Q1.

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of
words.
Study of science of insects
(a) Entomology
(b) Anthropology
(c) Microbiology
(d) Ecology

Q2. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

Apathy
(a) Interruption
(b) Interest
(c) Ignorance
(d) Sincerity

Q3. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of
words.
One who settles in another country
(a) Resident
(b) Traveller
(c) Immigrant
(d) Refugee

Q4. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the highlighted segment in
the
given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select ‘No substitution required’.
The Taj Mahal is one of the much popular seven wonders of the world.
(a) No substitution required
(b) more
(c) most
(d) much more

Q5. Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word from the given sentence.
Gandhiji considared untouchability to be one of India’s major social ills.
(a) social
(b) considared
(c) major
(d) untouchability

Q6. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Crack someone up
(a) To criticise someone
(b) To force someone to commit a mistake
(c) To make someone angry
(d) To make someone laugh

Q7. Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Captivate
(a) Study
(b) Allure
(c) Envelope
(d) Arrest

Q8. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of
words.
The capacity for being useful for some purpose.
(a) Gain
(b) Desirability
(c) Utility
(d) Aid

Q9. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

Rejoinder
(a) Expedite
(b) Reply
(c) Request
(d) Ordinary

Q10. Select the sentence that has a spelling error.

A- The art of living is learnt easily by those who are positive and optimistic.
B- We can learn a lot about the art of living by having a peep into the lives of great men.
C- The daily routines of these great men dissiminate that they are different.
D- Their unique lifestyles help us learn certain habits and practices that they followed.
(a) We can learn a lot about the art of living by having a peep into the lives of great men.
(b) Their unique lifestyles help us learn certain habits and practices that they followed.
(c) The daily routines of these great men dissiminate that they are different.
(d) The art of living is learnt easily by those who are positive and optimistic.

Q11. Select the correct idiom to replace the highlighted segment in the given sentence.
We should ask Emily to join our team. She is as keen as butter.
(a) as keen as a bee
(b) as keen as salt
(c) as keen as mustard
(d) as keen as sugar

Directions (12-15): In the following questions, a paragraph is given with three blanks
named A, B, and C, followed by six words. You have to choose the most suitable
combination of words among the four alternative options, which will fill the blank
coherently, forming a grammatically correct and contextually meaningful paragraph.

Q12. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said sovereign government _________(A)_________ issues
of credit and liquidity does not _________(B)_________ on the Reserve Bank of India’s
(RBI’s) autonomy and _________(C)_________ things will work out with the central bank in
future.
(i)debarring
(ii)infringe
(iii)flagging
(iv)hoped
(v) disentangled
(vi) imagine

(a) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii)

(b) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(v)
(c) A-(iv), B-(ii), C-(v)
(d) A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(iv)

Q13. Mr. Rajan’s note _________(A)_________ to banking reforms in which he argued that
public sector bank boards are still not _________(B)_________ professionalised and that the
government’s role in deciding board appointments leads to “_________(C)_________
politicisation.”

(i)pertained
(ii) incentivised
(iii)adequately
(iv)inevitable
(v) deplorably
(vi) exclaimed

(a) A-(iii), B-(i), C-(v)

(b) A-(vi), B-(v), C-(iv)
(c) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv)
(d) A-(i), B-(iii), C-(iv)

Q14. In a/an _________(A)_________ decision that will help secure the rights of Internet
users in the country; the Telecom Commission has approved the recommendations of
the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on net neutrality. By
_________(B)_________ steps that call for amendments to access services licences for
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Operators, the Commission has made it
clear that any violation of net neutrality will be _________(C)_________ as a violation of the
licence conditions.

(i) wretched
(ii) attenuated
(iii) accelerates
(iv)vital
(v)endorsing
(vi)treated

(a) A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iv)

(b) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(v)
(c) A-(i), B-(iii), C-(vi)
(d) A-(iv), B-(v), C-(vi)
Q15. Russia 2018 may not, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino _________(A)_________ put it,
have been “the best World Cup ever”, but there is no denying that it was among the
most entertaining. The final was a/an _________(B)_________ of the tournament as a whole:
a thrilling _________(C)_________ featuring surprises, errors, and loads of goals.

(i) untoward
(ii) delicately
(iii) spectacle
(iv) supercilious
(v) artless
(vi) snapshot

(a) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(iv)

(b) A-(ii), B-(vi), C-(iii)
(c) A-(i), B-(v), C-(vi)
(d) A-(ii), B-(iii), C-(v)

Directions (196-200): Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that
follow.
Throughout history, the intricacies of the human mind have been the subject of
fascination and inquiry. From ancient philosophers to modern-day neuroscientists, the
workings of the brain have been studied and analysed in an attempt to unravel its
mysteries. However, despite centuries of research, much remains unknown about the
complexities of human cognition and consciousness. One of the most fascinating aspects
of the human mind is its ability to create and imagine. The human mind has the capacity
to conceptualise and bring into being ideas that were previously unknown or
unimaginable, from artistic expression to scientific discovery. The process of creativity
has captured the attention of scholars and laypeople alike and is both enigmatic and
awe-inspiring. There have been many theories proposed to explain the process of
creativity. Some suggest that it is a purely subconscious process, while others argue that
creativity is a result of conscious effort and intentional problem-solving. Still others
suggest that creativity arises from a combination of conscious and subconscious
processes.
Despite the ongoing debate over the nature of creativity, one thing is clear: it is a
multifaceted and complex phenomenon. Creativity can manifest in a wide range of
human activities, from the creation of art and literature to the development of scientific
theories and inventions. It can occur in both individual and collective contexts and can
be driven by a variety of factors such as curiosity, passion, or the desire for recognition.
Creativity also has the potential to bring about positive change in the world. Throughout
history, creative individuals and groups have used their talents to address social,
political, and environmental challenges, often inspiring others to take action and make a
difference. From the abolitionist movement to the civil rights movement to the
environmental movement, creativity has played a crucial role in promoting social justice
and positive change.
Despite the many benefits of creativity, it is not without its challenges. The process of
creative expression can be fraught with obstacles, from self-doubt and insecurity to
external pressures and constraints. Moreover, not all creative ideas are successful or
well-received, and many artists and innovators face rejection and criticism as they seek
to bring their ideas to fruition.
Despite these challenges, however, the human drive to create and imagine persists.
Individuals and groups continue to harness the power of creativity to make a difference
in the world. From the humblest amateur artist to the most celebrated innovator, the
human capacity for creativity remains one of our greatest strengths and sources of
inspiration.

Q16. Select an appropriate title for the passage.

(a) The Role of the Human Mind in Promoting positive change
(b) The Complexities of Human Cognition
(c) The History of the Human Mind
(d) The Power of Creativity

Q17. What is the main focus of the passage?

(a) The nature of creativity, its benefits and challenges.
(b) The mysteries of the human mind.
(c) The complexities and challenges of cognitive processes.
(d) The nature of fancy and imagination.

Q18. Which of the following factors can drive creativity?

(a) Self-doubt and insecurity
(b) Curiosity and passion
(c) Fancy and imagination
(d) External pressures and constraints

Q19. According to the passage, what is one of the challenges of creative expression?
(a) The absence of external pressures and constraints.
(b) The limited capacity of the human mind.
(c) The lack of appreciation for creative ideas.
(d) The overemphasis on conscious problem-solving.

Q20. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM for the word ‘fraught’
(a) Devoid
(b) Calm
(c) Beset
(d) Tranquil

Solutions

S1. Ans. (a)

Sol. The correct one-word for the given group of words is (a) Entomology.
Entomology is the scientific study of insects.
Meanings of other options:
• Anthropology: The study of humans, their societies, and their cultures.
• Microbiology: The study of microscopic organisms.
• Ecology: The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

S2. Ans. (b)

Sol. The correct antonym of the given word is (b) Interest.
Apathy means lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Synonyms: Indifference, Unconcern, Lethargy, Disinterest.
Antonyms: Interest, Enthusiasm, Concern, Passion.
Meanings of all options:
• Interruption: An act of stopping the continuous progress of an activity or process.
• Ignorance: Lack of knowledge or information.
• Interest: A feeling of wanting to know or learn about something.
• Sincerity: The quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy.

S3. Ans. (c)

Sol. The correct one-word for the given group of words is (c) Immigrant.
An immigrant is a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.
Meanings of other options:
• Resident: A person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis.
• Traveller: A person who is traveling or who often travels.
• Refugee: A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war,
persecution, or natural disaster.

S4. Ans. (c)

Sol. The correct substitution of the highlighted words is (c) most.
 The corrected sentence should be, "The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular
seven wonders of the world."
 The sentence is comparing the popularity of the Taj Mahal with the other seven
wonders of the world.
 To indicate that it is exceptionally popular among them, the superlative form
"most" should be used.
 "Much" and "much more" are not appropriate in this context.

S5. Ans. (b)

Sol. Option (b) is incorrectly spelt word.
Correct spelling is: “considered”.
Meanings of all options:
• Social: Relating to society or its organization.
• Major: Important, serious, or significant.
• Considered: Think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision.
•Untouchability: The practice of ostracizing a group by segregating them from the
mainstream by social custom.

S6. Ans. (d)

Sol. Option (d) is the correct meaning of the given idiom.
Crack someone up: means to make someone laugh.
Example: The comedian's jokes were so funny, they cracked everyone up.

S7. Ans. (b)

Sol. The correct synonym of the given word is (b) Allure.
Captivate means to attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm.
Synonyms: Charm, Fascinate, Enchant, Attract, allure.
Antonyms: Repel, Disgust, Bore, Repulse.
Meanings of all options:
• Stud: The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge.
• Allure: The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating.
• Envelope: A flat paper container with a sealable flap.
• Arrest: Seize (someone) by legal authority and take into custody.

S8. Ans. (c)

Sol. The correct one-word for the given group of words is (c) Utility.
Utility means the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.
Meanings of other options:
• Gain: A thing that is achieved or acquired.
• Desirability: The quality of being wanted or wished for as being attractive, useful, or
necessary.
• Aid: Help, typically of a practical nature.

S9. Ans. (c)

Sol. The correct antonym of the given word is (c) Request.
Rejoinder means a reply, especially a sharp or witty one.
Synonyms: Retort, Riposte, Answer, Reply.
Antonyms: Question, Inquiry, Request, Query.
Meanings of all options:
• Expedite: Make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more
quickly.
• Reply: Say something in response to something someone has said.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Request: Politely or formally ask for.

S10. Ans. (c)

Sol. Option (c) has incorrectly spelt word which is “dissiminate”.
Correct spelling is: “disseminate”.
Disseminate: Spread or disperse (something, especially information) widely.

S11. Ans. (c)

Sol. The correct idiom to replace the highlighted segment is (c) as keen as mustard.
As keen as mustard means very enthusiastic.
Example: She's as keen as mustard to get started on the new project.

S12. Ans. (d)

Sol. The correct word choices for the blanks in the statement by Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley are:
(A) "flagging" fits appropriately as it means to indicate or point out problems, especially
problems like credit and liquidity issues.
(B) "infringe" is the right fit as it means to actively break the terms of a law or
agreement, which in this context means not interfering with the RBI’s autonomy.
(C) "hoped" reflects optimism that future collaboration between the sovereign
government and the RBI will be positive.
Thus, option (d) A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(iv) is the correct answer.

S13. Ans. (d)

Sol. The correct combination to fill the blanks coherently is:
(A) "pertained," which means related to or connected with, is suitable as it shows that
Mr. Rajan’s note is specifically about banking reforms.
(B) "adequately," which means sufficiently or enough, correctly describes that the
professionalization of public sector bank boards has not been sufficient.
(C) "inevitable," which means certain to happen, appropriately concludes the statement
about the consequences of government interference in board appointments.
Thus, option (d) A-(i), B-(iii), C-(iv) is the correct answer.

S14. Ans. (d)

Sol. The words that best complete the statement about the Telecom Commission’s
decision on net neutrality are:
(A) "vital," meaning absolutely necessary or important, correctly describes the nature of
the decision affecting Internet users’ rights.
(B) "endorsing," which means declaring one's public approval or support, fits well as it
indicates the Commission’s support for TRAI’s recommendations.
(C) "treated," which means considered or regarded in a specified way, aligns well with
the legal implications of violating net neutrality.
Therefore, option (d) A-(iv), B-(v), C-(vi) is the correct answer.

S15. Ans. (b)

Sol. The best word choices for filling the blanks in the description of the 2018 FIFA
World Cup are:
(A) "delicately," though somewhat unusual in this context, is used here metaphorically
to suggest a careful or precise approach in phrasing.
(B) "snapshot," which means a brief or detailed look, accurately encapsulates the idea of
the final match representing the overall tournament.
(C) "spectacle," which refers to a visually striking performance or display, aptly
describes the entertaining and lively nature of the final match.
Thus, option (b) A-(ii), B-(vi), C-(iii) is the correct answer.

S16. Ans. (d)

Sol. The correct answer is option (d) "The Power of Creativity."
The passage primarily discusses the nature of creativity, its significance, and the
challenges associated with it. It emphasizes the role of creativity in various
aspects of human life and its potential for positive change. While it touches on
human cognition and the human mind, the central theme revolves around the
concept of creativity.

S17. Ans. (a)

Sol. The correct answer is option (a) "The nature of creativity, its benefits and
challenges." The passage delves into the concept of creativity, exploring its
various aspects, including its enigmatic nature, its manifestation in different
forms, the factors that drive it, and the challenges faced in the process of creative
expression. It also highlights the role of creativity in bringing about positive
change.

S18. Ans. (b)

Sol. The correct answer is option (b) "Curiosity and passion."
The passage mentions that creativity can be driven by a variety of factors such as
curiosity, passion, or the desire for recognition. While self-doubt, insecurity,
external pressures, and constraints are mentioned as challenges to creativity,
they are not described as driving forces.

S19. Ans. (c)

Sol. The correct answer is option (c) "The lack of appreciation for creative ideas."
The passage discusses the challenges faced in the process of creative expression,
including self-doubt, insecurity, external pressures, and constraints. It also
mentions that not all creative ideas are successful or well-received, implying a
lack of appreciation for some creative endeavors.

S20. Ans. (a)

Sol. The correct answer is option (a) "devoid."
 Fraught: means possessing or covered with great numbers or amounts of
something specified.
 The antonym, or opposite, of ‘fraught’ should be a word that conveys the absence
or lack of something.
 Option (a), ‘Devoid,’ means entirely lacking or free from.
 It perfectly fits as an antonym to ‘fraught’ because it conveys a total absence of
something, which is the direct opposite of being filled with something.