Staff Selection Commission Stenographer Grade D Exam:
PART-I :: ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Directions (Qs. 1?15) : Read the following passage
carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain
words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them
while answering some of the questions.
The wise old Wazir was Famous for his judgement and people
came to him for justice from all parts of the country.
One-day two men came to his court and claimed ownership of
an extraordinarily good-looking horse. It was a black
beauty indeed. One of the men was tall, very well dressed
and soft-spoken. The other one was just the opposite. Each
of them said that the horse was his. The Wazir heard them
patiently and asked them to leave the horse and come to him
next morning. Both the men came the next morning. The
Wazir asked his soldiers to give the horse to the tall man
and to arrest the other man. The tall man wanted to know
how the Wazir had learnt the truth. ?Very simple?, said he,
?Firstly, a man of your appearance and manners could not
have been the thief. Still, I wanted to be sure, just after
you had left the court. I asked one of my soldiers to leave
the horse free and to see whom it followed. It went after
you. This hint was enough for me.?
1. Which of the following best describes the other man?
(A) Ill-dressed, short-statured, loud-voice
(B) Tall, ill-dressed, courteous
(C) Not well-dressed, short but good mannered
(D) Thin, poorly-built, harsh in expression
Ans: ( A ) Ill-dressed, short-statured, loud-voice
2. The Wazir discovered the real owner of the horse---
(A) by arresting the other man
(B) from the appearance and good manners of the tall man
(C) by knowing whom the horse followed
(D) by leaving the horse free
Ans: ( C ) by knowing whom the horse followed
3. With the Wazir?s wisdom, the tall man was--
(A) consoled
(B) impressed
(C) undecided
(D) confused
Ans: ( B ) impressed
4. People came to the Wazir from all places because he was ---
(A) a wise judge
(B) very famous
(C) an old judge
(D) an old Wazir
Ans: ( A ) a wise judge
5. The story proves that ---
(A) the court soldiers were very smart
(B) the judge was quite old
(C) the horse was very clever
(D) the judge was indeed quite intelligent
Ans: ( D ) the judge was indeed quite intelligent
Directions (Qs. 6?10) : Which of the following is most
nearly the same in meaning as the word/group of words as
printed in bold as used in the passage?
6. Claimed
(A) Demanded as a right
(B) Promised
(C) Declared
(D) Possessed
Ans: ( A ) Demanded as a right
7. Followed
(A) Pursued
(B) Owned
(C) Went after
(D) Interrupted
Ans: ( C ) Went after
8. Hint
(A) Advice
(B) Clue
(C) Truth
(D) Nod
Ans: ( B ) Clue
9. Patiently
(A) Politely
(B) Willingly
(C) Sufficiently
(D) Calmly
Ans: ( D ) Calmly
10. Still
(A) However
(B) Calm
(C) Quiet
(D) Though
Ans: ( A ) However
Directions (Qs. 11?15) : Which of the following is most
opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in
the passage ?
11. Extraordinarily
(A) Exceptionally
(B) Unusually
(C) Exactly
(D) Plainly
Ans: ( D ) Plainly
12. Sure
(A) Promising
(B) Definite
(C) Unfaithful
(D) Uncertain
Ans: ( B ) Definite
13. Famous
(A) Gentle
(B) Notorious
(C) Easily known
(D) Widely known
Ans: ( B ) Notorious
14. Arrest
(A) Trap
(B) Imprison
(C) Catch attention
(D) Release
Ans: ( D ) Release
15. Enough
(A) Inadequate
(B) Sufficient
(C) Understandable
(D) Scarce
Ans: ( D ) Scarce
Directions (Qs. 16?25) : There is a mistake in each of the
following sentences. Find out the part in which the mistake
occurs.
16. (A) The travel / (B) across the sandy desert / (C) was
an exhausting one / (D) for the caravan.
Ans: ( A )
17. (A) No sooner did / (B) he announce the / (C) tour the
children / (D) screamed with great joy.
Ans: ( C )
18. (A) His only / (B) frame to claim is that / (C) he is
the son of / (D) a rich man.
Ans: ( B )
19. (A) It did not / (B) take me very long / (C) to size up
my / (D) fellow interviewees.
Ans: ( C )
20. (A) I am pleased to sanction / (B) one special increment
/ (C) to all the employees / (D) with this month.
Ans: ( D )
21. (A) I will put on / (B) a note in this regard / (C) for
your consideration / (D) and necessary decision.
Ans: ( A )
22. (A) If the teacher / (B) is good the students / (C) will
respond / (D) positively to them.
Ans: ( D )
23. (A) Rajesh has collected / (B) all the necessary
documents / (C) and have written a good paper / (D) for his
conference.
Ans: ( C )
24. (A) The old chap / (B) who lives in the little / (C) hut
on the beach / (D) seems to be a real odd bird.
Ans: ( D )
25. (A) I have been racking / (B) my brain all the days to
remember / (C) the name of the agency / (D) that Sheila
recommended.
Ans: ( B )
Directions (Qs. 26?35) : Give one word for each of the
following utterances :
26. A person who does not believe in any religion--
(A) Philatelist
(B) Rationaslist
(C) Atheist
(D) Pagan
Ans: ( D ) Pagan
27. A post without remuneration--
(A) Voluntary
(B) Sinecure
(C) Honorary
(D) Involuntary
Ans: ( C ) Honorary
28. A person who rules without consulting the opinion of
others--
(A) Democrat
(B) Bureaucrat
(C) Autocrat
(D) Fanatic
Ans: ( C ) Autocrat
29. Through which light cannot pass--
(A) Dull
(B) Dark
(C) Obscure
(D) Opaque
Ans: ( D ) Opaque
30. A person who brings goods illegally into the country--
(A) Exporter
(B) Importer
(C) Smuggler
(D) Imposter
Ans: ( C ) Smuggler
31. A person who has just started learning--
(A) Foreman
(B) Accomplice
(C) Novice
(D) Apprentice
Ans: ( C ) Novice
32. A person interested in reading books and nothing else--
(A) Student
(B) Book worm
(C) Scholar
(D) Book keeper
Ans: ( B ) Book worm
33. One who resides in a country of which he is not citizen--
(A) Alien
(B) Native
(C) Foreigner
(D) Prodigal
Ans: ( A ) Alien
34. Anything which destroys the effect of poison--
(A) Serum
(B) Antiseptic
(C) Seramycin
(D) Antidote
Ans: ( D ) Antidote
35. A cure for all diseases--
(A) Excorcism
(B) Incantation
(C) Panacca
(D) Antibiotic
Ans: ( C ) Panacca
Directions (Qs. 36?40) : In the following items there is a
word odd in one respect or another from the rest. Identify
such words.
36. (A) Goal
(B) Guile
(C) Gall
(D) Whole
Ans: ( D ) Whole
37. (A) Whole
(B) Full
(C) Fool
(D) Complete
Ans: ( C ) Fool
38. (A) On
(B) Upon
(C) Than
(D) Over
Ans: ( C ) Than
39. (A) Bring
(B) Going
(C) Coming
(D) Rinning
Ans: ( A ) Bring
40. (A) A
(B) An
(C) The
(D) That
Ans: ( D ) That
Directions (Qs. 41?45) : In each question below four words
are given. One of which is correctly spelt. Choose the
word with correct spelling.
41. (A) Disguise
(B) Desguise
(C) Disguese
(D) Disgiuse
Ans: ( A ) Disguise
42. (A) Buccaner
(B) Buccanner
(C) Bucaneer
(D) Buccaneer
Ans: ( D ) Buccaneer
43. (A) Experence
(B) Experince
(C) Experience
(D) Exparience
Ans: ( C ) Experience
44. (A) Pionear
(B) Pioneer
(C) Pyoneer
(D) Pienear
Ans: ( B ) Pioneer
45. (A) Achievement
(B) Achievment
(C) Acheivement
(D) Achivement
Ans: ( A ) Achievement
Directions (Qs. 46?55) : In each of the following passages,
there are blanks each of which has been numbered. These
numbers are printed below the passage and against each.
Some words are suggested, one of which fits the blank
appropriately. Find out the appropriate words.
PASSAGE :
We will be crushed if civil ?(46)? is started. It will be
?(47)? to the clock. The technique of ?(48)? against it has
been ?(49)? We may have to wait ?(50)? a year or more for
a suitable ?(51)? to be created. Any hasty ?(52)? may
result in complete ?(53)? Labour troubles will ?(54)? to
violence and there will be ?(55)? discord.
46. (A) riot
(B) disturbance
(C) war
(D) disobedience
Ans: ( D ) disobedience
47. (A) damage
(B) reversal
(C) setback
(D) rewinding
Ans: ( C ) setback
48. (A) defence
(B) protection
(C) fighting
(D) guarding
Ans: ( C ) fighting
49. (A) learnt
(B) practised
(C) rehearsed
(D) perfected
Ans: ( D ) perfected
50. (A) at least
(B) minimum
(C) for
(D) approximately
Ans: ( A ) at least
51. (A) condition
(B) climate
(C) atmosphere
(D) weather
Ans: ( B ) climate
52. (A) decision
(B) work
(C) deed
(D) action
Ans: ( D ) action
53. (A) demoralization
(B) doom
(C) disobedience
(D) disaster
Ans: ( D ) disaster
54. (A) draw
(B) take
(C) lead
(D) grow
Ans: ( C ) lead
55. (A) labour
(B) communal
(C) religious
(D) community
Ans: ( B ) communal
Directions (Qs. 56?60) : In each question below four words
are given, one of which is wrongly spelt. Find out that
word the spelling of which is wrong.
56. (A) Merriment
(B) Meridean
(C) Marauder
(D) Morose
Ans: ( B ) Meridean
57. (A) Neightingale
(B) Nectar
(C) Notion
(D) Nickel
Ans: ( A ) Neightingale
58. (A) Forsake
(B) Finance
(C) Former
(D) Flevour
Ans: ( D ) Flevour
59. (A) Romance
(B) Receipt
(C) Racket
(D) Resticate
Ans: ( D ) Resticate
60. (A) Pirate
(B) Pesimist
(C) Patriot
(D) Passion
Ans: ( B ) Pesimist
Direction (Qs. 61?65) : Rearrange the given six sentences
(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) in the proper sequence so as
o form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions
given below them.
(a) Miss Sullivan arrived at the Keller home when Helen was
seven.
(b) The deaf and blind Helen learned to communicate verbally.
(c) But eventually, Miss Sullivan?s effort was rewarded.
(d) Before Helen Keller was two years old, she lost her
sight and her hearing.
(e) Miss Sullivan worked closely with Helen, her new student.
(f) At times, the teacher became frustrated.
61. Which sentence should come first in the sequence ?
(A) a
(B) b
(C) c
(D) d
Ans: ( D ) d
62. Which sentence should come last in the sequence ?
(A) b
(B) c
(C) d
(D) e
Ans: ( A ) b
63. Which sentence should come fourth in the sequence ?
(A) c
(B) d
(C) e
(D) f
Ans: ( D ) f
64. Which sentence should come third in the sequence ?
(A) c
(B) d
(C) e
(D) f
Ans: ( C ) e
65. Which sentence should come second in the sequence ?
(A) a
(B) b
(C) d
(D) e
Ans: ( A ) a
Directions (Qs. 66-75) : Pick out the most effective word
from the given words to fill in the blank to make the
sentence meaningfully complete.
66. We will be ??????? her on Friday at Madan?s house.
(A) talking
(B) taking
(C) meet
(D) seeing
Ans: ( D ) seeing
67. We will be late if we ???? not leave now.
(A) will
(B) shall
(C) do
(D) did
Ans: ( C ) do
68. Much against her wishes, Munni?s father ???? her to give
up studies.
(A) requested
(B) encouraged
(C) adviced
(D) compelled
Ans: ( D ) compelled
69. Mr. Ashoka said that it was all that he ???? collect
from him.
(A) shall
(B) could
(C) will
(D) may
Ans: ( B ) could
70. The Governor of the State is going to ???? away the
prizes to the winners.
(A) given
(B) giving
(C) gave
(D) give
Ans: ( D ) give
71. They were grateful for ???? bread we gave them.
(A) a
(B) an
(C) the
(D) some
Ans: ( C ) the
72. We decided to stay at ???? hotel in the center of the town.
(A) a
(B) an
(C) the
(D) some
Ans: ( A ) a
73. It is ???? pleasure to do business with such an
efficient organization.
(A) a
(B) some
(C) the
(D) any
Ans: ( A ) a
74. The guide knows ???? way.
(A) a
(B) an
(C) the
(D) any
Ans: ( C ) the
75. I first met him ???? year ago.
(A) a
(B) an
(C) the
(D) very
Ans: ( A ) a
Directions (Qs. 76?80) : In the following sentences a blank
is given. Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition.
76. Anju?s marriage ???? Manoj was tumultuous.
(A) of
(B) with
(C) between
(D) to
Ans: ( B ) with
77. The examinee could guess ???? the answer correctly.
(A) with
(B) of
(C) about
(D) at
Ans: ( D ) at
78. He has reigned himself ???? fate.
(A) in
(B) into
(C) for
(D) to
Ans: ( D ) to
79. He persisted ???? saying so.
(A) on
(B) in
(C) with
(D) over
Ans: ( B ) in
80. You must remember this lesson word ???? word.
(A) by
(B) to
(C) on
(D) for
Ans: ( D ) for
Directions (Qs. 81?85) : In the following questions, the
first and the last sentences of the passage are numbered 1
and 6. The rest of the passage is split into four parts
named P, Q, R and S. These four parts are not given in
their proper order. Read the passage and find out which of
the four combinations is correct. Then find the correct
answer and indicate it.
81. 1. Diwali is the feat of lights.
P. Even the house of the poorest has a few candles burning.
Q. On this night, thousands of lamps are lit in every town.
R. It is celebrated in every part of the country.
S. All the houses, shops and buildings are illuminated with
earthen lamps or candles.
6. Young and old, rich and poor?all enjoy a holiday.
(A) P R Q S
(B) Q P R S
(C) S Q P R
(D) R Q S P
Ans: ( D ) R Q S P
82. 1. Smoke oozed up between the planks.
P. Passengers were told to be ready to quit the ship.
Q. The rising gale fanned the smouldering fire.
R. Every one now knew there was a fire on board.
S. Flames broke out here and there.
6. Most people bore the smoke bravely.
(A) Q P S R
(B) Q S R P
(C) R S P Q
(D) S R Q P
Ans: ( D ) S R Q P
83. 1. It is very easy to acquire bad habits.
P. If we do not continue to do it, we feel unhappy.
Q. The more we do a thing, the more we tend to like doing it.
R. The force of habit should be fought against.
S. This is called the force of habit.
6. Even good things should be done from time to time only.
(A) P S Q R
(B) Q P S R
(C) R P S Q
(D) S Q R P
Ans: ( B ) Q P S R
84. 1. Once upon a time an ant lived on the blank of a river.
P. The dove saw the ant struggling in water in a helpless
condition.
Q. All its efforts to come up failed.
R. One day it suddenly slipped into the water.
S. A dove lived in a tree on the bank not far from the spot.
6. She was touched.
(A) P Q R S
(B) Q R P S
(C) R Q S P
(D) S R P Q
Ans: ( C ) R Q S P
85. 1. We and all other animals breathe in and breathe out
air all the time.
P. If we stop breathing we die.
Q. It is because of this fact that we are able to live.
R. It is called the atmosphere.
S. All parts of the earth are surrounded by air.
6. It is a part of the earth.
(A) P Q R S
(B) P R Q S
(C) Q P S R
(D) S R Q P
Ans: ( C ) Q P S R
Directions (Qs. 86?95) : Each of the following
idioms/phrases is followed by some alternatives. Choose the
one which best expresses its meaning.
86. To keep one?s head
(A) To be agile and active
(B) To keep calm
(C) To think coherently
(D) None of these
Ans: ( B ) To keep calm
87. To give up the ghost
(A) To suffer
(B) To fight evil forces
(C) To die
(D) To become rational
Ans: ( C ) To die
88. To smell a rat
(A) To detect bad smell
(B) To misunderstand
(C) To suspect a trick or deceit
(D) To see hidden meaning
Ans: ( C ) To suspect a trick or deceit
89. To get cold feet
(A) To run for life
(B) To fall sick
(C) To be afraid
(D) To become discourteous
Ans: ( C ) To be afraid
90. Something up one?s sleeve
(A) A secret plan
(B) A grand idea
(C) A profitable plan
(D) Something important
Ans: ( A ) A secret plan
91. To see red
(A) To be very angry
(B) To victimise someone
(C) To find fault with
(D) To criticise others
Ans: ( C ) To find fault with
92. Hard-Pressed
(A) Bewilde red
(B) Insulted
(C) Hard discipline
(D) In difficulties
Ans: ( D ) In difficulties
93. In a jiffy
(A) In a moment
(B) In a hurry
(C) Immediately
(D) In a funny mood
Ans: ( A ) In a moment
94. To cool one?s heels
(A) To rest for sometime
(B) To give no importance to someone
(C) To remain in a comfortable position
(D) To be kept waiting for sometime
Ans: ( D ) To be kept waiting for sometime
95. Spick and span
(A) Neat and clean
(B) Out spoken
(C) A ready-made thing
(D) Garrulous
Ans: ( A ) Neat and clean
Directions (Qs. 96?100) : The words of a readable sentence
are jumbled. Each word has a number. Choose the right
choice of numbers which represents the correct arrangement
of the sentence.
96. 1. Solomon 2. for 3. was
4. wisdom 5. famous 6. his
(A) 1 3 5 2 6 4
(B) 4 2 1 3 6 5
(C) 1 5 3 2 4 6
(D) 4 1 2 5 6 3
Ans: ( A ) 1 3 5 2 6 4
97. 1. of 2. the 3. gift
4. wisdom 5. is 6. heaven
(A) 6 2 3 4 1 5
(B) 6 5 2 3 1 4
(C) 2 4 5 6 1 3
(D) 4 5 2 3 1 6
Ans: ( D ) 4 5 2 3 1 6
98. 1. hearing 2. promise 3. a
4. I 5. fair 6. you
(A) 6 2 3 1 5 4
(B) 4 2 6 3 5 1
(C) 3 4 1 2 6 5
(D) 2 1 4 6 5 3
Ans: ( B ) 4 2 6 3 5 1
99. 1. a 2. slight 3. cold
4. has 5. child 6. that
(A) 1 2 5 4 3 6
(B) 2 3 1 5 4 6
(C) 6 5 4 1 2 3
(D) 2 4 3 6 1 5
Ans: ( C ) 6 5 4 1 2 3
100. 1. cross 2. child 3. a
4. is 5. liked 6. not
(A) 3 1 2 6 4 5
(B) 3 1 2 4 6 5
(C) 2 1 5 3 6 4
(D) 5 2 1 3 4 6
Ans: ( B ) 3 1 2 4 6 5
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