Directions (1-15): In each of the following questions, a sentence is given with two blanks followed by five options with a pair of words in each. Choose the most appropriate pair of words to fill in the blanks in the same order as they are given in the option.
Q1. U.S. ____________ from the region and its decline as the principal system shaper has ____________ India’s place in regional geopolitics.
(a) objective, cladded
(b) faction, contrived
(c) withdrawal, complicated
(d) besiege, restrained
(e) manifestation, rebuked
Q2. The programme ____________ to have been designed to make youth be ____________ about India’s scientific achievements.
(a) ratifies, stump
(b) imposes, discreet
(c) ripples, wistful
(d) mortifies, subside
(e) appears, proud
Q3. The Indian family ____________ is authoritarian and patriarchal, though benevolent to the obedient, in its ____________.
(a) landscape, dealings
(b) caprice, muster
(c) accede, fervent
(d) tribunal, cohere
(e) stratum, austere
Q4. Increasing global ____________ and low participation in recycling programmes have ____________ to more plastic waste.
(a) conscientious, eluded
(b) edifice, conjured
(c) foster, pervaded
(d) admonishment, repealed
(e) consumption, led
Q5. Although the debate was also ____________ by mutual political and personal differences, it raised ____________ issues regarding economic and social development.
(a) slewed, usurping
(b) sentinel, precise
(c) deposed, wanton
(d) fired, profound
(e) odium, candid
Q6. India’s ____________ to the Russian aggression on Ukraine underline the fact that India is ____________ from a position of geopolitical vulnerability.
(a) frays, enduring
(b) responses, operating
(c) bland, impertinent
(d) languid, nominal
(e) rave, suppliant
Q7. The government can consider making a/an ____________ to ease the adoption of children orphaned the pandemic, without ____________ on checks and balances.
(a)infallible, headlong
(b) explicate, ranging
(c) exception, compromising
(d) morbid, pacifying
(e) pastoral, dogging
Q8. Ration cards now bring a/an ____________ measure of wheat and rice under the Public Distribution System, but there is ____________ for those without ration cards.
(a) appease, aide
(b) stipulated, recourse
(c) averse, conceit
(d) double, nothing
(e) loath, rampart
Q9. The discussions shot up to a/an ____________ and the political scene was abuzz with rumours of a/an ____________ change of guard.
(a) extortion, perpetration
(b) tarry, decorum
(c) enjoin, luxuriant
(d) crescendo, imminent
(e) avarice, edict
Q10. The government has roped in a helicopter to keep a ____________ on the riverine areas of the Ganga as these areas are apparently ____________ of illicit brewing of country liquor.
(a) disconcert, symmetries
(b) watch, hotbeds
(c) capitulate, arbitrations
(d) cleave, appendices
(e) visage, chastise
Q11. Although this ____________ the government’s claims of excellent food assistance, the survey report acknowledges that the ____________ is slightly better than the previous year.
(a) grapples, veritable
(b) maxims, pall
(c) prowess, projection
(d) undermines, situation
(e) semblance, tout
Q12. Each child must be ____________ mental health support, as unresolved trauma and grief ____________ with it can increase the chances of producing a broken generation.
(a) provided, associated
(b) route, staid
(c) beguiled, purported
(d) depraved, bequeathed
(e) quailed, bulwarked
Q13. Research is slowly ____________ the link between repetitive complex movements of the body and how it might help in cognitive restoration and ____________.
(a) swerving, assiduous
(b) girding, betrothed
(c) prospecting, advert
(d) unravelling, development
(e) deducing, rudiment
Q14. A Kata in classical Japanese Karate is a series of ____________ movements conducted in a rhythm involving changes of ____________ while performing techniques.
(a) halting, ignominy
(b) idealizing, pallid
(c) chagrining, obtrude
(d) intricate, stance
(e) construing, audacious
Q15. Balance ____________ great mind body coordination, thereby ____________ neural pathways.
(a) fords, repasting
(b) requires, activating
(c) stints, reducing
(d) pillages, interlining
(e) rends, forebodings
Solutions
S1. Ans. (c)
Sol. “Withdrawal, Complicated” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
“U.S. withdrawal from the region and its decline as the principal system shaper has complicated India’s place in regional geopolitics.”
Objective: (of a person or their judgement) not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.
Cladded: encased (a structure) with a covering or coating.
Faction: dissension within an organization.
Contrived: deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously.
Withdrawal: the action of withdrawing something.
Complicated: consisting of many interconnecting parts or elements; intricate.
Besiege: surround (a place) with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender.
Restrained: characterized by reserve or moderation; unemotional or dispassionate.
Manifestation: an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something abstract or theoretical.
Rebuked: express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behaviour or actions.
S2. Ans. (e)
Sol. “appears, proud” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
“The programme appears to have been designed to make youth be proud about India’s scientific achievements.”
Ratifies: sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.
Stump: (of a question or problem) be too hard for; baffle.
Imposes: force (an unwelcome decision or ruling) on someone.
Discreet: careful and prudent in one’s speech or actions, especially in order to keep something confidential or to avoid embarrassment.
Ripples: a particular feeling or effect that spreads through someone or something.
Wistful: having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Mortifies: cause (someone) to feel very embarrassed or ashamed.
Subside: become less intense, violent, or severe.
Appears: come into sight; become visible or noticeable, especially without apparent cause.
Proud: feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.
S3. Ans. (a)
Sol. “Landscape, dealings” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
The Indian family landscape is authoritarian and patriarchal, though benevolent to the obedient, in its dealings.
Landscape: the distinctive features of a sphere of activity.
Dealings: a personal connection or association with someone.
Caprice: a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behaviour.
Muster: collect or assemble (a number or amount).
Accede: agree to a demand, request, or treaty.
Fervent: having or displaying a passionate intensity.
Tribunal: a body established to settle certain types of dispute.
Cohere: form a unified whole.
Stratum: a layer or a series of layers of rock in the ground.
Austere: severe or strict in manner or attitude.
S4. Ans. (e)
Sol. “Consumption, led” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Increasing global consumption and low participation in recycling programmes have led to more plastic waste.
Hence, option (e) is the right answer choice.
Conscientious: wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly.
Eluded: escape from or avoid (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skilful or cunning way.
Edifice: a complex system of beliefs.
Conjured: caused (a spirit or ghost) to appear by means of a magic ritual.
Foster: encourage the development of (something, especially something desirable).
Pervaded: (especially of a smell) spread through and be perceived in every part of.
Admonishment: a firm warning or reprimand.
Repealed: revoke or annul (a law or act of parliament).
Consumption: the action of using up a resource.
Led: culminated or resulted in (a particular event or consequence).
S5. Ans. (d)
Sol. “Fired, profound” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Although the debate was also fired by mutual political and personal differences, it raised profound issues regarding economic and social development.
Slewed: turned or slided violently or uncontrollably.
Usurping: taking (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force.
Sentinel: a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch.
Precise: marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
Deposed: removed from office suddenly and forcefully.
Wanton: (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked.
Fired: directed (questions or statements, especially unwelcome ones) towards someone in rapid succession.
Profound: (of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense.
Odium: general or widespread hatred or disgust incurred by someone as a result of their actions.
Candid: truthful and straightforward; frank.
S6. Ans. (b)
Sol. “Responses, operating” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
India’s responses to the Russian aggression on Ukraine underline the fact that India is operating from a position of geopolitical vulnerability.
Frays: (of a person’s nerves or temper) show the effects of strain.
Enduring: lasting over a period of time; durable.
Responses: a reaction to something.
Operating: (of an organization) be managed in a specified way or from a specified place.
Bland: lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting.
Impertinent: not showing proper respect; rude.
Languid: weak or faint from illness or fatigue.
Nominal: (of a role or status) existing in name only.
Rave: talk incoherently, as if one were delirious or mad.
Suppliant: a person making a humble or earnest plea to someone in power or authority.
S7. Ans. (c)
Sol. “Exception, compromising” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
The government can consider making an exception to ease the adoption of children orphaned the pandemic, without compromising on checks and balances.
Infallible: incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.
Headlong: in a rush; with reckless haste.
Explicate: analyse and develop (an idea or principle) in detail.
Ranging: varying or extending between specified limits.
Exception: a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule.
Compromising: (of information or a situation) revealing an embarrassing or incriminating secret about someone.
Morbid: characterized by an abnormal and unhealthy interest in disturbing and unpleasant subjects, especially death and disease.
Pacifying: quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of.
Pastoral: relating to or denoting a teacher’s responsibility for the general well-being of pupils or students.
Dogging: acting lazily; failing to try one’s hardest.
S8. Ans. (d)
Sol. “Double, nothing” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Ration cards now bring a double measure of wheat and rice under the Public Distribution System, but there is nothing for those without ration cards.
Appease: pacify or placate (someone) by acceding to their demands.
Aide: an assistant to an important person, especially a political leader.
Stipulated: demand or specify (a requirement), typically as part of an agreement.
Recourse: a source of help in a difficult situation.
Averse: having a strong dislike of or opposition to something.
Conceit: excessive pride in oneself.
Double: having two different roles or interpretations, especially in order to deceive or confuse.
Nothing: not anything; no single thing.
Loath: reluctant; unwilling.
Rampart: a defensive or protective barrier.
S9. Ans. (d)
Sol. “Crescendo, imminent” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
The discussions shot up to a crescendo and the political scene was abuzz with rumours of an imminent change of guard.
Extortion: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
Perpetration: carrying out or committing (a harmful, illegal, or immoral action).
Tarry: stay longer than intended; delay leaving a place.
Decorum: behaviour in keeping with good taste and propriety.
Enjoin: instruct or urge (someone) to do something.
Luxuriant: (of vegetation) rich and profuse in growth; lush.
Crescendo: the highest point reached in a progressive increase of intensity.
Imminent: about to happen.
Avarice: extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Edict: an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.
S10. Ans. (b)
Sol. “Watch, hotbeds” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
The government has roped in a helicopter to keep a watch on the riverine areas of the Ganga as these areas are apparently hotbeds of illicit brewing of country liquor.
Disconcert: disturb the composure of; unsettle.
Symmetries: the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis.
Watch: look at or observe attentively over a period of time.
Hotbeds: an environment promoting the growth of something, especially something unwelcome.
Capitulate: cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; yield.
Arbitrations: the use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute.
Cleave: make a way through (something) forcefully, as if by splitting it apart.
Appendices: a section or table of subsidiary matter at the end of a book or document.
Visage: the manifestation, image, or aspect of something.
Chastise: rebuke or reprimand severely.
S11. Ans. (d)
Sol. “Undermines, situation” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Although this undermines the government’s claims of excellent food assistance, the survey report acknowledges that the situation is slightly better than the previous year.
Grapples: engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons; wrestle.
Veritable: used for emphasis, often to qualify a metaphor.
Maxims: a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
Pall: something regarded as enveloping a situation with an air of gloom or fear.
Prowess: skill or expertise in a particular activity or field.
Projection: an estimate or forecast of a future situation based on a study of present trends.
Undermines: lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously.
Collapse: (of a structure) suddenly fall down or give way.
Situation: a set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs.
Semblance: the outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the reality is different.
Tout: attempt to sell (something), typically by a direct or persistent approach.
S12. Ans. (a)
Sol. “Provided, associated” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Each child must be provided mental health support, as unresolved trauma and grief associated with it can increase the chances of producing a broken generation.
Provided: on the condition or understanding that.
Associated: (of a person or thing) connected with something else.
Route: a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
Staid: sedate, respectable, and unadventurous.
Beguiled: charm or enchant (someone), often in a deceptive way.
Purported: appearing or stated to be true, though not necessarily so; alleged.
Depraved: morally corrupt; wicked.
Bequeathed: leave (property) to a person or other beneficiary by a will.
Quailed: feel or show fear or apprehension.
Bulwarked: a solid wall-like structure raised for defense
S13. Ans. (d)
Sol. “Unravelling, development” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Research is slowly unravelling the link between repetitive complex movements of the body and how it might help in cognitive restoration and development.
Swerving: change or cause to change direction abruptly.
Assiduous: showing great care and perseverance.
Girding: surround; encircle.
– prepare oneself for something difficult or challenging.
Betrothed: the person to whom one is engaged.
Prospecting: searching for; seeking.
Advert: an advertisement.
Unravelling: investigating and solving or explain (something complicated or puzzling).
Development: the process of developing or being developed.
Deducing: arrive at (a fact or a conclusion) by reasoning; draw as a logical conclusion.
Rudiment: an elementary or primitive form of (something).
S14. Ans. (d)
Sol. “Intricate, stance” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
A Kata in classical Japanese Karate is a series of intricate movements conducted in a rhythm involving changes of stance while performing techniques.
Hence, option (d) is the right answer choice.
Halting: slow and hesitant, especially through lack of confidence; faltering.
Ignominy: public shame or disgrace.
Idealizing: regard or represent as perfect or better than in reality.
Pallid: lacking vigour or intensity; insipid.
Chagrining: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure.
Obtrude: become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way.
Intricate: very complicated or detailed.
Stance: the attitude of a person or organization towards something; a standpoint.
Construing: interpret (a word or action) in a particular way.
Audacious: showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.
S15. Ans. (b)
Sol. “Requires, activating” will fit in the blanks in the exact order as given in the option to make the sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful.
Balance requires great mind body coordination, thereby activating neural pathways.
Fords: a shallow place in a river or stream allowing one to walk or drive across.
Repasting: the food served and eaten at one time
Requires: needs for a particular purpose
Activating: make (something) active or operative.
Stints: supply a very ungenerous or inadequate amount of (something).
Reducing: make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
Pillages: robs a (place) using violence, especially in wartime.
Interlining: Interlinings are the accessories used between two layers of fabric to keep the different components of apparel in a desired shape or to improve the aesthetics and/or performance.
Rends: tears (something) into pieces.
Forebodings: a feeling that something bad will happen; fearful apprehension.
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