Mixed English Questions for Mains Exam — Set 193

Directions(1-6): Two sentences with one blank in each, followed by five alternatives, are given. Choose that option as the answer which can fill both the blanks of both the sentences.

1. a) St. John was instructed to ________________ the Scottish barons who had just imprisoned the queen to restore her to her authority.
   b) Steven decided that his purpose in the presentation will not ___________ the people of any political doctrine of economics.
   Strengthen
   Persuade
   Recommend
   Help
   Decide
   Option B
   

    

2. a) They had all along maintained virtual independence of the Turks and until recently retained their medieval customs, living in fortified towers and practicing the ________ or blood-feud.
   b) As a result of the gang leader’s _______ against police, on-duty officers are required to ride in pairs.
   Vendetta
   Disgust
   Worship
   Weakness
   Charity
   Option A
   

    

3. a) In the absence of the guests, Alex had changed into clothes more ___________ for farm work.
   b) The casual restaurant opposite to John’s house is moderately priced and __________ for romantic, business, and family dining.
   Agonizing
   Suitable
   Honest
   Pervasive
   Ornament
   Option B
   

    

4. a) A few minutes after the Emperor had passed, the Pavlograd ________ was ordered to advance.
   b) On several occasions, concordats have established a new _________ of dioceses by common accord.
   Depiction
   Support
   Query
   Division
   Request
   Option D
   

    

5. a) This General Synod was given full power to alter or __________ canons, or to repeal them, or to enact new ones.
   b) It is probable that further research will __________ this classification between plants and animals in details, but its main lines are generally accepted.
   Typical
   Differentiate
   Observe
   Respond
   Amend
   Option E
   

    

6. a) Magnus’ men hurried to __________ their boats to travel while the barbarians reached for their weapons.
   b) David Blaine had enough material to enable him to ________ several new tricks for his next magic show.
   Reside
   Inform
   Prepare
   Abandon
   Labour
   Option C
   

    

Directions(7-10): In the following question, a word is given, which has been used in the three statements given below it. Identify the statement(s) in which the word fits contextually to convey a logical meaning.

7. Mean
   1) Electronic transfers mean the money of a government, business, or individual might be anywhere at any time.
   2) California might be known for its sunsets and seafood, but California can also fire up a grill and serve up a mean steak.
   3) Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing.
   Only 1
   Only 3
   Both 1 and 2
   Both 2 and 3
   All 1,2,3
   Option
   “Mean” carries several meanings:
   a. Verb- intend to convey or refer to (a particular thing); signify
   E.g. Does it mean that you would discontinue with the project?
   b. Adjective- unkind, spiteful, or unfair.
   E.g. The giant was mean to the children who played in his garden.
   c. Adjective- very skillful or effective; excellent.
   E.g. He’s a mean cook.

    

8. Minute
   1) Involvement with terrorist groups brought the political party into minute.
   2) My keys were here a minute ago but now they have vanished.
   3) Any evidence recovered is then scrutinised in minute detail back at the laboratory.
   Only 1
   Only 3
   Both 1 and 2
   Both 2 and 3
   All 1,2,3
   Option D
   Minute can be used as both a noun and an adjective.
   When used a noun it refers to the period of time equal to sixty seconds or a sixtieth of an hour, as in sentence 2.
   When used as an adjective it means taking the smallest points into consideration; precise and meticulous, as sentence 3.

    

9. Wound
   1) Removing the splinters from the wound was a long and painful process.
   2) The outer walls looked likely to tumble down in a stiff wound.
   3) Over there is even a young mother pushing her daughter in a stroller and barely looking wound.
   Only 1
   Only 3
   Both 1 and 2
   Both 2 and 3
   All 1,2,3
   Option A
   “Wound” refers to an injury to a person’s feelings or reputation, as used in sentence, as used in sentence 1.
   “Wound” is also a past participle form of the verb “wind”.
   Walls do not have wounds and neither can a person look wound.

    

10. Foil
    1) The officers also foiled an attempt to smuggle protected animals to South Korea, South Africa and Japan.
    2) The pale walls provide a perfect foil for the brightly coloured furniture.
    3) You can make your own distorting mirror by pasting a sheet of kitchen foil to a piece of thin cardboard.
    Only 1
    Only 3
    Both 1 and 2
    Both 2 and 3
    All 1,2,3
    Option E
    Foil can be used both as a verb and a noun.
    When used as a verb it means to prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding, as in sentence 1.
    When used as a noun it means a person or thing that contrasts with and so emphasizes and enhances the qualities of another, as in sentence 2.
    It can also refer to the metal hammered or rolled into a thin flexible sheet, used chiefly for covering or wrapping food, as in sentence 3.