General English
CLAT, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completion, Idioms and Phrases, Sentence Arrangement
Questions
What causes the seismic activity in the Ring of Fire?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the following question.
The Pacific Ring of Fire is the name that is given to a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Ocean which extends from South America and North America to Eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This area is famous for its constant seismic activity and because of the amount of active volcanoes that can be found here. 75% of dormant and active volcanoes are found in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Now it is known that the area is very close to several tectonic plates which may be what influences the violent activity in the area. It is believed that the Pacific Ring of Fire has a total of 452 volcanoes. Some of the world’s most active volcanoes are found here. The volcanoes can be very dangerous to the population nearby. The Pacific Ring of Fire is different today than it was thousands of years ago because of the changes caused by tectonic plates. The Pacific Plate will hit other plates nearby and that causes them to sink. The crust melts producing the magma that feeds the different volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire or it will help produce new volcanoes. The tectonic plates are the reason for the many violent earthquakes in the entire area of the pacific.
- Its horseshoe shape
- The tectonic plates in the area
- The number of volcanoes
- Cannot be determined from the passage
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
Although the test answer required only four or five sentences, Jitender wrote a ________ response that took up half the page.
- lucid
- verbose
- loquacious
- articulate
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
We ______ spend our time revising for our exam rather than wasting time worrying about the final results.
- should
- could
- can
- might
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
Hospitals around the capital were ______ on Sunday as the injured streamed in, many of them in need of surgery for severe wounds.
- overpowered
- overwrought
- overwhelmed
- overthrown
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
The management committee rejected the proposal ________ they were facing budgetary constraints.
- though
- because
- yet
- but
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
The decision to launch the new detergent has been postponed as it needs ______ testing to improve its operation.
- far more
- more further
- further
- furthest
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
He is one of those men ________ want others to do what they think the best.
- who
- which
- that
- whom
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
______ Delhi today, I would be able to go to my school reunion.
- If I am in
- If I was in
- If I were in
- In case I am in
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
You do not eat pizza, _____?
- don't you
- isn't you
- do you
- didn't you
- .
Directions: The sentences given in the following question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a letter. The first and last sentences of the paragraph are given and are labelled (S1) and (S2). Choose the most logical order of sentences from among the given choices to construct a coherent paragraph.
(S1) One of the most important concepts ever discovered in the field of human performance is called the winning edge concept.
(P) What it means is that if you become just a little bit better in certain critical areas of selling, it can translate into enormous increases in sales.
(Q) First, identify the important things you do in every sale, from prospecting to closing, and think about what you could do to improve in each area.
(R) Now, here are two things that can be done immediately to put the ideas for a “winning edge” into action.
(S) This concept or principle, states that, small differences in ability can translate into enormous differences in results.
(S2) Second, select one specific area where you feel you are weak and make a plan to become absolutely excellent in this area. This decision alone could change your career.
- PRSQ
- PSQR
- QPRS
- SPRQ
- .
Directions: Given below is a foreign language phrase which is commonly used. Choose the correct meaning for the phrase from the alternatives given.
cui bono?
- who is the criminal?
- who stands to gain?
- who is the remaining opponent?
- who is the rightful heir?
- .
Directions: Choose the correct meaning of the idiom given in the following question.
An arm and a leg
- Having all the advantages
- Being very expensive
- Taking on a task that is very big
- Finding it difficult to chose between two alternatives
- .
Directions: Given below is a foreign language phrase which is commonly used. Choose the correct meaning for the phrase from the alternatives given.
ad hoc
- randomly assigned
- for a particular purpose
- for publicity purposes
- an art expert
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
These days I am watching a psychological drama ______ a woman confined to her bedroom by her doctor husband.
- upon
- following
- considering
- concerning
- .
Directions: The sentences given in the following question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a letter. The first and last sentences of the paragraph are given and are labelled (S1) and (S2). Choose the most logical order of sentences from among the given choices to construct a coherent paragraph.
(S1) Pluto was first discovered in 1930 by Clyde W. Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff Arizona.
(P) Only 22 at the time, Tombaugh was given the laborious task of comparing photographic plates.
(Q) Any moving object, like an asteroid, comet or planet, would appear to jump from one photograph to the next.
(R) Astronomers had long predicted that there would be a ninth planet in the Solar System, which they called Planet X.
(S) These were two images of a region of the sky, taken two weeks apart.
(S2) After a year of observations, Tombaugh finally discovered an object in the right orbit, and declared that he had discovered Planet X.
- PQRS
- RPSQ
- QPSR
- SQPR
- .
Directions: Given below is a foreign language phrase which is commonly used. Choose the correct meaning for the phrase from the alternatives given.
bon vivant
- a person who is happy in all situations
- a very clever or witty person
- a person with a luxurious lifestyle
- a person with ascetic tendencies
- .
Directions: The sentences given in the following question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a letter. The first and last sentences of the paragraph are given and are labelled (S1) and (S2). Choose the most logical order of sentences from among the given choices to construct a coherent paragraph.
(S1) In many ancient societies, such as those of Egypt and Greece, dreaming was considered a supernatural communication or a means of divine intervention.
(P) The messages in dreams could be unravelled by people with certain powers.
(Q) Some modern researchers have postulated that dreams have a biological function, where the content requires no analysis or interpretation.
(R) Dreams have been held in considerable importance through history by most cultures.
(S) In ancient Egypt, priests acted as dream interpreters.
(S2) Though, various schools of psychology and neurobiology have offered theories about the meaning and purpose of dreams.
- RQPS
- QPSR
- SPQR
- PRSQ
- .
Directions: Given below is a foreign language phrase which is commonly used. Choose the correct meaning for the phrase from the alternatives given.
sotto voce
- leader's voice
- loud voice
- voice of the people
- quiet voice
- .
Directions: From the given alternatives select the word that is spelt correctly.
- convalascent
- convalescent
- convaelcent
- convalecsent
- .
Directions: Choose the correct meaning of the idiom given in the following question.
To play the devil's advocate
- To argue for arguments sake
- To worship devil
- To gamble
- To be rude to people as a rule
- .
Directions: Fill in the blank by choosing the most appropriate option.
Riya ______ her chores before her mother returned home.
- has finished
- had finished
- is finishing
- will have finished
- .
Directions: The sentences given in the following question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a letter. The first and last sentences of the paragraph are given and are labelled (S1) and (S2). Choose the most logical order of sentences from among the given choices to construct a coherent paragraph.
(S1) Medicine has advanced more in the last century than in all of previous history, and technology’s fingerprints can be found on most of the gains.
(P) Technology has even helped eradicate a disease, smallpox.
(Q) But as in many areas of life, overreliance can lead to abuse.
(R) Patients often have greater confidence in the technology than in a doctor’s clinical skills and judgment where interpretation of the findings matters most.
(S) From new ways to teach medical students to take care of patients in hospitals with the most sophisticated equipment to everyday practice in offices.
(S2) Inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the spread of drug-resistant microbes that threaten to undo many of the gains the antibiotics have achieved.
- RSPQ
- QPSR
- SPQR
- PSQR
- .
Directions: Given below is a foreign language phrase which is commonly used. Choose the correct meaning for the phrase from the alternatives given.
mea culpa
- by my fault
- for my pleasure
- this is my possesion
- this is my friend
- .
Directions: Choose the correct meaning of the idiom given in the following question.
Sitting on the fence
- To remain an onlooker only
- To go outside on a sunny day
- To make a rational decision
- To avoid making a decision
- .
Directions: From the given alternatives select the word that is spelt correctly.
- contradictory
- contradiktory
- contradicotory
- contradictary
- .
Directions: From the given alternatives select the word that is spelt correctly.
- precociaus
- precocious
- prekocious
- precoscious
- .
Directions: The sentences given in the following question, when properly sequenced, form a coherent paragraph. Each sentence is labelled with a letter. The first and last sentences of the paragraph are given and are labelled (S1) and (S2). Choose the most logical order of sentences from among the given choices to construct a coherent paragraph.
(S1) Family and friends are the most common sources of startup funding - and the only one for many non-technology companies.
(P) But just because you can easily pick up the phone and pitch your uncle or college buddy, doesn't mean you should.
(Q) These are the only investors you're likely to encounter who will be predisposed to saying yes, but you still owe them a clear and detailed presentation of the opportunity and risks.
(R) The experts recommend selecting someone with solid business skills who understands the benefits and potential risks of financing your startup.
(S) When it comes to seeking funding from family and friends, access isn't a problem.
(S2) As it is important to be realistic about the amount of money you need, and determining whether you want a loan or to offer a share in the business.
- RPSQ
- QPRS
- PRQS
- QSPR
- .
Directions: From the given alternatives select the word that is spelt correctly.
- doppelgenger
- doppallganger
- dopellganger
- doppelganger
- .
Directions: Choose the correct meaning of the idiom given in the following question.
To let the cat out of the bag
- To reveal a secret
- To feel very self satisfied
- To praise something excessively
- To watch someone carefully
- .
Directions: Choose the correct meaning of the idiom given in the following question.
To have a leg up
- To wish someone good luck
- To have an advantage
- To be very tired
- The physical work accompanying a task
- .
Directions: From the given alternatives select the word that is spelt correctly.
- effervesense
- effervescanse
- effervescense
- effervescence
- .
What has caused the changes in the area of the Pacific Ring of Fire over thousands of years?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the following question.
The Pacific Ring of Fire is the name that is given to a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Ocean which extends from South America and North America to Eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This area is famous for its constant seismic activity and because of the amount of active volcanoes that can be found here. 75% of dormant and active volcanoes are found in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Now it is known that the area is very close to several tectonic plates which may be what influences the violent activity in the area. It is believed that the Pacific Ring of Fire has a total of 452 volcanoes. Some of the world’s most active volcanoes are found here. The volcanoes can be very dangerous to the population nearby. The Pacific Ring of Fire is different today than it was thousands of years ago because of the changes caused by tectonic plates. The Pacific Plate will hit other plates nearby and that causes them to sink. The crust melts producing the magma that feeds the different volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire or it will help produce new volcanoes. The tectonic plates are the reason for the many violent earthquakes in the entire area of the pacific.
- Its horseshoe shape is remarkable and has caused the changes over thousands of years.
- The seismic activity due to the Pacific plate has caused the changes over thousands of years.
- The number of volcanoes is responsible for the changes over thousands of years.
- The magma in the volcanoes causes the crust to melt and causes the changes over thousands of years.
- .
Which of the alternatives given below is the correct synonym of ‘constant’ as used in the passage?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the following question.
The Pacific Ring of Fire is the name that is given to a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Ocean which extends from South America and North America to Eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This area is famous for its constant seismic activity and because of the amount of active volcanoes that can be found here. 75% of dormant and active volcanoes are found in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Now it is known that the area is very close to several tectonic plates which may be what influences the violent activity in the area. It is believed that the Pacific Ring of Fire has a total of 452 volcanoes. Some of the world’s most active volcanoes are found here. The volcanoes can be very dangerous to the population nearby. The Pacific Ring of Fire is different today than it was thousands of years ago because of the changes caused by tectonic plates. The Pacific Plate will hit other plates nearby and that causes them to sink. The crust melts producing the magma that feeds the different volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire or it will help produce new volcanoes. The tectonic plates are the reason for the many violent earthquakes in the entire area of the pacific.
- perpetual
- uninterrupted
- steady
- ephemeral
- .
What is the Ring of Fire famous for?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the following question.
The Pacific Ring of Fire is the name that is given to a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Ocean which extends from South America and North America to Eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This area is famous for its constant seismic activity and because of the amount of active volcanoes that can be found here. 75% of dormant and active volcanoes are found in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Now it is known that the area is very close to several tectonic plates which may be what influences the violent activity in the area. It is believed that the Pacific Ring of Fire has a total of 452 volcanoes. Some of the world’s most active volcanoes are found here. The volcanoes can be very dangerous to the population nearby. The Pacific Ring of Fire is different today than it was thousands of years ago because of the changes caused by tectonic plates. The Pacific Plate will hit other plates nearby and that causes them to sink. The crust melts producing the magma that feeds the different volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire or it will help produce new volcanoes. The tectonic plates are the reason for the many violent earthquakes in the entire area of the pacific.
- The converging tectonic plates in the area
- The different types of volcanoes in the area
- The number of earthquakes
- The new volcanoes that arise as a result of the seismic activity
- .
What sort of volcanoes can be found in the Pacific Ring of Fire?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the following question.
The Pacific Ring of Fire is the name that is given to a horseshoe shaped area in the Pacific Ocean which extends from South America and North America to Eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This area is famous for its constant seismic activity and because of the amount of active volcanoes that can be found here. 75% of dormant and active volcanoes are found in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Now it is known that the area is very close to several tectonic plates which may be what influences the violent activity in the area. It is believed that the Pacific Ring of Fire has a total of 452 volcanoes. Some of the world’s most active volcanoes are found here. The volcanoes can be very dangerous to the population nearby. The Pacific Ring of Fire is different today than it was thousands of years ago because of the changes caused by tectonic plates. The Pacific Plate will hit other plates nearby and that causes them to sink. The crust melts producing the magma that feeds the different volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire or it will help produce new volcanoes. The tectonic plates are the reason for the many violent earthquakes in the entire area of the pacific.
- Active volcanoes
- Dormant volcanoes
- Active as well as dormant volcanoes
- Extinct volcanoes
- .
What suggestion does the skywatching columnist Joe Rao makes for the beginner stargazer?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
When dedicated stargazers venture outside to enjoy the night sky, they bring their telescopes, binoculars and various well-considered pieces of observing gear away from city lights and into the cool dark of night to catch sight of cosmic objects. But how can the average person get started on their way toward becoming an expert skywatcher? Begin by simply looking up, according to one intrepid stargazer. "If you're just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars with just your eyes and get acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations," says Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao. "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky." It's almost always worth setting up shop at your chosen skywatching site before it gets dark, Rao adds. Stargazers also need a gameplan for a rewarding night of skywatching. Rao suggests putting together a checklist of cosmic sights to see for the night. Specialised skywatching software can aid in that hunt.
- Put up a checklist of the stars one needs to identify
- Buy telescopes, binoculars and observing equipment
- Take lessons to learn about the cosmic objects
- Buy a sky guide and a star chart to familiarise yourself
- .
Which of the following statements is correct based upon the information given in the passage?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
When dedicated stargazers venture outside to enjoy the night sky, they bring their telescopes, binoculars and various well-considered pieces of observing gear away from city lights and into the cool dark of night to catch sight of cosmic objects. But how can the average person get started on their way toward becoming an expert skywatcher? Begin by simply looking up, according to one intrepid stargazer. "If you're just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars with just your eyes and get acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations," says Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao. "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky." It's almost always worth setting up shop at your chosen skywatching site before it gets dark, Rao adds. Stargazers also need a gameplan for a rewarding night of skywatching. Rao suggests putting together a checklist of cosmic sights to see for the night. Specialised skywatching software can aid in that hunt.
- City lights deter one from star gazing.
- Specialised skywatching software can aid an average person in stargazing.
- One cannot sightsee in an unfamiliar city without a travelbook.
- An average person cannot even begin becoming an expert sky watcher without the neecessary observation equipment.
- .
What does the phrase ‘setting up shop’ in the passage indicate?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
When dedicated stargazers venture outside to enjoy the night sky, they bring their telescopes, binoculars and various well-considered pieces of observing gear away from city lights and into the cool dark of night to catch sight of cosmic objects. But how can the average person get started on their way toward becoming an expert skywatcher? Begin by simply looking up, according to one intrepid stargazer. "If you're just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars with just your eyes and get acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations," says Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao. "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky." It's almost always worth setting up shop at your chosen skywatching site before it gets dark, Rao adds. Stargazers also need a gameplan for a rewarding night of skywatching. Rao suggests putting together a checklist of cosmic sights to see for the night. Specialised skywatching software can aid in that hunt.
- Opening a business of stargazing equipment
- Starting a business of star charts and sky guides
- Arranging camp at the site chosen to stargaze
- None of these
- .
Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the given passage?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
When dedicated stargazers venture outside to enjoy the night sky, they bring their telescopes, binoculars and various well-considered pieces of observing gear away from city lights and into the cool dark of night to catch sight of cosmic objects. But how can the average person get started on their way toward becoming an expert skywatcher? Begin by simply looking up, according to one intrepid stargazer. "If you're just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars with just your eyes and get acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations," says Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao. "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky." It's almost always worth setting up shop at your chosen skywatching site before it gets dark, Rao adds. Stargazers also need a gameplan for a rewarding night of skywatching. Rao suggests putting together a checklist of cosmic sights to see for the night. Specialised skywatching software can aid in that hunt.
- An Astronomers Guide to Stargazing
- Astronomy and Stargazing for the Intrepid Stargazer
- A Stargazers Guide to Astronomy
- A Sky Guide for Astronomers
- .
What is the gameplan that the passage refers to?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
When dedicated stargazers venture outside to enjoy the night sky, they bring their telescopes, binoculars and various well-considered pieces of observing gear away from city lights and into the cool dark of night to catch sight of cosmic objects. But how can the average person get started on their way toward becoming an expert skywatcher? Begin by simply looking up, according to one intrepid stargazer. "If you're just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars with just your eyes and get acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations," says Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao. "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky." It's almost always worth setting up shop at your chosen skywatching site before it gets dark, Rao adds. Stargazers also need a gameplan for a rewarding night of skywatching. Rao suggests putting together a checklist of cosmic sights to see for the night. Specialised skywatching software can aid in that hunt.
- Plans of the equipment one needs to buy
- Plans of the times one can see the best constellations
- Plans of a list of cosmic sights to see for the night
- Cannot be determined from the passage
- .