General English (Railway Apprentice Exam)
Comprehensive English language practice quiz covering grammar, vocabulary, idioms, prepositions, one-word substitutions, and reading comprehension for railway apprentice exam preparation.
Questions
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
If you want to lose weight, you should ABSTAIN from junk foods like burgers and pizza.
- Renounce
- Indulge
- Spurn
- Discard
- .
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
One should always warm up before exercise so that the muscles are PLIABLE and are less likely to be injured.
- Flexible
- Manageable
- Ductile
- Rigid
- .
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
Once my youngest daughter is ENSCONCED in her bed, I can enjoy some quiet time and watch television.
- Buried
- Lay bare
- Settled
- Installed
- .
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
During elections, most politicians IMPORTUNE voters for their support and vote.
- Dissuade
- Signify
- Besiege
- Pester
- .
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
The young executive was given a raise because he created a LAUDABLE plan for marketing the new product.
- Creditable
- Thankworthy
- Deserving
- Ignoble
- .
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) Because there was (b) a dearth in evidence, (c) the district attorney had to drop the charges. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) The thieves were brazen enough (b) to leave an mocking note (c) for the investigators. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) Anil, accompanied by his friends, (b) were at the movies (c) when that unfortunate news came. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
At the end of summer vacation, the once crowded hill stations become FALLOW as the tourists return to their places.
- Neglected
- Dormant
- Deserted
- Active
- .
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) The young boy, (b) together with his aunt and mother, (c) are going to the movie. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) Team members who are greedy (b) for money or power and are not playing well (c) will meet a nasty end. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) His mastery over several languages (b) and subjects make him (c) a jack of all trade. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
Because of the AMITY in our office, everyone looks out for each other.
- Kindliness
- Hostility
- Concord
- Hand and glove
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) After he returned (b) from his official tour, (c) he looked sick and tired. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- -
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
When my mother is angry, she only gives TERSE responses.
- Polite
- Cryptic
- Taut
- Long-winded
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
The FERVOUR of public was quite evident as they screamed and waved banners for their favourite candidate.
- Warmth
- Seriousness
- Apathy
- Zeal
- .
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) I used to live (b) in the house (c) at the end off the road. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
Women who leave their husbands face a social STIGMA that makes them feel excluded from society.
- Stain
- Taint
- Pride
- Slur
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) Either of us (b) is not capable of (c) climbing Mount Everest. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
On her ninetieth birthday, the queen will ABDICATE her throne and her oldest son will become the king.
- Retire
- Continue
- Usurp
- Defy
Directions: Read the sentence and find the part having an error.
(a) I think I would (b) study harder if I want to (c) clear my boards. (d) No error
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
The old carpenter’s hands are no longer DEXTEROUS enough for him to build furniture.
- Active
- Agile
- Inept
- Loser
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
He is an ELOQUENT storyteller who can paint a picture with his words.
- Passionate
- Inarticulate
- Frigid
- Apathetic
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
The pharmaceutical company was BESET by a flood of lawsuits after their new invention led to many injuries.
- Besieged
- Entangled
- Left alone
- Fall upon
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
My sister’s husband is a REPROBATE who spends all his money on alcohol and drugs.
- Decent
- Honest
- Wanton
- Shameless
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
The stop sign at the corner is supposed to be a DETERRENT that discourages speeding.
- Hindrance
- Encouragement
- Reassurance
- Obstacle
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
Every actor was looking forward to work with such an EMINENT director.
- Distinguished
- Unknown
- Ordinary
- Common
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
The purpose of most commercials is to EXHORT consumers to buy a particular product.
- Divert
- Dissuade
- Beseech
- Persuade
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
My father arranged for the best tutor he _______ for me and my brother.
- should
- would
- could
- might
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
My brother’s ABERRANT behaviour is going to get him into a lot of trouble one of these days.
- Deviant
- Normal
- Same
- Different
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
This corrupt leader __________ be punished for his deeds.
- ought to
- have to
- dare to
- could
- .
Directions: Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
The purpose of the terror alerts is not to INCITE panic, but rather to make people more cautious.
- Deter
- Prohibit
- Agitate
- Provoke
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
____________ I use your bathroom. It is urgent!
- Must
- Would
- Dare
- Might
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
There __________ be something wrong in this question.
- must
- should
- ought to
- would
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
My financial dealings with Rahim have always been ___________. I do not pay a single penny as commission to anyone.
- back to square one
- above board
- blank cheque
- sticking point
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
He ____________ not defy his father or else he will be thrown out of the house.
- should
- dare
- would
- might
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
He is an intelligent leader, but his inability to speak fluently in English is his ____________.
- acid test
- act of God
- alter ego
- achilles heel
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
I had a bad bout of viral, but now I am ______________ again.
- back on my feet
- back to the salt mines
- back of beyond
- back to the wall
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
The entrance exam was a ____________ for me. I am sure to succeed.
- slice of cake
- calculated risk
- piece of cake
- can of worms
- .
Directions: Supply suitable auxiliaries/idioms/phrases.
Do you plan to go on a trekking trip? With your poor physical condition, it is ___________.
- piece of cake
- easier said than done
- easy as pie
- a walk on eggshells
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
Sheela put a plate ________ the kitchen table.
- at
- on
- over
- about
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
There were thousands of people ________ the stadium.
- at
- on
- by
- against
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
I have just read a book _________ Mahatma Gandhi.
- on
- over
- at
- about
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
The child came to the front stage __________ confidence.
- by
- with
- in
- from
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
You can clear the entrance exam __________ taking proper coaching for it.
- with
- from
- through
- by
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
He has been _______ the computer since this morning.
- in
- at
- by
- on
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
I am good ________ writing an essay on these topics.
- in
- with
- at
- over
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
Ram put his bicycle __________ the wall and went inside.
- against
- on
- by
- at
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
She did not sleep there ______ this past month.
- in
- over
- by
- 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 government by the officials
- Aristocracy
- Plutocracy
- Bureaucracy
- Democracy
- .
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 hates women
- Egotist
- Misogynist
- Misogamist
- Altruist
- .
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. Choose the correct option.
A study of derivation of words
- Etymology
- Physiology
- Ornithology
- Ethnology
- .
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 medicine to counter the effect of another medicine
- Antidote
- Antiseptic
- Germicide
- Hallucinogen
- .
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.
Murder of a king
- Infanticide
- Regicide
- Homicide
- Patricide
- .
Directions: For the next question insert suitable preposition.
This shirt is available _______ four different sizes.
- over
- in
- with
- at
- .
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. Choose the correct option.
A substance that is toxic to plants, used to destroy unwanted vegetation
- Germicide
- Herbicide
- Pesticide
- Insecticide
- .
How did the author spend his weekend in the city?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question.
Even as a tourist, joining those who had arrived from around the world at the pilgrim's mass in the cathedral was a moving experience for me. Representatives from different language groups offered prayers. I had seen some cathedrals empty of worshipers in Europe, but dozens of rows in the Santiago Cathedral were filled. Some present wore the traditional hat of the Santiago pilgrimage. Some carried the pilgrim's cane. There were travellers with backpacks who must have just stepped off the road and into the church. As it happened, the day I visited was a feast day and mass ended with the use of the massive incense burner that requires eight men to swing it above the heads of the worshipers. My visit to Santiago de Compostela had an immediate effect on my spiritual life. I spent a weekend alone in that city and I returned to the cathedral again and again to pray. Even when I arrived early in the morning and had corners of the cathedral to myself, I felt surrounded and uplifted by the prayers of the pilgrims past and present. I found myself praying for more than I had ever prayed for before, without shyness and without hesitation.
- He did sightseeing in the city.
- He backpacked around the city.
- He visited the cathedral again and again.
- He interacted with the representatives of different languages who had come to offer prayers at the cathedral.
- .
What change did the author observe in his religious practices while in the city?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question.
Even as a tourist, joining those who had arrived from around the world at the pilgrim's mass in the cathedral was a moving experience for me. Representatives from different language groups offered prayers. I had seen some cathedrals empty of worshipers in Europe, but dozens of rows in the Santiago Cathedral were filled. Some present wore the traditional hat of the Santiago pilgrimage. Some carried the pilgrim's cane. There were travellers with backpacks who must have just stepped off the road and into the church. As it happened, the day I visited was a feast day and mass ended with the use of the massive incense burner that requires eight men to swing it above the heads of the worshipers. My visit to Santiago de Compostela had an immediate effect on my spiritual life. I spent a weekend alone in that city and I returned to the cathedral again and again to pray. Even when I arrived early in the morning and had corners of the cathedral to myself, I felt surrounded and uplifted by the prayers of the pilgrims past and present. I found myself praying for more than I had ever prayed for before, without shyness and without hesitation.
- He prayed with people of different languages.
- He prayed early in the mornings.
- He prayed without shyness and hesitation.
- He started attending mass while in the city.
- .
What does the phrase ‘moving experience’ in the passage refer to?
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question.
Even as a tourist, joining those who had arrived from around the world at the pilgrim's mass in the cathedral was a moving experience for me. Representatives from different language groups offered prayers. I had seen some cathedrals empty of worshipers in Europe, but dozens of rows in the Santiago Cathedral were filled. Some present wore the traditional hat of the Santiago pilgrimage. Some carried the pilgrim's cane. There were travellers with backpacks who must have just stepped off the road and into the church. As it happened, the day I visited was a feast day and mass ended with the use of the massive incense burner that requires eight men to swing it above the heads of the worshipers. My visit to Santiago de Compostela had an immediate effect on my spiritual life. I spent a weekend alone in that city and I returned to the cathedral again and again to pray. Even when I arrived early in the morning and had corners of the cathedral to myself, I felt surrounded and uplifted by the prayers of the pilgrims past and present. I found myself praying for more than I had ever prayed for before, without shyness and without hesitation.
- Being a tourist
- Joining the people from around the world
- Spending a weekend in the city
- Meeting representatives from different language groups
The author felt surrounded and uplifted because
Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the question.
Even as a tourist, joining those who had arrived from around the world at the pilgrim's mass in the cathedral was a moving experience for me. Representatives from different language groups offered prayers. I had seen some cathedrals empty of worshipers in Europe, but dozens of rows in the Santiago Cathedral were filled. Some present wore the traditional hat of the Santiago pilgrimage. Some carried the pilgrim's cane. There were travellers with backpacks who must have just stepped off the road and into the church. As it happened, the day I visited was a feast day and mass ended with the use of the massive incense burner that requires eight men to swing it above the heads of the worshipers. My visit to Santiago de Compostela had an immediate effect on my spiritual life. I spent a weekend alone in that city and I returned to the cathedral again and again to pray. Even when I arrived early in the morning and had corners of the cathedral to myself, I felt surrounded and uplifted by the prayers of the pilgrims past and present. I found myself praying for more than I had ever prayed for before, without shyness and without hesitation.
- representatives from different language groups offered prayers together
- the cathedral was filled with people
- his visit to Santiago de Compostela had an immediate effect on his spiritual life
- of the prayers of the pilgrims past and present
- .