English Language Proficiency for Railway Apprentice Exam
Comprehensive English language assessment covering grammar, vocabulary, phrasal verbs, prepositions, one-word substitutions, and reading comprehension for Railway Apprentice examination preparation
Questions
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) Some of the guests might be important (2) to his future in politics (3) but he was dressed to impress. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) He said he is starting a new party, (2) unless the present party did not reflect (3) the views and aspirations of the cadres. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) Despite India trying its best to prevent Chinese submarines (2) from stopping in Sri Lanka, (3) another Chinese attack submarine is docking in Colombo. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) Government is permitting transfer of private land (2) to industrial, tourism or hydel purposes (3) within a very short period. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) The story added to a growing debate (2) over whether the Government (3) was failing in their most basic duties. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
This is a fundamental question for a country whose CORE objectives in foreign policy remain the promotion of democracy and the rule of law around the world.
- Intrinsic
- Minor
- Original
- Pivotal
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The party clearly wants to use its share in power to expand its political CLOUT.
- Authority
- Prestige
- Influence
- Blow
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) As you miss home or car loan installment, (2) not only are you slapped with a penalty, (3) but your credit score also suffers. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) The actor was happy he got (2) the part in a movie (3) although the part was a small one. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
Although I was ELATED about the trip, I was also nervous at the thought of flying for the first time.
- Enchanted
- Exalted
- Praised
- Excited
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) When she was youngest, (2) my baby sister was incredibly innocent (3) and fell for all my tricks. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
Policy measures and DILIGENT monitoring are needed to control the situation.
- Busy
- Constant
- Weary
- Clever
Directions: Select the the phrase that defines the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The death sentence IMPOSED on five Indian fishermen by a Sri Lankan court for drug trafficking has added an unfortunate dimension to relations between the two countries.
- To take advantage
- To inflict as penalty
- To force oneself on others
- To deceive others
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) It is said that in life, (2) be it friendships or fights, (3) nothing last forever. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The idea of being stuck in an office all day is ABHORRENT to a nature-lover like me.
- Contrary
- Disgusting
- Revolting
- Attractive
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The floodwaters are expected to RECEDE in a few days.
- Fade
- Taper
- Withdraw
- Advance
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The Pope is a VENERABLE leader who is recognised for his commitment to helping others.
- Respected
- Grand
- Sedate
- Aged
Directions: The following sentence has been broken into three parts (1), (2) and (3). If there is any grammatical error in any of these parts, that is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (4).
(1) It is normal for your memory to deteriorate as you get older, (2) but there are some factors (3) who can accelerate this deterioration considerably. (4) No error
- (1)
- (2)
- (3)
- (4)
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
Unpacking all these boxes is going to require a great deal of TENACITY.
- Perseverance
- Inflexibility
- Courage
- Timidity
Directions: Select the synonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The DEPOSITION of the football coach has left the team without a leader.
- Dejection
- Impeachment
- Removal
- Ejection
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
He is an ADEPT juggler who can easily manage four balls in the air without dropping one.
- Proficient
- Capable
- Incompetent
- Coarse
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
Your DNA at the scene is INFALLIBLE evidence that you committed the crime.
- Dependable
- Conclusive
- Imperfect
- Accurate
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The woman looked HAGGARD after sitting up for a week with her dying husband.
- Lean
- Starved
- Healthy
- Emaciated
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
After he faked his death, he attended his own funeral INCOGNITO to see what people were saying about him.
- Anonymously
- Openly
- Disguised
- Privately
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The boy has admirable GUMPTION to face his bully.
- Initiative
- Resourcefulness
- Ignorance
- Prudence
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
Take COPIOUS notes in class, so that you have plenty of review material for the test.
- Extensive
- Meager
- Expansive
- Rich
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
You need to have at least a RUDIMENTARY understanding of technology before you can upload a video on that website.
- Complex
- Simple
- Early
- Rough
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
In spite of the cold weather, we made an ARBITRARY trip to the beach.
- Erratic
- Capricious
- Consistent
- Despotic
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
Ellen will need to work on her ELOCUTION before she competes in the public speaking competition.
- Articulation
- Pronunciation
- Speech
- Silence
Directions: Select the antonym of the word occurring in the sentence in capital letters.
The politician promised to answer all questions which were PERTINENT to his campaign promises.
- Applicable
- Inapplicable
- Happy
- Solid
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
They are determined to _______ for their rights.
- stand by
- stand over
- stand in
- stand up
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
______ you want to go home now?
- Did
- Do
- Does
- Have
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
He ______ answer for his misdeeds.
- might
- could
- ought
- shall
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
This book explains the topics such that a layman ______ understand.
- might
- may
- should
- shall
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Only men _______ go to university in those days.
- should
- would
- could
- might
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
The car company has _______ all the last years’ models.
- called up
- called back
- called off
- called down
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Our boxers _______ in the knowledge that they did their best in the games.
- talk sense
- stand tall
- tell a tall tale
- are a tall order
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
My friend is __________ about whether or not he should accept the job offer.
- down at heels
- cooling his heels
- dragging his heels
- digging in his heels
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
His wife has ______ his business after his death.
- carried out
- carried away
- carried on
- carried off
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
The lock on the main door was broken _____ robbers.
- for
- in
- by
- from
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
I am doing some volunteer work at the hospital in order to ______ in the water and see if I like the medical field.
- go toe to toe
- get a toehold
- dip my toe
- tread on toes
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
The trees were cut down to make way _____ the widening of the road.
- for
- to
- in
- about
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Her cupboard is the cleanest thing ____ the house.
- at
- for
- of
- in
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Our data is based ____ empirical evidence collected in numerous studies.
- at
- in
- on
- of
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Today, I met Shiva who has just returned home _____ Goa.
- at
- from
- for
- towards
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
My parents introduced me to people of various cultures ____ an early age.
- in
- on
- for
- at
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Sorry for his actions, the defendant confessed to everyone ____ the courtroom.
- on
- in
- above
- below
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Kolkata is an important port ____ the river Hoogly.
- in
- on
- about
- for
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Since you wrote a letter expressing remorse, I will forgive and accept you back ____ my life.
- into
- from
- at
- out
Directions: Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.
Arya takes ____ me in his mannerisms.
- on
- into
- after
- about
Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. One of the four words can be used as a substitute for the stem.
A person who has odd habits
- Anarchist
- Eccentric
- Crazy
- Boring
Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. One of the four words can be used as a substitute for the stem.
One who plays a game for pleasure and not professionally
- Apprentice
- Recruit
- Aspirant
- Amateur
Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. One of the four words can be used as a substitute for the stem.
A story that is short and amusing
- Legend
- Memoir
- Anecdote
- Narrative
Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. One of the four words can be used as a substitute for the stem.
One who believes everything is predestined
- Fatalist
- Stoic
- Religious
- Calm
Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. One of the four words can be used as a substitute for the stem.
One who loves books
- Lecturer
- Savant
- Bibliophile
- Aficionado
Directions: The following item consists of a stem followed by four words. One of the four words can be used as a substitute for the stem.
A speech made without preparation
- Eulogy
- Debate
- Epilogue
- Extempore
What allows corruption to go unchallenged?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
Corruption often goes unchallenged when people do not speak out about it. Witness accounts offer invaluable insights into corruption, and are powerful tools in the fight against it. From exposing multi-million dollar financial scams to dangerous medical practices, whistleblowers play a crucial role in saving resources and even lives.
But in some countries, blowing the whistle can carry high personal risk – particularly when there is little legal protection against dismissal, humiliation or even physical abuse. Controls on information, libel and defamation laws, and inadequate investigation of whistleblowers’ claims can all deter people from speaking out.
Whistleblowers are less likely to report workplace misconduct when their employers do not provide clear internal reporting channels. And in some settings, whistle-blowing carries connotations of betrayal rather than being seen as a benefit to the public. Ultimately, societies, institutions and citizens lose out when there is no one willing to cry foul in the face of corruption
- When people do not speak out about it
- When people are not against it
- When laws do not protect whistleblowers
- When there is no legal protection for whistleblowers
What deters people from speaking against corruption?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
Corruption often goes unchallenged when people do not speak out about it. Witness accounts offer invaluable insights into corruption, and are powerful tools in the fight against it. From exposing multi-million dollar financial scams to dangerous medical practices, whistleblowers play a crucial role in saving resources and even lives.
But in some countries, blowing the whistle can carry high personal risk – particularly when there is little legal protection against dismissal, humiliation or even physical abuse. Controls on information, libel and defamation laws, and inadequate investigation of whistleblowers’ claims can all deter people from speaking out.
Whistleblowers are less likely to report workplace misconduct when their employers do not provide clear internal reporting channels. And in some settings, whistle-blowing carries connotations of betrayal rather than being seen as a benefit to the public. Ultimately, societies, institutions and citizens lose out when there is no one willing to cry foul in the face of corruption
- Connotations of betrayal
- Mismanagement of whistleblowers
- Corrupt individuals
- High personal risk
When do the whistleblowers not report workplace misconduct?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
Corruption often goes unchallenged when people do not speak out about it. Witness accounts offer invaluable insights into corruption, and are powerful tools in the fight against it. From exposing multi-million dollar financial scams to dangerous medical practices, whistleblowers play a crucial role in saving resources and even lives.
But in some countries, blowing the whistle can carry high personal risk – particularly when there is little legal protection against dismissal, humiliation or even physical abuse. Controls on information, libel and defamation laws, and inadequate investigation of whistleblowers’ claims can all deter people from speaking out.
Whistleblowers are less likely to report workplace misconduct when their employers do not provide clear internal reporting channels. And in some settings, whistle-blowing carries connotations of betrayal rather than being seen as a benefit to the public. Ultimately, societies, institutions and citizens lose out when there is no one willing to cry foul in the face of corruption
- When employers do not provide clear internal reporting channels
- When there are connotations of betrayal connected to whistle-blowing
- When there are libel and defamation laws
- When there is high personal risk
‘Whistleblowers are invaluable in exposing corruption.’ What does ‘invaluable’ mean in this context?
Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.
Corruption often goes unchallenged when people do not speak out about it. Witness accounts offer invaluable insights into corruption, and are powerful tools in the fight against it. From exposing multi-million dollar financial scams to dangerous medical practices, whistleblowers play a crucial role in saving resources and even lives.
But in some countries, blowing the whistle can carry high personal risk – particularly when there is little legal protection against dismissal, humiliation or even physical abuse. Controls on information, libel and defamation laws, and inadequate investigation of whistleblowers’ claims can all deter people from speaking out.
Whistleblowers are less likely to report workplace misconduct when their employers do not provide clear internal reporting channels. And in some settings, whistle-blowing carries connotations of betrayal rather than being seen as a benefit to the public. Ultimately, societies, institutions and citizens lose out when there is no one willing to cry foul in the face of corruption
- Whistleblowers can become rich.
- Whistleblowers can prevent many misdeeds.
- Whistleblowers can assist in the enforcement of laws.
- Whistleblowers can help breach the wall of silence.