English Test for SBI Clerk Prelims 2021 Exam set – 13

Directions(1-5): Read the sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (5). Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.

1. More immigrants have (1)/ forgotten their native (2)/ cultures because of acculturation (3)/ in their new countries. (4)/ No error (5)

   1
   2
   3
   4
   5
   Option A
   The word ‘more’ indicates an additional amount or degree. It makes the given sentence vague as there is no given quantity with respect to which an additional number of
   immigrants have been talked about. Therefore, this sentence requires correction.
   To correct the sentence, the word ‘more’ should be replaced with ‘many’, which refers to ‘a large number of’ something.

    

2. Johnny Depp is known (1)/ for eccentric performances (2)/ that burst from (3)/ verve and energy. (4) No error (5)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   5
   Option C
   The phrase ‘burst from’ is incorrect and makes the sentence grammatically incorrect. It implies that Johnny Depp literally burst because of verve and energy, which does not
   make any sense.
   The correct phrase is ‘burst with’, which means to be overfull with something or some particular emotions.

    

3. Shouting insults, the furious coach’s (1)/ upbraiding of his players (2)/ after the team’s loss could (3)/ be heard way back the stands. (4)/ No error (5)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   5
   Option D
   The phrase ‘way back the stands’ does not make any sense and thus makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
   The correct phrase should be ‘way into the stands’, which means that the coach’s voice was so loud that it could be heard as far as the stands.

    

4. Doesn’t forget (1)/ to wear sunscreen (2)/ or you will (3)/ get sunburned. (4)/ No error (5)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   5
   Option A
   The auxiliary verb ‘doesn’t’ means ‘does not’. It is used when speaking in the 3rd person singular only (he, she or it). The auxiliary verb is clearly not compatible with the
   sentence and makes it grammatically incorrect.
   To correct the sentence, ‘doesn’t’ should be replaced with ‘do not’. It is used when speaking in the first and second person plural and singular and the third person plural
   (I, you, we, and they). It fits the sentence perfectly making it grammatically correct.

    

5. Because Bill knows he (1)/ was innocent, he is (2)/ going to waive his (3)/ right to an attorney. (4)/ No error (5)
   1
   2
   3
   4
   5
   Option B
   The given sentence is in the present tense. The word ‘was’ implies the past tense. Thus, it makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
   To correct the sentence, the word ‘was’ should be replaced with ‘is’.

    

Directions(6-10): In the following sentence, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part, which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, choose the option ‘No improvement.’ Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.

6. Shoulders slouched, she sat, (let out) by the sight of her daughter in Intensive Care, due to a drug overdose.
   A Let in
   B Let over
   C Let down

   Only A
   Only B
   Both B and C
   Only C
   No improvement
   Option D
   The sentence uses the form let out, which is incorrect and needs improvement.
   Using the preposition ‘out’ is incorrect here, hence it has to be corrected.
   The correct phrasal verb to be used here is let down.
   To let down is a phrase which means to feel disappointment.
   e.g. Radhika felt let down when her employers fired her on the basis of her caste, so she took them to court.
   The only alternative that improves the sentence is C.

    

7. “I’m a marathon runner Sasha, let’s see if you can (keep up with) me.”
   A Keep it with
   B Keep over with
   C Keep in with
   Only A
   Only B
   Only C
   Both B and C
   No improvement
   Option E
   The sentence uses the form keep up with, which is correct and needs no improvement.
   To keep up with is a phrase which means to stay at the same level as someone or something.
   e.g. McDougherty Enterprises could not keep up with the stock holder’s demands of over a million dollars.

    

8. Walk even if you can’t see the road, have faith and (hold in) tight.
   A Hold off
   B Hold it in
   C Hold on
   Only A
   Both B and C
   Both A and B
   Only C
   No improvement
   Option D
   The sentence uses the form hold in, which is incorrect and needs improvement.
   Using the preposition ‘in’ is incorrect here, hence it has to be corrected.
   The correct phrasal verb to be used here is hold on.
   To hold on is a phrase which means to grasp tightly.
   e.g. The messages of Rumi are themed on holding on to your faith.

    

9. The organisation, in this case, was the biggest bully and expected its employees (to give off) to its undeviating policies.
   A To give out
   B To give about
   C To give in
   Both A and C
   Both B and C
   Only C
   Only A
   No improvement
   Option C
   The sentence uses the form to give off, which is incorrect and needs improvement.
   Using the preposition ‘off’ is incorrect here, hence it has to be corrected.
   The correct phrasal verb to be used here is to give in.
   To give in is a phrase which means to yield or to stop opposing.
   e.g. Tyler, I wish you would treat the ones who love you with honour and respect and give in to their unwavering love for you.

    

10. The lady with the yellow bag is (getting of) at Waterloo.
    A Getting off
    B Getting out
    C Getting over
    Only B
    Both A and B
    Both A and C
    Only A
    No improvement
    Option D
    The sentence uses the form getting of, which is incorrect and needs improvement.
    Using the preposition ‘of’ is incorrect here, hence it has to be corrected.
    The correct phrasal verb to be used here is getting off.
    To get off is a phrase which means to leave (a bus, train, plane etc.).
    e.g. Where is Jonathon getting off?
    The only alternative that improves the sentence is A.