approximate' is some rough estimate, which is more or less correct. So, its opposite should be something exactly correct. Among the answer choices provided, option (2) is valid.

Directions: The following question contains a paragraph with a sentence or phrase missing, indicated parenthetically. From the alternatives, select the sentence or phrase that best provides the missing link.
Jose Arcadio did not dare to leave the house for several days. It was enough for him to hear the rocking laughter of Pilar in the kitchen to run and take refuge in the laboratory, where the artifacts of alchemy had come alive again with Ursula's blessing. (__________). One afternoon, the boys grew enthusiastic over the flying carpet that went swiftly by the laboratory at window level, carrying the gypsy who was driving it and several children from the village who were merrily waving their hands, but Jose Arcadio Buendia did not even look at it.

  1. He lost his appetite and he could not sleep.

  2. Let them dream, she said.

  3. Jose Arcadio Buendia received his errant son with joy and initiated him in the search for the philosopher's stone, which he had finally undertaken.

  4. From his accomplice and a communicative person he had become withdrawn and hostile.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The last sentence talks to Jose Arcadio Buendia. So, it is but natural that the sentences preceding it should have him in context. This is a direct pointer to option (3). Options (2) and (4) do not fit in the context. If option (1) is selected, then a further reading on to the last sentence indicates that Buendia has been suddenly introduced in the paragraph without prior reference. Hence (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word. Intermittent

  1. Continuous

  2. Recurring

  3. Contiguous

  4. Fixed

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Intermittent' refers to stopping and starting at intervals. So, one can easily mark option (1) 'continuous' as its opposite.

Direction: Read the following passage/information and answer the question that follows.

Water resource management has linkages with the management of other resources as well. The large scale deforestation taking place in our mountains has serious implications for water supply in the mountains as well as the plains.

Which of the following statements, if true, would substantiate the above belief?

  1. There is a large and growing demand for wood and wood products which would lead to further deforestation.

  2. The glaciers in the mountains often carry off with them entire trees.

  3. The scale at which deforestation is taking place indicates that in a few years, the forest zones will be depleted severely.

  4. The maintenance of forests implies that topsoil is not eroded and moisture is retained, thus, ensuring the life of streams.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Only (4) implies that forest management and water-resource management are linked. Hence (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word. Crass

  1. Coarse

  2. Heavy

  3. Dull

  4. Fine

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

'Crass' refers to someone grossly stupid or dull or coarse, so, its antonym is someone intelligent, refined or fine as given by option (4).

Directions: Choose the option that fills up the blank most correctly.

The Hubble Telescope should be ________ even if that means diverting the shuttle from other tasks and slowing plans to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars.

  1. hidden

  2. winked at

  3. heralded

  4. preserved

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

NASA's most important scientific instrument, the Hubble space telescope would begin to fail a few years from now, hence, this sentence emphasizes on its need to preserve this instrument. The clue comes from the word 'even', the clause that follows it provides an explanation to the blank. This implies that though tough tasks have to be undertaken, Hubble Telescope has to be preserved. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Read the following passage/information and answer the question that follows.

Maintaining mix-and-match information systems and an outdated application infrastructure can be expensive. Today's users, demand applications that enable publishing communication and collaboration, workflow and decision support, and transaction integrity. Information Technology managers, on the other hand, try to reduce system costs and complexity.

The author of the above believes that ________.

  1. the objective of users and managers of information technology are identical

  2. the reduction of system costs is a major concern for users of information technology

  3. maintenance of outdated application infrastructure is not expensive

  4. the reduction of system complexity is an objective of information technology managers

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Only (4) can be inferred. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Choose the option that fills up the blanks most correctly.

Fascism and communism are the ________ of democracy.

  1. abstracts

  2. exposition

  3. demonstration

  4. antithesis

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Democracy is the government in which the people hold the ruling power either directly or through elected representatives like we have in India, whereas fascism is a system of government characterized by rigid one-party dictatorship and communism is a system based on the ownership of all property by the community as a whole. As fascism and communism are contrary to democracy, therefore 'antithesis' replaces the blank. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word.Plebian

  1. Aristocratic

  2. Democratic

  3. Autocratic

  4. Plutocratic

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Plebeian' is term used to refer a member of ancient Roman Power class or belonging to common people. Option (1) 'aristocratic' is exactly opposite word to given term.

Directions: Choose the option that fills up the blanks most correctly.

Some of the early attempts to apply eugenics in the human realm were based more on ________ than on understanding.

  1. vapidity

  2. enthusiasm

  3. puerility

  4. erudition

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Than' sets up a contrast between the blank and understanding. Of all these options, 'enthusiasm' maintains the contrasting prediction, thus, replaces the blank. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: Read the following passage/information and answer the question that follows.

The unfortunate thing about corporates falling sick is that they fail to heed the warning signals. And it's far too late before they take steps to stem the tide. That's where the turnaround strategy comes in. It helps companies to reverse the wrong moves they may have taken so that they can bounce back into the black.

The turnaround strategy ______.

  1. is used at the lowest point of a business's existence

  2. does not refer to moves that immediately address an error in the system as it arises

  3. is a method of ensuring a business return to profitability after drastic measures

  4. is an often ignored strategy and comes in only as a last-ditch effort

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The turnaround strategy comes in when wrong steps have already affected the system. Therefore, it does not refer to moves that immediately address an error. Hence, (2) is the answer.

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