Test Booklet — English
MCQ on CDS I 2022 English: Practice Set
Practice 119 questions from this paper, one at a time. Answers come from the official UPSC answer key, checked against the question content. 1 doubtful question has no widget.
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This task is being undertaken for the benefit of young people in needed at the instance of the Chief of the Group.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (b) (b)
The phrase should read 'in need'. 'Needed' is a verb form here, but the sentence needs the noun 'need'. So part (b) has the error.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
If I am the principal of the school I would abolish all examinations.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (a) (a)
This is an unreal condition. The 'if' clause needs 'were', not 'am'. So part (a) has the error.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
My mother is thinking that I should stop drinking.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (a) (a)
'Think' is a verb of opinion and is not used in the continuous tense here. It should be 'My mother thinks'. So part (a) has the error.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
The students have a good time in the class today.
- (a)The students have
- (b)a good time
- (c)in the class today.
- (d)No error
Answer: (a) The students have
'Today' here points to a finished stretch of the day. The verb is better in the past: 'The students had a good time'. So part (a) is the one the key marks.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
More than thirty lakh people were inoculated against COVID-19 on March 15th.
- (a)More than thirty lakh people
- (b)were inoculated against COVID-19
- (c)on March 15th.
- (d)No error
Answer: (d) No error
Each part is correct. The sentence has no error. So option (d) is right.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
LIC was found on September 1, 1956 via the Life Insurance Corporation Act.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (a) (a)
'Found' means to discover. To set up an institution we use 'founded'. So part (a) has the error.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
Full many a flower are born to blush unseen.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (b) (b)
'Many a' takes a singular verb. The line should read 'is born'. So part (b) has the error.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
I shall be glad to help every one of my boys in their studies.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (c) (c)
'Every one' is singular, so the pronoun should be 'his'. It should read 'in his studies'. So part (c) has the error.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre or left side of the chest.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (d) No error
Each part is correct. The sentence has no error. So option (d) is right.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
For most food park marketing initiatives are restricted to a few hundred kilometres.
- (a)(a)
- (b)(b)
- (c)(c)
- (d)No error
Answer: (a) (a)
'Food park' is a countable noun and needs the plural. It should read 'food parks'. So part (a) has the error.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
Fifteen years ____, Elizabeth left her career and moved to India with her spouse.
- (a)ago
- (b)before
- (c)since
- (d)behind
Answer: (a) ago
'Ago' counts back from now. 'Fifteen years ago' is the correct phrase for a past event.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
The Government has ____ into a specific agreement with a charitable trust to provide medicines to poor patients.
- (a)enter
- (b)entered
- (c)entering
- (d)been entered
Answer: (b) entered
'Has' needs a past participle. 'Has entered into an agreement' is active and correct.
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Whatever ____, please keep calm.
- (a)has happened
- (b)is happening
- (c)has been happening
- (d)happens
Answer: (d) happens
In a 'whatever' clause that talks of any future event, the simple present is used. So 'happens' fits.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
____ road we take, we shall be late.
- (a)Whatever
- (b)What
- (c)Whichever
- (d)Which
Answer: (c) Whichever
The choice is between a limited set of roads. 'Whichever' is used for a choice from a known set.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
The news is ____ good to be true.
- (a)so
- (b)too
- (c)very
- (d)enough
Answer: (b) too
'Too … to' shows an excess that rules something out. 'Too good to be true' is the fixed phrase.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
There is nothing ____ than a busy life.
- (a)good
- (b)easier
- (c)best
- (d)better
Answer: (d) better
'Than' needs a comparative. 'Better' is the comparative of 'good'.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
I wish I ____ young again.
- (a)were
- (b)was
- (c)had been
- (d)have been
Answer: (a) were
'Wish' for a present unreal state takes 'were'. So 'I wish I were young again'.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
He must work very hard and make up ____ lost time.
- (a)with
- (b)for
- (c)during
- (d)again
Answer: (b) for
'Make up for' means to compensate. So 'make up for lost time' is correct.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
Your attempt can hardly be called successful, for it ____ had no good results.
- (a)have
- (b)did
- (c)didn't
- (d)has
Answer: (d) has
The result still holds today. So the present perfect 'has had' is used.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
As per the existing market rate, twelve dozen ____ one hundred rupees.
- (a)costs
- (b)cost
- (c)costed
- (d)is costing
Answer: (b) cost
'Twelve dozen' is a plural amount, so the verb is plural. 'Cost' is also the correct past and present form of the verb.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Be out for the count
- (a)Sleeping deeply
- (b)Counting money carefully
- (c)To count each step one takes
- (d)To be very happy
Answer: (a) Sleeping deeply
The phrase comes from boxing. A boxer who is 'out for the count' is knocked out. In general use it means sleeping very deeply.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Go by the book
- (a)To buy a book of one's choice
- (b)To understand the book
- (c)To follow someone who reads books
- (d)To follow rules exactly
Answer: (d) To follow rules exactly
To 'go by the book' is to follow the rules strictly. It does not mean reading or buying a book.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Double-talk
- (a)Interfering while someone is talking
- (b)Speaking with double meaning
- (c)Speaking to confuse people and avoid truth
- (d)Talking repeatedly and annoying people
Answer: (c) Speaking to confuse people and avoid truth
Double-talk is speech meant to confuse and hide the truth. It is deliberately vague or misleading.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: At somebody's elbow
- (a)To be dominated by someone
- (b)To be near someone in order to help
- (c)To be kept in house
- (d)To make people important
Answer: (b) To be near someone in order to help
Someone 'at your elbow' stands close by and is ready to help.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Treading on eggshells
- (a)Taking care of eggs, to save the lives of young chicks
- (b)Intending to grow very fast
- (c)Making best bets in one's trade
- (d)To be careful in speech and actions
Answer: (d) To be careful in speech and actions
Eggshells break easily. So the phrase means to act and speak with great care to avoid upsetting someone.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Everyone and his brother
- (a)An individual and all his relatives
- (b)To think about universal brotherhood
- (c)A large number of people
- (d)To treat people as relatives
Answer: (c) A large number of people
The phrase means a great many people. It is not about relatives.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Feet of clay
- (a)Very soft feet
- (b)Difficulty in running
- (c)Slow in actions
- (d)Hidden faults
Answer: (d) Hidden faults
A person with 'feet of clay' looks strong but has a hidden weakness. The image is of a statue that stands on a fragile base.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: Feel the pinch
- (a)Being hurt and wounded by someone
- (b)To remain silent on injustice
- (c)Having financial problems all of sudden
- (d)Feeling disappointment
Answer: (c) Having financial problems all of sudden
To 'feel the pinch' is to suffer from a shortage of money. It means money trouble.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: The feathers fly
- (a)To add more success to one's career
- (b)To fight and argue a lot
- (c)To lead a carefree life
- (d)To get into a romantic relationship
Answer: (b) To fight and argue a lot
The phrase means there is a noisy fight or quarrel. It comes from a fight between birds.
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Select the option that best gives the meaning of the idiom or phrase: A foregone conclusion
- (a)A generous gift
- (b)A confusing idea
- (c)An obvious speculation
- (d)An inevitable result
Answer: (d) An inevitable result
A foregone conclusion is a result that is certain before it happens. So it is an inevitable result.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | as soon as |
| Q | the government was pressed to do something |
| R | for the poor |
| S | the session commenced |
- (a)Q, R, S, P
- (b)R, Q, P, S
- (c)P, S, Q, R
- (d)S, Q, R, P
Answer: (c) P, S, Q, R
The sentence reads: 'As soon as the session commenced, the government was pressed to do something for the poor.' The order is P, S, Q, R.
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Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | they do not come within my subject |
| Q | lightly esteemed by me |
| R | if I don't speak to them, it's because |
| S | and not because they are |
- (a)S, P, R, Q
- (b)Q, R, P, S
- (c)R, S, P, Q
- (d)R, P, S, Q
Answer: (d) R, P, S, Q
The sentence reads: 'If I don't speak to them, it's because they do not come within my subject and not because they are lightly esteemed by me.' The order is R, P, S, Q.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | no magnanimous victor |
| Q | the fortune of war had |
| R | put in his power so cruelly |
| S | would treat those whom |
- (a)P, Q, R, S
- (b)P, S, Q, R
- (c)S, Q, R, P
- (d)R, P, Q, S
Answer: (b) P, S, Q, R
The sentence reads: 'No magnanimous victor would treat those whom the fortune of war had put in his power so cruelly.' The order is P, S, Q, R.
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Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | call in question |
| Q | whatever else one may say of him |
| R | no one dare |
| S | his honesty of purpose |
- (a)Q, S, P, R
- (b)S, P, R, Q
- (c)Q, R, P, S
- (d)P, Q, R, S
Answer: (c) Q, R, P, S
The sentence reads: 'Whatever else one may say of him, no one dare call in question his honesty of purpose.' The order is Q, R, P, S.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | has become |
| Q | ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, |
| R | a fixture of everyday life |
| S | calibrating disease-related risk |
- (a)Q, S, P, R
- (b)S, R, Q, P
- (c)P, Q, R, S
- (d)Q, P, R, S
Answer: (a) Q, S, P, R
The sentence reads: 'Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, calibrating disease-related risk has become a fixture of everyday life.' The order is Q, S, P, R.
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Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | late sixties |
| Q | he still enjoys vigorous |
| R | he is in his |
| S | health; although |
- (a)Q, P, R, S
- (b)S, P, R, Q
- (c)Q, S, R, P
- (d)P, Q, R, S
Answer: (c) Q, S, R, P
The sentence reads: 'He still enjoys vigorous health; although he is in his late sixties.' The order is Q, S, R, P.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | inviting as the retort of abuse |
| Q | nothing is so easy and |
| R | and sarcasm but it is a paltry |
| S | and an unprofitable contest |
- (a)Q, R, S, P
- (b)R, S, P, Q
- (c)Q, R, P, S
- (d)Q, P, R, S
Answer: (d) Q, P, R, S
The sentence reads: 'Nothing is so easy and inviting as the retort of abuse and sarcasm but it is a paltry and an unprofitable contest.' The order is Q, P, R, S.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | introduces antithetical ideas |
| Q | an epigram is a brief and |
| R | pointed saying that frequently |
| S | that cause one to think afresh |
- (a)P, Q, R, S
- (b)Q, R, P, S
- (c)S, Q, R, P
- (d)Q, P, R, S
Answer: (b) Q, R, P, S
The sentence reads: 'An epigram is a brief and pointed saying that frequently introduces antithetical ideas that cause one to think afresh.' The order is Q, R, P, S.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | of antithesis whereby two |
| Q | predicted at once |
| R | oxymoron is a special form |
| S | contradictory qualities are |
- (a)P, Q, R, S
- (b)P, R, Q, S
- (c)R, P, S, Q
- (d)S, P, R, Q
Answer: (c) R, P, S, Q
The sentence reads: 'Oxymoron is a special form of antithesis whereby two contradictory qualities are predicted at once.' The order is R, P, S, Q.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
Rearrange the jumbled parts into the correct sentence.
| P | and marble; they thus mock him |
| Q | people talk of memorials to |
| R | him in statues of bronze |
| S | and belie his message |
- (a)Q, R, S, P
- (b)P, Q, R, S
- (c)Q, R, P, S
- (d)R, Q, S, P
Answer: (c) Q, R, P, S
The sentence reads: 'People talk of memorials to him in statues of bronze and marble; they thus mock him and belie his message.' The order is Q, R, P, S.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: Hunger and malnutrition are outcomes of food insecurity or the inability to access adequate food and nutrition.
| P | In 2001-03, every fifth Indian was found to be undernourished. |
| Q | The rate of decline in the proportion of the undernourished through the 1990s was much slower in comparison to the decline in poverty headcount ratio. |
| R | Hunger-related poverty remains one of the major deprivations in India. |
| S | In fact, the proportion of undernourished people remained stagnant at 21% in the second half of 1990s, and the number actually increased. |
S6: It is most likely that India is going to miss the Millennium Development Goal in this regard.
- (a)R, P, Q, S
- (b)R, Q, P, S
- (c)S, R, P, Q
- (d)Q, P, R, S
Answer: (a) R, P, Q, S
R links hunger to poverty in India. P gives the figure for 2001-03. Q explains the slow decline. S adds that the share stayed stagnant. The order is R, P, Q, S.
Related: Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary
Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1975.
| P | The Meteorological Department is perhaps also burdened with the most critical form of soothsaying i.e., forecasting the monsoon. |
| Q | The Crop Yield Formation Unit of the department has developed statistical models using correlation and regression techniques. |
| R | The IMD issued the first operational long range forecast of seasonal south-west monsoon rainfall in India in 1986. |
| S | It is the national meteorological service and the principal agency in all matters related to meteorology. |
S6: These predictions have an effect on the Indian economy that belies any belief that the economy of our country is not solely dependent on agriculture and the rains that feed it.
- (a)R, S, P, Q
- (b)S, R, Q, P
- (c)S, Q, R, P
- (d)P, Q, R, S
Answer: (b) S, R, Q, P
S says what the IMD is. R gives the first long range forecast. Q adds the statistical models. P ends with monsoon forecasting. The order is S, R, Q, P.
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Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: Let us posit two questions: one, what ails our parliamentary system?
| P | To search for an answer, we begin with Rudolf's observation that the parliamentary life has deteriorated in India. |
| Q | Two, how democratic is our democracy? |
| R | For a system to survive, grow and prosper, it needs to be supported by a democratic political culture. |
| S | There is an organic connectivity between a parliamentary system and parliamentary democracy. |
S6: Given the current political scenario, it appears that India has yet to develop a strong parliamentary culture.
- (a)Q, R, P, S
- (b)S, P, R, Q
- (c)P, Q, R, S
- (d)Q, P, R, S
Answer: (d) Q, P, R, S
Q gives the second question straight after S1. P begins the search for an answer. R and S then build the argument. The order is Q, P, R, S.
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Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: People of every country think very highly of themselves and consider their country the best or the greatest.
| P | And discard what is bad. |
| Q | No country can be absolutely good, just as no man can be thoroughly good. |
| R | One must cultivate the ability to discern the good from the bad. |
| S | We have to keep what is good. |
S6: We should accept whatever good we may find in other countries.
- (a)Q, P, R, S
- (b)S, P, Q, R
- (c)Q, R, S, P
- (d)P, Q, R, S
Answer: (c) Q, R, S, P
Q corrects the claim of S1. R says we must tell good from bad. S says keep the good. P says discard the bad. The order is Q, R, S, P.
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Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: Poverty is wrongly considered an evil.
| P | Most of the great men on Earth are those who have sprung from the ranks of the poor. |
| Q | The home of poverty, free from care and social envy, is characterised by love and unity among its members. |
| R | The children of rich men are not so fortunate as those of poor men. |
| S | The poor lead a happier life than the rich. |
S6: To abolish poverty would be to destroy the soil upon which mankind produces the virtues conducive to higher civilisation.
- (a)Q, P, R, S
- (b)S, R, Q, P
- (c)S, P, Q, R
- (d)Q, R, P, S
Answer: (b) S, R, Q, P
S makes the main claim. R compares the children of the rich and poor. Q describes the home of the poor. P ends with great men from poor families. The order is S, R, Q, P.
Related: Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them · Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement
Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' – There is a lot of truth in this proverb.
| P | Then, they can go back to their books, refreshed. |
| Q | Games provide the best form of recreation in schools. |
| R | Unless pupils enjoy some sort of recreation, they become dull and their reading suffers as a consequence. |
| S | Pupils should play for an hour or two. |
S6: Games provide recreation for the pupils, and also make their bodies strong.
- (a)R, Q, S, P
- (b)P, Q, R, S
- (c)P, R, S, Q
- (d)Q, P, R, S
Answer: (a) R, Q, S, P
R explains why recreation is needed. Q says games are the best recreation. S says pupils should play. P says they then return to books. The order is R, Q, S, P.
Related: Fill in the Blanks: Grammar and Vocabulary · Error Spotting: Subject-Verb Agreement · Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them
Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: Sometimes we have to put up with something irksome or unpleasant.
| P | Suppose we shift into a house near a factory which keeps going all day. |
| Q | As time goes by, we are able to adapt ourselves to it so that it becomes a part of our life. |
| R | Thus, we can get used to anything. |
| S | At first, the noise of the machinery makes it impossible for us to sleep at night. |
S6: But we find ourselves getting accustomed to it in due course of time.
- (a)Q, P, S, R
- (b)P, Q, R, S
- (c)Q, R, P, S
- (d)S, R, Q, P
Answer not given
The published answer keys disagree on this question, or the key looks doubtful, so no answer is shown here.
Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: A large city is the best school for studying life.
| P | If we live in a city for a year or two, we will be able to acquire a good knowledge of life. |
| Q | In a large city we encounter different types of persons. |
| R | The rich and the poor, the proud and the humble, the deceitful and the innocent, the rough and the gentle. |
| S | The various facets of life can be found reflected in a large city. |
S6: Thus a city can teach us many aspects of life.
- (a)P, Q, S, R
- (b)S, R, P, Q
- (c)Q, P, S, R
- (d)Q, R, S, P
Answer: (d) Q, R, S, P
Q says we meet different types of people. R lists them. S says life's facets are reflected in a city. P says a year or two gives good knowledge. The order is Q, R, S, P.
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Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: Great talkers are never great doers.
| P | Rather they serve themselves and never the community. |
| Q | But when the time for action comes, they keep themselves away. |
| R | We come across people who are eloquent over great things. |
| S | Many who deliver wonderful speeches about their own greatness, do no valuable service to the country. |
S6: Those who do nothing are usually the most talkative.
- (a)P, R, S, Q
- (b)R, Q, S, P
- (c)R, S, Q, P
- (d)P, Q, R, S
Answer: (b) R, Q, S, P
R introduces eloquent people. Q says they stay away when action is needed. S says they do no valuable service. P says they serve only themselves. The order is R, Q, S, P.
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Find the correct sequence of P, Q, R and S.
S1: Leisure is perhaps as important as work.
| P | And we feel very tired. |
| Q | Unless we have some break, we cannot carry on and our health may suffer. |
| R | Sometimes we work continuously. |
| S | After a little relaxation, we can work more energetically and efficiently. |
S6: We should take care to make proper use of leisure.
- (a)R, Q, P, S
- (b)S, R, P, Q
- (c)Q, P, S, R
- (d)R, P, Q, S
Answer: (d) R, P, Q, S
R says we work continuously. P says we then feel tired. Q says a break is needed. S says relaxation brings energy. The order is R, P, Q, S.
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Select the word closest in meaning to conversational as used in: Please use conversational language.
- (a)formal
- (b)complex
- (c)dialogical
- (d)informal
Answer: (d) informal
Conversational language is the language of everyday talk. The nearest word here is 'informal'.
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Select the word closest in meaning to malicious as used in: My neighbour is malicious.
- (a)generous
- (b)affectionate
- (c)spiteful
- (d)magnanimous
Answer: (c) spiteful
'Malicious' means wanting to harm others. 'Spiteful' has the same sense.
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Select the word closest in meaning to designation as used in: I was awe-inspired by his designation.
- (a)position
- (b)looks
- (c)social status
- (d)personality
Answer: (a) position
'Designation' is the official title or post of a person. 'Position' is the nearest.
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Select the word closest in meaning to endearment as used in: Words of endearment always touch me.
- (a)praise
- (b)fondness
- (c)conviction
- (d)wisdom
Answer: (b) fondness
'Endearment' is an expression of affection. 'Fondness' is closest.
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Select the word closest in meaning to forbearance as used in: We should follow patience and forbearance.
- (a)constraint
- (b)encouragement
- (c)restraint
- (d)support
Answer: (c) restraint
'Forbearance' means holding back from anger or action. 'Restraint' is the nearest.
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Select the word closest in meaning to gibbous as used in: His gibbous looks make him different from others.
- (a)hunched
- (b)smart
- (c)charming
- (d)disabled
Answer: (a) hunched
'Gibbous' means humped or bulging. 'Hunched' is the nearest word.
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Select the word closest in meaning to tormented as used in: She tormented me with her detached behaviour.
- (a)threatened
- (b)ignored
- (c)cajoled
- (d)distressed
Answer: (d) distressed
'Tormented' means caused great pain or worry. 'Distressed' is the nearest.
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Select the word closest in meaning to peerless as used in: Her peerless manners were noticed.
- (a)lovable
- (b)rowdy
- (c)irrelevant
- (d)unequalled
Answer: (d) unequalled
'Peerless' means without an equal. 'Unequalled' has the same meaning.
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Select the word closest in meaning to mensuration as used in: He studied mensuration carefully.
- (a)measurement
- (b)questions
- (c)conclusions
- (d)lessons
Answer: (a) measurement
'Mensuration' is the act or branch of measuring. 'Measurement' is the nearest.
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Select the word closest in meaning to smothered as used in: They smothered the fire in the building.
- (a)lighted
- (b)surrounded
- (c)doused
- (d)saw
Answer: (c) doused
To 'smother' a fire is to put it out by cutting its air. 'Doused' means put out.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to discontinued as used in: He discontinued the work due to pressure.
- (a)deputed
- (b)resumed
- (c)ceased
- (d)concealed
Answer: (b) resumed
'Discontinued' means stopped. The opposite is 'resumed', which means started again.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to chided as used in: The teacher chided the pupil.
- (a)admonished
- (b)reprimanded
- (c)commended
- (d)reproved
Answer: (c) commended
'Chided' means scolded. The opposite is 'commended', which means praised.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to cherish as used in: I cherish your company.
- (a)deprecate
- (b)value
- (c)adore
- (d)sustain
Answer: (a) deprecate
'Cherish' means to hold dear. The opposite is 'deprecate', which means to express disapproval.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to chaos as used in: The house was full of chaos when I reached.
- (a)disorder
- (b)confusion
- (c)uniformity
- (d)order
Answer: (d) order
'Chaos' is complete disorder. The opposite is 'order'.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to celestial as used in: We worship celestial beings.
- (a)utopian
- (b)earthly
- (c)transcendental
- (d)ritual
Answer: (b) earthly
'Celestial' means of the heavens. The opposite is 'earthly'.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to reticent as used in: Mohan is quite reticent.
- (a)garrulous
- (b)taciturn
- (c)reserved
- (d)quiet
Answer: (a) garrulous
'Reticent' means not speaking much. The opposite is 'garrulous', which means very talkative.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to childish as used in: He was rather childish.
- (a)infantile
- (b)harmonious
- (c)seasoned
- (d)exquisite
Answer: (c) seasoned
'Childish' means immature. The opposite here is 'seasoned', meaning experienced and mature.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to magniloquent as used in: John is a magniloquent person.
- (a)pompous
- (b)turgid
- (c)lofty
- (d)terse
Answer: (d) terse
'Magniloquent' means speaking in a grand, wordy style. The opposite is 'terse', which means brief and to the point.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to clandestine as used in: His clandestine affairs were suspicious.
- (a)covert
- (b)conspicuous
- (c)furtive
- (d)unknown
Answer: (b) conspicuous
'Clandestine' means secret. The opposite is 'conspicuous', which means easy to see.
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Select the word opposite in meaning to dormant as used in: Some animals live a dormant life.
- (a)latent
- (b)inert
- (c)sluggish
- (d)active
Answer: (d) active
'Dormant' means inactive or sleeping. The opposite is 'active'.
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Bad habits such as over-eating, drinking, or smoking ___(71)___ very easy to acquire. One should fight ___(72)___ the force of habit. Even good things can be very harmful when done ___(73)___ excess. The wise man is conscious ___(74)___ his bad habits and checks them promptly. The use of tobacco has spread all ___(75)___ the world. Those who have acquired this bad habit would ___(76)___ be able to get rid of it. Alcohol, which is more common in cold countries than in warmer ones, does nobody any good and should be avoided ___(77)___. Alcohol, even if taken in small quantities, ___(78)___ to affect one's health. For the victims of alcoholism, ___(79)___ helps, but this condition cannot be cured. Symptoms of alcoholism include repeated alcohol consumption ___(80)___ related legal and health issues.
Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [71].
- (a)have
- (b)are
- (c)will
- (d)shall
Answer: (b) are
The subject is plural, 'bad habits'. The present tense 'are' states a general truth.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [72].
- (a)from
- (b)for
- (c)of
- (d)against
Answer: (d) against
We fight 'against' something that opposes us. So 'against the force of habit' is correct.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [73].
- (a)to
- (b)in
- (c)with
- (d)as
Answer: (b) in
'In excess' is the fixed phrase. It means too much.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [74].
- (a)about
- (b)with regard to
- (c)of
- (d)with
Answer: (c) of
'Conscious' takes the preposition 'of'. So 'conscious of his bad habits' is correct.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [75].
- (a)around
- (b)of
- (c)over
- (d)in
Answer: (c) over
'All over the world' is the fixed phrase.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [76].
- (a)barely
- (b)scarcely
- (c)seldom
- (d)hardly
Answer: (d) hardly
'Hardly' fits the sense that giving up is very difficult. 'Hardly be able to' is the natural phrase.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [77].
- (a)particularly
- (b)altogether
- (c)habitually
- (d)discreetly
Answer: (b) altogether
The sentence says it does nobody any good. So it should be avoided 'altogether', meaning completely.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [78].
- (a)tends
- (b)does
- (c)levels
- (d)denies
Answer: (a) tends
'Tends to' means is likely to. It is the only option that fits before 'to affect'.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [79].
- (a)diagnose
- (b)challenge
- (c)treatment
- (d)chronic
Answer: (c) treatment
A noun is needed as the subject of 'helps'. 'Treatment' is the noun that fits.
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Select the most appropriate word/phrase for blank [80].
- (a)serious
- (b)despite
- (c)meaning
- (d)therapeutic
Answer: (b) despite
'Despite' shows drinking goes on in spite of the problems it causes.
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I stopped seeing her
- (a)for she moved to the city.
- (b)as long as she moved to the city.
- (c)no sooner than she moved to the city.
- (d)because she moved to the city.
Answer: (d) because she moved to the city.
The second part gives the reason. 'Because' is the right conjunction for a reason.
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He led the caravan
- (a)whenever he wanted to go.
- (b)whichever he wanted to go.
- (c)wherever he wanted to go.
- (d)whomsoever he wanted to go.
Answer: (c) wherever he wanted to go.
The sentence talks of a place to go to. 'Wherever' fits.
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Unless you work harder
- (a)you will succumb.
- (b)you will pass.
- (c)you will fail.
- (d)you will be promoted.
Answer: (c) you will fail.
'Unless' means 'if not'. If you do not work harder, you will fail.
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Had I the wings of a bird
- (a)I would fly away.
- (b)I should fly away.
- (c)I will have flown away.
- (d)I could have flown away.
Answer: (a) I would fly away.
The 'had I' clause is an unreal present condition. The result takes 'would'. So 'I would fly away' is the key answer.
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He would be happier
- (a)was he more honest.
- (b)had he more honest.
- (c)should he be more honest.
- (d)were he more honest.
Answer: (d) were he more honest.
This is an unreal condition with 'if' dropped. The form is 'were he more honest'.
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No sooner did I arrive at the airport
- (a)then the flight took off.
- (b)than the flight took off.
- (c)did the flight take off.
- (d)than the flight shall take off.
Answer: (b) than the flight took off.
'No sooner' is followed by 'than'. The second part stays in the past tense.
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I couldn't be angry with him
- (a)had I tried.
- (b)should I try.
- (c)if I tried.
- (d)even I tried.
Answer: (c) if I tried.
'If I tried' completes the sense: I could not be angry even if I tried.
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He knows only
- (a)so much as I have told him.
- (b)whichever I have told him.
- (c)so far as I have told him.
- (d)what I have told him.
Answer: (d) what I have told him.
'What I have told him' is the natural phrase. It means the things I have told him.
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As you have made your bed
- (a)you must learn to lie.
- (b)you must adjust with the situation.
- (c)so you must lie on it.
- (d)so that you can lie on it.
Answer: (c) so you must lie on it.
This is the proverb 'As you make your bed, so you must lie on it'. It means you face the results of your actions.
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The younger man has more money
- (a)then brains.
- (b)of brains.
- (c)than brains.
- (d)for brains.
Answer: (c) than brains.
'More' is followed by 'than' in a comparison. 'Then' is a time word.
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He succeeded ____ dint of perseverance and hard work.
- (a)in
- (b)of
- (c)by
- (d)with
Answer: (c) by
'By dint of' is the fixed phrase. It means by means of.
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____ his ill health, he retired from his business.
- (a)With regard to
- (b)Due
- (c)As
- (d)Owing to
Answer: (d) Owing to
'Owing to' gives the cause and is followed by a noun phrase.
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These are the good rules to live ____.
- (a)with
- (b)by
- (c)off
- (d)in
Answer: (b) by
'Live by' a rule means to follow it. So 'rules to live by'.
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People who are averse ____ hard work do not succeed in life.
- (a)to
- (b)with
- (c)of
- (d)regarding
Answer: (a) to
'Averse' takes 'to'. So 'averse to hard work'.
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A woman who always connives ____ her children to hide their faults, is their worst enemy.
- (a)with
- (b)by
- (c)at
- (d)for
Answer: (c) at
'Connive at' means to overlook a wrong. So 'connives at her children'.
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We travelled ____ Mr. Barthwal's car.
- (a)at
- (b)with
- (c)inside
- (d)in
Answer: (d) in
We travel 'in' a car. 'In' is the right preposition.
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Suresh came home ____ train.
- (a)on
- (b)with
- (c)by
- (d)off
Answer: (c) by
'By train' names the means of travel.
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Few things are impossible ____ achieve with diligence and skill.
- (a)for
- (b)to
- (c)in
- (d)onto
Answer: (b) to
'Impossible to achieve' uses 'to' with the infinitive.
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It is natural for everyone to aspire ____ distinction.
- (a)with
- (b)about
- (c)into
- (d)for
Answer: (d) for
The key gives 'for'. 'Aspire' usually takes 'to', but this is the only option that fits the sense.
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He is liable ____ his wife's debts.
- (a)for
- (b)to
- (c)with
- (d)at
Answer: (a) for
'Liable for' means legally responsible for. So 'liable for his wife's debts'.
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All organisms such as plants, animals, microorganisms and human beings as well as the physical surroundings interact with each other and maintain a balance in nature. All the interacting organisms in an area together with the non-living constituents of the environment form an ecosystem. Thus, an ecosystem consists of biotic components comprising living organisms and abiotic components comprising physical factors like temperature, rainfall, wind, soil and minerals.
For example, if you visit a garden you will find different plants, such as grasses, trees; flower-bearing plants like rose, jasmine, sunflower; and animals like frogs, insects and birds. All these living organisms interact with each other and their growth, reproduction and other activities are affected by the abiotic components of the ecosystem. So a garden is an ecosystem. Other types of ecosystems are forests, ponds and lakes. These are natural ecosystems while gardens and crop-fields are human-made ecosystems.
The general tone of the passage is
- (a)critical.
- (b)satirical.
- (c)analytical.
- (d)informational.
Answer: (d) informational.
The passage explains what an ecosystem is and gives examples. It does not criticise or mock anything. So the tone is informational.
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Which of the following is a non-living constituent of the environment?
- (a)Wind
- (b)Bacteria
- (c)Grasses
- (d)Frog
Answer: (a) Wind
The passage lists wind among the abiotic, or non-living, factors. Bacteria, grasses and frogs are living things.
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Abiotic components of the ecosystem refer to
- (a)living organisms.
- (b)non-living organisms.
- (c)natural surroundings.
- (d)physical factors.
Answer: (d) physical factors.
The passage says abiotic components comprise physical factors like temperature, rainfall, wind, soil and minerals.
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Which of the following is not a natural ecosystem?
- (a)Crop-field
- (b)Forest
- (c)Pond
- (d)Lake
Answer: (a) Crop-field
The passage says forests, ponds and lakes are natural. Gardens and crop-fields are human-made.
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The word 'constituent' in the passage implies
- (a)constellation.
- (b)consternation.
- (c)component.
- (d)constriction.
Answer: (c) component.
A 'constituent' is a part of a whole. 'Component' has the same meaning.
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As we discussed food and sang every song we could remember and talked incessantly, we were slowly moving deeper into the Atlantic, and we got the feeling, really, that we belonged there, and that the ships that passed on the horizon were only hurrying strangers. We were actually living on the ocean. We discovered that the birds all seemed to league up at night-time, resting on the water by the hundreds. When we came poking along, we seemed so much a part of the sea that the birds wouldn't move until we were about five yards away. Then they'd flutter off, leaving feathers floating in the water, and settle again a few yards away.
The dolphins and porpoises would come up at sunset and move in among us and the birds. They'd come up very lazily under the birds, which would go up on their heels and flap their wings a bit, and then settle right down again. Two whales joined us one evening and played ring-around-rosie so close to us that Chay could have reached out an oar and tapped one.
We had calculated that we had just enough rations to make England, but the easterly winds caused an agonizing reappraisal. It would have been an interesting experience, running right down like that, but we felt we must not risk other people's lives by making them search for us. We decided to accept rations from the next ship that stopped. Was it a mature decision?
This was also the time when the strain of the voyage really began to tell on us. I wrote in my log: 'I have known fear many times in my life, and indeed I have often striven to develop a situation that provided fear in both boxing and parachuting. I have never known anything like this — cannot be over tomorrow, or for many tomorrows. Somehow it is like being rubbed down with sandpaper. I honestly do not know how many storms there have been now, and each leaves us progressively weaker.'
'Tonight we lie and wait. Nothing could save us if we get into difficulties. No ship could get us off these seas even if it arrived in time. We are completely in God's hands, at the mercy of the weather. All night the wind screams louder and louder, and the sound of the sea grows. We talk of many things — the night train to Scotland, the many things we've done, and slowly we are overtaken by an enormous feeling of humility and a desire to return to try and live a better life. The weather reached a climax at 0300 and then declined rapidly. Thank goodness we could not see the sea.'
'We were actually living on the ocean' implies
- (a)they were homeless.
- (b)they were on a long voyage into the Atlantic.
- (c)they were without any source of income.
- (d)they were fishing deep into the Atlantic for their living.
Answer: (b) they were on a long voyage into the Atlantic.
The writer says they were slowly moving deeper into the Atlantic. The line stresses how long they had been at sea.
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'… the birds all seemed to league up at night-time' implies
- (a)left alone at night-time.
- (b)isolated at night-time.
- (c)get together at night-time.
- (d)stay in groups at night-time.
Answer: (c) get together at night-time.
To 'league up' means to join together. The passage adds that the birds rested on the water by the hundreds.
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What did the author write in his log?
- (a)They faced the worst kind of fear ever experienced.
- (b)They were excellent in boxing and parachuting.
- (c)They faced the storms bravely.
- (d)They starved for food.
Answer: (a) They faced the worst kind of fear ever experienced.
The log says he had known fear many times but never anything like this. So it records the worst fear he ever felt.
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They lost all hope of survival because
- (a)it was freezing cold.
- (b)there was no help coming to them.
- (c)they were facing a severe sea-storm.
- (d)they were frightened by the whales and dolphins.
Answer: (c) they were facing a severe sea-storm.
The log speaks of storms that left them weaker. It also says the wind screamed all night and the sea grew louder.
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'We are overtaken by an enormous feeling of humility' implies that they
- (a)have lost faith in themselves.
- (b)were ready to accept help from the ships around them.
- (c)needed equipment and food to survive.
- (d)have accepted the strength and power of nature with modesty.
Answer: (d) have accepted the strength and power of nature with modesty.
They say they are in God's hands and at the mercy of the weather. So they accept the power of nature with humility.
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Identify the part of speech of questionable in: The conclusions that they came to are highly questionable.
- (a)Noun
- (b)Adjective
- (c)Adverb
- (d)Gerund
Answer: (b) Adjective
'Questionable' describes the noun 'conclusions'. So it is an adjective.
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Identify the part of speech of quincentenary in: This year marks the quincentenary of Columbus's voyage to America.
- (a)Noun
- (b)Adjective
- (c)Adverb
- (d)Article
Answer: (a) Noun
'Quincentenary' names a 500th anniversary. It is the object of 'marks', so it is a noun.
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Identify the part of speech of far-off in: I still cherish the memories of those far-off days.
- (a)Preposition
- (b)Conjunction
- (c)Adjective
- (d)Adverb
Answer: (c) Adjective
'Far-off' describes the noun 'days'. So it is an adjective.
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Identify the part of speech of Besides in: I don't think I'll come on Saturday. I have a lot of work to do. Besides, I don't really like parties.
- (a)Adjective
- (b)Adverb
- (c)Preposition
- (d)Conjunction
Answer: (b) Adverb
'Besides' here means 'also' and links two sentences. It has no object, so it is an adverb.
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Identify the part of speech of bottomline in: The bottomline is that we have to make a decision today.
- (a)Noun
- (b)Pronoun
- (c)Adverb
- (d)Adjective
Answer: (a) Noun
'Bottomline' is the subject of the sentence. So it is a noun.
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Identify the part of speech of over in: Try to knock that vase over.
- (a)Preposition
- (b)Conjunction
- (c)Adjective
- (d)Adverb
Answer: (d) Adverb
'Over' has no object here. It tells how the vase falls, so it is an adverb.
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Identify the part of speech of one in: I'd like an ice cream. Are you having one too?
- (a)Noun
- (b)Pronoun
- (c)Adjective
- (d)Adverb
Answer: (b) Pronoun
'One' stands in for 'an ice cream'. A word that replaces a noun is a pronoun.
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Identify the part of speech of Otherwise in: My parents lent me the money. Otherwise, I could not have afforded the trip.
- (a)Adjective
- (b)Adverb
- (c)Conjunction
- (d)Participle
Answer: (b) Adverb
'Otherwise' means 'if they had not'. It joins ideas but works as an adverb in this sentence.
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Identify the part of speech of anguished in: She wrote me an anguished letter from her prison cell.
- (a)Noun
- (b)Verb
- (c)Adjective
- (d)Adverb
Answer: (c) Adjective
'Anguished' describes the noun 'letter'. So it is an adjective.
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Identify the part of speech of a in: There is a visitor for you.
- (a)Relation Pronoun
- (b)Definite Article
- (c)Indefinite Article
- (d)Adverb
Answer: (c) Indefinite Article
'A' is used before a singular noun when the person is not yet specific. So it is an indefinite article.
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Transcribed from the official Civil Services (Combined Defence Services) Examination, CDS (I) 2022 question booklet (GHSA-U-ENG), English paper. Answers follow the official UPSC answer key (Series A) published after the result, checked against the question content. Question 47 is marked because no option matches the correct order.
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