Verb
1. In the following sentence, which word is in accusative case? This is the person whom you are looking for.

A. person B. whom C. you D. looking

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: This is the person whom you are looking for. Here, in this sentence whom is third-person singular and in the accusative case.
2. In case of a double subject, when does verb takes plural form?

A. When both subjects represent the same plan. B. When both subjects are singular. C. When one of the subjects is plural. D. When the subject has multiple nouns.

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: When one of the subjects is plural, the verb takes up the plural form. For example, Neither Ram nor his brothers were present in the office.
3. In Maharashtra, a new government __ formed.

A. are B. were C. is D. may

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: In Maharashtra, a new government is formed. Here, the collective noun is considered as a single unit, so the verb is singular.
4. The council ___ not unanimous on certain economic issues.

A. is B. was C. am D. were

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: The council were not unanimous on certain economic issues. Here, the collective nouns are considered as multiple units.
5. The council ___ not unanimous on certain economic issues.

A. is B. was C. am D. were

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: The correct statement is: The council were not unanimous on certain economic issues. Here, the collective nouns are considered as multiple units.
Subject-Verb Agreement
1. No one on my block_______________his plants will grow.

A. Believes B. Believe C. Believing D. None of these

Answer: Option (A)
2. Everyone in the neighborhood__________ the soil is not good enough.

A. Says B. Say C. Saying D. None of these

Answer: Option (A)
3. Most of the plants __________ not do very well.

A. Does B. Do C. Doing D. None of these

Answer: Option (B)
4. A few of them ____________full size.

A. Reaches B. Reach C. Reached D. None of these

Answer: Option (B)
5. Usually everyone in the family_________ these tomatoes in a salad.

A. Eats B. Eat C. Eating D. None of these

Answer: Option (A)
Error Correction ( Underlined Part )
1. Have you been more careful, the accident could have been averted.

A. If you have been B. Had you been C. Have you been D. If you could have been E. No correction required

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: As the sentence talks about the past it is apt to say. 'Had you been more careful.
2. The two belligerent nations decided to come to a compromise and resolve the issue amicably.

A. to make a compromise B. making a compromise C. for a compromise D. on compromising E. No correction required

Answer: Option (E)
Explanation: The given sentence has no grammatical error.
3. In spite of all odds he pursued with his goal with girl and determination

A. he pursued to his goal B. he pursued on his goal C. he pursued into his goal D. he pursued his goal E. No correction required

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: The verb 'pursued' should not be followed by any preposition, this makes choices (A), (B) and (C) incorrect.
4. One must keep themselves abreast of current events particularly while preparing for competitive exams.

A. put themselves B. keep himself C. keep oneself D. put himself E. No correction required

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: The pronoun 'themselves' does not agree with the subject of the sentence. 'One must keep oneself.
5. Merit is the only criteria which is adapted in the selection of candidates.

A. criterion which is adapted B. criterion that is adopted C. criterion that is adapted D. criterion what is adopted E. No correction is required

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: 'Criteria' is plural. Here it has to be 'criterion'(in singular). 'Adapted' is inapt in this context. It has to be 'adopted'.
Tenses
1. Which of these is used to express habitual actions?

A. Present perfect tense B. Simple present tense C. Past continuous tense D. Present continuous tense

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: The simple present tense is used to express habitual actions. For example I bathe every morning. It is also used to express general truths.
2. I met Ruchi in Nagpur yesterday. I ______ her a week before.

A. saw B. had seen C. was seeing D. had been seeing

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: I met Ruchi in Nagpur yesterday. I had seen her a week before. The past perfect tense describes an action completed before a certain moment in the past.
3. In which of these cases, present continuous tense is not used?

A. For an action going on at the time of speaking. B. For a temporary action which may not be actually happening at the time of speaking. C. For an action that is planned to take place in the near future. D. For an action which began sometime in the past and is still continuing.

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: The present perfect continuous tense is used for an action which began at some time in the past and is still continuing. For example, I have been writing a book for five hours (and am still writing).
4. He said that he ______ tomorrow.

A. will come B. would come C. will be coming D. has been coming

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: When the verbs in the principal clause are in the past tense, shall and will change to should and would in the subordinates clause. Similarly may change to might, can to could. The correct statement is: He said that he would come tomorrow.
5. Choose the correct statement:

A. He sweared that he had not stolen the bag. B. He swore that he had not stolen the bag. C. He was swearing that he had not stolen the bag. D. He swears that he had not stolen the bag.

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: The correct statement is: He swore that he had not stolen the bag. The simple past tense of most irregular verbs is not formed with -d or -ed.
Sentence Rearrangement
1. It was true that (P) the pet dog (Q) would never sleep anywhere (R) we once had (S) except on the sofa

A. RPQS B. SPQR C. PRQS D. PQSR

Answer: Option (C)
2. As lightning accompanies thunder (P) was mingled with (Q) so in my character (R) the mutterings of my wrath (S) a flash of humour

A. QSPR B. PRSQ C. QPRS D. QRPS

Answer: Option (A)
3. The boy (P) with big blue eyes (Q) watched him (R) and he never said a word (S) that had an uncanny cold fire in them

A. PQRS B. PQSR C. QPSR D. QRPS

Answer: Option (C)
4. The Indian woman wants (P) in a male-dominated society (Q) as an equal partner (R) and it is not too much to demand (S) her rightful place

A. RSQP B. QPSR C. SQPR D. SRPQ

Answer: Option (C)
5. The effectiveness of a film (P) the needs of the audience (Q) is judged by (R) and its relation to (S) Its theme

A. QSRP B. PSQR C. PQRS D. QPRS

Answer: Option (A)
Adverb
1 . Polite people ……………………….. say thank-you.

A. Slowly B. always C. Certainly D. Quickly

Answer: Option (B)
2. You have ……………………….. been working too hard.

A. Tomorrow B. Probably C. Definitely D. Slowly

Answer: Option (C)
3. He always wears a coat, ………………………… in summer.

A. happily B. even C. tomorrow D. often

Answer: Option (B)
4. ………………………… I have got a meeting in New York.

A. definitely B. tomorrow C. happily D. quickly

Answer: Option (B)
5. This time tomorrow I will be …………………………. working in my garden.

A. even B. always C. happily D. definitely

Answer: Option (C)
Comprehension
1. What does “bird of passage”; mean in the context of the given passage?

A. There was a bird in the orchard B. Other people stole from the orchard C. Emperor knew him personally D. He did not visit orchard regularly E. Bird’s song alerted Emperor’s men

Answer: Option (D)
2. How often did Sean visit the orchard?

A. Daily B. Weekly C. Once in a month D. Every day after midnight E. Never

Answer: Option (D)
3. Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word “Reluctant” used in the passage.

A. Against B. Resistant C. Opposed D. Disinclined E. None of these

Answer: Option (D)
4. Why did Sean leave after collecting the fruits?

A. He feared that the bird’s song would awaken the Emperor B. To avoid getting caught by Emperor’s men C. He saw the Emperor’s men approaching D. He was afraid of the dark E. He wanted to leave Luke alone

Answer: Option (B)
5. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for the given passage?

A. Books show the reader’s character B. Books as man’s abiding friends C. Books are useful in the youth D. The importance of books in old age.

Answer: Option (B)
Articles
1. Let us play ----- chess

A. no article B. a C. an D. the

Answer: Option (A)
2. He hopes to join ----- university soon

A. a B. an C. the D. no article

Answer: Option (A)
3. This is the----- car I bought yesterday

A. no article B. a C. an D. the

Answer: Option (D)
4. ----- lion is a ferocious animal

A. a B. an C. the D. no article

Answer: Option (C)
5. ----- elephant is a vegetarian

A. a B. an C. the D. no article

Answer: Option (C)
Grammar
1. I play tennis every Sunday morning.

A. playing B. play C. am playing D. am play

Answer: Option (B)
2. Sorry, she can't come to the phone. She is having a bath!

A. is having B. having C. have D. has

Answer: Option (A)
3. How many students in your class come from Korea?

A. comes B. come C. came D. are coming

Answer: Option (B)
4. Weather report: "It's seven o'clock in Frankfurt and it`s snowing ."

A. there is snow B. it`s snowing C. it snows D. it snowed

Answer: Option (B)
5. I think I need a new calculator. This one does not work properly any more.

A. needs B. needed C. need D. am needing

Answer: Option (C)
Fill in the Blanks
1. Pulsating with power and _____ an image of Lord Surya is believed to dispel darkness and is usually worn as an amulet strung from a gold chain. (A) pelf (B) radiance (C) resplendence (D) prestige (E) enlightenment (F) wisdom

A. A and F B. B and C C. D and E D. B and D E. A and B

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: Lord Surya's image is believed to 'dispel' darkness. Hence 'radiance and resplendence. None of the other options are logically correct.
2. It is a/an _____ that while almost every religion stands for and preaches the universal brotherhood of man, religion has been a constant source of conflict in human history. (A) dilemma (B) paradox (C) coincidence (D) ambiguity (E) contiguity (F) irony

A. A and D B. B and F C. A and B D. C and E E. B and D

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: Religion preaches universal brotherhood. But religion has always been a source of 'conflict' in human history. Hence this is a 'paradox' (contradiction). It is also ironical.
3. Money and power can bring _____ happiness but at the same time they also bring in an equal amount of misery. (A) spiritual (B) mental (C) material (D) worldly (E) psychological (F) emotional

A. A and B B. E and F C. C and D D. D and E E. A and C

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: Money and power stand for 'material', 'worldly' happiness. They also bring in 'misery'.
4. The _____ utilization of human resources can not only help in economic development but can also help in reducing the rate of unemployment. (A) drastic (B) effective (C) minimal (D) optimal (E) nominal (F) voracious

A. A and F B. B and D C. D and F D. B and C E. D and E

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: The 'effective' or 'optimal' utilization of human resources can help in economic development. The use of 'drastic'(extreme or severe) and 'voracious' (uncontrolled) are inappropriate in this context. As are 'nominal' are 'minimal'. The rate of unemployment too can be reduced with effective utilization of human resources.
5. The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Industries has expressed concern at the _____ financial situation and has threatened to launch an agitation if the government does not extend concessions. (A) exacerbating (B) deteriorating (C) rising (D) diminishing (E) receding (F) escalating

A. A and E B. A and B C. C and D D. C and E E. C and F

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: The Federation will not express concern if the financial situation is 'escalating' or 'rising'. Hence choices (A) and (C) can be eliminated. 'Receding' is generally used with reference to water - receding floods, receding coastline etc. 'Diminish' is used in connection with strength or power. Hence the most appropriate word for the first blank is 'deteriorating' and 'exacerbating'.
Unseen Passages
Directions (1 - 5): Read the following passage and answer the questions given below it in the context of the passage.
A well-dressed young man entered a big textile shop one evening. He was able to draw the attention of the salesmen who thought him rich and likely to make heavy purchases. He was shown the superior varieties of suit lengths and sarees. But after casually examining them, he kept moving to the next section, where readymade goods were being sold and further on to the hosiery section. By them, the salesmen had begun to doubt his intentions and drew the attention of the manager. The manager asked him what exactly he wanted and he replied that he wanted courteous treatment. He explained that he had come to the same shop in a casual dress that morning and drawn little attention. His pride was hurt and he wanted to assert himself. He had come in good dress only to get decent treatment, not forgetting any textiles. He left without making any purchase.
1. The young man was well-dressed because

A. it was his habit to dress well B. it was his wedding day C. he wanted to meet the manager of the shop D. he wanted to impress the salesmen

Answer: Option (D)
2. The salesmen in the shop are described as people who pay attention to

A. only young men and women B. pretty women C. only rich customers D. regular customers

Answer: Option (C)
3. The young man moved away to the hosiery section because of he

A. was not interested in purchasing anything now B. did not like the readymade clothes C. wanted better clothes D. was restless

Answer: Option (A)
4. The manager asked the young man what he wanted because

A. he would give him exactly what he was looking for B. the salesman had drawn his attention to the indifferent attitude of the young man C. he thought they could do more business with him that way D. he thought the visitor was dissatisfied

Answer: Option (B)
5. The young man left without making purchases because of he

A. did not have money B. could not find any item of his choice C. had come only to make a point about the indifferent attitude of the salesmen towards casually dressed customers D. decided to come to make the purchases, later on

Answer: Option (C)
Synonyms
1. Remote

A. Automatic B. Distant C. Savage D. Mean

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: Remote means faraway, or distant
2. Kin

A. Exult B. Twist C. Friend D. Relative

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: kin means people with common ancestors, or relatives
3. Pensive

A. Oppressed B. Caged C. Thoughtful D. Happy

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: pensive means moodily or dreamily thoughtful
4. Drag

A. Sleepy B. Crush C. Proud D. Pull

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: to drag is to pull, or to cause movement in a direction with an applied force
5. Charisma

A. Ghost B. Force C. Charm D. Courage

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: charisma is magnetic charm or appeal
Vocabulary
1. He wants to get a better ______ and earn more money.

A. employ B. job C. work D. employment

Answer: Option (B)
2. Managers set objectives, and decide .............. their organization can achieve them.

A. what B. how C. which D. because

Answer: Option (B)
3. Obviously, objectives occasionally .............. be modified or changed.

A. have to B. must to C. shouldn’t D. ought

Answer: Option (A)
4. A defect can be caused by.............. negligence by one of the members of a team.

A. by B. to C. at D. in

Answer: Option (A)
5. I .............. the piano since the age of five.

A. played B. am playing C. play D. have played

Answer: Option (D)
Idioms & Phrases
1. She exhibited remarkable sang froid during the crisis.

A. composure B. temper C. anger D. irritation

Answer: Option (A)
2. Mrs Rashmi has been in the blues for the last several weeks.

A. unwell B. abroad C. lonely D. depressed

Answer: Option (D)
3. The leader must have the lion’s share of the booty.

A. the worthy part B. the smaller part C. the larger part D. the stronger part

Answer: Option (C)
4. I am just a small fry in the office.

A. humorous B. person or thing of little importance C. peon D. a small creature

Answer: Option (B)
5. The prices are going up by leaps and bounds.

A. gradually B. rapidly C. irregularly D. systematically

Answer: Option (B)
Antonyms
1. Awe

A. Borrow B. Shallow C. Low D. Contempt

Answer: Option (D)
Explanation: Awe means a sense of deep respect or veneration; Contempt means a lack of respect, or disdain
2. Brazen

A. Bashful B. Boisterous C. Noisy D. Heated

Answer: Option (A)
Explanation: Brazen means to be defiant or insolent; Bashful means to be shy or timid.
3. Malodorous

A. Acrid B. Pungent C. Fragrant D. Delicious

Answer: Option (C)
Explanation: Malodorous means to have a bad smell; Fragrant means smelling sweet or delicate.
4. Abridge

A. Shorten B. Extend C. Stress D. Easy

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: To abridge means to shorten and to Extend means to lengthen.
5. Philistine

A. Novice B. Intellectual C. Pious D. Debutante

Answer: Option (B)
Explanation: Philistine is used disparagingly to describe a person guided by material rather than intellectual values; an Intellectual is a person who engages in the creative use of his or her intellect