Dear Aspirants,
This section can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in the banking exams. So, instead of boiling the ocean, try building up a strong vocabulary, an effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills so as to be on the ball to face this particular section. Here is a quiz being provided by Adda247 to let you practice the best of latest pattern English Questions.
Directions (1-15): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
Ocean currents are the vertical or horizontal movement of both surface and deep water throughout the world's oceans. Currents normally move in a specific direction and aid significantly in the circulation of the Earth's moisture, the resultant weather, and water pollution.
Oceanic currents are found all over the globe and vary in size, importance, and strength. Some of the more prominent currents include the California and Humboldt Currents in the Pacific, the Gulf Stream and Labrador Current in the Atlantic, and the Indian Monsoon Current in the Indian Ocean. These are just a sampling of the seventeen major surface currents found in the world's oceans.
In addition to their varying size and strength, ocean currents differ in type. They can be either surface or deep water.
Surface currents are those found in the upper 400 meters (1,300 feet) of the ocean and make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean. Surface currents are mostly caused by the wind because it creates friction as it moves over the water. This friction then forces the water to move in a spiral pattern, creating gyres. In the northern hemisphere, gyres move clockwise and in the southern they spin counterclockwise. The speed of surface currents is the greatest closer to the ocean's surface and decreases at about 100 meters (328 ft) below the surface.
Because surface currents travel over long distances, the Coriolis force also plays a role in their movement and deflects them, further aiding in the creation of their circular pattern. Finally, gravity plays a role in the movement of surface currents because the top of the ocean is uneven. Mounds in the water form in areas where the water meets land, where water is warmer, or where two currents converge. Gravity then pushes this water downslope on the mounds and creates currents.
Deep water currents, also called thermohaline circulation, are found below 400 meters and makeup about 90% of the ocean. Like surface currents, gravity plays a role in the creation of deep water currents but these are mainly caused by density differences in the water.
Density differences are a function of temperature and salinity. Warm water holds less salt than cold water so it is less dense and rises toward the surface while cold, salt-laden water sinks. As the warm water rises though, the cold water is forced to rise through up welling and fill the void left by the warm. By contrast, when the cold water rises, it too leaves a void and the rising warm water is then forced, through downwelling, to descend and fill this empty space, creating thermohaline circulation.
Thermohaline circulation is known as the Global Conveyor Belt because its circulation of warm and cold water acts as a submarine river and moves water throughout the ocean.
Finally, seafloor topography and the shape of the ocean's basins impact both surface and deep water currents as they restrict areas where water can move and "funnel" it into another.
Because ocean currents circulate water worldwide, they have a significant impact on the movement of energy and moisture between the oceans and the atmosphere. As a result, they are important to the world's weather. The Gulf Stream, for example, is a warm current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and moves north toward Europe. Since it is full of warm water, the sea surface temperatures are warm, which keeps places like Europe warmer than other areas at similar latitudes.
The Humboldt Current is another example of a current that affects weather. When this cold current is normally present off the coast of Chile and Peru, it creates extremely productive waters and keeps the coast cool and northern Chile arid. However, when it becomes disrupted, Chile's climate is altered and it is believed that El Nino plays a role in its disturbance.
Like the movement of energy and moisture, debris can also get trapped and moved around the world via currents. This can be man-made which is significant to the formation of trash islands or natural such as iceberg. The Labrador Current, which flows south out of the Arctic Ocean along the coasts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, is famous for moving icebergs into shipping lanes in the North Atlantic.
Currents plan an important role in navigation as well. In addition to being able to avoid trash and icebergs, knowledge of currents is essential to the reduction of shipping costs and fuel consumption. Today, shipping companies and even sailing races often use currents to reduce time spent at sea.
Finally, ocean currents are important to the distribution of the world's sea life. Many species rely on currents to move them from one location to another whether it is for breeding or just simple movement over large areas.
Today, ocean currents are also gaining significance as a possible form of alternative energy. Because water is dense, it carries an enormous amount of energy that could possibly be captured and converted into a usable form through the use of water turbines. Currently, this is an experimental technology being tested by the United States, Japan, China, and some European Union countries.
Whether ocean currents are used as alternative energy, to reduce shipping costs, or in their nature to state to move species and weather worldwide, they are significant to geographers, meteorologists, and other scientists because they have a tremendous impact on the globe and earth-atmosphere relations.
Q1. The ideas contained in the passage can be best summarized as:
A. (i) Ocean currents (ii) The types and causes of ocean currents (iii) The importance of Ocean currents (iv) Ocean Currents as alternative energy.
B. (i) Ocean currents (ii) Surface currents (iii) Deepwater currents (iv) Ocean currents as alternative energy.
C. (i) The types and causes of ocean currents (ii) Surface currents (iii) Deepwater currents (iv) Ocean currents as alternative energy.
D. (i) Surface currents (ii) Deepwater currents (iii) the importance of Ocean currents (iv) Ocean currents as alternative energy.
(a) A and D
(b) A only
(c) B and C
(d) B and D
(e) D only
S1. Ans.(b)
Sol. A only. The passage begins with an introduction (first and second paragraph) and analyses the types and causes of the currents (paragraphs 3 to 9), tells us the importance of these currents (paragraphs 10 to 14), and sums by talking about currents as alternative energy (the last two paragraphs). Compare this structure with the other options and you will see that they are wrong or incomplete.
Q2. It can be inferred from the passage that the direction of the movement of the gyres in the two hemispheres is opposite to each other because....
(a) the direction of the wind is in the opposite direction.
(b) the earth rotates on its axis.
(c) the earth is spherical in shape.
(d) the temperature of the oceans in the two hemispheres is different.
(e) the salinity of the oceans in the two hemispheres is different.
S2. Ans.(c)
Sol. The surface currents (gyres) are created by the winds. This is all that is stated in the passage; next, the passage states that the direction of the gyres in the two hemispheres is in the opposite direction (clockwise and anticlockwise). Nothing more is said about it. The only reason for the direction to change is the spherical shape of the earth. As we can imagine each hemisphere as an inversion of the other hemisphere, the direction naturally changes.
Q3. According to the passage, which of the following factors affect/s the movement of the surface currents?
A. Deflection due to the force of the earth’s rotation.
B. The temperature of the water.
C. Convergence of currents.
D. Friction of wind over water.
(a) A and D
(b) C and D
(c) B, C and D
(d) A, C and D
(e) All of the above
S3. Ans.(e)
Sol. All the factors are mentioned in the fourth and the fifth paragraphs as influencing the movement of the surface ocean currents. Coriolis is the deflection due to the force of the earth's spin.
Q4. According to the passage, which of the following is/are NOT TRUE about the deep water currents?
A. They hold less salt than surface currents.
B. These deep waters sink into the deep ocean basins at regions where the temperatures are cold enough to cause the density to increase.
C. They move water around the world.
D. Topography and shape of the land restrict their movement.
(a) A only
(b) A and D
(c) B only
(d) A, B, and D
(e) C only
S4. Ans.(b)
Sol. Statement A is the opposite of what is stated in the passage. Deep currents make up 90% of the ocean water-hence they hold more salt; their density is higher than surface currents (which are merely 10% of the ocean)-on this count also they hold more salt. Statements B and C are correct. D is incorrect because the passage states the topography of the ocean floor (not land) and the shape of the ocean basins affect them.
Q5. Which of the following can be inferred about the Humboldt Current?
(a) It is caused by "up welling."
(b) It is caused by "down welling."
(c) It is important to the world's weather.
(d) It keeps the South America cool.
(e) It keeps the South America warm.
S5. Ans.(a)
Sol. All that is said in the passage (the data available for the inference) is that Humboldt is a cold current. Earlier in the passage, it is stated that upwelling causes cold water to rise and warm water to go down ("... the cold water is forced to rise through upwelling...". From this data we can safely assume that Humboldt is caused by "upswelling".
Q6. "When this cold current is normally present off the coast of Chile and Peru, it creates extremely productive waters and keeps the coast cool and northern Chile arid." In the context of the passage, the word productive corresponds to which of the following definitions?
(a) Having the power of producing; generative; creative.
(b) Producing readily or abundantly; fertile.
(c) Causing; bringing about.
(d) Producing or tending to produce goods and services having exchange value.
(e) Of or pertaining to the language skills of speaking and writing.
S6. Ans.(b)
Sol. Productive waters would mean waters in which marine life would thrive. Hence option (b) which states 'fertile' would best correspond to the meaning required in the context.
Q7. According to the passage, the ocean currents do which of the following?
A. They circulate marine life and weather across the globe.
B. They circulate water worldwide.
C. They circulate water pollution.
D. They help the shipping industry.
(a) A and B
(b) A, B, and C
(c) B, C, and D
(d) All of the above
(e) None of the above
S7. Ans.(d)
Sol. All the statements can be found at different parts of the passage. Hence all are correct.
Q8. Thermohaline circulations are found how many meters below?
(a)440
(b)90
(c)328
(d)400
(e)897
S8. Ans.(d)
Sol. 400 meters
Q9. Why thermohaline circulation is known as the Global Conveyor Belt?
(a)Many species rely on currents to move them from one location to another
(b)Whether ocean currents are used as alternative energy, to reduce shipping costs, or in their natural to state to move species and weather worldwide
(c)Currents normally move in a specific direction and aid significantly in the circulation of the Earth's moisture, the resultant weather, and water pollution.
(d)because its circulation of warm and cold water acts as a submarine river and moves water throughout the ocean.
(e)gravity plays a role in the creation of deep water currents but these are mainly caused by density differences in the water.
S9. Ans.(d)
Sol. because its circulation of warm and cold water acts as a submarine river and moves water throughout the ocean.
Q10. According to the passage, Which of the following sentence given below is false?
(a). The speed of surface currents is the greatest closer to the ocean's surface and decreases at about 100 meters (328 ft) below the surface.
(b)Surface currents found in the upper 400 meters (1,300 feet) of the ocean.
(c)In the northern hemisphere, gyres move clockwise and in the southern they spin counterclockwise
(d)Surface currents make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean.
(e) Gulf Stream is a cold current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and moves north toward Europe
S10. Ans.(e)
Sol.
Q11. Which of the following is most nearly similar in meaning of the word prominent as used in the passage?
(a)criticized
(b)serious
(c)eminent
(d)promises
(e)undistinguished
S11. Ans.(c)
Sol. Prominent- important; famous, projecting from something; protuberant.
synonyms-important, well known, leading, eminent, pre-eminent
Q12. Which of the following is most nearly similar in meaning of the word gyres as used in the passage?
(a)hike
(b)whirl
(c)gaffe
(d)weapons
(e)acute
S12. Ans.(b)
Sol. gyres -whirl or gyrate.
Q13.Which of the following is most Opposite in meaning of the word mounds as used in the passage?
(a)flip
(b)outlandish
(c)pile
(d)ditch
(e)pluralistic
S13. Ans.(d)
Sol. mounds-a rounded mass projecting above a surface, a large pile or quantity of something.
Q14. Which of the following is most Opposite in meaning of the word welling as used in the passage?
(a)drainage
(b)conclusion
(c)gush
(d)efflux
(e)oozing
S14. Ans.(b)
Sol. welling-(of a liquid) rise up to the surface and spill or be about to spill,(of an emotion) develop and become more intense.
Synonyms- flow, stream, run, rush, gush, course, roll, cascade, flood, surge
Q15. Which of the following is most Opposite in meaning of the word tremendous as used in the passage?
(a)vast
(b)astounding
(c)monumental
(d)miniature
(e)colossal
S15. Ans.(d)
Sol. tremendous-very great in amount, scale, or intensity, extremely good or impressive; excellent.
synonyms- very great, huge, enormous, immense, colossal, massive, prodigious, stupendous, monumental, mammoth, vast, gigantic, giant, mighty, epic
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
Dear Aspirants,
This section can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in the banking exams. So, instead of boiling the ocean, try building up a strong vocabulary, an effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills so as to be on the ball to face this particular section. Here is a quiz being provided by Adda247 to let you practice the best of latest pattern English Questions.
DAY-17 Fillers
Direction (1-15): In each of the following sentences, there is a blank space, followed by some choices of words given in options. You have to determine which of these words fits well in all making them meaningful and grammatically correct. Word can be modified according to the tense of the sentence keeping the meaning of root word intact.
Q1.
I.She _______ for several minutes before introducing the main speaker.
II.We had to listen to another one of his long _______ about politics and religion.
III.He encountered many interesting people in his _______ in the country.
(a)Ramble
(b)came
(c)wait
(d)venture
(e)interset
S1. Ans.(a)
Sol. Rambled- to go from one subject to another without any clear purpose or direction, to walk or go from one place to another place without a specific goal, purpose, or direction, it is always followed by an adverb or preposition
Q2.
I.The college president was against any _______ with the students.
II.We need a _______ between the townspeople and mayor over the site of the new library.
III.The buyer and seller are continuing _______ on the sale price and repairs to the house.
(a)trend
(b)increasing
(c)talk
(d)follower
(e)negotiation
S2. Ans.(e)
Sol.Negotiation- a formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement, an act of negotiating
Q3.
I.There was no hope of _______ the damage—she had to buy a new car.
II.He underwent surgery to _______ a torn ligament in his knee.
III.She _______ an old chest that was coming apart.
(a)find
(b)goal
(c)complete
(d)repair
(e)present
S3. Ans.(d)
Sol. Repair- to put (something that is broken or damaged) back into good condition, to correct or improve (something, such as a relationship or reputation)
Q4.
I.She _______from other people as she grew older.
II.Students can _______ from a class anytime until the last week of the semester.
III.The prosecutor _______ her question to the witness.
(a)discussed
(b)withdraw
(c)differ
(d)request
(e)refer
S4. Ans.(b)
Sol. withdraw- to take back (something that is spoken, offered, etc.), to stop participating in something
Q5.
I.At least he had the good _______ to admit that he was wrong.
II.I saw a homeless person on the street and thought “there but for the _______ of God go I.
III. The governor fell from _______ after being accused of tax fraud.
(a)ladder
(b)content
(c)grace
(d)improve
(e)percent
S5. Ans.(c)
Sol.Grace- If you fall from grace or experience a fall from grace, you no longer enjoy the success or good reputation that you once had, usually because you have done something wrong.
Q6.
I.She asked them not to talk about the accident in her _______.
II.The Internet service is making its _______ known by doing a lot of advertising.
III.She talked about the growing _______ of women in the construction industry.
(a)absence
(b)reputation
(c)role
(d)presence
(e)decision
S6. Ans.(d)
Sol.Presence- make your presence felt/heard/known- to make people aware of you by gaining power or influence over them,the area that is close to someone — used to describe being in the same place as someone, the area that is close to someone — used to describe being in the same place as someone
Q7.
I.His voice was _______ audible above the sound of the river.
II._______ 50 percent of the population voted.
III.We _______ spoke the entire time we were in the car.
(a)around
(b)not
(c)barely
(d)really
(e)somehow
S7. Ans.(c)
Sol. Barely-used to say that someone or something only has a specified small size, age, length, etc,
Q8.
I.She agreed to the terms _______ in the contract.
II.All subscriptions are for one year unless otherwise _______.
III.The instructions do not _______ what kind of screws to use.
(a)refer
(b)say
(c)natural
(d)specify
(e)mentioned
S8. Ans.(d)
Sol. specify- to name or mention (someone or something) exactly and clearly: to be specific about (something)
Q9.
I.His fans have gone _______ crazy over his latest CD.
II.That restaurant serves _______ the best food I've ever eaten.
III.Would you like to see a movie tonight?” “_______!
(a)about
(b)absolutely
(c)together
(d)with
(e)most
S9. Ans.(b)
Sol. Absolutely- completely or totally, with unlimited power, used in speech as a forceful way of saying “yes” or of expressing agreement
Q10.
I.You can _______ your bill if you believe it is inaccurate.
II.The source of the text has been _______ for centuries.
III.There is a labor _______ between workers and management.
(a)referred
(b)related
(c)give
(d)of
(e)dispute
S10. Ans.(e)
Sol. Dispute-a disagreement or argument, to say or show that (something) may not be true, correct, or legal
Directions (11-15): The following sentences each contains a blank, indicating that something has been left out of the sentence. Select the answer choice, that, when inserted in the sentence fits the context of the sentence.
Q11. He seems to have taken a great risk, as if things go wrong, they could dent his image and the adulation he has so assiduously created ______ the decades.
(a)since
(b)of
(c)for
(d)over
(e)along
S11. Ans.(d)
Sol. Option D is the correct choice.
Q12. The challenge for India and China, as the two fastest-growing major economies, is to engage with ___________ and with other willing partner nations, particularly in East Asia and the Pacific region, to maintain openness and embrace globalisation.
(a)one another
(b)together
(c)each other
(d)company
(e)them
S12. Ans.(c)
Sol. Option C is the correct choice.
Q13. The government’s __________ to increase import duties on a variety of products, including phones and TV sets, is not a good idea.
(a)scene
(b)call
(c)decision
(d)argue
(e)describe
S13. Ans.(c)
Sol. Option C is the correct choice.
Q14. India needs to quickly frame an appropriate and updated cybersecurity __________ , create adequate infrastructure, and foster closer collaboration between all those involved to ensure a safe cyberspace.
(a)updation
(b)price
(c)agreement
(d)policy
(e)longer
S14. Ans.(d)
Sol. Option D is the correct choice.
Q15. It is true that the rich and the middle-class control a major share of the ________ resources, which consequently is not available to the poor.
(a)nature
(b)native's
(c)publics
(d)newer
(e)world’s
S15. Ans.(e)
Sol. Option E is the correct choice.
Dear Aspirants,
This section can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in the banking exams. So, instead of boiling the ocean, try building up a strong vocabulary, an effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills so as to be on the ball to face this particular section. Here is a quiz being provided by Adda247 to let you practice the best of latest pattern English Questions.
DAY-17 Fillers
Direction (1-15): In each of the following sentences, there is a blank space, followed by some choices of words given in options. You have to determine which of these words fits well in all making them meaningful and grammatically correct. Word can be modified according to the tense of the sentence keeping the meaning of root word intact.
Q1.
I.She _______ for several minutes before introducing the main speaker.
II.We had to listen to another one of his long _______ about politics and religion.
III.He encountered many interesting people in his _______ in the country.
(a)Ramble
(b)came
(c)wait
(d)venture
(e)interset
S1. Ans.(a)
Sol. Rambled- to go from one subject to another without any clear purpose or direction, to walk or go from one place to another place without a specific goal, purpose, or direction, it is always followed by an adverb or preposition
Q2.
I.The college president was against any _______ with the students.
II.We need a _______ between the townspeople and mayor over the site of the new library.
III.The buyer and seller are continuing _______ on the sale price and repairs to the house.
(a)trend
(b)increasing
(c)talk
(d)follower
(e)negotiation
S2. Ans.(e)
Sol.Negotiation- a formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement, an act of negotiating
Q3.
I.There was no hope of _______ the damage—she had to buy a new car.
II.He underwent surgery to _______ a torn ligament in his knee.
III.She _______ an old chest that was coming apart.
(a)find
(b)goal
(c)complete
(d)repair
(e)present
S3. Ans.(d)
Sol. Repair- to put (something that is broken or damaged) back into good condition, to correct or improve (something, such as a relationship or reputation)
Q4.
I.She _______from other people as she grew older.
II.Students can _______ from a class anytime until the last week of the semester.
III.The prosecutor _______ her question to the witness.
(a)discussed
(b)withdraw
(c)differ
(d)request
(e)refer
S4. Ans.(b)
Sol. withdraw- to take back (something that is spoken, offered, etc.), to stop participating in something
Q5.
I.At least he had the good _______ to admit that he was wrong.
II.I saw a homeless person on the street and thought “there but for the _______ of God go I.
III. The governor fell from _______ after being accused of tax fraud.
(a)ladder
(b)content
(c)grace
(d)improve
(e)percent
S5. Ans.(c)
Sol.Grace- If you fall from grace or experience a fall from grace, you no longer enjoy the success or good reputation that you once had, usually because you have done something wrong.
Q6.
I.She asked them not to talk about the accident in her _______.
II.The Internet service is making its _______ known by doing a lot of advertising.
III.She talked about the growing _______ of women in the construction industry.
(a)absence
(b)reputation
(c)role
(d)presence
(e)decision
S6. Ans.(d)
Sol.Presence- make your presence felt/heard/known- to make people aware of you by gaining power or influence over them,the area that is close to someone — used to describe being in the same place as someone, the area that is close to someone — used to describe being in the same place as someone
Q7.
I.His voice was _______ audible above the sound of the river.
II._______ 50 percent of the population voted.
III.We _______ spoke the entire time we were in the car.
(a)around
(b)not
(c)barely
(d)really
(e)somehow
S7. Ans.(c)
Sol. Barely-used to say that someone or something only has a specified small size, age, length, etc,
Q8.
I.She agreed to the terms _______ in the contract.
II.All subscriptions are for one year unless otherwise _______.
III.The instructions do not _______ what kind of screws to use.
(a)refer
(b)say
(c)natural
(d)specify
(e)mentioned
S8. Ans.(d)
Sol. specify- to name or mention (someone or something) exactly and clearly: to be specific about (something)
Q9.
I.His fans have gone _______ crazy over his latest CD.
II.That restaurant serves _______ the best food I've ever eaten.
III.Would you like to see a movie tonight?” “_______!
(a)about
(b)absolutely
(c)together
(d)with
(e)most
S9. Ans.(b)
Sol. Absolutely- completely or totally, with unlimited power, used in speech as a forceful way of saying “yes” or of expressing agreement
Q10.
I.You can _______ your bill if you believe it is inaccurate.
II.The source of the text has been _______ for centuries.
III.There is a labor _______ between workers and management.
(a)referred
(b)related
(c)give
(d)of
(e)dispute
S10. Ans.(e)
Sol. Dispute-a disagreement or argument, to say or show that (something) may not be true, correct, or legal
Directions (11-15): The following sentences each contains a blank, indicating that something has been left out of the sentence. Select the answer choice, that, when inserted in the sentence fits the context of the sentence.
Q11. He seems to have taken a great risk, as if things go wrong, they could dent his image and the adulation he has so assiduously created ______ the decades.
(a)since
(b)of
(c)for
(d)over
(e)along
S11. Ans.(d)
Sol. Option D is the correct choice.
Q12. The challenge for India and China, as the two fastest-growing major economies, is to engage with ___________ and with other willing partner nations, particularly in East Asia and the Pacific region, to maintain openness and embrace globalisation.
(a)one another
(b)together
(c)each other
(d)company
(e)them
S12. Ans.(c)
Sol. Option C is the correct choice.
Q13. The government’s __________ to increase import duties on a variety of products, including phones and TV sets, is not a good idea.
(a)scene
(b)call
(c)decision
(d)argue
(e)describe
S13. Ans.(c)
Sol. Option C is the correct choice.
Q14. India needs to quickly frame an appropriate and updated cybersecurity __________ , create adequate infrastructure, and foster closer collaboration between all those involved to ensure a safe cyberspace.
(a)updation
(b)price
(c)agreement
(d)policy
(e)longer
S14. Ans.(d)
Sol. Option D is the correct choice.
Q15. It is true that the rich and the middle-class control a major share of the ________ resources, which consequently is not available to the poor.
(a)nature
(b)native's
(c)publics
(d)newer
(e)world’s
S15. Ans.(e)
Sol. Option E is the correct choice.
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
Dear Aspirants,
This section can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in the banking exams. So, instead of boiling the ocean, try building up a strong vocabulary, an effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills so as to be on the ball to face this particular section. Here is a quiz being provided by Adda247 to let you practice the best of latest pattern English Questions.
DAY-15 Error correction
Directions (1-5): Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is no error the answer is (e). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any)
Q1. This laboratory of physics is (a)/ not only equipped with (b)/ all state-of-the-art instruments (c)/ but also with outstanding physicists (d)/ No error (e)
S1. Ans.(b)
Sol. 'Equipped not only with' should be used in place 'of not only equipped with'
In case of With Not only …… but also/Either …… or/Neither …… nor, we join two Subjects/Objects/Verb/Gerunds.
For example,
He comes here not only for shopping.
↓
NOT ONLY
but also for having a
↓
BUT ALSO
glimpse of the
extremely beautiful sales girls.
In the given sentence but also is used before “with outstanding physics” so not only should be used before “with all state-of-the-art instruments”. Such adjustments convey the meaning clearly.
Q2. No method of making (a)/ other people agree to (b)/ your view-point is (c)/ as effective as this method. (d)/ No error (e)
S2. Ans.(a)
Sol. When we compare two things belonging to the same group, we use no other. Whereas, when two things belonging to different groups are compared, we use no.
For example,
(i) No other river in India is as useful as the Ganga.
(ii) No river in Bangladesh is as useful as the Ganga.
In the given sentence, “this method” belongs to “your methods”— group. That is “this method” is one of your methods. Therefore, no other will be used in place of no.
Q3. I was pretty sure that (a)/ he would support my views (b)/ for changing the age-old (c)/ and static structure of our organization. (d)/ No error (e)
S3. Ans.(c)
Sol. Views should be followed by 'on' and not 'for'.
“Your views on something are the beliefs or opinions that have about it, for example, whether you think it is good, bad, right or wrong”.
This shows that it is obligatory to use Preposition on after views, especially in the given type of sentence.
Q4. I did not like his (a)/ comments on my paper (b)/ but I had no alternative (c)/ as I had agreed to keep quiet. (d)/ No error (e)
S4. Ans.(e)
Sol. No error
Q5. The report is candid in admitting (a)/ that the investment by the government (b)/ in health and family planning (c)/ have been eroded considerably (d)/ No error (e)
S5. Ans.(d)
Sol. 'Have been' should be replaced with 'has been'. Here have been is governed by the Subject investment. Investment is a Singular Subject. So, the Singular verb 'has been' must be used in place of 'have been'.
Directions (6-10): In the following questions, two sentences are given. There may be an error in the sentence(s). Mark your answer accordingly from the given options.
Q6. I. His cat is more large than my dog.
II.I do badly in math, but at least I’m not the worst.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S6. Ans.(a)
Sol. His cat is larger than my dog.(For adjectives that are just one syllable, add -er to the end)
I do badly in math, but at least I’m not the worst.-irregular adjectives (and adverbs) that don’t follow the normal rules. Hence II statement is correct.
Q7.I.Where did you come from?
II. This is something on which we must meditate on.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S7. Ans.(b)
Sol. 'This is something on which we must meditate', is the correct sentence.
Q8. I. Where is your brother at?
II. She is an United States senator.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S8. Ans.(C)
Sol. Where is your brother? is the correct sentence. It is the case of an unnecessary preposition.
She is a United States senator.(when the first letter of a word is a vowel but is pronounced with a consonant sound, use a)
Q9. I. The creativity is a valuable quality in children.
II.I studied the French in high school for four years.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S9. Ans.(c)
Sol. Creativity is a valuable quality in children. This is the case of 'zero article'. The article is omitted before nouns that refer to abstract ideas.
'I studied French in high school for four years'. Many languages are not preceded by an article.
Q10.I. I should rewrite the introduction of my essay.
II. We’re cooking for ten guests tonight.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S10. Ans.(d)
Sol. There is no error in either of the sentences.
Directions (11-15): Which of the phrases (a), (b), (c) and (d) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentences to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and there is no correction required (e) as the answer.
Q11. With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railways would do well to concentrate on strengthening the existing track system and adopting coach technology that ensures safe and comfortable travel.
(a) With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railways would do well on concentrating of strengthen the existed track
(b) With its very poor safe record, the Indian Railways would do well to concentrate at strengthen the existing track
(c) With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railway would do well to concentrate about strengthen the existed track
(d) With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railways would do well to concentrate on strengthening the existing track
(e) No correction required
S11. Ans.(e)
Sol. No correction required
Q12. Large farmers of Maharashtra typically has accessed to modern pumps, consumed a huge amounts of water and leaving hardly anything for small and marginal farmers.
(a) farmer at Maharashtra typically have access to modern pumps, consume huge amounts
(b) farmers in Maharashtra typically has access to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
(c) farmers in Maharashtra typically have accessed to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
(d) farmers in Maharashtra typically have access to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
(e) No correction required
S12. Ans.(d)
Sol. farmers in Maharashtra typically have access to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
Q13. The introduction of a nationwide agriculture loan waiver in 1990 had a deleterious impact over the provision of rural credit, provide a short-term palliate while breeding credit indiscipline among farmers and leading to a shortfall in rural credit growth.
(a) impact in the provision of rural crediting, providing a short-term palliative while as
(b) impact at the provision of rural credits, providing a short-term palliate while
(c) impact on the provision of rural credit, providing a short-term palliative while
(d) impact on the provisioning of rural credit, providing a short-term palliative on while
(e) No correction required
S13. Ans.(c)
Sol. impact on the provision of rural credit, providing a short-term palliative while
Q14. There is more to the proposition that some persons are poor beyond beliefs, and others is rich beyond belief in India.
(a) some persons is poor beyond belief, and others are rich
(b) some persons are poor beyond belief, and others are rich
(c) some persons are poor beyond beliefs, and others are richer
(d) some persons are poor beyond belief, and other are richer
(e) No correction required
S14. Ans.(b)
Sol. some persons are poor beyond belief, and others are rich
Q15. The Election Commission have told the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress leader challenging the use of None of the Above (NOTA) option in the Rajya Sabha polls in the State is not maintainable
(a) has told the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(b) had tell the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(c) has said the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(d) has tells the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(e) No correction required
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. has told the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
This section can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in the banking exams. So, instead of boiling the ocean, try building up a strong vocabulary, an effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills so as to be on the ball to face this particular section. Here is a quiz being provided by Adda247 to let you practice the best of latest pattern English Questions.
DAY-15 Error correction
Directions (1-5): Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is no error the answer is (e). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any)
Q1. This laboratory of physics is (a)/ not only equipped with (b)/ all state-of-the-art instruments (c)/ but also with outstanding physicists (d)/ No error (e)
S1. Ans.(b)
Sol. 'Equipped not only with' should be used in place 'of not only equipped with'
In case of With Not only …… but also/Either …… or/Neither …… nor, we join two Subjects/Objects/Verb/Gerunds.
For example,
He comes here not only for shopping.
↓
NOT ONLY
but also for having a
↓
BUT ALSO
glimpse of the
extremely beautiful sales girls.
In the given sentence but also is used before “with outstanding physics” so not only should be used before “with all state-of-the-art instruments”. Such adjustments convey the meaning clearly.
Q2. No method of making (a)/ other people agree to (b)/ your view-point is (c)/ as effective as this method. (d)/ No error (e)
S2. Ans.(a)
Sol. When we compare two things belonging to the same group, we use no other. Whereas, when two things belonging to different groups are compared, we use no.
For example,
(i) No other river in India is as useful as the Ganga.
(ii) No river in Bangladesh is as useful as the Ganga.
In the given sentence, “this method” belongs to “your methods”— group. That is “this method” is one of your methods. Therefore, no other will be used in place of no.
Q3. I was pretty sure that (a)/ he would support my views (b)/ for changing the age-old (c)/ and static structure of our organization. (d)/ No error (e)
S3. Ans.(c)
Sol. Views should be followed by 'on' and not 'for'.
“Your views on something are the beliefs or opinions that have about it, for example, whether you think it is good, bad, right or wrong”.
This shows that it is obligatory to use Preposition on after views, especially in the given type of sentence.
Q4. I did not like his (a)/ comments on my paper (b)/ but I had no alternative (c)/ as I had agreed to keep quiet. (d)/ No error (e)
S4. Ans.(e)
Sol. No error
Q5. The report is candid in admitting (a)/ that the investment by the government (b)/ in health and family planning (c)/ have been eroded considerably (d)/ No error (e)
S5. Ans.(d)
Sol. 'Have been' should be replaced with 'has been'. Here have been is governed by the Subject investment. Investment is a Singular Subject. So, the Singular verb 'has been' must be used in place of 'have been'.
Directions (6-10): In the following questions, two sentences are given. There may be an error in the sentence(s). Mark your answer accordingly from the given options.
Q6. I. His cat is more large than my dog.
II.I do badly in math, but at least I’m not the worst.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S6. Ans.(a)
Sol. His cat is larger than my dog.(For adjectives that are just one syllable, add -er to the end)
I do badly in math, but at least I’m not the worst.-irregular adjectives (and adverbs) that don’t follow the normal rules. Hence II statement is correct.
Q7.I.Where did you come from?
II. This is something on which we must meditate on.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S7. Ans.(b)
Sol. 'This is something on which we must meditate', is the correct sentence.
Q8. I. Where is your brother at?
II. She is an United States senator.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S8. Ans.(C)
Sol. Where is your brother? is the correct sentence. It is the case of an unnecessary preposition.
She is a United States senator.(when the first letter of a word is a vowel but is pronounced with a consonant sound, use a)
Q9. I. The creativity is a valuable quality in children.
II.I studied the French in high school for four years.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S9. Ans.(c)
Sol. Creativity is a valuable quality in children. This is the case of 'zero article'. The article is omitted before nouns that refer to abstract ideas.
'I studied French in high school for four years'. Many languages are not preceded by an article.
Q10.I. I should rewrite the introduction of my essay.
II. We’re cooking for ten guests tonight.
(a)if there is an error only in the first sentence;
(b) if there is an error only in the second sentence;
(c) if there are errors in both sentences; and
(d) if there is no error in either of the sentences.
(e) If there are more than two errors in either of the sentence.
S10. Ans.(d)
Sol. There is no error in either of the sentences.
Directions (11-15): Which of the phrases (a), (b), (c) and (d) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentences to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and there is no correction required (e) as the answer.
Q11. With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railways would do well to concentrate on strengthening the existing track system and adopting coach technology that ensures safe and comfortable travel.
(a) With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railways would do well on concentrating of strengthen the existed track
(b) With its very poor safe record, the Indian Railways would do well to concentrate at strengthen the existing track
(c) With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railway would do well to concentrate about strengthen the existed track
(d) With its very poor safety record, the Indian Railways would do well to concentrate on strengthening the existing track
(e) No correction required
S11. Ans.(e)
Sol. No correction required
Q12. Large farmers of Maharashtra typically has accessed to modern pumps, consumed a huge amounts of water and leaving hardly anything for small and marginal farmers.
(a) farmer at Maharashtra typically have access to modern pumps, consume huge amounts
(b) farmers in Maharashtra typically has access to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
(c) farmers in Maharashtra typically have accessed to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
(d) farmers in Maharashtra typically have access to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
(e) No correction required
S12. Ans.(d)
Sol. farmers in Maharashtra typically have access to modern pumps, consuming huge amounts
Q13. The introduction of a nationwide agriculture loan waiver in 1990 had a deleterious impact over the provision of rural credit, provide a short-term palliate while breeding credit indiscipline among farmers and leading to a shortfall in rural credit growth.
(a) impact in the provision of rural crediting, providing a short-term palliative while as
(b) impact at the provision of rural credits, providing a short-term palliate while
(c) impact on the provision of rural credit, providing a short-term palliative while
(d) impact on the provisioning of rural credit, providing a short-term palliative on while
(e) No correction required
S13. Ans.(c)
Sol. impact on the provision of rural credit, providing a short-term palliative while
Q14. There is more to the proposition that some persons are poor beyond beliefs, and others is rich beyond belief in India.
(a) some persons is poor beyond belief, and others are rich
(b) some persons are poor beyond belief, and others are rich
(c) some persons are poor beyond beliefs, and others are richer
(d) some persons are poor beyond belief, and other are richer
(e) No correction required
S14. Ans.(b)
Sol. some persons are poor beyond belief, and others are rich
Q15. The Election Commission have told the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress leader challenging the use of None of the Above (NOTA) option in the Rajya Sabha polls in the State is not maintainable
(a) has told the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(b) had tell the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(c) has said the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(d) has tells the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
(e) No correction required
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. has told the Supreme Court that a plea by a Gujarat Congress
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
Dear Aspirants,
This section can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in the banking exams. So, instead of boiling the ocean, try building up a strong vocabulary, an effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills so as to be on the ball to face this particular section. Here is a quiz being provided by Adda247 to let you practice the best of latest pattern English Questions.
DAY-13 Word Based
Directions (1-10): For each of the words below, a contextual usage is provided. Pick the word/phrase from the alternatives that are most the appropriate substitute in the given context and mark its number as your answer.
Q1. Detonate: The warhead is set to detonate just above the target to maximise the damage.
(a)related
(b)dubious
(c)decorate
(d)fulminate
(e)dismantle
S1. Ans.(d)
Sol. Detonate-explode or cause to explode.
Q2.Hysterical: By the time the police arrived, the victim had become hysterical.
(a)collected
(b)placid
(c)express
(d)overwrought
(e)apathetic
S2. Ans.(d)
Sol. Hysterical-feeling or showing extreme and uncontrolled emotion: marked by hysteria
Q3. Sententious: He tried to encourage his men with sententious rhetoric
(a) sentence
(b) sanctimonious
(c) complex
(d) redundant
(e) uncertain
S3. Ans.(b)
Sol. Sententious- given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner, terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in expression
Q4. Vigour: They set about their work with youthful vigour and enthusiasm.
(a)start
(b)strict
(c) robustness
(d)nature
(e) intelligence
S4. Ans.(c)
Sol. Vigour -Physical strength and good health, effort, energy, and enthusiasm.
Q5. Emphatic: They were emphatic about their political differences.
(a)ambiguous
(b)obscure
(c)uncertain
(d)vehement
(e) vague
S5. Ans.(d)
Sol. Emphatic -expressing something forcibly and clearly,(of a word or syllable) bearing the stress.
Q6. Tyranny: Self-expression and individuality are the greatest weapons against tyranny
(a)natural
(b)despotism
(c)trial
(d)democracy
(e)trump
S6. Ans.(b)
Sol.Tyranny- cruel and oppressive government or rule, a state under cruel and oppressive government, cruel, unreasonable, or arbitrary use of power or control.
Q7. Suffusion: He suffered from suffusion of blood on the brain.
(a)corner
(b)ascent
(c)infusion
(d)relaxation
(e) rise
S7. Ans.(c)
Sol. Suffusion: the act or process of suffusing or state of being suffused with something; specifically: the spreading of a fluid of the body into the surrounding tissues, a suffusion of blood.
Q8. Precarious: He was unable to get down from his precarious position on the rocks.
(a)initial
(b)strong
(c)guarded
(d)risky
(e)new
S8. Ans.(d)
Sol. Precarious- not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. Synonyms- uncertain, insecure, unreliable, unpredictable, undependable, risky, hazardous
Q9. Surly- the surly receptionist told us we'd have to wait outside in the rain
(a) common
(b) trend
(c) extent
(d) sulky
(e) plan
S9. Ans.(d)
Sol. Option D is related to the word given.
Q10. Pique- A talented youngster who smashes his guitar in a fit of pique finds it magically reassembled just in time for a crucial concert.
(a) priority
(b) major
(c) resentment
(d) outdoor
(e) factor
S10. Ans.(c)
Sol. Pique means a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride, arouse (interest or curiosity), feel irritated or resentful.
C is the correct choice.
Directions (11-15): In question given below there are three sentences. Each sentence has a pair of words/phrases that are highlighted. From the highlighted word(s)/phrase(s), select the most appropriate words(s)/phrase(s) to form correct sentences. Then below the group of sentences 5 options are given, with each option having sequence of choices either (a) or (b) and so on. Choose the option which is giving the correct sequence of the choices.
Q11. A. whole bloc[1]/block[2] of students got together to complain.
B. The chef placed the steak in the hot pan to sear[1]/seer[2] the outside.
C. the area team[1]/teems[2] with entrepreneurs hoping to hit upon the next big thing.
(a)121
(b)112
(c)111
(d)221
(e)212
S11. Ans.(b)
Sol. a whole bloc of students got together to complain.
bloc - An alliance or a group (of political parties or countries)
Block- A large solid piece of hard material with flat surface on each side
Sear-Burn or scorch with sudden intense heat
Seer: A person of supposed supernatural insight who sees visions of the future
Teem: Be full of or swarming with
Team: A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport
Q12. A. I strolled a discrete[1]/ Discreet[2] distance from her side as we entered the gardens
B. The Principle/principal thing that is lacking is sentence accent and variety in the inflection of phrases.
C. The struggle that followed was, however, destined once more to be a duel[1]/Dual[2] between Russia and Turkey.
(a)212
(b)221
(c)121
(d)112
(e)111
S12. Ans.(c)
Sol. Discreet: Careful or prudent in speech or actions, especially in order to avoid giving offence or attracting attention
Discrete: Individually separate or distinct
Principle: A fundamental truth or proportion serving as the foundation for belief or action
Principal: First in order of importance, main
Dual: Consisting of two parts, elements or aspects
Duel: (Historical) A pre-arranged contest with deadly weapons between two persons to settle a point of honor
Q13. A. Banging the cymbal[1]/ Symbol[2] loudly, the musician marched through the parade to his own beat.
B. I Prey[1]/pray[2] to the gods it does not force me to destroy the histories, so that someday, someone will have the strength I lack.
C. she was still maize[1]/mazed[2] with the drug she had taken
(a)221
(b)121
(c)122
(d)211
(e)112
S13. Ans.(c)
Sol. Symbol: A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
Cymbal: A musical instrument consisting of a slightly concave round brass plate that is either struck against one another or struck with a stick
Pray: Address a prayer to God
Prey: An animal hunted or killed by another animal for food
Maize: A cereal plant that yields corn
Maze:: A confusing mass of information
Q14. A. The man who essay[1]/assayed[2] gold was more than a technician.
B. Thousands of troup[1]/troops[2] of enemy soldiers have been observed approaching the capital city.
C. Somehow I get the idea that you will find it harder to be idol[1]/idle[2] than working.
(a)222
(b)212
(c)112
(d)111
(e)211
S14. Ans.(a)
Sol. Assay- determine the content or quality of (a metal or ore); attempt.
Essay- to put to a test; to make an often tentative or experimental effort to perform
Troop: A soldiers or members of the armed forces
Troup: A group of dancers, actors or other entertainers who move from place to place performing at different venues
Idol: An image or representation of a god used as an object of worship
Idle: Avoiding work, lazy
Q15. A. He tried in vain[1]/vein[2] to get the whole world to be won over to liberal toleration within one or two generations.
B. "a car collided with a stationary[1]/Stationery[2] vehicle
C. research gives insight[1]/incite[2] into the theory of evolution.
(a)111
(b)112
(c)212
(d)222
(e)221
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. Vain: A person who has or shows an excessively high opinion of his/her appearance and abilities
Vein: Any of the tubes forming a part of the circulatory system by which blood is conveyed to all parts of the body towards the heart
Stationary: Not moving
Stationery: Paper or other material needed for wiring
Incite: To encourage or stir up (behaviour that is violent and unlawful)
Insight: The ability or capacity to gain an accurate, deep and intuitive understanding of something
Dear Aspirants,
This section can be easy as pie if your basics are clear. Sometimes, even those who can communicate very well in English, fail to perform to the best of their ability in the banking exams. So, instead of boiling the ocean, try building up a strong vocabulary, an effective knowledge of grammar, and efficient comprehension skills so as to be on the ball to face this particular section. Here is a quiz being provided by Adda247 to let you practice the best of latest pattern English Questions.
DAY-13 Word Based
Directions (1-10): For each of the words below, a contextual usage is provided. Pick the word/phrase from the alternatives that are most the appropriate substitute in the given context and mark its number as your answer.
Q1. Detonate: The warhead is set to detonate just above the target to maximise the damage.
(a)related
(b)dubious
(c)decorate
(d)fulminate
(e)dismantle
S1. Ans.(d)
Sol. Detonate-explode or cause to explode.
Q2.Hysterical: By the time the police arrived, the victim had become hysterical.
(a)collected
(b)placid
(c)express
(d)overwrought
(e)apathetic
S2. Ans.(d)
Sol. Hysterical-feeling or showing extreme and uncontrolled emotion: marked by hysteria
Q3. Sententious: He tried to encourage his men with sententious rhetoric
(a) sentence
(b) sanctimonious
(c) complex
(d) redundant
(e) uncertain
S3. Ans.(b)
Sol. Sententious- given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner, terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in expression
Q4. Vigour: They set about their work with youthful vigour and enthusiasm.
(a)start
(b)strict
(c) robustness
(d)nature
(e) intelligence
S4. Ans.(c)
Sol. Vigour -Physical strength and good health, effort, energy, and enthusiasm.
Q5. Emphatic: They were emphatic about their political differences.
(a)ambiguous
(b)obscure
(c)uncertain
(d)vehement
(e) vague
S5. Ans.(d)
Sol. Emphatic -expressing something forcibly and clearly,(of a word or syllable) bearing the stress.
Q6. Tyranny: Self-expression and individuality are the greatest weapons against tyranny
(a)natural
(b)despotism
(c)trial
(d)democracy
(e)trump
S6. Ans.(b)
Sol.Tyranny- cruel and oppressive government or rule, a state under cruel and oppressive government, cruel, unreasonable, or arbitrary use of power or control.
Q7. Suffusion: He suffered from suffusion of blood on the brain.
(a)corner
(b)ascent
(c)infusion
(d)relaxation
(e) rise
S7. Ans.(c)
Sol. Suffusion: the act or process of suffusing or state of being suffused with something; specifically: the spreading of a fluid of the body into the surrounding tissues, a suffusion of blood.
Q8. Precarious: He was unable to get down from his precarious position on the rocks.
(a)initial
(b)strong
(c)guarded
(d)risky
(e)new
S8. Ans.(d)
Sol. Precarious- not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. Synonyms- uncertain, insecure, unreliable, unpredictable, undependable, risky, hazardous
Q9. Surly- the surly receptionist told us we'd have to wait outside in the rain
(a) common
(b) trend
(c) extent
(d) sulky
(e) plan
S9. Ans.(d)
Sol. Option D is related to the word given.
Q10. Pique- A talented youngster who smashes his guitar in a fit of pique finds it magically reassembled just in time for a crucial concert.
(a) priority
(b) major
(c) resentment
(d) outdoor
(e) factor
S10. Ans.(c)
Sol. Pique means a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride, arouse (interest or curiosity), feel irritated or resentful.
C is the correct choice.
Directions (11-15): In question given below there are three sentences. Each sentence has a pair of words/phrases that are highlighted. From the highlighted word(s)/phrase(s), select the most appropriate words(s)/phrase(s) to form correct sentences. Then below the group of sentences 5 options are given, with each option having sequence of choices either (a) or (b) and so on. Choose the option which is giving the correct sequence of the choices.
Q11. A. whole bloc[1]/block[2] of students got together to complain.
B. The chef placed the steak in the hot pan to sear[1]/seer[2] the outside.
C. the area team[1]/teems[2] with entrepreneurs hoping to hit upon the next big thing.
(a)121
(b)112
(c)111
(d)221
(e)212
S11. Ans.(b)
Sol. a whole bloc of students got together to complain.
bloc - An alliance or a group (of political parties or countries)
Block- A large solid piece of hard material with flat surface on each side
Sear-Burn or scorch with sudden intense heat
Seer: A person of supposed supernatural insight who sees visions of the future
Teem: Be full of or swarming with
Team: A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport
Q12. A. I strolled a discrete[1]/ Discreet[2] distance from her side as we entered the gardens
B. The Principle/principal thing that is lacking is sentence accent and variety in the inflection of phrases.
C. The struggle that followed was, however, destined once more to be a duel[1]/Dual[2] between Russia and Turkey.
(a)212
(b)221
(c)121
(d)112
(e)111
S12. Ans.(c)
Sol. Discreet: Careful or prudent in speech or actions, especially in order to avoid giving offence or attracting attention
Discrete: Individually separate or distinct
Principle: A fundamental truth or proportion serving as the foundation for belief or action
Principal: First in order of importance, main
Dual: Consisting of two parts, elements or aspects
Duel: (Historical) A pre-arranged contest with deadly weapons between two persons to settle a point of honor
Q13. A. Banging the cymbal[1]/ Symbol[2] loudly, the musician marched through the parade to his own beat.
B. I Prey[1]/pray[2] to the gods it does not force me to destroy the histories, so that someday, someone will have the strength I lack.
C. she was still maize[1]/mazed[2] with the drug she had taken
(a)221
(b)121
(c)122
(d)211
(e)112
S13. Ans.(c)
Sol. Symbol: A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
Cymbal: A musical instrument consisting of a slightly concave round brass plate that is either struck against one another or struck with a stick
Pray: Address a prayer to God
Prey: An animal hunted or killed by another animal for food
Maize: A cereal plant that yields corn
Maze:: A confusing mass of information
Q14. A. The man who essay[1]/assayed[2] gold was more than a technician.
B. Thousands of troup[1]/troops[2] of enemy soldiers have been observed approaching the capital city.
C. Somehow I get the idea that you will find it harder to be idol[1]/idle[2] than working.
(a)222
(b)212
(c)112
(d)111
(e)211
S14. Ans.(a)
Sol. Assay- determine the content or quality of (a metal or ore); attempt.
Essay- to put to a test; to make an often tentative or experimental effort to perform
Troop: A soldiers or members of the armed forces
Troup: A group of dancers, actors or other entertainers who move from place to place performing at different venues
Idol: An image or representation of a god used as an object of worship
Idle: Avoiding work, lazy
Q15. A. He tried in vain[1]/vein[2] to get the whole world to be won over to liberal toleration within one or two generations.
B. "a car collided with a stationary[1]/Stationery[2] vehicle
C. research gives insight[1]/incite[2] into the theory of evolution.
(a)111
(b)112
(c)212
(d)222
(e)221
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. Vain: A person who has or shows an excessively high opinion of his/her appearance and abilities
Vein: Any of the tubes forming a part of the circulatory system by which blood is conveyed to all parts of the body towards the heart
Stationary: Not moving
Stationery: Paper or other material needed for wiring
Incite: To encourage or stir up (behaviour that is violent and unlawful)
Insight: The ability or capacity to gain an accurate, deep and intuitive understanding of something
Vocabulary For IBPS Clerk Mains Examination
Vocabulary is an important part of English that helps you deal with all kinds of questions in objective as well as descriptive papers of various exams. You can learn new words daily from our Daily Word List. Learn the words and make your own sentences on the basis of the given word list. Here are a few words from an article published in Livemint.
The previous instalment of Cafe Economics focused on the fragile economics of bitcoin’s design makes it more a speculative financial asset rather than a stable monetary unit. The column ended as follows: “There are now growing signs that central banks are trying to figure out how to embrace the blockchain(1) future. What will that mean for the money supply process as well as for monetary policy?”
Higher prices create incentives for miners to bring more bitcoins into play, but the underlying algorithm restricts the total supply of the cryptocurrency to 21 million units. Such rigid money supply reduces the scope for discretionary(2) monetary policy that every nation state seeks to pursue. However, central banks could use the new blockchain technology to create their own variants of digital money, a move that could possibly alter monetary policy in profound(3) ways as well as undermine the traditional banking system, as pointed out by Bank of England economist Marilyne Tolle in July 2016 blog post.
There are two types of money in any modern economy—the base money created by central banks in their balance sheets and a broader measure of money that is powered by bank credit. The former is usually lower than the latter. Banks create money out of thin air(4). In other words, the money multiplier (the ratio of broad money to base money) is greater than one. How will matters change if central banks begin to offer their own cryptocurrencies?
Citizens cannot own central bank money in the current scheme of things. They can only own bank deposits. Our transactions with one another are done via banks, with the central bank only providing clearing house facilities to transfer money. The central bank eventually needs banks to conduct its monetary policy. Think of the endless Indian debates on monetary policy transmission, or why the signals from the central bank are not picked up by commercial banks.
It is quite possible that citizens will be able to directly own central bank money in a blockchain future, bypassing commercial banks. Central banks will not just be bankers to banks but also bankers to citizens. In other words, direct access to central bank money as well as the central bank ledger can shake the business models of banks to their very foundation. This does not necessarily mean that banks will cease to exist, but they could face existential challenges.
Blockchain currency issued by central banks could also have a deep impact on the conduct of monetary policy. All central banks try to keep inflation at a certain level by moving some policy levers. The traditional monetarist lever was the growth in the supply of broad money, through policies such as open market operations, foreign exchange intervention and changes in the statutory reserve ratios.
The underlying belief is that inflation is eventually caused by excess money supply. Monetarism can work only if the demand for money is predictable. (The demand for money also plays a central role in the alternative Cambridge Equation in monetary economics.) A central bank that can correctly forecast the demand for money can thus adjust money supply accordingly. Most countries moved away from monetarism in the 1990s because the demand for money became unstable. The reason: the wave of financial liberalization that swept through(5) the world.
The inability to target money supply forced central banks to use interest rates as their intermediate policy target. Anybody with even a passing interest in contemporary(6) monetary policy will know that the main tool used by central banks is the short-term interest rate, though money supply did make a comeback through quantitative easing because interest rates in many developed economies were close to zero.
Blockchain could help monetary policy makers turn the clock back to money supply targeting. Why? The fact that citizens can directly access base money from the central bank balance sheet means that—at least in theory—a monetary policy maker will have precise information on the demand for money. In fact, the digital central bank ledger should be able to give central bankers real-time information on the demand for money.
A central banker who does not have to second guess(7) the demand for money in an economy could then go back to using money supply as his main policy tool. Money supply can be adjusted to ensure that the demand for money is met, given a certain inflation target. Tweaking(8) interest rates may no longer be the main business of central banks. Money supply targeting could once again come into play.
These are thought experiments—and readers are invited to extend, question or pull down the preliminary ideas in these two columns on the cryptocurrency challenge. It is still early days, and there is still a lot of uncertainty about the underlying economics of cryptocurrencies as well as their impact on the conduct of monetary policy.
Central banks will eventually have to grapple(9) with the powerful challenge that blockchain has thrown at the traditional monetary systems. Nation states that see the control of money as one of the most important weapons of sovereignty in their armoury(10) will also have to figure out how to adapt to currencies such as bitcoins. It is going to get even more interesting from here.
1. Blockchain [blɒktʃeɪn]
Noun: a digital ledger in which transactions made in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency are recorded chronologically and publicly.
2. Discretionary [dih-skresh-uh-ner-ee]
Adjective: subject or left to one's own discretion; for any use or purpose one chooses; not earmarked for a particular purpose.
Synonyms: unrestricted, at the call, elective, facultative, judge and jury, leftover, nonmandatory, nonobligatory, open, optional.
Antonyms: nondiscretionary.
3. Profound [pruh-found]
Adjective: penetrating or entering deeply into subjects of thought or knowledge; having deep insight or understanding; originating in or penetrating to the depths of one's being.
Synonyms: deep, intelligent, philosophical, serious, subtle, thorough, weighty, abstruse, acroamatic, difficult, discerning, enlightened, erudite, esoteric, heavy, hermetic, informed, intellectual, knowing, knowledgeable, learned, mysterious, occult.
Antonyms: light, open, superficial, trivial.
4. Out of thin air: from nothing, as of something that has suddenly materialized.
5. Sweep through: to move through something or some place quickly and with grand flourishes; to perform some task quickly.
6. Contemporary [kuh n-tem-puh-rer-ee]
Adjective: existing, occurring, or living at the same time; belonging to the same time; of about the same age or date.
Synonyms: new, present-day, current, instant, latest, mod, now, present, recent, today, abreast, au courant, contempo, existent, extant, hot off press, in fashion, in vogue, just out, leading-edge, newfangled, red-hot, state-of-the-art, topical, ultramodern.
Antonyms: future, old, past, old-fashioned.
7. Second guess: to try to anticipate how something will happen or what someone will do.
8. Tweak [tweek]
Verb: to pinch and pull with a jerk and twist; to pull or pinch the nose of, especially gently; to make a minor adjustment to.
Synonyms: tease, twist, jerk, pinch, pluck, pull.
9. Grapple [grap-uh l]
Verb: to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple; to use a grapple.
Synonyms: confront, contend, cope, deal with, attack, battle, catch, clash, clasp, close, clutch, combat, encounter, engage, face, fasten, fight, grasp, grip, hold, hook, hug, nab.
Antonyms: agree, avoid, be immune, cancel.
10. Armoury [ˈɑːmərɪ]
Noun: a secure place for the storage of weapons; armour generally.
The previous instalment of Cafe Economics focused on the fragile economics of bitcoin’s design makes it more a speculative financial asset rather than a stable monetary unit. The column ended as follows: “There are now growing signs that central banks are trying to figure out how to embrace the blockchain(1) future. What will that mean for the money supply process as well as for monetary policy?”
Higher prices create incentives for miners to bring more bitcoins into play, but the underlying algorithm restricts the total supply of the cryptocurrency to 21 million units. Such rigid money supply reduces the scope for discretionary(2) monetary policy that every nation state seeks to pursue. However, central banks could use the new blockchain technology to create their own variants of digital money, a move that could possibly alter monetary policy in profound(3) ways as well as undermine the traditional banking system, as pointed out by Bank of England economist Marilyne Tolle in July 2016 blog post.
There are two types of money in any modern economy—the base money created by central banks in their balance sheets and a broader measure of money that is powered by bank credit. The former is usually lower than the latter. Banks create money out of thin air(4). In other words, the money multiplier (the ratio of broad money to base money) is greater than one. How will matters change if central banks begin to offer their own cryptocurrencies?
Citizens cannot own central bank money in the current scheme of things. They can only own bank deposits. Our transactions with one another are done via banks, with the central bank only providing clearing house facilities to transfer money. The central bank eventually needs banks to conduct its monetary policy. Think of the endless Indian debates on monetary policy transmission, or why the signals from the central bank are not picked up by commercial banks.
It is quite possible that citizens will be able to directly own central bank money in a blockchain future, bypassing commercial banks. Central banks will not just be bankers to banks but also bankers to citizens. In other words, direct access to central bank money as well as the central bank ledger can shake the business models of banks to their very foundation. This does not necessarily mean that banks will cease to exist, but they could face existential challenges.
Blockchain currency issued by central banks could also have a deep impact on the conduct of monetary policy. All central banks try to keep inflation at a certain level by moving some policy levers. The traditional monetarist lever was the growth in the supply of broad money, through policies such as open market operations, foreign exchange intervention and changes in the statutory reserve ratios.
The underlying belief is that inflation is eventually caused by excess money supply. Monetarism can work only if the demand for money is predictable. (The demand for money also plays a central role in the alternative Cambridge Equation in monetary economics.) A central bank that can correctly forecast the demand for money can thus adjust money supply accordingly. Most countries moved away from monetarism in the 1990s because the demand for money became unstable. The reason: the wave of financial liberalization that swept through(5) the world.
The inability to target money supply forced central banks to use interest rates as their intermediate policy target. Anybody with even a passing interest in contemporary(6) monetary policy will know that the main tool used by central banks is the short-term interest rate, though money supply did make a comeback through quantitative easing because interest rates in many developed economies were close to zero.
Blockchain could help monetary policy makers turn the clock back to money supply targeting. Why? The fact that citizens can directly access base money from the central bank balance sheet means that—at least in theory—a monetary policy maker will have precise information on the demand for money. In fact, the digital central bank ledger should be able to give central bankers real-time information on the demand for money.
A central banker who does not have to second guess(7) the demand for money in an economy could then go back to using money supply as his main policy tool. Money supply can be adjusted to ensure that the demand for money is met, given a certain inflation target. Tweaking(8) interest rates may no longer be the main business of central banks. Money supply targeting could once again come into play.
These are thought experiments—and readers are invited to extend, question or pull down the preliminary ideas in these two columns on the cryptocurrency challenge. It is still early days, and there is still a lot of uncertainty about the underlying economics of cryptocurrencies as well as their impact on the conduct of monetary policy.
Central banks will eventually have to grapple(9) with the powerful challenge that blockchain has thrown at the traditional monetary systems. Nation states that see the control of money as one of the most important weapons of sovereignty in their armoury(10) will also have to figure out how to adapt to currencies such as bitcoins. It is going to get even more interesting from here.
1. Blockchain [blɒktʃeɪn]
Noun: a digital ledger in which transactions made in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency are recorded chronologically and publicly.
2. Discretionary [dih-skresh-uh-ner-ee]
Adjective: subject or left to one's own discretion; for any use or purpose one chooses; not earmarked for a particular purpose.
Synonyms: unrestricted, at the call, elective, facultative, judge and jury, leftover, nonmandatory, nonobligatory, open, optional.
Antonyms: nondiscretionary.
3. Profound [pruh-found]
Adjective: penetrating or entering deeply into subjects of thought or knowledge; having deep insight or understanding; originating in or penetrating to the depths of one's being.
Synonyms: deep, intelligent, philosophical, serious, subtle, thorough, weighty, abstruse, acroamatic, difficult, discerning, enlightened, erudite, esoteric, heavy, hermetic, informed, intellectual, knowing, knowledgeable, learned, mysterious, occult.
Antonyms: light, open, superficial, trivial.
4. Out of thin air: from nothing, as of something that has suddenly materialized.
5. Sweep through: to move through something or some place quickly and with grand flourishes; to perform some task quickly.
6. Contemporary [kuh n-tem-puh-rer-ee]
Adjective: existing, occurring, or living at the same time; belonging to the same time; of about the same age or date.
Synonyms: new, present-day, current, instant, latest, mod, now, present, recent, today, abreast, au courant, contempo, existent, extant, hot off press, in fashion, in vogue, just out, leading-edge, newfangled, red-hot, state-of-the-art, topical, ultramodern.
Antonyms: future, old, past, old-fashioned.
7. Second guess: to try to anticipate how something will happen or what someone will do.
8. Tweak [tweek]
Verb: to pinch and pull with a jerk and twist; to pull or pinch the nose of, especially gently; to make a minor adjustment to.
Synonyms: tease, twist, jerk, pinch, pluck, pull.
9. Grapple [grap-uh l]
Verb: to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple; to use a grapple.
Synonyms: confront, contend, cope, deal with, attack, battle, catch, clash, clasp, close, clutch, combat, encounter, engage, face, fasten, fight, grasp, grip, hold, hook, hug, nab.
Antonyms: agree, avoid, be immune, cancel.
10. Armoury [ˈɑːmərɪ]
Noun: a secure place for the storage of weapons; armour generally.
Vocabulary For IBPS Clerk Mains Examination
Vocabulary For IBPS Clerk Mains Examination
Dear Readers,
Vocabulary is an important part of English that helps you deal with all kinds of questions in objective as well as descriptive papers of various exams. You can learn new words daily from our Daily Word List. Learn the words and make your own sentences on the basis of the given word list. Here are a few words from an article published in The Economic Times.
The country’s biggest lender reducing lending rates by 30 basis points to three things: one, the general rule of demand and supply works in the case of loans, as well; the RBI has all along been right in insisting that there is room for banks to lend lower even without policy rates being cut further; and, the government has to step up public investment to revive growth.
State Bank of India, it has been reported, made more money in the first nine months of this financial year from fines on customers whose deposits dipped below the minimum balance requirement than its profits for the second quarter.
The banks are awash(1) with liquidity and the demand for credit is anemic. So, SBI pared down(2) its deposit rates and has now lowered the lending rate, presumably(3), to attract fresh borrowers. This is welcome.
Equally welcome is the bank’s savvy(4) move to offer the lower rate to existing borrowers, in contrast to the normal practice of reserving such benefits for new customers.
This should make SBI customers less eager to be tempted(5) by rival offers from other banks. In the new year, the world economy is expected to strengthen, across the board. This should see monetary tightening in the US and Europe and, possibly, even in Japan.
That would make it harder for India’s monetary policy to turn accommodative(6), for fear of making the dollar efflux(7), inevitable(8) when the risk-free return in industrial countries goes up, even stronger and putting downward pressure on the rupee. If with no reduction in the repo rate and a prospect of the rate hardening, if anything, the banks’ lending rates go down, it bears out(9) the proposition that banks have the scope to reduce lending rates without additional policy action by the central bank.
Sluggish(10) demand for credit does not speak of rude economic health. Supply of loans will not, by itself, create demand. That has to come from giving stalled investment a push, of the kind the government has promised via its Bharatmala and rail expansions. The government has to get infrastructure investment going, and revive the public-private-partnership mode to that end.
1. Awash [uh-wosh, uh-wawsh]
Adjective: just level with or scarcely above the surface of the water, so that waves break over the top, as the upper deck of a ship in a heavy sea; covered with water; washing about; tossed about by the waves; covered, filled, or crowded.
Synonyms: afloat, flooded, inundated, flush, flushed, overflowing.
2. Pare down
Verb: to cut someone down to something or a smaller size.
3. Presumably [pri-zoo-muh-blee]
Adverb: by assuming reasonably; probably.
Synonyms: apparently, doubtless, probably, seemingly, supposedly, surely, presumptively, assumably, credible, doubtlessly, hypothetically, in all likelihood, in all probability, indubitably, it would seem, most likely, on the face of it, theoretically, unquestionably.
Antonyms: improbably, questionably, uncertain, unlikely.
4. Savvy [sav-ee]
Adjective: experienced, knowledgable, and well-informed; shrewd (often used in combination): consumers who are savvy about prices.
Noun: practical understanding; shrewdness or intelligence; common sense.
Verb: to know; understand.
5. Tempt [tempt]
Verb: to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral; to attract, appeal strongly to, or invite; to render strongly disposed to do something.
Synonyms: appeal to, attract, captivate, charm, dare, fascinate, induce, intrigue, invite, motivate, persuade, seduce, stimulate, tantalize, woo, allure, bait, coax, court, decoy, draw, entrap, honey, hook, incite, influence, instigate, inveigle, move, oil, promote.
Antonyms: bore, depress, discourage, disenchant.
6. Accommodative [uh-kom-uh-dey-tiv]
Adjective: tending to accommodate; adaptive.
7. Efflux [ef-luhks]
Noun: outward flow, as of water; something that flows out; effluence; a passing or lapse of time; a passing away; expiration; ending.
Synonyms: discharge, effluence, emanation.
8. Inevitable [in-ev-i-tuh-buh l]
Adjective: unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; certain; necessary; sure to occur, happen, or come; unalterable.
Noun: that which is unavoidable.
Synonyms: imminent, impending, inescapable, inexorable, irresistible, necessary, unavoidable, undeniable, binding, doomed, pat, all locked up, assured, compulsory, decided, decreed, destined, determined, fated, fateful, fixed, for certain, foreordained, in the bag, ineluctable.
Antonyms: avoidable, distant, escapable, later.
9. Bear out
Verb: to support or prove a claim or idea.
10. Sluggish [sluhg-ish]
Adjective: indisposed to action or exertion; lacking in energy; lazy; indolent; not acting or working with full vigor, as bodily organs; slow to act or respond.
Synonyms: heavy, inactive, lethargic, listless, slack, slow, stagnant, apathetic, blah, comatose, dopey, down, dragging, draggy, drippy, hebetudinous, indolent.
Antonyms: active, alert, busy, energetic.
Dear Readers,
Vocabulary is an important part of English that helps you deal with all kinds of questions in objective as well as descriptive papers of various exams. You can learn new words daily from our Daily Word List. Learn the words and make your own sentences on the basis of the given word list. Here are a few words from an article published in The Economic Times.
The country’s biggest lender reducing lending rates by 30 basis points to three things: one, the general rule of demand and supply works in the case of loans, as well; the RBI has all along been right in insisting that there is room for banks to lend lower even without policy rates being cut further; and, the government has to step up public investment to revive growth.
State Bank of India, it has been reported, made more money in the first nine months of this financial year from fines on customers whose deposits dipped below the minimum balance requirement than its profits for the second quarter.
The banks are awash(1) with liquidity and the demand for credit is anemic. So, SBI pared down(2) its deposit rates and has now lowered the lending rate, presumably(3), to attract fresh borrowers. This is welcome.
Equally welcome is the bank’s savvy(4) move to offer the lower rate to existing borrowers, in contrast to the normal practice of reserving such benefits for new customers.
This should make SBI customers less eager to be tempted(5) by rival offers from other banks. In the new year, the world economy is expected to strengthen, across the board. This should see monetary tightening in the US and Europe and, possibly, even in Japan.
That would make it harder for India’s monetary policy to turn accommodative(6), for fear of making the dollar efflux(7), inevitable(8) when the risk-free return in industrial countries goes up, even stronger and putting downward pressure on the rupee. If with no reduction in the repo rate and a prospect of the rate hardening, if anything, the banks’ lending rates go down, it bears out(9) the proposition that banks have the scope to reduce lending rates without additional policy action by the central bank.
Sluggish(10) demand for credit does not speak of rude economic health. Supply of loans will not, by itself, create demand. That has to come from giving stalled investment a push, of the kind the government has promised via its Bharatmala and rail expansions. The government has to get infrastructure investment going, and revive the public-private-partnership mode to that end.
1. Awash [uh-wosh, uh-wawsh]
Adjective: just level with or scarcely above the surface of the water, so that waves break over the top, as the upper deck of a ship in a heavy sea; covered with water; washing about; tossed about by the waves; covered, filled, or crowded.
Synonyms: afloat, flooded, inundated, flush, flushed, overflowing.
2. Pare down
Verb: to cut someone down to something or a smaller size.
3. Presumably [pri-zoo-muh-blee]
Adverb: by assuming reasonably; probably.
Synonyms: apparently, doubtless, probably, seemingly, supposedly, surely, presumptively, assumably, credible, doubtlessly, hypothetically, in all likelihood, in all probability, indubitably, it would seem, most likely, on the face of it, theoretically, unquestionably.
Antonyms: improbably, questionably, uncertain, unlikely.
4. Savvy [sav-ee]
Adjective: experienced, knowledgable, and well-informed; shrewd (often used in combination): consumers who are savvy about prices.
Noun: practical understanding; shrewdness or intelligence; common sense.
Verb: to know; understand.
5. Tempt [tempt]
Verb: to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral; to attract, appeal strongly to, or invite; to render strongly disposed to do something.
Synonyms: appeal to, attract, captivate, charm, dare, fascinate, induce, intrigue, invite, motivate, persuade, seduce, stimulate, tantalize, woo, allure, bait, coax, court, decoy, draw, entrap, honey, hook, incite, influence, instigate, inveigle, move, oil, promote.
Antonyms: bore, depress, discourage, disenchant.
6. Accommodative [uh-kom-uh-dey-tiv]
Adjective: tending to accommodate; adaptive.
7. Efflux [ef-luhks]
Noun: outward flow, as of water; something that flows out; effluence; a passing or lapse of time; a passing away; expiration; ending.
Synonyms: discharge, effluence, emanation.
8. Inevitable [in-ev-i-tuh-buh l]
Adjective: unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; certain; necessary; sure to occur, happen, or come; unalterable.
Noun: that which is unavoidable.
Synonyms: imminent, impending, inescapable, inexorable, irresistible, necessary, unavoidable, undeniable, binding, doomed, pat, all locked up, assured, compulsory, decided, decreed, destined, determined, fated, fateful, fixed, for certain, foreordained, in the bag, ineluctable.
Antonyms: avoidable, distant, escapable, later.
9. Bear out
Verb: to support or prove a claim or idea.
10. Sluggish [sluhg-ish]
Adjective: indisposed to action or exertion; lacking in energy; lazy; indolent; not acting or working with full vigor, as bodily organs; slow to act or respond.
Synonyms: heavy, inactive, lethargic, listless, slack, slow, stagnant, apathetic, blah, comatose, dopey, down, dragging, draggy, drippy, hebetudinous, indolent.
Antonyms: active, alert, busy, energetic.
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
Dear Aspirants,
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Section is a topic that is feared by most of the candidates appearing in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam. Though the sheer number of concepts and rules may seem intimidating at first, with discipline and the right approach, it is not difficult to master these concepts and their application to questions. Through such English Quizzes for IBPS Clerk and other upcoming exams, we will provide you with all types of high-level questions to ace the questions based on new pattern IBPS Clerk Mains.
DAY-5 Reading Comprehension
Directions (1-10): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
When I was little, children were bought two kinds of ice-cream, sold from those white wagons with canopies made of silvery metal: either the two-cent or the four-cent ice-cream pie. The two-cent cone was very small, in fact, it could fit comfortably into a child's hand, and it was made by taking the ice-cream from its container with a special scoop and piling it on the cone. Granny always suggested I eat only a part of the cone, then throw away the pointed end, because it had been touched by the vendor's hand (though that was the best part, nice and crunchy, and it was regularly eaten in secret, after a pretence of discarding it).
The four-cent pie was made by a special little machine, also silvery, which pressed two disks of sweet biscuit against a cylindrical section of ice cream. First you had to thrust your tongue into the gap between the biscuits until it touched the central nucleus of ice cream; then, gradually, you ate the whole thing, the biscuit surface softening as they became soaked in creamy nectar. Granny had no advice to give here; in theory, the pie had been touched only by the machine; in practice, the vendor had held them in his hand while giving them to us, but it was impossible to isolate the contaminated area.
I was fascinated, however, by some of my peers, whose parents bought them not a four-cent pie but two two-cent cones. These privileged children advanced proudly with one cone in their right hand and one in their left, and expertly moving their head from side to side, they licked first one, then the other. This liturgy seemed to me so sumptuously enviable, that many times I asked to be allowed to celebrate it, in vain. My elders were inflexible: a four-cent ice, yes but two two-cent ones, absolutely no.
As anyone can see, neither mathematics nor economy nor dietetics justified this refusal. Nor did hygiene, assuming that in due course the tips of both cones were discarded. The pathetic, and obviously mendacious, the justification was that a boy concerned with turning his eyes from one cone to the other was more inclined to stumble over stones, steps or cracks in the pavement. I dimly sensed that there was another secret justification, cruelly pedagogical, but I was unable to grasp it.
Today, citizen and victim of a consumer society, a civilization of excess and waste (which the society of the thirties was not), I realize that those dear and now departed elders were right. Two two-cent cones instead of one at four cents did not signify squandering, economically speaking, but symbolically they surely did. It was for this precise reason that I yearned for them: because two ice creams suggested excess. And this was precisely why they were denied to me: because they looked indecent, an insult to poverty, a display of fictitious privilege, a boast of wealth. Only spoiled children ate two cones at once, those children who in fairy tales were rightly punished, as Pinocchio was when he rejected the skin and the stalk. And parents, who encouraged this weakness, appropriate to little parvenus, were bringing up their children in the foolish theatre of "I'd like to but can't." They were preparing them to turn up at tourist-class check-in with a fake Gucci bag bought from a street peddler on the beach at Rimini.
Nowadays the moralist risks seeming at odds with morality, in a world where the consumer civilization now wants even adults to be spoiled and promises them always something more, from the wristwatch in the box of detergent to the bonus bangle sheathed, with the magazine it accompanies, in a plastic envelope. Like the parents of those ambidextrous gluttons I so envied, the consumer civilization pretends to give more but actually gives, for four cents, what is worth four cents. You will throw away the old transistor radio to purchase the new one, that boasts an alarm clock as well, but some inexplicable defect in the mechanism will guarantee that the radio lasts only a year. The new cheap car will have leather seats, double side mirrors adjustable from inside, and a panelled dashboard, but it will not last nearly so long as the glorious old Fiat 500, which, even when it broke down, could be started again with a kick.
The morality of the old days made Spartans of us all, while today's morality wants all of us to be Sybarites.
Q1. Which of the following cannot be inferred from the passage?
(a) Today's society is more extravagant than the society of the 1930s.
(b) The act of eating two ice cream cones is akin to a ceremonial process.
(c) Elders rightly suggested that a boy turning eyes from one cone to the other was more likely to fall.
(d) Despite seeming to promise more, the consumer civilization gives away exactly what the thing worth.
(e) The consumer civilization attempts to spoil children and adults alike.
Q2. In the passage, the phrase "little parvenus" refers to
(a) Naughty midgets.
(b) Old hags.
(c) Arrogant people.
(d) Young upstarts.
(e) Foolish kids.
Q3. The author pined for two-cent cones instead of one four-cent pie because
(a) It made dietetic sense.
(b) It suggested intemperance.
(c) It was more fun.
(d) It had a visual appeal.
(e) He was a glutton.
Q4. What does the author mean by "nowadays the morality risks seeming at odds with morality"?
(a) The moralists of yesterday have become immoral today.
(b) The concept of morality has changed over the years.
(c) Consumerism is amoral.
(d) The risks associated with immorality have gone up.
(e) The purist's view of morality is fast becoming popular.
Q5. According to the author, the justification for refusal to let him eat two cones was plausibly
(a) Didactic
(b) Dietetic
(c) Dialectic
(d) Diatonic
(e) Diastolic
Q6. In the passage, the phrase "These privileged children " refers to
(a) those who had full cones of choco ice cream
(b) children ate two cones at once
(c) whose parents bought them a four-cent pie and two two-cent cones with the best part, nice and crunchy
(d) whose parents bought them not a four-cent pie but two two-cent cones and advanced proudly with one cone in their right hand and one in their left
(e) The four-cent pie was made by a special little machine, also silvery, which pressed two disks of sweet biscuit against a cylindrical section of ice cream
Q7. Which of the following is most nearly opposite in meaning of the word "Sybarite" as used in the passage?
(a)voluptuary
(b)epicure
(c)puritan
(d)hedonist
(e)seeker
Q8. Which of the following is most nearly similar in meaning of the word "liturgy" as used in the passage?
(a) ritual
(b) lethargic
(c) integrity
(d) enormous
(e) inclined
Q9. Which of the following is most nearly similar in meaning of the word "sumptuous" as used in the passage?
(a) consequence
(b) barren
(c) Lavish
(d) conclusion
(e) struck
Q10. Which of the following is most nearly opposite in meaning of the word "stumble" as used in the passage?
(a) complex
(b) continue
(c) lumber
(d) careen
(e) reel
Directions(11-15): Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
PASSAGE – I Despite the economic crunch worldwide that saw pulverization of some of the largest banking and finance giants, Indian banking houses have managed to show positive growth this quarter. Some of India’s leading national banks have posted a net profit rise of more than 40% over the last quarter amid global turmoil. This would come as a big shot in the arm for the investors and consumers of these banks even though apprehension is mounting on other banking and broking firms worldwide. One of the main reasons behind the success of these banks this quarter would be their direct banking by the Government India. People take solace in their investments in public sector watching the bailout packages being cashed out by governments all over the world to save big business houses.
PASSAGE –II Other private banks in India have also reported a substantial net profit over the last quarter. Given the international and domestic scenario, one cannot put this down as a mundane achievement. While others are on a cost cutting spree and firing employees, Indian Companies are actually working on boosting staffing in banking and broking sectors. This can be seen as a big boon in the days to come when the current recession eases and the economy gradually comes back on to the fast track. The finance minister has assured Indian public about the sound health of all Indian banks. This could also be evident from the fact that there have been no mergers and takeovers in Indian Banking sector in a contrast to world scenario where finance houses are looking for mergers to cut costs on operations. We definitely are not looking to thrive; rather we are looking for growth, It is just that the pace of growth is a little slow now as compared to a year or two before. These are hard times of test the hard. The weak in business and career will be weeded out and it is sometimes very beneficial for business on the long run.
Q11. What, according to the author, is the reason for the success for Indian national banks in this quarter?
(a) Indian national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets
(b) These banks can never face the financial crisis because of their sheer size
(c) These banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest
(d) The public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from the Government.
(e) None of these
Q12. What does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean?
(a) Shock
(b) Fear
(c) Encouragement
(d) Anxiety
(e) None of these
Q13. How, according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?
(a) Worldwide, companies have realized that India is a strong power to reckon with
(b) India is surging ahead of the other companies throughout the world
(c) After the recession is over international companies will turn to India for investments
(d) Recession is bringing down the prices of essential commodities
(e) None of these
Q14. What, according to the author, will be a big boon in the days to come?
(a) The economy coming back on the fast track
(b) The slowing down of the economy
(c) Increased hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown
(d) The cost cutting carried out by all the companies
(e) None of these
Q15. Which of the following statements is definitely true in the context of the passage?
(A) India has not been affected by the economic slowdown.
(B) Indian Banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.
(C) While banking industry in the West was severely affected by the recession in the past, it is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.
(a) Only (A)
(b) Only (B)
(c) Only (C)
(d) Only (A) and (B)
(e) Only (B) and (C)
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Section is a topic that is feared by most of the candidates appearing in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam. Though the sheer number of concepts and rules may seem intimidating at first, with discipline and the right approach, it is not difficult to master these concepts and their application to questions. Through such English Quizzes for IBPS Clerk and other upcoming exams, we will provide you with all types of high-level questions to ace the questions based on new pattern IBPS Clerk Mains.
DAY-5 Reading Comprehension
Directions (1-10): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
When I was little, children were bought two kinds of ice-cream, sold from those white wagons with canopies made of silvery metal: either the two-cent or the four-cent ice-cream pie. The two-cent cone was very small, in fact, it could fit comfortably into a child's hand, and it was made by taking the ice-cream from its container with a special scoop and piling it on the cone. Granny always suggested I eat only a part of the cone, then throw away the pointed end, because it had been touched by the vendor's hand (though that was the best part, nice and crunchy, and it was regularly eaten in secret, after a pretence of discarding it).
The four-cent pie was made by a special little machine, also silvery, which pressed two disks of sweet biscuit against a cylindrical section of ice cream. First you had to thrust your tongue into the gap between the biscuits until it touched the central nucleus of ice cream; then, gradually, you ate the whole thing, the biscuit surface softening as they became soaked in creamy nectar. Granny had no advice to give here; in theory, the pie had been touched only by the machine; in practice, the vendor had held them in his hand while giving them to us, but it was impossible to isolate the contaminated area.
I was fascinated, however, by some of my peers, whose parents bought them not a four-cent pie but two two-cent cones. These privileged children advanced proudly with one cone in their right hand and one in their left, and expertly moving their head from side to side, they licked first one, then the other. This liturgy seemed to me so sumptuously enviable, that many times I asked to be allowed to celebrate it, in vain. My elders were inflexible: a four-cent ice, yes but two two-cent ones, absolutely no.
As anyone can see, neither mathematics nor economy nor dietetics justified this refusal. Nor did hygiene, assuming that in due course the tips of both cones were discarded. The pathetic, and obviously mendacious, the justification was that a boy concerned with turning his eyes from one cone to the other was more inclined to stumble over stones, steps or cracks in the pavement. I dimly sensed that there was another secret justification, cruelly pedagogical, but I was unable to grasp it.
Today, citizen and victim of a consumer society, a civilization of excess and waste (which the society of the thirties was not), I realize that those dear and now departed elders were right. Two two-cent cones instead of one at four cents did not signify squandering, economically speaking, but symbolically they surely did. It was for this precise reason that I yearned for them: because two ice creams suggested excess. And this was precisely why they were denied to me: because they looked indecent, an insult to poverty, a display of fictitious privilege, a boast of wealth. Only spoiled children ate two cones at once, those children who in fairy tales were rightly punished, as Pinocchio was when he rejected the skin and the stalk. And parents, who encouraged this weakness, appropriate to little parvenus, were bringing up their children in the foolish theatre of "I'd like to but can't." They were preparing them to turn up at tourist-class check-in with a fake Gucci bag bought from a street peddler on the beach at Rimini.
Nowadays the moralist risks seeming at odds with morality, in a world where the consumer civilization now wants even adults to be spoiled and promises them always something more, from the wristwatch in the box of detergent to the bonus bangle sheathed, with the magazine it accompanies, in a plastic envelope. Like the parents of those ambidextrous gluttons I so envied, the consumer civilization pretends to give more but actually gives, for four cents, what is worth four cents. You will throw away the old transistor radio to purchase the new one, that boasts an alarm clock as well, but some inexplicable defect in the mechanism will guarantee that the radio lasts only a year. The new cheap car will have leather seats, double side mirrors adjustable from inside, and a panelled dashboard, but it will not last nearly so long as the glorious old Fiat 500, which, even when it broke down, could be started again with a kick.
The morality of the old days made Spartans of us all, while today's morality wants all of us to be Sybarites.
Q1. Which of the following cannot be inferred from the passage?
(a) Today's society is more extravagant than the society of the 1930s.
(b) The act of eating two ice cream cones is akin to a ceremonial process.
(c) Elders rightly suggested that a boy turning eyes from one cone to the other was more likely to fall.
(d) Despite seeming to promise more, the consumer civilization gives away exactly what the thing worth.
(e) The consumer civilization attempts to spoil children and adults alike.
Q2. In the passage, the phrase "little parvenus" refers to
(a) Naughty midgets.
(b) Old hags.
(c) Arrogant people.
(d) Young upstarts.
(e) Foolish kids.
Q3. The author pined for two-cent cones instead of one four-cent pie because
(a) It made dietetic sense.
(b) It suggested intemperance.
(c) It was more fun.
(d) It had a visual appeal.
(e) He was a glutton.
Q4. What does the author mean by "nowadays the morality risks seeming at odds with morality"?
(a) The moralists of yesterday have become immoral today.
(b) The concept of morality has changed over the years.
(c) Consumerism is amoral.
(d) The risks associated with immorality have gone up.
(e) The purist's view of morality is fast becoming popular.
Q5. According to the author, the justification for refusal to let him eat two cones was plausibly
(a) Didactic
(b) Dietetic
(c) Dialectic
(d) Diatonic
(e) Diastolic
Q6. In the passage, the phrase "These privileged children " refers to
(a) those who had full cones of choco ice cream
(b) children ate two cones at once
(c) whose parents bought them a four-cent pie and two two-cent cones with the best part, nice and crunchy
(d) whose parents bought them not a four-cent pie but two two-cent cones and advanced proudly with one cone in their right hand and one in their left
(e) The four-cent pie was made by a special little machine, also silvery, which pressed two disks of sweet biscuit against a cylindrical section of ice cream
Q7. Which of the following is most nearly opposite in meaning of the word "Sybarite" as used in the passage?
(a)voluptuary
(b)epicure
(c)puritan
(d)hedonist
(e)seeker
Q8. Which of the following is most nearly similar in meaning of the word "liturgy" as used in the passage?
(a) ritual
(b) lethargic
(c) integrity
(d) enormous
(e) inclined
Q9. Which of the following is most nearly similar in meaning of the word "sumptuous" as used in the passage?
(a) consequence
(b) barren
(c) Lavish
(d) conclusion
(e) struck
Q10. Which of the following is most nearly opposite in meaning of the word "stumble" as used in the passage?
(a) complex
(b) continue
(c) lumber
(d) careen
(e) reel
Directions(11-15): Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
PASSAGE – I Despite the economic crunch worldwide that saw pulverization of some of the largest banking and finance giants, Indian banking houses have managed to show positive growth this quarter. Some of India’s leading national banks have posted a net profit rise of more than 40% over the last quarter amid global turmoil. This would come as a big shot in the arm for the investors and consumers of these banks even though apprehension is mounting on other banking and broking firms worldwide. One of the main reasons behind the success of these banks this quarter would be their direct banking by the Government India. People take solace in their investments in public sector watching the bailout packages being cashed out by governments all over the world to save big business houses.
PASSAGE –II Other private banks in India have also reported a substantial net profit over the last quarter. Given the international and domestic scenario, one cannot put this down as a mundane achievement. While others are on a cost cutting spree and firing employees, Indian Companies are actually working on boosting staffing in banking and broking sectors. This can be seen as a big boon in the days to come when the current recession eases and the economy gradually comes back on to the fast track. The finance minister has assured Indian public about the sound health of all Indian banks. This could also be evident from the fact that there have been no mergers and takeovers in Indian Banking sector in a contrast to world scenario where finance houses are looking for mergers to cut costs on operations. We definitely are not looking to thrive; rather we are looking for growth, It is just that the pace of growth is a little slow now as compared to a year or two before. These are hard times of test the hard. The weak in business and career will be weeded out and it is sometimes very beneficial for business on the long run.
Q11. What, according to the author, is the reason for the success for Indian national banks in this quarter?
(a) Indian national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets
(b) These banks can never face the financial crisis because of their sheer size
(c) These banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest
(d) The public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from the Government.
(e) None of these
Q12. What does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean?
(a) Shock
(b) Fear
(c) Encouragement
(d) Anxiety
(e) None of these
Q13. How, according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?
(a) Worldwide, companies have realized that India is a strong power to reckon with
(b) India is surging ahead of the other companies throughout the world
(c) After the recession is over international companies will turn to India for investments
(d) Recession is bringing down the prices of essential commodities
(e) None of these
Q14. What, according to the author, will be a big boon in the days to come?
(a) The economy coming back on the fast track
(b) The slowing down of the economy
(c) Increased hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown
(d) The cost cutting carried out by all the companies
(e) None of these
Q15. Which of the following statements is definitely true in the context of the passage?
(A) India has not been affected by the economic slowdown.
(B) Indian Banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.
(C) While banking industry in the West was severely affected by the recession in the past, it is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.
(a) Only (A)
(b) Only (B)
(c) Only (C)
(d) Only (A) and (B)
(e) Only (B) and (C)
Vocab For Banking Examinations From The Hindu Newspaper
Vocab For Banking Examinations From The Hindu Newspaper
Dear Readers,
Vocabulary is an important part of English that helps you deal with all kinds of questions in objective as well as descriptive papers of various exams. You can learn new words daily from our Daily Word List. Learn the words and make your own sentences on the basis of the given word list. Here are a few words from The Hindu.
In 1865, Gregor Mendel discovered the two laws of inheritance that are now named after him. Almost 90 years later in 1953, the work of James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin, deciphered the structure of the molecule — DNA — that stores our hereditary information and gets transmitted from parents to children over generations.
At this point, in principle, the prospect of building individualized medicine based on the precise information stored in each human’s DNA (their genome) had come into view. But the human genome has around 3 billion base pairs and in 1953 it wasn’t possible to imagine extracting genetic information on the molecular scale and of this collective size.
Technological advances in sequencing methods have made the possibility glimpsed(1) 60 years ago a reality today. Already by 2001 the human genome project and its private competitor, Celera Genomics, showed that an entire genome could be sequenced.
Since then the cost of doing so has plummeted(2) — currently it is something like $1000 per person and becoming cheaper — and the age of genomics-informed medicine is now within sight. Perhaps this will also make interventional treatments feasible(3), in the not too distant future, thanks to the revolutionary advances brought about by the discovery of new gene-editing techniques, such as CRISPR.
What implications do these developments have for India and are there deliberate(4) choices that would shape this coming future more advantageously for the country and its people? Are there strengths that India can bring to this task? To gain fully from the genomics revolution, India needs to collect information about the genetics of its population and train manpower capable of interpreting it. The information that is needed has to come from a large and sustained collection of data — fully sequenced individual genomes along with medical histories for the individuals who volunteer for this effort.
This kind of longitudinal study is what would allow actual physical manifestations(5) relevant to health, e.g. specific illnesses, to be related to features in the genome. To pick an ambitious but not impossible number, a data bank that collects this kind of information on one million Indians over the coming decade would be a feasible effort of the right magnitude. We note that the China Kadoorie Biobank has been studying half a million people since their recruitment in 2004-2008. As India is much more genetically diverse — with something like 5,000 ethno-linguistic and religious groups (castes and others), all of which probably have some degree of genetic distinctiveness(6) — it needs a larger survey to do justice to all Indians.
The genetic distinctiveness of different Indian groups is in part the result of endogamy(7). While we cannot know the full impact of endogamy in advance of a proper survey, some recent research has shown that endogamy is very likely to be medically significant. Castes are not just “of the mind”. The genetic implication of this is that there are likely to be many recessive(8) diseases stemming from single genes specific to individual groups that can be identified.
This knowledge could then also be quickly applied to the task of managing diseases in these groups as well as be used for genetic counselling that could reduce their incidence in future generations. As an example elsewhere, the founder group of Ashkenazi Jews have almost eliminated Tay-Sachs disease from their population by such means. Looking ahead a bit more, with large samples the technique of “genome-wide association studies” that compare genomes of cases and controls could be used to identify genetic risk factors related to common diseases (such as heart disease that stem from many genes) that affect the health of many more individuals. We would like to emphasize that much of this is simply a question of applying existing methods and could all be done fairly quickly.
This is a good point at which to note that such a survey of Indian genetic diversity will be an important asset, beyond disease genetics. The data collected as part of these efforts will also help to uncover the basic biological function of genes and their interactions, which are not yet fully understood. This knowledge will be useful to humanity worldwide and also offer India a chance to claim a piece of the global medical and scientific frontier(9).
As a large part of the enterprise would be the application of information technology or “bio-informatics”, the prospects of establishing viable commercial enterprises with synergies(10) to existing IT champions are also promising.
1. Glimpse [glimps]
Noun: a very brief, passing look, sight, or view; a momentary or slight appearance; a vague idea; inkling; a gleam, as of light.
Verb: to catch or take a glimpse of; to look briefly; glance (usually followed by at); to come into view; appear faintly.
Synonyms: check out, peek, descry, espy, eye, flash, sight, spot, spy, view, catch sight of, get a load of, get an eyeful, take a gander, take in.
Antonyms: stare.
2. Plummet [pluhm-it]
Noun: a piece of lead or some other weight attached to a line, used for determining perpendicularity, for sounding, etc.; the bob of a plumb line; something that weighs down or depresses.
Verb: to plunge.
Synonyms: collapse, crash, decline, decrease, descend, dip, dive, drop, drop down, fall, nose-dive, plunge, sink, skid, tumble, downturn, dump, precipitate, stoop, swoop.
Antonyms: ascend, go up, grow, increase.
3. Feasible [fee-zuh-buh l]
Adjective: capable of being done, effected, or accomplished; probable; likely; suitable.
Synonyms: achievable, advantageous, appropriate, attainable, beneficial, expedient, likely, practicable, practical, profitable, reasonable, suitable, viable, workable, worthwhile, breeze, cinch, duck soup.
Antonyms: disadvantageous, implausible, impossible, impractical.
4. Deliberate [adjective dih-lib-er-it; verb dih-lib-uh-reyt]
Adjective: carefully weighed or considered; studied; intentional; characterized by deliberation or cautious consideration; careful or slow in deciding; leisurely and steady in movement or action; slow and even; unhurried.
Verb: to weigh in the mind; consider.
Synonyms: calculated, careful, cautious, cold-blooded, conscious, meticulous, premeditated, prudent, purposeful, studious, thoughtful, willful, advised, considered, designed, express, fixed, intended, judged, planned, pondered, prearranged, predetermined, projected, purposed, reasoned, resolved, schemed.
Antonyms: careless, heedless, ignorant, imprudent.
5. Manifestation [man-uh-fuh-stey-shuh n, -fe-]
Noun: an act of manifesting; the state of being manifested; outward or perceptible indication; materialization; a public demonstration, as for political effect.
Synonyms: demonstration, explanation, expression, indication, instance, meaning, phenomenon, symptom, token, appearance, disclosure, display, exposure, mark, materialization, revelation, show, sign.
Antonyms: concealment, hiding, reality, secret.
6. Distinctive [dih-stingk-tiv]
Adjective: serving to distinguish; characteristic; distinguishing; having a special quality, style, attractiveness, etc.; notable.
Synonyms: uniqueness, discreteness, disparateness, particularity, separateness, specialness, specialty.
7. Endogamy [en-dog-uh-mee]
Noun: marriage within a specific tribe or similar social unit.
8. Recessive [ri-ses-iv]
Adjective: tending to go, move, or slant back; receding; genetics. Of or relating to a recessive.
Synonyms: receding, relapsing, dormant, inactive, latent, regressive, suspended.
Antonyms: dominant, overbalancing, prevailing.
9. Frontier [fruhn-teer, fron-; also, esp. British, fruhn-teer]
Noun: the part of a country that borders another country; boundary; border; the land or territory that forms the furthest extent of a country's settled or inhabited regions.
Synonyms: borderland, borderline, bound, confines, edge, limit, march, perimeter, verge.
Antonyms: center, inside, interior, middle.
10. Synergy [sin-er-jee]
Noun: the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.; synergism.
Synonyms: teamwork, alliance, coaction, harmony, symbiosis, synergism, union, unity, combined effort, team effort, teaming, working together.
Antonyms: discord, divorce, separation.
Dear Readers,
Vocabulary is an important part of English that helps you deal with all kinds of questions in objective as well as descriptive papers of various exams. You can learn new words daily from our Daily Word List. Learn the words and make your own sentences on the basis of the given word list. Here are a few words from The Hindu.
In 1865, Gregor Mendel discovered the two laws of inheritance that are now named after him. Almost 90 years later in 1953, the work of James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin, deciphered the structure of the molecule — DNA — that stores our hereditary information and gets transmitted from parents to children over generations.
At this point, in principle, the prospect of building individualized medicine based on the precise information stored in each human’s DNA (their genome) had come into view. But the human genome has around 3 billion base pairs and in 1953 it wasn’t possible to imagine extracting genetic information on the molecular scale and of this collective size.
Technological advances in sequencing methods have made the possibility glimpsed(1) 60 years ago a reality today. Already by 2001 the human genome project and its private competitor, Celera Genomics, showed that an entire genome could be sequenced.
Since then the cost of doing so has plummeted(2) — currently it is something like $1000 per person and becoming cheaper — and the age of genomics-informed medicine is now within sight. Perhaps this will also make interventional treatments feasible(3), in the not too distant future, thanks to the revolutionary advances brought about by the discovery of new gene-editing techniques, such as CRISPR.
What implications do these developments have for India and are there deliberate(4) choices that would shape this coming future more advantageously for the country and its people? Are there strengths that India can bring to this task? To gain fully from the genomics revolution, India needs to collect information about the genetics of its population and train manpower capable of interpreting it. The information that is needed has to come from a large and sustained collection of data — fully sequenced individual genomes along with medical histories for the individuals who volunteer for this effort.
This kind of longitudinal study is what would allow actual physical manifestations(5) relevant to health, e.g. specific illnesses, to be related to features in the genome. To pick an ambitious but not impossible number, a data bank that collects this kind of information on one million Indians over the coming decade would be a feasible effort of the right magnitude. We note that the China Kadoorie Biobank has been studying half a million people since their recruitment in 2004-2008. As India is much more genetically diverse — with something like 5,000 ethno-linguistic and religious groups (castes and others), all of which probably have some degree of genetic distinctiveness(6) — it needs a larger survey to do justice to all Indians.
The genetic distinctiveness of different Indian groups is in part the result of endogamy(7). While we cannot know the full impact of endogamy in advance of a proper survey, some recent research has shown that endogamy is very likely to be medically significant. Castes are not just “of the mind”. The genetic implication of this is that there are likely to be many recessive(8) diseases stemming from single genes specific to individual groups that can be identified.
This knowledge could then also be quickly applied to the task of managing diseases in these groups as well as be used for genetic counselling that could reduce their incidence in future generations. As an example elsewhere, the founder group of Ashkenazi Jews have almost eliminated Tay-Sachs disease from their population by such means. Looking ahead a bit more, with large samples the technique of “genome-wide association studies” that compare genomes of cases and controls could be used to identify genetic risk factors related to common diseases (such as heart disease that stem from many genes) that affect the health of many more individuals. We would like to emphasize that much of this is simply a question of applying existing methods and could all be done fairly quickly.
This is a good point at which to note that such a survey of Indian genetic diversity will be an important asset, beyond disease genetics. The data collected as part of these efforts will also help to uncover the basic biological function of genes and their interactions, which are not yet fully understood. This knowledge will be useful to humanity worldwide and also offer India a chance to claim a piece of the global medical and scientific frontier(9).
As a large part of the enterprise would be the application of information technology or “bio-informatics”, the prospects of establishing viable commercial enterprises with synergies(10) to existing IT champions are also promising.
1. Glimpse [glimps]
Noun: a very brief, passing look, sight, or view; a momentary or slight appearance; a vague idea; inkling; a gleam, as of light.
Verb: to catch or take a glimpse of; to look briefly; glance (usually followed by at); to come into view; appear faintly.
Synonyms: check out, peek, descry, espy, eye, flash, sight, spot, spy, view, catch sight of, get a load of, get an eyeful, take a gander, take in.
Antonyms: stare.
2. Plummet [pluhm-it]
Noun: a piece of lead or some other weight attached to a line, used for determining perpendicularity, for sounding, etc.; the bob of a plumb line; something that weighs down or depresses.
Verb: to plunge.
Synonyms: collapse, crash, decline, decrease, descend, dip, dive, drop, drop down, fall, nose-dive, plunge, sink, skid, tumble, downturn, dump, precipitate, stoop, swoop.
Antonyms: ascend, go up, grow, increase.
3. Feasible [fee-zuh-buh l]
Adjective: capable of being done, effected, or accomplished; probable; likely; suitable.
Synonyms: achievable, advantageous, appropriate, attainable, beneficial, expedient, likely, practicable, practical, profitable, reasonable, suitable, viable, workable, worthwhile, breeze, cinch, duck soup.
Antonyms: disadvantageous, implausible, impossible, impractical.
4. Deliberate [adjective dih-lib-er-it; verb dih-lib-uh-reyt]
Adjective: carefully weighed or considered; studied; intentional; characterized by deliberation or cautious consideration; careful or slow in deciding; leisurely and steady in movement or action; slow and even; unhurried.
Verb: to weigh in the mind; consider.
Synonyms: calculated, careful, cautious, cold-blooded, conscious, meticulous, premeditated, prudent, purposeful, studious, thoughtful, willful, advised, considered, designed, express, fixed, intended, judged, planned, pondered, prearranged, predetermined, projected, purposed, reasoned, resolved, schemed.
Antonyms: careless, heedless, ignorant, imprudent.
5. Manifestation [man-uh-fuh-stey-shuh n, -fe-]
Noun: an act of manifesting; the state of being manifested; outward or perceptible indication; materialization; a public demonstration, as for political effect.
Synonyms: demonstration, explanation, expression, indication, instance, meaning, phenomenon, symptom, token, appearance, disclosure, display, exposure, mark, materialization, revelation, show, sign.
Antonyms: concealment, hiding, reality, secret.
6. Distinctive [dih-stingk-tiv]
Adjective: serving to distinguish; characteristic; distinguishing; having a special quality, style, attractiveness, etc.; notable.
Synonyms: uniqueness, discreteness, disparateness, particularity, separateness, specialness, specialty.
7. Endogamy [en-dog-uh-mee]
Noun: marriage within a specific tribe or similar social unit.
8. Recessive [ri-ses-iv]
Adjective: tending to go, move, or slant back; receding; genetics. Of or relating to a recessive.
Synonyms: receding, relapsing, dormant, inactive, latent, regressive, suspended.
Antonyms: dominant, overbalancing, prevailing.
9. Frontier [fruhn-teer, fron-; also, esp. British, fruhn-teer]
Noun: the part of a country that borders another country; boundary; border; the land or territory that forms the furthest extent of a country's settled or inhabited regions.
Synonyms: borderland, borderline, bound, confines, edge, limit, march, perimeter, verge.
Antonyms: center, inside, interior, middle.
10. Synergy [sin-er-jee]
Noun: the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.; synergism.
Synonyms: teamwork, alliance, coaction, harmony, symbiosis, synergism, union, unity, combined effort, team effort, teaming, working together.
Antonyms: discord, divorce, separation.
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
Dear Aspirants,
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Section is a topic that is feared by most of the candidates appearing in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam. Though the sheer number of concepts and rules may seem intimidating at first, with discipline and the right approach, it is not difficult to master these concepts and their application to questions. Through such English Quizzes for IBPS Clerk and other upcoming exams, we will provide you with all types of high-level questions to ace the questions based on new pattern IBPS Clerk Mains.
DAY-4 Phrasal verbs based
Directions (1-5): In the questions given below, find out which of the phrases (I), (II), (III) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and no correction is required mark (e) as the answer.
Q1. That cannot be true. You must be putting me in for.
(I) put on
(II) put off
(III) Put through
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q2. If you focus your education solely on one area, you’ll have nothing to fall back on if you change your mind.
(I) fall over
(II) fall in
(III)fall out
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q3. You can expect political analysts to pick clean the governor's speech.
(I)pick apart
(II)pick at
(III)pick through
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q4. He was trying to psych me of by reminding me of the last time he beat me.
(I)psych off
(II)psych up
(III)psych out
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q5. He walked at from a chance to play professional baseball to join the Peace Corps.
(I)walked it
(II)walked off with
(III)walked away
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
S1. Ans.(a)
Sol. Correct Choice is option A. "Put on" means wear, produce, fool, pretend
put off-postpone, disturb
put in for- make a request
Put through- Connect someone by phone
S2. Ans.(e)
Sol. Fall back on (something) means to use (something) for help or protection when you are in a bad situation
fall (all) over yourself- to be very eager or too eager
fall in - to break apart and fall down in an inward direction
fall out - of a tooth or hair: to stop being attached to the body, to have an argument,to leave your place in a military formation
S3. Ans.(a)
Sol. Pick (someone or something) apart means to say all of the things that are bad or wrong about (someone or something), to criticize (a person or thing) in a very detailed and usually unkind way
pick at (something)-to eat small amounts of (food) very slowly usually because you do not want to eat, to pull on (something) with your fingertips or your fingernails often because you are nervous
pick (something) clean- to remove all the material that covers something
S4. Ans.(d)
Sol. The correct choice is option D. Replace "Psych of" by with "psych out".
Psych up- Prepare someone mentally
psych (someone) - to make (someone) feel nervous or unable to perform well, to say or do something to make (someone) feel uncomfortable or less confident
S5. Ans.(d)
Sol. walk away- to decide not to do or be involved in something
walk it- to go to a place by walking
walk off with (something)-to steal (something)
Direction(6-15): In the question given below, there is an error in one or more sentences. Please select the most appropriate option, out of the five options given for each of the following sentences, which, in your view, is grammatically incorrect or structurally incorrect.
Q6. Tell
(I) The explorer's journals tell of a vast unexplored wilderness.
(II) They look so much alike that I can barely tell them apart.
(III) His unkempt appearance is bound to tell against him in court.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S6. Ans.(e)
Sol. Tell (someone or something) apart- to see what the differences are between (people or things), to identify (people or things that look similar to each other)
Tell of- to describe (something): to make the details of (something) known
Tell against (someone) - to be a disadvantage to (someone)
Q7. Play
(I) You're only playing out their hands by making such ridiculous accusations.
(II) During the interview, try to play down your weaknesses and play up your strengths.
(III) The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S7. Ans.(a)
Sol. Replace "out" with "into".
Play into someone's hands or play into the hands of someone- to do something that you do not realize will hurt you and help someone else
play up (something) means to talk about or treat (something) in a way that gives it special importance, to emphasize or stress (something)
play out- to happen or occur in usually a gradual way
play off (someone or something) - to react to (someone or something) in a pleasing way,to combine with (someone or something) in a way that makes each part better
Q8. Pitch
(I) Several hundred fans pitched up at the hotel to welcome the team.
(II) People in the town have been pitching in to pay the family's medical bills.
(III) My three-year-old pitched one of her temper tantrums when we tried to leave the party early.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S8. Ans.(e)
Sol. pitch up -to appear or arrive at a place
pitch in-to do something or give something (such as money) to help a person, group, or cause
pitch a fit/tantrum- to become very upset and angry in a loud and uncontrolled way
Q9. Let
(I) The bus stopped to let a few more passengers.
(II) He said he'd let me in on a secret if I promised not to tell anyone else.
(III) There's a lot of work still to be done. We can't let up now.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S9. Ans.(a)
Sol. Add "on" after "let" in I.
Let (someone) on or let on (someone) means to allow (someone) to get on a bus, an airplane, etc.
Let (someone) in on (something)-to allow (someone) to know (a secret)
Let up -to stop or become slower
Q10. Go
I. They love to go out every Saturday night.
II. Do you usually go out your notes before class?
III.I need to have my lawyer go through this contract before I sign it.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S10. Ans.(d)
Sol. Use "over" in place of "out". Do you usually go 'over' your notes before class?
go out -take part in social activities(usually at night)
go over - review
go over - be well received, succeed
go through - examine in detail, study carefully
Q11. Eat
I. The heavy rains ate away at the sandstone cliffs.
II. We usually eat in instead of going out for dinner.
III.They eat out once a week.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S11. Ans.(a)
Sol. Replace "ate in" with "ate away". The heavy rains ate 'away' at the sandstone cliffs.
eat in - eat inside the home
eat out- eat outside the home
eat away- gradually destroy, erode
eat up - devour
Q12. Drop
I. Yuri isn't on the team any more. He dropped over.
II. Let's drop in on Julie since we're driving by her house.
III.It's difficult to get a good job if you drop out of high school.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S12. Ans.(a)
Sol. Yuri isn't on the team any more. He dropped 'out'.
drop out of - quit an organized activity (school)
drop over -visit someone casually
drop out- quit an organized activity
drop in on - visit someone unexpectedly
Q13. Come
I. Don't worry! She faints all the time. She always comes to after a few minutes.
II. The job offer didn't come up to her expectations.
III.Why don't you come over after work for dinner.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S13. Ans.(e)
Sol. come over- visit someone at their house
come to -regain consciousness
come through - do what is needed or expected
come over- visit someone at their house
come off- fall off, break off
come by - visit a person at their house
Q14. Call
I. I called Sam up to see if he wanted to go to the movies.
II. Professor Tanzer called on Tim to answer the question.
III.This recipe calls up milk, not water.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S14. Ans.(c)
Sol. In III use "calls for" in place of "calls of".
call for means require (as in a recipe) whereas call up means to telephone.
call on means invite someone to speak in a meeting or a classroom
Q15. Back
I. Jane never backs after. She always wins arguments.
II. Sam backed out of the agreement at the last second.
III.Could you back up a little so I can open this drawer.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. Replace "Backs after" with "backs down".
back down means stop defending your opinion in a debate
back up -move backwards, reverse
back out- not keep (a promise, agreement, deal)
back up - give support
back up -move backwards, reverse
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Section is a topic that is feared by most of the candidates appearing in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam. Though the sheer number of concepts and rules may seem intimidating at first, with discipline and the right approach, it is not difficult to master these concepts and their application to questions. Through such English Quizzes for IBPS Clerk and other upcoming exams, we will provide you with all types of high-level questions to ace the questions based on new pattern IBPS Clerk Mains.
DAY-4 Phrasal verbs based
Directions (1-5): In the questions given below, find out which of the phrases (I), (II), (III) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and no correction is required mark (e) as the answer.
Q1. That cannot be true. You must be putting me in for.
(I) put on
(II) put off
(III) Put through
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q2. If you focus your education solely on one area, you’ll have nothing to fall back on if you change your mind.
(I) fall over
(II) fall in
(III)fall out
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q3. You can expect political analysts to pick clean the governor's speech.
(I)pick apart
(II)pick at
(III)pick through
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q4. He was trying to psych me of by reminding me of the last time he beat me.
(I)psych off
(II)psych up
(III)psych out
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
Q5. He walked at from a chance to play professional baseball to join the Peace Corps.
(I)walked it
(II)walked off with
(III)walked away
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only I and II
(c) Only II
(d) Only III
(e) No change required
S1. Ans.(a)
Sol. Correct Choice is option A. "Put on" means wear, produce, fool, pretend
put off-postpone, disturb
put in for- make a request
Put through- Connect someone by phone
S2. Ans.(e)
Sol. Fall back on (something) means to use (something) for help or protection when you are in a bad situation
fall (all) over yourself- to be very eager or too eager
fall in - to break apart and fall down in an inward direction
fall out - of a tooth or hair: to stop being attached to the body, to have an argument,to leave your place in a military formation
S3. Ans.(a)
Sol. Pick (someone or something) apart means to say all of the things that are bad or wrong about (someone or something), to criticize (a person or thing) in a very detailed and usually unkind way
pick at (something)-to eat small amounts of (food) very slowly usually because you do not want to eat, to pull on (something) with your fingertips or your fingernails often because you are nervous
pick (something) clean- to remove all the material that covers something
S4. Ans.(d)
Sol. The correct choice is option D. Replace "Psych of" by with "psych out".
Psych up- Prepare someone mentally
psych (someone) - to make (someone) feel nervous or unable to perform well, to say or do something to make (someone) feel uncomfortable or less confident
S5. Ans.(d)
Sol. walk away- to decide not to do or be involved in something
walk it- to go to a place by walking
walk off with (something)-to steal (something)
Direction(6-15): In the question given below, there is an error in one or more sentences. Please select the most appropriate option, out of the five options given for each of the following sentences, which, in your view, is grammatically incorrect or structurally incorrect.
Q6. Tell
(I) The explorer's journals tell of a vast unexplored wilderness.
(II) They look so much alike that I can barely tell them apart.
(III) His unkempt appearance is bound to tell against him in court.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S6. Ans.(e)
Sol. Tell (someone or something) apart- to see what the differences are between (people or things), to identify (people or things that look similar to each other)
Tell of- to describe (something): to make the details of (something) known
Tell against (someone) - to be a disadvantage to (someone)
Q7. Play
(I) You're only playing out their hands by making such ridiculous accusations.
(II) During the interview, try to play down your weaknesses and play up your strengths.
(III) The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S7. Ans.(a)
Sol. Replace "out" with "into".
Play into someone's hands or play into the hands of someone- to do something that you do not realize will hurt you and help someone else
play up (something) means to talk about or treat (something) in a way that gives it special importance, to emphasize or stress (something)
play out- to happen or occur in usually a gradual way
play off (someone or something) - to react to (someone or something) in a pleasing way,to combine with (someone or something) in a way that makes each part better
Q8. Pitch
(I) Several hundred fans pitched up at the hotel to welcome the team.
(II) People in the town have been pitching in to pay the family's medical bills.
(III) My three-year-old pitched one of her temper tantrums when we tried to leave the party early.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S8. Ans.(e)
Sol. pitch up -to appear or arrive at a place
pitch in-to do something or give something (such as money) to help a person, group, or cause
pitch a fit/tantrum- to become very upset and angry in a loud and uncontrolled way
Q9. Let
(I) The bus stopped to let a few more passengers.
(II) He said he'd let me in on a secret if I promised not to tell anyone else.
(III) There's a lot of work still to be done. We can't let up now.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (III)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S9. Ans.(a)
Sol. Add "on" after "let" in I.
Let (someone) on or let on (someone) means to allow (someone) to get on a bus, an airplane, etc.
Let (someone) in on (something)-to allow (someone) to know (a secret)
Let up -to stop or become slower
Q10. Go
I. They love to go out every Saturday night.
II. Do you usually go out your notes before class?
III.I need to have my lawyer go through this contract before I sign it.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S10. Ans.(d)
Sol. Use "over" in place of "out". Do you usually go 'over' your notes before class?
go out -take part in social activities(usually at night)
go over - review
go over - be well received, succeed
go through - examine in detail, study carefully
Q11. Eat
I. The heavy rains ate away at the sandstone cliffs.
II. We usually eat in instead of going out for dinner.
III.They eat out once a week.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S11. Ans.(a)
Sol. Replace "ate in" with "ate away". The heavy rains ate 'away' at the sandstone cliffs.
eat in - eat inside the home
eat out- eat outside the home
eat away- gradually destroy, erode
eat up - devour
Q12. Drop
I. Yuri isn't on the team any more. He dropped over.
II. Let's drop in on Julie since we're driving by her house.
III.It's difficult to get a good job if you drop out of high school.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S12. Ans.(a)
Sol. Yuri isn't on the team any more. He dropped 'out'.
drop out of - quit an organized activity (school)
drop over -visit someone casually
drop out- quit an organized activity
drop in on - visit someone unexpectedly
Q13. Come
I. Don't worry! She faints all the time. She always comes to after a few minutes.
II. The job offer didn't come up to her expectations.
III.Why don't you come over after work for dinner.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S13. Ans.(e)
Sol. come over- visit someone at their house
come to -regain consciousness
come through - do what is needed or expected
come over- visit someone at their house
come off- fall off, break off
come by - visit a person at their house
Q14. Call
I. I called Sam up to see if he wanted to go to the movies.
II. Professor Tanzer called on Tim to answer the question.
III.This recipe calls up milk, not water.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S14. Ans.(c)
Sol. In III use "calls for" in place of "calls of".
call for means require (as in a recipe) whereas call up means to telephone.
call on means invite someone to speak in a meeting or a classroom
Q15. Back
I. Jane never backs after. She always wins arguments.
II. Sam backed out of the agreement at the last second.
III.Could you back up a little so I can open this drawer.
Select the inappropriate option
(a) Only I
(b) Only (II) and (I)
(c) Only III
(d) Only II
(e) All are correct
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. Replace "Backs after" with "backs down".
back down means stop defending your opinion in a debate
back up -move backwards, reverse
back out- not keep (a promise, agreement, deal)
back up - give support
back up -move backwards, reverse
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017 (Answers)
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017 (Answers)
Dear Aspirants,
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Section is a topic that is feared by most of the candidates appearing in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam. Though the sheer number of concepts and rules may seem intimidating at first, with discipline and the right approach, it is not difficult to master these concepts and their application to questions. Through such English Quizzes for IBPS Clerk and other upcoming exams, we will provide you with all types of high-level questions to ace the questions based on new pattern IBPS Clerk Mains.
Directions (1-5): Rearrange the following Six sentence (A), (B), (C), (D),(E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph.
A. In the present time, due to lack of such vast spiritual knowledge, controlling psychology is almost absent. Even in Mahabharata war, it was misused due to defective psychology.
B. The same energy was also used as atom bomb in ancient India, which was called as Brahmaastra.
C. Energy, in the form of electricity, was used in ancient India, which was called as vaidyutaagni.
D. Similarly, whether the computer is used for spiritual work or at least for the development of technology in the worldly benefits of humanity or whether the computer is used for doing cyber crimes or used in useless entertainments, it depends upon the attitudes and psychology of human beings in the absence of lack of stress on the spiritual knowledge in the present system of education. Hence, God is used as a vehicle only.
E. In the Mahabharata war, the atom bomb (Brahmaastra) was used and its full description along with all the posterior effects (as observed in Hiroshima) were clearly explained.
F. In that ancient time, when this weapon was given to disciples, several controlling instructions were given side by side.Due to the background of vast spiritual knowledge, this weapon was almost out of use.
Q1. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the First sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
Q2. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Third sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) E
(c) F
(d) D
(e) C
Q3. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Fourth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) A
(c) D
(d) C
(e) B
Q4. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Last sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) B
(d) E
(e) A
Q5. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Second sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) C
(c) E
(d) A
(e) B
S1. Ans.(c)
Sol.The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement C is the initiating sentence of the paragraph. It starts the paragraph with role and usage of "Energy" in ancient India.
S2. Ans.(b)
Sol.The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement E logically follows B.
S3. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is CBEFAD.
S4. Ans.(b)
Sol.The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement D is the concluding sentence of the paragraph as it beautifully makes the transition from the different roles of energy in past to present.
S5. Ans.(e)
Sol. The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement B logically follows C and explains how this energy was used atom bomb in ancient India.
Directions (6-10): Rearrange the following Six sentence (A), (B), (C), (D),(E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph.
A. However, these achievements come with a problem: innovation in technology, enhanced connectivity, and increasing integration in commerce and governance also make India the fifth most vulnerable country in the world in terms of cybersecurity breaches, according to the Internal Security Threat Report of 2017 by Symantec.
B. Till June 2017, 27,482 cybersecurity threats had been reported in the country, according to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team’s report. As this is a 23% increase from 2014 figures, it coincides with rapid growth and innovation in the ICT sector.
C. The good news, though, is that India recognises this. The second Global Cybersecurity Index, released by the International Telecommunication Union in July, which measured the commitment of nations to cybersecurity, found that India ranked 23 out of 165 nations.
D. Pioneering and technology-inspired programmes such as Aadhaar, MyGov, Government e-Market, DigiLocker, Bharat Net, Startup India, Skill India and Smart Cities are propelling India towards technological competence and transformation.
E. India is one of the key players in the digital and knowledge-based economy, holding more than a 50% share of the world’s outsourcing market.
F. India is already the third largest hub for technology-driven startups in the world and its Information and Communications Technology sector is estimated to reach the $225 billion landmark by 2020.
Q6. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Last sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) A
Q7. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Third sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) A
(c) F
(d) D
(e) C
Q8. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Fourth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) A
(c) D
(d) C
(e) B
Q9. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Fifth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) B
(d) F
(e) A
Q10. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Second sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) C
(c) F
(d) A
(e) B
S6. Ans.(c)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. Statement C logically concludes the paragraph.
S7. Ans.(C)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC.
S8. Ans.(b)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. Statement A is the Fourth sentence of the paragraph. and introduces transition in the discussion. It shows problems that India faces with its technological transformations.
S9. Ans.(c)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. Statement B explains A and supports it with facts and figures.
S10. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. D logically follows E and explains steps taken by India technological competence and transformation.
Directions (11-15): Rearrange the following Five sentence (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph.
A. The PES and RTE do have problems, and they need to be fixed; we need to find a way to make the system deliver in terms of better learning outcomes.
B. The Right to Education Act (RTE) was designed to improve this system.
C. However, all the attacks which arise from private schools, their supporters and the privatisation lobby are unjustified; and the solutions that are being aggressively pushed will lead us further into the morass.
D. Therefore, it is natural that the RTE will also come under fire from the same quarters that have been attacking the PES.
E. The public education system (PES) has for long been under fire. It is being painted as non-functioning, wasteful and un-improvable.
Q11. Which of the following should be the Fourth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
Q12. Which of the following should be the Fifth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) E
(c) A
(d) D
(e) C
Q13. Which of the following should be the First sentence after rearrangement?
(a) A
(b) E
(c) D
(d) C
(e) B
Q14. Which of the following should be the Second sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) B
(d) E
(e) A
Q15. Which of the following should be the Third sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) C
(c) E
(d) A
(e) B
S11. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S12. Ans.(e)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S13. Ans.(b)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S14. Ans.(c)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
Dear Aspirants,
English Practice Questions For IBPS Clerk Mains 2017
English Section is a topic that is feared by most of the candidates appearing in the IBPS Clerk Mains Exam. Though the sheer number of concepts and rules may seem intimidating at first, with discipline and the right approach, it is not difficult to master these concepts and their application to questions. Through such English Quizzes for IBPS Clerk and other upcoming exams, we will provide you with all types of high-level questions to ace the questions based on new pattern IBPS Clerk Mains.
Directions (1-5): Rearrange the following Six sentence (A), (B), (C), (D),(E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph.
A. In the present time, due to lack of such vast spiritual knowledge, controlling psychology is almost absent. Even in Mahabharata war, it was misused due to defective psychology.
B. The same energy was also used as atom bomb in ancient India, which was called as Brahmaastra.
C. Energy, in the form of electricity, was used in ancient India, which was called as vaidyutaagni.
D. Similarly, whether the computer is used for spiritual work or at least for the development of technology in the worldly benefits of humanity or whether the computer is used for doing cyber crimes or used in useless entertainments, it depends upon the attitudes and psychology of human beings in the absence of lack of stress on the spiritual knowledge in the present system of education. Hence, God is used as a vehicle only.
E. In the Mahabharata war, the atom bomb (Brahmaastra) was used and its full description along with all the posterior effects (as observed in Hiroshima) were clearly explained.
F. In that ancient time, when this weapon was given to disciples, several controlling instructions were given side by side.Due to the background of vast spiritual knowledge, this weapon was almost out of use.
Q1. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the First sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
Q2. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Third sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) E
(c) F
(d) D
(e) C
Q3. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Fourth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) A
(c) D
(d) C
(e) B
Q4. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Last sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) B
(d) E
(e) A
Q5. If A is the FIFTH sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Second sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) C
(c) E
(d) A
(e) B
S1. Ans.(c)
Sol.The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement C is the initiating sentence of the paragraph. It starts the paragraph with role and usage of "Energy" in ancient India.
S2. Ans.(b)
Sol.The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement E logically follows B.
S3. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is CBEFAD.
S4. Ans.(b)
Sol.The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement D is the concluding sentence of the paragraph as it beautifully makes the transition from the different roles of energy in past to present.
S5. Ans.(e)
Sol. The correct sequence is CBEFAD. Statement B logically follows C and explains how this energy was used atom bomb in ancient India.
Directions (6-10): Rearrange the following Six sentence (A), (B), (C), (D),(E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph.
A. However, these achievements come with a problem: innovation in technology, enhanced connectivity, and increasing integration in commerce and governance also make India the fifth most vulnerable country in the world in terms of cybersecurity breaches, according to the Internal Security Threat Report of 2017 by Symantec.
B. Till June 2017, 27,482 cybersecurity threats had been reported in the country, according to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team’s report. As this is a 23% increase from 2014 figures, it coincides with rapid growth and innovation in the ICT sector.
C. The good news, though, is that India recognises this. The second Global Cybersecurity Index, released by the International Telecommunication Union in July, which measured the commitment of nations to cybersecurity, found that India ranked 23 out of 165 nations.
D. Pioneering and technology-inspired programmes such as Aadhaar, MyGov, Government e-Market, DigiLocker, Bharat Net, Startup India, Skill India and Smart Cities are propelling India towards technological competence and transformation.
E. India is one of the key players in the digital and knowledge-based economy, holding more than a 50% share of the world’s outsourcing market.
F. India is already the third largest hub for technology-driven startups in the world and its Information and Communications Technology sector is estimated to reach the $225 billion landmark by 2020.
Q6. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Last sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) A
Q7. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Third sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) A
(c) F
(d) D
(e) C
Q8. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Fourth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) F
(b) A
(c) D
(d) C
(e) B
Q9. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Fifth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) B
(d) F
(e) A
Q10. If E is the FIRST sentence of the paragraph, which of the following should be the Second sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) C
(c) F
(d) A
(e) B
S6. Ans.(c)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. Statement C logically concludes the paragraph.
S7. Ans.(C)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC.
S8. Ans.(b)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. Statement A is the Fourth sentence of the paragraph. and introduces transition in the discussion. It shows problems that India faces with its technological transformations.
S9. Ans.(c)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. Statement B explains A and supports it with facts and figures.
S10. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is EDFABC. D logically follows E and explains steps taken by India technological competence and transformation.
Directions (11-15): Rearrange the following Five sentence (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph.
A. The PES and RTE do have problems, and they need to be fixed; we need to find a way to make the system deliver in terms of better learning outcomes.
B. The Right to Education Act (RTE) was designed to improve this system.
C. However, all the attacks which arise from private schools, their supporters and the privatisation lobby are unjustified; and the solutions that are being aggressively pushed will lead us further into the morass.
D. Therefore, it is natural that the RTE will also come under fire from the same quarters that have been attacking the PES.
E. The public education system (PES) has for long been under fire. It is being painted as non-functioning, wasteful and un-improvable.
Q11. Which of the following should be the Fourth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) E
Q12. Which of the following should be the Fifth sentence after rearrangement?
(a) B
(b) E
(c) A
(d) D
(e) C
Q13. Which of the following should be the First sentence after rearrangement?
(a) A
(b) E
(c) D
(d) C
(e) B
Q14. Which of the following should be the Second sentence after rearrangement?
(a) C
(b) D
(c) B
(d) E
(e) A
Q15. Which of the following should be the Third sentence after rearrangement?
(a) D
(b) C
(c) E
(d) A
(e) B
S11. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S12. Ans.(e)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S13. Ans.(b)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S14. Ans.(c)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
S15. Ans.(a)
Sol. The correct sequence is EBDAC.
Vocab For Banking Examinations From The Hindu Newspaper
Vocab For Banking Examinations From The Hindu Newspaper
Dear Readers,
Vocabulary is an important part of English that helps you deal with all kinds of questions in objective as well as descriptive papers of various exams. You can learn new words daily from our Daily Word List. Learn the words and make your own sentences on the basis of the given word list. Here are a few words from The Hindu.
Many will agree that academic research in India needs to be internationally competitive and our institutions feature in rankings lists. Global research and competition are now increasingly diverse and in this scenario, India rightfully wants to be an important player. In pedagogy(1) too, we face a situation of enhanced expectations. There has been a rapid expansion with the setting up of more Central and State universities which includes more focussed institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Indian Institutes of Management and National Institutes of Technology, enhancing the opportunities for high-quality teaching. Despite the impressive job being done, there is considerable room for improvement.
But what is still holding our nation back(2) from achieving large-scale global academic excellence which is commensurate(3) with our intellectual heritage and caliber(4)? Beyond blaming the government and the bureaucracy, the usual suspects, it is important to look inward and ask whether our academics display an adequate ethical(5) commitment to excellence.
It is rarely appreciated that excellence is an ethical issue. We think of it as something arising from people of calibre coupled with sufficient resources. But how do successful nations spot such people and resources and enable them to achieve their potential? The answer: there is a sincere and stated commitment to cultivating excellence as a goal. Contrasting this with the academic ethos(6) in India raises uncomfortable questions.
Consider this advertisement put out by Stanford University recently: “We seek exceptional individuals who can develop a world-class program of research, and have a strong commitment to teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.” In such institutions, once an excellent candidate is identified, the institution does everything to convince her/him to accept the offer. Loss of the candidate to a rival institution is considered a serious failure, as excellence is seen to be a precious commodity, with the heads of such institutions held accountable.
In India, in contrast, excellence is at best one of multiple criteria in faculty hiring. Though never openly stated, extraneous(7) considerations abound(8). It is an open secret that these considerations define a large fraction of hiring across India, and often precede considerations of merit. In some places, excellence can actually go against the candidate.
One might be tempted(9) to solely blame failed institutions/departments on the calibre of leadership, and, ultimately, the government that appoints such leaders. But the problem persists even in those institutions led by respected academics. The reasons need to be examined. While academics freely criticise personality cults(10) in the political sphere, they are happy to cultivate those of their own.
1. Pedagogy [ped-uh-goh-jee, -goj-ee]
Noun: the function or work of a teacher; teaching; the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.
Synonyms: apprenticeship, background, brainwashing, breeding, catechism, civilization, coaching, cultivation, culture, direction, discipline, drilling, edification, enlightenment, erudition, finish, guidance, improvement, inculcation.
Antonyms: confusion, destruction, harm, hurt.
2. Hold back
Phrasal verb of hold: hesitate to act or speak.
3. Commensurate [kuh-men-ser-it, -sher-]
Adjective: corresponding in amount, magnitude, or degree; proportionate; adequate; having the same measure; of equal extent or duration.
Synonyms: comparable, compatible, consistent, proportionate, sufficient, appropriate, coextensive, due, equal, equivalent, fit, fitting, in accord, symmetrical.
Antonyms: incompatible, unsuitable, inadequate, inappropriate.
4. Caliber [kal-uh-ber]
Noun: the diameter of something of circular section, especially that of the inside of a tube; degree of capacity or competence; ability; degree of merit or excellence; quality.
Synonyms: ability, competence, quality, stature, talent, appetency, capability, constitution, dignity, distinction, endowment, essence, faculty, force, gifts, merit, nature, parts, power.
Antonyms: inability, inadequacy, incompetence, weakness.
5. Ethical [eth-i-kuh l]
Adjective: pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct; being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of a profession.
Synonyms: honest, honorable, humane, principled, proper, virtuous, christian, clean, conscientious, correct, decent, elevated, equitable, fair, fitting, good, high-principled, just, kosher.
Antonyms: corrupt, dishonest, immoral, improper.
6. Ethos [ee-thos, ee-thohs, eth-os, -ohs]
Noun: sociology. The fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period; the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.; the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
Synonyms: ideology, mentality, mindset, spirit, attitude, beliefs, code, culture, habits, mind, principles, psyche, psychology, traits, values.
Antonyms: body, physicality.
7. Extraneous [ik-strey-nee-uh s]
Adjective: introduced or coming from without; not belonging or proper to a thing; external; foreign; not pertinent; irrelevant.
Synonyms: additional, immaterial, incidental, nonessential, superfluous, supplementary, unconnected, unnecessary, unrelated, accidental, adventitious, beside the point, extra, foreign, impertinent, inadmissible, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate.
Antonyms: essential, important, material, necessary.
8. Abound [uh-bound]
Verb: to occur or exist in great quantities or numbers.
Synonyms: flourish, proliferate, thrive, crowd, flow, infest, overflow, swarm, swell, teem, be alive with, be all over the place, be knee deep in, be no end to, be plentiful, be thick with.
Antonyms: decline, fail, languish, retreat.
9. Tempt [tempt]
Verb: to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral; to attract, appeal strongly to, or invite; to render strongly disposed to do something.
Synonyms: allured, charmed, desiring, enticed, inclined, seduced, bent on.
Antonyms: averse to, disinclined, indifferent, undesiring.
10. Cult [kuhlt]
Noun: a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies; an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers; the object of such devotion.
Synonyms: band, church, clan, clique, denomination, faith, religion, sect, body, creed, faction, following, party, persuasion, school.
Antonyms: agnosticism, disbelief.
Dear Readers,
Vocabulary is an important part of English that helps you deal with all kinds of questions in objective as well as descriptive papers of various exams. You can learn new words daily from our Daily Word List. Learn the words and make your own sentences on the basis of the given word list. Here are a few words from The Hindu.
Many will agree that academic research in India needs to be internationally competitive and our institutions feature in rankings lists. Global research and competition are now increasingly diverse and in this scenario, India rightfully wants to be an important player. In pedagogy(1) too, we face a situation of enhanced expectations. There has been a rapid expansion with the setting up of more Central and State universities which includes more focussed institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Indian Institutes of Management and National Institutes of Technology, enhancing the opportunities for high-quality teaching. Despite the impressive job being done, there is considerable room for improvement.
But what is still holding our nation back(2) from achieving large-scale global academic excellence which is commensurate(3) with our intellectual heritage and caliber(4)? Beyond blaming the government and the bureaucracy, the usual suspects, it is important to look inward and ask whether our academics display an adequate ethical(5) commitment to excellence.
It is rarely appreciated that excellence is an ethical issue. We think of it as something arising from people of calibre coupled with sufficient resources. But how do successful nations spot such people and resources and enable them to achieve their potential? The answer: there is a sincere and stated commitment to cultivating excellence as a goal. Contrasting this with the academic ethos(6) in India raises uncomfortable questions.
Consider this advertisement put out by Stanford University recently: “We seek exceptional individuals who can develop a world-class program of research, and have a strong commitment to teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.” In such institutions, once an excellent candidate is identified, the institution does everything to convince her/him to accept the offer. Loss of the candidate to a rival institution is considered a serious failure, as excellence is seen to be a precious commodity, with the heads of such institutions held accountable.
In India, in contrast, excellence is at best one of multiple criteria in faculty hiring. Though never openly stated, extraneous(7) considerations abound(8). It is an open secret that these considerations define a large fraction of hiring across India, and often precede considerations of merit. In some places, excellence can actually go against the candidate.
One might be tempted(9) to solely blame failed institutions/departments on the calibre of leadership, and, ultimately, the government that appoints such leaders. But the problem persists even in those institutions led by respected academics. The reasons need to be examined. While academics freely criticise personality cults(10) in the political sphere, they are happy to cultivate those of their own.
1. Pedagogy [ped-uh-goh-jee, -goj-ee]
Noun: the function or work of a teacher; teaching; the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.
Synonyms: apprenticeship, background, brainwashing, breeding, catechism, civilization, coaching, cultivation, culture, direction, discipline, drilling, edification, enlightenment, erudition, finish, guidance, improvement, inculcation.
Antonyms: confusion, destruction, harm, hurt.
2. Hold back
Phrasal verb of hold: hesitate to act or speak.
3. Commensurate [kuh-men-ser-it, -sher-]
Adjective: corresponding in amount, magnitude, or degree; proportionate; adequate; having the same measure; of equal extent or duration.
Synonyms: comparable, compatible, consistent, proportionate, sufficient, appropriate, coextensive, due, equal, equivalent, fit, fitting, in accord, symmetrical.
Antonyms: incompatible, unsuitable, inadequate, inappropriate.
4. Caliber [kal-uh-ber]
Noun: the diameter of something of circular section, especially that of the inside of a tube; degree of capacity or competence; ability; degree of merit or excellence; quality.
Synonyms: ability, competence, quality, stature, talent, appetency, capability, constitution, dignity, distinction, endowment, essence, faculty, force, gifts, merit, nature, parts, power.
Antonyms: inability, inadequacy, incompetence, weakness.
5. Ethical [eth-i-kuh l]
Adjective: pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct; being in accordance with the rules or standards for right conduct or practice, especially the standards of a profession.
Synonyms: honest, honorable, humane, principled, proper, virtuous, christian, clean, conscientious, correct, decent, elevated, equitable, fair, fitting, good, high-principled, just, kosher.
Antonyms: corrupt, dishonest, immoral, improper.
6. Ethos [ee-thos, ee-thohs, eth-os, -ohs]
Noun: sociology. The fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period; the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.; the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
Synonyms: ideology, mentality, mindset, spirit, attitude, beliefs, code, culture, habits, mind, principles, psyche, psychology, traits, values.
Antonyms: body, physicality.
7. Extraneous [ik-strey-nee-uh s]
Adjective: introduced or coming from without; not belonging or proper to a thing; external; foreign; not pertinent; irrelevant.
Synonyms: additional, immaterial, incidental, nonessential, superfluous, supplementary, unconnected, unnecessary, unrelated, accidental, adventitious, beside the point, extra, foreign, impertinent, inadmissible, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate.
Antonyms: essential, important, material, necessary.
8. Abound [uh-bound]
Verb: to occur or exist in great quantities or numbers.
Synonyms: flourish, proliferate, thrive, crowd, flow, infest, overflow, swarm, swell, teem, be alive with, be all over the place, be knee deep in, be no end to, be plentiful, be thick with.
Antonyms: decline, fail, languish, retreat.
9. Tempt [tempt]
Verb: to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral; to attract, appeal strongly to, or invite; to render strongly disposed to do something.
Synonyms: allured, charmed, desiring, enticed, inclined, seduced, bent on.
Antonyms: averse to, disinclined, indifferent, undesiring.
10. Cult [kuhlt]
Noun: a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies; an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers; the object of such devotion.
Synonyms: band, church, clan, clique, denomination, faith, religion, sect, body, creed, faction, following, party, persuasion, school.
Antonyms: agnosticism, disbelief.
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