Questions:: Reading Comprehension Practice

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Questions:
Reading Comprehension Practice:
My next pet was a pigeon. He was still very young. He was the most revolting bird to look at,
with his feathers pushing through the wrinkled scarlet skin, mixed with the horrible yellow down
that covers baby pigeons and makes them look as though they have been peroxiding their hair.
Because of his repulsive and obese appearance, Larry suggested we call him Quasimodo and,
liking the name without realizing the implications, I agreed. Owing to his unorthodox
upbringing, and the fact that he had no parents to teach him the facts of life, Quasimodo became
convinced that he was not a bird at all,, and refused to fly. Instead, he walked everywhere. If he
wanted to get onto a table, or a chair he stood below it, ducking his head and cooing in a rich
contralto until someone lifted him up. He was always eager to join us in anything we did, and
would even try to come for walks with us. This, however, we had to stop, for either you carried
him on your shoulder, which was risking an accident to your clothes, or else, you let him walk
behind. If you let him walk, then you had to slow down your own pace to suit his, for should you
get too far ahead you would hear the most frantic and imploring coos and turn around to find
Quasimodo running desperately after you, his chest pouted out with indignation at your cruelty.
Gerald Durrell
1. The narrator describes the pigeon as a ‘revolting bird’ because:

Options:
(a) It could not fly
(b) It had to be carried everywhere
(c) It had wrinkled skin covered with yellow feathers
(d) It was fat
2. If Quasimodo had parents, he would have:

Options:
(a) Known he was a bird
(b) Behaved like a bird
(c) Learnt to fly
(d) Not walked so much
3. We know that Quasimodo was always eager to go on walks because:

Options:
(a) He walked everywhere
(b) He did not know how to fly
(c) He protested loudly if he was not taken along
(d) He always copied whatever humans did
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4. Quasimodo considered the human beings cruel when:

Options:
(a) They tried to leave him at home
(b) They lifted him on their shoulders
(c) They took him for a walk
(d) They walked too fast
5. The word ‘unorthodox’ means:

Options:
(a) Following generally accepted beliefs
(b) Strict and disciplined
(c) Different from what is usual or accepted
(d) Active and outgoing

I was seven-year-old. I had lived at the same place for all of my life, but we were moving. We
were moving from the farm with all of its animals, with its memories of searching for chicken
eggs, and with the black and white cows that had to be milked each day. We were going from the
place of scrub pines, of pastures, of irrigation ditches to an unknown, unknowable place, far, far
away. We had worked hard to get ready. Finally, dad piled all of us into the car. As we began to
drive away, I looked out of the rear window of the car. As 1 looked back, 1 saw my dog, and my
cats. I could not see my horse. I asked my father what would happen to these pets. All that dad
could tell me was that they had to remain there, that they could not come with us. There was no
explanation – merely the declaration that we must go. I was bitterly disappointed, so
disappointed that this memory is still seared into me. forty-three years later. Why would my
father not change this ? 1 could not . understand then, but I do now. But I still don’t understand
why there was no explanation.
6. The narrator remembering an episode of his childhood is now:

Options:
(a) Thirty-year-old
(b) Forty-year-old
(c) Sixty-year-old
(d) Fitly-year-old
7. His regret, at that time, was that:

Options:
(a) He would miss his books
(b) He would miss his pets
(c) He would miss his games
(d) He would miss his friends
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8. He asked his father as to:

Options:
(a) What would happen to his pets
(b) What would happen to his friends
(c) What would happen to his books
(d) What would happen to his games
9. Leaving the farm, the child was very disappointed because he could not understand:
Options:
(a) Why his father could not stop him
(b) Why his mother could not unpack the luggage
(c) Why his father could not change the situation
(d) Why his brother could not oppose his father
10. The verb form of ‘explanation’ is:

Options:
(a) Explanatory
(b) Explainable
(c) Explainible
(d) Explain

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, i.e., AIDS is one of the latest medical tragedies that has
become the dominant public health concern. It was not known before 1981 and even now there is
a lot about it that we don’t know. It is not a disease, but a condition caused by a virus known as
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It attaches itself to the genetic material of the human
Cell and infects it. Human body is infected by HIV in three ways : Sexual relation with an
infected person, transmitted through infusion of blood or blood products, and transmitted by HIV
infected mother to the newborn child before, during and afterbirth. Once the person is infected,
the immune system of the person will be completely destroyed and will eventually fall prey to
any disease. AIDS has no cure and there is no vaccine that can prevent HIV infection so far. The
only way to be away from AIDS and to prevent HIV transmission is the ‘safe behavior’ of
human beings. Use of disposable syringe in transfusion of blood should be concerned.
11. The latest medical tragedy AIDS affects:

Options:
(a) Digestive system
(b) Blood circulatory system
(c) Immune system
(d) Lavatory system
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12. AIDS is caused by a virus known as:

Options:
(a) HIV
(b) MIT
(c) HIR
(d) MIV
13. The only way to be away from AIDS is:

Options:
(a) Safe remedy
(b) Safe attitude
(c) Safe behavior
(d) Safe medicine
14. What should be concerned in transfusion of blood is:

Options:
(a) Use of expensive syringe
(b) Use of disposable syringe
(c) Use of extra fine apparatus
(d) Use of already used syringe
15. The word ‘disposable’ here means:

Options:
(a) To be packed in a box
(b) To be had in a store
(c) To be cleaned after use
(d) To be thrown after use

Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death worldwide. It is killing about 2200
people in India everyday that means one every forty seconds. It is alarming that the influence of
smoking is increasing among the youth of India. According to a World Bank study. India.
Indonesia and China are the only countries in the world where incidence of smoking is going up.
It is increasing not only in cities but also in towns and villages. Higher education groups are also
taking to smoking more readily. Since smoking enjoys social acceptance, it is easy to get
cigarettes. What starts as an experiment, soon turns into a habit. It is difficult to give up smoking
because unlike other drugs, craving for it is immediate. Nicotine in cigarettes brings structural
changes in brain. Its non-availability can cause symptoms of agitation. Smoking also has a strong
associational aspect. People smoke while reading, after meals or with a cup of coffee.
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16. In India daily about 2200 people die:

Options:
(a) Due to starvation
(b) Due to accidents
(c) Due to smoking
(d) Due to fraud activities
17. It is difficult to give up smoking because:

Options:
(a) Craving for a cigarette is immediate
(b) It is a tough job
(c) It can’t be remedied
(d) Its lust does not spare one
18. Nicotine brings out some changes in the brain, they are:
Options:
(a) Physical changes
(b) Structural changes
(c) Chemical changes
(d) Atmospheric changes
19. Three countries where the incidence of smoking is going up, are:
Options:
(a) Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka
(c) India, Indonesia and Canada
(b) China, India and Bangladesh
(d) India, Indonesia and China
20. The noun form of ‘preventable’ is

Options:
(a) Preventative
(b) Preventively
(c) Prevent
(d) Prevented

Despite the frustrating years of dragging children out of bed and persuading them to go to
school, young children have an internal drive to learn about their world, and become industrious
and productive individuals. Their educational eagerness and curiosity can either be stifled or
encouraged by parents, teachers and other adults. Aware parents can encourage their children’s
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development of important life skills. Besides teaching them to read and write, school and home
environments teach children cooperation and interdependence. Children also engage in important
play rituals (like playing with dolls or cops and robbers) which prepare them for adolescence and
adulthood. Supportive parents can promote crucial learning of life skills. Above all, school-age
children struggle with feelings of inferiority and incompetence when they compare themselves
with their peers. If they don’t fit in, they might feel insignificant. Loving and accepting parents
help these children develop the confidence to create a future where they can thrive and feel good
about themselves.
21. Most of young children have an internal drive:

Options:
(a) To learn the basics of fear
(b) To learn the fundamentals of English
(c) To teach manners to others
(d) To learn about their world
22. When the students compare themselves with their peers:

Options:
(a) They feel inferiority
(b) They feel superiority
(c) They feel afraid of them
(d) They notice something awkward
23. The role parents can play to help their children is by:
Options:
(a) Punishing them
(b) Providing them extra food
(c) Loving and accepting them
(d) Taking them to zoo daily
24. Some games prepare the children for:

Options:
(a) Discipline
(b) Adolescence and adulthood
(c) Character
(d) Their superiority
25. The adjective form of ‘promote’ is:

Options:
(a) Promoted
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(b) Promotion
(c) Promoter
(d) Promotional

It was very hot in the court-room. Everybody was feeling sleepy. After a tiring morning, the
clerks were anxious to get off to lunch. Even the judge seemed relieved when the last case came
up before the court. A short middle aged man with gray hair and small blue eyes was now
standing before him. The man had a foolish expression on his face and he kept looking stupidly
as if he was trying hard to understand what was going on. The man was accused of breaking into
the house and stealing a cheap watch. The witness who was called did not give a very clear
account of what had happened. He claimed to have seen the man outside the house one night, but
on being questioned further, he confessed that he was not sure whether this was the man. The
judge considered the matter for some time and said that as there was no real proof, the man could
not be found guilty of any crime. He said that the case was dismissed and then he rose to go.
Meanwhile the accused looked very puzzled and said suddenly, “Excuse me, Sir, but do I have to
give the watch back or not ?”
26. When the last case came up, the judge felt relieved because:
Options:
(a) It was lunch time
(b) It had been a hot and tiring day
(c) He was called by his wife
(d) He had to go to visit his senior
27. A short middle-aged man was accused of:

Options:
(a) Punishing the court clerk
(b) Bribing the judge
(c) Breaking into the house
(d) Making loud noise in the court
28. The judge did not find the man guilty as:
Options:
(a) There was no real proof against him
(b) There was not anything written
(c) There nobody was to cry against him
(d) He was innocent-looking man
29. The man facing the trial was guilty because:

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Options:
(a) He had slapped the clerk
(b) He had a knife in his hand
(c) He was proved so
(d) He had the watch in his possession
30. The word ‘accused’ here means:

Options:
(a) Forgave
(b) The person laughing unknowingly
(c) The person who is cunning
(d) The person charged with a criminal case

The song of birds is one of the loveliest sounds in nature. Sometimes when we are out in the
country and we hear birds singing, it seems to us they are calling back and forth, that they are
telling one another something. The fact is that birds do communicate with one another, just as
many other animals do. Of course, at times the sounds birds make are more expressions of joy,
just as we may make cries of Oh!’ and ‘Ah!’. But for the most part, the sounds that birds make
are attempts at communication. A mother hen makes sounds that warns her children of danger
and causes them to crouch down motionless. Then she gives another call which collects them
together. When wild birds migrate at night, they cry out. These cries may keep the birds together
and help lost ones return to the flock. But the language of birds is different from language as we
use it. We use words to express ideas and these words have to be learned. Birds don’t learn their
language. It is an inborn instinct with them. In one experiment, for example, chicks were Kept-
away, from cocks and hens so they could not bear the sounds they made. Yet when they grew up
they were able to make those sounds just as well as chicks that had grown up with cocks and
hens! This does not mean that birds can’t learn how to sing. In fact some birds can learn the
songs of other birds. This is how the mocking bird gets its name.
31. In nature, one of the loveliest sounds is:

Options:
(a) The sound of film song
(b) The roar of a lion
(c) The song of a crow
(d) The song of birds
32. When wild birds migrate at night, they cry out:

Options:
(a) To keep them warm
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(b) To keep the birds together

(c) To keep the enemy away
(d) To keep the young lings tight
33. We human beings use words:

(a) To express ideas
(b) To express meanings
(c) To express other’s speech
(d) To express talent
34. Birds don’t learn their language as:

Options:
(a) It is tough to learn
(b) It is only a quality with human
(c) It is an inborn instinct with them
(d) It is developed with extra intelligence
35. The noun form of ‘mocking is:

Options:
(a) Mock
(c) Mockery
(b) Mockingly
(d) Mocked

A weak old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The
family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made
eating difficult. Peas rolled of this spoon on to the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled
on the table cloth. The son and daughter-in-law became angry. “Something must be done about
father”, said the son. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, grandfather
ate dinner alone. Since he had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. He
had a tear or two in his eyes as he sat alone seeing the family glancing at him occasionally. The
four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper the couple noticed their son
working with wooden scraps on the floor. The father asked the child, “What are you making ?”
Innocently the boy responded : “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and mamma to eat your
food in when you grow old.” The parents were speechless. They did not utter a word. But that
evening, the husband took grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table.
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36. The elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight

Options:
(a) Made everyone rude
(b) Made sewing the shirt difficult
(c) Made playing tennis difficult
(d) Made eating difficult
37. The husband and wife set aside a table for the old man to eat as:
Options:
(a) They could not enjoy it more
(b) They could not tolerate it more
(c) He could relish alone
(d) He felt lonely
38. The food was served to the elderly man in a wooden bowl as:
Options:
(a) He had broken a dish before
(b) He was happy in eating such a meal
(c) He had liking for such a thing
(d) He had broken his own glassware
39. The underlying message in the story is:

Options:
(a) We should not give extra time to parents
(b) We should not think about care of them
(c) We should not discard our elderly parents
(d) We should provide them wooden bowl to eat
40. The noun form of ‘angry’ is:

Options:
(a) Angered
(b) Angrily
(c) Anger some
(d) Anger

The ball-point pen was invented by a Hungarian called Lasso Biro. He was the man of many
talents. He was a journalist, painter, sculptor and a hypnotist. As an editor it was his job to select,
correct and sometimes compose articles. This meant considerable paper work for which he used
a fountain pen. Sometimes it scratched the paper. Sometimes it overflowed leaving blobs of ink
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on the writing. He had to change the paper and rewrite again. All these interruptions irritated
Biro. He always dreamt of a pen without these flaws. He worked on it and ultimately succeeded
in designing a pen that answered his expectations. Technically it was a superb discovery but its
production was expensive. For sometime it remained a funny item. It soon caught the attention of
air-force pilots who found it ideal for high altitude since it did not depend on gravity and went on
writing without having to be ink-filled now and then. Gradually the pen became so famous that
in the first market sale organized in 1945 in New York, the entire stock of 10,000 pens was sold
out on the same day. The people wanted to be the first owners of the miracle pen.
41. Lasso Biro, the inventor of bail-point pen was:

Options:
(a) The man of many pets
(b) The man of letters
(c) The man of many talents
(d) The man of masters
42. As an editor, Biro’s job was to:

Options:
(a) Select, correct and compose articles
(b) Compose. correct and select articles
(c) Select, compose and correct articles
(d) Correct, compose and select articles
43. Ball-point pen was a superb discovery but its production was:
Options:
(a) Cheap
(b) Expensive
(c) Attractive
(d) Far away
44. Ball-point pen’s first market sale was organized in:

Options:
(a) 1948 in Geneva
(b) 1947 in India
(c) 1949 in Canada
(d) 1945 in New York
45. The noun form of ‘compose’ is:

Options:
(a) Composed
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(b) Compositivity
(c) Composments
(d) Composition

1. Every individual wants peace of mind. But it is hard to find a person who can say that he has
attained such a state of mental equilibrium as will allow him to live a life of tranquility. Peace of
mind is a distant dream for all of us. What is the reason for this? The reason is that people hanker
after ideal peace, that is, pure peace–a peace that is free from all kinds of non–peace items.
2. But this kind of absolute peace is not in nature’s storehouse. Let us take the analogy of the
rose. A rose is a very beautiful flower, but every stem has its thorns. Indeed, thorns are an
integral part of the rose plant. A poet has rightly said that thorns serve as security guards for the
flower. The translation of his Urdu lines is: “The safety of the flower would become impossible
if the thorns were silk-like.’ So flowers have to be accompanied by thorns. There must be hard
thorns along with soft flowers–that is, there must be non–peace items along with peaceful items.
A peaceful mind is a very precious aspect of human nature and it too needs safety to maintain its
sublime quality.
3. Studies in psychology show that an untroubled mind very soon becomes stagnant. It loses its
creativity. For this reason, nature always leads people in challenging situations. It is a non–peace
item which acts as a challenge for the mind. This guarantees that the creativity of a peaceful
mind never comes to an end. A creative mind is always alive.
4. It is a common phenomenon that one who is born in affluence and has a problem–free life,
very soon finds his mind becoming dull, while the one who is born into a life of problems and
hardships, has an active mind. Such a person develops the creative thinking and his intellectual
development continues unhindered.
5. Here, I would like to cite personal experience, concerning a politician who had two sons. He
loved one of his sons very much. He got this son married to someone of his choice and presented
him with a farmhouse in which to live a life of comfort, just as he pleased. I met this son and
conversed with him. It seemed as if I were talking to a dull person. He did tell some jokes but
could not utter a word of wisdom. I have met the other son also. He was not given a comfortable
life by his father and so left town for another place. After a few years of struggle, he emerged as
a successful person. When I met him, I found that his whole conversation was full of wisdom.
Attempt the following questions on the basis of the passage you have read:
46. It is a distant dream for all of us ____________

Options:
(a) Peace of mind
(b) Fulfilling our ambition
(c) Meeting our targets
(d) Climbing the mountains
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47. The security guards for the flowers are __________

Options:
(a) Gardens
(b) Other plants
(c) Thorns
(d) Roots
48. Thorns are an integral part of a rose plant. (True/False)
49. Nature always leads people into challenging situations. (True/False)
50. People who are born in ___________ have a problem-free life.
51. People hanker after ___________ peace.
52. Psychology studies show that an untroubled mind soon becomes ____________
53. Find the word from the passage which means the same as “very far”. (para 1)
WORD ASSOCIATION (SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS)
54. Choose the correct synonym of the given word:

Prohibitive
Options:
(a) Swanky
(b) Unaffordable
(c) Fancy
(d) Closed

Placate
Options:
(a) To make sure
(b) To annoy
(c) To pacify
(d) To flatten out
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Paramount
Options:
(a) Very important
(b) Wide and extensive
(c) Above others in rank of authority
(d) Famous

Forestall
Options:
(a) Avoid
(b) Frighten
(c) Prevent
(d) Disappoint

Acumen
Options:
(a) Abundance
(b) Bitterness
(c) Deficit
(d) Quickness of insight

Nascent
Options:
(a) Initial
(b) Unpleasant
(c) Latest
(d) Crude

Interim
Options:
(a) Temporary
(b) Internal
(c) Timely
(d) Interval
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Perspicacious
Options:
(a) Bad
(b) Clear
(c) Hazy
(d) Shrewd

Incensed
Options:
(a) Affected
(b) Incited
(c) Encouraged
(d) Inspired

Mitigate
Options:
(a) Send on a mission
(b) Pardon
(c) Soften
(d) To heal

Diatribe
Options:
(a) Address
(b) Attack
(c) Discharge
(d) Objection

Sensuous
Options:
(a) Aesthetic
(b) Abundant
(c) Delicious
(d) Imposing
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Denounce
Options:
(a) Condemn
(b) Maintain
(c) Sustain
(d) Support

Enigmatic
Options:
(a) Illusive
(b) Complicated
(c) Puzzling
(d) Pithy

Chivalrous
Options:
(a) Impoverished
(b) Impetuous
(c) Gallant
(d) Brave

Venerate
Options:
(a) Accuse
(b) Abuse
(c) Respect
(d) Defame

Fulsome
Options:
(a) Excessive
(b) Liberal
(c) Generous
(d) Smooth
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Reward
Options:
(a) Forfeiture
(b) Demotion
(c) Penalty
(d) Retribution

Melee
Options:
(a) Primitive dance
(b) Simple song
(c) Brawl
(d) Kindness

Perpetual
Options:
(a) Steady
(b) Equable
(c) Everlasting
(d) Firm

LASSITUDE
Options:
(a) Delicacy
(b) Depression
(c) Stagnation
(d) Sluggishness

Concocted
Options:
(a) Shape
(b) Pretend
(c) Mature
(d) Create
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Mystical
Options:
(a) Spiritually symbolic
(b) Prophetic
(c) Vague
(d) Imaginary

Acute
Options:
(a) Curious
(b) Severe
(c) Accidental
(d) Rice

Sadistic
Options:
(a) Depressed
(b) Given to deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others
(c) Malicious
(d) Smart

Cohesion
Options:
(a) Climbing
(b) Shift
(c) Sticking together
(d) Independence

Reiterate
Options:
(a) Frustrate
(b) Illustrate
(c) Repeat
(d) Receipt
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Refund
Options:
(a) Reimburse
(b) Give
(c) Receive
(d) Distribute
82. Choose the correct antonym of the given word

Callous
Options:
(a) Compact
(b) Hardened
(c) Sensitive
(d) Soft

Facilitate
Options:
(a) Further
(b) Impede
(c) Expiate
(d) Assist

Distill
Options:
(a) Dilute
(b) Rare
(c) Infuse
(d) Extract

Peremptory
Options:
(a) Deferential
(b) Weak
(c) Resistant
(d) Humble
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Salutary
Options:
(a) Farewell
(b) Moderate
(c) Noxious
(d) Objectionable

Husbandry
Options:
(a) Husbandry
(b) Hard labour
(c) Friction
(d) Wastefulness

Grandiose
Options:
(a) Heavy
(b) Proud
(c) Simple
(d) Clumsy

Insolent
Options:
(a) Ashamed
(b) Ignorant
(c) Proud
(d) Humble

Voluntary
Options:
(a) Coercive
(b) Compelled
(c) Instinctive
(d) Involuntary
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Theory
Options:
(a) Fact
(b) Chance
(c) Thought
(d) Imagination

Benign
Options:
(a) Evil
(b) Damaged
(c) Poor
(d) Sick

Temperate
Options:
(a) Inebriated
(b) Truncated
(c) Unlimited
(d) Aged

Unalloyed
Options:
(a) Destabilized
(b) Unregulated
(c) Adulterated
(d) Assimilated

Overpower
Options:
(a) Betray
(b) Oust
(c) Twinge
(d) Succumb
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Inadequate
Options:
(a) Sufficient
(b) Aspiring
(c) Rapid
(d) Glossy

Anomalous
Options:
(a) Usual
(b) Connected
(c) Vicious
(d) Capacious

Preposterous
Options:
(a) Apologetic
(b) Credible
(c) Conceited
(d) Complaisant

Puissance
Options:
(a) Repudiation
(b) Impotence
(c) Approbation
(d) Ignorance

Deleterious
Options:
(a) Inclusive
(b) Impulsive
(c) Pathetic
(d) Salubrious
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GRAMMAR
101. Identify the noun from the sentence

The works of many great poets have been placed on reserve.
Options:
(a) Many
(b) Great
(c) Placed
(d) Reserve

It will take all of your energy and will to be able to walk again.
Options:
(a) Take
(b) All
(c) Yours
(d) Energy

The Brooklyn Bridge was opened in 1883.
Options:
(a) Bridge
(b) Was
(c) Opened
(d) In
Directions (next 5 questions): In each of the following questions, a sentence has been given in
Active (or Passive) Voice. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best
expresses the same sentence in Passive (or Active) Voice.
104. Mona was writing a letter to her father.

(a) A letter was written to her father by Mona.
(b) A letter has been written to her father by Mona.
(c) A letter was being written by Mohan to her father.
(d) A letter was written by Mohan to her father.
105. He teaches us Grammar.

(a) Grammar is taught to us by him
(b) We are being taught Grammar by him
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(c) Grammar is being taught us by him

(d) We are taught Grammar by him
106. Do you imitate others?

(a) Are others imitated by you?
(b) Are others being imitated by you?
(c) Were others being imitated by you?
(d) Have others been imitated by you?
107. I saw him conducting the rehearsal.

(a) He was seen conducting the rehearsal
(b) I saw the rehearsal to be conducted by him
(c) He was seen by me to conduct the rehearsal
(d) I saw the rehearsal being conducted by him
108. Have the box broken.

(a) Have the broken box
(b) Break the box
(c) Get someone to break the box
(d) They have broken the box
Spot the errors. (Indicate the part in which the error is. Use ‘no error’ in case there is no error in
the sentences)
109. The dog (a)/is (b)/a(c)/faithful animal. (d)/no error (e)
110. He not only believes (a)/ in hard work but also (b)/ in honesty of the highest order.(c)/No error(d)
111. No sooner did she (a)/ reach the station (b)/then it started raining.(c)/No error(d)
Directions:(next 3 questions) In each of the following questions, a sentence has been given in
direct/ indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested select the one which best expresses
the same sentence in indirect/ direct speech
112. The sage said, “God helps those who help themselves”.
Options:
(a) The sage said that God helps those who help themselves
(b) The sage said that God helped those whose helped themselves
(c) The sage said that God helps those who helped themselves
(d) The sage said that God helped those who help themselves
25
113. “Please don’t go away”, she said.

Options:
(a) She said to please her and not go away.
(b) She told me not to go away.
(c) She begged that I not go away.
(d) She begged me not to go away.
Answer: (d)
114. He said, “Where shall I be this time next year!”

Options:
(a) He asked that where should he be that time next year.
(b) He wondered where he should be that time the next year.
(c) He contemplated where shall he be that time the following year.
(d) He wondered where he would be that time the following year.
Directions (next 3 questions): In questions given below out of four alternatives, choose the one
which can be substituted for the given word/sentence.
115. The part of government which is concerned with making of rules

Options:
(a) Court
(b) Tribunal
(c) Bar
(d) Legislature
116. Something that relates to everyone in the world

Options:
(a) General
(b) Common
(c) Usual
(d) Universal
117. To walk with slow or regular Steps is to

Options:
(a) Limp
(b) Stride
(c) Pace
(d) Advance
26
118. Spot the error:

(a) When we reached the fair/ (b) we found that there / (c) was no place to stand./ (d) No error.
Options:
(a) When we reached the fair
(b) We found that there
(c) Was no place to stand.
(d) No error

(a) She wears spectacle/ (b) and so she was unable to see the gangster/ (c) that attacked her last
night./ (d) No error.
Options:
(a) She wears spectacle
(b) And so she was unable to see the gangster
(c) That attacked her last night.
(d) No error

(a) The driver showed / (b) great talent in keeping / (c) the damaged car under control./ (d) No
error
(a) The driver showed
(b) great talent in keeping
(c) the damaged car under control.
(d) No error

I visited (a)/Ram’s and Sita’s house (b)/and found the couple missing. (c)/No error(d)
Options:
(a) I visited
(b) Ram’s and Sita’s house
(c) and found the couple missing.
(d) No error
122. Spot the error

(a) There should be/ (b) no furnitures/ (c) in my room./ (d) No error.
Options:
(a) There should be
(b) no furnitures
(c) in my room.
(d) No error
27

(a) He told me that/ (b) it was/ (c) his friend’s Sankar’s house./ (d) No error.
Options:
(a) He told me that
(b) it was
(c) his friend’s Sankar’s house.
(d) No error

(a) A strong breeze / (b) blew his / (c) cap off./ (d) No error.
Options:
(a) A strong breeze
(b) blew his
(c) cap off.
(d) No error

(a) The population of India /(b) is divided into two classes- / (c) Haves and Haves not./ (d) No
error
Options:
(a) The population of India
(b) is divided into two classes-
(c) Haves and Haves not
(d) No error

(a) The car could not/ (b) ascend the steep hill/ (c) because it was in the wrong gears./ (d) No
error.
Options:
(a) The car could not
(b) Ascend the steep hill
(c) Because it was in the wrong gears
(d) No error

(a) My sister / (b) has read / (c) pages after pages of the Bible./ (d) No error
Options:
(a) My sister
(b) has read
28
(c) pages after pages of the Bible

(d) No error

(a) All the furnitures have been/ (b) sold for a song/ (c) as we were in a hurry to leave the town./
(d) No error.
Options:
(a) All the furnitures have been
(b) Sold for a song
(c) As we were in a hurry to leave the town
(d) No error
Put the appropriate prepositions in the blanks given the following sentences:
129. I was ________reached last night.

Options:
(a) in
(b) on
(c) at
(d) by
130. I haven’t seen her _________ January.

Options:
(a) Since
(b) From
(c) With
(d) In
131. These books are _________ `150/- each.

Options:
(a) In
(b) On
(c) With
(d) No preposition Needed
132. Books are very often compared ________ a granary.

Options:
(a) With
(b) To
(c) By
(d) At
29
133. The phone rang three times ________ they were having dinner.
Options:
(a) For
(b) During
(c) While
(d) No Preposition Needed
Directions:
In each of the following sentences, there is a blank space. Below each such sentence, there are
five options with one word each. Fill up the blank with the word that makes the sentence
grammatically and contextually correct.
134. You must ensure the correctness of the information before ________ to conclusion.
Options:
(a) Drawing
(b) Enabling
(c) Leaning
(d) Jumping
135. The flood water __________ agricultural fields and entered houses in several parts of the state.
Options:
(a) Bargained
(b) Restricts
(c) Inundated
(d) Groove
(e) Clustered
136. The ______of our civilization from an agricultural society to today’s complex industrial world
was accompanied by war
Options:
(a) Adjustment
(b) Migration
(c) Route
(d) Metamorphosis
137. The usher showed us ________

Options:
(a) How to take photographs
(b) Where to sit
(c) When to comb our hair
30
(d) How to dance
138. His wife has a twin who resembles her so much that at first he had great trouble telling _______
Options:
(a) One from the other
(b) One from another
(c) Each other
(d) Who is which
139. I always fall ________ old friends in times of need

Options:
(a) Over
(b) Through
(c) Back on
(d) Off
140. It is desirable to take ________in any business if you want to make profit.
Options:
(a) Advice
(b) Risk
(c) Loan
(d) Recourse
(e) Perseverance
141. The boy was rewarded for his ________ behaviour.

Options:
(a) Pleasing
(b) Best
(c) Good
(d) Neat
142. People have become ________ under the burden of heavy taxes.
Options:
(a) Reckless
(b) Isolated
(c) Punished
(d) Impatient
31
143. The worker used ________ to patch up the hole in the wall
Options:
(a) Sand
(b) Cement
(c) Soil
(d) Grass
144. I felt so ________ that I couldn’t sleep.

Options:
(a) Exciting
(b) Excited
(c) Exciting as such
(d) Excited for
145. At the meeting, the school counselor will _________ me on some of my career options.
Options:
(a) Advise
(b) Speak
(c) Say
(d) Listen
146. My sister unlike my brothers __________ to have a career in Engineering.

Options:
(a) Wants
(b) Want
(c) Wish
(d) Aspire
147. We are all very indignant______ the Injustice done to him

Options:
(a) for
(b) of
(c) to
(d) at
148. _________the last ten years we have been victims of abuse

Options:
(a) From
(b) For
(c) Before
(d) Since
32
149. Ankita is disgusted _____ the habit of her brother.

Options:
(a) at
(b) on
(c) of
(d) with
150. A fan of historical fiction, Joline is now reading a novel about slavery in the ______ South.
Options:
(a) decorous
(b) rogue
(c) droll
(d) antebellum
151. All countries have consumer price indices, some more reliable than others, some quite out of
date, but all concerned with ________ overall price changes.
Options:
(a) controlling
(b) measuring
(c) publishing
(d) reducing
33
Answers:
1. Answer: (c)
It had wrinkled skin covered with yellow feathers
2. Answer: (b)
Behaved like a bird
3. Answer: (c)
He protested loudly if he was not taken along
4. Answer: (d)
They walked too fast
5. Answer: (c)
Different from what is usual or accepted
6. Answer: (d)
Fitly-year-old
7. Answer: (b)
He would miss his pets
8. Answer: (a)
What would happen to his pets
9. Answer: (c)
Why his father could not change the situation
10. Answer: (d)

Explain
11. Answer: (c)

Immune system
12. Answer: (a)

HIV
13. Answer: (c)

(c) Safe behavior
34
14. Answer: (b)

Use of disposable syringe
15. Answer: (d)

To be thrown after use
16. Answer: (c)

Due to smoking
17. Answer: (a)

Craving for a cigarette is immediate
18. Answer: (b)

Structural changes
19. Answer: (d)

India, Indonesia and China
20. Answer: (a)

Preventative
21. Answer: (d)

To learn about their world
22. Answer: (a)

They feel inferiority
23. Answer: (c)

Loving and accepting them
24. Answer: (b)

Adolescence and adulthood
25. Answer: (d)

Promotional
26. Answer: (b)

It had been a hot and tiring day
35
27. Answer: (c)

Breaking into the house
28. Answer: (a)

There was no real proof against him
29. Answer: (d)

He had the watch in his possession
30. Answer: (d)

The person charged with a criminal case
31. Answer: (d)

The song of birds
32. Answer: (b)

To keep the birds together
33. Answer: (a)

To express ideas
34. Answer: (c)

It is an inborn instinct with them
35. Answer: (c)

Mockery
36. Answer: (d)

Made eating difficult
37. Answer: (b)

They could not tolerate it more
38. Answer: (a)

He had broken a dish before
39. Answer: (c)

We should not discard our elderly parents
40. Answer: (d)

36
Anger
41. Answer: (c)

The man of many talents
42. Answer: (a)

Select, correct and compose articles
43. Answer: (b)

Expensive
44. Answer: (d)

1945 in New York
45. Answer: (d)

Composition
46. Answer: (a)

Peace of mind
47. Answer: (c)

Thorns
48. Answer: True
49. Answer: True
50. Answer: affluence
51. Answer: ideal/absolute
52. Answer: Stagnant
53. Answer: distant
WORD ASSOCIATION (SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS)
54. Answer: (b)

Unaffordable
37
55. Answer: (c)

To pacify
56. Answer: (c)

Above others in rank of authority
57. Answer: (c)

Prevent
58. Answer: (d)

Quickness of insight
59. Answer: (a)

Initial
60. Answer: (a)

Temporary
61. Answer: (d)

Shrewd
62. Answer: (b)

Incited
63. Answer: (d)

To heal
64. Answer: (b)

Attack
65. Answer: (a)

Aesthetic
66. Answer: (a)

Condemn
67. Answer: (c)

Puzzling
68. Answer: (c)

38
Gallant
69. Answer: (c)

Respect
70. Answer: (a)

Excessive
71. Answer: (d)

Retribution
72. Answer: (c)

Brawl
73. Answer: (c)

Everlasting
74. Answer: (d)

Sluggishness
75. Answer: (b)

Pretend
76. Answer: (a)

Spiritually symbolic
77. Answer: (b)

Severe
78. Answer: (b)

Given to deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others
79. Answer: (c)

Sticking together
80. Answer: (c)

Repeat
81. Answer: (a)

Reimburse
39
82. Answer: (d)

Soft
83. Answer: (b)

Impede
84. Answer: (a)

Dilute
85. Answer: (a)
86. Answer: (c)

Noxious
87. Answer: (d)

Wastefulness
88. Answer: (c)

Simple
89. Answer: (d)

Humble
90. Answer: (d)

Involuntary
91. Answer: (a)

Fact
92. Answer: (a)

Evil
93. Answer: (a)

Inebriated
94. Answer: (c)

Adulterated
95. Answer: (d)

40
Succumb
96. Answer: (a)

Sufficient
97. Answer: (a)

Usual
98. Answer: (b)

Credible
99. Answer: (b)

Impotence
100. Answer: (d)

Salubrious
GRAMMAR
101. Answer: (d)

Reserve
102. Answer: (d)

Energy
103. Answer: (a)

Bridge
104. Answer: (c)

A letter was being written by Mohan to her father
105. Answer: (d)

We are taught Grammar by him
106. Answer: (a)

Are others imitated by you?
107. Answer: (d)

I saw the rehearsal being conducted by him
41
108. Answer: (c)

Get someone to break the box
109. Answer: (e)
110. Answer: (a)
111. Answer: (c)
112. Answer: (a)

The sage said that God helps those who help themselves
113. Answer: (d)

She begged me not to go away.
114. Answer: (d)

He wondered where he would be that time the following year.
115. Answer: (d)

Legislature
116. Answer: (d)

Universal
117. Answer: (c)

Pace
118. Answer: (c)

Was no place to stand
119. Answer: (a)

She wears spectacle
120. Answer: (b)

great talent in keeping
121. Answer: (b) Ram’s and Sita’s house

Write, 'Ram and Sita's' . Only one apostrophe will be used in such case.
42
122. Answer: (b)

no furnitures
123. Answer: (c)

his friend’s Sankar’s house.
124. Answer: (a)

A strong breeze
125. Answer: (c)

Haves and Haves not
126. Answer: (c)

Because it was in the wrong gears
127. Answer: (c)

pages after pages of the Bible
128. Answer: (a)

All the furnitures have been
129. Answer: (c)

at
130. Answer: (a)

Since
131. Answer: (d)

No preposition Needed
132. Answer: (b)

To
133. Answer: (c)

While
134. Answer: (d)

Jumping
135. Answer: (c) Inundated.

43
Meaning: Bargained - to negotiate for something, Inundated - covered with water, Groove - a
channel or narrow cut making a channel, Clustered - collected
The second clause of the sentence describes the sentence to be of simple past tense. With this,
two options “restricts and groove” where verb is in its basic form, get cancelled. The verb
showing action for flood water can’t be bargained. The sentence shows the movement of flood
water in rivers. Thus, only “Inundated” can be the answer as it defines agricultural fields filled
with water.
136. Answer: (d)

Metamorphosis
137. Answer: (b)

Where to sit
138. Answer: (d)

Who is which
139. Answer: (c)

Back on
140. Answer: (b)

Risk
141. Answer: (c)

Good
142. Answer: (d)

Impatient
143. Answer: (b)

Cement
144. Answer: (b)

Excited
145. Answer: (a)

Advise
146. Answer: (a)

Wants
44
147. Answer: (d)

at
148. Answer: (b)

For
149. Answer: (a)

at
150. Answer: (d) antebellum

Antebellum means belonging to the period before a war, especially the American Civil War.
151. Answer: (b)

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1

1. The narrator describes the pigeon as a ‘revolting bird’ because:

2. If Quasimodo had parents, he would have:

3. We know that Quasimodo was always eager to go on walks because:

4. Quasimodo considered the human beings cruel when:

5. The word ‘unorthodox’ means:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

6. The narrator remembering an episode of his childhood is now:

7. His regret, at that time, was that:

8. He asked his father as to:

10. The verb form of ‘explanation’ is:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

11. The latest medical tragedy AIDS affects:

12. AIDS is caused by a virus known as:

13. The only way to be away from AIDS is:

14. What should be concerned in transfusion of blood is:

15. The word ‘disposable’ here means:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

16. In India daily about 2200 people die:

17. It is difficult to give up smoking because:

20. The noun form of ‘preventable’ is

Reading Comprehension Practice:

21. Most of young children have an internal drive:

22. When the students compare themselves with their peers:

24. Some games prepare the children for:

25. The adjective form of ‘promote’ is:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

27. A short middle-aged man was accused of:

29. The man facing the trial was guilty because:

30. The word ‘accused’ here means:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

31. In nature, one of the loveliest sounds is:

32. When wild birds migrate at night, they cry out:

(b) To keep the birds together

33. We human beings use words:

34. Birds don’t learn their language as:

35. The noun form of ‘mocking is:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

36. The elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight

39. The underlying message in the story is:

40. The noun form of ‘angry’ is:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

41. Lasso Biro, the inventor of bail-point pen was:

42. As an editor, Biro’s job was to:

44. Ball-point pen’s first market sale was organized in:

45. The noun form of ‘compose’ is:

Reading Comprehension Practice:

46. It is a distant dream for all of us ____________

47. The security guards for the flowers are __________

48. Thorns are an integral part of a rose plant. (True/False)

49. Nature always leads people into challenging situations. (True/False)

50. People who are born in ___________ have a problem-free life.

51. People hanker after ___________ peace.

WORD ASSOCIATION (SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS)

54. Choose the correct synonym of the given word:

55. Choose the correct synonym of the given word:

56. Choose the correct synonym of the given word: