General English - Grammar, Vocabulary & Comprehension
Tests English language skills including grammar (error spotting, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech), vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms, phrasal verbs), spelling, cloze tests, and reading comprehension.
Questions
Why was the writer afraid?
Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.
I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.
- Because it was a mysterious and fearful place
- Because something unseen was pursuing him
- Because the writer's appearance was pale and frightening
- Because the writer was being strangled
- None of these
Which of the following incidents happened with the author in the dark room?
Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.
I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.
- His pursuer rushed in behind him.
- He was choked to death by someone.
- He wounded himself fatally.
- He felt dazed due to an injury.
- None of these
Why did the author use the phrase "invisible enemy"?
Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.
I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.
- He was blindfolded and could not see anything around.
- He was strangled from behind and was not able to see the face of the attacker.
- The enemy, he mentioned, was a ghost and the house was haunted.
- He could not see the attacker as it was too dark to see anything in the room.
- None of these
'Strangled' implies
Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.
I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.
- choked
- familiarized
- feared
- expanded
- None of these
The narrator was running on a road which was
Directions: Given below is a brief passage followed by a question. Read the passage carefully and choose the best alternative out of the four given alternatives.
I was in a mysterious place. The place was like frozen in time. Everything was black and white. I was running on a dirty road with lots of stones and holes. I had long brown hair and extremely pale skin. I was afraid, afraid of whatever that was chasing me. For a moment I looked back to see what my pursuer was doing but there was no one. Then I came face to face with a door which was not there earlier. It was ajar. I entered the room which was very dark. I could not see anything. I stumbled forward to find myself falling down the step of stairs. I quickly stood up as I reached the bottom of the stairs. I could feel pain from falling earlier. Blood was slowly trickling down my arm where a small cut had formed. I felt dizzy for a second and then the next moment it looked like I was being strangled. I struggled for breath fighting my invisible enemy. I moved forward in the room which seemed to be a basement. Then as suddenly as it had come, the feeling of being choked disappeared.
- wide
- unfinished
- unkept
- tapered
- None of these
Directions: In the given question, a sentence is divided into three parts (A), (B) and (C). One of these parts may have an error. Mark that part as your answer. If the sentence is correct as given, mark your answer as (D).
Kalidas (A)/ is greatest (B)/ of all the dramatists. (C)/ No error (D)
- (A)
- (B)
- (C)
- (D)
Directions: In the given question, a sentence is divided into three parts (A), (B) and (C). One of these parts may have an error. Mark that part as your answer. If the sentence is correct as given, mark your answer as (D).
It will take (A)/ two hour to walk (B)/ through the forest. (C)/ No error (D)
- (A)
- (B)
- (C)
- (D)
Directions: In the given question, a sentence is divided into three parts (A), (B) and (C). One of these parts may have an error. Mark that part as your answer. If the sentence is correct as given, mark your answer as (D).
It was (A)/ a Herculean task (B)/ of me. (C)/ No error (D)
- (A)
- (B)
- (C)
- (D)
Directions: In the given question, a sentence is divided into three parts (A), (B) and (C). One of these parts may have an error. Mark that part as your answer. If the sentence is correct as given, mark your answer as (D).
It would be foolish to (A)/ rely on his support as (B)/ he is broken reed. (C)/ No error (D)
- (A)
- (B)
- (C)
- (D)
Directions: In the given question, a sentence is divided into three parts (A), (B) and (C). One of these parts may have an error. Mark that part as your answer. If the sentence is correct as given, mark your answer as (D).
Sushma and Vimal (A)/ was (B)/ friends. (C)/ No error (D)
- (A)
- (B)
- (C)
- (D)
Directions: In this question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Choose the correct alternative out of the four given alternatives.
Students had to face _______ challenges.
- lots
- whole
- sum
- numerous
Directions: In this question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Choose the correct alternative out of the four given alternatives.
The thieves broke _____ the museum to steal the painting.
- up
- into
- out
- side
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which is opposite in meaning to the given word.
Ambiguity
- Clarity
- Tidy
- Rationality
- Transparent
Directions: In this question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Choose the correct alternative out of the four given alternatives.
The speaker had no _________ of hurting the sentiments of the audience.
- interest
- intention
- ideas
- problem
Directions: In this question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Choose the correct alternative out of the four given alternatives.
For almost seven years, Mrs. Jacob _______ unable to move her head.
- was
- looks
- been
- is
Directions: Choose the correct alternative for the underlined part.
I found myself between the devil and the deep sea.
- lost in the deep sea
- facing two challenges
- facing two equally bad alternatives
- in a trouble
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Catastrophic
- Disastrous
- Pleasant
- Stable
- Surprising
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Mocked
- Laughed
- Gazed
- Imitated
- Amazed
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words.
A collection of monkeys
- Troop
- Zoo
- Herd
- Flight
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words.
The art of measuring land
- Metallurgy
- Calligraphy
- Rhetoric
- Survey
Directions: In this question, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.
The sight of the accident made my flesh creep.
- Worried me
- Frightened me
- Confused me
- Drew my attention
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which is opposite in meaning to the given word.
Eternal
- Immaterial
- Divine
- Spiritual
- Transient
Directions: In this question, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, your answer is option (4).
You are undue irregular.
- long
- regularly
- high
- No improvement
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Active/Passive voice.
He is known to me.
- I knew him.
- He knows me.
- I know him.
- He is my known.
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Active/Passive voice.
Did Kiran insult you?
- Are you insulted by Kiran?
- Were you insulted by Kiran?
- Was you insulted by Kiran?
- By Kiran were you insulted?
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Active/Passive voice.
The authorities are looking into the matter.
- The matter is being looked into by the authorities.
- The matter are being looked into by the authorities.
- The matter is looked into by the authorities.
- The matter is being looked into the authorities.
Directions: In this question, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, your answer is option (4).
I broke with her because she had cheated me.
- broke up
- broke from
- break away
- No improvement
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words.
A period of two weeks
- Century
- Decade
- Fortnight
- Interregnum
Directions: In this question, a sentence is given with a blank to be filled in with appropriate word(s). Choose the correct alternative out of the four given alternatives.
Tonight's game was _______ because of the rain.
- abandoned
- called off
- fixed
- wet
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Direct/Indirect form.
My teacher says, “Guru Nanak Dev ji was born in 1469.”
- My teacher says that Guru Nanak Dev ji had been born in 1469.
- My teacher said that Guru Nanak Dev ji was born in 1469.
- My teacher says that Guru Nanak Dev ji was born in 1469.
- My teacher told that Guru Nanak Dev ji was born in 1469.
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Direct/Indirect form.
He said to me, “He does not love her.”
- He said to me that he did not love her.
- He told me that he did not love her.
- He told me that he does not love her.
- He told me that he did not loved her.
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Active/Passive voice.
He will write a letter.
- A letter will be writing by him.
- Letter will be written by him.
- A letter would be written by him.
- A letter will be written by him.
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Direct/Indirect form.
She said to me, “I tried to drive a car but failed.”
- She told me that I tried to drive a car but failed.
- She told me that she had tried to drive a car but failed.
- She told me that she tried to drive a car but had failed.
- She told me that she had tried to drive a car but had failed.
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Active/Passive voice.
Valmiki wrote the Ramayana.
- The Ramayana is written by Valmiki.
- Ramayana was written by Valmiki.
- The Ramayana was written by Valmiki.
- The Ramayana was written by the Valmiki.
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Direct/Indirect form.
He said to me, “I am ill.”
- He told me that he is ill.
- He asked me that he was ill.
- He told me that he was ill.
- He told me that I was ill.
Directions: In this question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect form. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Direct/Indirect form.
She said to me, “What were you eating?”
- She asked me what I had eaten.
- She asked me what I had been eating.
- She told me that what I had been eating.
- She asked me what had I been eating.
Directions: Choose the correct alternative for the underlined part.
It was after a long time that the police was able to lay the thief by the heels.
- run fast after
- play tricks on
- chase and capture
- arrest and imprison
Directions: In this question, the first and the last sentences/parts of the passage/sentences are numbered S1 and S2.The rest of the passage/sentences are split into four parts and named P, Q, R, S. These four parts are not given in a proper order. Read the passage or sentences and find out which of the four combinations is correct.
S1: Patriotism means love of one's native land.
P. This feeling is called Patriotism.
Q. Patriotism is a natural feeling of the heart.
R. Just as we love our father and mother, we love the land of our birth.
S. No one needs to teach us to love our parents.
S2: Love of parents is an inborn feeling and there is also no need to teach patriotism.
- RPQS
- SRPQ
- RQPS
- PRQS
Directions: In this question, the first and the last sentences/parts of the passage/sentences are numbered S1 and S2.The rest of the passage/sentences are split into four parts and named P, Q, R, S. These four parts are not given in a proper order. Read the passage or sentences and find out which of the four combinations is correct.
S1: A lot has been said about an artist’s duty towards the society.
P. But he should not start with any didactic purpose.
Q. Naturally, he has to express his surroundings and his reaction to them.
R. A true artist writes or paints for the sake of art alone.
S. He is generally told to preach.
S2: His message, if any, comes out on its own.
- PSQR
- SPRQ
- SQPR
- SPQR
Directions: In this question, the first and the last sentences/parts of the passage/sentences are numbered S1 and S2.The rest of the passage/sentences are split into four parts and named P, Q, R, S. These four parts are not given in a proper order. Read the passage or sentences and find out which of the four combinations is correct.
S1: The practical
P. education is the
Q. type of citizens
R. end of university
S. creation of right
S2: in the society
- PRSQ
- RPSQ
- QSPR
- QSRP
Directions: In this question, the first and the last sentences/parts of the passage/sentences are numbered S1 and S2.The rest of the passage/sentences are split into four parts and named P, Q, R, S. These four parts are not given in a proper order. Read the passage or sentences and find out which of the four combinations is correct.
S1: The question of the participation of the students in politics has always evoked a lot of discussion.
P. Both the groups are equally convinced of the merits of their cases.
Q. It has been a very controversial subject.
R. The discussion goes on between the students, teachers, politicians, and other well wishers of the student community.
S. Two contrasting opinions have been expressed by two groups of people.
S2: In spite of their best efforts, no satisfactory or convincing solution has so far been found out.
- SQPR
- QPSR
- QSPR
- RPSQ
Directions: In this question, the first and the last sentences/parts of the passage/sentences are numbered S1 and S2.The rest of the passage/sentences are split into four parts and named P, Q, R, S. These four parts are not given in a proper order. Read the passage or sentences and find out which of the four combinations is correct.
S1: Examinations are a necessary evil.
P. In fact, life itself is a continuous examination.
Q. Nobody can do without examinations.
R. The present system of examination in our educational set up was devised by the British.
S. We are taking tests at all stages of our life.
S2: They wanted to produce clerks who would help them in their day to day administration.
- PQRS
- QPSR
- PQSR
- QPRS
Directions: In this question, the first and the last sentences/parts of the passage/sentences are numbered S1 and S2.The rest of the passage/sentences are split into four parts and named P, Q, R, S. These four parts are not given in a proper order. Read the passage or sentences and find out which of the four combinations is correct.
S1: The Hound of the Baskerville was feared by the people of the area.
P. Some people spoke of seeing a huge, shadowy form of a hound at midnight on the moor.
Q. But they spoke of it in tones of horror.
R. Nobody had actually seen the hound.
S. This shadowy form did not reveal any details about the animal.
S2: The Hound of Baskervilles remains an unsolved mystery.
- PQRS
- PSRQ
- SPQR
- SPRQ
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which is correctly spelt.
- Exaggerte
- Exagerate
- Exaggerate
- Exagerrate
Directions: In this question, out of the four given alternatives, choose the one which is correctly spelt.
- Magnifficent
- Magneficent
- Magnificant
- Magnificent
Fill in the blank (v).
Directions: In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the question out of the four alternatives and fill in the blank.
A yoga guru ____(i)____ beyond the clutches of ____(ii)____. Physical attraction and pleasure don't ____(iii)____ him. There is nothing that he ____(iv)____ and is not ____(v)____ to achieve.
- willing
- try
- able
- prior
Fill in the blank (iii).
Directions: In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the question out of the four alternatives and fill in the blank.
A yoga guru ____(i)____ beyond the clutches of ____(ii)____. Physical attraction and pleasure don't ____(iii)____ him. There is nothing that he ____(iv)____ and is not ____(v)____ to achieve.
- affect
- effect
- calm
- fight
Fill in the blank (iv).
Directions: In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the question out of the four alternatives and fill in the blank.
A yoga guru ____(i)____ beyond the clutches of ____(ii)____. Physical attraction and pleasure don't ____(iii)____ him. There is nothing that he ____(iv)____ and is not ____(v)____ to achieve.
- preaches
- expresses
- does
- desires
Fill in the blank (i).
Directions: In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the question out of the four alternatives and fill in the blank.
A yoga guru ____(i)____ beyond the clutches of ____(ii)____. Physical attraction and pleasure don't ____(iii)____ him. There is nothing that he ____(iv)____ and is not ____(v)____ to achieve.
- were
- has
- are
- is
Fill in the blank (ii).
Directions: In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to the question out of the four alternatives and fill in the blank.
A yoga guru ____(i)____ beyond the clutches of ____(ii)____. Physical attraction and pleasure don't ____(iii)____ him. There is nothing that he ____(iv)____ and is not ____(v)____ to achieve.
- worldly
- meaningfully
- money
- tightly