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PAPER : SBI Clerical Staff Selection - Model Questions and Answers

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.

41. What is the aim of the financial inclusion policy ?


(A) A focus on savings needs rather than credit needs of the poor
(B) Minimising utilisation of technology in banks so as to reduce transaction costs for the poor
(C) To boost low savings volumes in banks by encouraging savings among the rural poor
(D) To make formal basic banking services available to the poor
(E) To regulate the rate at which moneylenders lend to the poor

42. The author’s main objective in writing the passage is to—


(A) Criticise the concept of financial inclusion
(B) Point out the problems of financial inclusion
(C) Discuss ways of making the financial inclusion policy successful
(D) Compare financial inclusion policies of different countries
(E) Cite research in support of role of MFIs in achieving financial inclusion

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

44. Why do the poor not utilise banking services ?


1. Informal institutions offer higher rates of interest than those in banks.
2. Costs of reaching banks have to be borne by the poor.
3. Bank personnel do not treat the poor respectfully because their savings amounts are
minimal.
(A) Only 2 (B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Both 2 and 3 (D) All 1, 2, 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

48. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage ?


(A) There are no informal means for the poor to save in India
(B) Having savings encourages the poor to invest only in low risk ventures
(C) There is a huge demand for savings facilities among poor households
(D) Presently commercial banks feel that it is feasible to provide banking services to the poor
in rural areas
(E) There are many official innovative savings systems like roscas in Africa

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.

66. The bank is overstaffed, has led to low productivity.


(A) Led to (B) Will lead towards
(C) And has led in (D) Which has led to
(E) No correction required
67. You delay in taking a decision conveys a negative impression.
(A) You delay to take
(B) If you delay taking
(C) Your delay in taking
(D) To delay by taking
(E) No correction required

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

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)

PAPER : SBI Bank Clerk Model Paper 2008 (General English)

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

PAPER : SBI Clerk Previous Paper (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 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.

41. What is the aim of the financial inclusion policy ?


(A) A focus on savings needs rather than credit needs of the poor
(B) Minimising utilisation of technology in banks so as to reduce transaction costs for the poor
(C) To boost low savings volumes in banks by encouraging savings among the rural poor
(D) To make formal basic banking services available to the poor
(E) To regulate the rate at which moneylenders lend to the poor

42. The author’s main objective in writing the passage is to—


(A) Criticise the concept of financial inclusion
(B) Point out the problems of financial inclusion
(C) Discuss ways of making the financial inclusion policy successful
(D) Compare financial inclusion policies of different countries
(E) Cite research in support of role of MFIs in achieving financial inclusion

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

44. Why do the poor not utilise banking services ?


1. Informal institutions offer higher rates of interest than those in banks.
2. Costs of reaching banks have to be borne by the poor.
3. Bank personnel do not treat the poor respectfully because their savings amounts are
minimal.
(A) Only 2 (B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Both 2 and 3 (D) All 1, 2, 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

48. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage ?


(A) There are no informal means for the poor to save in India
(B) Having savings encourages the poor to invest only in low risk ventures
(C) There is a huge demand for savings facilities among poor households
(D) Presently commercial banks feel that it is feasible to provide banking services to the poor
in rural areas
(E) There are many official innovative savings systems like roscas in Africa

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.

66. The bank is overstaffed, has led to low productivity.


(A) Led to (B) Will lead towards
(C) And has led in (D) Which has led to
(E) No correction required

67. You delay in taking a decision conveys a negative impression.


(A) You delay to take
(B) If you delay taking
(C) Your delay in taking
(D) To delay by taking
(E) No correction required

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

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)

SBI Bank Clerk Previous Solved Paper


(Held on 6th January,2008)
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 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.
41. What is the aim of the financial inclusion policy ?
(A) A focus on savings needs rather than credit needs of the poor
(B) Minimising utilisation of technology in banks so as to reduce transaction costs for the
poor
(C) To boost low savings volumes in banks by encouraging savings among the rural poor
(D) To make formal basic banking services available to the poor
(E) To regulate the rate at which moneylenders lend to the poor
42. The author’s main objective in writing the passage is to—
(A) Criticise the concept of financial inclusion
(B) Point out the problems of financial inclusion
(C) Discuss ways of making the financial inclusion policy successful
(D) Compare financial inclusion policies of different countries
(E) Cite research in support of role of MFIs in achieving financial inclusion
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
44. Why do the poor not utilise banking services ?
1. Informal institutions offer higher rates of interest than those in banks.
2. Costs of reaching banks have to be borne by the poor.
3. Bank personnel do not treat the poor respectfully because their savings amounts are
minimal.
(A) Only 2 (B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Both 2 and 3 (D) All 1, 2, 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
48. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage ?
(A) There are no informal means for the poor to save in India
(B) Having savings encourages the poor to invest only in low risk ventures
(C) There is a huge demand for savings facilities among poor households
(D) Presently commercial banks feel that it is feasible to provide banking services to the
poor in rural areas
(E) There are many official innovative savings systems like roscas in Africa
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
necessary funds. 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.
66. The bank is overstaffed, has led to low productivity.
(A) Led to (B) Will lead towards
(C) And has led in (D) Which has led to
(E) No correction required
67. You delay in taking a decision conveys a negative impression.
(A) You delay to take
(B) If you delay taking
(C) Your delay in taking
(D) To delay by taking
(E) No correction required
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
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.

The child said in a tearful voice, “Don’t I get a gift ?”

“You’ll get it when you go far away.”

“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.”

41. Why did the woman's second son travel ?


(A) He was restless by nature
(B) He did not want to stay at home
(C) He was rich and could afford to travel
(D) His job was such that he had to travel
(E) None of these

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

45. Which of the following can be said about the woman ?


(A) She was a widow who had brought up her children single handedly
(B) She was not a good mother since her children had left home at an early age
(C) She enjoyed sending her family gifts at festival time
(D) She gave expensive presents to show that she was wealthy
(E) She rarely visited her grand-children because they all lived abroad

46. What did the boy receive from his mother ?


(A) She taught him the value of patience
(B) She encouraged him to grow up and live independently like his brothers
(C) She showed him the importance of giving expensive gifts
(D) She gave him a hug to express her love
(E) None of these

47. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ?


(A) The woman usually ignored her youngest son
(B) The woman’s eldest son lived abroad
(C) The members of the woman’s family did not care about her
(D) The woman made all the preparations herself since she did not want to burden the
servants
(E) The woman sent gifts to her children to ensure that they visited her

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.

56. Each of the loan must be approved by the Branch Manager—


(A) Every loan
(B) Each one of the loan
(C) Any of the loan
(D) All of the loan
(E) No correction required

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

60. He is a good leader, knowing that to motivate his employees to achieve—


(A) That known when
(B) Who knows how
(C) Which knows how
(D) Knowing what
(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.

71. (A) forward


(B) towards
(C) backward
(D) up
(E) around

72. (A) went


(B) sent
(C) visited
(D) travelled
(E) gone

73. (A) cared


(B) occupy
(C) guarded
(D) taught
(E) played

74. (A) them


(B) whom
(C) this
(D) now
(E) which

75. (A) expensive


(B) deserving
(C) helping
(D) demanding
(E) valuable

76. (A) opportunity


(B) ability
(C) use
(D) encouragement
(E) achievement

77. (A) distance


(B) extent
(C) time
(D) limits
(E) degrees

78. (A) activity


(B) hope
(C) hobby
(D) duty
(E) worship

79. (A) despite


(B) though
(C) by
(D) instead of
(E) while

80. (A) sell


(B) read
(C) exchange
(D) invest
(E) buy

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)

Bank PO Sample paper


(General English)
1. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.
The dog let out (a)/ a blood chilling (b)/ howling when it was it was (c)/ given the
injection (d)/ No error. (e)
ANS (c)
2. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.
It being an important (a)/ letter, the draft had to be (b)/ seen by the Governor (c)/ itself for
approval. (d)/ No error. (e)
ANS (d)
3. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.
Asha could not defeat her (a)/ opponents contrary to their (b)/ good preparation and (c)/
long practice. (d)/ No error. (e)
ANS (b)
4. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.
Pratiksha expected good marks (a)/ in the examination (b)/ but she was very disappointed
(c)/ when the results came. (d)/ No error. (e)
ANS (e)
5. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.
Irrespective of either (a)/ Vijay or Sanjay goes (b)/ the overdue payment (c)/ cannot be
collected. (d)/ No error. (e)
ANS (a)
6. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.
Some people consider Kama (a)/ to be the valorous (b)/ hero of all the (c)/ characters in
the Mahabharat. (d)/ No error. (e)
ANS (b)
7. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'.
Victor, along with (a)/ a group of friends (b)/ was going on picnic (c)/ when the accident
happen. (d)/ No error. (e)
ANS (d)
8. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the sentence
expression.
A ruling body or class of rich men.
(a) plutocracy (b) meritocracy (c) aristocracy (d) oligarchy
ANS (a)
9. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the sentence
expression.
One who works for the welfare of mankind
(a) communist (b) socialist (c) philanthropist (d) egalitarian
ANS (c)
10. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the
sentence expression.
A person who attacks traditional or established beliefs, principles, ideas, institutions etc.
(a) militant (b) anarchist (c) sceptic (d) iconoclast
ANS (d)
11. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the
sentence expression.
One who always hopes for the best in life.
(a) pacifist (b) optimist (c) socialist (d) evangelist
ANS (b)
12. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the
sentence expression.
One who loves books
(a) biographer (b) bibliographer (c) bibliophile (d) orthographer
ANS (c)
13. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the
idiom/phrase printed in bold.
The poor boy found it difficult to make up his deficiency in English.
(a) recover (b) correct (c) remove (d) improve
ANS (d)
14. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the
idiom/phrase printed in bold.
A Prime Minister cannot ride roughshod over his ministerial colleagues for long.
(a) deal unkindly with (b) take for granted (c) be ham handed with (d) exploit willfully
ANS (a)
15. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the
idiom/phrase printed in bold.
The Opposition charged the Government with playing havoc with the banking system.
(a) disturbing (b) disorganizing (c) degrading (d) destroying
ANS (d)
16. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the
idiom/phrase printed in bold.
Very soon the election campaigns on the part of different political parties will be in full
swing.
(a) engaging (b) exciting (c) active (d) hectic
ANS (c)
17. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the
idiom/phrase printed in bold.
Pain, anguish and shame come in the wake of the scandals in high places.
(a) accompany (b) follow (c) characterise (d) signify
ANS (b)
68. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Crescendo (b) Cresendo (c) Crecendo (d) Crascendo
ANS (a)
19. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Langor (b) Langour (c) Languour (d) Languor
ANS (d)
20. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Reclammation (b) Reclaimation (c) Reclamation (d) Reclaimmation
ANS (c)
21. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Indispensible (b) Indispensable (c) Indispensale (d)Indespensabe
ANS (b)
22. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Consummation (b) Consummetion (c) Consumation (d) Consumetion
ANS (a)
23. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Unparalelled (b) Unparalleled (c) Unparallelled (d) Unparaleled
ANS (b)
24. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Consience (b) Conscience (c) Concience (d) Consciense
ANS (b)
25. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Manuvre (b) Manovre (c) Manoeuvre (d) Manouever
ANS (c)
26. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Concupiscent (b) Concupisent (c) Concupicent (d) Concupescent
ANS (a)
27. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:
(a) Bunglow (b) Bangalow (c) Banglow (d) Bungalow
ANS (d)
28. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the
word.
Timid
(a) awesome (b) eager (c) bold (d) critical
ANS (c)
29. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the
word.
Prosecute
(a) acquit (b) discharge (c) relieve (d) release
ANS (a)
30. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the
word.
Amiable
(a) careless (b) crude (c) crafty (d) cruel
ANS (d)
31. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the
word.
Decent
(a) conceited (b) wild (c) vulgar (d) ridiculous
ANS (c)
32. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the
word.
Ancient
(a) recent (b) urban (c) progressive (d) modern
ANS (d)
33. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives
given.
Wholesome
(a) strong (b) healthy (c) handsome (d) valuable
ANS (b)
34. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives
given.
Elucidate
(a) express (b) expand (c) clarify (d) qualify
ANS (c)
35. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives
given.
Inquisitive
(a) curious (b) bold (c) adventurous (d) complex
ANS (a)
36. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives
given.
Induce
(a) direct (b) control (c) instruct (d) cause
ANS (d)
37. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives
given.
Speculate
(a) reflect (b) know (c) guess (d) forecast
ANS (c)
38. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
Her ....... remark proved that she was really naive and unsophisticated
(a) unparliamentary (b) uninhibited (c) ingenuous (d) indifferent
ANS (c)
39. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
He ....... devoted himself to the task of completing his book in time
(a) ingeniously (b) assiduously (c) deliberately (d) exceptionally
ANS (b)
40. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
Because he was a ........ he shunned human society.
(a) misogynist (b) misfit (c) cynic (d) misanthrope
ANS (d)
41. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
He was ...... in his colourful dress uniform.
(a) attired (b) outfitted (c) resplendent (d) bedecked
ANS (c)
42. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
He is not the man to permit anyone to encroach ....... his rights.
(a) upon (b) in (c) into (d) against
ANS (a)
43. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
The Govt. has in principle ..... the privatisation of power generation and its distribution in
the country.
(a) asserted (b) accepted (c) affirmed (d) confirmed
ANS (d)
44. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
Candidates securing marks above seventy five percent are ..... for this scholarship.
(a) worthy (b) competent (c) eligible (d) permissible
ANS (c)
45. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
The easier the job, the ..... you do it.
(a) longer (b) later (c) faster (d) lazier
ANS (c)
46. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
We need to take urgent action to control the ..... of the dreaded AIDS.
(a) rise (b) spread (c) development (d) outbreak
ANS (b)
47. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case:
I shall ..... from the bank tomorrow the money we need for our work.
(a) withdraw (b) recover (c) receive (d) take
ANS (a)
48. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'd'.
Many people are of the opinion (a)/ that the sudden outburst of the speaker (b)/ was
surprising and unseemly, to say the least. (c) /No error (d)
ANS (d)
49. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'd'.
Everything depends on him (a)/ putting the right amount of (b)/ hard at the right time, (c)/
No error (d)
ANS (a)
50. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'd'.
There is Mr. Hussain (a)/ whom they say (b)/ is the best painter in the town. (c)/ No error
(d)
ANS (b)

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