Professional Documents
Culture Documents
General English
Directions—(Q. 41–55) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given
below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of
the questions.
A large majority of the poor in India are outside the formal banking system. The policy of
financial inclusion sets out to remedy this by making available a basic banking ‘no frills’
account either with nil or very minimum balances as well as charges that would make such
accounts accessible to vast sections of the population. However, the mere opening of a bank
account in the name of every household or adult person may not be enough, unless these
accounts and financial services offered to them are used by the account holders. At present,
commercial banks do not find it viable to provide services to the poor especially in the rural
areas because of huge transaction costs, low volumes of savings in the accounts, lack of
information on the account holder, etc. For the poor, interacting with the banks with their
paper work, economic costs of going to the bank and the need for flexibility in their accounts,
make them turn to other informal channels or other institutions. Thus, there are constraints on
both the supply and the demand side.
Till now, banks were looking at these accounts from a purely credit perspective. Instead, they
should look at this from the point of view of meeting the huge need of the poor for savings.
Poor households want to save and contrary to the common perception, do have the funds to
save, but lack control. Informal mutual saving systems like the Rotating Savings and Credit
Associations (ROSCAs), widespread in Africa and ‘thrift and credit groups’ in India demonstrate
that poor households save. For the poor household, which lacks access to the formal insurance
system and the credit system, savings provide a safety net and help them tide over crises.
Savings can also keep them away from the clutches of moneylenders, make formal institutions
more favourable to lending to them, encourage investment and make them shift to more
productive activities, as they may invest in slightly more risky activities which have an overall
higher rate of return.
Research shows the efficacy of informal institutions in increasing the savings of the small
account holders. An MFI in the Philippines, which had existing account holders, was studied.
They offered new products with ‘commitment features’. One type had withdrawal restrictions
in the sense that it required individuals to restrict their right to withdraw any funds from their
own accounts until they reached a self-specified and documented goal. The other type was
deposit options. Clients could purchase a locked box for a small fee. The key was with the bank
and the client has to bring the box to the bank to make the deposit. He could not dip into the
savings even if he wanted to. These accounts did not pay extra money and were illiquid.
Surprisingly, these products were popular even though these had restrictions. Results showed
that those who opted for these accounts with restrictions had substantially greater savings
rates than those who did not. The policy of financial inclusion can be a success if financial
inclusion focuses on both saving needs and credit needs, having a diversified product portfolio
for the poor but recognising that self-control problems need to be addressed by having
commitment devices. The products with commitment features should be optional. Furthermore
transaction costs for the poor could be cut down, by making innovative use of technology
available and offering mobile vans with ATM and deposit collection features which could visit
villages periodically.
43. Which of the following can be inferred about products with commitment features ?
1. Demand for such products was high.
2. They were an effective means of increasing the savings of small account holders.
3. Such facilities can only be offered by informal institutions like MFIs.
(A) All 1, 2 and 3 (B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Both 1 and 3
(E) None of these
45. Which of the following is a recommendation made by the author regarding financial
inclusion ?
(A) Reduce the paper work involved by seeking less information about the account holder
(B) Lower transaction costs by utilising latest technology.
(C) Make commitment features compulsory for all savings accounts
(D) Entrust the responsibility of financial inclusion solely to MFIs
(E) Provide credit facilities even to those without savings accounts
46. Which of the following factors affects ‘saving’ behaviour among the poor
1. Threats from moneylenders if they avail of banking services.
2. Documentation required before availing of banking services.
3. Lack of self-control.
(A) Only 1 (B) All 1, 2 and 3
(C) Only 3 (D) Both 2 and 3
(E) None of these
47. What do the results of the study conducted in the Philippines indicate ?
(A) Account holders in MFIs have higher savings rates than banks
(B) Many of the poor have to turn to moneylenders because of strict restrictions in MFIs
(C) Having accounts with restriction on withdrawal requires the bank to offer a higher rate of
interest
(D) There should be strong security measures for deposit option accounts for the poor
(E) None of these
49. What is/are the outcome(s) of encouraging savings for the poor ?
1. It frees them from the exploitation of moneylenders.
2. Banks are more willing to disburse loans to those who save.
3. They should invest in risky but high return ventures.
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
50. What was the view of banks regarding the bank accounts of the poor in the past ?
(A) They were considered a problem since account holders information needed to be updated
constantly
(B) Focus should be more on providing savings facilities not credit
(C) Moneylenders should be regulated so that they share responsibility of disbursing loans to
the poor
(D) Products with commitment features will not be successful
(E) None of these
Directions—(Q. 51–53) Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word
printed in bold as used in the passage.
51. purely :
(A) morally
(B) honestly
(C) completely
(D) perfectly
(E) cleanly
52. demonstrate :
(A) protest
(B) occur
(C) estimate
(D) appear
(E) prove
53. remedy :
(A) medicine
(B) solve
(C) restore
(D) therapy
(E) heal
Directions—(Q. 54-55) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed
in bold as used in the passage.
54. optional :
(A) voluntary
(B) compromise
(C) pressure
(D) mandatory
(E) free
55. accessible :
(A) convenient
(B) unavailable
(C) unfavourable
(D) unpleasant
(E) formal
Directions—(Q. 56–65) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any 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).
56. The scheme failed because / some states could not / manage not to raise / the
necessaryfunds. No error. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
57. Real estate prices in the / business district of the city / are expected to rise / at 15% this
year. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
58. By so early as next year / that leading investment bank / has plans to open / an office in
New Delhi. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
59. There is lots of / supports from the employees / for the proposal to / merge with the
parent company. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
60. Experts have recommended that / the government reconsidered / restrictions imposed on
foreign / investment in real estate. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
61. The crucial point to / be discussed at the / meetings is how to / well implement the
policy.No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
62. He wants to / set up a laboratory / to undertake research / into a vaccine for cancer. No
error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
63. According to him / two factors which are / needy for success / are discipline and diligence.
No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
64. Because of the pace at / which the company is growing / I believe it will easily / achieve
their target. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
65. It is truth / that India is / the largest consumer of / gold in the world. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
Directions—(Q. 66–70) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the
phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful
and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the
answer.
68. Today management student itself are opted to work for NGOs even though the salaries
offered to them are low.
(A) Student itself is
(B) Students themselves are
(C) Students have
(D) Student himself has
(E) No correction required
69. Absence off any guidelines, they are unwilling to take up the project.
(A) Absent of
(B) In the absence of
(C) Because of the absence
(D) Without being absent
(E) No correction required
70. Without the development of rural people the country can no claim to be developed.
(A) Can never claim
(B) Being claimed
(C) Not able to claim
(D) Have not any claim
(E) No correction required
Directions—(Q. 71–75) 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, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The number 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.
71. The organization preferred to hire locale population as they understood the language and
customer preferences. All Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
72. In our opinion the exicting assessment system requires immediate revision.All Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
73. In responds to the advertisement a sizeable number of candidates have submitted their
applications. All Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
74. There is no guarantee that if this model is adopted the entire sector will prosper.All
Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
75. With this unique initiative the company hopes to sustain its current growth rate. All Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
Directions—(Q. 76–80) In each of the following sentences there are two blank spaces. Below
each five pairs of words have been denoted by letters (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Find out which
pair of words can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to make the
sentence meaningfully complete.
76. Mr. Srinivasan is …… to become Chairman of the group …… the retirement of his father.
(A) set, following
(B) voted, subsequent
(C) selected, despite
(D) approved, because
(E) decided, after
78. On account of the …… in sales the software firm has achieved an eight percent …… in net
profit.
(A) surge, fall (B) increase, rise
(C) decline, slope (D) hike, loss
(E) growth, advance
79. We are proud to say that today …… 26 percent of our total accounts are …… by women and
senior citizens.
(A) approximate, held
(B) nearly, authorised
(C) over, maintain
(D) above, open
(E) around, operated
41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (d) 44. (a) 45. (b)
46. (d) 47. (a) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (e)
51. (c) 52. (E) 53. (b) 54. (d) 55. (b)
56. (c) In C part not is redundant.
57. (e)
58. (A) Change ‘so’ to ‘as’.
59. (a) Change ‘is’ to ‘are’ because the subject is plural ‘lots of support’.
60. (b) Change ‘reconsidered’ to ‘reconsider or should reconsider’ because of parallelism
of the two sentences.
61. (d) Change the position of adverb ‘well’, it should be used in the end of the sentence.
62. (e)
63. (c) Change ‘needy’ to ‘needed’ here we require a verb.
64. (d) Change ‘their’ to ‘its’ because its subject is singular.
65. (A) Change ‘truth’ to ‘true’ or ‘a truth’.
66. (d) 67. (c) 68. (c) 69. (B) 70. (a)
71. (b) Change ‘locale’ to ‘local’ here we want an adjective.
72. (a) Change ‘exicting’ to ‘existing’. Exciting is not appropriate.
73. (a) Change ‘responds’ to ‘response’.
74. (e) Change ‘adopted’ to ‘adapted’.
75. (d) Change ‘currant’ to ‘current’.
76. (a) 77. (c) 78. (b) 79. (e) 80. (E)
Directions (Question 1 to 10) Read the list of words given below and choose from the
options the word that is the nearest in meaning to the given word.
1. Exiguous
a) tall
b) large
c) wide
d) scanty
e) broad
2. Recreancy
a) recreation
b) recuperation
c) bravery
d) cowardice
e) obstinate
3. Proscribe
a) to nominate
b) to be supportive of
c) to give early warning signals
d) outlaw
e) none of these
4. Ingest
a) enrage
b) invigorate
c) to absorb
d) burn up completely
e) to stir up
5. Monticule
a) a small river
b) a small hut
c) a lane
d) a small hill
e) a small plane
6. Compendious
a) comprehensive
b) illustrative
c) unbearable
d) elaborate
e) none of the above
7. Nadir
a) asylum
b) heaven
c) depth
d) nebulous
e) none of the above
8. Somnambulistic
a) sleepwalking
b) ghost dancing
c) women’s group activity
d) colourful scenario
e) over-eating
9. primordial
a) feeling of elation
b) original
c) elementary
d) daunting
e) none of the above
10. Somber
a) Causing sleep
b) Squalid
c) Gloomy
d) Complacent
e) Malicious
Directions (Question 11 to 20) Against each key word are given by alternative meanings.
Choose the one that is the opposite in meaning to the given word.
11. Sanctimonious
a) holy
b) Realistic
c) Humble
d) Callous
e) Pessimistic
12. Munificent
a) Miserly
b) Faulty
c) Perplexing
d) Rudimentary
e) Grandiose
13. Opaque
a) Vague
b) Firm
c) Transparent
d) Poor
e) None of the above
14. Restive
a) Unrestrained
b) Communicate
c) Peaceful
d) Quarrel
e) Disturbing
15. Catapult
a) Reach great heights
b) Downfall
c) Caterpillar
d) Gaining
e) Losing
16. Enigmatic
a) Industrious
b) Mysterious
c) Enthusiastic
d) Straightforward
e) Sincere
17. Traipse
a) Walk
b) Stroll
c) Crawl
d) Run
e) None of the above
18. Piquant
a) Jovial
b) Merry
c) Blunt
d) Rigorous
e) Shocking
19. Bigoted
a) Dignified
b) Tolerant
c) wide
d) Contrite
e) Sincere
20. Obliquity
a) Thin
b) Frank
c) Self-righteous
d) Depreciation
e) Conformity
Directions (Question 21 to 25) In each of the following questions, a part of the sentence is
given in bold letters. Five alternative meanings of the bold part of the sentence are given
below. Choose the correct one.
21. The soldiers had been shut up for a long time; they painted the town red when they were
let out.
a) ran about wildly trying to kill people
b) decided to shun fighting and shedding blood
c) caused disturbance in the town by noisy merry-making
d) were asked to be ready for any emergency
e) were advised not to incur troubles by thoughtless actions.
22. John used very ugly words against his kind uncle; he threw down the gauntlet before him.
a) he behaved as if he was a very great and important person
b) he put several conditions for negotiations
c) he abused and insulted uncle’s son
d) he showed his readiness to leave the place
e) he threw the challenge
23. He is a strange fellow and it is very difficult to deal with him; it seems that he has a bee in
his bonnet.
a) an obsession about something
b) peculiar habit of confusing others
c) unreliable and inconsistent way of behaving
d) to face problems as a result of his senseless actions
e) an achievement to be proud of
24. I am reasonably sure that all his schemes will end in smoke.
a) will produce good results
b) bear no fruits
c) benefit the poor and the downtrodden
d) motivate the employees to produce more
e) be severely criticized by the public
25. The dacoits took to their heels when the police arrived.
a) took shelter in the thick jungle
b) opened indiscriminate fire
c) took to flight
d) unconditionally challenged
e) renewed their resolve to fight
Answers
1. scanty
2. cowardice
3. none of the above (proscribe means to prohibit or ban)
4. to absorb
5. a small hill
6. comprehensive
7. depth
8. sleepwalking
9. elementary
10. gloomy
11. callous
12. miserly
13. transparent
14. peaceful
15. downfall
16. straightforward
17. crawl
18. jovial
19. dignified
20. conformity
21. caused disturbance in the town by noisy merry-making
22. he threw the challenge
23. an obsession about something
24. bear no fruits
25. took to flight
Directions—(Q. 41–55) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given
below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some
of the questions.
A large majority of the poor in India are outside the formal banking system. The policy of
financial inclusion sets out to remedy this by making available a basic banking ‘no frills’
account either with nil or very minimum balances as well as charges that would make such
accounts accessible to vast sections of the population. However, the mere opening of a bank
account in the name of every household or adult person may not be enough, unless these
accounts and financial services offered to them are used by the account holders. At present,
commercial banks do not find it viable to provide services to the poor especially in the rural
areas because of huge transaction costs, low volumes of savings in the accounts, lack of
information on the account holder, etc. For the poor, interacting with the banks with their
paper work, economic costs of going to the bank and the need for flexibility in their accounts,
make them turn to other informal channels or other institutions. Thus, there are constraints on
both the supply and the demand side.
Till now, banks were looking at these accounts from a purely credit perspective. Instead, they
should look at this from the point of view of meeting the huge need of the poor for savings.
Poor households want to save and contrary to the common perception, do have the funds to
save, but lack control. Informal mutual saving systems like the Rotating Savings and Credit
Associations (ROSCAs), widespread in Africa and ‘thrift and credit groups’ in India demonstrate
that poor households save. For the poor household, which lacks access to the formal insurance
system and the credit system, savings provide a safety net and help them tide over crises.
Savings can also keep them away from the clutches of moneylenders, make formal institutions
more favourable to lending to them, encourage investment and make them shift to more
productive activities, as they may invest in slightly more risky activities which have an overall
higher rate of return.
Research shows the efficacy of informal institutions in increasing the savings of the small
account holders. An MFI in the Philippines, which had existing account holders, was studied.
They offered new products with ‘commitment features’. One type had withdrawal restrictions
in the sense that it required individuals to restrict their right to withdraw any funds from their
own accounts until they reached a self-specified and documented goal. The other type was
deposit options. Clients could purchase a locked box for a small fee. The key was with the bank
and the client has to bring the box to the bank to make the deposit. He could not dip into the
savings even if he wanted to. These accounts did not pay extra money and were illiquid.
Surprisingly, these products were popular even though these had restrictions. Results showed
that those who opted for these accounts with restrictions had substantially greater savings
rates than those who did not. The policy of financial inclusion can be a success if financial in
clusion focuses on both saving needs and credit needs, having a diversified product portfolio for
the poor but recognising that self-control problems need to be addressed by having
commitment devices. The products with commitment features should be optional. Furthermore
transaction costs for the poor could be cut down, by making innovative use of technology
available and offering mobile vans with ATM and deposit collection features which could visit
villages periodically.
43. Which of the following can be inferred about products with commitment features ?
1. Demand for such products was high.
2. They were an effective means of increasing the savings of small account holders.
3. Such facilities can only be offered by informal institutions like MFIs.
(A) All 1, 2 and 3 (B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Both 1 and 3
(E) None of these
45. Which of the following is a recommendation made by the author regarding financial
inclusion ?
(A) Reduce the paper work involved by seeking less information about the account holder
(B) Lower transaction costs by utilising latest technology.
(C) Make commitment features compulsory for all savings accounts
(D) Entrust the responsibility of financial inclusion solely to MFIs
(E) Provide credit facilities even to those without savings accounts
46. Which of the following factors affects ‘saving’ behaviour among the poor ?
1. Threats from moneylenders if they avail of banking services.
2. Documentation required before availing of banking services.
3. Lack of self-control.
(A) Only 1 (B) All 1, 2 and 3
(C) Only 3 (D) Both 2 and 3
(E) None of these
47. What do the results of the study conducted in the Philippines indicate ?
(A) Account holders in MFIs have higher savings rates than banks
(B) Many of the poor have to turn to moneylenders because of strict restrictions in MFIs
(C) Having accounts with restriction on withdrawal requires the bank to offer a higher rate of
interest
(D) There should be strong security measures for deposit option accounts for the poor
(E) None of these
49. What is/are the outcome(s) of encouraging savings for the poor ?
1. It frees them from the exploitation of moneylenders.
2. Banks are more willing to disburse loans to those who save.
3. They should invest in risky but high return ventures.
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these
50. What was the view of banks regarding the bank accounts of the poor in the past ?
(A) They were considered a problem since account holders information needed to be updated
constantly
(B) Focus should be more on providing savings facilities not credit
(C) Moneylenders should be regulated so that they share responsibility of disbursing loans to
the poor
(D) Products with commitment features will not be successful
(E) None of these
Directions—(Q. 51–53) Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the
word printed in bold as used in the passage.
51. purely :
(A) morally
(B) honestly
(C) completely
(D) perfectly
(E) cleanly
52. demonstrate :
(A) protest
(B) occur
(C) estimate
(D) appear
(E) prove
53. remedy :
(A) medicine
(B) solve
(C) restore
(D) therapy
(E) heal
Directions—(Q. 54-55) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word
printed in bold as used in the passage.
54. optional :
(A) voluntary
(B) compromise
(C) pressure
(D) mandatory
(E) free
55. accessible :
(A) convenient
(B) unavailable
(C) unfavourable
(D) unpleasant
(E) formal
Directions—(Q. 56–65) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any 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).
56. The scheme failed because / some states could not / manage not to raise / the
necessaryfunds. No error.
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
57. Real estate prices in the / business district of the city / are expected to rise / at 15%
this year. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
58. By so early as next year / that leading investment bank / has plans to open / an office in
New Delhi. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
59. There is lots of / supports from the employees / for the proposal to / merge with the
parent company. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
60. Experts have recommended that / the government reconsidered / restrictions imposed
on foreign / investment in real estate. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
61. The crucial point to / be discussed at the / meetings is how to / well implement the
policy.No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
62. He wants to / set up a laboratory / to undertake research / into a vaccine for cancer.
No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
63. According to him / two factors which are / needy for success / are discipline and
diligence. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
64. Because of the pace at / which the company is growing / I believe it will easily / achieve
their target. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
65. It is truth / that India is / the largest consumer of / gold in the world. No error
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
Directions—(Q. 66–70) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace
the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically
meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’,
mark (E) as the answer.
68. Today management student itself are opted to work for NGOs even though the salaries
offered to them are low.
(A) Student itself is
(B) Students themselves are
(C) Students have
(D) Student himself has
(E) No correction required
69. Absence off any guidelines, they are unwilling to take up the project.
(A) Absent of
(B) In the absence of
(C) Because of the absence
(D) Without being absent
(E) No correction required
70. Without the development of rural people the country can no claim to be developed.
(A) Can never claim
(B) Being claimed
(C) Not able to claim
(D) Have not any claim
(E) No correction required
Directions—(Q. 71–75) 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, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The number 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.
71. The organization preferred to hire locale population as they understood the language
and customer preferences. All Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
72. In our opinion the exicting assessment system requires immediate revision.All Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
73. In responds to the advertisement a sizeable number of candidates have submitted their
applications. All Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
74. There is no guarantee that if this model is adopted the entire sector will prosper.All
Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
75. With this unique initiative the company hopes to sustain its current growth rate. All
Correct
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
Directions—(Q. 76–80) In each of the following sentences there are two blank spaces. Below
each five pairs of words have been denoted by letters (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Find out
which pair of words can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to
make the sentence meaningfully complete.
76. Mr. Srinivasan is …… to become Chairman of the group …… the retirement of his father.
(A) set, following
(B) voted, subsequent
(C) selected, despite
(D) approved, because
(E) decided, after
78. On account of the …… in sales the software firm has achieved an eight percent …… in
net profit.
(A) surge, fall (B) increase, rise
(C) decline, slope (D) hike, loss
(E) growth, advance
79. We are proud to say that today …… 26 percent of our total accounts are …… by women
and senior citizens.
(A) approximate, held
(B) nearly, authorised
(C) over, maintain
(D) above, open
(E) around, operated
76. Mr. Srinivasan is …… to become Chairman of the group …… the retirement of his
father.
(A) set, following
(B) voted, subsequent
(C) selected, despite
(D) approved, because
(E) decided, after
77. …… to your error the …… consignment has been delayed by a week.
(A) According, important
(B) Duly, urgent
(C) Owing, entire
(D) Added, crucial
(E) Admitting, special
78. On account of the …… in sales the software firm has achieved an eight percent ……
in net profit.
(A) surge, fall (B) increase, rise
(C) decline, slope (D) hike, loss
(E) growth, advance
79. We are proud to say that today …… 26 percent of our total accounts are …… by
women and senior citizens.
(A) approximate, held
(B) nearly, authorised
(C) over, maintain
(D) above, open
(E) around, operated
80. The company has …… special training to employees on …… to trade online.
(A) announced, benefits
(B) offered, course
(C) imparted, risks
(D) sanction, skills
(E) provided, how
Answewrs With Explanation :
41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (d) 44. (a) 45. (b)
46. (d) 47. (a) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (e)
51. (c) 52. (E) 53. (b) 54. (d) 55. (b)
56. (c) In C part not is redundant.
57. (e)
58. (A) Change ‘so’ to ‘as’.
59. (a) Change ‘is’ to ‘are’ because the subject is plural ‘lots of support’.
60. (b) Change ‘reconsidered’ to ‘reconsider or should reconsider’ because of parallelism
of the two sentences.
61. (d) Change the position of adverb ‘well’, it should be used in the end of the sentence.
62. (e)
63. (c) Change ‘needy’ to ‘needed’ here we require a verb.
64. (d) Change ‘their’ to ‘its’ because its subject is singular.
65. (A) Change ‘truth’ to ‘true’ or ‘a truth’.
66. (d) 67. (c) 68. (c) 69. (B) 70. (a)
71. (b) Change ‘locale’ to ‘local’ here we want an adjective.
72. (a) Change ‘exicting’ to ‘existing’. Exciting is not appropriate.
73. (a) Change ‘responds’ to ‘response’.
74. (e) Change ‘adopted’ to ‘adapted’.
75. (d) Change ‘currant’ to ‘current’.
76. (a) 77. (c) 78. (b) 79. (e) 80. (E)
(Held on 6-7-2008)
General English
Directions—(Q. 41–50) 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.
The yearly festival was close at hand. The store room was packed with silk fabrics. gold
ornaments, clay bowls full of sweet curd and platefuls of sweetmeats. The orders had
been placed with shops well in advance. The mother was sending out gifts to everyone.
The eldest son, a government servant, lived with his wife and children in far off lands.
The second son had left home at an early age. As a merchant he travelled all over the
world. The other sons had split up over petty squabbles, and they now lived in homes of
their own. The relatives were spread all across the world. They rarely visited. The
youngest son, left in the company of a servant, was soon bored and stood at the door all
day long, waiting and watching. His mother, thrilled and excited, loaded the presents on
trays and plates, covered them with colourful kerchiefs, and sent them off with maids and
servants. The neighbours looked on.
The day came to an end. All the presents had been sent off.
The child came back into the house and dejectedly said to his mother, “Maa, you gave a
present to everyone, but you didn’t give me anything !”
His mother laughed, “I have given all the gifts away to everyone, now see what’s left for
you.” She kissed him on the forehead.
“But when I am close to you, don’t I get something from your own hands ?”
His mother reached out her arms and drew him to her. “This is all I have in my own
hands. It is the most precious of all.”
42. Why did the woman’s eldest son not attend the festival ?
(A) He was not on good terms with his youngest brother who lived at home
(B) He had quarrelled with his mother
(C) His wife did not allow him to return home
(D) His job prevented him from taking leave
(E) None of these
43. How did the woman prepare for the festival ?
1. She bought expensive gifts for her children and neighbours.
2. She ordered her servants to prepare sweets and food well in advance.
3. She made sure that her youngest child was looked after so that he wouldn’t be bored.
(A) None
(B) Only 1
(C) Only 2
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
44. What did the youngest child do while his mother was busy ?
1. He waited for a chance to steal some sweetmeats.
2. He pestered his mother to give him a present.
3. He stood at the door with servants.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 3
(D) Only 3
(E) None of these
Directions—(Q. 48–49) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as
the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
48. Left
(A) Gone
(B) Quit
(C) Remaining
(D) Disappeared
(E) Forgot
49. Packed
(A) Filled
(B) Squeezed
(C) Crowd
(D) Collected
(E) Untidy
50. Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word dejectedly as
used in the passage.
(A) Calmly
(B) Happily
(C) Willingly
(D) Fortunately
(E) Softly
Directions—(Q. 51–55) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any 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)
51. Many multinational companies (A) / have not been as (B) /successful in India (C)
/than we expected. (D) No error (E)
52. He has ruined (A) /his eyesight (B) /by not using (C) /his spectacles regularly. (D) No
error (E)
53. Mostly of the (A) /newly recruited officers (B) /have no experience (C) /in the
banking sector. (D) No error (E)
54. The resignation of (A) /one of our directors (B) /have caused the price (C) / of shares
to fall. (D) No error (E)
55. There are many (A) /ways of which (B) /inflation can (C) /be measured. (D) No error
(E)
Directions—(Q. 56–60) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should
replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence
grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No
correction is required.’ mark (E) as the answer.
57. The issue was taken before the Municipal Corporation meeting last week—
(A) Taking place at
(B) Taken after
(C) Being taken in
(D) Taken up at
(E) No correction required
58. He has asked for the names of those employees involved in the project.
(A) had asked
(B) having asked about
(C) was asked that
(D) is asking
(E) no correction required
59. Considerate the traffic, it is better to leave for the airport an hour early—
(A) While considering
(B) Consideration of
(C) Considering
(D) Being considerate to
(E) No correction required
Directions—(Q. 61–65) Rearrange the following six 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) The able bodied men of the tribe gathered to discuss how to climb the mountain.
(2) As part of their plundering they kidnapped a baby of one of the families.
(3) One day the mountain tribe invaded those living in the valley.
(4) “We couldn’t climb the mountain. How could you?”, they asked, “It wasn’t your baby
!” she replied.
(5) There were two tribes in the Andes–one lived in the valley and the other high up in
the mountains.
(6) Two days later they noticed the child’s mother coming down the mountain that they
hadn’t yet figured out how to climb.
61. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
62. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (6)
(B) (5)
(C) (4)
(D) (3)
(E) (2)
63. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
64. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
65. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
Directions—(Q. 66–70) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in
bold type is given. These are lettered (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, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. 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.
66. The income (A) of many people in rural (B) India is not adequate (C) to satisfy (D)
their basic needs. All correct (E)
67. He is always (A) prompt (B) in caring (C) out instructions. (D) All correct (E)
68. The revized (A) rates (B) of interest will be effective (C) immediately. (D) All
correct (E)
69. Such transactions (A) are quiet (B) expensive (C) and time consuming (D) for
customers. All correct (E)
70. The guidelines (A) of the new scheme (B) are expected (C) to be finally (D) soon.
All correct (E)
Directions—(Q. 71–80) 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/
phrases are suggested one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate
word in each case.
I used to look …(71)… to the holidays. I was usually …(72)… to my uncle’s house
where I …(73)… his children. I did not get paid a salary for …(74)… What I received in
return however, was far more …(75)… My uncle was an avid reader. During the time I
spent with his family I had an …(76)… to read the vast amount of books and magazines
that he possessed. This improved my English to some …(77)… Reading became my new
…(78–79)… spending my pocket money on a ticket to the cinema I began to …(80)…
books. This has benefited me greatly.
Answers:
41. (D) 42. (E) 43. (A) 44. (D)
45. (C) 46. (D) 47. (B)
48. (C) 49. (A) 50. (C)
51. (D) Replace ‘than’ with ‘as’.
52. (E)
53. (A) Change ‘Mostly’ to ‘Most’.
54. (C) Change ‘have’ to ‘has’.
55. (B) Replace ‘of’ with ‘in’.
56. (A) 57. (D) 58. (E) 59. (C) 60. (B)
61. (C) 62. (A) 63. (E) 64. (D) 65. (B)
66. (E) 67. (C) 68. (A) 69. (E) 70. (D)
71. (A) 72. (B) 73. (D) 74. (C) 75. (E)
76. (A) 77. (B) 78. (C) 79. (D) 80. (E)