Mixed English Questions for Mains Exam — Set 343

Directions(1-6): In the given question, a part of the sentence is given in brackets. Below the sentence alternatives to the bracketed part are given at (A), (B), (C) and (D) which may help improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case the given sentence is correct, your answer is (E), i.e., ‘No correction required’.

1. It (were probability) that the students cheated, given their scores on the practice test.
   Was probability
   Were probable
   Was probable
   Are probable
   No correction required
   Option C
   The verb should be singular as signified by the use of ‘it’ in the beginning. Also, the sentence needs an adjective (probable) while a noun (probability) is used which is erroneous.
   Therefore, the phrase ‘were probability’ must be replaced with was probable to make the sentence grammatically correct.

    

2. Terrorists hoped to use the (hostages as leveraging against the government but as soon as the government denied any negotiations), all their plans of making demands came down crashing.
   hostages as leverage for the government but as soon as the government denied any negotiations
   hostages as leverages against the government but as soon as the government denied some negotiations
   hostages as leverage against the government but as soon as the government denied any negotiations
   hostages as leverage against the government but before the government denied any negotiations
   No correction required
   Option C
   A- In the context of the statement, the leverage is ‘against’ the government’ and not ‘for’ the government; thus the option is incorrect.
   B- ‘Leverages’ is the wrong use of plural; ‘leverage’ would work better.
   D- ‘Before’ is incorrect in the context of the overall meaning of the statement.
   E- ‘Leverage in the government’ is an incorrectly used phrase.

    

3. When a student selects a course of study, he is not guided by considerations of tastes or aptitudes (though by the prospect) of earning a living.
   though through the prospect
   but by the prospect
   but although the prospect
   though by a prospect
   No correction required
   Option B
   

    

4. For many young people, the bright lights of London beckon, though a lot of them (end of) sleeping on the streets.
   End away
   End up
   End into
   End out
   No correction required
   Option B
   The context of the sentence makes it clear that many young people, who are attracted by the prosperity of London, sleep on the streets. The most appropriate phrasal verb to depict this idea is “end up”, which means to reach or come to a place, condition, or situation that was not planned or expected.

    

5. A pair of jewelled earrings will (liven up) this dress without detracting from its simplicity.
   Lived up
   Live out
   Live off
   Lived off
   No correction required
   Option E
   The context of the sentence makes it clear that the pair of jewelled earrings would compliment the dress. The most appropriate phrasal verb to depict this idea is “liven up”, which means to make something or someone more lively, interesting.

    

6. To make sure he was ready for the party, we were going to (look after on) my brother-in-law, but he wasn’t home.
   Look in on
   Look down on
   Look down at
   Look along
   No correction required
   Option A
   The phrase ‘look after on’ is incorrect. It should be replaced with ‘look in on’ which means ‘make a short visit or call’.

    

Directions(7-10): In the given question, four words are given of which two are most nearly the same or opposite in meaning. Find the two words and indicate your answer by marking the option which represents the correct combination.

7. A) Expel
   B) Scourge
   C) Godsend
   D) Venial
   A-C
   A-D
   A-B
   C-D
   B-C
   Option E
   The word ‘Scourge’ means officially a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering. The word ‘Godsend’ means a very helpful or valuable event, person, or article. Thus, both the words are antonyms to each other. The word ‘Expel’ means officially ‘make someone leave a school or other organization’. The word ‘Venial’ means ‘denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace’.

    

8. A) Disgruntled
   B) Contrite
   C) Malcontent
   D) Blatant
   A-C
   A-D
   A-B
   C-D
   B-C
   Option A
   The word ‘Disgruntled’ means angry or dissatisfied. The word ‘Malcontent’ means dissatisfied and complaining or rebellious. Thus, both the words are synonyms to each other. The word ‘Contrite’ means feeling or expressing remorse at the recognition that one has done wrong. The word ‘Blatant’ means (of bad behaviour) done openly and unashamedly.

    

9. A) Detour
   B) Refute
   C) Confirm
   D) Riposte
   A-C
   A-D
   A-B
   C-D
   B-C
   Option E
   The word ‘Refute’ means prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove. The word ‘Confirm’ means establish the truth or correctness of something previously believed or suspected to be the case. Thus refute and confirm are just opposites of each other. The word ‘Detour means take a long or roundabout route. The word ‘Riposte ‘means a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism.

    

10. A) Erudite
    B) Onerous
    C) Parochialism
    D) Insularity
    A-C
    A-D
    A-B
    C-D
    B-C
    Option D
    The word ‘Parochialism’ means a limited or narrow outlook, especially focused on a local area; narrow-mindedness. The word ‘Insularity’ means ignorance of or lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one’s own experience. Thus, both the words are synonyms to each other. The word ‘Erudite’ means having or showing great knowledge or learning. The word ‘Onerous’ means (of a task or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty.

     

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