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English Usage Test 7

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 Paragraph Completion Letter A Vocabulary Sentence Arrangement (Para Jumbles) Sentence Rearrangement Logical Reasoning (Sentence Based) Reasoning Verbal Reasoning
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Directions: Select the option that is the best substitute for the parenthesis given in the passage.
For too long now international aid has served as a crutch, rather than a cure for the developing economies of the world. As nations of the Third World limped from economic crisis to crisis in the past, (.). Usually well–intentioned, sometimes malafide, flows of aid have seldom paved the ways for strong and sustained economic growth.
  1. they have only found themselves sinking deeper into the morass

  2. they kept learning from their mistakes

  3. they have, indeed, seen a bright past

  4. their role in the international politics has been become stronger


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

‘Limped from economic crisis to crisis’ easily helps us to identify the idea given in option (1), with the passage. There has been no reference to ideas expressed in option (2), (3) and (4). Therefore, correct answer for this question is option (1).

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided between an opening statement 1 and closing statement 6. The four statements are jumbled up and form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these six taken together.
1. Richard Owen had exaggerated and misinterpreted the structural difference between apes and humans, referring to the 'last link in the chain of changes' between them, a link he couldn't find.
A. According to this notion, all creatures were arrayed as a chain of creation that proceeded step by step, toward perfection.
B. This was a play on the Great Chain of Being, a medieval concept, with origins dating back to Aristotle.
C. This metaphorical chain linked the lowest beast to the highest, mankind, which was in turn linked to angles, archangels, and the Divine Being himself.
D. The chain did not represent evolution, Darwin's 'descent with modification'.
6. It represented instead a static differentiation, a sequence or orderliness to the objects of creation, not change.

  1. CDAB

  2. ABDC

  3. ABCD

  4. BACD

Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This para jumble talks about vague existence of the concept of missing link, before Darwin released his 'origin of species'. Looking at the options carefully, only statement B is in continuation with statement 1. A is to follow B as it explains latter i.e. B.

Directions: Select the option that is the best substitute for the parenthesis given in the passage.

In a country like India, both poverty and economic growth pose serious environmental challenges. Nothing can possibly be worse for India. In their desperate attempt to survive today, people are forced to forsake their tomorrow and their environment. (.) Despite several government organized campaigns, we do not see many people realizing the need for the same.

  1. However, there is a silver lining.

  2. The role of International Pollution Control Board is interesting.

  3. Things seem to be deteriorating every day.

  4. There is a growing awareness.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Option (1) is invalidated because nowhere in the passage has a positive point been discussed. Also, the last line gives idea opposite to that in option (4). Option (2) can be neglected on account of lack of reference to International Pollution Control Board. Only option (3) can be considered as a part of the given passage. This implies option (3) as the correct answer.

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

AFFIRM

  1. We affirm to our loyalty.

  2. His speech was an affirmation of the truth of the report.

  3. If you agree, give an affirmative answer.

  4. Because of our company's policy of affirmative action towards women, we have several managerial positions.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In sentence (A), one can very easily see that the sentence should be either of the form “We affirm to you our loyalty' or 'We affirm our loyalty'. The existence of keyword 'to' is incorrect.

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

  1. Will their engagement become officialized?

  2. The bishop officiated at the society wedding.
  3. Officialdom seems to dictate the way we live.

  4. We have been invited to an official dinner at the town hall.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The term 'officialise' as used in sentence A is incorrect because there is no such term. The correct sentence shall be when will their engagement become official?' Therefore, the required option in this question is option (1).

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

  1. High altitudes attenuate the oxygen content of the air.

  2. We noticed the attenuation of the radio signal.

  3. Watch, the glass-bowler attenuates the glass into a long thread.

  4. The skinny boy had attenuating limbs.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The usage of term as implied in option (1) and (2) is a formal word meaning to weaken, dilute or reduce in size and grammatically the two sentences are correct. In sentence (3) the term attenuate implies 'make thin'. In option (4), the usage is correct but sentence is grammatically incorrect because instead of expression 'attenuating limbs' should have been 'attenuated limbs'. Therefore, option (4) is example of incorrect usage.

Directions: An assertion is a point of view. An argument is a statement meant to convince another about a certain point of view. A counter-argument contains logic opposed to your assertion. Based on these, classify the four sentences.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. The lion depends on stealth rather than speed to catch the prey.
2. A lion cannot maintain a high speed for longer durations.
3. All the prey species can easily outrun the massive lion.
4. The jungle has its own rules.

  1. BADC

  2. CBAD

  3. BABC

  4. ABCD


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sentence 2, 'A lion cannot maintain a high speed for longer duration' is an assertion. Sentence 1 and 3 can be related to sentence 2 on account of keywords lion and speed and also these two supports the fact that lion cannot maintain high speed for longer duration. Statement 4 'jungle has its own laws' can't be supporting or countering the statement 2.

Directions: For the word given above the table, match the dictionary definitions on the left (1, 2, 3, 4) with their corresponding usage on the right (A, B, C, D). Out of the four possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usage correctly matched.

ACT ||| |---|---| | Meaning| Usage| | 1. a law, statute, etc.| (A) She acted out the part of a hurt wife to get his sympathy.| | 2. an unforeseen, inevitable, occurrence caused by nature| (B) The sudden floods were an act of God.| | 3. to show off; to pretend| (C) You must get your act together before we can talk business. | | 4. to get organized| (D) An Act of Parliament was passed that made gambling legal.|

  1. 1. D
    2. B
    3. A
    4. C
  2. 1. D
    2. C
    3. B
    4. A
  3. 1. C
    2. D
    3. A
    4. B
  4. 1. D
    2. B
    3. C
    4. A

Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The meaning law goes along only with one statement d. An inevitable occurrence can only be the floods i.e. statement b i.e. 1 - d, 2 - b. Now let's see further to show off means to act in an ungenuine manner i.e. 3 - a is a link. Keeping all these links in mind, we can figure out the answer as option (1).

An assertion is a point of view. An argument is a statement meant to convince another about a certain point of view. A counter-argument contains logic opposed to your assertion. Based on these, classify the four sentences.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. The rise of the European Economic Union as a major economic powerhouse has been a constant headache for USA.
2. The European Economic Union has shown an impressive rate of growth over the past few years, thereby, accentuating the fear of Americans.
3. Meanwhile, some of the massive Japanese investments have failed.
4. Unless steps are taken to liberalize the Indian economy, we will have to borrow huge sums from foreign nations.

  1. BADD

  2. BACD

  3. ABDD

  4. ABCC


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sentence 1, which is marked as assertion is 'The rise of European Economic Union as a major economic powerhouse has been a constant headache for the USA'. Sentence 2, describing impressive rate of growth of European Union serves as supporting reason. Sentence 3 'failure of Japanese investment' cannot be related to sentence 1. Also India economy cannot be related to sentence 1. So these two can be marked irrelevant. This marks option (4) as correct answer.

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

  1. Offers of money can corrupt public servants.

  2. The evil person enjoys corrupting teenagers.

  3. The French don't approve of their language corruption.

  4. The battlefield was filled with the stench of corruption.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The meaning implied in sentence (1) of term 'corrupt' is to cause to become dishonest. The meaning implied in sentence (2) is 'immorality especially sexually'. In sentence (4), the usage of term 'corrupt' denotes a formal word for decay. In sentence (3), we have a problem. 'Language corruption' expression doesn't seem that correct or valid instead it should have been 'French don't approve of their language being corrupted'. Therefore, option (3) is the answer.

Directions: For the word given above the table, match the dictionary definitions on the left (1, 2, 3, 4) with their corresponding usage on the right (A, B, C, D). Out of the four possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usage correctly matched.

ADHEREMeaning| Usage| | 1. to stick firmly| (A) You must adhere to all the rules.| | 2. glue or other substance used for sticking objects together| (B) He is an adherent of the religious sect.| | 3. to abide by, heed or keep to| (C) Tiles adhere to the wall.| | 4. a follower or supporter| (D) Contact adhesive is known for its strong adhesion.|

  1. 1. D
    2. B
    3. A
    4. C
  2. 1. C
    2. B
    3. D
    4. A
  3. 1. C
    2. D
    3. A
    4. B
  4. 1. A
    2. B
    3. D
    4. C

Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The usage (A), 'You must adhere to all rules' can be termed as to stick firmly or to abide i.e. either (1) or (3). This automatically deletes option (2) from answers. Now, (B) 'He is an adherent to the religions sect', only has ussage of (4) 'follower or supporter'. This combination is provided only in option (3). This marks it as correct answer.

Directions: For the word given above the table, match the dictionary definitions on the left (1, 2, 3, 4) with their corresponding usage on the right (A, B, C, D). Out of the four possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usage correctly matched.

ADDRESSMeaning| Usage| | 1. a place where one lives or works| (A) He addressed himself to the chairman.| | 2. to indicate to whom and where something is to be sent| (B) We must address ourselves to the problem of unemployment.| | 3. to direct a speech to people| (C) Out address is 25 Church street, Centreville.| | 4. a formal word meaning to direct one's efforts or attention| (D) Address the parcel to my wife.|

  1. 1. A
    2. B
    3. C
    4. D
  2. 1. D
    2. B
    3. C
    4. A
  3. 1. C
    2. D
    3. A
    4. B
  4. 1. A
    2. B
    3. D
    4. C

Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Look at statement (A), 'He addressed himself to the chairman'. It refers neither to place of living nor indicates to whom and where something is sent. Also, it is not a formal word instead it depicts directing a speech. This marks usage of meaning (A) as (3). Only in option (3), this combination has been provided which marks it as correct answer.

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

Crime frequently increases during periods of social ________.

  1. ruin

  2. havoc

  3. trends

  4. upheaval


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Crime (something bad) increases during some bad time in society or commonly during time of social unrest. Therefore, perfect term to fit blank here is 'upheaval' which means a strong violent disturbance especially in society.

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

A pungent smell ________ the auditorium.

  1. stormed

  2. rampaged

  3. insinuated

  4. permeated


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A word which denotes spreading of smell needs to be used to fill this blank. Consider option (1) stormed, it cannot be used in relation with some abstract quantity like smell instead it is used with physical quantities like soldiers, army etc. Option (2), rampaged, is also incorrect as smell does not rampage any one. Option (3), insinuated means something malicious, this can also not be correctly used. Last option, (4) permeated means to penetrate through holes, etc. This is perfect word to be used for smell entering a hall or auditorium.

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

The early colonists________ many hardships.

  1. bore

  2. exposed

  3. allowed

  4. struggled


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Hardship' word is something one suffers or bears upon, and is usually preceded by such a word. Therefore, perfect match to fit this blank is option (1) 'bore'.

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

The origin of this ________ of pottery cannot be identified.

  1. sliver

  2. example

  3. shard

  4. amount


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Piece of pottery is referred commonly as 'shard'. So, this blank should be completed by making use of option (3).

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

To ________ a fossil creature from a few bone fragments seems like an impossible task.

  1. array

  2. contrive

  3. reconstruct

  4. create


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The clue for this sentence lies in 'bone fragments' and 'fossil creature'. This implies that a fossil creature is constructed from few bone fragments and this is an impossible job. As 'array' in (1) means to place in order and 'contrive' in (2) means to invent, these options are improbable, hence (1) and (2) are ruled out.  Out of (3) and (4), 'reconstruct' in (3) fits our prediction as fossil creature is to be constructed again from bone fragments, whereas 'create' is used for new inventions. Hence, (3) is the answer.

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

The inventor had to ________ his idea for several months.

  1. organize

  2. sift through

  3. mull over

  4. remember


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Option (1), 'organize' is not incorrect but doesn't seem perfect fit for this blank, so, just keep it for time being. Option (2), 'sift through' is inappropriate because we sift through pages. Option (3), 'mull over' is much better because we mull over an idea. Option (4), remember is again inappropriate because the term has to be used in relation to a period of time and not a particular incident. So, among all given choices, we can clearly see that option (3) is correct answer.

Directions: For the word given above the table, match the dictionary definitions on the left (1, 2, 3, 4) with their corresponding usage on the right (A, B, C, D). Out of the four possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usage correctly matched.

ADMINISTERMeaning| Usage| | 1. to govern, control, direct or manage| (A) A judge will administer the oath of the office to the president| | 2. short for administration| (B) She will administer first aid to the victim at the scene of the accident| | 3. a formal word meaning to give; to put into action| (C) Take these forms to admin| | 4. to supervise the taking of an oath| (D) Executives must have administrative abilities|

  1. 1. D
    2. B
    3. A
    4. C
  2. 1. D
    2. C
    3. B
    4. A
  3. 1. C
    2. D
    3. A
    4. B
  4. 1. D
    2. B
    3. C
    4. A

Correct Option: B
Explanation:

(A) A judge will administer the oath of the office to the president, neither means to govern, control nor the word is used for administration. Meaning (3) is partially correct but meaning (4) is exact match with A. So, look for options, which give us combination '4a'. Only (2) and (4) are deemed 'valid'. Usage (B) “She will administer first aid to the victim at the scene of the accident', means to give as given in meaning (3). This marks out option (2) as correct answer for our question.

Directions: An assertion is a point of view. An argument is a statement meant to convince another about a certain point of view. A counter-argument contains logic opposed to your assertion. Based on these, classify the four sentences.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. Creating the proper working environment is essential for higher productivity.
2. Increased productivity depends on several factors that can be controlled.
3. Similarly, we must try to learn from our past mistakes.
4. Job rotation and job enrichment are also used to improve productivity.

  1. BACB

  2. ABBC

  3. ABBD

  4. BADB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Here, second sentence has been marked as assertion, so, all the sentences have to be checked in relation to this sentence. As 1 and 4 both gives factors which help increasing productivity both are supporting reasons. As given in sentence 3 'Past Mistakes', there is no reference to this sentence. So, this is correctly marked as irrelevant.

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

The farmer studied the ________ clouds thoughtfully.

  1. ominous

  2. billowing

  3. gloomy

  4. feathery


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

We have to fill the blank using a word which describes some property of clouds. Clouds are not an ominous, gloomy or feathery entity instead they are billowing which literally means surging mass. As the farmer has been described watching thoughtfully at clouds, so he is expecting rain from the large clouds passing overhead.

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

The player was ________ by his teammates.

  1. yielded

  2. endorsed

  3. ostracized

  4. counteracted


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Option (1) and (4) are irrelevant and do not make any sense in this question. Option (2),'endorse' is used for statements, quotes, texts, etc. and not in relation to a person. Option (3), 'ostracized' means to shun out or exclude from a group and is a good choice for use here because it is to be used in reference to a single player and team. This marks option (3) correct.

Directions: An assertion is a point of view. An argument is a statement meant to convince another about a certain point of view. A counter-argument contains logic opposed to your assertion. Based on these, classify the four sentences.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. The role of non-violence in the success of Indian freedom struggle is suspected.
2. We have to study ancient historical data for the same.
3. India attained freedom through non-violent means.
4. Non-violence led to mass awareness which in turn helped Indians to press harder for freedom from the colonial rule.

  1. ABDC

  2. DCBA

  3. DCAB

  4. ACBB


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Here, sentence 3 has been marked as assertion, 'India attained freedom through non-violent means'. So all other sentences have to be related to this sentence. Sentence 1 has been correctly termed as counter-argument on account of idea given. Sentence 2 is irrelevant because this sentence is open and cannot be used with given sentence, as it neither refers to India nor to its freedom. Sentence 4 is clearly supporting the idea that non-violence helped us in attaining freedom. This marks option (3) as correct answer.

Directions: In the following question, four sentences are given between the sentences numbered 1 and 6. You are required to arrange the four sentences (A, B, C and D), so that all six together make a logical paragraph.

  1. The Hindu as a national newspaper of high standing, with its chequered history that has unfolded the ups and downs of the great freedom struggle and after 1947, took pains to portray a nation in transition with an unbiased view. A. The assault on this prestigious newspaper was indeed a blatant assault on the Fourth Estate and the entire nation condemned it.
    B. The people all over the country saw the attack on “The Hindu” as a virtual attack on the freedom of speech and expression of total media in the country.
    C. It had the boldness to expose where the policies have gone wrong, where people at the top were found to be corrupt, it had the equipoise to commend the achievements in different regions.
    D. There was a mass upsurge in almost every part of the country that showed that freedom of press has to be defended at all costs.
  2. The supreme court of India issued a verdict in favour of the newspaper and stayed the arrests of the senior journalists.
  1. CADB

  2. BADC

  3. DABC

  4. CBDA


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

This para jumble is an attack on “The Hindu” during freedom struggle, as an attack on freedom of press. 'C' is in continuation with statement 1. This leaves us with 2 choices (1) and (4). D is to follow A.

Directions: In the following question, four statements are provided between an opening statement 1 and closing statement 6. The four statements are jumbled up and form a coherent paragraph when properly arranged. Select the alternative representing the proper and logical sequencing of these six taken together.
1. If the Indian national movement did not express the interests of the Indian people vis-a-vis imperialism, then whose interests did it represent?
A. Thus, the elite groups, and their needs and interests, provide the origin as well as the driving force of the idea, ideology and movement of nationalism.
B. But in each case, these groups had a narrow, selfish interest in opposing British rule or each other.
C. The national movement assert the writers of the imperialist school that it was not a people's movement but a product of the needs and interests of the elite groups who used it to serve either their own narrow interests or the interests of their prescriptive groups.
D. These groups were sometimes formed around religious or caste identities and sometimes through political connections built around patronage.
6. Nationalism, then, is seen primarily as a mere ideology which these elite groups used to legitimize their narrow ambitions and to mobilize public support.

  1. CADB

  2. ADCB

  3. CDAB

  4. BCDA


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

C follows statement 1 as it seeks to answer the question in 1. A follows C as A elaborates C further. 'These groups' in D refers to 'elite groups' in A, thus, D follows A. 'But' in B provides a contrary view to D, thus, B follows D. Hence, (1) is the answer

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