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English Usage Test 47

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 Verbal Ability Verbal Letter M Synonyms Letter JKL Blood Relations Logical Reasoning Verbal Analogies Critical Reasoning Sentence Rearrangement
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Directions: The following question is based on VERBAL ANALOGIES. Select the alternative that exhibits a similar relationship as shown by the QUESTION PAIR.

DATA : COMPUTER

  1. Fodder : Cattle

  2. Source : Well

  3. Idea : Title

  4. Bridle : Horse


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

As the data is fed into the computer, similarly, cattle feeds on the fodder. Hence, option (1) is the answer.

Directions: The following question is based on VERBAL ANALOGIES. Select the alternative that exhibits a similar relationship as shown by the QUESTION PAIR.

AUGUR : FUTURE

  1. Knight : Medieval

  2. Poet : Century

  3. Vanguard : Pack

  4. Historian : Past


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

An augur is a fortuneteller, prophet or soothsayer. Similarly, historian deals with the past. Hence, option (4) is the answer.

Directions: In the following question, a question word is followed by four illustrations. Choose the option that represents the best illustration of the meaning of the given word.

Laconic

  1. He dismissed their request with a terse 'No!'.

  2. A man trying to seduce women at a public party.

  3. A chimerical action plan propounded by a party henchman.

  4. A hypocrite trying to imbed his ideas in the fickle minds of the people.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Laconic' means brief or terse in speech or expression, using few words. Hence option (1) is the answer.

Direction: In the following question, a question word is followed by four illustrations. Choose the option that represents the best illustration of the meaning of the given word.

Meticulous

  1. A film director giving a lot of attention to the minutest possible detail and thereby, making the film a hit.

  2. A cursory, rambling approach to the problems one faces.

  3. Spotless cleaning of a garment by the branded detergent.

  4. Flying into a rage for no reason whatsoever.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Meticulous' is extremely or excessively careful about details, scrupulous or finicky, therefore option (1) best illustrates the meaning of the word. Hence, option (1) is the answer.

Directions: The following question is based on VERBAL ANALOGIES. Select the alternative that exhibits a similar relationship as shown by the QUESTION PAIR.

WASTREL : DISCIPLINE

  1. Transient : Permanence

  2. Pariah : Longevity

  3. Waif : Passivity

  4. Vagabond : Prudence


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Wastrel' is a person who wastes, esp. a spendthrift.  Therefore, the given words are antonyms of each other. Of all the options, option (1) suggests the same antonym bridge, hence, it is the answer.

Directions: Choose the option that best replaces the underlined portion.

In the organised society of today no individual can plough a lonely furrow.

  1. remain unaffected

  2. do without the help of others

  3. survive in isolation

  4. remain non aligned


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Option (2) best replaces the phrase ‘plough a lonely furrow’ in the sentence.

Directions: For the following question, choose the option that fills up the blank most correctly.

In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts, they come back to us with a certain _________ majesty.

  1. affable

  2. benevolent

  3. philanthropic

  4. alienated


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

 'Alienated' in (4) would characterize the blank, hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Choose the option that best replaces the underlined portion.

Let us admit that we could not heap coals of fire on his head.

  1. agitate him

  2. incite him to a fight

  3. put him to shame

  4. make a feel sorry


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Heap coals of fire on his head' means to bring shame or disgrace to someone, hence, (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word.

VERITY

  1. Reverence

  2. Falsehood

  3. Division

  4. Violence


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Verity' is conformity to truth, fact or reality. Hence 'falsehood' in option (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word which most nearly means the same as the given word.

CANDID

  1. Economical

  2. Secretive

  3. Mean

  4. Open


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

'Candid' means straightforward, sincere and open. Hence, option (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word which most nearly means the same as the given word.

BESMIRCH

  1. Joke

  2. Scandalise

  3. Engage

  4. Subdue


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Besmirch' is to bring dishonor to, sully or defame. Of all the options, 'scandalise' in option (2) means the same. Hence, it is the answer. 

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

We are entering the Age of the Terrific Deal, where choices are almost limitless and it's easy to switch to something better. This is the first principle of the new economy. Understanding it is the first step towards understanding what is happening to the rest of our lives. All else follows. And who doesn't want a better deal? Only the indolent, insane, or congenitally complacent would pass up a product that's obviously better (and costs no more) or cheaper (and of the same quality), an investment with a higher return, a more rewarding job, a more comfortable community. You owe it to yourself, your family. You owe it to capitalism. The insistence on a better deal didn't begin in America. It's just more extreme here. For most of history, humankind lived in villages surrounded by dense forests, deserts, or otherwise dangerous and mysterious terrain.

What is the theme of the passage?

  1. The insistence on a better deal is the pursuit of the Europe.

  2. Each one of us, nowadays, is always in search of a better deal.

  3. Our future has been successful due to the man's persistence for the better deals.

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Let's scrutinize each option: (1)        The insistence on a better deal didn't begin in America (third paragraph) but nowhere, in the passage its beginning in Europe has been emphasized. Hence, option (1) is ruled out.  (2)        This option is true but it is very narrow (clue is provided by first paragraph). It emphasizes only the present aspect of the passage and completely neglects the past aspect in third paragraph. Hence, (2) can also be ruled out. (3)        This is the answer. This option provides the answer to the problem in (2). Hence, (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word.

SALIENT

  1. Unimportant

  2. Coloured

  3. Private

  4. Following


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Unimportant' would be the antonym of salient, hence, (1) is the answer.

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

Whatever is, is in some sense the seed of what is to emerge from it... To be in process of change is not an evil, any more than to be the product of change is a good... Time is a river, the resistless flow of all created things. One thing no sooner comes in sight than it is hurried past and another is borne along, only to be swept away in its turn... What follows is ever closely linked to what precedes; it is not a procession of isolated events, merely obeying the laws of sequence, but a rational continuity. Moreover, just as things already in existence are all harmoniously co-ordinated, things in the act of coming into existence exhibit the same marvel of concatenation, rather than simply the bare fact of succession.

What is the theme of the passage?

  1. Nature's highest happiness lies in changing the things that are forming new things after their kind.

  2. The change is of the same order and no less necessary to Nature.

  3. Whatever the world may say or do, my part is to keep myself good and also keep my colour true.

  4. Change is not an evil process.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Change is the main idea of this passage. In this light, option (3) can be ruled out as it is off the point. Option (2) is true but it is narrow. It does not sum up the theme of the passage, instead mentions one characteristic of change. Hence, (4) can also be ruled out. Nowhere in the passage, change is being compared to Nature, although it is an important aspect of Nature. Hence, (2) is ruled out. As option (1) states the essence of this passage, thus, it is the answer. Hence, (1) is the answer.

Directions: For the following question, choose the option that fills up the blank most correctly.
A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light, which flashes across his mind from within, more than the luster of the _________ of bards and sages.
  1. epilogue

  2. firmament

  3. borne

  4. façade


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The essence of this sentence is that a man should be self-reliant, he should recognize his own thoughts and accordingly act upon them, instead of acting on the infinite thoughts of other poets and philosophers. Therefore, the blank must be replaced by the word that suggests the infinite meaning. 'Firmament' is the sky, viewed poetically as a solid arch or vault, thereby, depicting the vastness or boundless of the sky. Hence, (2) 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 new Hinduism, which is being currently propagated by the parishads (like Vishwa Hindu Parishad), sanghs (like Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh), and samajs (like Bhartiya Samaj), is an attempt to restructure the indigenous religion as a monolithic uniform religion. B. This seems to be a fundamental departure from the essentials of what may be called the indigenous Hindu religion. C. In recent years, the discussion and movement on Hinduism has come to be largely galvanized for political ends. D. As such, a rather different focus has been provided to Hinduism.

  1. ABCD

  2. CDAB

  3. ACDB

  4. CBAD


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

If A begins the sequence, C hangs loose and we won’t be able to fit it anywhere in the sequence, therefore, C begins the sequence. 'As such' in D provides a direct link to 'the discussion' in C, therefore C → D. 'Fundamental departure' in B refers to 'new Hinduism' in A, thus A → B. This makes (2), the correct option.

Directions: In the following question, five 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. Every problem is likely to be unique and is likely to have individualistic traits which may differentiate it from other problems.
B. As already stated, though every social problem is caused by multiple factors, yet it is always possible to find out the chief factor, the cooperative factors and the minor that aggravates in the origin and development of the problem.
C. This happens when a social problem is occasioned by natural factors like droughts or floods or when the conflict of social interests blocks the application of curative programmes, or a revolution is needed to change the existing political or economic systems. D. The solving of a social problem depends upon finding out the causes of troublesome social conditions which create the problem. E. Many a time, the nature of the social problem is such that the control becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible.

  1. BADCE

  2. DBAEC

  3. BCEDA

  4. ECADB


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Logically, D begins the sequence as it introduces the subject, 'solving of social problem'. D is followed by B as it elaborates on 'social problem' further. 'This' in C refers to 'nature of social problem' in E, thus, we have EC link. This sequence is found in only (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. From the Han Dynasty onwards, the Chinese emperors took the lead in codifying the ceremonial music played in the imperial court. B. Peace, as the goal of life, the goal of a political regime and political career, has been ingrained in Chinese thinking. C. The literary text of this music is known as yuefu (literally 'music office'). D. One Chinese ruler who was very diligent in scripting the court songs was the reigning empress Wu Zetian (624-705), who had the unique distinction to be the only woman who sat in the chair of the 'Son of Heaven' (emperor) in Chinese history.

  1. DCAB

  2. ABCD

  3. ADCB

  4. BACD


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This para jumble highlights Chinese thinking on peace, hence, statement B begins the para jumble as it states the theme of para jumble. Statement A names the ruler, so it follows B, which in turn is followed by C as it names the text referred in A. Finally, D sums up the idea by giving another example. Hence, (4) 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. We feel that a very concrete help can come to us from the experience and work of Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekanada. B. A transition to be made from the state of extreme fragmentation in which we live today to a future possibility of re-creating life is on the basis of a concrete experience of 'wholeness'. C. There is a possibility to change from our present status of 'mental' beings to a status of beings poised in the Spirit. D. From 'within' to 'without' is the innate movement of the spiritual consciousness till, in its own unfolding, it reaches a point where the 'without' ceases to be, for all are contained in one whole.

  1. CBDA

  2. BCDA

  3. BDAC

  4. ADCB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The thought of this para jumble is expressed in statement C that marks the beginning of the paragraph. Out of B and D, B follows C as it talks of transition in statement C. Statement D follows B as it explains B further. This leaves us with only one correct option i.e. (1).

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 disappearance of loyalties to these divisions may not be feasible but they need not to be perceived and denounced as anti-national. B. If an individual thinks that he belongs to certain caste, village, region and religion, he also thinks that he is an Indian and as a citizen, he has certain responsibilities and duties to perform. C. The 'divisions' in the country may be dysfunctional but their values may not necessarily be inconsistent with being a citizen of India. D. Such feelings alone maintain unity at a higher level among the individuals and keep the society integrate, such a concept of unity need not make people afraid of diversities in the society.

  1. CABD

  2. ABCD

  3. BDCA

  4. BACD


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

C begins the sequence as it introduces the subject -  'the divisions are dysfunctional'. 'These divisions' in A refers to 'the divisions' in C. Thus, we have CA link. 'Such feelings' in D refer to 'the thinking' in B. Therefore, we have CABD link. Hence, (1) is the answer.

Directions: Rearrange the following jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.

A. Mere making of a promise or a provision in the constitution is not likely to provide work for anyone, except perhaps for the politicians who are experts in making impossible promises. B. With cold hard statistics, can a concrete blueprint of an employment generation programme be worked out? C. They find nothing wrong in adding one more promise of ‘Right to Work’ without giving substantial thought to comprehensive economic policies, innovative employment generation schemes, efficient organisation of the economic system, and other pragmatic and result–oriented techniques. D. The feeling is that the slogan of ‘Right to Work’ is nothing but a digressive, escapist, tangential, flippant, and a comic proposal. E. In the present situation of our country, is the guarantee of the Right to Work feasible?

  1. BDECA

  2. EBDAC

  3. DBEAC

  4. EDCAB


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Question in E initiates the sequence as it introduces the subject 'Right to Work'. E is followed by another question in B as it provides support to E. D follows B as it answers the question. Thus, we have EBD link. 'They' in C refers to 'politicians' in A. Thus, C follows A. This sequence is found in only option (2). Hence, it is the answer.

Directions: For the following question, choose the option that fills up the blank most correctly.

He _________ himself never about consequences, about interests, he gives an independent, genuine verdict.

  1. relinquishes

  2. cumbers

  3. palliates

  4. mitigates


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Never' in first part of the statement and 'genuine verdict' in second part of the statement implies that the blank must be replaced by a negative connotation. Of all these options, 'cumbers' (to burden in a troublesome way) in (2) fits our prediction and gives a cogent meaning to the sentence. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: Choose the option that best replaces the underlined portion.

As our army attacked, the enemy retreated pell-mell.

  1. hurriedly

  2. in a disorderly manner

  3. in a heap

  4. without the least thought


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

‘Pell–mell’  means in a jumbled, confused mass or manner, without order or method. Therefore, it can be coherently replaced by ‘in a disorderly manner’ in option (2). Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the word which most nearly means the same as the given word.

AVERSE

  1. Greedy

  2. Flattered

  3. Reluctant

  4. Proclaim


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Averse' is not willing or inclined or opposed (to), 'reluctant' in option (3) also means just the same. Hence, (3) is the answer.

Directions: For the following question, choose the option that fills up the blank most correctly.

The beautiful fables of the Greeks, being proper creations of the imagination and not of the fancy, are universal _________.

  1. vainglories

  2. prevarications

  3. verities

  4. grotesques


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The second part of the sentence 'being proper… the fancy' provides the clue for the blank. Therefore, the blank characterizes the universal reality or truth of these fables. Thus, 'verities' (a principle, belief etc taken to be fundamentally and permanently true) fits our prediction. Hence, (3) is the answer.

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