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Basic Learning Material English Foundation BMM10301 www.vistamind.in Basic Learning Material English Foundation BMM10301 www.vistamind.in Second Edition 2013 Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers. Published by VistaMind Education Pvt. Ltd., 2nd Floor, G. K. Shivaswami Copmlex, No. 861, 80 Feet Peripheral Road, 8th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - 560095 Contact No.: 080-41239125 Email Address: [email protected] Web: www.vistamind.in Content Noun 1 Adjective 3 Adverb 6 Article 8 Tense 11 Verb 19 Preposition 22 Conjunction 25 Pronoun 28 Question Tag 33 Idioms and Phrases 36 Reading Comprehension 39 Vocabulary 50 Noun Noun is a word used to name a person, place, animal, thing and abstract idea. There are five kinds of noun in English: (1) Proper noun (2) Common noun (3) Collective noun (4) Material noun (5) Abstract noun. 1. Proper Noun: Proper noun refers to the name of a person, place or thing. For example: Ram, Alwar, Tom, France, Madrid, Mrs. Smith, etc. 2. Common Noun: A Common noun is a noun referring to a person, place or thing in a general way. For example: King, boy, girl, city, dog, man, table, etc., are all common nouns. 3. Collective noun: A collective noun is the name of a group of persons or things taken together and spoken of as a whole, as a unit. For example: team, committee, army, crowd, flock, group, swarm, etc. 4. Material Noun: A material noun is the name of metal or substance, of which things are made. For Example: Silver, iron, wood, etc. 5. Abstract Noun: An Abstract noun is a noun which names anything which you cannot perceive through your five physical senses. For example: Honesty, bravery, beauty (quality), joy, hatred, laughter, etc. Practice Exercise - 1 Correct the following sentences: 1. Shelley’s poetries are great. 2. I saw beautiful sceneries in Kashmir last year. 3. He has purchased new machineries. 4. He said, “ He has purchased very costly crockeries”. 5. There were very heavy traffics on the road. 6. She has bought very beautiful furnitures. 7. He gave me many informations. 8. I am going to purchase some stationeries. 9. Ram said, “ The hair of Sita are black”. 10. This house is made of bricks and stones. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 1 of 59 11. Cities after cities were destroyed by the army. 12. Hours after hours were passed, but she didn’t turn up. 13. Ram said, “ I beg from doors to doors daily”. 14. Ships after ships were sailing by those days. 15. Rows upon rows of pink marble are soothing to the eyes. 16. I gave her three apples and a half. 17. The meeting was held for three hours and a quarter. 18. The length of this hall is three times and a half to that hall. 19. His salary is two times and a half to that of mine. 20. I have two rupee and a half only. Answer & Explanation Practise Exercise - 1 1. Shelley ’s poetry is great. 11 . Citiy after city was destroy ed by the army. 2. I saw beautiful scenery in Kashmir last y ear. 12 . Hour after hour was passed, but she didn’t turn up. 3. He has purchased new machinery. 13 . Ram said, “I beg from door to door daily ”. 4. He said, “He has purchased very costly crockery ”. 14 . Ship after ship was sailing by those day s. 5. There was very heavy traffic on the road. 15 . Row upon row of pink marble is soothing to the ey es. 6. She has bought very beautiful furniture. 16 . I gave her three and a half apples. 7. He gave me a lot of information. 17 . The meeting was held for three and a quarter hours. 8. I am going to purchase some stationery. 18 . The length of this hall is three and a half times more than that of th at hall. 9. Ram said, “The hair of Sita is black”. 19. His salary is two and a half times to that of mine. 10 . This house is made of brick and stone. 20 . I have two and a half rupees only. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 2 of 59 Adjective An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying or quantifying words. An adjective usually precedes the noun or the pronoun which it modifies. Kind of Adjectives 1. Proper Adjective: Adjectives that are from proper nouns are called proper adjectives. (A) This Indian town has an interesting history. (B) He is an American. 2. Attributive Adjective: Adjectives which precede the noun they modify are known as attributive adjectives. (A) Heavy rain is expected. (B) We saw a white tiger in the zoo. In above examples, ‘heavy’ is an attributive adjective modifying the noun ‘rain’; and ‘white’ is an attributive adjective modifying the noun ‘tiger’. 3. Possessive Adjective: Possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, its, our, their, etc) are identical to possessive pronouns. A Possessive adjective modifies a noun or a noun phrase. (A) This is my book. (B) That is your almirah. (C) What is your phone number? 4. Demonstrative Adjective: Demonstrative adjectives (this, these, that, those, what, such, etc) are identical to the demonstrative pronouns. These are used to modify nouns or noun phrase. (A) This girl is more intelligent than Sarla. (B) These apples are unripe. 5. Interrogative Adjectives: Interrogative adjectives (which, what, whose, etc) are like interrogative pronouns. (A) What book are you reading? (B) Whose pen is this? 6. Indefinite Adjectives: An indefinite adjective is similar to an indefinite pronoun. An indefinite adjective modifies a noun, a pronoun or a noun phrase. Examples of such adjectives are: All, any, many, several, few, etc.. (A) There are many people who support him. (B) He has a few books of english grammar. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 3 of 59 Practice Exercise - 1 Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners: 1. .................... people have car. a few/a little 2. Give me .................... time to decided the matter. a few/ a little 3. He drank .................... the water. 4. Delhi is .................... fromAlwar than Jaipur. 5. He is senior .................... me 6. There are .................... chidren outside the room. some/any 7. Have you .................... question? some/any 8. Please give me .................... water. some/any 9. Has he bought .................... dress? some/any 10. He can’t find .................... banana tree? some/any 11. She has .................... flowers ofrose. some/any 12. I could not get .................... note book there. some/any 13. Nisha did not eat .................... mango. some/any 14. Will you please lend me .................... money? some/any 15. She must give me .................... time to finish this work. some/any 16. Is there .................... money in your pocket? some/any 17. .................... dreams are very romantic. some/any 18. Sorry, I am stranger here, I have .................... knowledge about this place. few/l ittle 19. She has .................... clothes. some/any 20. He has not .................... car. some/any Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 4 of 59 all/whole further/farther than/to Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 1. a few 11. some 2. a little 12. any 3. all 13. any 4. fart her 14. some 5. to 15. some 6. some 16. any 7. any 17. some 8. some 18. little 9. any 19. some 10. any 20. any Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 5 of 59 Adverb An adverb is that word in a sentence, which modifies the meaning of a verb or an adjective or another adverb or phrase or clause. RELATIVE ADVERBS Relative adverb not only modifies verbs but also refers back to the antecedent. E.g., What, when, where, why, How, Whatever, Whether, Wherever, etc. INTERROGATIVE ADVERBS When adverbs introduce a question, they are called interrogative adverbs. E.g., When, Why, How, etc. PRACTICE EXERCIS E - 1 Correct the sentences: 1. Hari speaks clear. 2. Sita writes neat. 3. Sarla hit the thief hardly on the head. 4. He is perfectly quite right. 5. The speaker spoke enough loud to be heard easily. 6. Ram is much old. 7. The story is much old. 8. Ram comes here seldom. 9. I am very satisfied with her conduct. 10. The train will arrive just now. 11. The film was mostly over when you entered. 12. He fared bad in the second innings. 13. Repeat again what you have said. 14. Breathe deeply when you walk. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 6 of 59 Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 Solutio ns: 8. Ram seldom comes here. 1. Hari speaks clearly. 9. I am much satisfied with her conduct. 2. Sita writes neatly. 10. The train will arrive shortly. 3. Sarla hit the thief hard on the head. 11. The film was almost over when y ou entered. 4. He isperfectly right. 12. He fared badly in the second innings. 5. The speaker spoke loud en ough to be heard easily. 13. Repeat what you have said. 6. Ram is very old. 14. Breathe deep when y ou walk. 7. The story is very interesting. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 7 of 59 Article Articles are members of determiner family. Articles are used before nouns. ‘A (or An) and The’ There are two Articles - ‘A’ (or An) and ‘The’. A (or An) is called - Indefinite Article. ‘The’ is called the Definete Article, because it refers some particular person or thing. Article ‘A’ or ‘An’ is used before a singular noun. The choice between ‘A’ or ‘An’ is determined by first sound of pronunciation (not by the letter of alphabet even; it may beA, E, I, O, U of the noun.) If the first sound is vowel, An, is used: Ex. (A) He is an honest man. (B) He is an M.L.A. The definite article ‘The’ is used in following cases: A. The book you referred is out of print. B. I dislike the fellow who came here yesterday. Practice Exercise - 1 Fill in the blanks with articles, where necessary. 1. He went to .................... college to meet .................... class teacher. 2. I will take .................... tram from .................... church. 3. He came and sat on .................... bed. 4. He has already gone to .................... bed. 5. Ram was appointed .................... clerk. 6. Suresh was declared .................... captain of our team. 7. Ramesh invited Sarla for .................... dinner yesterday. 8. He organised .................... nice lunch in honour of .................... President. 9. .................... dinner hosted by Ram was superb. 10. .................... measles is .................... contagious disease. 11. he died of .................... cholera. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 8 of 59 12. She has been suffering from .................... fever for three days. 13. He can speak .................... Hindi, but I can’t speak .................... English. 14. I like .................... blue colour. 15. When I went .................... home, Raja was watching .................... TV. 16. I heard .................... news on .................... radio. 17. He is .................... rich man, he always goes by .................... car. 18. Three percent posts are reserved for .................... disabled and two percent for .................... ex-servicemen. 19. He went first to .................... Mexico and then to .................... USA. 20. Ram took .................... action with .................... swiftness of .................... tiger. Practice Exercise - 2 Insert suitable articles, where necessary. 1. Will you like to have .................... cup oftea? 2. .................... room is airy. 3. .................... dog is a faithful animal. 4. Will you go to .................... hospital to see your friend? 5. There are sixty seconds in .................... minute. 6. Take .................... umbrella with you. 7. I have made .................... mistake. 8. I saw .................... old man yesterday. 9. This poem is written by .................... foreign writer. 10. I found .................... book last night. .................... book is very useful. 11. He is .................... able man. 12. He has applied for .................... post of an officer. 13. .................... camel is .................... ship of .................... desert. 14. .................... earth revolves round .................... sun. 15. Kalidas is .................... Shakespeare of .................... India. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundation | BMM10 301 | 9 of 59 Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 Solutio ns: 11 . x 1. the, the 12. x 2. a, the 13. x, x 3. the 14. x 4. x 15. x, x 5. x 16. the, the 6. x 17. a, x 7. x 18. the, the 8. a, the 19. x, the 9. the 20 . the , a 10 . a Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 2 Solutio ns: 8. an 1. a 9. a 2. the 10 . a, the 3. th e 11 . an 4. th e 12 . th e 5. a 13 . the , th e, the 6. an 14 . th e, the 7. a 15 . the , x Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 10 of 59 Tense TENSE In English, there are three basic tenses: Present, Past, and Future. Each has a perfect form indicating completed action; each has a progressive form, indicating ongoing action; and each has a perfect progressive form, indicating ongoing action that will be completed at some definite time. Read the following sentences: I. I write a letter. II. I wrote a letter. III. I shall write a letter All underlined words in above sentences are the verbs. FORMS OF VERBS Verb is also classified as Regular and Irregular Verbs: Regular Verbs: Those verbs which form their past tense and past participle by adding ‘ed’ are called regular verbs. Irregular Verbs: Those verbs which from their past tense and past participle in a different way are called irregular verbs. We are giving below three lists of Irregular Verbs: List I: Verbs which have all the three forms same. List II: Verbs which have two forms same. List III: Verbs which have all the three forms different. List (I), All three forms are the same (Irregular verbs): Base form Past Tense Past Participle Bet bet bet Burst burst burst Cast cast cast Cost cost cost Cut cut cut Hit hit hit Hurt hurt hurt Let let let Put put put Read read read Rid rid rid Set set set Shut shut shut Split split split Spread spread spread List (II), Two of the forms Base Form Abi de Beat Become Bend Bleed Breed are the same (Irregular verbs): Past Tense Past Participle abode abode beat beat en became become bent bent bled bled bred bred Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 11 of 59 Bring Build Burn Buy Catch Come Creep Deal Dream Feed Feel Fight Find Fling Get Hang Have Hear Hold Keep Lay Lead lean Learn Leap Leave Lend Light Lose Make Mean Meet Pay Run Say Sell Send Shine Shoot Sit Sleep smell Spell Spend Spit Spoil Stand Stick Strike Sting Sweep Swing brought built burnt/ burned bought caught came crept dug dreamt/dreamed fed felt fought found flung got hung had heard held kept laid led leant/leaned learnt/learned leapt/ leaped left lent lit lost made meant met paid ran said sold sent shone shot sat slept smelt/smelled spelt spent spat spoilt/spoiled stood stuck struck stung swept swung Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 12 of 59 brought built burnt/burned bought caught come crept dug dreamt/dreamed fed felt fought found flung got hung had heard held kept laid led leant/leaned learnt/learned leapt/ leaped left lent lit lost made meant met paid run said sold sent shone shot sat slept smelt/smelled spelt spent spat spoilt/spoiled stood stuck struck stung swept swung Teach Tell Think Understand Win Wind taught told thought understood won wound taught told thought understood won wound List (III), All three forms are different (Irregular verbs): Base Form Past Tense Past Participle Ari se arose ari sen Be was/ were been Bear bore borne Begin began begun Bite bit bitten Blow blew blown Break broke broken Choose chose chosen Do did done Deaw drew drawn Drink drank drunk Dri ve drove driven Eat at e eat en Fall fell fall en Fly fl ew flown Forbid forbade forbidden Forget forgot forgotten Forgive forgave forgiven Freeze froze frozen Given gave given Go went gone Grow grew grown Hide hid hidden Know knew known Lie lay lain Mistake mistook mistaken Ride rode ridden Ring rang rung Rise rose risen See saw seen Shake shook shaken Sew sewed sewn/ sewed Show showed shown Shrink shrank shrunk Sing sang sung Sink sank sunk Speak spoke spoken Spring sprang sprung Steal stole stolen Swear swore sworn Swim swam swum Take took taken Tear tore torn Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 13 of 59 Throw Wake Wear Write Weave threw woke wore wrote wove thrown woken worn written woven Practice Exercise - 1 Correct the following sentences: 1. Sarita go to office at 10 A.M. daily 2. She has been cooking meal from 7 A.M. 3. Nisha is playing tabla for two hours. 4. Rani have just come from college. 5. They have been residing here since four years. 6. They goes to field at 5 A.M. 7. Ram do his work in time. 8. He drink coffee in the morning. 9. Mr. Sharma teachs us English grammar. 10. Sakshi catchs the train at 8 O’clock. 11. He flys kite on Sunday. 12. We takes bath together in the river. 13. We have been playing for 12 O’clock. 14. Raheja has been singing since one hour. 15. He pass all the tests without fail. Practice Exercise - 2 Fill in the blanks with correct form of the verbs (present & past) given in blackets in the space given. 1. It is already four p.m. They ........... (not arrive) yet. 2. Rashmi is not in the hostel. She ...........(go) out. 3. Sita ........... (hurt) her leg. She can’t walk fast. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 14 of 59 4. Suresh has no more books to sell. He ...........(sell) all the books. 5. They ...........(play) the second match in the morning. 6. Shilpa ........... (reach) home last evening. 7. They ...........(complete) their project just now. 8. Ramesh ...........(finish) his work before Rakhi came. 9. The girl ........... (fall) from the roof while ........... (fly) a kite. 10. It ........... (rain) heavily since Monday. 11. Raksha ........... (fall) down while she ........... (walk) in the gallery. 12. Ranu ........... (slip) while she ........... (climb) up the roof. 13. The light ........... (go) out while we ........... (have) drinks in the hotel. 14. Swami ........... (ring) the bell at 4 p.m. daily. 15. We ........... (live) in this country since India attained freedom. 16. We ........... (wait) for the train for last three hours. 17. Ankita ........... (read) the ‘Ramayana’ daily in the morning. 18. A dog ........... (bite) him, while she ...........(pass) through the forest last week. 19. Smrita ........... (write) an story when Rahul ........... (enter) the room. 20. They ........... (climb) up the ladder when they ........... (hear) the noise. 21. When Seema arrived, they ........... (take) their lunch. 22. They ........... (play) football for half an hour when it started to rain. 23. We ........... (try) hard for ten weeks when we succeeded in solving the puzzle. 24. He ........... (put) in hard work to secure the first rank for three years, before he finally achieved success. 25. She ........... (suffer) from fever for more than five days, when she received the appointment. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 15 of 59 Practice Exercise - 3 Fill in the blanks with the future continuous/perfect/perfect continuous form of the verbs, given in the brackets: 1. .......... she .......... (go) home after Holi? 2. The students .......... (works) on their project next year. 3. The gardener .......... (water) the plants at 7 p.m. in the evening tomorrow. 4. Ramesh .......... (repair) his bicycle all the day tomorrow. 5. Her brother .......... (study) in this college next year positively. 6. You .......... (complete) your work by the end of this month. 7. By the end of next year I .......... (finish) my project positively. 8. The farmers .......... (plough) all their fields before the monsoon reaches. 9. We .......... (manufacture) remote controlled planes by the end of the next year. 10. By next month, you .......... (visit) all the famous places of Udaipur. 11. Rahul .......... (practise) it for two years by January next. 12. Sangita .......... (teach) English for two years by March, 2006. 13. Mr. Prasanna .......... (work) in this hospital for three years by Dec. 2006. 14. We .......... (serve) in this firm for three years by Jan. 2007. 15. I .......... (live) here for twenty years by Nov. 2003. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 16 of 59 Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 1. Chan ge ‘go’ to ‘g oes; 9. Chan ge ‘tea chs’ to ‘teac hes’ 2. Change ‘from’ to ‘since’ 10. Change ‘catchs’ to ‘catches’ 3. Change ‘is’ to ‘has been’ 11. Change ‘fly s’ to ‘flies’ 4. Cha nge ‘have’ to ‘h as’ 12. Chage ‘takes’ to ‘take’ 5. Cha nge ‘s ince’ to ‘f or’ 13. Change ‘for’ to ‘since’ 6. Change ‘goes’ to ‘go’ 14. Change ‘since’ to ‘for’ 7. Change ‘do’ to ‘ does’ 15. Change ‘pass’ to ‘passes 8. Ch ange ‘d rink’ to ‘d rinks’ Practice Exercise - 2 1. Have not arrived 13 . Went, wer e having 2. Has gone 14. Rin gs 3. Has hurt 15. Have been living 4. Has sold 16. Have been waiting 5. Have played 17. Reads 6. Reached 18. Bit, was passing 7. Have completed 19. Was writing, entered 8. Had finished 20 . Were climbing, heard 9. Fell, fly ing 21. Had been taking 10. Has been raining 22. Had been play ing 11. Fell, was walking 23. Had been try ing 12. Slipped, was climbing 24 . Had put 25. Had been suffering. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 17 of 59 Practice Exercise - 3 1. will, be going 8. will have ploughed 2. will be working 9. will have manufactured 3. will be watering 10 . shall hav e visited 4. will be repairing 11 . will have been practising 5. will be study ing 12 . will have been teaching 6. will have completed 13 . will have been working 7. will have finished 14 . shall have been serving 15 . shall have been living Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 18 of 59 Verb If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. The subject of a sentence must agree with the verb of the sentence. They must agree in two ways: (A) In Number: Singular vs. Plural (B) In Person: First, Second, or Third Person INVERSION In normal english sentences, subject comes before the verb with following construction: Subject + Verb +.......... In some situations, like in questions, the order is reversed with following construction: Verb + Subject + .......... Such types of constructions, wherein the verb comes before the subject, are known as inversion. Inversion of the Verb: ‘Certain adverbs and adverb phrases, ,most with a restrictive or negative sense, can, for emphasis be placed first in a sentence or clause and are then followed by the inverted (i.e. interrogative) form of the verb.’ (Thomson and Martinet). 1. 2. Inversion can be of two types. When ‘Auxiliary’ comes before the subject but main verb comes after the subject: (A) Never does he go to temple. (B) Hardly does he come here. When main verb comes before the subject: (A) Round the corner went Jacob. (Main Verb + Subject) (B) Under a tree was sitting an old lady. (Auxiliary + Main Verb + Subject) Practice Exercise - 1 Spotting the error (Inversion): 1. “ Under no circumstances A 2. “ I don’t like A 3. Every member of his family is A 4. Never before A I can help you in B such a bright B I had been asked B this venture”, C said Sita. D colour, nor she does”, C addicted to B gambling C to go there C he said to Ram. D and so John is. D by bus. D Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 19 of 59 5. On no account A this switch must B 6. “ Seldom I had A seen such a B 7. Under a tree A was sleeping an B old lady C 8. To such a A degree he created B the problems that C people thrashed him. D 9. Not only A she watched the news B but she also C cooked food. D 10. No sooner the plane landed at the A be touched. C beautiful girl”, C airport than B said Mohanti. D with her young child. D a group of armed C Practice Exercise - 2 Fill in the blanks with suitable forms of verbs given in brackets: 1. He (live) in Kolkata for five years. 2. At the moment he (play) in the park. 3. I (wish) I knew the girl’s name. 4. She (take) a bath when the telephone rang. 5. I (tell) already you that you should work hard. 6. Ram always (remember) that honesty is the best policy. 7. Ramesh (leave) his house before I called on him. 8. They always (believe) that love is stronger than hatred. 9. She told me that her mother (go) to the doctor half an hour before. 10. I (wash) my hands when he came. 11. I (tell) already you what to do under these circmstances. 12. It is high time you (start) working with full zeal. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 20 of 59 commandos surrounded it. D Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 1. (B) 6. (A) 2. (C) 7. (E) Correct sentence 3. (D) 8. (B) 4. (B) 9. (B) 5. (B) 10. (A) Practice Exercise - 2 1. He has been living in Kolkata for five y ears. 7. Ramesh had left his house before I called on him. 2. At the moment he is play ing in the park. 8. They alway s believe that lo ve is stronger than hatre. 3. I wish I knew the girl’s name. 9. She told me that her mother had gone to the doctor half anhour before. 4. She was taking a bath when the telephone rang. 10 . I was washing my hands when he came 5. I have already told y ou that y ou should work hard. 11 . 12 . I have already told y ou what to do under these circumstances. It is high time y ou starte d working with full zeal. 6. Ram always remembers that honesty is the best policy. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 21 of 59 Preposition Preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun or gerund, and it denotes the relation, the person or thing referred to by it, has with something else. A word such as a noun, pronoun or gerund following a preposition is said to be the object of the preposition. A preposition is followd by a ‘noun’. It is never followed by a verb. Practice Exercise - 1 Fill in the blank with appropriate prepositions: 1. Ram killed the snake ............... a stick. 2. He lives ............... Alwar. 3. Rice is selling ............... five rupees a kilo. 4. His car ran ............... a dog. 5. He assured to stand ............... me in all circumstances. 6. I will stand ............... for my rights. 7. He put ............... a coat of red colour. 8. He is proud ............... his riches. 9. He lives ............... Mumbai. 10. In general, acids act ............... metals. 11. Ram was beaten ............... by Mohan for no reason. 12. He sat ............... the ground. 13. He fell the tree ............... an axe. 14. An epidemic broke ............... in the town last year. 15. I called ............... to her from a distant place. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 22 of 59 Practice Exercise - 2 Correct the sentence: 1. You cannot prevent me to go to the market. 2. She refrains to do this work. 3. I insisted him to attend the class. 4. He has a passion to learn English grammar. 5. She is negligent to attend the meetings. 6. She persisted to write again. 7. He is bent to fight again. 8. I am confident to win the match. 9. He succeeded to pass the examination this time. 10. I am proud to have a friend like Ram. 11. I cannot hinder her to enter the temple. 12. She is desirous to leave the place. 13. Ram was disqualified to compete in this tournament. 14. I cannot think to oppose him. 15. He was prohibited entering the temple. 16. You should abstain to drink now. 17. He intends going to Jaipur. 18. It is very difficult to dissuade him to go there. 19. He is fortunate to get a ticket. 20. I am hopeful to achieve success. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 23 of 59 Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 1. with 9. in 2. at 10. on 3. at 11. up 4. over 12. on 5. by 13. with 6. up 14. out 7. on 15. out 8. of Practice Exercise - 2 1. You cannot prevant me from going to the market. 2. She refrains from doing this work. 3. I insisted him on attending the class. 4. He has a passion for learning English grammar. 5. She is negligent in attending the meeting. 6. She persisted in writing. 7. He is bent on fighting again. 8. I am confident of winning the match. 9. He succeeded in passing the examination this time. 10 . I am proud of having a friend like Ram. 11 . I cannot hin der her from entering the temple. 12. She is desirous of leaving the place. 13. Ram was disqualified from competing in this tournament. 14. I cannot think of opposing him. 15. He was prohibited from entering the temple. 16. You should abstain from drinking now. 17 . He intends to go to Jaipur. 18. It is very difficult to dissuade him from going there. 19. He is fortunate in getting a ticket. 20. I am hopeful of achieving success. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 24 of 59 Conjunction Aconjunction is a word that joins words, phrases, clauses or sentences. A conjunction is called a joiner, connector or sentence linker. Kinds of Conjunction There are three types of conjunction: (A) Coordinating Conjunction, (B) Subordinating Conjunction, (C) Correlative Conjunction. (A) Coordinating Conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions may join single words, or they may join groups of words, but they always join elements of same kind: either subject and subject,or verb phrase and verb phrase, or sentence and sentence. (B) Subordinating Conjunctions: Subordinating conjunctions, the largest class of conjunctions, connect subordinate clauses to a main clause. After, although, as as if, as long as, as though, because, bofore, even if, even though, if, if only, in order that, now that, once, rather than, since, so that, than, that, though, till, unless, until, when, whenever, where, whereas, wherever, while. (C) Correlative Conjunctions: Correlative conjunctions also connect sentence elements of the same kind: however, unlike coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs. Such Conjunctions are: Either .......... or, Neither ........... nor, Both ............. and, Whether ......... or, Not only, .......... but also. Practice Exercise - 1 Join the following pairs of sentences using the connectors given in brackets: 1. My father is ill.My wife is ill. (both .......... and) 2. The teacher was not in the class. The monitor was not in the class. (neither ........... nor) 3. He is poor. He is honest. (though ..........yet) 4. The book may be in the bag. It may be in the cupboard. (either .......... or) 5. There was a violent strom. Many trees were uprooted. (such .......... that) 6. The doctor reached. The patient died. (hardly .......... when) 7. He is strong. He is brave. (not only .......... but also) 8. Do not be a borrower. Do not be a lender. (neither .......... nor) Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 25 of 59 9. It was very dark. We could see nothing. (so .......... that) 10. The thief saw the policemen. He ran away at once. (no sooner ..........than) Practice Exercise - 2 Fill in the blanks with suitable connectors chosen from the ones given in brackets: 1. We want others to respect our feelings ............, we should respect the feeelings of others. ( nevertheless, similarly, on the other hand) 2. We lost the key. We had ............ to break open the lock. (still, for, therefore) 3. His parents were transferred to Agra ............ he was five years old. (when, since, while) 4. A mechanic was sent for ............ our car broke down. (since, as soon as, because) 5. The rent being very high he will not take that house ............ it is very far away from his office. (because, moreover,still) 6. The police asked the suspect question after question, ............ he did not open his mouth. (yet, still, howrver) 7. I have been to the hanging garden four times,............ I won’t mind going there again. (but, nevertheless, however) 8. ............ much I tried, I could not help him. (though, however, as) 9. My uncle left for Mexico ............ I was six years old. (when, since, while) Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 26 of 59 Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 1. Both my father and my wife are ill. 2. Neither the teacher nor the monitor was in the class. 3. Though he is poor, y et he is honest. 4. The bookmay be either in the bag or in the cupboard. 5. There was sucha violent strom that many trees were uprooted. 6. The doctor had hardly reached when the patient died. or Hardly had the doctor reached when the patient died 7. He is not only strong but also brave. 8. Neither be a borrower nor be a lender. 9. It was so dark that we could see nothing. 10. No sooner did the policeman see the thief than he ran away. Practice Exercise - 2 1. similarly 6. still 2. therefore 7. bu t 3. when 8. however 4. because 9. when 5. moreover Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 27 of 59 Pronoun Pronouns are words which are used in the place of nouns. Kinds of Pronoun Pronouns are classified as per following: 1. Personal Pronoun 3. Emphatic Pronoun 5. Demonstrative Pronoun 7. Interrogative Pronoun 9. Distributive Pronoun 2. Reflexive Pronoun 4. Reciprocal Pronoun 6. Indefinite Pronoun 8. Relative Pronoun 10. Exclamatory Pronoun Personal Pronouns: Personal pronouns refer persons or things. Personal Pronouns change form,according to their different uses in a sentence. Personal pronouns in the subjective and objective cases: Subjective Case I You He She It We They Objective Case me you him her it us them S inglularAnd Plural Pronouns Person First Person Second Person Third Person Singlular I you he, she, it Plural we you they Possessive forms of personal pronouns The forms of personal pronouns which indicate possession are called possessive forms of personal pronouns. The subjective, objective and possessive forms of the personal pronouns are shown in the following table: Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 28 of 59 Subjective Objective Possessive form case Possessive form case I Me My Mine You You Your Yours He Him H is His She Her Her Hers It It Its Its We Us O ur Ours They Them T heir Theirs Reflexive Pronouns: The reflexive pronouns, ending in -self, are used when the action denoted by the verb is directed toward the thing referred to by the subject. Examples. (A) She washed herself thoroughly before putting on new dress. (B) Did you hurt yourself? (C) You ruined yourself. Emphatic Pronouns The Emphatic pronouns (such as myself, yourself, herself, ourselves, themselves) consist of a personal pronoun plus self or selves. The Emphatic pronoun is used to emphasize a noun. It is possible (but rather unusual) for an emphatic ponoun to precede the noun it refers to; e.g., - Myself, I don’t believe a word she says.) Usually Emphatic pronoun is placed after the noun it refers: (A) I myself solved this question. (B) She herself found the solution (C) He himself came to see the patient (D) You yourself admitted your fault. Reciprocal Pronouns A pronoun that express a mutual action or relationship between the individuals indicated in the plural subject. Examples : They cared for each other. We all try and help one another. Demonstrative Pronouns The family of demonstratives (this/that/these/those/such) functions either as pronouns or as determiners. The words ‘this, that, these and those’ are Demonstrative pronouns. These are used to denote specific persons or things. In the following examples, the words ‘this’ ‘that’ ‘these’ and those’ are used as demonstrative pronouns: (A) This is an umbrella. (B) That is a good idea. (C) These are my friends. (D) Those are our shops. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 29 of 59 Indefinite Pronouns A pronoun that refers to a person or a things in a general way (not in a definite way) is called Indefinite Pronoun. The indefinite pronouns (everybody/ anybody/somebody/all/each/every/some/none/ one) do not act for specific nouns but function themselves as nouns. Indefinite pronouns may be used without antecedents. Look at the following sentences: (A) One cannot get every thing one desires. (B) I will try to think of somebody who can help you. (C) Nobody will believe it ! Interrogative Pronouns The Interrogative pronouns are used for making queries or asking questions. The pronouns ‘who, what and which’ are used as interrogative pronouns. (A) Who telephoned? (B) What did you say? (C) Which is your pen? Relative Pronouns A relative pronoun is a word such as ’who’, whom’ that’, or ‘which’ that is used to introduce a relative clause. These words are called relative pronouns. The compounds’ whoever, ‘ whomever,’ and ‘whichever’ are also relative pronouns. Look at the following sentences: (A) The woman who is wearing red saree is a doctor. (B) The door, which is dark blue, is very tight. (C) Have you found the magazine that was missing? Distributive Pronouns Each, either and neither are classified as distributive pronouns. They denote person or thing one at a time. These pronouns are always treated as singlular and take singular verbs. Look at the following sentences: (A) Each of the students gets a prize (B) Each got his turn. (C) Either of the two will win the race. Exclamatory Pronoun A pronoun used as an exclamation is called an exclamatory pronoun: (A) What ! You don’t know Sonia Gandhi? (B) What ! You lost the chain ? In above sentences ‘What’ is functioning as an exclamatory pronoun. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 30 of 59 Practice Exercise - 1 Correct the following sentences: 1. It was me who telephoned you yesterday. 2. The girl who you spoke to in the office is my friend. 3. My brother and myself are glad to get your greetings. 4. I am not one of those who cannot keep his promise. 5. It is not us who are respoonsible for the delay. 6. They admired his wife and he. 7. What place are you going? 8. Which house do you live ? 9. She has absented from duty today again. 10. I could not avail of the opportunity I got last year. 11. The treatment received by me was such, which I never expected. 12. His expectation is the same which is hers. 13. One cannot bear his insult like this. 14. My house is bigger than their. 15. This is a secret between you and I. Practice Exercise - 2 Fill in the blanks with interrogative / relative pronouns: Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 31 of 59 Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 1. It was I who telephoned y ou y esterday. 9. She hasabsented herself from duty today again. 2. The girl whom y ou spoke to in the office, is my friend. 10. I could not avail my self of the opportunity I got last y ear. 3. My brother and I are glad to get y our greetings. 11. The treatment received by me was such asis hers. 4. I am not one of those who cannot keep their promise. 12 . His expectation is the same as I had never expected. 5. It is not we who are responsible for the delay. 13. One cannot bear one’s insult like this. 6. They admired his wife and him. 14. My house is bigger than theirs. 7. Where are y ou going ? 15. This is a sescretbetween y ou and me. 8. Which house do y ou live in? Practice Exercise - 2 1. which 6. whom 2. who 7. which 3. where 8. what 4. which 9. who 5. when 10. whose. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 32 of 59 Question Tag The whole sentence is a ‘tag question’, and the mini-question at the end is called a ‘question tag’. Practice Exercise - 1 Write the number 1, 2, 3 or 4 of correct answer in the brackets: 1. Do as i say, ........................? (1) didn’t you (2) won’t you (3) needn’t you (4) shan’t you ( ) Now you can make question tags, ........................? (1) can you (2) won’t you (3) can’t you (4) will you ( ) You fell on your back, ........................? (1) didn’t you (2) weren’t you (4) haven’t they ( ) Few people know that you are an artist, ........................? (1) do they (2) will we (3) aren’t they (4) haven’t they ( ) Tomorrow we will attend our college, ........................? (1) shall we (2) will we (3) won’t we (4) should’t they ( ) The Bishnois of Rajasthan protect trees and animals, ........................? (1) have they (2) weren’t they (3) do they (4) don’t they ( ) Everyone wanted a ticket, ........................ ? (1) didn’t they (2) didn’t he (4) haven’t we ( ) Let’s take a little rest before we start again, ........................? (1) will we (2) should we (3) shall we (4) needn’t we ( ) Anjali dances very well, ........................? (1) does she (2) doesn’t she (4) isn’t she ( ) 10. Both Ram and Shyam are engineers, ........................? (1) isn’the (2) isn’t she (3) are they (4) aren’t they ( ) 11. He knows nobody in the colony, ........................? (1) does he (2) did he (3) doesn’t the (4) weren’t he ( ) 12. Jahangir was a great judge, ........................? (1) doesn’t he (2) didn’t he (3) wasn’t he (4) weren’t he ( ) 13. I am looking after the garden, ........................? (1) amn’t I (2) aren’t I (3) isn’t I (4) don’t I ( ) 14. It is quite hot outside today,........................? (1) is it (2) isn’t it (3) doesn’t it (4) aren’t it ( ) 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. (3) have you (3) didn’t she (3) are’t she Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 33 of 59 Practice Exercise - 2 Complete the following by using the correct tages: 1. He doesn’t want to go to college today, ........................? 2. Let’s pray to God, ........................? 3. You had met me before ........................? 4. We couldn’t enjoy the picnic,........................? 5. He is a rude man, ........................? 6. Everybody was watching the TV, ........................? 7. Mrs. Saxena is a good lady, ........................? 8. Something must be done for us, ........................? 9. Someone might come, ........................? 10. He needs money, ........................? 11. I needn’t write, ........................? 12. Nisha need not go there, ........................? Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 34 of 59 Answer & Explanation Practice Exercise - 1 1. (2 ) 8. (3 ) 2. (3 ) 9. (2 ) 3. (1 ) 10 . (4 ) 4. (1 ) 11 . (1 ) 5. (3 ) 12 . (3 ) 6. (4 ) 13 . (2 ) 7. (1 ) 14 . (2) Practice Exercise - 2 1. Does he 7. isn ’t s he 2. shall we 8. must’t it 3. hadn’t y ou 9. mightn’t they 4. could we 10. doens’t he 5. isn’t he 11. need I 6. weren’t they 12. need she Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 35 of 59 Idioms & Phrases A gentleman at large (an unreliable person): He is a gentleman at large, you must not trust him. A wolf in sheep’s clothing (a dangerous person pretending harmless): Charles Shobhraj is a wolf in sheep’s clothing for general public. ABC (very common knowledge): He doesn’t know ABC of Physics. Above board (fair and honest): He is a straightforward man. His financial dealings are above board. Again and again (repeatedly): One who tries again and again gets success positively. All and sundry (without making any distinction): He invited all and sundry in the marriage party of his younger brother. All in all (whole-sole, most important): The Forest Minister is all in all of our department. Alpha and omega (First and last letter of Greek alphabet, means-beginning and end): The alpha and omega of British policy was to keep the Indians divided. An eye wash (a pretence): He does nothing without self interest, all his excuses are but an eye wash. An iron hand (by force): Indira Gandhi put down the opposition with an iron hand. At sixes and sevens (persons who are having different opinions): Economists are at sixes and seven on the policy of rationing. Beck and call (at the service): Don’t worry, I am at your beck and call. Bag and baggage (with all goods) : He returned his village bag and baggage. Between scylla and Charybdis: (choice between two unpleasant alternatives): Don’t make haste, take care so that in avoiding scylla you don’t fall in Charybdis. Between the cup and the lips: (On the point of achievement): Until I got the appointment letter in hand, I was not sure of the posting, as there were many slips between the cup and the lips. Black and white (in writing): It is always better to get everything in black and white, before entering a partnership. Blow hot and cold (having no stand, showing favour at one time and unfavour at another): He can’t be relied upon, as he blows hot and cold in this matter. Body and soul (entirely): She devoted herself body and soul to win the medal. By fits and starts (irregularly): Work done by fits and starts never completes in time. By hook or by crook (by any means): I want to get this licence by hook or by crook. By leaps and bounds (speedily): The population is increasing by leaps and bounds. Call a spade a spade (straight talk): He believes in calling a spade a spade. Cats and dogs (heavy rain): It has been raining cats and dogs for the last three hours. Cock and bull story (untrue story): All his excuses seem a cock and bull story. Confusion worse confounded (be in further worse position): Such demonstrations and communal speeches in present situation make confusion worse confounded. Cut and dried (readymade form): There is no cut and dried method of English speaking. Ever and anon (now and then): She goes to temple ever and anon. Fair and square (honest): He is fair and square in his dealings. Fair field and no favour (equal opportunity to all): All the staff wants fair field and no favour in the matter of transfer. Far and wide (every where): Many tourists come to see the Taj from far and wide. Fire and brimstone (fearful penalties): The USA has threatened Iran with fire and brimstone if she refuses to follow the resolutions of UNO. Fire and fury (extreme enthusiasm): The speech of the leader was full of fire and fury. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 36 of 59 First and foremost (highest priority): To be sincere and devoted is the first and foremost requirement ofa good employee. Fishy (doubtful) : There seems to be something fishy going on. Free and easy (natural and simple): The principal found his arguments free and easy. Gall and wormwood (source of irritation): Her remarks about his father were gall and wormwood to him. Gird up the loins (to be ready): We should gird up the loins to fight the menace of poverty and dowery. Goods and chattels (belongings of home): On transfer, he brought all goods and chattels by road. Hand gloves (very intimate friends): Ram and Rahim are hand in gloves with each other. Hard and fast (certain): There are no hard and fast rules to sanction the loan. Heart and soul (with full devotion): He threw himself heart and soul to pass the examination. Herculean task (a tedious job): Getting selected in IAS is a herculean task for everybody. Hit below the belt (contrary to principles of fairness): By making his enemy’s private secrets public, he hit him below the belt. Hither and thither (here and there): He is in the habit of putting his belongings hither and thither. Hole and corner policy (a secret policy for an evil purpose): The officer adopted a hole and corner policy to get his P.A . trasferred. Hue and cry (great noise): A lot of hue and cry was raised in Parliament against this bill. Ins and outs (full detail): Before starting any new business you must know all ins and outs ofit. Intents and purposes (practically): My wife is the incharge of the house for all intents and purposes. Kith and kin (blood relatives): All kith and kin were invited in the marriage function of his son. Latin and Greek (unable to understand): His speech in English was Latin and Greek to the rural folk. Law and equity (legal and moral justice): Law and equity demands that the reservations should be based on economic parameters. Leave no stone unturned (make all possible efforts): I shall leave no stone unturned to get the promotion. Length and breadth (all over): Anti-English agitation spread throughout the length and breadth of the country. Life and soul (main support): Soniya Gandhi is the life and soul of Congress (I). Like a fish out of water (in a very difficult and unsuitable situation): Ram was given an unremunerative post. He is feeling like afish out of water. Loaves and fish (material interests): Nowadays Government servants are concerned with the loaves and fish of the office than to solve the problems of common public. Lock and key (in safe place): He keeps the jewellery under lock and key. Might and main (with all enthusiasm): If you study with might and main you will positively secure the success. Milk and water (weak): The foreign policy of India is nothing more than a milk and water policy. Neck and crop (completely): The Pak army ruined the border village neck and crop. Need of the hour (necessity of time): Providing full security to the residents of border area is the need of hour. Nook and corner (everywhere): I searched her in every nook and corner. Not born yesterday (worldlywise): You can’t befool me as I was not born yesterday. Now and then (Occasionally): I visit church now and then. Null and void (of no use, without force of application) : The law passed by legislature was declared null and void by the Supreme court. Odds and ends (remaining goods): Except odds and ends, all the items have since been arranged in order. Often and often (frequently): She visits her parents often and often. Once and again (repeatedly): I have told you once and again that I have no money to purchase the car at the moment. Open and above board (very clear, transparent): He believes in open and above board discussion on every point before arriving at a conclusion. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 37 of 59 Out of gear (in disorder): The strike of employees always puts the government machinery out of gear. Over and above (besides): I paid him rupees ten thousand over and above what he demanded. Over head and ears (excessively): He is over head and ears in debt. Part and Parcel (being an important part of): Each employee should feel himself part and parcel of the business enterprises. Pell mell (putting one upon the other, in confusion): He was in such a hurry that he put all the articles pell mell and closed the room . Pick and choose (to choose selectively as per wish): The management adopted pick and choose policy in the matter of promotions from clerical to assistant cadre. Pins and needles (small items): It is unwise to use swords and scissors where pins and needles can do. Pros and Cons (merits and demerits): Before signing this agreement you must understand all its pros and cons well. Rain or shine (favourable or unfavourable circumstances.): Rain or shine, I will speak to oppose the proposal. Rank and file (everyone without discrimination): For the actual prosperity of the nation, the economic conditions of rank and fie should be improved. Rank and ruin (complete destructions): The present drought has put the farmers on the verge of rank and ruin. Rhyme or reason (rational cause): He resigned from the service without any rhyme or reason. Right and left (in all ways): The robbers looted the village right and left and fled away. Root and branch (complete): Poverty among the public is the root and branch of all the crimes. Safe and sound (quite well): She reached there safe and sound. Speck and span (neat and smart): Mr. J.L. Nehru was always spick and span in his dressing style. Stuff and nonsense (worthless) : The judge found all his arguments stuff and nonsense. Sum and substance (the actual theme): The sum and substance of the paragraph must be reflected in a good precis. The die is cast (decided finally): The die is cast, there is not point of discussing over it now. The last nail in the coffin (the last action which resulted in the complete end of something.): The reservation policy of V.P. Singh was the last nail in the coffin of the Janta Party. Thick and thin (in all circumstances): I shall support you through thick and thin. Through fire and water (in all sort of difficulties): He can go through fire and water to achieve his goal. Time and tide (course of time): Time and tide waits for none. To and fro (going and coming, backward and forward): What are the to and fro taxi charges for Alwar to Delhi? Cheek by jowl (very near with somebody / something): As the space was short, so he kept all the articles cheek by jowl. To move heaven and earth (to make all possible efforts): I am ready to move heaven and earth to bring him to justice. To play ducks and drakes (to waste money): He is playing ducks and drakes with parental money Toil and moil (hard labour): It requires too much of toil and moil to secure the first position. Tom Dick and Harry (everyone): Every Tom, Dick and Harry knows that Sachin is the greatest cricketer . Tooth and nail (with all force): Students of general caste opposed the reservation policy tooth and nail but of no avail. Ups and downs (prosperity and adversity): There are ups and downs in every business. Warp and woof (essential parts of a thing): Blood and bones are warp and woof of human body. Watch and ward (careful guard): At least three guards are required to have perfect watch and ward of the building. Weal and woe (prosperity and adversity): I will abide by you in all weal and woe. Whips and spur (with greatest hurry): He completed the project whips and spur. Why and wherefore (the basic reason): Please tell me the why and wherefore of your decision to take voluntary retirement. Willy nilly (wish or not wish): Willy nilly, you are to obey the orders of your father. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 38 of 59 Reading comprehension COMPREHENSION “ Comprehensions judge your capability and ability of understanding the passage, your power of analyzing the problem in proper perspective and your ability of presenting your answers systematically”. RIGHT APPROACH TO ANSWER THE Q UESTIONS: 1. Questions are to be answered on the basis of the information provided in the passage, and you are not expected to rely on outside knowledge of a particular topic. Your own views or opinions may sometimes conflict with the views expressed or the information provided in the passage. Be sure that you work within the context of the passage. You should not expect to agree to everything you encounter in reading passages. 2. You should analyses each passage carefully before answering the accompanying questions. As with any kind of close and thoughtful reading, look for clues that will help you understand less explicit aspects of the passage. Try to separate main ideas from supporting ideas or evidence. 3. Note transitions from one idea to the next, and examine the relationships among the different ideas or parts of the passage. For example, are they contrasting? Are they complementary? Consider the points the author makes, the conclusions drawn, and how and why those points are made or conclusions are drawn. 4. Read each question carefully and be certain that you understand exactly what is being asked. 5. Always read all the answer choices before selecting the best answer. 6. The best answer is the one that most accurately, and most completely answers the questions being posed. Be careful not to pick an answer choice simply because it is a true statement. Be careful also not to be misled by answer choices that are only partially true or only partially satisfy the problem posed in the question. Directions : Read the following passage carefully and answer the question given below it. Passage - 1 Many people believe that science and religion are contrary to each other. But this notion is wrong. As a matter of fact, both are complementary to each other. The aim of both these institutions is to explain different aspects of life, universe and human existence. There is no doubt that the methods of science and religion are different. The method of science is observation, experimentation and experience. Science takes its recourse to progressive march towards perfection; the rules of religion are faith, intuition and spoken word of the enlightened; in general, while science is inclined towards reason and rationality, spiritualism is the essence of religion. In earlier times when man appeared on earth, he was overawed at the sight of violent and powerful aspects of nature. In certain cases, the usefulness of different natural objects of nature overwhelmed man. Thus began the worship of forces of nature - fire, the sun, the rivers, the rocks, the trees, the snakes, etc. The holy scriptures were written by those who had developed harmony between external nature and their inner self. Their object was to ennoble, elevate and liberate the human spirit and mind. But the priestly class took upon itself the monopoly of scriptural knowledge and interpretation to its own advantage. Thus the entire human race was in chains. Truth was flouted and progressive, liberal and truthful ideas or ideas expressing doubt and skepticism were suppressed and their holders punished. It was in these trying circumstances, the Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 39 of 59 science emerged as a saviour of making but its path was not smooth and safe. The scientists and free thinkers were tortured. This was the fate of Copernicus, Galileo, Bruno and others. But, by and by science gained ground. 1. Why does man worship the force of nature? (1) The holy scriptures advocate the worship of forces of nature (2) The worship elevates and liberates the human spirit and mind (3) The worship makes man believe in faith and intuition (4) Forces of nature reach us spiritualism (5) None of these. 2. Which of the following statements is true in the context of the passage? (1) Science and religion are antagonistic to each other (2) Science encourages worshipping of nature (3) Religion is essential for external peace and harmony (4) Regimental religion was replaced by scientific principles (5) Science is essential for inner peace of mind. 3. According to the passage, science and religion both: (1) Rely on the spoken word of the enlightened (2) Emerged out of the fear of man (3) Emerged from the desire of man to worship the forces of nature (4) Employ different methods of enquiry (5) Work at the cross - purpose of each other. 4. Why is it said in the passage that, science emerged as a saviour of mankind? (1) Many great thinkers contributed to the progress of science (2) Science takes recourse to progressive march towards perfection (3) Science is inclined towards reason and rationality (4) Man was bound in chains by religious orthodoxy (5) The free thinkers and enlightened men were tortured. 5. Which of the following statements is not true in the context of the passage? (1) Man worships the forces of nature (2) Methods of science and religion are different (3) Regimental religion got degenerated into orthodoxy (4) Galileo and Bruno were disciples of copernicus (5) The holy scriptures were written by people who had tremendous inner strength. 6. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word ‘flouted’, as used in the passage. (1) Mocked (2) Nourished (3) Expressed (4) Deflated (5) Concealed 7. According to the passage, science and religion; (1) Are contrary to each other (2) Have the same origin (3) Are supportive to each other (4) Have the same aim of controlling universe (5) Do not allow any deviation from their rules. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 40 of 59 8. According to the passage, at the present juncture, there is a need to: (1) encourage spiritualism as much as possible (2) Teach people to worship the forces of nature (3) Free man from all sorts bondages. (4) Explain to the people different aspects of life and universe (5) Judiciously mix the principles of science and true spirit of religion. 9. What was the object of the authors of the holy scripture? (1) To teach man the methods of worshipping nature (2) To advocate the progressive (3) To educate and raise the human spirit and mind (4) To develop harmony between external nature and their inner self (5) None of these. 10. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word enlightened’ as used in the passage: (1) Uninformed (2) Derogatory (3) Downtrodden (4) Educated (5) Authority Passage - 2 Directions; Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it; Mountaineering is now looked upon as the king of sports. But men have lived amongst the mountains since prehistoric times and in some part of the world, as in the Andes and the Himalayas, difficult mountain journeys have inevitably been part of their everyday life. However, some of the peaks there, were easily accessible from most of the cities of Europe. It is quite interesting that while modern mountaineers prefer difficult routes for the greater enjoyment of the sport, the early climbers looked for the easiest ones, for the summit was the prize they all set their eyes on. Popular interest in mountaineering increased considerably after the ascent of the Alpine peak of Matterhorn in 1865 and Edward Whymper’s dramatic account of the climb and fatal accident which occurred during the descent. In the risky sport of mountaineering, the element of competition between either individuals or teams is totally absent. Rather, one can say that the competition is between the team and the peaks themselves. The individuals making up a parties which are inexperienced or not properly equipped. Since many accidents are caused due to bad weather, the safe chamber is the man who knows, when it is time to turn back, however, tempting it may be to press on and try to reach the summit. 1. Mountaineering is different from other sports because: (1) It is risky and dangerous. (2) It can be fatal (3) It is most thrilling and exciting, there is no competition between individuals. 2. People living in the Andes and the Himalayas made mountain journeys because: (1) It was a kind of sport. (2) They had to undertake them in their day-to-day life (3) They lived in pre-historic time (4) Of the challenge offered by the difficult journey. 3. Mountaineers climb as a team because: (1) The height is too much for one individual. (2) The competition is between the team and the peak (3) They have to rely on each other for safety (4) There is no competition among them. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 41 of 59 4. “ The summit was the prize they all set their eyes on.” In the context of the passage, this means: (1) Reaching the top was their exclusive concern, (2) They kept their eyes steadily on reaching the summit. (3) They cared for nothing but the prize of reaching the summit. (4) They chose a route from which they could see the summit clearly. 5. “ To press,” in the last sentence of the passage means: (1) To struggle in a forceful manner, (2) To force upon others, (3) To work fearlessly, (4) To continue in a determined manner. Passage - 3 Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it; On the morning of August 31, 1573, 300 horsemen of the imperial Mughal army paused at the banks of the Sabarmati. The rebels, they were after, lay just beyond the swollen river, but the soldiers were exhausted; they had traversed 960 kilometers of difficult terrain in nine days, riding almost continuously. Suddenly a warrior on a chestnut charger plunged into the raging torrent. As man and horse struggled on the opposite bank, a thrill ran through the army. It was the emperor, Jalay-uddin Akbar! With a roar, the soldiers followed him across and within two days, they had put down the rebellion so thoroughly that Gujrat remained in Mughal hands for the next 185 years. 1. The rebels were camped: (1) Across the Sabarmati river (2) On the banks of Sabarmati river (3) In Gujrat (4) In imperial Mughal courts. 2. The expression “ swollen river” means: (1) A river in flood (2) A clam and serene river (3) A deep river (4) A shallow river. 3. The Mughal soldiers didn’t cross the river because: (1) They were cowards (2) They had joined hands with the rebels (3) They were waiting for the king to arrive (4) They were tired after a difficult journey. 4. The sudden arrival of King Akbar: (1) Surprised the soldiers (2) Angered the soldiers (3) Dismayed the soldiers (4) Enthused the soldiers. 5. The attack on the rebels turned out to be; (1) A dismal failure (2) A grand success (3) Of no particular significance (4) An ordinary affair. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 42 of 59 Passage - 4 Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it: He saw nothing, he had no knife or sharp instrument, the grating of the window was of iron and he had too often assured himself of its solidity. His furniture consisted of a bed, a chair, a table, a pail and a jug. The bed had iron clamps, but they were screwed to the wall and it would have required a screwdriver to take them off. Dantes had but one recource, which was to break the jug and with one of the sharp fragments attack the wall. He left the jug fall on the floor and it broke in pieces. He concealed two or three of the sharpest fragments in his bed, leaving the rest on the floor. The breaking of the jug was too natural an accident to excite suspicion, and next morning the gaoler went grumblingly to fetch another, without giving himself the trouble to remove the fragments. Dantes heard joyfully the key grate in the lock as the guard departed. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Dantes was in : (1) A hostel (2) A dining room (3) An army barracks (4) A prison. Dantes was planning to: (1) Carve his name (2) Make his escape (3) Tease the guard (4) Call for breakfast. The guard left the fragments because he: (1) Didn’t notice them (3) Was too lazy to bother (2) Wished to punish Dantes (4) Wanted Dantes to clear up. Dantes probably broke the jug: (1) In the morning (2) During the night (3) After breakfast (4)At exactly 3 p.m. Dantes heard the key grate in the lock, when the: (1) Cell door was shut (2) Cell door was opened (3) Storeroom was opened (4) Storeroom was shut. Passage - 5 Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and then answer these questions based on what is stated or implied in the passage: One simple concept lies behind the formation of the stars: gravitational in stablity. The concept is not new. Newton first perceived it late in the 17th Century. Imagine a uniform, static cloud of gas in space. Imagine then that the gas is somehow disturbed, so that one small spherical region becomes a little denser than the gas around it so that the small region’s gravitational field becomes slightly stronger. It and its gravity increases further, causing it to begin to contract. As it contracts its density increases, which increases its gravity even more, so that it picks up even more matter and contracts even further. The process until the small refine of gas finally forms a gravitationally bound object. 1. The primary purpose of the passages is to: (1) Describe a static condition (2) Support a theory considered out mode (3) Depict the successive stages of a phenomenon (4) Demonstrate the evolution of the meaning of a term. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 43 of 59 2. It can be inferred from this passage that the author views the information contained within it as: (1) Lacking in elaboration (2) Original but obscure (3) Speculative and unprofitable (4) Uncomplicated and traditional. 3. With which of the following words can you replace the word uniform as given in this passage? (1) Uniting (2) Varying (3) Gaseous (4) Unvarying. 4. What does the underlined word ‘it’ stands for in he passage? (1) Gravitational instability (2) Cloud of gas (3) Small spherical denser region (4) Matter. 5. The author provides information that answers which of following questions? (1) What causes the disturbances that changes the cloud from its original static condition? (2) How does this small region’s increasing density affect its gravitational field? (3) What is the end result of the gradually increasing concentration of the small region of gas? Passage - 6 Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it: A great deal of the world’s work is neither producing material things nor altering the things that Nature produces, but doing services of one sort or another. Throughless people are apt to think a brickmaker more of a producer than a clergyman. When a village carpenter makes a gate to keep cattle out of a field of wheat, he has something solid in his hand which he can claim for his own until the farmer pays him for it. But when a village boy makes a noise to keep the birds off, he has nothings to show, though the noise is just a necessary as the gate. The postman does not make anything...... The policeman does not make anything ....... The doctor makes pills sometimes; but that is not his real business, which is to tell you when you ought to take pills, and what pills to take, unless indeed he has the good sense to tell you not take them at all, and you have the good sense to believe him, When he is giving you good advice instead of bad. The lawyer does not make anything substantial...... They are all in service. 1. Thoughtless people think a brickmaker more of a producer than a clergyman because: (1) A clergyman is an idler, (2) A brickmaker produces something solid which he can keep with him till he gets its price (3) A brickmaker, being physically stronger than a clergyman, can naturally produce more (4) He cannot understand the philosophical lectures of the clergyman. 2. According to the author of the passage, a large number of persons: (1) Are producing material things (2) Are altering the things that Nature produces (3) Are doing nothing in particular (4) Offer services. 3. The writer thinks that; (1) Both the doctor and the patient are sensible when one makes pills and the other buys them (2) The doctor is sensible and the patient is insensible (3) The doctor is insensible and the patient is insensible (4) Both the doctor and the patient make sense when the doctor tells not to take pills and the patient believes him. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 44 of 59 4. The writer’s description of the doctor’s business: (1) Strengthens the main argument of the passage because the doctor’s business is to make pills, (2) Is irrelevant to the main argument of the passage, (3) Weakens the main argument of the passage, (4) Illustrates the difference between producing something and offering a service. Passage - 7 Directions: Read the passage carefully, then answer the questions which are based on what is stated or implied in the passage: Since the world has become industrialized, there has been an increase in the number of animal species that have either become extinct or have neared extinction. Bengal tigers for instance, which once roamed the jungle in vast numbers, now number only 2300 and by the year 2025 their population is estimated to be down to zero. What is alarming about the case of Bengal tiger is that this extinction will have been caused almost entirely by poachers who according to some sources, are not interested in material gain but in personal gratification. This is an example of the callousness that is part of what is causing the problem of extinction. Animals like the Bengal tiger, as well as, those belonging to other endangered species, are a valuable part of the world’s ecosystem. International laws protecting these animals must be enacted to ensure their survival, and the survival of our planet. Countries around the world have begun to deal with the problem in various ways. Some countries, in order to circumvent the problem, have allocated large amount of land to animal reserves. They then charge admission fees to help defray the costs of maintaining the parks, and they often must also depend on world organizations for support. With the money get, they can invest in equipment and patrols to protect the animals. Another solution that is an attempt to stem the tide of animal extinction is an international boycott of products made from endangered species. This seems fairly effective, but it will not, by itself, prevant animals from being hunted and killed. 1. What is the author’s main concern in this passage? (1) Problems of industrialization (2) The Bengal tiger (3) Endangered species (4) Callousness of man. 2. According to the passage, poachers kill for: (1) Material gain (3) Both (2) Personal satisfaction (4) None of above. 3. Which of the following words is closest in meaning to the underlined word ‘alarming’? (1) Serious (2) Dangerous (3) Disressing (4) Frightening. 4. Certain species are becoming extinct because of : (1) Industrialisation (2) Poaching (3) Love of products made from them (4) All the above. 5. The Phrase ‘Stem the tide’ means: (1) Save (2) Stop 6. (3) Touch Which of the following, best describes the author’s attitude? (1) Concerned (2) Vindictive (3) Surprised (4) Spare. (4) Generous. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 45 of 59 Passage - 8 Directions: Read the passage carefully and then choose the one best answer for each question given below: The conservative is not an extreme individualist. He may be willing to concede numerous arguments of the unqualified individualist, for his own respect, for the dignity of the individual is not surpassed by that of any man. Yet, he cannot agree to the full implications of individualism, which is based so he thinks, on an incorrect appraisal of man, society, history, and government. In his own way, the individualist is as much a perfectionist as the Socialist, and with perfectionism the conservative can have no truck. In particular, the conservative refuses to go all the way with economic individualism. His distrust of unfettered man, his recognition to groups, his sense of the complexity of the social process, his recognition of the real services that government can perform-all these sentiments make it impossible for him to subscribe to the dogmas and shibboleths of economic individualism: laisses-faire, the negative state, enlightened self-interest, the law of supply and demand, the profit careful to qualify his support by stating other, more important social truths. For example, he does not for a moment deny the prominence of the profit motive, but he insists that it be recognised for the selfish thing it is and be kept writhing reasonable, socially imposed limits. 1. The conservative is: (1) A perfectionist (2) An economist (3) A socialist (4) None of above. 2. The conservative is against Econo+mic individualism for all the following reasons except: (1) He does not trust free men (2) He believes in the authority of the government (3) He believes in groups (4) He feels that social processes are important. 3. The author mentions all the following catch words of economic individualism except: (1) Free trade (2) The profit motive (3) Balance of trade (4) The negative state. 4. Which of the following words can replace the underlined word ‘truck’? (1) Dealing (2) Bargain (3) Debate (4) Transport. 5. Which of the following statements is true? (1) The socialist and the individualist tend to be broadly similar in their views (2) The conservative belives that profit motive originates in selfishness (3) The conservative is also an extreme individualist (4) None of the above. 6. Which of the following could be an appropriate title for the passage? (1) Anarchy and freedom (2) Progress and The conservative (3) A conservative apology (4) The conservative stand. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 46 of 59 Passage - 9 Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below: An old gentleman was walking slowly along a street. One day he saw a little boy who was trying to reach a door-bell which was too high for him. He was a kind-hearted old man, so he stopped and said,”I will ring the bell for you,” and then he pulled the bell so hard that it could be heard all over the house. The little boy looked up at him and said, “ Now we will run away, come on,”and before the old gentleman knew what was happening the naughty boy had run round the corner of the street leaving the man to explain to the angry owner of the house why he had rung the bell. 1. Write the letter 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the correct answer in the answer book: The old man rang the bell because: (1) He wanted to help the little boy (2) He wanted to have some fun (3) The boy asked him to do so (4) He wished to see the owner of the house. 2. Who did the owner of the house see at the door? 3. Who did the little boy want to make fun of? 4. “ ...... So he stopped and said ......” Who does the word ‘he’ here refer to ? 5. “ ....... I will ring the bell for you.” Who does the word ‘you’ here refer to? 6. Why did the boy ask the old man to run away with him? Passage - 10 Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below: Once a smart looking young man visited the office of a business firm to look for a job. The manager though pleased with his behavior said, “ There is no vacancy for a clerk.” The young man was very unhappy and turned to go. As he was passing out of the door way, he found a pin lying near it. He at once picked it up. The manager saw this and was greatly impressed. He thought that the applicant was good enough to be employed in the office. So he called him back and appointed him a clerk in his office. The young man in due course became the head of the firm. It was his love of order and economy, that brought him success in life. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Write the letter 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the correct answer book: The young man was very: (1) Happy (2) Unhappy (3) Sorry (4) Pleased. What was the young man in need of? What made the yound man very sad? What did the yound man see when he was leaving the room? What did the manager see the yound man doing? “ ........ and appointed him a clerk .....” Who does the word ’him’ here refer to? Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 47 of 59 Answer Key And Solution Passage - 1 1. (1) 6. (4) 2. (4) 7. (3) 3. (4) 8. (5) 4. (4) 9. (3) 5. (4) 10. (1) 4. (1) 5. (4) 4. (4) 5. (2) 4. (2) 5. (1) 4. (3) 5. (3) Passage - 2 1. (3) 2. (2) 3. (3) Passage - 3 1. (1) 2. (1) 3. (4) Passage - 4 1. (4) 2. (2) 3. (3) Passage - 5 1. (3) 2. (4) Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 48 of 59 3. (4) Passage - 6 1. (2) 2. (4) 3. (4) 4. (4) Passage - 7 1. (3) 2. (2) 3. (4) 4. (4) 5. (2) 6. (1) 5. (2) 6. (4) Passage - 8 1. (4) 2. (4) 3. (1) 4. (1) Passage - 9 1. (1) 2. The owner of the house saw the old man at the door. 3. The little boy wanted to make fun of the owner of the house 4. The ‘old man’. 5. The word ‘y ou’ here refe rs to the ‘little boy ’. 6. The boy asked the old man to run away, because he knew that the owner of the house would be angry. Passage - 10 1. (2) 2. The y oung man was in need of a job. 3. On hearing the words of the manager that there was no vacancy for a clerk, the y oung man became very sad. 4. The y oung man, while passing out of the door way, saw a pin ly ing near it. 5. The manager saw the y oung man picking up the pin. 6. The word ‘him’ here refers to the y oung man. Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 49 of 59 Vocabulary Practice Exercise - 1 Choose the correct meaning of the italicized word from the options given. 1. 2. 3. 4. The use of bullock carts is an outmoded way of transportation. (1) cheaper (2) obsolete (3) quicker (4) rural It was a scurrilous attack on him. (1) serious (2) unjustified (4) justified (3) insulting Both parties were amenable to a peaceful settlement of the land dispute. (1) agreeable (2) responsive (3) unwilling (4) doubtful Unilateral action may not be acceptable to them. (1) underpressure (2) one-sided (3) strong (4) harmful 5. The nexus between the Punjab militants and the J&K terrorists has been established. (1) fight (2) rivalry (3) connection (4) internal fighting 6. His fidelity to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi was exemplary. (1) criticism (2) acceptance (3) loyalty (4) strong opposition We have sanctioned his leave on compassionate grounds. (1) as an exception (2) real (3) merciful (4) deserving Jogging is considered an antidote to mental stress. (1) poisonous (2) remedy (3) equivalent (4) dangerous Bengalis are innate poets. (1) excellent (2) romantic (4) instinctive 7. 8. 9. (3) dull 10. They connived to loot the bank during the week-end. (1) helped (2) conspired (3) forced (4) tried 11. It is a truism that politics is the last refuge for criminals. (1) universal belief (2) quick judgement (3) obvious truth (4) immediate guess 12. Industrial Relations was his bailiwick. (1) weakness (2) area of authority (4) failure (3) foolishness 13. It was altruism of nations that sent relief supplies to Maharashtra. (1) richness (2) greatness (3) hypocrisy (4) unselfish concern 14. It was his magnanimity to overlook such remarks. (1) weakness (2) generosity (3) judgement (4) greatest fault Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 50 of 59 15. Amity between neighboring countries is always beneficial to the citizens. (1) goodwill (2) competition (3) defence cooperation (4) enmity 16. The national leaders’ insatiable greed for power has weakened the government, (1) cunning (2) inexperience (3) forceful (4) impossible to satisfy 17. His professional qualification was of paramount value. (1) advantageous (2) foremost (3) equal (4) little 18. Her career is a paradigm of political opportunism. (1) result (2) signal (3) model (4) cause 19. Every engineer appreciates a proficient electrician. (1) experienced (2) mature (3) honest (4) skilled 20. He had a profusion of talents. (1) abundance (2) dearth (4) enough (3) limitation 21. His pacific personality helps maintain harmony in the family. (1) stout (2) tranquil (3) strong (4) attractive 22. Their diverse attitude seems to preclude an amicable settlement with the management (1) to quickly negotiate (2) mediate (3) prevent (4) negotiate 23. The payment of bonus was witin the “ Purview” of the management.. (1) authority (2) scope of vision (3) duties (4) power 24. He works for a paltry sum in a provisions store. (1) huge (2) heavy (3) worthless (4) sufficient 25. It was nothing but a ponderous lecture. (1) exaggerated (2) thoughtful (3) thoughtful (4) dull and laboured 26. You cannot question the Inspector’s veracity. (1) effici ency (2) truthfulness (3) honesty (4) character 27. The land was parched by the scorching summer heat. (1) sterilised (2) cleaned (3) dried (4) burnt 28. People who smoke stand greater chance of getting cancer than those who abstain. (1) refuse (2) refrain (3) accept (4) teetotaler 29. The annual meetings of trade unions are always boisterous. (1) well-attended (2) disturbing (3) noisy (4) poorly attended 30. The tension between the Chief Election Commissioner and the Finance Minister has subsided. (1) become strong (2) started (3) decreased (4) widened 31. The new manager could earn the confidence of his staff due to his urbane nature. (1) indi fferent (2) polite (3) friendly (4) unfriendly Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 51 of 59 32. Nothing can be done when the whole system is paralysed by inertia (1) corruption (2) weakness (3) politics (4) sluggishness 33. If you want real solace, go to Manali. (1) holiday (2) consolation (4) rest (3) happiness 34. Discussion on sex has always been a taboo in our society. (1) punishable (2) prohibited by social norms (3) a difficult subject (4) permitted 35. A sumptuous dinner was served after the meeting. (1) expensive (2) nutritive (3) indigestible (4) very light 36. He was engrossed in his office routine. (1) involved (2) tired (4) lost (3) fully occupied 37. He is unpopular due to his overbearing behaviour. (1) over smartness (2) cunning (3) disloyal (4) arrogant 38. The I.G. of Police has made a dossier of all those who had links with terrorists in Punjab. (1) list of criminals (2) record or file (3) secret album (4) to put on a hit list 39. I have read an excerpt from his recent book. (1) review (2) assessment (3) long paragraph (4) extract 40. He has become a millionaire by his devious means. (1) hard work (2) dishonest (3) skillful (4) neverending 41. When the two friends met after a long break, they hugged each other. (1) greeted warmly (2) kissed (3) embraced (4) looked into each other’s eyes 42. There is an ambiguity in the office order. (1) uncertainty of meaning (2) error (2) danger (4) mistake 43. Though dilatory in undertaking assignment, she was quick in its execution. (1) hesitant (2) slow (3) reluctant (4) unwilling 44. The lessons of his past mistakes might teach him a lesson in circumspection to the full (1) avoidance (2) influence deeply (3) caution (4) fear 45. Leave him to reap the fruits of his own heinous crimes. (1) unlawful (2) extremely wicked (3) punishable (4) uncountable 46. They were beguiled into forming an unwise alliance. (1) force (2) cheated (3) compelled (4) reluctant 47. The Supreme Court defused the tension between the government and the Chief Election Commissioner. (1) exaggerated (2) reduced (3) ruled out (4) increased 48. The reporter filed a verbatim report of the Prime Minister’s address. (1) frank (2) clear (3) exact Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 52 of 59 (4) correct 49. Industrialists have lobbied strongly against the government’s liberalisation policy. (1) stormed (2) criticised (3) influenced (4) cautioned 50. The Joint Parliamentary Committee was flabbergasted on reading the files. (1) deeply engrossed (2) to glance quickly (3) to search (4) astonished 51. The soldier received the Bravery Award for his exemplary display of courage during the war. (1) new (2) strange (3) abnormal (4) praiseworthy 52. This is a small room and cannot accommodate more than three people. (1) hold (2) allow (3) hide (4) associate 53. Sporadic rise in his temperature has caused the doctors much worry. (1) frequent (2) irksome (3) irregular (4) scattered 54. Sita never finishes her work on time as she is always dawdling, (1) confused (2) playing (3) loitering (4) chatting 55. Kerala is still a virgin state with an excellent potential for tourism. (1) undone . (2) unexplored (3) uncouth (4) unexploded 56. They could not help laughing at the puerility of his statement. (1) inaccuracy (2) childishness (3) insincerity (4) falsehood 57. During his stay in London, he had quite a few frustrating experiences. (1) disappointing (2) disenchanting (3) humiliating (4) repulsive 58. Many species of animals and birds have become extinct during the last two hundred years (1) feeble (2) aggressive (3) scattered (4) non-existent 59. The accountant was punished by the officials for shirking his job. (1) slowing (2) postponing (3) avoiding (4) delegating 60. It was presumptuous of Mr. Sharma to make such a remark in the assembly. (1) ridiculous (2) unthoughtful (3) arrogant (4) ambiguous 61. Artists and poets are sensuous by nature. (1) sensible (2) sentimental (3) sensual (4) sensitive 62. Many redundant words are included in this report. (1) bombastic (2) unimportant (3) flowery (4) unwanted 63. The irate customer was pacified by the shopkeeper. (1) quietened (2) silenced (3) pleased (4) flattered 64. The student was asked to rectify the problem. (1) correct (2) condone (3) clarify (4) repeat 65. “ Brevity is the soul of wit.” (1) conciseness (2) sharpness (3) quickness (4) confidence Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 53 of 59 66. We were all in a state if euphoria after hearing the news. (1) pleasant excitement (2) intense indignation (3) utter depression (4) great disorder 67. Though innocent, he has been languishing in the jail for the last ten years. (1) enjoying (2) avoiding (3) suffering (4) convicted 68. The Miss World Pageant was held in India a few years ago. (1) contest (2) show (3) function (4) carnival 69. The spectators went berserk at the outcome of the match. (1) began to cry (2) sped away (3) became wild (4) started shouting 70. Vicky was fired for continually coming late to office. (1) beaten (2) scolded (3) abused (4) dismissed 71. A conscientious worker is always admired by his colleagues. (1) obedient (2) sincere (3) skillful (4) careful 72. That dilapidated building has become a rendezvous for anti-social elements. (1) resort (2) hiding place (3) public place (4) meeting place 73. The Republic Day Parade route was down the main boulevard. (1) alley (2) highway (3) avenue (4) driveway 74. After two hours of tortuous trek, he reached the summit of the mountain. (1) winding (2) painful (3) fearsome (4) slow 75. Most people these days are gripped by a pervading sense of ennui. (1) anger (2) anxiety (3) weariness (4) melancholy 76. No obstacle seemed insurmountable for the fearless Rani of Jhansi. (1) too easy to achieve (2) too difficult to overcome (3) too tall and high (4) too trivial to attract attention 77. She is a garrulous girl and every one is wary of her. (1) repeats gossip (2) talks a lot (3) giggles all the time (4) laughs a lot 78. Sarika succumbed to her injuries following the day of the accident. (1) surrendered (2) yielded (3) fell down (4) died 79. The intrepid mountaineers who scaled Mt. Everest in winter should be specially congratulated. (1) bold (2) tired (3) vigorous (4) experienced 80. The meeting was adjourned after discussion on the matter for three hours. (1) postponed (2) stopped (3) begun (4) reviewed 81. Aziz has never been an outgoing type. (1) courageous (2) frank (3) outspoken d sociable(4) sociable 82. Provoked by the unfair remark, the young man hit his companion. (1) angered (2) furious (3) euphoric Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 54 of 59 (4) excited 83. It was proved that dates grow well in arid climate. (1) dull (2) dry (3) sandy (4) temperate 84. Industrious people should be rewarded. (1) hardworking (2) intelligent (4) energetic (3) commercial 85. It is estimated that it would take three months to complete this project. (1) decided (2) calculated (3) confirmed (4) examined 86. Children of excessively indulgent parents often become very recalcitrant. (1) disobedient (2) indolent (3) insipid (4) dependent 87. All the passengers died in the bus accident, but providentially Verma escaped. (1) narrowly (2) unexpectedly (3) effortlessly (4) luckily 88. In spite of his remarkable qualities, he failed to win popular support because of his affectation. (1) pretence (2) deception (3) arrogance (4) formalism 89. Those who admit the ultimacy of values, implicitly recognise the spiritual reality that begets the universe. (1) essentially (2) imperceptibly (3) intrinsically (4) tacitly 90. The automobile industry depends on indigenous technology. (1) sophisticated (2) ancient (3) alien (4) native 91. Only those who are gullible take every advertisement seriously. (1) fallible (2) enthusiastic (3) unsuspecting (4) unrealistic 92. This young man appears to be quite headstrong. (1) thick-headed (2) obstinate (3) robust (4) witty 93. That great artist’s life was full of vicissitudes. (1) sorrows (2) misfortunes (3) fluctuations (4) surprises 94. The visitor had a bohemian look. (1) hostile (2) unconventional (3) sinister (4) unfriendly 95. As the driver was inebriated he could not control the car. (1) inexperienced (2) tired (3) befuddled (4) intoxicated 96. A scramble for power began in right earnest. (1) struggle (2) contest (4) dispute (3) quarrel 97. My students in the laboratory are rather inquisitive about the apparatus. (1) sensitive (2) careful (3) curious (4) anxious 98. It was a shocking act of repugnant irresponsibility. (1) offensive (2) shameless (3) sheer (4) criminal 99. The crowd was getting restive. (1) restful (2) restless (4) excited (3) tired 100. It is possible for a writer to be copious in his words, and, at the same time, to give the reality of a natural form. (1) scanty (2) plentiful (3) repetitive (4) arrogant Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 55 of 59 Practice Exercise - 2 In each of the following, select the antonym for the italicised word or phrase in the sentence. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. The tourist had to surrender under the most pressing circumstances. (1) release (2) claim (3) plunder (4) attack There is a dearth of drinking water in Chennai nowadays. (1) extravagance (2) scarcity (3) abundance (4) sufficiency The freedom fighters advocated the use of indigenous goods. (1) cheap (2) native (3) silly (4) foreign Sam’s rustic behaviour astonished his teacher. (1) impetuous (2) genuine (4) awkward (3) sophisticated To purge society of all vices is really a difficult job. (1) promote (2) increase (3) rehabilitate (4) encourage Nisha felt tired with the monotony of her daily routine. (1) peacefulness (2) variety (3) excitement (4) range The old woman had a loud shrill voice. (1) feeble (1) blunt (4) inaudible (3) piercing It is a sin to adopt a callous attitude towards your duties. (1) cooperative (2) cautious (3) considerate (4) courteous Only an inquisitive person can gain proper knowledge and achieve success in life. (1) careless (2) indolent (3) dull (4) uninterested 10. Rajesh is always jeered at by his companions . (1) praised (2) scorned (3) mocked (4) mourned 11. The proposal was denounced by one and all. (1) announced (2) pronounced (3) appraised (4) commended 12. Where ignorance is sometimes bliss, illiteracy is always considered a curse. (1) erudition (2) experience (3) education (4) information 13. The news brought by the maid servant is authentic. (1) authoritative (2) baseless (3) ridiculous (4) vacuous 14. The doctor said that there was no improvement in the condition of the patient. (1) depression (2) deterioration (3) change (4) degradation 15. He plunged into the turbid waters of the stream. (1) deep (2) muddy (3) clear (4) fresh 16. This new magazine is known for its comprehensive coverage of news. (1) casual (2) inadequate (3) indifferent (4) superficial Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 56 of 59 17. Many people suffer setbacks in their career because of their inherent levity, (1) promptness (2) frivolity (3) religiosity (4) gravity 18. There was something strange and morbid about the whole house. (1) healthy (2) cheerful (3) insipid (4) appealing 19. His critics found in his overt statements some hidden designs. (1) converse (2) pervert (3) covert (4) contrived 20. Given these constraints, we had no alternative but to suggest an improvised solution, (1) complete (2) preplanned (3) permanent (4) prescribed 21. They have tried their best to pacify the flood victims. (1) attract (2) gratify (3) provoke (4) convince 22. The judge implicated the investigating officer in the murder. (1) absolved (2) convicted (3) explicated (4) liberated 23. His comment was considered pointless by the chairman of the meeting. (1) significant (2) original (3) objective (4) impartial 24. The rainfall was plentiful in this part during the last season. (1) handful (2) rare (3) small (4) scanty 25. I have vague memories of my childhood. (1) pleasant (2) sufficient (4) clear (3) profound 26. There is a fair chance that we might win the game. (1) distant (2) unlikely (3) remote (4) bare 27. His father was generally gratified with his examination report. (1) displeased (2) worried (3) surprised (4) disheartened 28. The man was reprimanded by his family for sending his son to the army. (1) encouraged (2) rebuked (3) rewarded (4) praised 29. His transfer order was revoked yesterday. (1) issued (2) proposed (3) approved (4) prepared 30. There is always ambiguity in what he says. (1) lucidity (2) clarity (3) transparency (4) plainness 31. He was erroneous in his assessment of her character. (1) justified (2) impartial (3) sincere (4)correct 32. His flippancy makes it difficult to have a prolonged conversation with him. (1) silence (2) seriousness (3) reticence (1) vanity 33. The general did not divulge the secret. (1) disguise (2) veil (3) suppress (4) conceal Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 57 of 59 34. I took a durable pair of shoes when I went on the trip. (1) worn out (2) fragile (3) light (4) delicate 35. There are many luxuriant forests in this region. (1) dense (2) small (3) slender (4) thin 36. He was immaculately dressed for the party. (1) imperfectly (3) irresponsibly (3) incompletely (4) moderately 37. The teachers have been observing his impertinent behaviour. (1) indifferent (2) polite (3) rude (4) unpleasant 38. The new disciplinary measures strengthened the economy of the country. (1) destroyed (2) changed (3) crippled (4) constrained 39. There are people who always deprecate the achievements of others. (1) exaggerate (2) appreciate (3) approve (4) encourage 40. The refreshment we received at the end of a hard day’s work was frugal. (1) lavish (2) exorbitant (3) wholesome (4) ostentatious 41. The new manager is well-known for his rigid approach to all problems. (1) sympathetic (2) swift (3) flexible (4) logical 42. My neighbour is very wealthy, but rather parsimonious in his habits. (1) extravagant (2) arrogent (3) careless (4) strict 43. The inhabitants of the newly discovered continent were believed to be barbarians, (1) bad (2) uncivilised (3) crude (4) civilised 44. Adversity is the source of numerous vices. (1) money (2) luxury (3) wealth (4) prosperity 45. The casual remarks made by the candidate were taken note of by all members of the board. (1) sincere (2) careful (3) flawless (4) precise 46. Vijay is an amateur photographer. (1) skilled (2) professional (3) average (4) experienced 47. The artist led a very austere life. (1) eventful (2) exciting (3) boisterous (4) luxurious 48. If you pamper the naughty boy, you will regret it. (1) neglect (2) scold (3) discourage (4) scorn 49. The witness affirmed on oath that he was an eye witness to the crime under investigation. (1) denied (2) contradicted (3) opposed (4) disputed 50. These regulations are meant to prevent further appointments. (1) aggravate (1) expedite (1) accelerate Vis taMind | Englis h Foundatio n | B MM103 01 | 58 of 59 (4) facilitate Answer key Practice Exercise - 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. (2) (3) (2) (2) (3) (3) (3) (2) (4) (2) (3) (2) (4) (2) (1) (4) (2) (3) (4) (1) 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. (2) (3) (2) (3) (4) (2) (3) (2) (3) (3) (2) (4) (2) (2) (1) (3) (4) (2) (4) (2) 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. (3) (1) (2) (3) (2) (2) (2) (3) (3) (4) (4) (1) (3) (3) (2) (2) (1) (4) (3) (3) 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. (4) (4) (1) (1) (1) (1) (3) (2) (3) (4) (2) (4) (3) (1) (3) (2) (2) (4) (1) (1) 81. (4) 82. (1) 83. (2) 84. (1) 85. (2) 86. (1) 87. (4) 88. (1) 89. (4) 90. (4) 91. (3) 92. (2) 93. (3) 94. (2) 95. (4) 96. (1) 97. (3) 98. (1) 99. (2) 100. (2) (4) (2) (4) (2) (4) (1) (2) (3) (2) (3) 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. Practice Exercise - 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. (2) (3) (4) (3) (3) (2) (3) (3) (4) (1) 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. (4) (1) (2) (2) (3) (4) (4) (2) (3) (2) 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. (3) (1) (1) (4) (4) (3) (1) (4) (1) (2) 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 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