English (Railway Apprentice)

English language test for Railway Apprentice recruitment covering grammar, vocabulary, one-word substitutions, prepositions, and reading comprehension.

60 Questions Published

Questions

Question 1 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) English had began (b) to be spoken in Britain only (c) after the arrival of the Saxons. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 2 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) Those who turned up for the parade (b) scheduled for the day (c) were turned away. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 3 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) Her death (b) at so young an age is (c) must to be regretted. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 4 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) Leopard change its spots (b) whenever it goes (c) from one spot to another. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 5 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) By the time the administration woke up (b) to the calamity that had struck the valley (c) it was all over. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 6 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) The doctor was (b) eagerly not very keen (c) to administer medicine. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 7 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

He is a man of strong DETERMINATION.

  1. Doubt
  2. Indecision
  3. Will
  4. Dogma
Question 8 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) Both of these exercises are (b) expected to arm the candidate (c) with necessary outputs for future interviews. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 9 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

Never BUCKLE under pressure.

  1. To go under
  2. To give in
  3. To fall under
  4. To release
Question 10 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) The problem (b) was so difficult (c) to be resolved. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 11 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) Beauty lies (b) in the vision (c) of the beholder. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 12 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The sentence is underlined in three separate parts and each one is labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read the sentence to find out whether there is an error in any underlined part. If there is no error, you may signify a ‘No error’ response.

(a) People at times (b) argue without (c) rhyme or reason. (d) No error

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (c)
  4. (d)
Question 13 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

He was TEMPTED to give it a try.

  1. Discouraged
  2. Belied
  3. Persuaded
  4. Guided
Question 14 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

They chatted MERRILY.

  1. Merely
  2. Happily
  3. Eagerly
  4. Sincerely
Question 15 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

HAUGHTINESS often does not pay.

  1. Arrogance
  2. Hot-headedness
  3. Sweet temperament
  4. Anger
Question 16 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

His financial help saved the industry from total CALAMITY.

  1. Accident
  2. Prosperity
  3. Disaster
  4. Misfortune
Question 17 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

The leader of the opposition demonstrated his ZEAL for reform.

  1. Ardour
  2. Apathy
  3. Eagerness
  4. Dedication
Question 18 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

It is really UNFORTUNATE that he chose to leave us midway.

  1. Auspicious
  2. Destitute
  3. Regrettable
  4. Unsuccessful
Question 19 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

She is very TEMPERAMENTAL in her approach.

  1. Rigid
  2. Flexible
  3. Calm
  4. Violent
Question 20 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

He was VILIFIED by his own friends.

  1. Abused
  2. Silenced
  3. Criticised
  4. Complimented
Question 21 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

Keep your COUNSEL to yourself.

  1. Idea
  2. Argument
  3. Advice
  4. Suggestion
Question 22 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

She has been practising DECEPTION on her friends.

  1. False pretence
  2. Artifice
  3. Craftiness
  4. Openness
Question 23 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

If you persist with your TANTRUMS, you will be asked to leave.

  1. Hooliganism
  2. Playfulness
  3. Absurdities
  4. Hysterics
Question 24 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following items consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

The prime minister personally INTERVENED in the matter.

  1. Interfered
  2. Interrogated
  3. Involved
  4. Insulted
Question 25 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

It was her sheer DEDICATION that led to her success.

  1. Hard labour
  2. Apathetic attitude
  3. Strategic work
  4. Readiness
Question 26 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

This society is full of SWINDLERS.

  1. Prattlers
  2. Quacks
  3. Benefactors
  4. Financers
Question 27 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

Shakespearean plays will MESMERISE you.

  1. Fascinate
  2. Fantasise
  3. Inspire
  4. Dignify
Question 28 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

The nation right now is AGOG with expectations.

  1. Apathetic
  2. Excited
  3. Dismayed
  4. Agitated
Question 29 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

The minister was CENSURED by the government.

  1. Praised
  2. Lifted
  3. Admonished
  4. Decreed
Question 30 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

The scheme _______ be inaugurated by the minister.

  1. is
  2. was
  3. will
  4. ought
Question 31 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

The PROSPECT of meeting the principal brought sweat on her face.

  1. Possibility
  2. Chance
  3. Unlikelihood
  4. Hope
Question 32 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

They _______ come if they get the train.

  1. can
  2. may
  3. shall
  4. have
Question 33 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

He is well _______ in books, but wanting in common sense.

  1. versed
  2. spared
  3. taught
  4. tried
Question 34 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

It is never too late to ________.

  1. earn
  2. learn
  3. churn
  4. burn
Question 35 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

He has __________ the shoes of his father.

  1. stepped on
  2. stepped at
  3. stepped into
  4. stepped aside
Question 36 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

That book has ________ me greatly.

  1. pressurised
  2. tired
  3. failed
  4. influenced
Question 37 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

The thief was sentenced to four years of _________ imprisonment.

  1. vigorous
  2. timorous
  3. rigorous
  4. precarious
Question 38 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

Though it is true we have lost our money, it has not been ________ our fault.

  1. because
  2. by
  3. through
  4. from
Question 39 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

This is election time. Please keep your flocks ________.

  1. together
  2. under control
  3. under check
  4. under surveillance
Question 40 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable auxiliary/idiom/phrase to fill in the blank.

He is such a towering personality that he ________ remain unnoticed.

  1. will always
  2. can hardly
  3. shall always
  4. hardly ever
Question 41 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

The ministry has been contemplating _______ pass the bill.

  1. about
  2. of
  3. to
  4. None of these
Question 42 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

The way he is surveying us all it seems he is looking _______ someone.

  1. at
  2. for
  3. above
  4. None of these
Question 43 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

He learnt it ______ reliable sources that his property was going to be confiscated.

  1. through
  2. since
  3. from
  4. None of these
Question 44 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

When he tried to flirt ______ me, I pushed him aside.

  1. to
  2. at
  3. with
  4. None of these
Question 45 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

The members decided to call _______ the minister with their grievances.

  1. at
  2. about
  3. on
  4. None of these
Question 46 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. Choose the word that can be used as a substitute for the stem.

A person who believes that God does not exist

  1. Atheist
  2. Agnostic
  3. Theist
  4. Non-believer
Question 47 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

Even though the economy has boomed in recent times, the gap __________ haves and have-nots has not narrowed down.

  1. from
  2. on
  3. for
  4. None of these
Question 48 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

She does not approve _______ the latecomers in her office.

  1. about
  2. of
  3. in
  4. None of these
Question 49 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

I am sure the committee has been working ______ this formula.

  1. on
  2. about
  3. at
  4. None of these
Question 50 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

He cast a tired look _______ me.

  1. about
  2. at
  3. on
  4. None of these
Question 51 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. Choose the word that can be used as a substitute for the stem.

Life history of a person written by someone else

  1. Autobiography
  2. Memoir
  3. Bibliography
  4. Biography
Question 52 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: Supply suitable preposition to fill in the blank.

Peace has been restored in the area. It was the alacrity ______ the neighbours that saved the day.

  1. by
  2. of
  3. from
  4. None of these
Question 53 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. Choose the word that can be used as a substitute for the stem.

The custom of having more than one living wife

  1. Monogamy
  2. Polygamy
  3. Bigamy
  4. Ceremony
Question 54 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. Choose the word that can be used as a substitute for the stem.

A building where people can go to see fish and other water creatures

  1. Museum
  2. Aquarium
  3. Auditorium
  4. Planetarium
Question 55 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. Choose the word that can be used as a substitute for the stem.

Gradual recovery from illness

  1. Convalescence
  2. Omnipresence
  3. Somnambulism
  4. Nihilism
Question 56 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. Choose the word that can be used as a substitute for the stem.

The custom of having more than one husband at the same time

  1. Bigamy
  2. Debauchery
  3. Polyandry
  4. Idolatry
Question 57 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

By saying ‘the unity of a paragraph is or ought to be protected by the theme’, the writer strongly advocates that

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Unity is as necessary in a paragraph as in a sentence, and has practically the same meaning for the one as for the other. It means that the paragraph must deal with one subject at a time. It implies a sustained purpose and forbids digressions and irrelevant matter. The unity of a paragraph is or ought to be protected by the theme; for the paragraph ought not to go beyond what the scope of the theme allows. The sentence embodying the theme holds the same kind of relation to the other sentences of the paragraph that the principal clause of a complex sentence holds to the subordinate clauses. As the several clauses of a complex sentence are combined together in construction by conjunctions and relative pronouns, so it frequently happens that the several sentences of which a paragraph is composed are combined together in sense (though they are separated in construction), by words of reference, demonstrative phrases, collateral allusions, and the various other devices of sentence-arrangement.
  1. there is no sense in staying within the scope of the theme
  2. there are no hard and fast rules about sticking to the theme
  3. there is no scope for digression and irrelevant matters
  4. paragraph writing is a complex matter best left to experts
Question 58 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the central idea of the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Unity is as necessary in a paragraph as in a sentence, and has practically the same meaning for the one as for the other. It means that the paragraph must deal with one subject at a time. It implies a sustained purpose and forbids digressions and irrelevant matter. The unity of a paragraph is or ought to be protected by the theme; for the paragraph ought not to go beyond what the scope of the theme allows. The sentence embodying the theme holds the same kind of relation to the other sentences of the paragraph that the principal clause of a complex sentence holds to the subordinate clauses. As the several clauses of a complex sentence are combined together in construction by conjunctions and relative pronouns, so it frequently happens that the several sentences of which a paragraph is composed are combined together in sense (though they are separated in construction), by words of reference, demonstrative phrases, collateral allusions, and the various other devices of sentence-arrangement.
  1. Selection of theme in paragraph writing
  2. Irrelevance of theme and unity in a paragraph
  3. Paragraph must deal with one subject at a time
  4. Sentence-arrangement is a futile exercise
Question 59 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

In the sentence ‘It implies a sustained purpose and forbids digressions and irrelevant matter’, what does the word ‘digression’ mean in the given context?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Unity is as necessary in a paragraph as in a sentence, and has practically the same meaning for the one as for the other. It means that the paragraph must deal with one subject at a time. It implies a sustained purpose and forbids digressions and irrelevant matter. The unity of a paragraph is or ought to be protected by the theme; for the paragraph ought not to go beyond what the scope of the theme allows. The sentence embodying the theme holds the same kind of relation to the other sentences of the paragraph that the principal clause of a complex sentence holds to the subordinate clauses. As the several clauses of a complex sentence are combined together in construction by conjunctions and relative pronouns, so it frequently happens that the several sentences of which a paragraph is composed are combined together in sense (though they are separated in construction), by words of reference, demonstrative phrases, collateral allusions, and the various other devices of sentence-arrangement.
  1. Nothing that is not connected with the theme should be used.
  2. Digression can be permitted so long as it remains relevant.
  3. Relevant matter and digression can go together in a paragraph.
  4. Digressions and irrelevant matters make for healthy reading material.
Question 60 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

A paragraph is well-written if it has followed the principles of

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Unity is as necessary in a paragraph as in a sentence, and has practically the same meaning for the one as for the other. It means that the paragraph must deal with one subject at a time. It implies a sustained purpose and forbids digressions and irrelevant matter. The unity of a paragraph is or ought to be protected by the theme; for the paragraph ought not to go beyond what the scope of the theme allows. The sentence embodying the theme holds the same kind of relation to the other sentences of the paragraph that the principal clause of a complex sentence holds to the subordinate clauses. As the several clauses of a complex sentence are combined together in construction by conjunctions and relative pronouns, so it frequently happens that the several sentences of which a paragraph is composed are combined together in sense (though they are separated in construction), by words of reference, demonstrative phrases, collateral allusions, and the various other devices of sentence-arrangement.
  1. detailed writing
  2. controlled writing
  3. paragraph writing
  4. digressive writing