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English Usage Test 2

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 Short Paragraph (Theme Based) Paragraph Completion Sentence Arrangement (Para Jumbles) Sentence Rearrangement Sentence Completion (Gap Fills) Sentence Completion Syllogism
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Directions: Read the paragraph and answer the question that follows.

When you take a fish out of the ocean and throw it on the bank – the misery and the suffering and the torture and the hankering and the effort to reach back to the oceans because it is where the fish belongs. Any suffering is simply indicative that you are not in communion with existence that the fish is not in the ocean. When a dewdrop slips from a lotus leaf into the ocean it does not find that it is part of the ocean, it finds it is the ocean. And to find it is the ultimate goal, the ultimate realization. There is nothing beyond it. I don’t want anybody to stand between the individual and existence.

You are here, every individual is here, and the whole existence is available.

According to you, what is the theme of the passage?

  1. Death is the truth of life.

  2. We suffer when we are not in tune with ourselves.

  3. When we are not in meditation, we are separated from our existence and that is our suffering.

  4. None of these


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Two examples – “Fish” and “dew drops” – cited here support the theme of the passage, i.e. when we meditate, all the barriers of thoughts, emotions and sentiments drop and we feel ourselves in tune with whole; not only in tune, we become whole. In this light, (1) is ruled out. Of (2) and (3), (2) seems to denote half truth. Hence, (3) is the answer.

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

A pattern of black minority ethnic settlement, characterised by residential concentration, segregation and deprivation is now well established in Britain. Although this distinctive geography is largely a product of post-war migration, black settlers have a long history in Britain; small clusters of Africans and Indians emerged in port areas such as London, Liverpool and Cardiff as early as the 1800s. These settlements were, however, extremely localised, so the day-to-day experience of most people living in Britain at that time was a white one. The Victorians nevertheless held some clearly developed images of 'race', colour and ethnic difference, which were rooted in colonial relations with South Asian and West Indian countries. The largely negative stereotypes associated with 'uncivilised people' in far-off lands were to prove powerful constituents of 19th century racist ideologies, which have survived, albeit in a modified form, into the late 20th century.

According to you, what is the theme of the passage?

  1. 'Racism' was more rooted in South Asian and West Indian countries.

  2. Britain’s experience as colonising nation led to negative racial stereotypes in the 19th century, which brought about racism in the 20th century.

  3. Victorian era had a clearly developed image of ‘race’, colour and ethnic difference.

  4. None of these


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This passage discuses the issue of ethnic minorities in the UK. Let’s scrutinise each of the options:

Option (1) draws a comparison between South Asian and West Indian countries. Hence, it can be ruled out.

Option (3) is in contradiction to the statement – 'The Victorians . . . . . .  West Indian countries', hence ruled out.

Keep in mind that this passage is about ethnic minorities in the UK and the last statement of the passage sums up the idea of the passage. Hence, option (2) forms the answer.

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. What is best in the national interest is realpolitik that dictates the conduct of foreign policy of all nations.
B. India is also following a policy that is governed by enlightened self-interest. C. Nations that have been divided on the basis of ideological grounds have come together with trade and economic interests, supervening other interests.
D. Lord Palmerston formulated the oft-quoted maxim of realpolitik, “There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, there are only permanent interests.”

  1. BADC

  2. ADBC

  3. ABDC

  4. DACB


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This parajumble is about realpolitik, i.e. the concept of aligning with the superpower. So, it begins with quotation in statement D. As A is an explanation to D, option (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. The worst victim of this abridgement of Fundamental Rights was the great 'Shanker’s Weekly', a pet cartoon magazine of Jawahar Lal Nehru that was closed down by Indira Gandhi. B. Most of the journalists recall with trepidation the black days when Internal Emergency was clamped down on this country by Indira Gandhi, gagging the Press, muffing all forms of dissent and sending to jail all those out of favour with the Indira Gandhi regime.
C. Anybody who dared opposed Indira Gandhi was sent behind bars. D. Several newspapers came up with blank editorial pages and political cartoons were banned.

  1. DBCA

  2. DCBA

  3. BCDA

  4. ABCD


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

This parajumble in about Freedom of Press during Internal Emergency in Indira Gandhi’s regime, which is clear in B, which marks off the beginning. As C further supports the idea, so it follows B. Now, we are left with A and D. As A provides an example, so it would obviously follow D. This makes (3) as the best possible choice.

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. By importing non-strategic systems for defence, a nation will not be able to defend both its economic freedom and security.
    A. A country’s strength, to protect its security, is dependent on the degree of self-reliance in defence and defence systems. B. Through our sustained efforts for growth of core-competence and self-reliance in critical technologies, we can transform our nation.
    C. This will only perpetuate the dependence on other nations. D. India’s core-competence in certain technological areas and scientific technological manpower has to be harnessed.
  2. Technology is the tool that brings faster economic growth and needs inputs for national security.
  1. ABCD

  2. ABDC

  3. CADB

  4. DCAB


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

This parajumble is on our vision of national security. C makes the beginning as it completes the statement 1. Out of options left, A would follow C. D provides link to A as it explains A further, i.e. A à D. Hence, the correct option is (3).

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. Malaysia has successfully built upon the wealth of a mere plantation economy to be now considered one of the important industrialized economies of the modern world. A. The vision articulates the strategies through which Malaysia aspires to be in forefront of certain area of technology, not merely as a leading exporter of tech-intensive product, but also a generator of a few major technologies in micro-electronics. B. Malaysia has framed a strategic master plan to become a fully developed nation by the year 2020 that calls for concerted development in all areas. C. The Malaysian vision envisages a role for foreign direct investment, complete design capability and to manufacture products using indigenous expertise. D. The vision envisages a strong commitment to ‘green’ polices and it states that environmental problems cannot be dealt with unilaterally or even bilaterally, they must be approached holistically and multilaterally.
  2. Nation is taking constant measures to drum up the enthusiasm of various interested parties in realizing this vision. Its present emphasis is on action.
  1. BDCA

  2. ACBD

  3. CDAB

  4. BCAD


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This parajumble shows Malaysia’s vision for developed status by 2020. Out of all the statements, its only B that talks of this vision, so it follows stationary statement. Now, we are left with A, C and D, statement C would follow B as it gives a brief account on this vision. That leaves us with (4) as the correct option. 

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. The Chinese vision is to prepare the country for entry into the ranks of mid–level developed nations by the middle of the 21st century. A. Documents describing the Chinese vision state that science and technology constitute premier productive forces and represent a great revolutionary power that can propel economic and social development. B. They also point to the absence of mechanisms and motivations in their economic activity to promote dependence on science and technology. C. The main lessons, the Chinese have drawn from their part performance is their failure to promote science and technology as strategic tools for empowerment. D. Acceleration of the nation’s economic growth and social development by relying on advances in science and technology is pivotal in this.
  2. The Chinese vision is therefore aimed at exploiting state of the art, science and technology to enhance the nation’s overall power and strength.
  1. ABCD

  2. DACB

  3. ACBD

  4. CDAB


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This parajumble shows Chinese vision for developed status as it is clear from statement 1. Chinese focus on science and technology for this vision could be made out from all the statements, but statement D states it clearly. Hence, D follows statement 1. As statement A further explains – “how science and technology” can help China, so it follows D. Now, we are left with B and C, obviously statement B would follow C as it has 'also' in it, i.e. C.

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

When what 'Mark Twain' was writing was in circuit with his ________ perceptions, he was superb, the breaking of the circuit always threw him into extemporization which meant that fiction fell away into ________ and satire into ________.

  1. wildest, tranquility, staid

  2. faulty, rationality, slack

  3. minimising, frugality, parody

  4. deepest, extravaganza, burlesque


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The first part of the sentence highlights the positive part whereas the latter part is broadly comic or derisive, as indicated by the word 'satire' in latter part of the sentence. 'Extravaganza' and 'burlesque' in option (4) substantiates the blank, hence the answer.

Directions: Select the option that fills in the blanks most suitably (in the same order).
To know the Old and New Testaments by heart and be able to recite them ________, forward or backward or begin at random anywhere in the book, and recite both ways, is no ________ mass of knowledge, compared to a pilot's massed knowledge of the Mississippi and his ________ facility in the handling of it.

  1. waveringly, rampant, dynamic

  2. glibly, extravagant, marvelous

  3. vacillatingly, exuberant, wonderful

  4. wobbly, scarce, entertaining


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Out of all the options for the first blank; 'glibly' is the only word that substantiates the first blank, as the clue is given by forward or backward in the sentence. Checking the sentence for the other two blanks, 'extravagant' and 'marvelous' gives meaning to the whole sentence, thereby, confirming that (2) is the answer.

Directions: Choose the best option to fill in the blanks.

Hume is not content with reducing the ________ of a causal connection to experience of a frequent conjunction. He proceeds to argue that such experience does not ________ the expectation of similar conjunctions in the future.

  1. instance, rationalise

  2. evidence, justify

  3. boundaries, preclude

  4. validity, extend


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Option (2) gives sense to the sentence as it is the ‘evidence’ or proof of a causal connection that is linked to experience. Also, ‘justify’ indicates the strictness of Hume’s evidence which does not rely on an experience to validate future expectations. Hence, option (2) is the correct answer.

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

If every perception is a case of knowledge, then evidently there are no _____, and where there is an empirical _____, say between Jones who finds the wind chilly and Smith who finds it warm, both must in a sense be right.

  1. apparition, agreement

  2. datum, congruity

  3. illusions, disagreement

  4. facts, dispute


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The first operative word in this sentence is 'then', which provides an explanation to what precedes it. Of all these options, (3) and (1) fits our prediction. 'Apparition' means anything that appears unexpected or in an extraordinary way esp. a strange figure appearing suddenly and thought to be a ghost, whereas illusions that means a false idea or misconception would fit our prediction better and hence replaces the first blank. The second operative word is 'say', that provides an example to the clause that precedes it. As the example is contrasting, hence 'disagreement' replaces the second blank. Hence, (3) is the answer. 

Directions: For the set of six statements (A to F) given below, there follow four sets of combinations of three. Choose the set in which the statements are logically related.

A. Some gentle dogs are also mammals. B. Some dogs are spaniels. C. All spaniels are good hunters. D. All spaniels are dogs. E. All spaniels are gentle dogs. F. Some dogs are good hunters.

  1. DCB

  2. FDB

  3. DEC

  4. DCF


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

It is easy to deduce this answer by POE. Going by pure logic, we see that only a part of the DOGS circle is occupied by the GOOD HUNTERS. Rest of them may not be good hunters. So, the answer is DCF.

Directions: For the set of six statements (A to F) given below, there follow four sets of combinations of three. Choose the set in which the statements are logically related.

A. Some schools charge hefty fees. B. All tutorials charge hefty fees. C. No school charges hefty fees. D. All schools charges hefty fees. E. No tutorial is a school. F. All tutorials are also schools.

  1. BFA

  2. BEC

  3. BAD

  4. BFC


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Same diagram as above. Where 1 = tutorials, 2 = hefty fees, 3 = schools.

Directions: For the set of six statements (A to F) given below, there follow four sets of combinations of three. Choose the set in which the statements are logically related. A. Some rich people are not status conscious. B. Some rich people who are traditional in values are also status conscious. C. All rich people who are status conscious are also traditional in values. D. All rich people are status conscious. E. Some rich people are traditional in values. F. Some rich people are status conscious.

  1. EDC

  2. DEC

  3. FEA

  4. EDB


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In this question, the statements are modified by use of the word SOME. All the RICH PEOPLE are STATUS-CONSCIOUS. But only some of them are TRADITIONAL. Therefore, the TRADITIONAL circle also cuts the STATUS circle. Hence, the choice 4 is the answer.

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

  1. The fierce battle raged for weeks.

  2. The long hike has given me a rage thirst.

  3. Cholera is raging(v) out of control in the informal settlement.

  4. Many youngsters want whatever is the latest rage.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Raged' in (1) means to continue violently, which depicts its correct usage.
(2) is the incorrect usage of 'rage' grammatically as the correct usage would be to replace it with 'raging' (intense, extreme). In (3), cholera is spreading rapidly, which implies correct usage of raging in this sentence. 'Rage' in (4) means a temporary enthusiasm, craze or fad, which is correct. Hence, (2) is the answer.

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

  1. His bright purple shirt screams.

  2. Chickens have screamy necks.
  3. She's an absolute scream, always cracking jokes.
  4. The car screamed along the highway at 140 km per hour.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Scream is basically a loud shriek. This could mean loud also. 'Screams' as used in (1) is correct as it means to be too conspicuous or loud in colour or ostentation. Option (2) depicts incorrect usage of 'scream' as 'unattractively thin and bony' is not one of the meanings of scream. 'Scream' in (3) means a very funny person who can never sit silent. (4) -'Scream' means to move very fast and making a screeching sound, which depicts correct usage. Hence, (2) is the answer.

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

  1. For many people, Shylock is the protagonist in 'The Merchant of Venice'.

  2. He had resolved to take the chief protagonists across the sea towards the West at the end of the book.

  3. He is an enthusiastic protagonist of women's rights.

  4. I brought it on myself like the tragic protagonist of a Greek play.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Protagonist' as used in (1) and (4) depicts the correct usage of the word as it means the main character in a play or story. 'Protagonist' in (3) is a positive supporter of a cause or idea, which is explicit from the sentence. The adjective 'chief' in (2) is considered to be superfluous in each case, since 'protagonist' already carries that notion. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Directions: Select the alternative expressing a similar relationship as found in the pair of CAPITAL words.

FOOD : GRAINS

  1. Soul : God

  2. Body : Cell

  3. Men : Ambitions

  4. Dead : Extent


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Food' is made up of 'grains' and 'body' is made up of 'cells'. So, the relationship between the question pair and (2) is the same. Therefore, answer is (2).

Directions: Select the alternative expressing a similar relationship as found in the pair of CAPITAL words.

EXTINCT : EXTANT

  1. Dead : Gone

  2. Buried : Limit

  3. Cajole : Deprecate

  4. Sing : Chant


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Extinct' means something or someone which no longer exists. 'Extant' is something which exists. This means, the question pair is a pair of antonyms. The only pair of antonyms in the answer choices is 'cajole' (to coax) and 'deprecate' (to put down). Therefore, the answer is (3).

Directions: Select the alternative expressing a similar relationship as found in the pair of CAPITAL words.

GENERAL : ADMIRAL

  1. Squadron : Platoon

  2. Artillery : Station officer

  3. Solider : Sailor

  4. Captain : Officer


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Whereas, a general is a military leader of soldiers who operate mainly on land, an admiral is a military leader whose troops operate mainly on the sea. Similarly, a solider is based mainly on land, while a sailor is based mainly on the sea.

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 in question below.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. Competitive tests stress more on application than mere cramming.
2. Students get good jobs after clearing such tests.
3. Their parents feel proud of them.
4. Competitive exams are the best tool to select the cream.

  1. ABAB

  2. BCCA

  3. BACD

  4. CABD


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

As option (1) gives more than one assertion, it is out rightly eliminated. Now let's look at each option separately. If in option (3), statement 2 is Assertion, then statement isn't supporting it. So, eliminated. In (4), if statement 2 is assertion, then 4 also is in the same line because of which it should be marked B. But this is not so in (4). Now, in (2) if statement 4 is assertion, 1 definitely supports it and 2 and 3 are not related to the assertion. So, answer choice (2) is the most suitable one here.

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 in question below.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. Natural selection is the key to Earth's evolutionary years.
2. Darwin became famous for this theory.
3. All species existing today support the causal function of natural selection.
4. Earth's evolution may be unrelated to natural selection.

  1. ACCD

  2. ABBD

  3. ABCD

  4. ACBD


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

According to the answer choices here, the statement 1 is definitely the assertion. Now, Darwin might have proposed the theory but as far as the theory being a key to Earth's evolutionary years is concerned, Darwin has nothing to do with it and so the statement will be irrelevant to 1. This leaves us with answer choices (1) and (4). The statement 3 is in the same line as 1. So, it should be marked B. Hence, answer is (4).

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 in question below.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. The cradle of humanity seeks love.
2. Non-violence is the key to progress in the future.
3. It reduces the unproductive use of resources.
4. Gandhi was famous, basically, due to non-violence.

  1. CABC

  2. CAAC

  3. CABD

  4. BACC


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Here again, we eliminate (2) as an answer choice as it has two assertions. According to the answer choices available to us, the statement 2 will be the assertion. Considering this, the first statement is irrelevant, thereby, eliminating choice (4). Now, the only thing to be done is to determine the statement 4. Gandhi's being famous or non-famous is not concerned with non-violence. Hence answer is (1).

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 in question below.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. The advent of E-mail has revolutionized the communication industry.
2. Lead times have been reducing drastically.
3. E-mail is quick, dependable and effective.
4. The users of E-mail are usually top of the bracket chairmen of companies.

  1. ACBC

  2. ABBD

  3. DABC

  4. ACCB


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Let us first consider option (3) as only that one has the second statement as assertion. If 2 is the assertion, then statement 4 is supposed to be marked B as it is supporting 2, therefore, (2) can be eliminated. So, we come to the state where we have all options as statement 1 as assertion. With respect to this, statement 2 and 3 are supporting the assertion. Hence, (2) is the answer.

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 in question below.
(A) Concluding assertion
(B) Supporting reason
(C) Statement irrelevant to the argument
(D) Counter-argument
1. Excessive egalitarianism is redundant.
2. If you are satisfied, you feel no tension.
3. Happiness requires a satisfied mind.
4. A happy person can divert his energies more meaningfully to constructive works, leading to greater satisfaction.

  1. CBAB

  2. DACB

  3. DDAB

  4. DCAB


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Let us tackle (2) first. If the second statement is the assertion, then the third statement, which supports it, should be marked B, which isn't the case there. So, option (2) is eliminated. Now, according to the rest of the options, the 3rd and the 4th statements are assertion and supporting reason, respectively. But considering the 2nd statements, in connection with the assertion, we see that it is supporting the assertion. So, it should be marked B. Therefore, we arrive at (1) as an answer.

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