Corporation Bank Probationary Officers Exam. - 2011

English Language 

(Exam Held on 16-1-2011)

Directions—(Q. 1 to 5) Rearrange the following five sentences (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them—
(1) “What is waste of my tax money”, I thought, walking past the people having free Californian Chardonnay.
(2) “Speak to her”, he said, “She's into books”.
(3) The friend who had brought me there noticed my noticing her.
(4) In late 2003, I was still paying taxes in America, so it horrified me that the US Consulate was hosting a “Gallo drinking appreciation event”.
(5) Behind them, a pianist was playing old film tunes, and a slim short woman was dancing around him.

1. Which of the following would be the FOURTH sentence ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (C)

2. Which of the following would be the FIRST sentence ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (D)

3. Which of the following would be the FIFTH (LAST) sentence ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (B)


4. Which of the following would be the SECOND sentence ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (A)

5. Which of the following would be the THIRD sentence ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 6 to15) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which came …(6)… effect in April this year, is meant to transform the education sector and take India closer to the goal of universal schooling. But with admissions to the new academic session just …(7)… the corner, it is fast becoming clear that …(8)… well-intentioned ideas into …(9)… will take some doing. For a start, the guidelines for admissions under the RTE prohibit schools from conducting any sort of student profiling. The stress on a random yet justifiable admission process means that schools will have to resort to something as quirky as a lottery system. However, leaving admission to a good school to pure …(10)… will only incentives manipulations, defeating the very essence of RTE.

The main problem facing the education sector is that of a resource crunch. The provisions for ensuring universal access to education are all very well, …(11)… we have the infrastructure in place first. Brick and mortar schools need to precede open admission and not the …(12)… way around. In that sense, legislators' assessment of ground realities is …(13)… target when they endorse the closure of tens of thousands of lowcost private schools for not meeting the minimum standards of land plot, building specifications and playground area as laid out in the RTE Act. Instead of bearing down …(14)… on private schools for failing to conform to abstract bureaucratic criteria, efforts to bring about universal education should focus on upgrading and expanding the existing government school infrastructure to accommodate all. Only then can we ensure the much-needed supply-demand …(15)… in the education sector.

6. (A) with
(B) for
(C) on
(D) into
(E) in
Ans : (D)

7. (A) around
(B) near
(C) into
(D) about
(E) reaching
Ans : (A)

8. (A) forming
(B) translating
(C) having
(D) taking
(E) framing
Ans : (B)

9. (A) affect
(B) ideas
(C) practice
(D) concept
(E) procedure
Ans : (C)

10. (A) benefit
(B) merit
(C) chance
(D) basis
(E) method
Ans : (C)

11. (A) unless
(B) until
(C) executed
(D) provided
(E) exercised
Ans : (D)

12. (A) other
(B) any
(C) two
(D) differ
(E) after
Ans : (A)

13. (A) on
(B) of
(C) often
(D) taken
(E) off
Ans : (E)

14. (A) soft
(B) more
(C) less
(D) only
(E) hard
Ans : (D)

15. (A) need
(B) equilibrium
(C) expectation
(D) attempt
(E) aspects
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 16 to 25) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.)

16. The President has denied (A) / that the economy is in recession (B) / or was go into one (C) / despite a spate of downcast reports. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

17. The angry at being (A) / left out of the bonanza (B) / is palpable among (C) / employees of the organization. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)

18. His comments came after (A) / the research group said that its (B) / consumer confidence index were (C) / slumped to its lowest level. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

19. If all goes well, (A) / the examination scheduled for next month (B) / is all set to be completely free (C) / from annoying power cuts and disruptions. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

20. There are just too few trains (A) / for the ever-grow (B) / number of passengers (C) / in the city. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

21. The buzz at the party was (A) / that a famous (B) / filmstar and politician, would (C) / probable drop by for a while. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

22. The Opposition disrupted proceedings (A) / in both Houses of Parliament (B) / for the second consecutive day (C) / above the plight of farmers in the country. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

23. In response to the growing crisis, (A) / the agency is urgently asking for (B) / more contributions, to make up for (C) / its sharp decline in purchasing power. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)

24. The tennis player easy through (A) / the opening set before her opponent, (B) / rallied to take the final two sets (C) / for the biggest victory of her young career. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

25. Aggression in some teenage boys (A) / may be linkage to overly (B) / large glands in their brains, (C) / a new study has found. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 26 to 35) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

A new analysis has determined that the threat of global warming can still be greatly diminished if nations cut emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 70% this century. The analysis was done by scientists at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). While global temperatures would rise, the most dangerous potential aspects of climate change, including massive losses of Arctic sea ice and permafrost and significant sea-level rise, could be partially avoided.

“This research indicates that we can no longer avoid significant warming during this century,” said NCAR scientist Warren Washington, the study paper's lead author, “But, if the world were to implement this level of emission cuts, we could stabilize the threat of climate change”, he added." Average global temperatures have warmed by close to 1 degree Celsius since the pre-industrial era. Much of the warming is due to human-produced emissions of greenhouse gases, predominantly carbon dioxide. This heat-trapping gas has increased from a pre-industrial level of about 284 parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere to more than 380 ppm today. With research showing that additional warming of about 1 degree C may be the threshold for dangerous climate change, the European Union has called for dramatic cuts in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

To examine the impact of such cuts on the world's climate, Washington and his colleagues ran a series of global studies with the NCAR - based Community Climate System Model (CCSM). They assumed that carbon dioxide levels could be held to 450 ppm at the end of this century. In contrast, emissions are now on track to reach about 750 ppm by 2100 if unchecked. The team's results showed that if carbon dioxide were held to 450 ppm, global temperatures would increase by 0.6 degrees Celsius above current readings by the end of the century. In contrast, the study showed that temperatures would rise by almost four times that amount, to 2.2 degrees Celsius above current readings, if emissions were allowed to continue on their present course. Holding carbon dioxide levels to 450 ppm would have other impacts, according to the climate modelling study.

Sea-level rise due to thermal expansion as water temperatures warmed would be 14 centimetres (about 5.5 inches) instead of 22 centimetres (8.7 inches). also, Arctic ice in the summertime would shrink by about a quarter in volume and stabilize by 2100, as opposed to shrinking at least three-quarters and continuing to melt, and Arctic warming would be reduced by almost half.

26. Why has the European Union called for dramatic cuts in carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions ?
(A) As global warming is not an issue of concern
(B) As the temperatures may rise almost by an additional one degree and this may lead to severe climate change
(C) As the NCAR has forced the European Union to announce the cuts
(D) As all the nations have decided to cut emissions of carbon dioxide
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

27. What would not be one of the impacts of cutting greenhouse gas emissions ?
(A) Temperatures will stop soaring
(B) Ice in the Arctic sea would melt at a slower pace
(C) The rise in sea level would be lesser
(D) All of the above would be the impact
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)

28. What would be the impact of unchecked greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions ?
(A) The temperature would rise from the current temperature by 2.2 degrees Celsius
(B) The sea-level would rise by about 5.5 inches
(C) The arctic ice would stabilize by 2100
(D) The arctic ice would reduce by one-fourth
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)

29. What can be the most appropriate title of the above passage ?
(A) A study of the rise in water level
(B) A study of rise in temperatures
(C) A study of the effects of greenhouse gas emissions
(D) A study of the Arctic region
(E) A study of change in seasons
Ans : (C)

30. Which of the following statements is true in context of the passage ?
(A) At present the carbon dioxide emission is about 284 ppm
(B) The carbon dioxide emissions will be about 450 ppm at the end of this century if unchecked
(C) The carbon dioxide emission was about 380 ppm during the pre-industrial era
(D) The carbon dioxide emissions will be about 750 ppm at the end of this century if unchecked
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

31. What does the scientist Warren Washington mean when he says “we could stabilize the threat of climate change” ?
(A) Climate change can be stopped completely
(B) Climate change can be regularized
(C) Climate change and its effects can be studied extensively
(D) The ill-effects of the change in climate can be minimized
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)

32. Why did Washington and his colleagues conduct a series of studies ?
(A) Because they realized that the temperature increase was almost about 1 degree
(B) So that they could stabilize the climate change
(C) So that they could help the European Union in cutting the carbon dioxide emissions
(D) Because they found out that the greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by 70%
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)

33. What would be the impact of holding the carbon dioxide level at 450 ppm at end of this century ?
(1) Global temperatures would increase by 0.6 degrees Celsius.
(2) Arctic warming would be reduced by half.
(3) Thermal expansion will stop completely.
(A) Only (1)
(B) Only (1) and (2)
(C) Only (2) and (3)
(D) All the three (1), (2) and (3)
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 34 to 37) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage—

34. DRAMATIC
(A) unprecedented
(B) thrilling
(C) spectacular
(D) effective
(E) feeble
Ans : (D)

35. SHRINK
(A) contract
(B) physician
(C) wither
(D) shrivel
(E) reduce
Ans : (E)

36. PREDOMINANTLY (A) clearly
(B) aggressively
(C) mainly
(D) firstly
(E) faintly
Ans : (C)

37. MASSIVE
(A) tall
(B) tough
(C) total
(D) little
(E) severe
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 38 to 40) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

38. SIGNIFICANT
(A) substantial
(B) miniscule
(C) incoherent
(D) unimportant
(E) irrelevant
Ans : (D)

39. OPPOSED
(A) resistant
(B) against
(C) favouring
(D) similar
(E) agree
Ans : (D)

40. DIMINISHED
(A) created
(B) rose
(C) increased
(D) lessen
(E) finished
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 41 to 45) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and no correc tion is required, mark (E) as the answer.

41. Although scared of heights, she gather all her courage and stood a top the 24-storey building to participate in the activities.
(A) gathered all her courage
(B) gathered all courageous
(C) gather all courageous
(D) is gathered all courage
(E) No correction required
Ans : (A)

42. Naturally, with everything gone so well for them, it was time for celebration.
(A) go so well
(B) going so well
(C) gone as well
(D) going as well
(E) No correction required
Ans : (B)

43. The ban was imposed by the state's commercial taxes department last Friday after protests by a certain community, which had threat to burn cinema halls screening the controversial movie.
(A) had threats of burning
(B) had threated to burn
(C) had threatened to burn
(D) had threatened to burning
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)

44. Rakesh, an avid football player who captained his team in school and college, will inaugurate the match tomorrow in Pune.
(A) will be inaugurate
(B) is inauguration
(C) will inaugurating
(D) is inaugurate
(E) No correction required
Ans : (E)

45. At a musical night organized for them, the artistic side of the doctors came as forward, as they sang beautifully and made the evening truly memorable.
(A) come forward
(B) come to the fore
(C) came to the forth
(D) came to the fore
(E) No correction required
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 46 to 50) Each question below has two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words for each blank which best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

46. Behaving in a …… and serious way, even in a …… situation, makes people respect you.
(A) calm, difficult
(B) steady, angry
(C) flamboyant, tricky
(D) cool, astounding
(E) silly, sound
Ans : (A)

47. Alongwith a sharp rise in ……, a recession would eventually result in more men, women, and children, living in ……
(A) crime, apathy
(B) fatalities, poor
(C) deaths, slums
(D) unemployment, poverty
(E) migrations, streets
Ans : (D)

48. The government has …… to provide financial aid to the ones …… by severe floods in the city.
(A) desired, troubled
(B) promised, havoc
(C) failed, affected
(D) wanted, struck
(E) decided, ill
Ans : (C)

49. An airplane with …… passengers on board made an unscheduled …… as the airport to which it was heading was covered with thick fog.
(A) irritable, slip
(B) faulty, stop
(C) variety, halt
(D) tons, wait
(E) numerous, landing
Ans : (C)

50. Deemed universities …… huge fees, but have not been successful in providing …… education to our students.
(A) collect, maintaining
(B) pay, better
(C) ask, good
(D) charge, quality
(E) demand, quantitative
Ans : (D)

Oriental Bank of Commerce Clerk Exam. Solved Paper - 2011

English
(Exam Held on 9-1-2011)
(Second Shift)


Directions—(Q. 1-15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.

A fisherman, enfeebled with age, could no longer go out to sea so he began fishing in the river. Every morning he would go down to the river and sit there fishing the whole day long. In the evening he would sell whatever he had caught, buy food for himself and go home. It was a hard life for an old man. One hot afternoon while he was trying to keep awake and bemoaning his fate, a large bird with silvery feathers alighted on a rock near him. It was Kaha, the heavenly bird. “Have you no one to care for you, grandpa ?” asked the bird. “Not a soul.” “You should not be doing such work at your age, ” said the bird. “From now on I will bring you a big fish every evening. You can sell it and live in comfort.” True to her word, the bird began to drop a large fish at his doorstep every evening. All that the fisherman had to do was take it to the market and sell it. As big fish were in great demand, he was soon rolling in money. He bought a cottage near the sea, with a garden around it and engaged a servant to cook for him. His wife had died some years earlier. He had decided to marry again and began to look for a suitable woman.

One day he heard the royal courtier make an announcement. Our king has news of a great bird called Kaha,” said the courtier. “Whoever can give information about this bird and help catch it, will be rewarded with half the gold in the royal treasury and half the kingdom !” The fisherman was sorely tempted by the reward. Half the kingdom would make him a prince !

“Why does the king want the bird ?” he asked. “He has lost his sight,” explained the courtier. “A wise man has advised him to bathe his eyes with the blood of Kaha. Do you know where she can be found ?” “No…I mean …no, no…” Torn between greed and his sense of gratitude to the bird, the fisherman could not give a coherent reply. The courtier, sensing that he knew someting about the bird, informed the king. The king had him brought to the palace.

“If you have information about the bird, tell me,” urged the king. “I will reward you handsomely and if you help catch her, I will personally crown you king of half my domain.” “I will get the bird for you,” cried the fisherman, suddenly making up his mind. “But Kaha is strong. I will need help.” The king sent a dozen soldiers with him. That evening when the bird came with the fish, the fisherman called out to her to wait. “You drop the fish and go and I never get a chance to thank you for all that you’ve done for me,”he said. “Today I have laid out a feast for you inside. Please alight and come in.” Kaha was reluctant to accept the invitation but the fisherman pleaded so earnestly that she finally gave in, and alighted. The moment she was on the ground, the fisherman grabbed one of her legs and shouted to the soldiers hiding in his house to come out. They rushed to his aid but their combined effort could not keep Kaha down.

She rose into the air with the fisherman still clinging onto her leg. By the time he realised he was being carried away, the fisherman was too high in the air to let go. He hung on grimly, and neither he nor Kaha were ever seen again.

1. Why was the king desperately looking for Kaha the bird ?
(A) The king wanted a pet bird.
(B) A wise man advised the king to capture the bird for good luck.
(C) Kaha was the only heavenly bird with silvery feathers.
(D) The king was blind and required Kaha’s blood for his eyes.
(E) Kaha was known to be the greatest bird alive.
Ans : (D)

2. Why did the bird volunteer to bring fish for the old man ?
(A) The old man was inexperienced at fishing.
(B) The bird took pity on the old man and wanted to help him.
(C) The bird had caught more fish than required.
(D) The bird wanted to make the old man rich.
(E) The bird had heard the old man bemoaning his fate.
Ans : (B)

3. What led the courtier to sense that the fisherman might know something about Kaha ?
(A) The courtier had observed Kaha alight at the fisherman’s house every evening.
(B) The courtier had seen the fisherman talk to Kaha.
(C) The fisherman fumbled when asked about Kaha.
(D) Word went around that the fisherman was in contact with Kaha.
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)


4. Which of the following cannot be said about the royal courtier ?
(1) He was a very observant man.
(2) He was jealous of the old fisherman.
(3) He had informed the king about the fisherman.
(A) Only (1)
(B) Only (2)
(C) Only (3)
(D) Only (1) and (3)
(E) Only (2) and (3)
Ans : (B)

5. What could be an appropriate title for the story ?
(A) A Fish a Day
(B) The Lonely fisherman
(C) Kaha the Silvery feathered bird
(D) The Blind King
(E) The Ungrateful old fisherman
Ans : (E)

6. Which of the following is not true about Kaha ?
(A) Kaha was a very considerate bird.
(B) The blood of Kaha was precious.
(C) Kaha was a strong bird.
(D) Kaha flew away alongwith the old fisherman.
(E) Kaha saved the fisherman from the King’s wrath.
Ans : (E)

7. Why did the fisherman stammer when asked if he knew about the bird ?
(A) The fisherman thought he was going to be punished for living off the bird.
(B) He was thrilled he would be able to help the king.
(C) He already knew about the reward that was being offered.
(D) He was conflicted between the king’s reward and his gratitude towards the bird.
(E) The fisherman was faced with a very unexpected question by a royal courtier.
Ans : (D)

8. How did the fisherman get Kaha to come down ?
(1) The fisherman told Kaha that the King was impressed by her kindness and wanted to meet her.
(2) The fisherman invited Kaha to live in his house as he was a lonely man and wanted company.
(3) The fisherman invited Kaha to his house for a feast in order to thank her for everything.
(A) Only (1)
(B) Only (2)
(C) Only (3)
(D) Only (2) and (3)
(E) Only (1) and (3)
Ans : (C)

9. What does the phrase ‘rolling in money’ as highlighted in the passage refer to ?
(A) To have a large amount of money.
(B) To have just enough of money.
(C) To live a life that is not affordable.
(D) To live off someone else.
(E) To be self-sufficient.
Ans : (A)

10. Why was the fisherman doubtful about revealing information about Kaha to the courtier ?
(A) He did not want to lose Kaha.
(B) Kaha was his source of income.
(C) He was worried about his supply of fish.
(D) He had heard that kaha was going to be killed for her blood.
(E) Kaha had asked the fisherman not to tell anyone about her whereabouts.
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. Aid
(A) Health
(B) Help
(C) Support
(D) Freedom
(E) Mercy
Ans : (B)

12. Sorely
(A) Happily
(B) Painfully
(C) Gainfully
(D) Greatly
(E) Primarily
Ans : (D)

13. Torn
(A) Conflicted
(B) Alarmed
(C) Frightened
(D) Strained
(E) Frayed
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 14-15) Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the words/printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. Alight
(A) Settle
(B) Take off
(C) Come by
(D) Rest
(E) Free
Ans : (B)

15. Grabbed
(A) Caught
(B) Released
(C) Secured
(D) Loosened
(E) Held
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 16–25) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E) i.e., ‘No Error’. (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any).

16. Removing seeds from (A) / cotton plants was (B) / a slowest job until (C) / Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (C)

17. India is a land of (A) / great political leaders (B) / who ruled the country effectively (C) / and also by protecting its national interest . (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (D)

18. The climbers will try again (A) / to reach the summit of the mountain, (B) / their chances of doing so are (C) / more better than they were last week. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (D)

19. Most birds sings (A) / only in daylight, (B) / one notable exception (C) / being the nightingale. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (A)

20. In the eve of the election (A) / there was heavy (B) / political security (C) / in the state. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (A)

21. The teacher thought (A) / the children would (B) / be happy for (C) / clearing away their toys. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (C)

22. Neither Alice or Mary remembers (A) / what happened before (B) / the car crashed (C) / into the wall. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (A)

23. This is the woman (A) / that always wears (B) / a black shawl (C) / to work. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (B)

24. Many leading members (A) / of the opposition party (B) / has tried to justify (C) / their decisions. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (C)

25. The view of (A) / the manufacturing and (B) / tourist industries is that (C) / the economy is improving. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and no correction is required, mark (E) as the answer.

26. So successful her business to be, that Marie was able to retire at the age of 50.
(A) So successful her business was
(B) So successful being her business
(C) Her business was so successful
(D) So was her successful business
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)

27. The ship was in mercy of the waves.
(A) To be in mercy of
(B) At the mercy of
(C) Having mercy on
(D) Merciful to
(E) No correction required
Ans : (B)

28. He not to have resigned, we would have been forced to dismiss him.
(A) Had he not
(B) Had not he
(C) He had not
(D) He not had
(E) No correction required
Ans : (A)

29. A wealthy coin collector was eager to pay the huge sum for the coin because it was one kind.
(A) Of one kinds
(B) One of kinds
(C) One of a kind
(D) One of those kinds
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)

30. The thief carried the knife carefully to not cut himself.
(A) So as not to
(B) So not to
(C) Not to
(D) Not in order to
(E) No correction required
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 31–35) In each question below, four words printed in bold type are given. These are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these words printed in bold may either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (E) i.e., ‘All Correct’ as your answer.

31. The economist (A) was hesistant (B) to comment (C) on the government policy. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (B)

32. The king knew (A) that he had definately (B) been wrong about his choice (C) of courtiers. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (B)

33. Statistics (A) are now compulsory (B) for all students taking a cource (C) in engineering. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (C)

34. The caretaker (A) is responsible (B) for the maintainance (C) of the school buildings. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (C)

35. The more scarce (A) any collecteble (B) item is, the higher (C) the price (D) tends to be. All Correct (E)
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 36–40) Rearrange the following six sentences / group of sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
(1) Seeing the dogs and his master running after the fox, the rooster screamed “No ! Don’t come near me !”
(2) A fox sneaked into a farm and grabbed a prize rooster. The farmer saw him raised an alarm.
(3) “My master was very cruel to me” explained the rooster to the fox. “Tell him to stay away from
me.”
(4) The rooster flew up into a tree and stayed there till he was rescued by his master.
(5) The fox was delighted. In the process of shouting to the farmer he released his hold over the rooster.
(6) Soon the farmer and his dogs started chasing the fox. The fox, was holding the rooster in his mouth, and was running very fast.

36. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 5
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 6
Ans : (D)

37. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 3
(B) 4
(C) 6
(D) 2
(E) 5
Ans : (E)

38. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 4
(C) 6
(D) 3
(E) 2
Ans : (E)

39. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 4
(B) 3
(C) 2
(D) 1
(E) 6
Ans : (B)

40. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 6
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Haria, a poor barber lived alone in his small hut. He was …(41)… to his work and whatever he earned was enough to fulfil his needs. One evening, after returning from work, Haria was hungry. Just as he was …(42)… what he could cook for dinner he heard a hen clucking outside his hut. “That hen would make a great feast for me,” thought Haria and prepared to catch the hen. With a little effort he …(43)… in catching the hen and as he was about to kill the hen, it squeaked, “Please do not kill me, Oh kind man ! I will help you.” Haria stopped. …(44)… he was surprised that the hen spoke, he asked, “How can you help me ?” “If you …(45)… my life, I will lay a golden egg for you everyday,” said the hen.

Haria’s eyes …(46)… in delight. Haria was surprised to hear this promise. “A golden egg ! That too everyday ! But why should I believe you ? You might be lying,” said Haria. “If I do not lay a golden egg tomorrow, you can kill me,” said the hen. After this promise, Haria spared the hen and …(47)… for the next day.

The next morning. Haria found a golden egg …(48)… outside his hut and the hen sitting beside it. “It is true ! You really can lay a golden egg !” exclaimed Haria with great delight. He did not …(49)… this incident to any one, …(50)… that others would catch the hen.

41. (A) dedicated
(B) devote
(C) enthusiastic
(D) good
(E) engrossed
Ans : (A)

42. (A) feeling
(B) sounding
(C) dreaming
(D) plotting
(E) wondering
Ans : (E)

43. (A) quit
(B) surrendered
(C) succeeded
(D) won
(E) managed
Ans : (C)

44. (A) Finally
(B) Though
(C) Since
(D) As
(E) Because
Ans : (D)

45. (A) forgive
(B) leave
(C) give
(D) spare
(E) consume
Ans : (D)

46. (A) exclaimed
(B) dazed
(C) open
(D) awakened
(E) widened
Ans : (E)

47. (A) remembered
(B) starved
(C) waited
(D) rejoiced
(E) looked
Ans : (C)

48. (A) lying
(B) forlorn
(C) presented
(D) hiding
(E) secluded
Ans : (A)

49. (A) seek
(B) say
(C) narrates
(D) reveal
(E) hide
Ans : (D)

50. (A) fearing
(B) selfish
(C) concerning
(D) citing
(E) alarmed
Ans : (A)

Central Bank of India P.O. Exam. Solved Paper- 2010

English Language
(Exam Held on 25-7-2010)

Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the question.

A few weeks ago, a newspaper article quoted a well known scientist saying, “IT has destroyed Indian science”. One can speculate about the various ways in which the growth of the IT sector and other similar knowledge industries such as biotechnology has led to a decline in basic scientific research in India.

The most obvious reason is money; pay scales in IT and BT are much higher than one can aspire to in academia. The argument goes : why should a bright B. Tech. or M.Sc. student enroll in a Ph.D. programme when she can make a lot more money writing code ? Not only does a fresh IT employee make a lot more than a fresh M.Tech. student, her pay will rise much faster in IT than in academia. A professor’s pay at a government-run university, even after the Sixth Pay Commission, tops out at far less than a senior executive's salary in a major industry.

Second, the social status of IT and BT jobs equal or even exceed the social status of corresponding academic positions, since they are seen as knowledge industries, which plays to best and worst instincts of the societal order. As quintessential white collar professions, neither do they compel a successful entrepreneur to resort to violence and corruption, nor do they demand any physical labour. Unlike real estate or road construction, it is felt that IT workers can become rich while staying honest and sweat-free.

Assuming that the labour pool for academia and IT is roughly the same, the difference in our collective preferences biases the labour market towards IT and away from academia. Further, when the imbalance between IT and academia continues for years and even decades, a destructive loop, from academia’s point of view, is created. When our best and brightest take IT jobs over academic ones for a decade or more, faculty positions in our universities and research centres are no longer filled by the best candidates.

As faculty quality goes down, so does the capacity to train top-class graduate students who, after all, are teachers in training. In response to decreasing faculty quality, even those students who would otherwise choose an academic profession, decide to join industry or go abroad for their studies. These foreign trained graduates prefer to come back to corporate India—if at all they do come back—and the downward cycle replicates itself in each generation. In other words, academia is trapped within a perfect storm created by a combination of social and economic factors.

In this socio-economic calculus, the members of our societal classes should prefer an IT job to an academic one. Or, to put it another way, the knowledge economy, i.e., the creation of knowledge for profit, trumps the knowledge society, i.e., the creation of knowledge for its own sake or the sake of the greater good. As is said, “knowledge is power, but money is even more power.” Perhaps the scientist was alluding to this victory of capitalism over the pursuit of pure knowledge when he accused IT of having a negative influence on Indian science.

Surely, knowledge has become a commodity like any other and as a result, knowledge workers are like any other labourers, who will sell their wares to the highest bidder. One solution is to accept and even encourage the commoditization of knowledge; if so, Indian universities and research centres should copy their western counterparts by becoming more and more like corporations. These centres of learning should convert themselves into engines of growth. In this logic, if we increase academic salaries and research grants to match IT paycheques we will attract good people into academia, where, in any case, it is rumoured that a certain elusive feeling called ‘the quality of life’ is better.

1. According to the passage, what did the scientist actually mean when he said, “IT has destroyed Indian Science ?”
(A) The centres meant for Scientific research are being utilized by IT industries
(B) The IT industry does not employ people pursuing higher studies
(C) As information is readily available on the internet because of IT, there is no need to seek further information
(D) IT has distorted the truth as stated by Indian science
(E) The desire for money has overshadowed the search for knowledge
Ans : (B)

2. Which of the following is possibly the most appropriate title for the passage ?
(A) Is the Future of IT Bright ?
(B) The IT Industry and the World Economy
(C) Research and Academics – Losing the Battle Against IT
(D) Scientific Research and the Need for Well – Trained Faculty
(E) Information Technology and its Advantages
Ans : (C)

3. Why does the author say that knowledge has become a commodity ?
(A) As it is no longer desirable in any professional field
(B) As there are too many educational institutes in the country which do not provide quality education
(C) As knowledge is now available easily as compared to the past
(D) As knowledgeable people sell their services for the highest price possible
(E) Like commodities knowledge too becomes stale after a certain period
Ans : (D)


4. What, according to the author, is a destructive loop ?
(A) Many people quit their existing jobs to work in the IT industry which in turn leads to the downfall of the other industries
(B) The fact that the best minds do not want to become teachers and this in turn leads to good students seeking knowledge elsewhere
(C) The fact that people working in the IT industry do not pursue higher studies which in turn leads to the deterioration in quality of employees
(D) The unending use of resources by the IT industry leading to a dearth of resources in the country
(E) Less grants are being provided by the Government to academic institutes which in turn leads to poor quality students joining the same
Ans : (C)

5. Which of the following mentioned below is/are the author’s suggestion/s to promote interest in Indian academia ?
(1) Research centres should adopt the corporate culture as is done in the West
(2) Lessening the number of research grants given
(3) Making academic salaries equivalent to those paid in IT industries.
(A) Only (3)
(B) Only (1)
(C) Only (2) and (3)
(D) Only (1) and (3)
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)

6. Which of the following is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(1) It is believed that the quality of life is better when pursuing scientific research
(2) People currently seek knowledge only for the greater good of the society.
(3) Money is not perceived to be as powerful as knowledge.
(A) Only (1) and (3)
(B) Only (2)
(C) Only (1) and (2)
(D) Only (2) and (3)
(E) All (1), (2) and (3)
Ans : (D)

7. Which of the following, according to the author, are factors responsible for the declining interest in scientific research ?
(1) Slower progress of work in research
(2) Lesser monetary compensation in research related activities
(3) Societal perception towards research
(A) Only (1)
(B) Only (3)
(C) Only (2) and (3)
(D) Only (1) and 2)
(E) All (1), (2) and (3)
Ans : (C)

8. Which of the following is true about the perception towards IT jobs as given in the passage ?
(1) They are physically tiring.
(2) They are considered to be managerial level jobs.
(3) They require usage of dishonest means.
(A) Only (2)
(B) Only (1) and (2)
(C) Only (3)
(D) Only (2) and (3)
(E) All (1), (2) and (3) are true
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 9–12) Choose the word/group of words which is MOST SIMILAR in MEANING to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

9. CAPACITY
(A) volume
(B) capability
(C) voltage
(D) quantity
(E) qualification
Ans : (B)

10. ALLUDING
(A) referring
(B) breaking
(C) escaping
(D) imposing
(E) clinging
Ans : (A)

11. SPECULATE
(A) visit
(B) contemplate
(C) remark
(D) argue
(E) regulate
Ans : (B)

12. QUINTESSENTIAL
(A) typical
(B) different
(C) necessary
(D) unique
(E) excellent
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 13–15) Choose the word/group of words which is MOST OPPOSITE in MEANING to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

13. BRIGHT
(A) soft
(B) dark
(C) dull
(D) vivid
(E) dim
Ans : (C)

14. ELUSIVE
(A) definite
(B) happy
(C) mysterious
(D) worthwhile
(E) remarkable
Ans : (A)

15. FRESH
(A) used
(B) stale
(C) tired
(D) experienced
(E) aged
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 16–20) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the word/phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and no correction is required, mark (E) as the answer.

16. The poor Brahmin led a hand to mouthful existence and could use any job which paid him a little—
(A) handful to mouthful existence
(B) hand to mouth existence
(C) handing for mouthful existing
(D) hand and mouth exist
(E) No correction required
Ans : (B)

17. In order earning decent living we need to have a good job which pays a substantial amount of money—
(A) earned decency life
(B) earning decency live
(C) earn a decent living
(D) earned decently life
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)

18. We went to the famous restaurant to eat and were served piped hot food—
(A) served piping hotter
(B) serving pipe hot
(C) served piping hot
(D) serve pipe hotten
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)

19. Akshay considered Suresh a complete pain in the neck as he kept asking baseless questions—
(A) paining in the neck
(B) painless neck
(C) painful necks
(D) pain in necking
(E) No correction required
Ans : (B)

20. I jump through hoop to finish this project in time but was not rewarded adequately—
(A) jumped through hoops
(B) jumping for hooping
(C) jumped on hoop
(D) jumping from hoop
(E) No correction required
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 21–25) Each question below has two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words for each blank which best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

21. Adding to a growing body of research …… cutting back on sweetened beverages it is now found that drinking …… sugary drinks may help lower blood pressure.
(A) for, all
(B) sustaining, increased
(C) against, lesser
(D) behind, more
(E) supporting, fewer
Ans : (E)

22. The blame game for the air tragedy is already in full …… with the authorities involved making attempts to …… for themselves.
(A) sway, defend
(B) view, try
(C) fledged, protect
(D) swing, cover
(E) roll, hide
Ans : (D)

23. The actress, wearing a dark gray suit and open necked shirt, sat …… the proceedings looking nervous throughout, occasionally frowning as her lawyer …… with the judge.
(A) through, spoke
(B) on, argued
(C) for, addressed
(D) with, discussed
(E) along, lectured
Ans : (B)

24. It was an excellent social evening with people from all ……… of life getting a chance to let their hair ………
(A) areas, drop
(B) realms, flow
(C) arena, undone
(D) walks, down
(E) types, loose
Ans : (D)

25. There can be no denying the fact that in sports, star coaches have the …… to get something extra out of their ………
(A) apprehension, work
(B) ability, teams
(C) fear, member
(D) capability, house
(E) desirous, players
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Rearrange the following Six sentence (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them—
(1) It is therefore a contributing factor to the growth of landfills and waterway pollution, both of which are costly and energy intensive to solve.
(2) Making an effort to use those resources and avoid polystyrene ones can help to decrease your environmental impact.
(3) Non-biodegradable essentially means that any polystyrene that makes its way into a landfill will stay there indefinitely, never breaking down and returning to the earth.
(4) Polystyrene, as a product, is very convenient to use, but it has some important effects we should consider when making choices as consumers.
(5) While recycling polystyrene material can cushion the environmental blow of its use, alternatives are available that are created from renewable resources and biodegrade more readily.
(6) For example, while polystyrene has some excellent uses and is, technically, recyclable, it is not a substance that biodegrades.

26. Which of the following should be the LAST (SIXTH) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (B)

27. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 5
(B) 6
(C) 1
(D) 4
(E) 2
Ans : (C)

28. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (D)

29. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
Ans : (E)

30. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 31–40) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any).

31. Sugar-sweetened drinks does not (A) /pose any particular health risk, and (B) / are not a unique risk factor (C) / for obesity or heart disease (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

32. Airline managements should note (A) / that the ultimate passenger unfriendliness (B) / is to have their planes crash (C) / due to the adopted of unsafe procedures (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

33. Celebrating its ten long years (A) / in the industry, a private entertainment channel (B) / announce a series of (C) / programmes at a press conference (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

34. The award ceremony ended (A) / on a note of good cheer (B) / with audiences responding warmly (C) / to its line up of film (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

35. The actress was ordered for (A) / wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet and (B) / submit to random weekly drug testing after (C) / she failed to appear for a court date last week (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

36. Coaches have the advantage of (A) / draw on their personal experiences (B) / and providing their players (C) / with unique inputs (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

37. The actor loves to think (A) / never enjoys stick to one kind of role (B) / and finds it difficult to (C) / fulfil everyone’s expectations (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

38. A major computer security firm urged (A) / the social networking site to set up (B) / an early-warning system after hundreds of users were (C) / hit by a new wave of virus attacks (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)

39. The finding may help doctors (A) / to give more personalised care to patients (B) / and to modify the amount of powerful drugs (C) / administered over their patients (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

40. The actress made a rare appearance (A) / at the party and was (B) / overheard talking in (C) / her next big project (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which ‘fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Hundreds of plants and animals are (…41…) every-day due to deforestation and urbanization, what might happen if this continues in the future ? The last mass extinction of plant and animal species occurred 65 million years ago with the Dinosaurs. In all, five mass extinctions have occurred and scientists (…42…) earth is in the sixth mass extinction. The world as it is now is threatened, including people, who are responsible for earth’s (…43…). Pesticides contaminating water; overharvesting of animals and plants; air pollution; illegal fishing and the clearing of land are direct results of urbanization and deforestation. People have (…44…) and damaged almost half of earth’s land, at a very unsustainable rate.

Global warming is having a serious impact as well. A six-degree Celsius increase in global temperature killed 95% of all species on Earth 251 million years ago. An increase of six-degrees Celsius is forecast this century if a change is not made to (…45…) the damage done to earth. Humans will be one of the 95% of species lost. Noticeable changes of global warming include migration (…46…) and the change in season timings. Migrating birds are migrating earlier, which in turn is causing them to hatch eggs and (…47…) young earlier than they did at the beginning of this century. While this is just the tip of the iceberg, many other (…48…) regarding the extinction of plant and animal species need addressing. It is more important now than ever before to pull our heads out of the sand and make changes for the (…49…) of the earth. Future generations are (…50…), as they are a species as well.

41. (A) killing
(B) alive
(C) born
(D) left
(E) lost
Ans : (E)

42. (A) speak
(B) told
(C) estimation
(D) believe
(E) consider
Ans : (D)

43. (A) shape
(B) development
(C) deterioration
(D) warmth
(E) expansion
Ans : (C)

44. (A) altered
(B) created
(C) produced
(D) made
(E) brought
Ans : (A)

45. (A) void
(B) dissipate
(C) augment
(D) reverse
(E) increase
Ans : (D)

46. (A) delay
(B) birds
(C) slowdown
(D) hasten
(E) acceleration
Ans : (E)

47. (A) spare
(B) bear
(C) destroy
(D) amend
(E) generation
Ans : (B)

48. (A) animals
(B) difficulty
(C) issues
(D) humans
(E) problem
Ans : (C)

49. (A) extinction
(B) better
(C) wealth
(D) stigma
(E) demand
Ans : (B)

50. (A) endangered
(B) threaten
(C) evaluated
(D) living
(E) compared
Ans : (A)

Punjab National Bank Clerk Exam English Solved paper 2010

English Language : Solved Paper(Held on 4-4-2010) 
Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed inbold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Once upon a time, there lived an old lion. The lion, the king of the forest had grown old. He became frail and due to this, he could not hunt for food. With each passing day he became more and more weak. He realized that he would not live for long if it continued like that. He thought how could he arrange for his food ? After pondering over it for quite some time, he decided that he should have an assistant.

The lion thought that a fox would be the best person to handle this position as he was intelligent and clever. He summoned the fox and said, “Dear friend, I have always liked you because you are smart. I want to appoint you as my minister and advise me on all the affairs of the forest”. The old lion also asked the fox, that since he was the king of the forest, he should not have to hunt for his food. With respect to this, the fox’s first duty as minister was to bring him an animal to eat every day. The fox could not refuse the king and accepted the offer.

After the conversation, the fox went out to find an animal for the lion. On the way, he met a fat donkey. He said “My friend, I have got good news for you. You are very lucky. Our king, the lion has chosen you to be his chief minister. He asked me to meet you and inform you about his decision.” The donkey was scared of the lion and said, “I am afraid of the lion. He might kill me and eat me up. Why has he chosen me as his chief minsiter ? I am not even fit enough to be a minster as I am not as intelligent as other animals.” The clever fox laughed and, said, “Dear, you don’t know your great qualities. Our king is dying to meet you. He has chosen you because you are wise, gentle, and hard working. By serving the king, you will be the second most powerful animal of our forest. Imagine, all the other animals will respect you and seek favours from you.” “You must not lose your greatest chance in life.” So, the poor donkey was convinced and got ready to go along with the fox.

In this way, the fox managed to attract the donkey to the lion’s den. When the fox and the donkey approached, the lion was hungrier than ever. But he kept a smiling face and said, “Welcome, my dear friend. Come near me. You are my chief minister.” As the donkey came closer, the lion pounced on him and killed him instantly. The lion thanked the clever fox and was happy to get the food. As the lion sat down to take his meal, the fox said, “Your Majesty, I know you are very hungry but a king must take a bath before his meal”. The lion thought it was a good idea and told the fox to keep a watch on the carcass of the donkey”. The fox silently sat down to keep a watch of the donkey and thought to himslef, “I took all the trouble of getting the donkey here. It is I who deserve the best portion of the meal”. Thus, the fox cut open the head of the donkey and ate up the whole brain. When the lion returned he shouted, “What happened to the donkey’s brain ? I wanted to eat the brain first.” The fox smilingly replied, “Your majesty,
donkeys have no brains. If he had any, he would not have come near a lion at all”.

1. Why did the lion decide to have an assistant for him ?
(A) He was too lazy to hunt for himself
(B) He was old and weak and could not hunt any more
(C) He wanted someone to help him kill the fat donkey
(D) He could not handle the affairs of the forest alone
(E) None of these

2. Why did the lion select the fox as his assistant ?
(A) He had heard that the fox had good hunting skills
(B) He wanted the fox to take over as the king of the forest
(C) The fox had offered to let the lion have his leftovers
(D) He had planned to eat the fox after luring him to become his assistant
(E) None of these

3. Why did the fox say ‘our king is dying to meet you’ to the donkey ?
(A) The king would have died of hunger if the donkey did not meet him
(B) The king desperately wanted the donkey to be his chief minister as he was gentle and hard working
(C) The fox wanted to convince the donkey to come with him to the lion so that the lion could eat him
(D) The king wanted to meet the doneky since all other animals respected the donkey more than the king
(E) None of these

4. Which of the following best describes the donkey ?
(A) Honest
(B) Wicked
(C) Clever
(D) Opportunist
(E) Foolish

5. Which one of the phrases given below the following statement should be placed in the blank space provided so as to make a meaningfully correct sentence in the context of the passage ?
When the lion did not see any brain in the donkey’s head ……….
(A) he spared his life and let him go
(B) he got upset with the fox for having selected such a donkey
(C) he took his decision to make him the chief minister back
(D) the fox explained to him that donekys do not have any brains
(E) None of these



6. What, according to the lion, was the fox’s primary duty as a minister ?
(A) To force all animals to respect their king and seek favours from him
(B) To convince the donkey to become his chief minister
(C) To take over as the king of the forest since the lion had grown too old
(D) To bring him an animal to eat every day
(E) None of these

7. What did the fox do when the lion went to take a bath before having his meal ?
(A) He secretly told the donkey to run away as the lion had planned to kill him
(B) He ate up the donkey’s brain as he had done all the hard work of bringing him to the lion’s den
(C) He held himself responsible for the death of the poor donkey and did not let the lion eat the donkey
(D) He killed the lion with the help of the donkey and became the king of the forest
(E) None of these

8. Which of the following is TRUE in context of the passage ?
(A) Finally, the fox got the best part of the meal
(B) The donkey was appointed as chief minister to the king
(C) The donkey which the fox had brought for the king did not have any brain in his head
(D) The donkey was very intelligent and clever
(E) None is true

9. What did the lion do when he saw the donkey in his den ?
(A) He was impressed by the donkey and made him his chief minister
(B) He ordered the fox to kill him and eat his brain
(C) He went to take a bath before meeting the donkey
(D) He immediately noticed that the donkey did not have any brain
(E) None of these

10. Which of the following is the moral of the story ?
(A) An idle brain is the devil’s workshop
(B) Fools are deaf to wise words
(C) Never believe an enemy’s sweet talks
(D) Morality can be best tested while one has power
(E) One can only lead a horse to water, but not make him drink it

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. POUNCED
(A) Climbed
(B) Grew
(C) Attacked
(D) Plunged
(E) Roared

12. FIT
(A) Healthy
(B) Deserving
(C) Strong
(D) Valuable
(E) Important

13. LOSE 
(A) Misplace
(B) Suffer
(C) Dispose
(D) Defeat
(E) Miss

Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. HANDLE
(A) Mismanage
(B) Drop
(C) Confront
(D) Decline
(E) Uncover

15. FRAIL 
(A) Unhealthy
(B) Massive
(C) Rich
(D) Robust
(E) Civilised

Directions—(Q. 16–25) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is ‘No error’, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.)

16. When I called him yesterday, (A) / he offered to donate (B) / a handsome sum to (C) / the flood relief fund. (D) No error (E)

17. The student which (A) / you had thought (B) / so highly of has (C) / failed to pass the examination. (D) No error (E)

18. Government took strict action (A) / against the doctors on strike (B) / but they refused to (C) / resume to work. (D) No error (E)

19. If a person has been given (A) / diplomatic immunity then he (B) / cannot be arrested on a (C) / foreign land under any circumstance. (D) No error (E)

20. A group of birds (A) / migrate from southern part (B) / of the country to the (C) / Northern part during summer. (D) No error (E)

21. The constable said that (A) / the prisoner seize a (B) / fully loaded gun from a policeman (C) / and shot the prosecutor. (D) No error (E)

22. It will not be possible for you (A) / to catch the train on time (B) / because the nearest railway station (C) / is at ten kilometres away. (D) No error (E)

23. Each of the survivors of the Tsunami (A) (B) / have been offered free (C) / psychological consultation to ease their trauma, / by some of the top consultants. (D) No error (E)

24. Considering about her good credentials, (A) / the manager offered her a job (B) / in his organization (C) / despite the lack of experience. (D) No error (E)

25. Although he has been (A) / winning the elections (B) / all years, this year his popularity (C) / has substantially reduced. (D) No error (E)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Rearrange the following six sentences (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
(a) To their surprise, however, the reward went to a beggar who had contributed only a Rupee instead of a wealthy donor.
(b) He received funds from many people as rich and poor donated generously to his trust.
(c) The man explained that the one Rupee given by the beggar was worth millions of Rupees as that was all the money he possessed and that he had made a much greater sacrifice than others.
(d) During the function everyone waited with bated breath to hear who had made the maximum contribution.
(e) A man went from town to town to collect money for his charitable trust.
(f) On returning he decided to hold a function and reward the person whose contribution had been maximum.

26. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) b
(B) c
(C) d
(D) e
(E) f

27. Which of the following should be the LAST (SIXTH) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) a
(B) c
(C) d
(D) e
(E) f

28. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) b
(B) c
(C) d
(D) e
(E) f

29. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) a
(B) b
(C) c
(D) e
(E) f

30. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) a
(B) b
(C) d
(D) e
(E) f

Directions—(Q. 31–35) In each of the following questions six words are given which are denoted by (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f). By using all the six words, each only once, you have to frame a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence. The correct order of words is the answer. Choose from the five alternatives, the one having the correct order of words and mark it as your answer on the answer-sheet.

31. (a) OTHERS
(b) HER
(c) SHE
(d) MISTAKES
(e) FOR
(f) BLAMES
(A) cfaebd
(B) acfebd
(C) bdacfe
(D) cfdabe
(E) bdafce

32. (a) FINALISE
(b) WE
(c) DETAILS
(d) LATER
(e) THE
(f) WILL
(A) BFEACD
(B) BDCFEA
(C) BDCAEF
(D) ECFDBA
(E) BFAECD

33. (a) UV-RAYS
(b) ABSORBS
(c) THE
(d) LAYER
(e) HARMFUL
(f) OZONE
(A) ACBEFD
(B) CFDBEA
(C) ACBFED
(D) CFBDAE
(E) CBEAFD

34. (a) PRACTISING
(b) SPEECH
(c) SPENT
(d) HIS
(e) HE
(f) HOURS
(A) DBCFEA
(B) DBFCAE
(C) EBCDAF
(D) FACBED
(E) ECFADB

35. (a) TO
(b) AROUND
(c) SEE
(d) THEY
(e) HIM
(f) HATED
(A) DFAECB
(B) DBFAEC
(C) DFCAEB
(D) DFACEB
(E) CEBFAD

Directions—(Q. 36–40) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word, if any, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E), i.e., ‘All correct’ as your answer.

36. A large number of celebrities (A) have joined an NGO involved (B) in the movement for protection (C) of animal writes. (D) All correct (E)

37. The teacher liked the poem (A) so much that she requested (B) Saba to read it allowed (C) to the whole (D) class. All correct (E)

38. Breathe (A) deeply and inhale the sents (B) of Roses and Daisies in the landscaped gardens (C) surrounding (D) my house. All correct (E)

39. As the wind blue (A) harder every minute, (B) people got a fairly (C) good idea that a storm was approaching (D) the town. All correct (E)

40. The family had to bear (A) a leaky sealing (B) throughout the rainy season (C) as they could not afford (D) to get it repaired. All correct (E)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Once upon a time, there lived a sparrow on a banyan tree. She laid her eggs in the nest. One afternoon, a wild elephant came under the tree and in a fit of rage, broke a branch of the tree on which the nest was …(41)…. Unfortunately, all the eggs of the sparrow …(42)… after falling down though the sparrow was saved. The sparrow was full of grief and began weeping for her eggs.

A woodpecker, a close friend of the sparrow, heard her crying and asked her, “Why are you crying, my friend ?” The sparrow said, “The …(43)… elephant has killed my offspring. If you are a true friend of mine, suggest a way-to kill him”. The woodpecker …(44)… her and told her that he knew a fly and she would definitely help them kill the elephant.

Both of them went to seek the help of the fly. The woodpecker said, “A wild elephant has crushed my friend’s eggs. We need your help in killing him.” the fly replied, “One of my friends is a frog. Let us go to him and take his help too”. They went to the frog and …(45)… the whole incident. The frog said, “What can an elephant do before a united crowd like us ? Do what I tell you. Dear Fly, you go to the elephant and hum a sweet tune into his ears. When he closes his eyes in delight, the woodpecker will poke his eyes. This way, he will become …(46)…. When he gets thirsty, he will …(47)… for water. I will go to a marshy land and begin croaking there. …(48)… that there is water, the elephant will come there. He will sink into the marshy area and …(49)….

The next day in the noon, all of them played out the plan and the elephant was killed, as he drowned into a marshy area after being blinded by the woodpecker, when he closed his eyes in response to the music. Thus, the smartness of all the animals enabled the sparrow in taking her …(50)… on the elephant.

41. (A) Born
(B) Built
(C) Grown
(D) Broken
(E) Found

42. (A) Fell
(B) Escaped
(C) Damaged
(D) Survived
(E) Broke

43. (A) Defective
(B) Attacking
(C) Wicked
(D) Poor
(E) Harmless

44. (A) Ignored
(B) Protected
(C) Scolded
(D) Consoled
(E) Defended

45. (A) Said
(B) Informed
(C) Revived
(D) Mention
(E) Narrated

46. (A) Blind
(B) Unseen
(C) Regretful
(D) Sorry
(E) Dead

47. (A) Need
(B) Want
(C) Search
(D) Drink
(E) Demands

48. (A) Recalling
(B) Informed
(C) Sure
(D) Assuming
(E) Accepting

49. (A) Hurt
(B) Die
(C) Fall
(D) Kill
(E) Realise

50. (A) Help
(B) Revenge
(C) Anger
(D) Insult
(E) Fight

Answers :1. (B) 2. (E) 3. (A) 4. (E) 5. (D) 6. (D) 7. (B) 8. (A) 9. (E) 10. (C)
11. (C) 12. (B) 13. (E) 14. (A) 15. (D) 16. (C) 17. (A) 18. (D) 19. (D) 20. (B)
21. (B) 22. (D) 23. (B) 24. (D) 25. (B) 26. (A) 27. (B) 28. (C) 29. (E) 30. (D)
31. (A) 32. (E) 33. (B) 34. (E) 35. (D) 36. (D) 37. (C) 38. (B) 39. (A) 40. (B)
41. (B) 42. (E) 43. (C) 44. (D) 45. (E) 46. (A) 47. (C) 48. (D) 49. (B) 50. (B)