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UPSC CDS (I) 2021 — English (Full Question Paper)

Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2021 · Booklet Series A

English — Full Question Paper

120 questions100 marks2 hours−1/3 mark per wrong answerno penalty for unattempted
Spotting ErrorsIdioms and PhrasesComprehensionOrdering of WordsOrdering of SentencesFill in the BlanksAntonymsCloze CompositionSynonymsParts of SpeechCompletion of SentencePreposition and Determiners
Questions 1–10
1.Spotting Errors

He had been doing the job of a physician during the 1990s.

  • (a)He had been doing
  • (b)the job of a physician
  • (c)during the 1990s.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
2.Spotting Errors

He said that he preferred coffee than tea.

  • (a)He said
  • (b)that he preferred
  • (c)coffee than tea.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
3.Spotting Errors

All that glitters are not gold.

  • (a)All that
  • (b)glitters
  • (c)are not gold.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
4.Spotting Errors

A species is considered endangered when it is in a very high risk of extinction in the world.

  • (a)A species is considered
  • (b)endangered when it is
  • (c)in a very high risk of extinction in the world.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
5.Spotting Errors

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fell.

  • (a)Our greatest glory
  • (b)is not in never falling
  • (c)but in rising every time we fell.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
6.Spotting Errors

Language is an essential modes of communication and every language matters in communication.

  • (a)Language is
  • (b)an essential modes of communication
  • (c)and every language matters in communication.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
7.Spotting Errors

The matter was been resolved after long deliberations among the members of the team.

  • (a)The matter was been resolved
  • (b)after long deliberations
  • (c)among the members of the team.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
8.Spotting Errors

Care has been taken to ensure safety and security of the participants in the event.

  • (a)Care has been taken
  • (b)to ensure safety and security
  • (c)of the participants in the event.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
9.Spotting Errors

Indian film industry is considered to be one of the symbol of cultural and social life.

  • (a)Indian film industry
  • (b)is considered to be
  • (c)one of the symbol of cultural and social life.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
10.Spotting Errors

It is still true that the Indian economy is dependent on monsoon.

  • (a)It is still true
  • (b)that the Indian economy
  • (c)is dependent on monsoon.
  • (a)(a)
  • (b)(b)
  • (c)(c)
  • (d)No error
Questions 11–20
11.Idioms and Phrases

Be in eclipse

  • (a)Less successful
  • (b)Feeling happy
  • (c)Very successful
  • (d)Being defeated
12.Idioms and Phrases

Ways and means

  • (a)A technique
  • (b)Methods of achieving something
  • (c)Norms and regulations of doing something
  • (d)Improving one’s way of doing
13.Idioms and Phrases

Up in arms

  • (a)Very happy
  • (b)Very satisfied
  • (c)Very angry
  • (d)Feeling fine
14.Idioms and Phrases

Big ticket

  • (a)Very less
  • (b)Very costly
  • (c)Very easy
  • (d)Not much
15.Idioms and Phrases

Bolt from the blue

  • (a)An event or piece of news which is unexpected
  • (b)Desirable event or news
  • (c)An event which takes place as planned
  • (d)News which has been long expected, but arrives late
16.Idioms and Phrases

Be a law unto yourself

  • (a)Behave unconventional and unpredictable
  • (b)Abide by law and order
  • (c)Ask others to follow the law
  • (d)Create law and order for others
17.Idioms and Phrases

Spiff up

  • (a)To make oneself look neat
  • (b)To make oneself look untidy
  • (c)To make oneself look arrogant
  • (d)To appear on the stage as a baboon
18.Idioms and Phrases

Run wild

  • (a)To run like a wild animal
  • (b)To treat anyone like a wild creature
  • (c)To feel like a wild animal
  • (d)To grow without any control
19.Idioms and Phrases

Wind down

  • (a)To relax after a period of activity
  • (b)To act furiously after a period of silence
  • (c)To speak out the truth to people
  • (d)To act on the ground
20.Idioms and Phrases

Mellow out

  • (a)To feel bad about other’s enjoyment
  • (b)To like and dislike people concurrently
  • (c)To enjoy oneself without doing much
  • (d)To work hard and doing much work
Questions 21–30
21.Comprehension

Why does conventional education make independent thinking extremely difficult?

  • (a)It does not encourage disagreement
  • (b)It does not accept conformity
  • (c)It is not fact based, but problem based
  • (d)It is only religious education
22.Comprehension

Worshipping success leads to

  • (a)questioning the established practices
  • (b)accepting the established practices
  • (c)modifying the established practices
  • (d)neither accepting nor rejecting the established practices
23.Comprehension

Why do most people want to find a quiet corner in life?

  • (a)Because they do not like to be in peace
  • (b)Because they seek pleasure
  • (c)Because they seek comfort
  • (d)Because they do not worship success
24.Comprehension

Which word in the passage means ‘bias’?

  • (a)contrary
  • (b)prejudice
  • (c)uncomprehendingly
  • (d)discontent
25.Comprehension

The word “uncomprehendingly” in the passage means

  • (a)Achieve success
  • (b)Earning money
  • (c)Without knowing
  • (d)With complete knowledge
26.Comprehension

What distance a good number of trees can cover in reducing noise?

  • (a)30 metres
  • (b)60 metres
  • (c)3 metres
  • (d)300 metres
27.Comprehension

Trees can reduce noise only when

  • (a)planted in isolation
  • (b)planted with flowering shrubs
  • (c)they are planted dense
  • (d)planted with shorter ones
28.Comprehension

‘Single layer of trees is worthless as a noise barrier.’ Why?

  • (a)Noise can’t penetrate easily
  • (b)Help in the growth of shrubs
  • (c)Noise is sent back to the source
  • (d)Noise can penetrate easily
29.Comprehension

Higher the trees

  • (a)higher the noise
  • (b)lower the noise
  • (c)greater the decibels
  • (d)thinner the air
30.Comprehension

How do shrubs and tall grass reduce noise?

  • (a)They absorb noise
  • (b)They reflect noise
  • (c)They divert noise
  • (d)They are neutral to noise
Questions 31–40
31.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pconsideration for others
  • Qfor self-gratification
  • Rfreedom does not mean the opportunity
  • Sor the setting aside of
  • (a)SPQR
  • (b)QSPR
  • (c)RPQS
  • (d)RQSP
32.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pof any kind
  • Qto freedom and intelligence
  • Rdomination or compulsion
  • Sis a direct hindrance
  • (a)RPSQ
  • (b)RQPS
  • (c)SPQR
  • (d)QRSP
33.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Penough potassium,
  • Qbanana provides
  • Rfrom various sugars
  • Sand sustained energy
  • (a)PQRS
  • (b)RSQP
  • (c)SQRP
  • (d)QPSR
34.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pof great trouble
  • Qthis is a time
  • Rthe world to the maximum
  • Sas one virus threatens
  • (a)PQSR
  • (b)RSPQ
  • (c)SRQP
  • (d)QPSR
35.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pare of the opinion
  • Qsome archaeologists
  • Rand that everybody enjoyed equal status
  • Sthat Harappan society had no rulers,
  • (a)SPQR
  • (b)QSRP
  • (c)QPSR
  • (d)RPSQ
36.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pin the same locality
  • Qmarriage within a unit
  • Rendogamy refers to
  • Sor a group living
  • (a)QRSP
  • (b)RSPQ
  • (c)QPSR
  • (d)RQSP
37.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pwhen steam engines
  • Qdominated industrialization
  • Rcoal was the main source
  • Sof energy in the initial stages,
  • (a)SPRQ
  • (b)RSPQ
  • (c)PQRS
  • (d)QRSP
38.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pfrom the scientists?
  • Qis the information
  • Rthat comes
  • Show important
  • (a)QSPR
  • (b)QRSP
  • (c)SQRP
  • (d)SPQR
39.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pbrought on by destructive pests
  • Qhumans have suffered
  • Rfrustration and food losses
  • Ssince earliest times,
  • (a)SPQR
  • (b)QRSP
  • (c)SQRP
  • (d)RSQP
40.Ordering of Words

Rearrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R, S) into the correct sentence order.

  • Pmost spectacular gold coins
  • Qsome of the
  • Rthe Gupta rulers in India
  • Swere issued by
  • (a)RSPQ
  • (b)QPSR
  • (c)PQRS
  • (d)SPQR
Questions 41–50
41.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.Man has progressed with science and technology.
  • S6.What was difficult and impossible is now easy and possible.
  • P.He is on the road to conquer other planets.
  • Q.Now with scientific knowledge and technical know-how he has done what was impossible.
  • R.Hitherto he had been backward.
  • S.He has reached the moon.
  • (a)SRQP
  • (b)RPQS
  • (c)RQSP
  • (d)QRSP
42.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.We drink more water during summers.
  • S6.There are variations in weather conditions during different seasons.
  • P.On the other hand in north-eastern states, winters are mild except in the hills.
  • Q.Because in North India, both the sessions have extreme weather conditions.
  • R.School clothes during the summer is different from the winter.
  • S.Why do you wear lighter clothes during summers and heavy woollen clothes during the winter in north India?
  • (a)PSRQ
  • (b)SQPR
  • (c)RSPQ
  • (d)PQRS
43.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.Policy, like many other terms, is a complex concept.
  • S6.Public policy is the outcome of the struggle between government and powerful groups.
  • P.It is form of government control usually expressed in a law, a legislation, a regulation or an order.
  • Q.Public policy is what a government chooses as guidance for action.
  • R.A policy may be general or specific, broad or narrow, simple or complex, public or private, written or unwritten.
  • S.It takes different forms.
  • (a)SRQP
  • (b)SQPR
  • (c)RSPQ
  • (d)PQRS
44.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.The dhoti kurta is a traditional lungi-type garment worn by men in India.
  • S6.Gandhi ji usually wore a simple shawl with his dhoti.
  • P.It is commonly worn with a loose long tunic.
  • Q.This he started wearing after he abandoned his western attire of pants and shirt.
  • R.A dhoti, made of homespun khadi cotton cloth, was the garment favoured by Gandhi ji.
  • S.The dhoti is rectangular piece of unstitched cloth, around five yards long, wrapped around the midriff and tucked between the legs.
  • (a)RSQP
  • (b)QSPR
  • (c)QRSP
  • (d)SQRP
45.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.Languages in contact with each other cause change.
  • S6.Changes often occur first in informal and casual language.
  • P.The increasing use of English in many parts of the world affect both local languages and English.
  • Q.Language contact has long been recognised as a major engine of change.
  • R.This gives rise to new, hybrid language varieties.
  • S.A historical example is that of Danish and English which led to a major shift in the vocabulary and grammar of English.
  • (a)QPRS
  • (b)QSPR
  • (c)PSRQ
  • (d)SQRP
46.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.Urbanisation in India has become an important and irreversible process.
  • S6.As per the Census of India 2011, the urban population is increasing rapidly.
  • P.The 2030 development agenda of the United Nations has emphasised the role of sustainable cities for making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
  • Q.This shows that India is in the midst of transition from a predominantly rural to a quasi-urban society.
  • R.The process of urbanisation has been characterized by a dramatic increase in the number of large cities.
  • S.It is an important determinant of national economic growth and poverty reduction.
  • (a)QRSP
  • (b)PSRQ
  • (c)SRQP
  • (d)RQSP
47.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.Ethics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the distinction between right and wrong (morals) and the ultimate worth of actions or things (values).
  • S6.But values can be either inherent or conferred.
  • P.For many philosophers, only humans are moral agents, being capable of acting morally or immorally.
  • Q.Environmental ethics asks about the moral relationships between humans and the world around us.
  • R.Ethics evaluated the relationship, principles, or codes that require or forbid certain conduct.
  • S.Value is a measure of the worth of something.
  • (a)RQPS
  • (b)PQSR
  • (c)QSRP
  • (d)RSPQ
48.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.The Constitution of India, introduced on 26 January 1950, laid down certain basic principles and values.
  • S6.The Constitution guaranteed all citizens equality before the law and equality of opportunity in government employment.
  • P.It was also to be a federation with demarcation of spheres of action between the Union Government and the State Governments.
  • Q.India was to be a secular and democratic republic with a parliamentary system based on adult franchise.
  • R.These include: freedom of speech and expression, freedom to assemble peacefully etc.
  • S.It guaranteed all Indian citizens certain fundamental rights.
  • (a)QPSR
  • (b)RSPQ
  • (c)PSQR
  • (d)SQRP
49.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.The National Health Policy 2017 envisages creation of a digital health technology eco-system.
  • S6.Secondly, offering financial protection up to ₹5 lakhs per year per family for the deprived 10 crores plus households.
  • P.Ayushman Bharat comprising twin missions is set to transform the nation’s health system.
  • Q.This will also foster a linkage across public and private health-care.
  • R.The policy aims at developing an integrated health information system that serves the need of all stakeholder and improves efficiency, transparency.
  • S.This will be carried out by operationalising firstly 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres offering preventive and primary care.
  • (a)QSRP
  • (b)QRSP
  • (c)RQPS
  • (d)SPRQ
50.Ordering of Sentences

The correct sequence should be

  • S1.Ecology, history and geography determine the distribution of organisms.
  • S6.Others prefer to interpret bio-geographical history through vicariance (range-splitting) events.
  • P.Some historical biogeographers are interested in finding centre-of-origins.
  • Q.Most species distributions result from a combination of all these factors.
  • R.But biogeographers tend to specialise in ecological aspects (ecological biography or historical aspects).
  • S.Ecological biogeographers are interested in the effects of environmental factors.
  • (a)QRSP
  • (b)RQPS
  • (c)PQRS
  • (d)SPRQ
Questions 51–60
51.Fill in the Blanks

He said that he ________ when he lost all his investment in the stock market.

  • (a)was broken
  • (b)was broke
  • (c)brake
  • (d)had been collapse
52.Fill in the Blanks

The man in black thought that he was ________ selected for the team to play at the national level.

  • (a)one of the player
  • (b)one of the players
  • (c)is one player
  • (d)the player of the team
53.Fill in the Blanks

When she ________ her friend after a period of two decades her throat choked.

  • (a)meets
  • (b)had been meeting
  • (c)met
  • (d)has met
54.Fill in the Blanks

The portrait of the lady conveys ________ it appears.

  • (a)the best
  • (b)more than
  • (c)the most
  • (d)nothing
55.Fill in the Blanks

A biography is ________ person’s life history.

  • (a)about a
  • (b)about
  • (c)for a
  • (d)with a
56.Fill in the Blanks

She told me that she ________ her degree by 2023.

  • (a)will have completed
  • (b)shall be completed
  • (c)will completed
  • (d)would have completed
57.Fill in the Blanks

What is the name of the person ________ daughter married your cousin last year.

  • (a)whose
  • (b)who
  • (c)whom
  • (d)with
58.Fill in the Blanks

The world is changing ________ that the rich become richer and the poor become poorer.

  • (a)through
  • (b)in many way
  • (c)in a way
  • (d)in such a way
59.Fill in the Blanks

Had I been informed beforehand, I ________ it to the celebrations.

  • (a)could have made
  • (b)will have made
  • (c)would have
  • (d)ought to have made
60.Fill in the Blanks

Indian perspective of life informs that leading a life of greed ________ in unhappiness.

  • (a)will lead
  • (b)shall be
  • (c)will result
  • (d)would resulted
Questions 61–70
61.Antonyms

His arguments are not valid. People consider it bombastic.

  • (a)outdated
  • (b)straight forward
  • (c)verbose
  • (d)not true
62.Antonyms

The decision was absurd for many of the members of the team.

  • (a)bizarre
  • (b)meaningless
  • (c)reasonable
  • (d)thoughtful
63.Antonyms

Relatives of deceased have been informed about the accident.

  • (a)injured
  • (b)alive
  • (c)dead
  • (d)survived
64.Antonyms

At last she was able to get some solace as the matter has been resolved amicably.

  • (a)comfort
  • (b)relief
  • (c)punishment
  • (d)aggravation
65.Antonyms

Twenty first century has turned out to be a century of problems contrary to the thinking that it would be a better time.

  • (a)similar
  • (b)different
  • (c)divergent
  • (d)good faith
66.Antonyms

The poet said that poetry is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.

  • (a)prepared
  • (b)alerted
  • (c)deliberate
  • (d)well executed
67.Antonyms

Language is an instrument for asserting one’s identity, attitude and perspective.

  • (a)declaring
  • (b)supporting
  • (c)denying
  • (d)propagating
68.Antonyms

He has been exonerated as he tendered an apology.

  • (a)honoured
  • (b)pardoned
  • (c)convicted
  • (d)felicitated
69.Antonyms

Persuasion is essential for people to work as a team.

  • (a)Dislike
  • (b)Discouraging
  • (c)Convincing
  • (d)Deter
70.Antonyms

Every habitat has some distinctive vegetation which defines the ecosystem.

  • (a)unique
  • (b)common
  • (c)special
  • (d)unfamiliar
Questions 71–80
71.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (71): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)a
  • (b)an
  • (c)the
  • (d)some
72.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (72): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)a
  • (b)the
  • (c)that
  • (d)some
73.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (73): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)any
  • (b)the
  • (c)some
  • (d)a
74.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (74): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)to
  • (b)in
  • (c)for
  • (d)on
75.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (75): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)any
  • (b)the
  • (c)that
  • (d)this
76.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (76): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)with
  • (b)between
  • (c)among
  • (d)to
77.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (77): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)with
  • (b)and
  • (c)because
  • (d)but
78.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (78): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)or
  • (b)with
  • (c)for
  • (d)some
79.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (79): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)for
  • (b)but
  • (c)that
  • (d)when
80.Cloze Composition

Cloze passage — fill blank (80): “It sounds like ___(71)___ great idea. People getting instantly excited when they hear ___(72)___ phrase ‘education for peace’ or the title of a course that calls itself ‘peace Education’. About a decade ago, I proposed such ___(73)___ course in my institute. The idea of a course ___(74)___ ‘peace education’ had occurred to me on the way back from one of the neighbouring countries where I met students of class IX. I could not find ___(75)___ difference ___(76)___ Indian students and their counterparts in the other country on peace ___(77)___ living together. It made me think that if one learns to live with a conflict, life grows across it like grass ___(78)___ trees. The arguments and stances children took demonstrated ___(79)___ peace comes from understanding a conflict well, not necessarily ___(80)___ solving it.”

  • (a)by
  • (b)with
  • (c)to
  • (d)for
Questions 81–90
81.Synonyms

Having got excited she opened up the Pandora’s Box which led to lot of commotion.

  • (a)uproar
  • (b)peace
  • (c)sound
  • (d)furious
82.Synonyms

The inherent danger in the problem is that it would lead to many more problems.

  • (a)outward
  • (b)difficult
  • (c)hallow
  • (d)inbuilt
83.Synonyms

The officer was reprimanded by the court for delaying the case.

  • (a)admonished
  • (b)appreciated
  • (c)praised
  • (d)disliked
84.Synonyms

Some people think that their strength is perpetual.

  • (a)temporary
  • (b)powerful
  • (c)ever lasting
  • (d)all persuasive
85.Synonyms

One’s actions exemplify one’s attitude and values.

  • (a)devise
  • (b)sympathize
  • (c)asks for
  • (d)demonstrate
86.Synonyms

The crux of the issue was that there was no evidence to prove the accused guilty of the act.

  • (a)core
  • (b)part
  • (c)idea
  • (d)tip
87.Synonyms

Each child develops his/her competency based on the contexts and the inputs for learning.

  • (a)capability
  • (b)thinking
  • (c)knowledge
  • (d)ideal
88.Synonyms

He appears to be very haughty, but he is a humble person.

  • (a)tough
  • (b)modest
  • (c)arrogant
  • (d)knowledgeable
89.Synonyms

The newly appointed secretary is industrious.

  • (a)diligent
  • (b)knowledgeable
  • (c)indolent
  • (d)insincere
90.Synonyms

The indignant attitude of the speaker made the groups unhappy.

  • (a)resentful
  • (b)congenial
  • (c)unruly
  • (d)supportive
Questions 91–100
91.Parts of Speech

The preacher said, “No one is above the all powerful”

  • (a)Adverb
  • (b)Place value
  • (c)Preposition
  • (d)Verb
92.Parts of Speech

The most beautiful seven monkeys of the landlord were taken for a stroll.

  • (a)Object
  • (b)Adjective
  • (c)Noun phrase
  • (d)Noun
93.Parts of Speech

Alas! He has been defeated.

  • (a)Adjective
  • (b)Adverb
  • (c)Interjection
  • (d)Conjunction
94.Parts of Speech

The man who is in the green shift is the chief of the day.

  • (a)Pronoun
  • (b)Relative noun
  • (c)Demonstrative pronouns
  • (d)Assertive noun
95.Parts of Speech

He has been living in the jungle for long and he knows all the animals here.

  • (a)Subordinating conjunction
  • (b)Coordinating conjunction
  • (c)Preposition
  • (d)Personal pronoun
96.Parts of Speech

They have been driving since early morning.

  • (a)Adjective
  • (b)Adverb
  • (c)Noun
  • (d)Comparison
97.Parts of Speech

This time we woke up to the virus related diseases.

  • (a)Demonstrative
  • (b)Article
  • (c)Adverb
  • (d)Noun phrase
98.Parts of Speech

Love your neighbour as thyself.

  • (a)Noun
  • (b)Pronoun
  • (c)Preposition
  • (d)Adjective
99.Parts of Speech

Ravi won the match with a huge margin.

  • (a)Intransitive verb
  • (b)Transitive verb
  • (c)Demonstrative verb
  • (d)Adjective
100.Parts of Speech

There was an exultation in the group.

  • (a)Adjective
  • (b)Adverb
  • (c)Adjectival Noun
  • (d)Noun
Questions 101–110
101.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: Sheela has been at the receiving end ______

  • (a)but she is very honest
  • (b)and she is very honest
  • (c)she had been proud of it
  • (d)she was fine with it
102.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: Elam has no other option ______

  • (a)unless he wins
  • (b)but to accept the challenge
  • (c)though he has won challenge
  • (d)he has to accept the challenge
103.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: Although the group has been acquitted ______

  • (a)they are under the watch of police
  • (b)they are free to do anything
  • (c)there is no suspicion in them
  • (d)they have not been arrested
104.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: Unless you fulfil the essential qualifications ______

  • (a)you will be called for the interview
  • (b)you shall be selected for the post
  • (c)you will not be called for the interview
  • (d)you can’t be rejected
105.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: The company’s bid for the contract is rejected ______

  • (a)since it filled all the conditions
  • (b)for the company fulfilled the conditions
  • (c)for the company had not been in the goodwill list
  • (d)since the deposit in the account is found less than required
106.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: I could not sleep ______

  • (a)because being very tired
  • (b)despite being very tired
  • (c)in spite of being sleepless
  • (d)since being very tired
107.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: She married him ______

  • (a)since his good nature
  • (b)because his nature
  • (c)because of his nature
  • (d)in spite his nature
108.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: I will come to meet you ______

  • (a)in case you want
  • (b)in case of time
  • (c)because you need
  • (d)although you want
109.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: If you had planned the work well ______

  • (a)you shall have completed it on time
  • (b)you could complete it on time
  • (c)you will complete it on time
  • (d)you could have completed it on time
110.Completion of Sentence

Complete the sentence: You can use my computer ______

  • (a)as long as you can’t use any external drive
  • (b)as long as you used any external drive
  • (c)as long as you do not use any external drive
  • (d)as long as you shall use any external drive
Questions 111–120
111.Preposition and Determiners

Don’t go ________ the wind, you will face the music later.

  • (a)with
  • (b)for
  • (c)about
  • (d)between
112.Preposition and Determiners

He has been considered ________ honest contestant in the competition.

  • (a)an
  • (b)a
  • (c)the
  • (d)one
113.Preposition and Determiners

Don’t read ________ the lines. Read the lines.

  • (a)in
  • (b)between
  • (c)on
  • (d)by
114.Preposition and Determiners

The village possesses ________ scenic beauty.

  • (a)some
  • (b)a
  • (c)an
  • (d)the
115.Preposition and Determiners

He is all out to blame everyone ________ his mistakes.

  • (a)for
  • (b)in
  • (c)on
  • (d)with
116.Preposition and Determiners

This is ________ unique system of governance where everyone is the government.

  • (a)an
  • (b)the
  • (c)a
  • (d)some
117.Preposition and Determiners

I will take care ________ myself. You don’t bother about me.

  • (a)of
  • (b)about
  • (c)for
  • (d)off
118.Preposition and Determiners

She is considered ________ nightingale of the college for her melodious voice.

  • (a)a
  • (b)an
  • (c)some
  • (d)the
119.Preposition and Determiners

The room is a bit dark. Could you please turn ________ the light?

  • (a)on
  • (b)in
  • (c)off
  • (d)away
120.Preposition and Determiners

Don’t walk so fast! I can’t keep ________ with you.

  • (a)in
  • (b)up to
  • (c)up
  • (d)on

Transcribed from the official Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2021 question booklet (XVWS-U-ENG), English paper. Answer key not included.

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