General English Questions for Competitive Exams | Part-1

Correct Answer: (b) were required to

Explanation: “Each” is singular, so the verb should be singular. Hence, word “was” will come instead of “were.”

Hence, the correct sentence is : Each of the applicants was required to submit their resume by Friday.

Note: Don’t be confused by the word “applicants”. The subject is “each” and “each” is always singular.

Correct Answer: (d) Pioneer

Explanation: “Vanguard” refers to the forefront or leading position in a movement, field, or activity.

Flag bearer: A flag bearer is someone who carries a flag, banner, or standard, often symbolizing a group or cause. While a flag bearer may lead a procession or represent a group, the term does not necessarily imply being at the forefront or leading position in a movement or activity, which is the primary meaning of “vanguard.”

Officer: An officer typically refers to a person holding a position of authority in the military, police, or other organizations. While officers may lead or command groups of individuals, the term does not specifically convey the idea of being at the forefront or leading position in a movement or activity, which is the primary meaning of “vanguard.”

Race driver: This option refers to someone who participates in races, particularly in motor racing or other competitive sports involving vehicles. However, “race driver” is not synonymous with “vanguard,” as it does not capture the concept of being at the forefront or leading position in a movement or activity.

Pioneer: A pioneer is someone who leads the way or initiates something new, often in a field of exploration, innovation, or social change. This term closely aligns with the concept of “vanguard,” as both convey the idea of being at the forefront or leading position in a movement or activity. Therefore, “pioneer” is the correct synonym for “vanguard.”

Correct Answer: (a) Reasonable

Explanation: “Exorbitant” means unreasonably high or excessive, while “reasonable” means fair or moderate.

Reasonable: This option refers to something that is fair, just, or appropriate in amount, size, or degree. It is the antonym of “exorbitant,” which means unreasonably high or excessive.

Excessive: This option refers to something that is more than what is necessary or normal. It is a synonym of “exorbitant,” not an antonym.

Extravagant: This option refers to something that is wasteful or excessive, especially in spending money. It is synonymous with “exorbitant,” not an antonym.

Outrageous: This option refers to something that is shocking, offensive, or beyond the bounds of decency. It is synonymous with “exorbitant,” not an antonym.

Therefore, the correct antonym for “exorbitant” is “reasonable”.

Correct Answer: (b) Guess correctly

Explanation: “Hit the nail on the head” means to identify or describe something accurately or precisely.

Miss the point: This option means to fail to understand or grasp the main point or essence of something. It is the opposite of the meaning of the idiom “hit the nail on the head,” so it is not the correct answer.

Guess correctly: This option refers to accurately identifying or describing something. When someone “hits the nail on the head,” they have made a correct guess or assessment.

Make a mistake: This option means to do something incorrectly or inaccurately. It is the opposite of the meaning of the idiom “hit the nail on the head,” so it is not the correct answer.

Avoid the issue: This option means to deliberately ignore or sidestep a topic or problem. It is not related to the meaning of the idiom “hit the nail on the head,” so it is not the correct answer.

Therefore, the correct answer is “Guess correctly”.

Correct Answer: (c) Vanity

Explanation: “Vanity” refers to excessive concern about one’s appearance or achievements, often accompanied by arrogance.

Narcissist: This option refers to someone who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. While narcissists can be concerned about their physical appearance, the term encompasses broader aspects of self-admiration and self-centeredness.

Egomaniac: This option refers to someone who is excessively egotistical or self-centered, often with delusions of personal greatness or importance. While egomaniacs may exhibit concern about their physical appearance, the term doesn’t solely focus on physical appearance.

Vanity: This option specifically refers to a person who is excessively concerned about their physical appearance, often to the point of being vain or overly preoccupied with their looks.

Connoisseur: This option refers to someone who has expert knowledge or understanding of a particular subject, particularly fine arts or cultural pursuits. It does not specifically relate to being concerned about one’s physical appearance.

Therefore, the correct answer is “Vanity”.

Correct Answer: (d) reflection, spectrum, breathtaking

Explanation: The phrase “reflection of the sun” and the words “spectrum” and “breathtaking” fit the context of describing the beautiful colors created by the sunlight on the water.

shine, rainbow, dull: “Shine” refers to a bright light, but it doesn’t capture the effect of the sun’s reflection creating a spectrum of colors. “Rainbow” refers to a specific sequence of colors usually seen in the sky, which doesn’t match the context of the sun’s reflection on the water. “Dull” is the opposite of “breathtaking” and doesn’t fit the context.

glare, monochrome, dull: “Glare” refers to a harsh, bright light, which doesn’t fit the tranquil scene described in the sentence. “Monochrome” refers to a single color or shades of a single color, which is not consistent with the multiple colors mentioned. “Dull” is the opposite of “breathtaking” and doesn’t fit the context.

shimmer, palette, breathtaking: “Shimmer” refers to a soft, wavering light, but it doesn’t capture the effect of the sun’s reflection creating a spectrum of colors. “Palette” refers to a range of colors available to an artist, which doesn’t fit the context of natural phenomena. “Breathtaking” fits the context, but the other words in this option do not.

reflection, spectrum, breathtaking: This option accurately describes the image of the sun’s reflection on the water creating a range of colors, referred to as a “spectrum,” and the overall effect being “breathtaking,” which fits well with the context of the sentence.

Therefore, the correct answer is “reflection, spectrum, breathtaking”.

Correct Answer: (a) The project will be finished by her by tomorrow.

Explanation: In passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, and the verb changes to a form of “be” plus the past participle of the main verb.

Correct Answer: (d) He said that he would meet me the next day.

Explanation: In indirect speech, future tense changes to past future tense, hence “will” changes to “would”; and “tomorrow” changes to “the next day”.

Correct Answer: (a) Despite of his efforts,

Explanation: The phrase “Despite of” is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is “Despite his efforts,” without the redundant “of.”

So, the correct sentence would be: “Despite his efforts, he failed to secure a place in the final round of the competition.”

Correct Answer: (b) C, A, D, B

Explanation: The paragraph starts with the general statement (C), moves to explain the cause (A), then discusses the impact (D), and concludes with the result (B).

Hence, the coherent paragraph can be arranged as follows:-

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of digital technologies for communication, commerce, and entertainment. This shift towards digitalization has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms have made them indispensable in various aspects of life. As a result, businesses and individuals alike have had to adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape.

Correct Answer: (c) Inoculate

Explanation:

Accomodate :- The correct spelling is “accommodate.” It means to provide lodging or space for someone or to adapt or make suitable for a particular purpose.

Necesitate :- The correct spelling is “necessitate.” It means to make something necessary or require something as essential.

Inoculate :- The spelling is correct. It means to vaccinate or protect against a disease by introducing a vaccine into the body.

Conscienous :- The correct spelling is “conscientious.” It means to be diligent, careful, and thorough in one’s work or duties.

Correct Answer: (a) Adjective

Explanation: In the sentence “The teacher asked the students to quiet down,” the word “quiet” is functioning as an adjective.

Explanation of each option:

(a) Adjective: In this sentence, “quiet” describes the noun “students” by indicating their state of calmness or lack of noise.

(b) Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this sentence, “quiet” does not modify a verb, so it is not functioning as an adverb.

(c) Verb: A verb expresses an action or state of being. In this sentence, “asked” is the verb, and “quiet” does not indicate an action or state of being, so it is not functioning as a verb.

(d) Noun: A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. In this sentence, “quiet” does not represent a person, place, thing, or idea, so it is not functioning as a noun.

Correct Answer: (d) Beautiful

Explanation: “Exquisite” means extremely beautiful or delicately beautiful; making option b) the correct synonym.

Ordinary: Something that is ordinary is common, typical, or unremarkable. It is not synonymous with “exquisite,” which means extremely beautiful or delicate.

Mediocre: Something that is mediocre is average or of moderate quality. It does not convey the same sense of exceptional beauty or elegance as “exquisite.”

Ugly: It is the opposite of “beautiful”. Something that is ugly is unpleasant or unattractive.

Beautiful: This is the correct synonym. “Exquisite” and “beautiful” both convey a sense of elegance, charm, and exceptional beauty.

Correct Answer: (c) are attending

Explanation: The error is in part (c). The subject of the sentence is “the manager,” not “the manager along with the employees”. When “along with” is used, the subject closest to the verb does not determine the number of the verb. Therefore, since “manager” is singular, so the verb should be singular “is attending” instead of plural “are attending.”

So, the correct sentence is: “The manager, along with the employees, is attending the conference tomorrow.”

Correct Answer: (b) Stingy

Explanation: “Generous” means willing to give or share, while “Stingy” means unwilling to give or be generous.

Benevolent: Benevolent means showing kindness, goodwill, and generosity towards others. It is a synonym of “generous”.

Stingy: Stingy means unwilling to give or spend; it denotes a lack of generosity.

Altruistic: Altruistic refers to selfless concern for the well-being of others, often involving acts of generosity or charity. While it shares some similarities with “generous,” it emphasizes the selflessness aspect.

Selfish: Selfish refers to being concerned primarily with one’s own interests and welfare rather than those of others.

Correct Answer: (d) Working late

Explanation: “Burning the midnight oil” means working late into the night, often to complete a task or project. It implies putting in extra effort or working diligently during late hours.

Relaxing at night: This option implies unwinding or taking it easy during nighttime, which contrasts with the meaning of the idiom.

Ignoring responsibilities: This option suggests neglecting duties or tasks, which is not directly related to the meaning of the idiom.

Sleeping late: This option suggests staying in bed late in the morning, which is the opposite of the meaning of the idiom.

Working late: This is the correct answer. It reflects the meaning of the idiom, indicating working diligently or staying up late to work.

Correct Answer: (c) Luminary

Explanation: A “luminary” is a person who is well-known and respected in a particular field, often for their expertise or achievements.

Veteran: A veteran is a person who has had long experience in a particular field, especially in the military or a particular occupation. While veterans may be respected, the term does not necessarily imply renown or exceptional respect in a field.

Maestro: A maestro is a master or highly skilled practitioner in a particular art, especially music or conducting. While a maestro is respected for their expertise, the term typically refers to someone in the realm of music.

Luminary: A luminary is a person who is well-known and respected in a particular field, often considered a leader or influential figure. This term specifically conveys the idea of being esteemed and influential.

Prodigy: A prodigy is a person, especially a young one, who possesses exceptional talent or ability in a particular field. While a prodigy may be well-known for their extraordinary skills, the term does not necessarily imply widespread respect or influence in the same way as “luminary.”

Correct Answer: (b) dynamic, captivating, attentive

Explanation: The words “dynamic,” “captivating,” and “attentive” fit the context of a storyteller who keeps her audience engaged with interesting tales.

captivating, mundane, engaged: “Captivating” matches well with the context of the sentence, describing the effect of the storyteller’s tales on her audience. However, “mundane” (meaning dull or ordinary) and “engaged” (actively participating or involved) do not fit the context as they are contrasting terms.

boring, fascinating, indifferent: “Fascinating” describes the effect of the storyteller’s tales on her audience, but “boring” (dull or uninteresting) and “indifferent” (showing no interest or concern) do not match the context.

dynamic, captivating, attentive: “Dynamic” suggests energy and vitality, which could describe the storyteller’s engaging style. “Captivating” accurately describes the effect of the tales on the audience, and “attentive” describes the state of the audience, being fully engaged and focused on the tales.

dull, intriguing, bored: “Intriguing” describes the effect of the tales on the audience, but “dull” (lacking interest or excitement) and “bored” (feeling uninterested or disengaged) do not match the context.

Therefore, the correct answer is “dynamic, captivating, attentive”.

Correct Answer: (b) He promised that he would call me later.

Explanation: In indirect speech, when reporting a promise or statement made in the future, the verb tense in the reported speech (the verb after “that”) typically changes according to the sequence of tenses. In this case, “will” changes to “would” when reporting the promise.

So, the correct answer is: “He promised that he would call me later.”

Correct Answer: (a) D, B, C, A

Explanation: he paragraph begins by introducing the individual’s childhood aspirations and goals (D), followed by the action he takes to pursue his passion (B). It then describes the challenges he faces and his determination to overcome them (C), and finally, it concludes with the outcome of his failed dream (A). This sequence provides a logical flow of events in the individual’s journey.

Hence, the coherent paragraph can be arranged as follows:-

Growing up, he had always aspired to become a doctor and make a difference in people’s lives. Determined to pursue his passion for healing others, he enrolled in a nursing program at a local community college. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he remained resilient and persevered in his studies. However, his dreams were shattered when he failed the entrance exam for medical school.