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English Usage Test 3

Description: English Usage Test - Free english verbal ability test for entrance examinations like mba entrance, gre, sat, gmat, toefl 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 Short Paragraph (Theme Based) Paragraph Completion Sentence Completion (Part Missing) Sentence Completion Letter QR Word Usage Letter A
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Directions: Select the option that fills in the blanks most suitably (in the same order).
Josemaria Escriva was an ________ priest who succeeded in opening new ________ horizons for missionary and ________ work.
  1. excellent, avant-garde, irksome

  2. execrable, disciplinary, scriptural

  3. offensive, missionary, proselytize

  4. exemplary, apostolic, evangelical


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A priest can't be 'execrable' (detestable) or 'offensive'. Hence, we are left with (1) and (4) options. 'Avant - garde' is new, unconventional, hence, this might even fit the second blank. But irksome (tiresome) makes no sense with missionary work, whereas 'evangelical' means in, of or according to the Gospels or the teaching of the New Testament. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Read the following paragraph and answer the question that follows.

"The Antarctic is the vast source of cold on our planet, just as the sun is the source of our heat and it exerts tremendous control on our climate", [Jacques] Cousteau told the camera. The cold ocean water around Antarctica flows North to mix with warmer water from the tropics and its upwellings help to cool both the surface water and our atmosphere. Yet, the fragility of this regulating system is now threatened by human activity.

What is the theme of the passage?

  1. The cold water of Antarctic Ocean is a ravage to human life.

  2. The activity of people in Antarctica is jeopardising a delicate natural mechanism that controls Earth’s climate.

  3. The cold ocean water around Antarctica is due to the dearth of sun’s infrared rays.

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

On closely scrutinising all the options, we find that options (1) and (3) are contrary to the passage. Option (2) talks about the damage caused by people in Antarctica to cold water of the Antarctic Ocean, which sums up the idea of the passage. Hence, option (2) is the correct answer.

Directions: Choose the appropriate option and complete the sentence.

While it is important to fathom the complexities involved in the space project, one must __________.

  1. always search for real-time solutions

  2. look for a broader approach to attack these

  3. never lose heart over their sheer enormity

  4. try to garner support for their successful solution


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The word fathom has been used to imply to penetrate a problem or mystery. The given sentence has two important parts - 'important' and 'fathom the complexities', which have to be used to find suitable continuation. What exactly is being talked about in the sentence are difficulties that discourage person from undertaking study in space project as sentence has begun with the word 'while' therefore, it should end on a positive note of encouragement which is only available in option (3).

Directions: Read the paragraph and answer the question that follows.
In descending the social scale in any modern industrial community, the primary fact -- the conspicuous leisure of the master of the household -disappears at a relatively high point. The head of the middle-class household has been reduced by economic circumstances to turn his hand to gaining a livelihood by occupations which often partake largely of the character of industry, as in the case of ordinary business man of today. But the derivative fact -- the vicarious leisure and consumption rendered by the wife, and the auxiliary vicarious performance of leisure by menials - remains in vogue as conventionality which the demands of reputability will not suffer to be slighted. It is by no means an uncommon spectacle to find a man applying himself to work with the utmost assiduity, in order that his wife may in due form render for him that degree of vicarious leisure which the common sense of the time demands.
Find the theme of the passage.

  1. The head of the household and their wives in any social scale engage themselves in unproductive skills and tastes.

  2. The middle and lower class wives are manifesting the prestige and position for the good names of the household and its master.

  3. Vicarious leisure enjoyed by the master and their wives is due to the number of their liveried servants

  4. Lower class wives are assisting their masters in fulfilling their duties towards their industrial heads and business mans.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Let's scrutinize the options:

(1) Head of the household are not engaged in conspicuous leisure (first statement of the passage gives the clue), hence, ruled out.

(2) This is the answer as it sums up the idea of this passage (clue is provided by the statement - “But the derivative fact --- slighted”) Options (3) and (4) are irrelevant according to the passage. Hence, they are ruled out and (2) is the answer.
Directions: In the following question, an incomplete statement is provided. Select the option which most logically completes the idea in the question statement.
Objective individualism is not selfishness but it reflects ______________________.

  1. a ruthless determination and will-power

  2. enlightened self-interest

  3. sheer altruism and benevolence

  4. a sense of gratuity


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Look at the keyword 'but', it implies that you have to find an answer choice which is in contrast to information in given sentence. We have to find here something to contrast with selfishness which can be matched with meaning of individualism. (1) is in same flow as term selfishness, thereby cannot be considered. (3) is opposite to selfishness but cannot be matched with individualistic character of a person. (4) is irrelevant in given context. Only (2), enlightened self-interest correctly matches the term 'objective individualism'.

Directions: Read the paragraph and answer the question that follows.
In descending the social scale in any modern industrial community, the primary fact –– the conspicuous leisure of the master of the household–disappears at a relatively high point. The head of the middle–class household has been reduced by economic circumstances to turn his hand to gaining a livelihood by occupations which often partake largely of the character of industry, as in the case of ordinary business man of today. But the derivative fact –– the vicarious leisure and consumption rendered by the wife, and the auxiliary vicarious performance of leisure by menials–remains in vogue as conventionality which the demands of reputability will not suffer to be slighted. It is by no means an uncommon spectacle to find a man applying himself to work with the utmost assiduity, in order that his wife may in due form render for him that degree of vicarious leisure which the common sense of the time demands.
What, according to you, would succeed the passage?

  1. There in no pretence of leisure on the part of the head of the household.

  2. The leisure rendered by the wife invariably occurs disguised under some form of work or household duties or social amenities.

  3. In ascending the social scale, the head of the household and their wives also render vicarious leisure.

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

As this passage discusses, the leisure manifested by middle and lower class wives, hence, the subsequent passage would provide an explanation to this thought. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: In the following question, an incomplete statement is provided. Select the option which most logically completes the idea in the question statement.

When you look for intimacy and true love in a person, you tend to ignore _________________.

  1. the fact that life requires more than love

  2. the monetary aspects of your job

  3. the drawbacks of the person

  4. the role of paternal teachings


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The characteristics of intimacy and true love have been defined with respect to a person. So, something to ignore should be characteristic with respect to a person. This automatically cancels out option (1), (2) and (4). (1) seems to be partially correct but instead of assumption, a direct contrast between (1) and (3) will automatically prove (3) as more valid of two choices.

Directions: In the following question, an incomplete statement is provided. Select the option which most logically completes the idea in the question statement. It's nice to be important but ___________________.
  1. one should not relegate his social duties to the background

  2. we must not crave for self-praise

  3. let us not forget our unfortunate poor brethren

  4. it's more important to be nice


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Option (1) and (3) can be neglected because they are not in harmony with the provided part of sentence. One can easily see that though (2) also sounds logical but a beautiful use of pun, which has been intended, is available in option (4), which thereby most logically completes the idea in the question statement.

Directions: Find the statement where the given word hasn't been used correctly.

ACCENT

  1. Give me an accent to work you are doing.

  2. We accent the word 'bullock' on the first syllable.

  3. Bright colours accentuate the pattern of this material.

  4. Her red belt provided a bright accent on the plain white dress.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

(2) gives example of usage of term accent in very general form as used commonly. The word 'accentuatic' in option (3) refers to the meaning emphasis or stress generally (4) is also correct as word has been used to mean strongly contrasting detail (1) doesn't make much sense, thereby is incorrect.

Directions: Find the statement where the given word hasn't been used correctly.
ROPE

  1. The mountaineers were roped together.

  2. The rope is still in use as a form of capital punishment.

  3. If you give him enough rope, he'll soon come a cropper.

  4. He's worked here for many years and can therefore tie all ropes of the organisation.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

(1) is correct usage of word 'rope', which has been used here as a verb meaning to together with a rope. In (2), he used word 'rope' to depict capital punishment - death by hanging. (3) has used the term to allow someone enough freedom of action to bring on his/her own downfall. In context of organization, word rope is used to refer to procedures or methods used at an organization which therefore cannot be tied. Therefore, (4) is incorrect usage and the answer.

Directions: Find the statement where the given word hasn't been used correctly.
AVENUE

  1. They stroll down the shady avenue.

  2. Their avenue is hard work.

  3. We must explore every avenue open to us in an effort to solve the problem.

  4. Hard work is the avenue to success.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

(1) is correct usage of term 'avenue' which is generally referred to a road or path with trees on either side. Usage of 'avenue' in (3) and (4) is to depict a way of doing or getting something. (2) is incorrect grammatically as word has been used to mean strength or positive trait which does not mean avenue.

Directions: Find the statement where the given word hasn't been used correctly.
ABSENT

  1. Absenteeism is a problem at some schools.

  2. His absentist nature showed that he wasn't taking in the news.

  3. Why did you absent yourself from the vital meeting?

  4. His absence is due to illness.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This is an easy question, (2) can be termed incorrect usage immediately because of use of word 'absentist' as there is no such word as 'absentist'.

Directions: In the following question, an incomplete statement is provided. Select the option which most logically completes the idea in the question statement.

The realm of infinity has been explored by physicists and mathematicians alike but ________________.

  1. both have discovered the true secret

  2. they have been painfully unsuccessful at it

  3. they have not fully understood it

  4. the casual factors have never led themselves to subjugation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Look at the keyword explored and but. Due to appearance of but as a connect, we must have some idea in second part of sentence opposite to explored, which can aptly be found in option (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) The Indian space programme was poised for a great leap forward, with the organization proposing to embark on 40 rocket launches, placing one remote sensing satellite after another in space by 2008.
(B) And these missions would include a voyage to the moon in 2008.
(C) This isn't a tall order if one looks back. If what this country has achieved to become a major space power in just a span of 40 years. (D) With these 40 launches, ISRO will accomplish in a period of five years what it had hitherto taken over 25 years to achieve.

  1. ABCD

  2. ACDB

  3. CDAB

  4. DCAB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This para jumble is about space programme launched by ISRO, the rest are describing about it, which makes statement A, the beginning statement. This leaves us with 2 options (1) and (2). From statement B or C, statement C is more probable as it explains statement A. Hence, (2) 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) The National Geographic society awarded him the John Oliver LaGorce Medal in 1985. (B) Mac is Kamoya Kimen, the foreman of Richard Leakey's and my expeditions, when we were searching for fossil humans together.
(C) Mac is the man who has led the team that has found more private and human fossils than any groups of professional paleoauthropologists anywhere. (D) That medal has been won by such impressive people as Ameha Earhart and polar explorer commander Robert Peary.
  1. BCAD

  2. CBAD

  3. ADBC

  4. CBDA


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This parajumble is about Mac who has done pioneering research in human fossil remains. That is why, B is the starting statement. As C further explains B, so B à C. Statement A is the award won by Mac and as D further comments on this medal, so the correct sequence is BCAD. Hence, (1) is the correct 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) Coming as it does on the eve of his long awaited visit to the embattled state, the announcement will help to dispel the notion that the UPA has in some way squandered the legacy of dialogue and confidence building left behind by the NDA. (B) This will give a huge boost to both the now stalled official talks with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and the ongoing composite dialogue process with Pakistan. (C) The Manmohan Singh government has decided to reduce the level of troops deployed in J&K. (D) The precise nature of the force reduction is still not known but the warm response from Islamabad and the separatist conglomerate suggests that the PM has struck a key political chord with this conciliatory gesture.

  1. CBDA

  2. CDBA

  3. BCAD

  4. ABCD


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Statement B speaks of something which would give a boost to official talks with Pakistan. This indicates that the previous statement should talk of this move. Now, this move has been given in statement C. So, the direct and the easiest link is C → B. Only one option has this link. Therefore, answer is (1).

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided. These statements form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the option representing the proper and logical sequencing of these statements.
(A) The member states are united in the belief that an international convention is urgently needed to outlaw human 'reproductive cloning'.
(B) Yet the issue at stake is one on which there should not be such polarisation.
(C) Later this week, there could be a highly divisive vote in the United Nations.
(D) The schism has occurred because some countries, led by the United States, appear determined to see this ban extended to cover ‘therapeutic cloning’ as well.

  1. CBAD

  2. ADCB

  3. ADBC

  4. BADC


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This parajumble talks about a ban on human cloning. It begins with statement C followed by B, which gives sense to C. D is to follow A as it is clear when we read these 2 statements carefully. The correct sequence is (1). Hence, it is the required 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) There is an underlying assumption that getting a U.S. patent is something similar to winning a gold medal in Olympics, which is not the case.
(B) The news item 'NGRI bags U.S. patent for equipment design' raises some very interesting questions.
(C) These days there are complaints about the quality of patents being granted by the USPTO.
(D) There seems to be a false impression that USPTO is very competent and a thorough examination is done of the patent specification before getting a patent.

  1. DCAB

  2. ADBC

  3. ABCD

  4. BADC


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Foreign patenting is the highlight of this para jumble. So, it begins with the news item in statement B. Out of all the statements left, it is only A that goes with statement B. Complaints in statement C follows the thorough examination done by USPTO in statement D. All this is met in option (4). Hence, it is the required answer.

Directions: Select the option that fills in the blanks most suitably (in the same order).

The use of laser technology is not as simple as it sounds, it has proved very ________ to use satellites to position equipment in space that can destroy the ________ controls of enemy aircraft.

  1. herculean, random

  2. difficult, steering

  3. facile, navigating

  4. conducive, manageable


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The first part of the sentence gives the clue for the first blank, which implies that laser technology has proved to be difficult. Therefore, we are left with 2 options, (1) and (2). 'Steering' means to direct the course of, whereas 'random' is haphazard movement, thus, steering control gives sense to these sentence. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the option that fills in the blank most suitably.

Even detractors who warn of its potential for abuse by powerful despots agree that genetic engineering, if used ________, can reduce the incidence of the sort of physical and mental deformities that any society would want to eliminate.

  1. premeditatedly

  2. discriminately

  3. biologically

  4. illicitly


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The missing word must contrast with the motion of abuse of genetic engineering, while at the same time be consistent with the desirable goal of reducing the incidence of deformities. Only (2) accomplishes both. To use the technology 'discriminately' would be to conscientiously apply it only towards certain ends (such as reducing deformities) and not towards others (such as creating a master race that dominates others).  

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) It is hard to say, at first glance, whether this question is absurdly easy or absurdly difficult. (B) Perhaps, in different ways, it is both. (C) Most people would probably reply that they know perfectly well what they mean, but that they find it hard or impossible to express their meaning precisely. (D) What does it mean to say about anything that it is good?

  1. DABC

  2. CBAD

  3. ADCB

  4. CDAB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A very easy para jumble in statement A, he is referring to a question & the question is given in statement D. So, D → A. We guess all could figure out the connection between A → B. So, the correct sequence is DABC. Hence, (1) 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) The man who has never sought the truth, or the one who thinks he has already found it, is never disturbed or upset.
(B) It is better to be troubled than to rest complacently in indifference or blind faith.
(C) Our age is truly a time of crisis and discomfort for those troubled spirits who do not possess the serenity, touched with sadness or the cool head of the scientist or philosopher that indeed is just what makes it great.
(D) But the first of these is deficient in ambition and the second is lacking foresight.

  1. CADB

  2. ADBC

  3. ABDC

  4. BCAD


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The essence of this para jumble is that people in search of truth are troubled, which is very clear in statement C. C introduces the idea, so, it has to be the beginning statement. A supports C i.e. C à A. Out of D and B, D further explains A while B marks off the concluding statement. Hence, correct option is (1).

Directions: Select the option that fills in the blanks most suitably (in the same order).

The international art market is ________ with forged works of art, some of which are so convincing that even the experts can be ________.

  1. awash, deceived

  2. emphasized, staunched

  3. featured, questioned

  4. figured, unsuspected


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The clue for first blank lies in 'forged art', which implies that international art market is flooded with fake masterpieces. Hence, 'awash' (flooded) fits our prediction for the first blank. Moreover, 'deceived' is also in tandem with the conviction of experts. Hence, (1) is the answer. 

Directions: Select the option that fills in the blanks most suitably (in the same order).
Is there really anything like a 'soft killer technology', or are these ________ simply designed to ________ the general public?

  1. genteelisms, apprehend

  2. horns, anticipate

  3. euphemisms, confuse

  4. hammer and tongs, derange


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Soft' is the operative word in this sentence. Of all these options, (1) and (3) fit our prediction. The tone of the sentence for the second blank is slightly negative, so 'confuse' would be cogent with 'euphemisms' (a word or phrase so substituted) and gives sense to the sentence. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Directions: Find the statement where the given word hasn't been used correctly.

CONVENTIONAL

  1. It was a very convention film.

  2. The bride was conventionally dressed in a red saree.

  3. There are strict conventions governing the buying and selling of shares.

  4. Convention dictates how cutlery should be laid on a table.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

(2) is valid, as usage of term 'conventionally' is used to refer- following established or generally accepted customs of society. (3) & (4) have usage of word conventional as noun-convention which means routines, customary practices. (1) sentence is incorrect because the form in which this word has been used is noun instead it should have been used as an adjective such that 'It was a very conventional film.'

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