April 13, 2023 ENGLISH MADHYAM

C O M PSSC CGL
L 2023
E T E D
Syllabus
Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language And Comprehension):

13.10.3.1 Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and their correct
usage;

Spot the Error,




Fill in the Blanks,
Synonyms/ Homonyms,
wrong - 6 Answers
 Antonyms,
 Spellings/ Detecting mis-spelt words,
 Idioms & Phrases,
 One word substitution,
 Improvement of Sentences,
 Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs,
 Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration,
 Shuffling of Sentence parts,
 Shuffling of Sentences in a passage,
 Cloze Passage,
 Comprehension Passage.

Note :- To test comprehension, three or more paragraphs will be given and

questions based on those will be asked. At least one paragraph should be a
simple one based on a book or a story and the other two paragraphs should
be on current affairs, based on a report or an editorial.

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CGL Mains Mock – 05

1. The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that
contains a grammatical error.
It is nothing else than / sheer foolishness that / you have decided / to resign
A. It is nothing else than
B. sheer foolishness that
C. you have decided
D. to resign
2. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
P. labour contractors will give them jobs at construction sites
Q. On some days, some of them get work, but mostly they go back home disappointed
R. Rekha Sivanna Gaur, a migrant worker from Karnataka, stands at a naka (crossroad)
in Sanpada, Navi Mumbai every morning along with hundreds of others in the hope
that
S. The post-pandemic migration to Mumbai has not been easy for migrant workers
from different states who had no option but to move back to the metro city in
search of work as there were no opportunities back home
A. SRQP
B. SPRQ
C. RPSQ
D. RPQS
3. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
P. Last month, Rest of World published a short interview with Enioluwa Adeoluwa —
one of Nigeria’s leading male social media influencers, with nearly 3 million
followers and brand deals with MAC and Crocs
Q. In the interview, he mentioned that finding brands to sponsor content is not as easy
for him as it is for creators in developed markets.
R. “They could create 10 videos, and all of them will be ‘sponsored by’ something. In
Nigeria, you don’t get that.
S. When you know your dreams are limited to what your finances can handle, then
you’re not allowed to dream that big,” he said.
A. RSQP
B. PQRS
C. PRSQ
D. QPRS
4. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
The president loved that lady.
A. That lady is love by the president.
B. That lady was loved by the president.

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C. That lady is loved by the president.

D. That lady was being loved by the president
5. Given below are four jumbled sentences. Select the option that gives their correct
logical sequence.
P. “I’m barely living,” he told me on a warm night in June last year.
Q. Ever since a back injury 23 years ago, pain has been eating away at Kass’s life. It has
cost him his career, his relationships, his mobility and his independence.
R. Now 55, Kass lives with his sister and her family in San Francisco, California. He
occasionally joins them for dinner, which means he’ll eat while standing. And once a
day he tries to walk four or five blocks around the neighbourhood. But he worries
that any activity, walking too briskly or sitting upright for more than a few minutes,
will trigger a fresh round of torment that can take days or weeks to subside.
S. Philip Kass spends 90% of his day lying on a twin bed in a sparsely decorated room
that used to belong to his niece. He takes most meals with a plate balanced on his
chest, and he usually watches television because reading is too stressful.
A. SPRQ
B. SPQR
C. QRSP
D. RQPS
6. Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
A. To escape from one danger and get caught in an even worse situation
B. To be unable to make a decision between two undesirable options
C. To be very skilled at cooking and baking
D. To be able to handle difficult situations with ease
7. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active/passive voice
The gardener has watered the bushes
A. The bushes have been watered by the gardener.
B. The bushes are being watered by the gardener.
C. The bushes were being watered by the gardener.
D. The bushes has been watered by the gardener
8. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
His outstanding performance at the audition left the judges feeling _______.
A. perplexed
B. flabbergasted
C. cantankerous
D. calm
9. Identify the option that arranges the given parts in the correct order to form a
meaningful paragraph.
P. A mother imagines sharing her secrets with her child. A woman practises for a
difficult conversation.
Q. A sanitation worker dreams of becoming a lawyer to fight for workers’ rights.

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R. But I’d like to share the story behind this story: one about four working-class families
who dreamed of making films and attended a film school to collectively learn,
create, and take care of each other.
S. This is the story of Kathi, Kathi, Kaarana, a yet-to-be-released short film narrated and
produced by workers from the city of Bangalore and their families.
A. QPRS
B. RSQP
C. SRPQ
D. QPSR
10. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive/active voice.
He built a website from scratch.
A. A website has been built from scratch by him.
B. A website was built from scratch by him.
C. A website was building from scratch by him.
D. A website is built from scratch by him.
11. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
The dog's ears perked up as it _______ the faint sound of its owner's footsteps.
A. ascertained
B. deciphered
C. surmised
D. discerned
12. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
His recent promotion caused his colleagues to be envious of his newfound success.
A. resentful
B. apathetic
C. admiring
D. disdainful
13. Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom
Rain on someone's parade
A. To purposely ruin someone's plans or spoil their enjoyment
B. To express sympathy for someone's misfortune
C. To experience a sudden change of plans due to bad weather
D. To unexpectedly help someone in a difficult situation
14. Select the sentence that contains no spelling errors.
A. His knowlege of the subjict matter is unparalelled.
B. The goverment is making an effert to reduse pollution.
C. Perseverance is essential for achieving long-term success.
D. The acheivement of her goals was a testamant to her dedication.
15. Select the most appropriate synonym of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank.
Despite her exhaustion, Emily managed to maintain a(n) _____ (persistent) attitude
throughout the day.
A. ephemeral

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B. transient
C. tenacious
D. evanescent
16. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
P. For centuries, mathematicians have tackled questions related to epidemics and
pandemics, along with potential responses to them.
Q. Mathematicians have continued this work to the present day, including during the
COVID pandemic.
R. Predicting and understanding disease outbreaks doesn't just involve epidemiology. It
takes math, too.
S. For instance, 18th-century Swiss mathematician Daniel Bernoulli is credited with
developing the first mathematical epidemiology model, which focused on analyzing
the effects of smallpox inoculation on life expectancy.
A. RPSQ
B. SQRP
C. QSRP
D. RPQS
17. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
Her diligent work ethic and attention to detail made her an invaluable member of the
team.
A. negligent
B. industrious
C. assiduous
D. punctilious
18. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph
P. “India is a country where protecting nature is part of our culture,” Modi said in his
speech on Sunday. “This is why we have many unique achievements in wildlife
conservation.”
Q. But Indigenous people, known as Adivasi in India, say wildlife conservation projects
have displaced members of their community over the past half-century. Adivasi
communities in Karnataka organised protests last month to highlight how their
people, who have lived in forests for centuries, have been kept out of conservation
efforts.
R. Modi also launched the International Big Cats Alliance, which he said will focus on
the protection and conservation of seven big cat species: the tiger, lion, leopard,
snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah.
S. Officials were celebrating just hours away from several of India’s major tiger
reserves when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in the southern city of
Mysuru that the country’s tiger population has steadily grown to more than 3,000

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since its flagship conservation programme began 50 years ago over concerns that
the numbers of the big cats were dwindling.
A. RQSP
B. SPRQ
C. PQRS
D. SQRP
19. Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
A. Irresistible
B. Comaraderie
C. Preposterous
D. Incessant
20. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
She said to her maid, “Clean the utensils properly.”
A. She ordered her maid to clean the utensils properly.
B. She commanded her maid that kindly clean the utensils properly.
C. She orders her maid to clean the utensils properly.
D. She commands her maid that clean the utensils properly.
21. Identify the pair of synonyms from the underlined words in the given sentence.
The police officer began a thorough investigation to determine the culprit, while his
colleague pursued a meticulous search for clues at the scene.
A. investigation, culprit
B. investigation, meticulous
C. thorough, colleague
D. thorough, meticulous
22. The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an
error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don’t find
any error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer.
Psychology has been / defined the scientific study of / human psyche and behaviour.
A. defined the scientific study of
B. Psychology has been
C. human psyche and behaviour
D. No error
23. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank
The committee was tasked with _______ a suitable candidate for the prestigious award.
A. promulgating
B. adjudicating
C. exculpating
D. vitiating
24. Select the most appropriate option to replace the underlined word in the given
sentence

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The politician's speech was filled with obfuscation, making it difficult for the audience to
understand the true meaning of his words.
A. clarity
B. ambiguity
C. simplicity
D. transparency
25. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct/indirect speech
I said, ‘I’m not very happy at work.’
A. I told her that I was not very happy at work.
B. I told her I would not be very happy at work.
C. I told her that I had not been very happy at work.
D. I told her I am not very happy at work
26. Select the correct homonym from the given options to fill in the blank
The painter used a ____ to make the lines on the canvas perfectly straight.
A. bored
B. board
C. bawd
D. bode
27. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of
words.
Someone who scientifically studies the birds
A. Voyage
B. Ornithologist
C. Immortal
D. Invoice
28. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of
words.
An area controlled by a ruler
A. Monogamy
B. Bifurcate
C. Astrology
D. Dominion
29. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech.
Ravi said, “I may sell this tie.”
A. Ravi said that he may sell that tie.
B. Ravi said that he might sell that tie.
C. Ravi said that I might sell that tie.
D. Ravi said that he should sell this tie.
COMPREHENSION
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully
and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

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Women empowerment has always been a (1)___________ topic of discussion around

the world. It is the process of giving women the (2)____________ and opportunities to
make their own decisions and lead a life without (3)___________ or discrimination.
Empowerment can be achieved through various means such as education, economic
independence, and equal representation in decision-making bodies. Over the years,
many (4)_____________ have fought for women's rights, and their efforts have resulted
in significant progress.
30. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
A. controversial
B. insignificant
C. significant
D. futile
31. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
A. power
B. restrictions
C. barriers
D. disapproval
32. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
A. Impartiality
B. restrictions
C. biased
D. Equality
33. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
A. individuals
B. organizations
C. governments
D. celebrities
Comprehension
Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.
Once upon a time in a lush forest, there lived five animals who were great friends: Rishi
the rabbit, Tara the tortoise, Vijay the vulture, Kavi the crow, and Raka the rat. They
were united by their love for stories and the wisdom they contained, and often gathered
around the ancient Banyan tree to share tales from the Panchatantra.
One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the friends noticed a distant commotion
on the edge of the forest. Curiosity piqued, they ventured forth to find a group of
animals arguing over a mysterious, golden book. They overheard the animals debating
whether or not to open the book, fearing it might be cursed.
Rishi, being the clever rabbit that he was, realized the book was a long-lost volume of
the Panchatantra. He shared this insight with his friends, who were thrilled at the
prospect of uncovering more stories to add to their repertoire. They decided they must
obtain the book and bring it back to the Banyan tree.

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The friends devised a plan, inspired by the fables they knew so well. Raka the rat, being
small and nimble, would sneak into the midst of the arguing animals and snatch the
book away. Meanwhile, Tara the tortoise, with her steady gait, would serve as a
distraction by inching towards the group, leading them on a wild goose chase.
As the plan unfolded, Raka swiftly grabbed the golden book, while Tara drew the
attention of the animals. The other friends hid in the foliage, watching and waiting for
the right moment to strike. As the arguing animals chased Tara, Kavi the crow, Vijay the
vulture, and Rishi the rabbit swooped in and retrieved their friends, along with the
prized golden book.
Exhausted from their pursuit of Tara, the animals eventually gave up and returned to
their respective homes. Back at the Banyan tree, the friends gathered around the golden
book and carefully opened it. To their delight, it contained stories they had never heard
before, filled with wisdom and valuable life lessons.
Over time, the friends shared these newfound stories with the animals of the forest,
who, in turn, shared them with their own families and friends. The stories of the
Panchatantra continued to spread, weaving a tapestry of wisdom throughout the forest,
bringing the creatures closer together.
The five friends continued to meet under the ancient Banyan tree, their bond
strengthened by the stories that they cherished. They reveled in the knowledge that
they had played a part in preserving the Panchatantra's wisdom for future generations.
And thus, the magical tales of the Panchatantra lived on, inspiring and enlightening the
inhabitants of the forest for years to come.
34. What united the five animal friends in the story?
A. Their love for food
B. Their love for stories and wisdom
C. Their desire to explore the forest
D. Their quest for power
35. What did Rishi the rabbit realize about the mysterious golden book?
A. It was a treasure map
B. It was a cursed object
C. It was a long-lost volume of the Panchatantra
D. It was a book containing secrets of the forest
36. What role did Raka the rat play in the friends' plan to obtain the golden book?
A. Serving as a distraction
B. Sneaking in and snatching the book away
C. Providing cover for the other friends
D. Chasing the other animals away
37. How did the stories from the Panchatantra impact the forest?
A. They caused disputes among the animals
B. They brought the creatures closer together
C. They led to the discovery of hidden treasures
D. They revealed the secrets of the forest's inhabitants

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Comprehension:
Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.
The Foreign Trade Policy 2023, unveiled by the Union government Friday, comes after
considerable delay — the last trade policy (2015-20), whose term ended in March 2020,
has remained in effect till now. The aim of the new trade policy is fourfold — to shift
from an incentive to a tax remission-based regime, to improve the ease of doing
business, promote exports through collaborations and focus on emerging areas. The
government has now articulated a goal of achieving $2 trillion in export of goods and
services by 2030, up from the $900 billion target that the previous policy had hoped to
achieve by 2020. At the end of 2022-23, India’s total exports are likely to have touched
$760 billion, up from $676 billion in 2021-22.
The focus of the new policy on reducing points of friction across the system is
unmistakable. The measures focus on providing automatic approvals for various
permissions. For instance, under the new framework, the processing time for
revalidation of various authorisations, which currently ranges from three days to one
month, is expected to be brought down to one day. Similarly, the processing time for
extension of the export obligation period is also expected to be brought down sharply,
as is the time for processing advance authorisation and EPCG issuances. The policy has
also lowered the application fee for these schemes for MSMEs. This is a step in the right
direction. As is the facilitation of e-commerce exports, widening the basket covered
under RODTEP (Remission of duties and taxes on exported products), the steps being
taken to boost manufacturing, rationalising the thresholds for recognition of exporters,
merchanting trade reform, as well as the move towards greater use of the rupee in
international trade. Further, a one-time amnesty scheme has been introduced that aims
at faster resolution of trade disputes.
While this policy comes at a time of considerable uncertainty across the world, as India
accounts for a minuscule portion of global trade (its share in global merchandise exports
stands at around 1.8 per cent, while that in services is roughly 4 per cent), there is
considerable scope for improvement for the country on this count. The new policy
needs to be supplemented with other measures to boost the country’s trade
performance. These range from lowering import tariffs and ensuring a competitive
exchange rate to signing broader and deeper free trade agreements
38. What is the main aim of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023?
A. To increase import tariffs
B. To shift from an incentive to a tax remission-based regime
C. To reduce the ease of doing business
D. To discourage exports through collaborations
39. How does the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 aim to improve the ease of doing business?
A. By increasing processing time for various permissions
B. By providing automatic approvals for various permissions
C. By increasing application fees for various schemes

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D. By increasing the export obligation period

40. Which of the following measures is NOT mentioned in the passage as a way to boost
India's trade performance?
A. Lowering import tariffs
B. Ensuring a competitive exchange rate
C. Signing broader and deeper free trade agreements
D. Increasing the use of foreign currencies in international trade
41. What is the tone of the passage regarding the new Foreign Trade Policy 2023?
A. Critical
B. Pessimistic
C. Optimistic
D. Neutral
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow
Estimates of poverty and inequality in India have been deeply contested. Differences
exist among economists not only on data which forms the basis of their estimation, but
also on trends over past decades. In the absence of official data for recent years — the
last consumption expenditure survey, which forms the basis of poverty and inequality
estimates, was for 2011-12 — the issue has been particularly contentious. More so,
given the sharp differences of opinion on the extent to which the pandemic exacerbated
poverty and inequality. In the absence of official data, several economists have put forth
their estimates based on different data sources. For instance, Arvind Panagariya and
Vishal More, using PLFS data, find that rural poverty “saw a modest rise” only during the
strict lockdown period of April-June 2020, and then declined as sharply as in the pre-
Covid period. And that while urban poverty also saw a “modest rise” in 2020-21, by
April-June 2021 its decline had resumed.
These trends are, however, at odds with studies that draw on other data sources to
estimate poverty. In the “State of working India 2021” report, economists at Azim
Premji University, based on CMIE data, found that the pandemic led to a “sudden
increase in poverty”. As per the report, over an eight month period (March to October
2020), average incomes of the bottom 10 per cent of households were lower by Rs
15,700. This income shock caused an increase in the poverty rate (below the national
minimum wage threshold) by 15 percentage points in rural areas and nearly 20
percentage points in urban areas. Research by Arpit Gupta, Anup Malani and Bartosz
Woda, based on CMIE data, found that income poverty, applying the World Bank’s $1.9
cutoff, rose from 7.6 per cent in November 2019 to 50.5 per cent in April 2020. And that
while poverty did fall subsequently, it did not recover to pre-pandemic levels. Other
indicators suggest that more workers fell back on agriculture indicating the absence of
non-farm employment. More individuals worked under MGNREGA than in the pre-
pandemic period. Regular real wages witnessed a decline. And, sales of two-wheelers
remain subdued.

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In the absence of official consumption expenditure data, reliance on alternate data

sources has only risen, giving rise to conflicting trends. As understanding the trends in
poverty and inequality, and their underlying reasons, is critical for designing government
policies and programmes, this scenario is harmful for policy formulation. The absence of
timely and reliable data, especially during times of uncertainty, needs to be addressed.
While some steps have been taken — employment surveys are now carried out with
greater regularity — more needs to be done. The country’s statistical system needs to
be strengthened.
42. In the "State of working India 2021" report by Azim Premji University, what was the
impact of the pandemic on poverty in rural and urban areas?
A. No significant change in poverty rates
B. Poverty rate increased by 15 percentage points in rural areas and nearly 20
percentage points in urban areas
C. Poverty rate decreased by 15 percentage points in rural areas and nearly 20
percentage points in urban areas
D. Poverty rate increased in rural areas but decreased in urban areas
43. Which of the following statements is true regarding the importance of understanding
trends in poverty and inequality?
A. It helps in increasing the country's GDP
B. It is necessary for designing government policies and programmes
C. It assists in improving the country's statistical system
D. It is required for accurate employment surveys
44. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
A. Optimistic
B. Neutral
C. Appreciative
D. Critical
45. According to the passage, what is the primary issue with estimating poverty and
inequality in India?
A. The lack of agreement among economists on the appropriate data sources to use
B. Disagreements on how the pandemic affected poverty and inequality
C. The absence of official consumption expenditure data for recent years
D. The limited accessibility of data sources like PLFS and CMIE

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Answers
1. A 2. D 3. B 4. B 5. B 6. A 7. A 8. B 9. D 10. B 11. D 12. C
13. A 14. C 15 C 16. A 17. A 18. B 19. B 20. A 21. D 22. A 23. B 24. B
25. A 26. B 27. B 28. D 29. B 30. C 31. A 32. B 33. B 34. B 35. C 36. B
37. B 38. B 39. B 40. D 41. C 42. B 43. B 44.D 45. C
Explanation
1. ‘than’ 'but ' ‘else’ ‘but’
!
 It is nothing else except pride that leads to one’s downfall. (but)
2. RPQS
Rekha Sivanna Gaur, a migrant worker from Karnataka, stands at a naka (crossroad) in
Sanpada, Navi Mumbai every morning along with hundreds of others in the hope that
labour contractors will give them jobs at construction sites. On some days, some of them
get work, but mostly they go back home disappointed. The post-pandemic migration to
Mumbai has not been easy for migrant workers from different states who had no option but
to move back to the metro city in search of work as there were no opportunities back
home.
3. PQRS
Last month, Rest of World published a short interview with Enioluwa Adeoluwa — one of
Nigeria’s leading male social media influencers, with nearly 3 million followers and brand
deals with MAC and Crocs. In the interview, he mentioned that finding brands to sponsor
content is not as easy for him as it is for creators in developed markets. “They could create
10 videos, and all of them will be ‘sponsored by’ something. In Nigeria, you don’t get that.
When you know your dreams are limited to what your finances can handle, then you’re not
allowed to dream that big,” he said.
4. B. That lady was loved by the president.
5. SPQR
Philip Kass spends 90% of his day lying on a twin bed in a sparsely decorated room that used
to belong to his niece. He takes most meals with a plate balanced on his chest, and he
usually watches television because reading is too stressful. “I’m barely living,” he told me on
a warm night in June last year. Ever since a back injury 23 years ago, pain has been eating
away at Kass’s life. It has cost him his career, his relationships, his mobility and his
independence. Now 55, Kass lives with his sister and her family in San Francisco, California.
He occasionally joins them for dinner, which means he’ll eat while standing. And once a day
he tries to walk four or five blocks around the neighbourhood. But he worries that any
activity, walking too briskly or sitting upright for more than a few minutes, will trigger a
fresh round of torment that can take days or weeks to subside.

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6. A. Out of the frying pan and into the fire (phrase) – To escape from one danger and get
caught in an even worse situation
7. A. The bushes have been watered by the gardener.
8. B. flabbergasted
 perplexed (adjective) – confused, baffled, bewildered, puzzled, mystified
 flabbergasted (adjective) – astonished, amazed, stunned, astounded, dumbfounded

 cantankerous (adjective) – irritable, grumpy, grouchy, bad-tempered, argumentative

9. QPSR
A sanitation worker dreams of becoming a lawyer to fight for workers’ rights. A mother
imagines sharing her secrets with her child. A woman practises for a difficult conversation.
This is the story of Kathi, Kathi, Kaarana, a yet-to-be-released short film narrated and
produced by workers from the city of Bangalore and their families. But I’d like to share the
story behind this story: one about four working-class families who dreamed of making films
and attended a film school to collectively learn, create, and take care of each other.
10. B. A website was built from scratch by him.
11. D. discerned
 Ascertain (verb) – to find out or discover something with certainty through careful
observation, investigation, or analysis.
 Decipher (verb) – to decode or interpret something that is difficult or obscure, such
as a code, handwriting, or a language
 Surmise (verb) – to guess or infer something based on incomplete or uncertain
evidence or information
 Discern (verb) – to perceive, recognize, or distinguish something, often with
difficulty or by careful observation
12. C) admiring-
 Resentful (adjective) – bitter, aggrieved, disgruntled, irritated, offended
 apathetic (adjective) – indifferent, uninterested, unmotivated, dispassionate, listless

 envious (adjective) – jealous, covetous, desirous, green-eyed, begrudging

 disdainful (adjective) – contemptuous, scornful, derisive, condescending, superior

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13. A. Rain on someone's parade (phrase) – To purposely ruin someone's plans or spoil their
enjoyment
14. The correct answer is C. "Perseverance is essential for achieving long-term success." This
sentence contains no spelling errors, whereas the other options each have multiple errors:
A. "knowlege" should be "knowledge", and "subjict" should be "subject".
B. "goverment" should be "government", and "effert" should be "effort", and "reduse"
should be "reduce".
D. "acheivement" should be "achievement", and "testamant" should be "testament".
15. C. tenacious (adjective) – persistent, determined, resolute, dogged, unyielding
 ephemeral (adjective) – fleeting, short-lived, momentary, temporary, transitory

 transient (adjective) – temporary, brief, short-term, impermanent, evanescent

 evanescent (adjective) – fleeting, vanishing, transient, ephemeral, short-lived

16. RPSQ
Predicting and understanding disease outbreaks doesn't just involve epidemiology. It takes
math, too. For centuries, mathematicians have tackled questions related to epidemics and
pandemics, along with potential responses to them. For instance, 18th-century Swiss
mathematician Daniel Bernoulli is credited with developing the first mathematical
epidemiology model, which focused on analyzing the effects of smallpox inoculation on life
expectancy. Mathematicians have continued this work to the present day, including during
the COVID pandemic.
17. A) negligent
 Diligent (adjective) – hardworking, assiduous, industrious, conscientious, persistent

 industrious (adjective) – hardworking, diligent, assiduous, tireless, productive

 assiduous (adjective) – diligent, persistent, industrious, attentive, meticulous

 punctilious (adjective) – meticulous, scrupulous, exacting, careful, fastidious

18. SPRQ

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Officials were celebrating just hours away from several of India’s major tiger reserves when
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in the southern city of Mysuru that the country’s
tiger population has steadily grown to more than 3,000 since its flagship conservation
programme began 50 years ago over concerns that the numbers of the big cats were
dwindling.
“India is a country where protecting nature is part of our culture,” Modi said in his speech
on Sunday. “This is why we have many unique achievements in wildlife conservation.”
Modi also launched the International Big Cats Alliance, which he said will focus on the
protection and conservation of seven big cat species: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard,
puma, jaguar and cheetah.
But Indigenous people, known as Adivasi in India, say wildlife conservation projects have
displaced members of their community over the past half-century. Adivasi communities in
Karnataka organised protests last month to highlight how their people, who have lived in
forests for centuries, have been kept out of conservation efforts.
19. B) The correct answer is option b) "Comaraderie". The incorrect spelling in this option is
"Comaraderie," which should be spelled as "Camaraderie". The other options, a) Irresistible,
c) Preposterous, and d) Incessant, are all spelled correctly.
20. A. She ordered her maid to clean the utensils properly.
21. D) In this sentence, the words 'thorough' and 'meticulous' are underlined. Both words have
similar meanings, as they both refer to being very careful and detailed in one's work.
Therefore, the correct answer is option d) thorough - meticulous, as they are synonyms.
22. ‘defined’ 'defined as ' ‘define as’ ‘to say or
explain what the meaning of a word or phrase is’
23. B. adjudicating
 promulgate (verb) – announce, proclaim, publicize, disseminate, spread
 adjudicate (verb) – judge, decide, arbitrate, determine, resolve
 exculpate (verb) – absolve, exonerate, clear, acquit, vindicate
 vitiate (verb) – spoil, impair, mar, corrupt, debase
24. B) ambiguity (noun) – Uncertainty, Vagueness
 Obfuscation (noun) – confusion, obscurity, ambiguity, complication, bewilderment

25. A. I told her that I was not very happy at work.

26. B) board
In this sentence, the correct homonym is "board," which refers to a long, flat piece of wood,
plastic, or another material that the painter is using to create straight lines on the canvas

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27. Ornithologist – Someone who scientifically studies the birds

 Voyage – Journey by water or sea
 Immortal – One who cannot die
 Invoice – List of goods with their price
28. Dominion – An area controlled by a ruler
 Monogamy – The practice of keeping only one wife
 Bifurcate – To cut something into two pieces, sever
 Astrology – Science of the influence of the stars on human affairs
29. B. Ravi said that he might sell that tie.
30. c) significant
Explanation: The passage discusses the importance of women empowerment, which
indicates that it is a significant topic of discussion.
31. a) power
Explanation: The passage describes women empowerment as a process that provides
women with the ability to make their own decisions, which is synonymous with giving them
power.
32. b) restrictions
Explanation: The passage emphasizes that women empowerment aims to allow women to
lead a life without restrictions or discrimination.
33. b) organizations
Explanation: Although individuals, governments, and celebrities can also fight for women's
rights, organizations are more likely to have a broader and more organized impact on the
cause.
34. B. Their love for stories and wisdom
35. C. It was a long-lost volume of the Panchatantra
36. B. Sneaking in and snatching the book away
37. B. They brought the creatures closer together
38. b) To shift from an incentive to a tax remission-based regime
Explanation: The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 has four main aims: to shift from an incentive to
a tax remission-based regime, to improve the ease of doing business, promote exports
through collaborations, and focus on emerging areas.
39. b) By providing automatic approvals for various permissions
Explanation: The policy aims to improve the ease of doing business by providing automatic
approvals for various permissions, reducing processing times for revalidation of
authorizations, and extension of export obligation periods.

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40. d) Increasing the use of foreign currencies in international trade

Explanation: The passage mentions lowering import tariffs, ensuring a competitive
exchange rate, and signing broader and deeper free trade agreements as measures to boost
India's trade performance. The policy actually aims to move towards greater use of the
rupee in international trade, not foreign currencies
41. C. Optimistic
Explanation: The tone of the passage is optimistic, as it highlights the improvements and
positive changes introduced in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. The passage mentions the
policy's focus on reducing friction, improving ease of doing business, and facilitating
exports, all of which suggest an optimistic outlook
42. b) Poverty rate increased by 15 percentage points in rural areas and nearly 20 percentage
points in urban areas
Explanation: The passage mentions that the report found that the pandemic led to an
increase in the poverty rate (below the national minimum wage threshold) by 15
percentage points in rural areas and nearly 20 percentage points in urban areas.
43. b) It is necessary for designing government policies and programmes
Explanation: The passage states that understanding the trends in poverty and inequality,
and their underlying reasons, is critical for designing government policies and programmes.
44. D) Critical
Explanation: The passage is critical of the lack of official data on poverty and inequality in
India, highlighting how it has led to conflicting estimates and trends. It also emphasizes the
need for strengthening the country's statistical system in order to design effective
government policies and programs.
45. C) The absence of official consumption expenditure data for recent years
Explanation: The passage states that the main issue with estimating poverty and inequality
in India is the absence of official consumption expenditure data for recent years. Due to
this, economists rely on different data sources, leading to conflicting trends and making it
difficult to design effective government policies and programs.

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Vocabulary: Passage (Q38 – Q41)

1. Points of Friction (noun) – Obstacles, 13. Emerging (adjective) – Developing,
hindrances, barriers, impediments, growing, rising, up-and-coming
bottlenecks
14. Articulate (verb) – Express, state, convey,
2. Unmistakable (adjective) – Clear, evident, communicate, voice
obvious, undeniable, conspicuous
15. Likely (adjective) – Probable, possible,
3. Unveil (verb) – Reveal, disclose, expose, expected, anticipated
uncover, present
16. Touch (verb) – Reach, attain, achieve,
4. Considerable (adjective) – Substantial, arrive at, come to
significant, large, major, sizable
17. For instance (phrase) – For example, as an
5. In effect (phrase) – In practice, in example, such as, like
operation, functioning, working
18. Framework (noun) – Structure, system,
6. Fourfold (adjective) – Quadruple, four scheme, organization
times, four times as much
19. Revalidation (noun) – Confirmation,
7. Shift (verb) – Change, adjust, alter, verification, reconfirmation, reaffirmation
modify, transform

8. Incentive (noun) – Motivation, stimulus, 20. Bring down (phrasal verb) – Reduce,
inducement, encouragement decrease, lower, lessen

9. Tax remission (noun) – Tax reduction, tax 21. Export Obligation Period (noun) – A
relief, tax abatement, tax rebate specified time frame within which an
exporter is required to fulfill certain
10. Regime (noun) – system, arrangement, export commitments in exchange for
scheme, code benefits or concessions received, such as
tax exemptions or reduced duties.
11. Ease of doing business (noun) – Business
22. Processing advance authorization (noun)
friendliness, simplified regulations,
– The procedure of obtaining an official
streamlined processes
approval that permits import of input
goods for the purpose of manufacturing
export products without payment of
12. Collaboration (noun) – Cooperation, customs duties, taxes, or levies, subject to
partnership, alliance, joint effort the fulfillment of export commitments.

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23. EPCG (noun) – Export Promotion Capital without them entering the home country,
Goods, a scheme that enables exporters aimed at simplifying procedures and
to import capital goods without paying promoting international trade.
duties or levies, in order to promote the
production and export of goods and 33. Amnesty scheme (noun) – A one-time
services, subject to certain export policy or program introduced by the
obligation requirements. government to resolve outstanding issues,
such as trade disputes, by offering
24. Issuance (noun) – Distribution, provision, reduced penalties or waivers, in order to
granting, giving out encourage compliance and expedite
resolutions.
25. Facilitation (noun) – Assistance, support,
34. Resolution (noun) – Solution, settlement,
help, aid
conclusion, decision, determination
26. Widen (verb) – Broaden, expand, enlarge,
extend
35. Uncertainty (noun) – Unpredictability,
instability, ambiguity, doubt, indecision
27. Basket (noun) – Collection, assortment,
variety, range

28. RODTEP (noun) – Remission of Duties and 36. Account for (phrasal verb) – constitute,
Taxes on Exported Products, a scheme form, total compose, be responsible for
designed to refund the duties and taxes
paid on input materials and goods used in
the production of exported products, 37. Minuscule (adjective) – Tiny, small, little,
promoting competitiveness of exports.
minute, negligible
29. Rationalise (verb) – Streamline, simplify,
reorganize, systematize, optimize 38. Merchandise (adjective) – Tradable,
marketable, saleable, vendible, retail

30. Threshold (noun) – Limit, boundary,

borderline, dividing line, starting point 39. On this count (phrase) – In this regard,
concerning this, with respect to this, on
this issue
31. Recognition (noun) – Acknowledgment,
acceptance, validation, endorsement, 40. Supplement (verb) – add an extra
appreciation element or amount to.

32. Merchanting trade reform (noun) – A 41. Tariff (noun) – Tax, duty, levy, charge, fee
revision or improvement of the rules and
regulations related to merchanting trade,
which involves buying and selling goods

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42. Ensure (verb) – Guarantee, secure, make to eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs
certain, confirm, ascertain and import quotas, and promote the flow
of goods and services between the
43. Free trade agreement (noun) – A pact signatory nations, in order to increase
between two or more countries that aims economic cooperation and growth.

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Vocabulary: Passage (Q42 – Q45)

1. Poverty (noun) – Impoverishment, 12. More so (phrase) – Even more, to a
destitution, indigence, penury, want greater extent, additionally, further

2. Estimation (noun) – Assessment, 13. Given (preposition) – Considering,

approximation, evaluation, calculation, taking into account, bearing in mind
judgment

3. Mind (verb) – Consider, pay attention 14. Extent (noun) – Degree, magnitude,
to, heed, be mindful of, take into scope, range, reach
account
15. Exacerbate (verb) – Worsen, aggravate,
4. Estimate (noun) – Approximation, intensify, increase, heighten
projection, forecast, guess, prediction
16. Put forth (phrasal verb) – Propose,
present, suggest, submit, offer
5. Inequality (noun) – Disparity,
imbalance, unevenness, disproportion,
inequity 17. For instance (phrase) – For example, as
an example, such as, like
6. Contested (adjective) – Disputed,
debated, challenged, controversial,
18. PLFS data (noun) – PLFS data refers to
arguable the Periodic Labour Force Survey data,
which is a dataset collected by the
7. Differences (noun) – Disagreement, Indian government to provide
argument, dispute, variance information on various labor market
indicators, such as employment,
8. Exist (verb) – Be, happen, occur, be unemployment, and labor force
present participation rates, across various
sectors and regions in India.
9. Economist (noun) – Financial expert,
economic analyst, financial analyst, 19. Rural (adjective) – Countryside,
economic adviser agricultural, rustic, non-urban

10. Decade (noun) – Ten years, 10-year 20. Urban (adjective) – Metropolitan, city,
period town, municipal

11. Contentious (adjective) – Disputable, 21. Resume (verb) – Restart, recommence,

controversial, debatable, polemical, continue, pick up, begin again
argumentative

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22. At odds with (phrase) – In 31. Nominal Wage (noun) – It refer to the
disagreement, in conflict, at variance, unadjusted amount of money paid to a
contrary to worker, real wages provide a more
accurate measure of the worker's well-
23. Draw on (phrasal verb) – Utilize, use, being and living standards.
employ, rely on, exploit
32. Witness (verb) – Observe, see, watch,
24. CMIE data (noun) – CMIE data refers to notice, experience
the data collected by the Centre for
Monitoring Indian Economy, an 33. Subdued (adjective) – Restrained,
independent organization that provides muted, suppressed, low-key,
economic and business data, research, understated
and analysis for India. This data is used
by researchers, policymakers, and 34. Reliance (on) (noun) – Dependence,
analysts to study various aspects of the trust, confidence, faith, assurance
Indian economy, including employment,
consumption, and poverty levels.
35. Give rise to (phrase) – Cause, bring
25. Lead (to) (verb) – Cause, bring about, about, generate, produce, create
result in, produce, generate

26. Threshold (noun) – Limit, boundary,

36. Conflicting (adjective) – Contradictory,
border, brink, verge opposing, clashing, inconsistent,
incompatible
27. Fall (verb) – Decrease, decline, drop,
diminish, lessen 37. Underlying (adjective) – Fundamental,
basic, primary, essential, intrinsic
28. Subsequently (adverb) – Afterwards,
later, following, after that, consequently
38. Critical (adjective) – Crucial, vital,
important, essential, significant
29. Fall back on (phrasal verb) – Rely on,
resort to, turn to, depend on, lean on
39. Scenario (noun) – Situation, condition,
circumstance, case, state of affairs
30. Real wage (noun) – Real wage is the
wage rate of a worker, adjusted for
inflation. It represents the actual
40. Reliable (adjective) – Dependable,
purchasing power of the wages, as it
trustworthy, credible, accurate,
takes into account the changes in the
consistent
cost of living.

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41. Uncertainty (noun) – Unpredictability, 44. Regularity (noun) – Consistency,

doubt, insecurity, ambiguity, vagueness steadiness, uniformity, evenness,
constancy

42. Address (verb) – Tackle, deal with, 45. Statistical (adjective) – Numerical,
attend to, confront, handle mathematical, data-based, quantitative

43. Carry out (phrasal verb) – Perform, 46. Strengthen (verb) – Reinforce, fortify,
execute, accomplish, complete, conduct intensify, bolster, consolidate

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English Madhyam 25