Allahabad Bank (Clerk) Exam 2009 (IInd Shift) : English Language (Solved)

Allahabad Bank (Clerk) Exam., 2009
(Held on 15-3-2009) (IInd Shift)
English Language :Solved Paper

Directions—(Q. 1–12) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Rajendra stayed in a tiny hut with his goat. One day, his uncles tied it alongside the goats that belonged to the village butcher. The butcher killed all the goats. Now, Rajendra’s goat had a bell around its neck. Rajendra found the bell. Scared that the boy would tell everyone he had killed a stolen goat, the butcher gave Rajendra some money. His uncles met him and asked about the money. ‘Everyone wanted goat’s meat today. My goat somehow ended up at the butcher’s and he sold its meat. This is my share’, he replied. His uncles who owned twenty goats slaughtered them all and went to sell the meat. But there was so much meat in the market that they got only a few rupees for their goats.

Angry, they set fire to his little hut. Rajendra came home and found a pile of ash. Sadly he gathered the ash in a bag and decided to leave the village. He walked till he reached a village where he sat down under a tree to rest. Who was this stranger carrying a bag of ashes ? The villagers wondered. Rajendra’s hut had been his dearest possession, so he said, ‘It is the ash from a sacred place’. The villagers asked him to sell it. But he refused. Rumor spread that a holy man from the Himalayas had ash that chould cure all misfortunes. He wanted no money, but it was only right that you paid a coin. Soon the ash was all gone and in its place was a pile of coins. Rajendra decided to return to his village. When his uncles saw him they asked Rajendra his secret. Rajendra said, ‘I sold the ash from my burnt hut and got this money’. His uncles burnt down their fine houses, gathered the ashes and set off for the village. But as soon as they uttered the word ‘ash’, the villagers beat them ! By then the villagers knew there was no magic in the ash.

Angry, the uncles decided to kill Rajendra. They invited him for a walk and pushed him in the river. A girl washing clothes nearby heard his screams for help. Being a good swimmer she dived in. When she heard his story she thought of a plan. The next day Rajendra went to his uncles’ house with the girl, dressed in finery and said, ‘When I fell into the the river, she saved me. She has a palace at the bottom of the river. Do come and visit us.’ Saying this, they left in the direction of the river. The uncles decided to follow Rajendra and cheat him of his newfound wealth. So they ran to the river and dived into its deep waters. They were never heard of again.

1. Why did the butcher slaughter Rajendra’s goat ?
(A) Rajendra’s uncles had sold it to him
(B) He had stolen it as he did not have sufficient goats
(C) It was the healthiest of all the goats he had
(D) Rajendra agreed to let him if he was given a share of the profit
(E) None of these

2. Which of the following can be said about Rajendra’s uncles ?
(A) They treated Rajendra badly because they had not been on good terms with his parents
(B) They were cunning thieves and had made a lot of money
(C) They were rich but were jealous of Rajendra’s wealth
(D) They were creative and found indirect ways of helping Rajendra to make money
(E) They tried to drive Rajendra away from the village because they were ashamed of him

3. Why did Rajendra leave his village one day ?
(A) He was so upset over the death of his goat that he could not bear to live there any longer
(B) He left in order to sell ash at a nearby village
(C) He had lost his house in a fire set by his uncles
(D) He was in search of a wife since he had no family of his own
(E) His uncles refused him shelter and he had nowhere to stay after his hut burnt down

4. Why did the villagers donate money to Rajendra ?
(1) They saw his bag of ashes and felt sorry for him.
(2) They felt that it was their duty to help him in his time of trobule.
(3) He misled them into thinking he had travelled all the way to the Himalayas.
(A) None
(B) Both (1) & (2)
(C) Only (2)
(D) Only (3)
(E) None of these

5. How did Rajendra get his uncles to stop harassing him ?
(A) He offered them all his wife’s wealth
(B) He told them about his good luck so they decided to treat him well
(C) He pushed them into the river
(D) They realised they could not harm him and gave up
(E) None of these

6. What made the villagers angry with Rajendra’s uncles ?
(A) The ash the uncles had sold them was useless
(B) They were asking an unreasonable price for the ash
(C) They thought the uncles wanted to cheat them just as Rajendra had
(D) His uncles had treated Rajendra very badly
(E) None of these

7. Why did the girl go into the river ?
(A) She had to enter the river to wash her clothes
(B) She wanted to show off her swimming skills
(C) Seeing what Rajendra’s uncles had done she wanted to save him
(D) She lived at the bottom of the river
(E) None of these

8. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(1) Rajendra plotted with the villagers to teach his uncle a lesson.
(2) Rajendra married the girl who saved him from drowning.
(3) Rajendra’s uncles were very greedy.
(A) None
(B) Both (1) & (2)
(C) Only (2)
(D) Only (3)
(E) None of these

Directions—(Q. 9–10) Choose the word which is MOST SIMILAR in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
9. Stayed
(A) delayed
(B) remained
(C) lived
(D) postponed
(E) stopped

10. Rest
(A) balance
(B) relax
(C) calm
(D) quiet
(E) others

Directions—(Q. 11–12) Choose the word which is MOST OPPOSITE in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
11. Sacred
(A) devil
(B) unfaithful
(C) sinless
(D) unholy
(E) religious

12. Good
(A) dishonest
(B) incapable
(C) unhealthy
(D) unsuitable
(E) disobedient

Directions—(Q. 13–17) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

13. Our country is one of the most densely populated in the world and need increased food production.
(A) needy of increasing
(B) needed an increases
(C) need increasingly the
(D) needs to increase
(E) No correction required

14. This is an organisation which helps the poor by providing loans at mostly less rates of interest—
(A) at much smaller
(B) at very low
(C) with such lower
(D) for so little
(E) No correction required

15. I cannot say if I definitely get into the college of my choice but my teachers are confident that I will—
(A) that I shall definitely
(B) whether I was definitely
(C) why I was definite
(D) unless I definitely was to
(E) No correction required

16. Since this is a crucial project you should choose those who are experienced, for it—
(A) will be experiencing
(B) are experienced
(C) have experience of
(D) experiences from
(E) No correction required

17. Learnt that he wanted to be posted in the city, I requested the manager to transfer him—
(A) Once I learn
(B) I have learnt since
(C) One learning that
(D) While learning because
(E) No correction required

Directions—(Q. 18–22) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D) One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e., ‘All correct’ as your answer.

18. It is true (A) that credit card companies cannot import (B) such (C) high charges (D) on customers. All correct (E)

19. In our opinion these norms (A) are not applicant (B) in this kind (C) of situation. (D) All correct (E)

20. The government is trying (A) to control (B) the price raise (C) but this is not the method it should adopt. (D) All correct (E)

21. To ensure (A) there has been no fraud (B) the accounts of the previous (C) year need to be carelessly (D) examined. All correct (E)

22. In this time of recession you should consider (A) the possibility (B) of reducing (C) your expenditure. (D) All correct (E)

Directions—(Q. 23–27) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them—
(1) I, therefore, contacted him, found out his fees and that he wanted to study at a Teacher’s Training College.
(2) He sent me a letter of thanks but I was surprised to also find some currency notes in the envelope.
(3) While reading the newspaper I saw an interview with a boy who had ranked eighth in the SSC exams.
(4) He knew I did not expect any account of the money yet he had returned the balance of the amount I had sent, as his expenditure was less.
(5) He was unable to study further because his father earned only forty rupees a day.
(6) I accordingly sent Rs. 1,800 to cover his expenses for six months.

23. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

24. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (2)
(B) (3)
(C) (4)
(D) (5)
(E) (6)

25. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

26. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearangement ?
(A) (2)
(B) (3)
(C) (4)
(D) (5)
(E) (6)

27. Which of the following should be the LAST (SIXTH) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

Directions—(Q. 28–32) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is ‘E’. (Ignor errors of punctuation, if any.)

28. Base on the research (A) / we have conducted in (B) / different parts of the country (C) / this scheme will be successful. (D) No error (E)

29. I want to share (A) / my experience with you (B) / though you will (C) / benefit from it. (D) No error (E)

30. He used to advise (A) / his students to do (B) / their work serious if they (C) / wanted to achieve their goals. (D) No error (E)

31. Any of these branches do (A) / not require more than (B) / two employees since they (C) / have been recently established. (D) No error (E)

32. He encouraged us to (A) / think but none of the (B) / suggestions we made was (C) / discussed at the meeting. (D) No error (E)

Directions—(Q. 33– 40) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

From the beginning, we …(33)… that we would trust our clients and never …(34)… the judiciary in seeking repayment of our loans. We feel that our relationship is with people …(35)… than with papers. We succeed or fail depending on how …(36)… our personal relationship is with our borrowers. Today, the …(37)… in other banks is that every borrower is going to run away with their money so they tie him or her up in legal documents to make …(38)… that the borrower cannot escape the reach of the bank. In …(39)… cases the borrower does end up defaulting but this is less than one per cent. To us this represents a …(40)… remainder of what we need to improve to succeed.

33. (A) clear
(B) decided
(C) determine
(D) firm
(E) emphatic

34. (A) used
(B) obey
(C) involve
(D) brief
(E) apply

35. (A) instead
(B) preferable
(C) prior
(D) rather
(E) less

36. (A) better
(B) valuable
(C) endured
(D) benefited
(E) strong

37. (A) assumption
(B) guess
(C) undertaking
(D) responsibility
(E) guarantee

38. (A) safe
(B) confirm
(C) certain
(D) surely
(E) believe

39. (A) open
(B) hardly
(C) often
(D) seldom
(E) rare

40. (A) past
(B) eager
(C) compulsorily
(D) constant
(E) persisted

Answers with Explanations
1. (E) 2. (C) 3. (C) 4. (D) 5. (E) 6. (C) 7. (E) 8. (D) 9. (C) 10. (B) 11. (D) 12. (B)
13. (D) Change ‘need increased’ to ‘needs to increase’ Here the subject is Signular and it requires Singular Verb.
14. (B) Change ‘at mostly less’ to ‘at very low’.
15. (A) Change ‘if I definitely’ to that ‘I shall definitely’.
16. (C) Change ‘are experienced, for’ to ‘have experience of’.
17. (E)
18. (B) Change ‘import’ to ‘impose’.
19. (B) Change ‘applicant’ to ‘applicable’.
20. (C) Change ‘raise’ to ‘rise’.
21. (D) Change ‘carelessly’ to ‘carefully’.
22. (E) No error.
23. (C) 24. (D) 25. (A 26. (E) 27. (D)
28. (A) Change ‘Base’ to ‘Based’.
29. (C) Change ‘though’ to ‘and’.
30. (C) Change ‘serious’ to ‘seriously’.
31. (A) Change ‘do’ to ‘does’.
32. (E) 33. (B) 34. (C) 35. (D) 36. (E) 37. (A) 38. (C) 39. (E) 40. (D)

Allahabad Bank (Clerk) Exam, 2009 : English Language

Allahabad Bank (Clerk) Exam., 2009
English Language : Solved Paper
(Held on 15-3-2009)

Directions—(Q. 1–12) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

One day Nandu rode his horse to the village fair. On his way back he met Somendra, the merchant. The merchant was a crafty man, ready to do anything to earn some money. The villagers knew this. In fact no one knew what trick he would be up to next. Now, Nandu was poor and had no one in the world to call his own except a beautfiul, white horse. He loved it more than anything else in the world. The merchant had his eye on the horse for a long time and tried to think of a way to get it for himself. Seeing Nandu, the merchant thought, “Nandu is a simpleton. Let me see if I can trick him out of his horse. “So he said to Nandu, “You live all alone. How do you manage ? What does a young boy like you need with a horse ? Sell it to me and I shall make you rich in return.” Nandu replied, “No I don’t want to sell my horse.”

But the merchant refused to give up so easily. He offered Nandu more money. Finally, when the offer reached five hundred gold coins, Nandu paused and said, “Five hundred gold coins seems like a good price. But I have a condition. If you agree to it, I shall give you my horse.” What is it ?” The merchant asked impatiently. “Give me the money right now and I shall give you my horse when I have given you ten lashes,” said Nandu. “Is that all ?” asked the merchant. He could easily bear ten lashes. After all he would resell the horse for over a thousand gold coins in the market. He would take twenty lashes for such a gain. He agreed instantly. He ran home and got the money for Nandu and brought along his whip as well. Nandu counted the money carefully. He then took the whip and the lashes fell on the merchant’s back in quick succession. By the eighth lash the merchant was almost in tears but he told himself that there were only two lashes to go and the horse would be his ! The merchant held his breath waiting for the final lash. But Nandu had mounted his horse and was riding off. “Wait !” shouted the merchant in anger. “What about the tenth lash ? Where are you going with the horse ? We had a deal.”

Nandu stopped and said, “I agreed to give you the horse only after I had given you ten lashes. But it is upsetting my horse. I’ll give you the last lash later. Till then goodbye !” “Come back you cheat !” the merchant shouted. But the crowd that had gathered around agreed with Nandu. A deal was a deal. Till the last lash was given the horse could not belong to the merchant. Nandu rode away richer by five hundred gold coins and Somendra waited in vain for several days for the final lash which never came !

1. Why did the merchant offer to buy Nandu’s horse ?
(A) He was very fond of horses and Nandu’s horse was rare breed
(B) It was his way of helping Nandu who was poor
(C) The horse would be useful for carrying goods to the market
(D) He hated Nandu and wanted to deprive him of something he loved
(E) None of these

2. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(1) Nandu was an orphan
(2) The marchant was very persevering
(3) The merchant was fonder of Nandu’s horse than Nandu was
(A) None
(B) Only (1)
(C) Both (1) & (2)
(D) All (1), (2) & (3)
(E) None of these

3. Why did Nandu set the condition of giving the merchant ten lashes ?
(A) To discourage the merchant from buying his horse
(B) To demonstrate how painful a whipping was so that the merchant would never hit the horse
(C) To bargain with the merchant to offer more money
(D) To outwit the merchant who was trying to cheat him
(E) None of these

4. Why did the bystanders take Nandu’s side in the argument ?
(1) They hoped that Nandu would give them a reward from the five hundred gold coins he had earned.
(2) They were sure that the merchant would ill treat the horse and wanted to prevent that from happening.
(3) They knew that Nandu would be miserable without his horse of whom he was very fond.
(A) None
(B) Only (1)
(C) Both (1) & (3)
(D) Only (3)
(E) None of these

5. What reason did Nandu cite for not giving the merchant the final lash ?
(A) He was tired and not in the mood
(B) He realised that the merchant was in great pain and took pity on him
(C) He was following the advice of the people around
(D) His horse was distressed by the whipping
(E) He had changed his mind about selling his horse

6. Which of the following can be said about Nandu ?
(1) He was very cunning.
(2) He needed moeny.
(3) He was cruel to people but loved animals.
(A) Only (1)
(B) Both (1) & (2)
(C) Both (2) & (3)
(D) All (1), (2) & (3)
(E) None of these

7. What made the merchant agree to Nandu’s strange condition for buying the horse ?
(A) He wanted to show Nandu how brave he was
(B) The thought of the profit he would make on selling the horse
(C) The fear that Nandu would raise the price of his horse otherwise
(D) He did not think that Nandu would actually whip him
(E) None of these

8. Why did Nandu consider selling his horse to the merchant ?
(A) He had no real use for the horse
(B) The merchant’s offer was more than what the horse was worth
(C) He had not managed to sell it at the village fair
(D) He could no longer afford to feed his horse
(E) None of these

9. Which of the following best describes the merchant’s reputation in the village ?
(A) He was enterprising and had made a lot of money
(B) He was dishonest and would do anyting to get what he wanted
(C) He would squander his money on things he liked
(D) He was generous and helped the less fortunate
(E) He was successful because he was courageous and stubborn

Directions—(Q. 10–11) Choose the word which is MOST SIMILAR in MEANING to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

10. return
(A) reject
(B) profit
(C) settle
(D) replace
(E) exchange

11. paused
(A) halted
(B) relaxed
(C) ended
(D) stuck
(E) interval

Directions—Choose the word which is MOST OPPOSITE in MEANING to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

12. gathered
(A) dissolved
(B) collected
(C) dispersed
(D) melted
(E) distributed

Directions—(Q. 13–17) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e., ‘All correct’ as your answer.

13. We are now facing stiff (A) competing (B) from foreign companies manufacturing (C) similar (D) products. All correct (E)

14. I have mentioned (A) this case to indicate (B) how deliberate (C) it will be to achieve our goal. (D) All correct (E)

15. Today, thank (A) to our support (B) she has managed (C) to purchase (D) her own house. All correct (E)

16. As per your request (A) this is a detail (B) list of our basic (C) requirements. (D) All correct (E)

17. The final decision (A) of whether (B) to go ahead (C) or not does not rest (D) with the manager. All correct (E)

Directions—(Q. 18–25) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Initially, the Grameen Bank did not …(18)… to get involved with the education of its borrowers. But as time went by, they began to feel the …(19)… for it. Most of the borrowers had no formal education …(20)… the ability to read and write. The borrowers had difficulty in expanding their business. They …(21)… to be able to keep accounts, read …(22)… about business, health, new ways of farming etc. They …(23)… their children to school and their children in turn helped their parents to keep accounts, read instructions and …(24)… else needed to be read.

But this is not enough for the future. So the bank has set out to make sure that their borrowers …(25)… a hundred per cent literacy rate with five years.

18. (A) meant
(B) deserve
(C) plan
(D) intent
(E) realise

19. (A) concern
(B) need
(C) duty
(D) relevance
(E) value

20. (A) except
(B) having
(C) besides
(D) unless
(E) without

21. (A) tried
(B) must
(C) knew
(D) wanted
(E) discovered

22. (A) knowledge
(B) awareness
(C) information
(D) fact
(E) circular

23. (A) sent
(B) enrolled
(C) insisted
(D) urge
(E) encourage

24. (A) above
(B) nothing
(C) anything
(D) whatever
(E) something

25. (A) acquire
(B) qualify
(C) collect
(D) reaching
(E) fulfilling

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

26. He has visited many places all over the city looked at the perfect location to set up his factory.
(A) looking out
(B) looking for
(C) looking after
(D) looked forward to
(E) No correction required

27. No traffic will be allowed in this area since the minister visit scheduled today.
(A) minister’s visit
(B) minister is visiting
(C) minister’s visit is
(D) visit of the Minister
(E) No correction required

28. Medical treatment here is very expensive that they had to sell off their land to pay for it.
(A) quite expensive and
(B) too expensive for
(C) so expensive but
(D) more expensive
(E) No correction required

29. To be successful it is important to know why your failure in the past and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
(A) why you had failed
(B) because you have failed
(C) that your failure
(D) where you were failed
(E) No correction required

30. These hand woven shawls are much in demand in many European countries.
(A) were much demand
(B) are lots of demand
(C) demanded much
(D) will be lot to demand
(E) No correction required

Directions—(Q. 31–35) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is not error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.)

31. Some of our staff is worried (A) / that as soon as (B) / the project is over they (C) / will lose their jobs. (D) No error (E)

32. If you decide to hold (A) / the function in Kolkata (B) / not much of us (C) / will be able to attend. (D) No error (E)

33. In case you need five people (A) / to run a branch you (B) / should be selected (C) / ten since some may leave. (D) No error (E)

34. Although he approached (A) / many private businessess to invest (B) / in his printing business (C) / nobody of them was interested. (D) No error (E)

35. How can you give up (A) / this job when you are (B) / just about to be (C) / appointed for General Manager ? (D) No error (E)

Directions—(Q. 36-40) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
1. Such was his down to earth nature.
2. He placed the album before the President saying, “Sir, please do us the honour of attending the prize distribution ceremony of our Institute.
3. Hearing this, the man asked the photographer to take a photo of him placing a shawl around the President’s shoulders as a momento.
4. He entered the room with a photographer, holding an album and a shawl.
5. The President glanced through it and said, “I shall not be able to make it but may God bless the children.”
6. The man then left and I angrily pointed out that he had taken the shawl with him, to which the President replied, “I do not need it. Perhaps he does.”

36. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

37. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

38. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6

39. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6

40. Which of the following should be the LAST (SIXTH) Sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

Answers:
1. (E) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (A) 5. (D) 6. (A) 7. (B) 8. (E) 9. (B) 10. (E)
11. (A) 12. (C) 13. (B) 14. (C) 15. (A) 16. (B) 17. (E) 18. (D) 19. (B) 20. (A)
21. (D) 22. (C) 23. (A) 24. (D) 25. (A) 26. (B) 27. (C) 28. (A) 29. (A) 30. (E)
31. (A) 32. (C) 33. (C) 34. (D) 35. (E) 36. (D) 37. (B) 38. (D) 39. (E) 40. (A)

Dena Bank (Clerk) Exam, 2009 : English Language

Dena Bank (Clerk) Exam., 2009
(Held on 8-3-2009)
English Language : Solved Paper

Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Bhaskar was a wealthy, wordly wise merchant. On his deathbed, he called his only son, Nakul, and gave him some advice. “When you do business and travel to an unknown land, make sure you know the local culture well. Try to gain as much information as you can. This and presence of mind will come to your rescue.” Bhaskar died a few days later and Nakul began looking after the business. Once, he travelled by ship to a distant country where he stayed at an inn. He began talking to the owner and ended up telling him all about his life and the business had come to conduct.

The following day, Nakul was heading to the bustling market when a one armed man rushed up to him and said, “Your father took one of my arms as a loan. You must return it to me.” Not knowing what to do, Nakul asked the man to meet him the next day. A little later, a woman came upto Nakul and said, “Your father married me and would send me money every month. This responsibility is now yours.” Again Nakul asked for a day’s respite and walked on. On the way he stopped at a tavern and ate breakfast. While paying for his meal the owner said, “The only payment I want is for you to make me happy.” Though he had to pay only two coins, Nakul gave the man five, but the man still maintained that he was unhappy. That evening Nakul met a man who invited him to a game of dice. Unaware they were playing with a trick dice, he lost every game. The winner set him an unusual condition, “Drink all the water in the sea or give me all the goods on your ship.” Nakul said he would give him his decision the next day. That night as Nakul lay on his bed, he remembered his father’s words, “In a foreign land only your wits will come to your aid.”

The next morning, as soon as he reached the marketplace, the one armed man appeared. Nakul smiled when he saw him and said, “My father took many such loans and our house is full of hands. I shall take your other arm, find the matching one and repay you.” The man ran away petrified. He then approached the woman who claimed to have been married to his father. “My father was wrong not to tell us about you. Come home with me and help my mother in the fields.” The woman left without a word. Next, Nakul went to the tavern and standing outside shouted, “Hail the King ! Your king is great !” “I am happy to hear you say that”, was the only response the tavern owner could give.“ If you are happy,” continued Nakul, “I have paid for my meal.” Nakul then sought out the man who had won at dice the previous night. “I shall gladly drink all the water in the sea provided you bring me the water in jugs.” The man made a quick getaway when he heard this. Nakul returned home after conducting much business. He was far richer in wisdom too.

1. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(1) Nakul preferred sailing to working in the fields with his mother.
(2) Bhaskar’s second wife was a greedy woman.
(3) Bhaskar did not have faith in Nakul’s ability to successfully run the business.
(A) None
(B) Only (1)
(C) Both (1) & (3)
(D) Both (2) & (3)
(E) Only (2)

2. Why did Nakul visit a far-away country ?
(A) It was his father’s final request
(B) To acquire knowledge about a different culture
(C) To mee some of his father’s acquaintances
(D) To trade and do business
(E) None of these

3. How did Nakul manage to deal with the people who tried to swindle him ?
(1) His father provided him with the solution in a dream.
(2) He threatened them with dire punishment.
(3) He gave into their demands and paid them off.
(A) None
(B) Only (2)
(C) Only (3)
(D) Both (1) & (2)
(E) None of these

4. Why wasn’t Nakul able to win any of the games while gambling ?
(A) He was not a skilful player
(B) He was distracted while playing
(C) The other players were cheating with a trick dice
(D) He was not well versed with local rules
(E) None of these

5. Which of the following best describes the one armed man’s reaction when he met Nakul for the second time ?
(A) He was upset because Nakul refused to honour the debt his father owed him
(B) He was angry at Nakul for laughing at his plight
(C) He was frightened since Nakul had threatened to cut-off his remaining arm
(D) He was worried about what action Nakul would take against him for trying to cheat him
(E) He admired Nakul for outwitting him.

6. Why did Nakul confide in the innkeeper ?
(A) The innkeeper was an old friend of his father
(B) He was drunk and unaware he was confiding in a stranger
(C) He was still upset by his father’s death and wanted to talk to someone
(D) By confiding in the innkeeper he hoped to get information about the local customs
(E) None of these

7. Why did Nakul pay the tavern owner five coins instead of two ?
(A) Not being familiar with the foreign currency he made a mistake
(B) Nakul did not have the exact change
(C) He left a tip to show his appreciation for a good meal
(D) He thought the extra money would make the innkeeper happy
(E) He wanted to create a favourable impression

8. Which of the following can be said about Nakul’s father ?
(A) He was adventurous and had travelled all over the world
(B) He was rich and experienced in the ways of the world
(C) He was prosperous because he had duped a lot of people
(D) He favoured Nakul among all his children
(E) He was poor and knew about various cultures

9. Why did Nakul have a good opinion of the King of the faraway country ?
(1) He encouraged trade and his subjects were prosperous.
(2) He ensured that visitors were treated with hospitality.
(3) There were many facilities for entertainment there.
(A) Only (1)
(B) Only (2)
(C) Both (1) & (3)
(D) Only (3)
(E) None of these

10. What was Nakul’s overall experience in the far-away country ?
(A) It was an unpleasant one and he decided it would be his last trip
(B) It was a profitable one and he learnt a lot
(C) It was stressful and he was glad to return home
(D) It was sad since people kept recounting memories of his father
(E) None of these

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word which is MOST SIMILAR in EANING to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. conduct
(A) behaviour
(B) handle
(C) action
(D) habits
(E) guide

12. respite
(A) stop
(B) part
(C) delay
(D) rest
(E) relax

13. unknown
(A) undecided
(B) anonymous
(C) renowned
(D) unidentified
(E) unfamiliar

Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word which is MOST OPPOSITE in MEANING to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. appeared
(A) evaporated
(B) died
(C) invisible
(D) vanished
(E) faded

15. matching
(A) duplicate
(B) dissimilar
(C) original
(D) identical
(E) single

Directions—(Q. 16–20) In each sentence below four words have been printed in bold which are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these words may be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the wrongly spelt or inappropriate word. The letter of that word is the answer. If all the words are correctly spelt and are appropriate the answer is (E), i.e., ‘All Correct.’

16. To find a solution (A) to the problem, we met (B) daily after work and contributed (C) our ideals. (D) All Correct (E)

17. After the presentation (A) it was clearly (B) that they were not interested (C) in financing (D) the project. All Correct (E)

18. In my opinion it will be difficult (A) to persuade (B) the employees to accept (C) these changes (D) in the rules. All Correct (E)

19. This is the first time that he has been selected (A) to give a speech (B) at the anual (C) conference. (D) All Correct (E)

20. Inspite of my attempts (A) to encourage (B) him to continue (C) studying (D) he decided to take up a job All Correct (E)

Directions—(Q. 21–25) Rearrange the following Six sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
(1) At seventy-eight her fingers became too stiff to hold a needle so she began painting.
(2) I decided to tell this boy the story of Ann Moses.
(3) “She began a career at eighty, so if you believe in yourself anything is possible.” I ended.
(4) At the age of twenty-seven, a boy was discouraged about his career.
(5) She struggled hard to raise five children by doing embroidery and working on a farm.
(6) She went on to paint over 2,000 pictures which became famous.

21. Which of the following will be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (2)
(B) (3)
(C) (4)
(D) (5)
(E) (6)

22. Which of the following will be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

23. Which of the following will be the LAST (SIXTH) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

24. Which of the following will be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (2)
(B) (3)
(C) (4)
(D) (5)
(E) (6)

25. Which of the following will be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (5)
(E) (6)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Which of the phrases (A), (B) (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and No Correction is Required, mark (E) as the answer.

26. During the meeting he discussed each of the suggestions and how they are could be implemented.
(A) that they are
(B) why they could
(C) how it could
(D) when there can
(E) No Correction Required

27. When he finished his studies, there was a lot of pressure by him joining our family business.
(A) on him joining
(B) in his joining
(C) on him to join
(D) joining
(E) No Correction Required

28. It is disappointment that the majority of farmers who took loans last year have failed to repay them.
(A) is disappointment in
(B) is disappointing that
(C) is to disappoint
(D) has disappointed to
(E) No Correction Required

29. When I studied engineering thirty years ago, there was less as ten female students in my class.
(A) were smaller than
(B) was little as
(C) was lower than
(D) were less than
(E) No Correction Required

30. Once the manager approves the plans, it was easy convinced the rest of the team.
(A) was easily convinced
(B) will be easy to convince
(C) has easily convinced
(D) being easy to convince
(E) No Correction Required

Directions—(Q. 31–40) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E) i.e. ‘No Error’. (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.)

31. It is sad that in (A) / our country education is (B) / available only to those (C) / whom can afford it. (D) No Error (E)

32. I was determined (A) / to learn everything (B) / I could from the people (C) / off the village. (D) No Error (E)

33. During the holidays (A) / I am often worked (B) / in my uncle’s shop to (C) / earn some pocket money. (D) No Error (E)

34. Most banks did not taken (A) / her plan to set up (B) / a factory in (C) / the area seriously. (D) No Error (E)

35. Every year we have (A) / a function where (B) / the children of our staff (C) / is awarded scholarships. (D) No Error (E)

36. Many of the funds (A) / I needed to buy (B) / my own house were (C) / given by my father. (D) No Error (E)

37. Since he was from (A) / the district and able to (B) / speak the language locally, (C) / they trusted him. (D) No Error (E)

38. Every month he would (A) / meet the employees to (B) / discuss their problems (C) / and answer their questions. (D) No Error (E)

39. I had to work full time (A) / so I could not devote (B) / as much time as (C) / I wanted to playing cricket. (D) No Error (E)

40. He did not even (A) / have no property (B) / to sell to (C) / cover his losses. (D) No Error (E)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage there are blanks each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words are suggested one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

I was born and …(41)… up in a village by my grandparents. We had two granaries to …(42)… the rice that
we grew. …(43)… the better quality ‘white’ rice was kept in the granary in the front of the house, the …(44)… quality ‘red’ rice was kept in the granary at the back. We never had …(45)… money in the house, so those who came to ask for alms were given rice. My grandmother would send me to the front granary to bring rice for them, but when she cooked for …(46)… of us she would use the red rice. I was …(47)… by her behaviour.

One day, I asked her why she did this ? She …(48)… and said something I will never forget. “…(49)… whenever you give something to somebody, give the best in you, never the second best.” …(50)… director of a foundation, if I help people today, it is because of this lesson she taught me.

41. (A) raised
(B) adopted
(C) grown
(D) brought
(E) grew

42. (A) pick
(B) save
(C) supply
(D) cultivate
(E) store

43. (A) Instead
(B) While
(C) Yet
(D) Therefore
(E) For

44. (A) less
(B) worse
(C) defective
(D) inferior
(E) best

45. (A) plenty
(B) vast
(C) lots
(D) sufficiently
(E) much

46. (A) all
(B) remaining
(C) gathering
(D) none
(E) those

47. (A) puzzled
(B) confusing
(C) worrying
(D) frightened
(E) angry

48. (A) pleased
(B) shouted
(C) smiled
(D) advised
(E) hugged

49. (A) remember
(B) pray
(C) memorise
(D) think
(E) appeal

50. (A) when
(B) since
(C) only
(D) perhaps
(E) as

Answers with Explanations
1. (E) 2. (D) 3. (E) 4. (C) 5. (C) 6. (D) 7. (D) 8. (B) 9. (B) 10. (B)
11. (B) 12. (E) 13. (E) 14. (D) 15. (B) 16. (D) Change ‘ideals’ to ‘ideas’.
17. (B) Change ‘clearly’ to ‘clear’.
18. (E)
19. (C) Change ‘anual’ to ‘annual’.
20. (D) Change ‘studying’ to ‘study’.
21. (E) 22. (D) 23. (C) 24. (A) 25. (D)
26. (C) Change ‘how they are could ‘to’ how it ‘could’.
27. (C) Change ‘by him joining’ to ‘on him to join’.
28. (B) Change ‘is disappointment that’ to ‘is disappointing that’.
29. (D) Change ‘was less as’ to ‘were less then’
30. (B) Change ‘was easy convinced’ to ‘will be easy to convince’.
31. (D) Change ‘whom’ to ‘who’
32. (D) Change ‘off’ to ‘of’.
33. (B) Change ‘am often worked’ to ‘often work’.
34. (A) Change ‘did not taken’ to ‘did not take’.
35. (D) Change ‘is’ to ‘are’.
36. (A) Change ‘Many’ to ‘Most’.
37. (C) Change ‘the language locally’ to ‘the local language’.
38. (E)
39. (D) Change ‘playing’ to ‘to play’.
40. (A) Delete ‘did not’ It is redundant.
41. (D) 42. (E) 43. (B) 44. (D) 45. (E) 46. (A) 47. (A) 48. (C) 49. (A) 50. (E)

OBC Clerk Exam, 2009 : English Language (Solved)

Oriental Bank of Commerce Clerk Exam., 2009

(Held on 18-1-2009)

English Language : Solved Paper

Directions—(Q. 1 to 15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.

The Emperor's brother-in-law was also his Prime Minister and his avourite courtier. He was not liked by the other courtiers as a result. Jealous of the Emperor's brother-inlaw the courtiers once said, “Your Majesty, why don't you appoint one of us as Prime Minister ? Subject us to a test to see who is truly the right person to be Prime Minister.” At the time the Prime Minister was out hunting with another courtier. In pursuit of their prey they mistakenly rode into the neighbouring kingdom. As they were strangers and had weapons they were arrested as spies by the soldiers there and were certain to be sentenced to death by the ruler, King Amir.

The courtier was petrified and bowed his head in prayer. The Prime Minister pretending to be praying whispered something in his ear. The two of them then began arguing. “I should be the one to die first !” each of them said. Those present were astonished to hear their argument. The soldiers brought the two before King Amir. He was astonished to hear of their strange behaviour. “Tell me why you are so eager to die ?” Pretending to be reluctant to reveal the reason the Prime Minister bowed respectfully and said, “Sir, our Emperor has a secret wish of annexing your kingdom. If you kill us the Emperor can attack your kingdom on the pretext of avenging our deaths. The Emperor has also promised us a great reward for our sacrifice. We felt that in case you changed your mind and set one of us free to return home he would not get the reward.” King Amir was worried when he heard this. Concerned that the lives of his subjects would be lost in war, King Amir refused to kill either of the two and sent them home. When they heard about the incident the Emperor's courtiers bowed their heads. They were ashamed. They realised the Emperor had made a wise choice in selecting his Prime Minister.

1. Why were the courtiers not on good terms with the Emperor's brother-in-law ?
(A) The Emperor used to only heed his brother-in-law's advice
(B) He was cleverer than they were and he would remind them of it
(C) He was empowered to take decisions on behalf of the Emperor
(D) He had more power and prestige and earned more than they did
(E) None of these

2. Why did the Emperor's two courtiers enter the neighbouring kingdom ?
(A) The Emperor had asked them to deliver a message to its king
(B) They wanted to spy on the neighbouring kingdom
(C) They had accidentally wandered into neighbouring territory
(D) The other courtiers had set a trap for them
(E) Their curiosity about the kingdom led them to enter it

3. Why was the Emperor's brotherin-law not afraid when faced with death ?
1. He felt that if he told King Amir the truth his life would be spared.
2. He was confident that he would be rescued.
3. He had prayed fervently asking God to save them.
(A) None
(B) Only 1
(C) Only 2
(D) Both 2 and 3
(E) Only 3

4. Which of the following can be said about the Emperor ?
(A) He reserved important posts for his family members
(B) He had chosen a worthy Prime Minister
(C) He was ruthless and wanted to conquer the neighbouring kingdom
(D) He treated all his courtiers shabbily except his brother-inlaw
(E) He deliberately endangered the lives of his courtiers in order to test them

5. Why did the two courtiers begin to argue with each other ?
(A) They wanted to distract the soldiers so they could escape
(B) It was a delaying tactics till they were rescued
(C) They blamed each other for the predicament they were in
(D) The Prime Minister wanted to stop the other courtier from divulging the Emperor's plan to the enemy
(E) None of these

6. What surprised King Amir about the courtiers' behaviour ?
1. They were very respectful to him although he had condemned them to death.
2. Each was volunteering to be killed first.
3. They had managed to convince the soldiers to set them free.
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Only 2
(E) None of these

7. Why did King Amir set the two courtiers free ?
(A) He believed their story that the Emperor was planning to attack
(B) He had great respect for their courage
(C) He had ascertained they were not spies so he set them free
(D) He was impressed by the wisdom of the Emperor's courtiers
(E) None of these

8. Which of the following does not describe the Emperor's reaction to the courtiers' request to appoint one of them as Prime Minister ?
1. He thought about asking his brother-in-law to resign.
2. He tested his brother-in-law to prove he was best suited for the post of Prime Minister.
3. He disregarded it completely and punished the courtiers.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 3
(C) Both 1 and 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these

9. Which of the following is NOT true in the context of the passage ?
(A) King Amir was concerned about the welfare of his people
(B) The Emperor's brother-inlaw had enemies at court
(C) King Amir set the Emperor's brother-in-law free on account of his bravery
(D) The Emperor's brother-inlaw was deserving of the post of Prime Minister
(E) The Prime Minister was a quick thinker

10. What was the courtiers’ reaction when they heard about the Prime Minister's safe return ?
(A) They were disappointed because their plan had failed
(B) They were ashamed of their plot to kill him
(C) They were upset to hear about his bad experience
(D) They bowed in respect and praised his wisdom
(E) None of these

Directions–(Q. 11 to 13) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. subject
(A) topic
(B) undergo
(C) expose
(D) citizen
(E) accountable

12. pretext
(A) excuse
(B) guess
(C) crime
(D) example
(E) fraud

13. petrified
(A) panic
(B) scared
(C) feared
(D) alarming
(E) terror

Directions—(Q. 14 and 15) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. right
(A) immoral
(B) unsuitable
(C) inaccurate
(D) inconvenient
(E) error

15. reveal
(A) secret
(B) darken
(C) disclose
(D) hide
(E) invisible

Directions—(Q. 16 to 20) 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 ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

16. In these circumstances, they will not be able to meet the assign target to them.
(A) targeted assignment
(B) assigned target
(C) assigning of target
(D) target assigned
(E) No correction required

17. Banks must be ensured that 18 per cent of their loans is given to the agricultural sector.
(A) are ensured
(B) have to ensure
(C) being ensured
(D) should be ensured
(E) No correction required

18. The government has announced several initiatives benefiting to factory workers.
(A) beneficial
(B) for benefiting to
(C) which will benefit
(D) benefited to
(E) No correction required

19. A date for the committee meeting to discuss the details of the proposal has yet to be decided.
(A) will be yet decided
(B) is been decided yet
(C) have not been still decided
(D) is not yet been decided
(E) No correction required

20. With the raining heavily the multi-storey office building was badly damaged and collapsed.
(A) Owing to the heavy rains
(B) Because of raining heavily
(C) Since heavily it rained
(D) In raining heavily
(E) No correction required

Directions—(Q. 21 to 25) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e. ‘All correct’ as your answer.

21. Since petroleum products are taxed (A) heavily they are a majar (B) source (C) of revenue (D) for the government. All correct (E)

22. Even though the proposal appearrs (A) practical (B) the committee should discuss (C) it at length. (D) All correct (E)

23. The Indian stock market has been one of the well (A) performing (B) markets globally (C) during the current (D) year. All correct (E)

24. Had the scheme been allowed (A) to continue (B) it would have generated (C) attracted (D) returns. All correct (E)

25. People should constantly (A) upgrade their skills (B) in order to be effective (C) and efficient. (D) All correct (E)

Directions—(Q. 26 to 30) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
1. With all this experimentation he incurred an expenditure of over a million dollars before success smiled on him.
2. Edison invented the long lasting electric light bulb.
3. To find a fibre to burn inside a bulb he experimented with over two thousand items.
4. We thus owe the miracle of light as much to his perseverance as to his genius.
5. However he did not invent it overnight.
6. His friends too travelled all over the world from South America to India in search of a suitable fibre.

26. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

27. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6

28. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

29. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6

30. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6

Directions—(Q. 31 to 40) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.)

31. Senior citizens prefer (A) / banks which (B) / branches are located (C) / near their homes. (D) No error (E)

32. In the latest statistics (A) / China supplies more than (B) / ninety per cent of the (C) / steel imported by India. (D) No error (E)

33. We shall be calling a meeting (A) / next week to assess (B) / the causes of frequently (C) / delays in infrastructure projects. (D) No error (E)

34. Although it has received (A) / clearance from RBI the bank (B) / has decided not to open (C) / their office in Hongkong. (D) No error (E)

35. Most of the tribals (A) / in the region (B) / are depended on the forest (C) / to earn their livelihoods. (D) No error (E)

36. After graduating from college (A) / having an engineering degree (B) / he received a job offer (C) / from a reputed American firm. (D) No error (E)

37. In order for (A) / the scheme to be (B) / successful we require as (C) / much as twenty investors. (D) No error (E)

38. The insurance company has plans (A) / to hire 30,000 agents (B) / at a time when (C) / most companies are cutting jobs. (D) No error (E)

39. One of the important lesson (A) / he taught me was to save (B) / at least thirty per cent (C) / of my gross income. (D) No error (E)

40. Due to the financial crisis (A) / the price of foodgrains (B) / has risen sharply (C) / over the past few months. (D) No error (E)

Directions—(Q. 41 to 50) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

One day an expert in time management was …(41)… to a group of business management students and to drive home a point he used and …(42)… they will never forget. As he stood in front of a group of brilliant students he said, “Okay it's …(43)… for a quiz.” He then pulled out a one gallon jar and set it on the table in front of him. He also …(44)… a dozen fist sized rocks and carefully placed them one at a time into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and …(45)… more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is the jar full ?” Everyone in the class …(46)… said ‘Yes!’

The professor said nothing. He then …(47)… under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some gravel into the jar and shook it …(48)… pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks. He asked the group once more, “Is the jar full ?” ‘Probably not.’ some answered. ‘Good !’ he said and began …(49)… sand to the contents in the jar. The sand fitted into the spaces between the rocks and gravel. He also poured water into the jar. “What was the point of this exercise ?” he asked. “The point is that no matter how busy your schedule is you can always manage to fit something in.” replied one student. ‘No’ said the professor, “The truth is if you don't fit in the rocks which symbolize the …(50)… things in your life like your family and your dreams first, you'll never have time for them.”

41. (A) addressing
(B) conveying
(C) speaking
(D) discussing
(E) expressing

42. (A) imagination
(B) impression
(C) expression
(D) emblem
(E) illustration

43. (A) ready
(B) usual
(C) opportunity
(D) time
(E) scheduled

44. (A) made
(B) produced
(C) dug
(D) constructed
(E) ploughed

45. (A) any
(B) no
(C) few
(D) some
(E) much

46. (A) definite
(B) forcibly
(C) convince
(D) positive
(E) emphatically

47. (A) reached
(B) hid
(C) gone
(D) searching
(E) found

48. (A) making
(B) until
(C) causing
(D) while
(E) resulting

49. (A) filling
(B) pushing
(C) substituting
(D) adding
(E) stuffing

50. (A) important
(B) necessarily
(C) vitally
(D) ideal
(E) expensive

Answers :
1. (E) 2. (C) 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (E) 6. (B) 7. (A) 8. (E) 9. (C) 10. (D)
11. (B) 12. (A) 13. (B) 14. (B) 15. (D) 16. (B) 17. (B) 18. (A) 19. (E) 20. (A)
21. (B) 22. (A) 23. (E) 24. (D) 25. (E) 26. (B) 27. (D) 28. (C) 29. (E) 30. (C)
31. (B) 32. (A) 33. (C) 34. (D) 35. (C) 36. (B) 37. (D) 38. (D) 39. (A) 40. (A)
41. (C) 42. (E) 43. (D) 44. (B) 45. (B) 46. (E) 47. (A) 48. (C) 49. (D) 50. (A)

PNB (Agriculture Officers) Exam, 2009 : English Language

Punjab National Bank (Agriculture Officers) Exam, 2009

English Language : Solved Paper

(Held on 4-1-2009)

Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

We should recognise the indebtedness of the country to its farm families who toil to safeguard national food security. Loan waiver is the price we have to pay for the neglect of rural India over the past several decades. There has been a gradual decline in investment in key sectors related to agriculture such as infrastructure, marketing, post harvest technology etc. The four crore farmers whose debt is to be relieved will be eligible for institutional credit for their cultivation expenses during Kharif 2008. The challenge is to prevent them from getting into the debt trap again. For this purpose the Central and various State governments should set up an Indebted Farmers’ Support Consortium, comprising scientists, panchayat raj officials and others relevant to assisting farmers to improve the profitability and productivity of their farms in an environmentally sustainable manner. The smaller the farm, the greater is the need for marketable surplus to reduce indebtedness.

The Indebted Farmers’ Support Consortium should aim to get all the four crore farmers all the benefits of the government schemes such as the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Irrigation Benefit Programme and others. If this is done, every farm family released from the debt trap should be able to produce at least an additional half tonne per hectare of foodgrains. This should help increase food production by about 20 million tonnes by 2008-10. At a time when global and national food stocks are dwindling and prices are rising, this will be a timely gain for our national food security. We need to ensure that the outcome of the debt waiver is enhanced farmers’ income and production. The prevailing gap between potential and actual yields in the crops of rainfed areas such as pulses and oilseeds is over 200 per cent even with the necessary technologies on the shelf. We are now importing without duty large quantities of pulses and oilseeds. If helped, farmers can produce these at a lower cost.

Opportunities for assured and remunerative marketing are essential if loan waiver is not to become a recurring event leading to the destruction of the credit system. This is why the Minimum Support Price is necessary for all, not just for a few crops which is the case at present. This is the single most effective step to make loan waivers history. There is another urgent step which needs to be taken. The loan waiver does not cover those who borrow from moneylenders. It will not be possible for the government to scrutinise the veracity of such private deals but steps can be taken such as giving them Smart Cards which will entitle them to essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers. The gram sabha can be entrusted with the task of identifying these farmers so that there is transparency in the process and elimination of the chances for falsification and corruption. Fear of occasional misuse should not come in the way of enabling millions of poor farmers who have borrowed from informal sources if we are to achieve the goal of four per cent growth in agriculture.

1. What is the likely impact of ensuring farmers’ benefit from government schemes ?
1. They can use the credit from these schemes to repay moneylenders.
2. The government can control the price rise.
3. Increased agricultural production.
(A) Both 1 and 2
(B) All 1, 2 and 3
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 2 and 3
(E) None of these

2. Why does the author feel that rural India has been overlooked in the past ?
1. Institutional credit was only made available for Kharif crops.
2. Drop in investment in central areas related to agriculture.
3. Records of those eligible for loan waivers have not been maintained over time.
(A) Only 2
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these

3. How can small farmers avoid debt ?
(A) They need to acquire additional land holdings
(B) They need to take advantage of both government schemes as well as credit from moneylenders
(C) They have to ensure a sufficient amount of their farm produce is sold
(D) The Government should provide periodic loan waivers
(E) None of these

4. What is the objective of the Indebted Farmers’ Support Consortium ?
(A) It is a support group for the families of indebted farmers
(B) It has to devise new government schemes for farmers
(C) It has to track farmers eligible for government schemes
(D) It has to evaluate government schemes and weed out the inefficient ones
(E) None of these

5. What does the author mean by the phrase “indebtedness of the country to its farm families” ?
(A) If farmers are in debt it impacts the entire country
(B) Citizens should be grateful to farmers and their families for the hardships borne by them to cultivate crops
(C) India’s food production has fallen causing it to be in debt since it has to import food
(D) The number of farmers’ descendants taking up agriculture has fallen.
(E) None of these

6. What is the author’s opinion of recurring loan waivers ?
(A) They are beneficial to farmers
(B) They are detrimental to the system of lending.
(C) They will reduce the need for a Minimum Support Price for agricultural products
(D) Farmers will no longer be in debt to moneylenders
(E) None of these

7. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(A) The Minimum Support Price for agricultural products is yet to be implemented
(B) Loan waiver is a permanent solution to indebtedness of farmers
(C) Current agricultural growth is below four per cent
(D) India’s food production has increased in 2008
(E) Moneylenders benefit from loan waivers

8. Why does the loan waiver not cover credit taken from moneylenders ?
1. It is difficult to verify these contracts between farmers and moneylenders.
2. It will increase the deficit in the budget.
3. There is a risk that the funds may be misappropriated.
(A) Both 1 and 3
(B) All 1, 2 and 3
(C) Only 2
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) None of these

9. Why is there a vast gap in actual and potential yields of crops in rainfed areas ?
(A) The government prefers to import these crops at a lower rate
(B) No technological advances have been made to improve the growth of crops in these areas
(C) There is no Minimum Support Price available for these crops
(D) Farmers are forced to sell these crops at a low rate
(E) None of these

10. How does the government intend to ensure transparency in the Smart card issuance process ?
(A) Screening private players involved in the scheme
(B) Granting access to those farmers who register with their local moneylenders
(C) Providing cards which cannot be forged
(D) Regularly rotating members of the gram sabha so there is no corruption
(E) None of these

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
11. assured
(A) insured
(B) definite
(C) doubted
(D) confident
(E) reliance

12. relieved
(A) exempted
(B) backed
(C) supported
(D) calmed
(E) substituted

13. gap
(A) hole
(B) break
(C) pause
(D) difference
(E) interruption

Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. timely
(A) young
(B) lately
(C) overdue
(D) aged
(E) slowly

15. elimination
(A) authority
(B) forgiveness
(C) attack
(D) provision
(E) protection

Directions—(Q. 16–20) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and no correcton is required, mark (E) as the answer.

16. In order to control rising prices the government has restricted the export of certain commodities.
(A) For control of raised
(B) In control of raised
(C) To control the rise
(D) By controlling rising
(E) No correction required

17. Over two crores will be required to renovate the building being damaged during the cyclone.
(A) that was damage
(B) which was damaged
(C) has been damaged
(D) been damaged
(E) No correction required

18. Small investors often suffer because of delays in getting its grievance redressed.
(A) their grievances redressed
(B) the grievances redress
(C) to redress grievance
(D) this grievances redressed
(E) No correction required

19. With the failure of the investment bank, the public’s confidence in the banking sector has been how badly shaken.
(A) so badly shaken
(B) that much shaky
(C) badly shaken
(D) too badly shaky
(E) No correction required

20. A consultant is been appointed to advise us on the viability of the project.
(A) appointed
(B) has been appointing
(C) will be appointed
(D) to be appointed
(E) No correction required

Directions—(Q. 21–25) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
(1) Expansion of retail banking especially has a lot of scope, since retail assets are just 22 per cent of the total banking assets.
(2) Where they do not find it viable to open branches they may open satellite offices in these areas.
(3) There is tremendous scope for the expansion of banking in India.
(4) Banks can also diversify beyond cities to semi-urban and rural areas.
(5) In these ways a transition from class banking to mass banking can take place.
(6) They can also collaborate with local stakeholders in order to extend microcredit services to those living there.

21. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6

22. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

23. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6

24. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

25. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

Directions—(Q. 26–35) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Decades ago, China …(26)… the concept of ‘barefoot doctors’. They were community healthcare workers who successfully …(27)… the health of China’s villages. Following this example, many African, Asian and Latin American countries have started …(28)… programmes. The largest of such community health efforts is India’s National Rural Health Mission. In …(29)… over three years, the programme has mobilized over fifty thousand new community health workers, each …(30)… as ‘Asha’. This is short for ‘Accredited Social Health Activist’ and translated into Hindi is the word …(31)… hope.

Today technology companies and foundations are also joining the …(32)… to support community health workers. Mobile phone companies are …(33)… these workers with phones and support systems to obtain up to date medical information, call ambulances etc. In the …(34)… years, community health workers can thus help …(35)… the spread of many devastating but curable diseases.

26. (A) gives
(B) researches
(C) introduced
(D) originates
(E) enlightened

27. (A) improved
(B) entrusted
(C) fought
(D) cured
(E) dealt

28. (A) thousands
(B) alike
(C) imitated
(D) similar
(E) naming

29. (A) course
(B) less
(C) approximate
(D) period
(E) just

30. (A) referred
(B) known
(C) perceived
(D) regarded
(E) called

31. (A) denotes
(B) describes
(C) for
(D) explains
(E) means

32. (A) business
(B) membership
(C) scope
(D) effort
(E) purpose

33. (A) provided
(B) buying
(C) equipped
(D) supplied
(E) empowering

34. (A) coming
(B) next
(C) past
(D) few
(E) previous

35. (A) overlook
(B) curb
(C) protect
(D) enrich
(E) neglect

Answers :
1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (E) 4. (A) 5. (B) 6. (B) 7. (C) 8. (A) 9. (C) 10. (E)
11. (B) 12. (A) 13. (D) 14. (B) 15. (E) 16 (E) 17. (B) 18. (A) 19. (C) 20. (C)
21. (C) 22. (C) 23. (E) 24. (E) 25. (A) 26. (C) 27. (A) 28. (D) 29. (E) 30. (C)
31. (C) 32. (D) 33. (E) 34. (A) 35. (B)

SBI Clerk Exam, 2008 : General English (Fully Solved)

State Bank of India Clerk Exam., 2008

General English : Solved Paper

(Held on 6-7-2008)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.

The yearly festival was close at hand. The store room was packed with silk fabrics. gold ornaments, clay bowls full of sweet curd and platefuls of sweetmeats. The orders had been placed with shops well in advance. The mother was sending out gifts to everyone.

The eldest son, a government servant, lived with his wife and children in far off lands. The second son had left home at an early age. As a merchant he travelled all over the world. The other sons had split up over petty squabbles, and they now lived in homes of their own. The relatives were spread all across the world. They rarely visited. The youngest son, left in the company of a servant, was soon bored and stood at the door all day long, waiting and watching. His mother, thrilled and excited, loaded the presents on trays and plates, covered them with colourful kerchiefs, and sent them off with maids and servants. The neighbours looked on.

The day came to an end. All the presents had been sent off.

The child came back into the house and dejectedly said to his mother, “Maa, you gave a present to everyone, but you didn’t give me anything !”

His mother laughed, “I have given all the gifts away to everyone, now see what’s left for you.” She kissed him on the forehead.

The child said in a tearful voice, “Don’t I get a gift ?”

“You’ll get it when you go far away.”

“But when I am close to you, don’t I get something from your own hands ?”

His mother reached out her arms and drew him to her. “This is all I have in my own hands. It is the most precious of all.”

41. Why did the woman's second son travel ?
(A) He was restless by nature
(B) He did not want to stay at home
(C) He was rich and could afford to travel
(D) His job was such that he had to travel
(E) None of these

42. Why did the woman’s eldest son not attend the festival ?
(A) He was not on good terms with his youngest brother who lived at home
(B) He had quarrelled with his mother
(C) His wife did not allow him to return home
(D) His job prevented him from taking leave
(E) None of these

43. How did the woman prepare for the festival ?
1. She bought expensive gifts for her children and neighbours.
2. She ordered her servants to prepare sweets and food well in advance.
3. She made sure that her youngest child was looked after so that he wouldn’t be bored.
(A) None
(B) Only 1
(C) Only 2
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3

44. What did the youngest child do while his mother was busy ?
1. He waited for a chance to steal some sweetmeats.
2. He pestered his mother to give him a present.
3. He stood at the door with servants.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 3
(D) Only 3
(E) None of these

45. Which of the following can be said about the woman ?
(A) She was a widow who had brought up her children single handedly
(B) She was not a good mother since her children had left home at an early age
(C) She enjoyed sending her family gifts at festival time
(D) She gave expensive presents to show that she was wealthy
(E) She rarely visited her grand-children because they all lived abroad

46. What did the boy receive from his mother ?
(A) She taught him the value of patience
(B) She encouraged him to grow up and live independently like his brothers
(C) She showed him the importance of giving expensive gifts
(D) She gave him a hug to express her love
(E) None of these

47. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(A) The woman usually ignored her youngest son
(B) The woman’s eldest son lived abroad
(C) The members of the woman’s family did not care about her
(D) The woman made all the preparations herself since she did not want to burden the servants
(E) The woman sent gifts to her children to ensure that they visited her

Directions—(Q. 48–49) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

48. Left
(A) Gone
(B) Quit
(C) Remaining
(D) Disappeared
(E) Forgot

49. Packed
(A) Filled
(B) Squeezed
(C) Crowd
(D) Collected
(E) Untidy

50. Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word dejectedly as used in the passage.
(A) Calmly
(B) Happily
(C) Willingly
(D) Fortunately
(E) Softly

Directions—(Q. 51–55) 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 letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any)

51. Many multinational companies (A) / have not been as (B) /successful in India (C) /than we expected. (D) No error (E)

52. He has ruined (A) /his eyesight (B) /by not using (C) /his spectacles regularly. (D) No error (E)

53. Mostly of the (A) /newly recruited officers (B) /have no experience (C) /in the banking sector. (D) No error (E)

54. The resignation of (A) /one of our directors (B) /have caused the price (C) / of shares to fall. (D) No error (E)

55. There are many (A) /ways of which (B) /inflation can (C) /be measured. (D) No error (E)

Directions—(Q. 56–60) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required.’ mark (E) as the answer.

56. Each of the loan must be approved by the Branch Manager—
(A) Every loan
(B) Each one of the loan
(C) Any of the loan
(D) All of the loan
(E) No correction required

57. The issue was taken before the Municipal Corporation meeting last week—
(A) Taking place at
(B) Taken after
(C) Being taken in
(D) Taken up at
(E) No correction required

58. He has asked for the names of those employees involved in the project.
(A) had asked
(B) having asked about
(C) was asked that
(D) is asking
(E) no correction required

59. Considerate the traffic, it is better to leave for the airport an hour early—
(A) While considering
(B) Consideration of
(C) Considering
(D) Being considerate to
(E) No correction required

60. He is a good leader, knowing that to motivate his employees to achieve—
(A) That known when
(B) Who knows how
(C) Which knows how
(D) Knowing what
(E) No correction required

Directions—(Q. 61–65) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.

(1) The able bodied men of the tribe gathered to discuss how to climb the mountain.
(2) As part of their plundering they kidnapped a baby of one of the families.
(3) One day the mountain tribe invaded those living in the valley.
(4) “We couldn’t climb the mountain. How could you?”, they asked, “It wasn’t your baby !” she replied.
(5) There were two tribes in the Andes–one lived in the valley and the other high up in the mountains.
(6) Two days later they noticed the child’s mother coming down the mountain that they hadn’t yet figured out how to climb.

61. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

62. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (6)
(B) (5)
(C) (4)
(D) (3)
(E) (2)

63. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

64. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

65. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)

Directions—(Q. 66–70) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence mark (E) i.e., all correct as your answer.

66. The income (A) of many people in rural (B) India is not adequate (C) to satisfy (D) their basic needs. All correct (E)

67. He is always (A) prompt (B) in caring (C) out instructions. (D) All correct (E)

68. The revized (A) rates (B) of interest will be effective (C) immediately. (D) All correct (E)

69. Such transactions (A) are quiet (B) expensive (C) and time consuming (D) for customers. All correct (E)

70. The guidelines (A) of the new scheme (B) are expected (C) to be finally (D) soon. All correct (E)

Directions—(Q. 71–80) In the following passage there are blanks each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words/ phrases are suggested one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

I used to look …(71)… to the holidays. I was usually …(72)… to my uncle’s house where I …(73)… his children. I did not get paid a salary for …(74)… What I received in return however, was far more …(75)… My uncle was an avid reader. During the time I spent with his family I had an …(76)… to read the vast amount of books and magazines that he possessed. This improved my English to some …(77)… Reading became my new …(78–79)… spending my pocket money on a ticket to the cinema I began to …(80)… books. This has benefited me greatly.

71. (A) forward
(B) towards
(C) backward
(D) up
(E) around

72. (A) went
(B) sent
(C) visited
(D) travelled
(E) gone

73. (A) cared
(B) occupy
(C) guarded
(D) taught
(E) played

74. (A) them
(B) whom
(C) this
(D) now
(E) which

75. (A) expensive
(B) deserving
(C) helping
(D) demanding
(E) valuable

76. (A) opportunity
(B) ability
(C) use
(D) encouragement
(E) achievement

77. (A) distance
(B) extent
(C) time
(D) limits
(E) degrees

78. (A) activity
(B) hope
(C) hobby
(D) duty
(E) worship

79. (A) despite
(B) though
(C) by
(D) instead of
(E) while

80. (A) sell
(B) read
(C) exchange
(D) invest
(E) buy

Answers:
41. (D) 42. (E) 43. (A) 44. (D)
45. (C) 46. (D) 47. (B)
48. (C) 49. (A) 50. (C)
51. (D) Replace ‘than’ with ‘as’.
52. (E)
53. (A) Change ‘Mostly’ to ‘Most’.
54. (C) Change ‘have’ to ‘has’.
55. (B) Replace ‘of’ with ‘in’.
56. (A) 57. (D) 58. (E) 59. (C) 60. (B)
61. (C) 62. (A) 63. (E) 64. (D) 65. (B)
66. (E) 67. (C) 68. (A) 69. (E) 70. (D)
71. (A) 72. (B) 73. (D) 74. (C) 75. (E)
76. (A) 77. (B) 78. (C) 79. (D) 80. (E)

Bank of India Clerk Exam. 2008 : Solved Paper

English Language : Solved Paper
(Held on 22-6-2008)

Directions—(Q. 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 King of Kanchi set off to conquer Karnat. He was victorious in batttle. The elephants were laden with sandalwood, ivory, gold and precious stones taken from the conquered kingdom of Karnat. They would be a part of the victory parade for his subjects. On his way back home he stopped at a temple, finished his prayers to the goddess and turned to leave. Around his neck was a garland of scarlet hibiscus and as was the custom for all, his forehead was anointed with red sandal paste. His Minister and the court jester were his only companions. At one spot, in a mango grove by the wayside, they spied some children play. The King said, “Let me go and see what they are playing.”

The children had lined up two rows of clay dolls and were playing warriors and battles. The King asked, “Who is fighting whom ?” They said, “Karnat is at battle with Kanchi.” The King asked, “Who is winning and who is the loser ?” The children puffed their chests up and said, “Karnat will win and Kanchi will lose.” The Minister froze in disbelief, the King was furious and the jester burst into laughter.

The King was soon joined by his troops and the children were still immersed in their game. The King commanded, “Cane them hard.” The children’s parents came running from the nearby village and said, “They are naive, it was just a game, please grant them pardon.” The King called his commander and ordered, “Teach these children and the village a lesson so that they never forget the King of Kanchi.” He went back to his camp.

That evening the Commander stood before the King. He bowed low in shame and said, “Your Majesty, with the exception of hyenas and vultures, all lie silent in the village.” The Minister said, “His Majesty’s honour has been saved.” The priest said, “The goddess has blessed our King.” The jester said, “Your Highness, please grant me leave to go now.” The King asked, “But why ?” The jester said, “I cannot kill, I cannot maim, I can only laugh at God’s gift of life.” Trembling in the face of the king’s anger he bravely continued, “If I stay in your Majesty’s court, I shall become like you and I shall forget how to laugh.”

1. Why were the elephants carrying loads of gold and other valuables ?
(A) This was what the king had looted from Karnat to distribute among his soldiers as a reward
(B) This was the king’s offering to the deity out of gratitude for making him victorious
(C) It was what the king had plundered from Karnat to display to the people of his kingdom as a sign of victory
(D) So that the people of the kingdom of Karnat acknowledged him as their new ruler
(E) None of these

2. Why did the king anoint his head with red sandal paste ?
(A) As a mark of celebration to show he had been victorious
(B) It was the usual practice for all devotees at the temple
(C) To show other devotees that he was king
(D) The priest requested him to do so
(E) To show his soldiers that he had visited the temple

3. Which of the following cannot be said about the jester ?
1. He was not a loyal subject of the king.
2. He was afraid of the king’s temper.
3. He did not support the king’s war against Karnat.
(A) Both 1 and 3
(B) Only 1
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) All 1, 2 and 3
(E) None of these

4. What excuse was given for the childrens’ behaviour ?
(A) They were disobedient to their parent’s wishes
(B) They were unaware of the true facts of the battle
(C) They were upset that their army had lost
(D) They were in the habit of lying
(E) None of these

5. Why did the jester laugh at the children’s reply to the king ?
1. They correctly predicted the outcome of the battle.
2. Their reply was cheeky because they knew he was the king.
3. He wanted to show that their reply was a joke to save them from being punished by the king.
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 2 and 3
(E) None of these

6. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage ?
(A) The king stopped at the temple to see what else could be plundered
(B) The people of the village to which the children belonged developed great respect for the king
(C) The Commander was ashamed at having obeyed the king’s orders to cane the children
(D) The jester was unhappy that the king had defeated the army of Karnat
(E) The children had shown disrespect to the goddess by playing so close to the temple

7. Why did the jester resign from his post ?
(A) He felt that the king was too influenced by the Minister
(B) To show that he disapproved of the king’s action of punishing the children
(C) He did not want to accompany the king on his war campaign
(D) He was no longer able to make the king laugh
(E) None of these

8. Which of the following describes the Minister ?
1. He was jealous of the jester.
2. He was the king’s most valuable advisor.
3. He did not have a good sense of humour.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 3
(C) Both 1 and 3
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) None of these

9. Which of the following was/were the outcome(s) of the soldiers beating the children ?
1. The animals began to howl and wanted to attack the soldiers.
2. The children’s parents went to the king to beg for mercy.
3. The priest offered prayers to the goddess of the temple.
(A) Only 1
(B) All 1, 2 and 3
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 2
(E) None of these

10. Why was the king angry with the children ?
(A) Because the game they were playing was dangerous
(B) They had lied to him
(C) They did not recognize him as king
(D) They had unknowingly insulted him
(E) They were rude to him

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. froze
(A) cold
(B) numb
(C) shivered
(D) stood still
(E) chill

12. leave
(A) holiday
(B) transfer
(C) exit
(D) permission
(E) farewell

13. spied
(A) noticed
(B) keep watch
(C) followed
(D) spot
(E) caught

Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. immersed in
(A) safe from
(B) distracted from
(C) boring
(D) drowning in
(E) entertained by

15. pardon
(A) punishment
(B) excuse
(C) convict
(D) intolerance
(E) imprison

Directions—(Q. 16–20) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

16. Your bonus will dependent the quality of your work.
(A) is dependable
(B) depends on
(C) being dependent
(D) going to depend
(E) No correction required

17. He did not ask for a raise since he had fear to lose his job.
(A) was fearful of
(B) was feared to
(C) was afraid to
(D) had been afraid to
(E) No correction required

18. The organizers agreed to shift the conference at some place convenience to all participants.
(A) any of the place convenient
(B) at places convenient
(C) from a place of convenience
(D) to a place convenient
(E) No correction required

19. As compared to last year there has been a sharp rise in interest rates.
(A) sharper rise of
(B) as sharp a rise
(C) sharp rises in
(D) sharply rising
(E) No correction required

20. In the 1970s banks required to submit their detailed plans of expansion to RBI.
(A) were required to submit
(B) required for submission
(C) are required to submit
(D) requirement of submitting
(E) No correction required

Directions—(Q. 21–25) Rearrange the following Six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them—

1. I had paid a lot of attention during training and could easily answer the questions till I came to the last one. What is the name of the lady who cleans your floor ?

2. ‘Yes’, he replied. “In your career you will meet many people all of whom are significant even if all you do is greet them.”

3. I thought the question was a joke. I had seen her but how would I know her name ?

4. During my internship we were given a quiz to see how much we had learnt.

5. I have never forgotten this lesson.

6. I submitted my paper leaving the last question blank and asked the manager if it would count for assessment.

21. Which of the following will be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

22. Which of the following will be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 6
(E) 5

23. Which of the following will be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

24. Which of the following will be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

25. Which of the following will be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5

Directions—(Q. 26–30) In each sentence below four words have been printed in bold which are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these words may be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the wrongly spelt or inappropriate word. The letter of that word is the answer. If all the words are correctly spelt and are appropriate the answer is (E), i.e. ‘All correct’.

26. My gole (A) is to acquire (B) a position (C) of authority (D) and respect within the organization. All correct (E)

27. The refusal (A) of the Ministry to clear pending (B) dues is a course (C) for concern (D) . All correct (E)

28. He was convinced (A) that discipline (B) and hard work would result (C) in dividents (D) in the long run. All correct (E)

29. This is a company which believes (A) in transparency (B) and appointment is done strictly (C) on merit (D). All correct (E)

30. There will be a decline (A) in the probability (B) of oil companies because of the hike (C) in oil prices (D). All correct (E)

Directions—(Q. 31–40) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it.The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E) i.e. ‘No error’. (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.)

31. The revised government’s (A) /guidelines have reduced (B)/ the number of mergers (C) / taking place among banks. (D) No error (E)

32. I do not know (A) / who of the (B) /new trainees should (C) / be confirmed. (D) No error (E)

33. To promote India as (A) / a tourist destination (B)/ the government has organized (C) / many cultural programmes. (D) No error (E)

34. Banks in India (A) / cannot open ATMs (B)/ except obtaining (C) / approval from RBI. (D) No error (E)

35. Today the success of (A) / companies depends on the (B)/ quality of their products and(C) /efficient managing staff. (D) No error (E)

36. Ashok has managed to (A) / achieve his sales targets (B)/ for the quarter very easily (C) / than we expected. (D) No error (E)

37. He did not grant (A) / their request for a loan (B)/ although it would (C) / displease his boss. (D) No error (E)

38. At present oil companies (A) / are making a loss of (B)/ rupees five on all (C) / litre of petrol that they sell. (D) No error (E)

39. The manager’s belief that (A) / Ramesh is (B)/ incompetent is not (C) / necessary true. (D) No error (E)

40. Since I was doing (A) / my MBA I initially (B)/ chose to specialize (C) / in marketing management. (D) No error (E)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
He was a charismatic leader, an entrepreneur and a highly effective manager all rolled into one. As a leader, he …(41)… the company’s growth plan in a dedicated manner and he never …(42)… focus. The cement industry in those days was doing badly. …(43)… to everyone’s expectations he sanctioned an additional plant in …(44)… time. He was …(45)… that since the cement industry was cyclic in nature, by the time the plant was …(46)… the market would have improved. It did happen and the decision brought rich …(47)… when the plant was commissioned.

Not only was he a great entrepreneur but he also …(48)… all his senior people to be ‘practising entrepreneurs’. I have seen a similar example at the Asian Institute of Management, which allows its professors to …(49)… their own business. This made their lectures more practical and less theoretical. It is the …(50)… of the Institute’s success.

41. (A) achieved
(B) implemented
(C) visualised
(D) persevered
(E) aimed

42. (A) moved
(B) shifts
(C) missed
(D) changes
(E) lost

43. (A) Contrary
(B) Opposite
(C) Yet
(D) Obedient
(E) Different

44. (A) any
(B) mean
(C) short
(D) no
(E) less

45. (A) known
(B) calculating
(C) certain
(D) dreamt
(E) surely

46. (A) operational
(B) install
(C) use
(D) produced
(E) new

47. (A) supply
(B) diversity
(C) rewards
(D) pay
(E) knowledge

48. (A) thought
(B) tried
(C) wished
(D) encourage
(E) wanted

49. (A) expand
(B) function
(C) chose
(D) run
(E) risk

50. (A) responsibility
(B) secret
(C) guarantee
(D) prize
(E) value

Answers with Hints
1. (C) 2. (B) 3. (B) 4. (B) 5. (E) 6. (C) 7. (E) 8. (B) 9. (D) 10. (D)
11. (B) 12. (D) 13. (B) 14. (B) 15. (A) 16. (B) 17. (C) 18. (D) 19. (E) 20. (A)
21. (A) 22. (E) 23. (B) 24. (D) 25. (C)

26. (A) Correct spelling is ‘goal’.
27. (C) Correct spelling is ‘cause’.
28. (D) Correct spelling is ‘dividends’.
29. (E) 30. (B)
31. (A) Write ‘the government’s revised’.
32. (B) Write ‘which of the’.
33. (C) Write ‘the government is organizing’.
34. (C) Write ‘without obtaining’.
35. (D) Write ‘efficient managerial staff’.
36. (C) Change ‘very easily’ to ‘more easily’.
37. (C) Write ‘even though it would’.
38. (C) Write ‘each in place of ‘all’.
39. (D) Write ‘necessarily true’.
40. (B) Delete ‘my’.
41. (B) 42. (C) 43. (A) 44. (D) 45. (B) 46. (A) 47. (C) 48. (E) 49. (D) 50. (B)