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English Usage Test 48

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 Idiomatic and Phrasal Use Vocabulary Letter C Synonyms Letter S Antonyms Letter D
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Directions: Choose the option that best replaces the underlined portion.In modern democratic societies lynch law seems to have become a common feature in almost all the spheres of life.

  1. law of the parliament

  2. law of the constitution

  3. law of the mob

  4. law of the underworld


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Lynch' is to murder (an accused person) by mob action and without lawful trial, as by hanging. Therefore, 'lynch law' (the lawless practice of killing by lynching) would be the law of the mob. Hence, option (3) is the answer.

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

The trade unions's seemingly rightful demands are only a stalking horse to blackmail the management.

  1. trick

  2. proposal

  3. pretence

  4. suggestion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Stalking horse' is anything used to disguise or conceal intentions, schemes, or activities or blind. Hence, option (1) is the answer.

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

CRESTFALLEN

  1. Defeated

  2. Dejected

  3. Demolished

  4. Cancelled


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Crestfallen' is dejected, disheartened, or humbled. Hence, option (2) is the answer.

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

SAUNTER

  1. Vacate

  2. Watch

  3. Run

  4. Secular


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Sauter' is to walk about idly or stroll. Therefore, 'run' would be it's antonym. Hence, option (3) is the answer.

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

DECIDUOUS

  1. Evergreen

  2. Conifer

  3. Perennial

  4. Hollow


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Deciduous' is shedding leaves annually, opposed to evergreen. Hence, option (1) is the answer.

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

CONCATENATE

  1. Disjointed

  2. Conceited

  3. Emphatic

  4. Linked


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

'Concatenate' is linked together or connected. Hence, option (4) is the answer.

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

OPULENCE

  1. Secrecy

  2. Solidity

  3. Penury

  4. Openness


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Opulence' is characterized by abundance or profusion or luxuriant. Therefore, 'penury' (lack of money, property, or necessities, extreme poverty or destitution) would be it's antonym. Hence, option (3) 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 remedies appear to be legal, social and economic.

B. How do we protect these interests of women?

C. If males deny due rights to women in the family either because it is culturally approved, because the women themselves tolerate it and do not revolt, because no punishment is given to the violators of the social laws or because the advantages of denying rights outweigh the costs, how do we break this cycle of injustice on the part of males?

D. What programmes and policies will make males liberal and just?

  1. CBDA

  2. ABCD

  3. ADCB

  4. CDBA


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A is the most likely concluding sequence as it answers all the questions in this para jumble. This narrows down our approach to either (1) or (2). 'These interests' in B is a direct link to C, thus, we have CB link. Hence, (1) is the answer.

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. A variety of measures will have to be introduced to put the family planning campaign back on its feet.

B. For this, the programme has to look inwards and treat itself as a development input in its own right.

C. In fact, development is the best method of controlling population growth, though the reverse is also true that high population growth is a sure recipe for slow, if not negative development.

D. Family planning needs to be salvaged from the morass into which it has drifted.

E. Legal measures may help, but what is urgently required is social awareness and involvement to create responsible parenthood.

  1. DBCAE

  2. ABDCE

  3. DECAB

  4. AEDCB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Out of D and A, D initiates the sequence as it introduces the subject 'Family planning needs to be salvaged'. 'For this' in B refers to the subject in D, thus, we have DB link. Similarly, 'Legal measures' in E refers to 'variety of measures' in A, thus, E follows A. This sequence is found in (1), which 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 'high' satisfaction implies being happy with the performance of both the worker's and home-maker's roles, 'moderate' satisfaction implies marginal imbalance in the equilibrium of the two roles (one coming in the way of other) and 'low' satisfaction implies being dissatisfied with one or both roles to a very large extent.
B. In Deepa Mathur's study, 53 per cent women were found to be highly satisfied (with their dual roles), 18 per cent moderately satisfied, and 29 per cent dissatisfied.
C. How many women remain satisfied with the dual roles?
D. If an earning woman attempts and succeeds in merging her working role with the general roles of mother and wife, she will be considered as a woman who is satisfied with her dual roles.

  1. CDAB

  2. ACDB

  3. BDCA

  4. CADB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Question in C begins the sequence as it introduces the subject - 'women satisfaction with the dual roles'. D gives the answer to the question in C, which is further explained by sentence A, supported by figures in B. Thus, (1) is the answer.

Directions: For the following question, choose the option that fills up the blanks most correctly.
Men do what is called a good action, as some piece of courage or _________, much as they would pay a fine in _________ of daily non-appearance on parade.

  1. repression, redemption

  2. dissuasion, convention

  3. charity, expiation

  4. intimidation, emendation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Or' before the first blank does not set up the contrast with 'courage'. Infact, it suggests that the cause of the good action of man is either due to courage or something good. Of all the options for the first blank, 'charity' in (3) is the only positive word, hence, it replaces the first blank. Moreover, 'expiation' (compensation) gives cogent meaning to the second part of the sentence.

Directions: Choose the single word or phrase which means most nearly the same as the given idiomatic phrase.

Give a wide berth to means

  1. to yield more than necessary

  2. to give a lot of freedom

  3. to keep away from

  4. to be accommodating


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Give a wide berth' is to avoid or keep away, hence, option (3) is the answer.

Directions: Select a pair of words which has a similar relationship as between the given pair of words.

Quench : Thirst

  1. Slake : Amusement

  2. Penetrate : Disguise

  3. Quell : Rebellion

  4. Intensify : Search


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

As thirst is quenched (to satisfy; slake), similarly a rebellion is quelled (to crush, subdue or put an end to). Hence, option (3) is the answer.

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

Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by _________ actions, and donot see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment.

  1. equivocal

  2. intricate

  3. cloister

  4. overt


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The second part of the sentence 'and don't moment' is contrary to the first part as indicated by the 'don't'. 'Emit a breath' implies that men do good deeds from within, it also requires your inner force as this force is hidden, they don't seem to realize it. Therefore, the opposite of hidden, not apparent characterize the blank. 'Overt' is not hidden, open or apparent. Hence, (4) is the answer.

Directions: Select a pair of words which has a similar relationship as between the given pair of words.

Desiccant : Dehydrates

  1. Ship : Navigator

  2. Vesicant : Ameliorates

  3. Producer : Orchestrates

  4. Prevaricator : Lies


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

'Desiccant' is a substance having a great affinity for water and used as a drying agent and 'dehydrate' is to remove water from (a compound, substance, body tissues, etc.) or dry. Therefore, the bridge that is formed is of a substance and it's use. Similarly, 'prevaricator' (liar) is the one who lies. Hence, option (4) is the answer.

Directions: The sentence given below is followed by 4 alternatives. Select the one which most logically complements the idea contained in the given sentence.

As in prospecting for gold, a scientist may dig with skill, courage, energy and intelligence just a few feet away from the rich vein-but always unsuccessfully.

  1. As a result, practical minded people are increasingly wary of choosing pure science as a profession.

  2. Consequently, in scientific research, the rewards for industry, perseverance and intelligence are highly uncertain.

  3. This accounts for high degree of frustration.

  4. Scientific research requires an intense combination of dedication and determination.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Option (2) best complements the idea in the given sentence.

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

A man is to carry himself in the presence of all opposition as if everything were _________ and _________ but he.

  1. titular, ephemeral

  2. eponymous, perpetual

  3. encomiastic, irresolute

  4. honeyed, vagrant


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Both the blanks act as a support to the proposition in the initial part of the statement. A man should consider opposition as something superficial or transient, only then will he be able to maintain his composure. Therefore, 'titular' (of, or having the nature of, a title) and 'ephemeral' (short lived; transitory) in (1) characterizes the blank. Hence, (1) is the answer.

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. But no matter who took possession of the sheet after the Resurrection, it was most probably then preserved by followers of Jesus, the most likely candidates being Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who had arranged for the body to be removed from the Cross and placed in the tomb.
B. The 'servant of the priests' was most probably given the priceless gift as a token of gratitude for some special service rendered.
C. But the cloth could not be allowed to remain in Palestine: the continual and vicious infighting with the forces of the hated Roman overlords presented too much of a threat.
D. According to the apocryphal Gospel of the Hebrews, which was used by the Nazarenes, Jesus gave the shroud described in the Gospels to the 'servant of the priests' after the Resurrection.
E. It is logical to assume that the recipient of so marked a favour was not one of the mortal enemies of Jesus.

  1. DEBAC

  2. BECAD

  3. DACBE

  4. BCEDA


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

D begins the sequence as it introduces the subject - shroud given to 'servant of priests' after the Resurrection. E follows D as 'assumption' in E is a reference to D. BA link is apparent as A elaborates B further by providing a contrary view. Hence, (1) is the answer.

Directiond: The sentence given below is followed by 4 alternatives. Select the one which most logically complements the idea contained in the given sentence.

Marketing activity involves taking something simple and obvious and sticking it in fancy packaging.

  1. It is a highly scientific activity.

  2. It requires the imagination and creativity of a consummate marketing man.

  3. This is a skill all good bluffers quickly learn.

  4. It requires years of hard work to be a consummate marketing man.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Option (2) best complements the given sentence.

Directions: Select a pair of words which has a similar relationship as between the given pair of words.

Trilogy : Novel

  1. Fabric : Weaving

  2. Serial : Episode

  3. Rice : Paddy

  4. Gun : Cartridge


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Trilogy' is a set of three related plays, novels, etc. which together form an extended, unified work, though each has its own unity. Option (2) suggests the same bridge as 'serial' is any of the separate parts or episodes. Hence, option (2) is the answer.

Directions: Choose the single word or phrase which means most nearly the same as the given idiomatic phrase.

To talk billingsgate means

  1. to use coarse language

  2. to campaign in an election

  3. to imitate

  4. to mimic


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Billingsgate' is foul, vulgar and abusive talk. Hence, option (1) is the answer.

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. One example of this is the complete absence of contemporarily written records or descriptions even of Alexander the Great's imposing military incursion into India.
B. If Jesus really did live in Kashmir for a considerable length of time - if, in other words, tradition is right in averring that he eventually died in Srinagar when he was over 80 years old.
C. Specialists in Indian history are agreed that there was no systematic written history in India before the spread of Islam.
D. The trouble is, writers in India in those ancient days refused to allow foreign influences to impinge upon their own culture, even in referring to historical events.
E. It should be possible to find some evidence in ancient Indian literature of how he spent the last thirty to forty years of his life.

  1. DAECB

  2. DEBCA

  3. BEDAC

  4. CDAEB


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

B begins the sequence as it highlights the thought discussed in this para jumble - 'Jesus in Kashmir'. B is followed by E as 'he' in E refers to 'Jesus' in B. As D points out the trouble, thus, it follows E, which in turn is followed by A as it provides an example to support the view in D. Hence, (3) is the answer.

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

A foolish consistency is the _________ of little minds, adored by little statesman and philosophers and divines.

  1. pinch hitter

  2. hobgoblin

  3. circumspect

  4. prudence


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Foolish consistency' has the direct impact on the blank. Therefore, the blank would be replaced by the negative word. 'Hobgoblin' is a frightening apparition, bogy, therefore, it fits our prediction. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: The text given below is followed by 4 alternatives. Select the one which most logically complements the idea contained in the given text.
The semiconductor business has always been like a roller coaster ride. Chipmakers enjoy a couple of years of soaring sales and then there is a gut-wrenching drop…………
  1. in supplies leading to a sudden spurt in demand

  2. searing them out of their wits leading to huge capital outflows from the chip business

  3. as technology changes and-entirely disrupts the earlier expectations

  4. as supplies of their products momentarily outstrip demand


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Option (4) gives the most cogent explanation of gut wrenching drop in semi conductor and thereforth explaining the roller coaster ride in this business.

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. An Indian professor (Amartya Sen, now settled in the USA and working in Harvard University) in a prestigious JRD Tata Memorial lecture in Delhi in August 1995 on 'Population Stabilization Programme' favoured 'cooperation' approach and denounced the use of coercion to bring down the lines of two famous theories of Condorcet (of France) and Malthus (of Britain).
B. Condorcet believed that female education would lead people to choose voluntarily smaller families and lower fertility rates.
C. An important question has now been raised by some thinkers pertaining to population policy - that of cooperation vs coercion, or incentives vs disincentives, or Kerala model vs Chinese model?
D. There are some thinkers who support cooperation while there are others who support coercion.
E. He supported Condorcet's approach to the problem of population which talked of the emergence of new norms of small family size based on 'the progress of reason'.

  1. CADBE

  2. ADBEC

  3. CDAEB

  4. BAECD


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

As the thought of this para jumble is expressed in C, therefore, C initiates the sequence. This narrows down our approach to 2 options, either (1) or (2). 'He' in E refers to 'Indian professor' in A, thus, we have AE link. Statement B explains the Condorcet's view, thus, it follows AE. Hence, (3) is the answer.

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