English Test for SBI Clerk Prelims 2021 Exam set – 1

Directions(1-5): Below a single word with options to its meaning in different contexts is given. You have to select all those options which are synonyms of the word when the context is changed. Select the correct alternative from (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) which represents all those synonyms.

1. HASTY
   A.Tangible
   B. Fleeting
   C. Transitory
   D. Conspicuous

   Only A
   Both B and C
   Only D
   Only B
   Both C and A
   Option B
   Hasty: done with excessive speed or urgency; hurried
   Fleeting: lasting for a very short time
   Transitory: not permanent
   The meanings of the other words are:
   Tangible: perceptible by touch
   Conspicuous: attracting notice or attention

    

2. BLAND
   A. Tangy
   B. Dainty
   C. Obnoxious
   D. Spicy
   Only C
   Both C and D
   Both A and B
   Both A and D
   Only B
   Option D
   Bland: lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting
   Tangy: having a strong, piquant flavour or smell
   Spicy: flavoured with or fragrant with spice
   The meanings of the other words are:
   Dainty: delicately small and pretty
   Obnoxious: extremely unpleasant

    

3. DEMARCATE
   A. Augury
   B. Bound
   C. Jovial
   D. Territorial
   Only C
   Both A and D
   Only B
   Both C and D
   Both A and B
   Option C
   Demarcate: separate or distinguish from
   Bound: a territorial limit; a boundary
   The meanings of the other words are:
   Augury: a sign of what will happen in the future; an omen
   Jovial: cheerful and friendly
   Territorial: defending a territory

    

4. EXIGENT
   A. Avid
   B. Unimportant
   C. Easy
   D. Feisty
   Only C
   Only B
   Both A and D
   Both B and C
   Only D
   Option D
   Exigent: pressing; demanding
   Unimportant: lacking in importance or significance
   Easy: achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties
   The meanings of the other words are:
   Avid: having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something
   Feisty: lively, determined, and courageous

    

5. PASSING
   A. Manifest
   B. Torrential
   C. Clamour
   D. Superficial
   Only B, C and A
   Only C
   Only D
   Both A and D
   Both B and A
   Option C
   Passing: carried out quickly and lightly
   Superficial: not thorough, deep, or complete
   The meanings of the other words are:
   Manifest: clear or obvious to the eye or mind
   Torrential: falling rapidly and in copious quantities
   Clamour: a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting

    

Directions(6-10): In the following question, out of the five alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

6. Our scientists are (breaking new ground) in robotics and cancer research.

   Failing miserably
   Doing something that you know
   Doing something that was not done before.
   Achieving new heights.
   Doing something you like.
   Option C
   Break fresh/ new ground means doing something that was not done before.
   Example: They’ve really broken new ground with their latest product, I’ve never seen anything like it.

    

7. Jack (made no bones about) getting a hike in his salary.
   Exaggerating
   Very sad.
   Expressive.
   To say clearly what you feel or think about it.
   Sharing one’s thoughts.
   Option D
   Make no bones about something means to say clearly what you feel or think about it.
   Example: He makes no bones about having come from a wealthy family.

    

8. More than five thousand cars sold so far. The new model is (selling like hot cakes).
   Very famous.
   Liked by everyone
   A failure.
   Expensive.
   Selling very fast.
   Option E
   Sell like hot cakes means selling very fast.
   Example: This record has been selling like hotcakes-I can’t keep it in stock.

    

9. The new testing procedure to evaluate employees will (separate the wheat from the chaff).
   Analyze them.
   Criticize them.
   Separate valuable from worthless.
   Judging them on their work.
   Give them rankings.
   Option C
   Separate the wheat from the chaff means separate valuable from worthless.
   Example: I hope we get the preview of the auction so we can separate the wheat from the chaff.

    

10. After he came to know that I’m close to the power in the organization, he (changed his tune).
    Change someone.
    Change the way you behave with others from bad to good.
    Change your habits.
    Behaving nicely.
    Change your voice.
    Option B
    Change tune means change the way you behave with others from bad to good.
    Example: He was against the idea to start with, but he soon changed his tune when he realized how much money he’d get.