Fill in the Blanks

The presence of ‘though’ indicates need for opposite words. As there is use of ‘welcome seemed’ it indicates that though the welcome was pleasant it masked a negative feeling. So, a ‘good word’ is followed by a ‘bad word’. This is found in option 2.

Reflective reading means thoughtful reading. It would involve examination of the content and language to understand the viewpoint of the author. So, application, or altercation (angry dispute), or inquiry or dissecting are ruled out. Similarly, main purpose is to understand the viewpoint, i.e. perspective of the author not the bearing or delineation (rough sketch or draft) or the hypotheses.

This sentence calls for contrast between city and countryside life. Traffic in the city is generally associated with noise and commotion while countryside with peace and tranquillity. This contrast is available only in option 3.

‘Rebellion’ means organised resistance. Due to crashing of the computer there can be chaos or disorder but not organised resistance or upheaval (violent change). ‘Mayhem’ meaning havoc or riotous confusion, is the correct answer. As there was havoc, customers would be irritated and they would use abusive language or invectives. Other words are out of context.

The use of ‘and’ before ‘tell the truth’ indicates need for a similar word. This is found in ‘forthright’ (truthful). ‘Than’ points to use of an opposite of telling the truth, i.e. prevaricate’ (lie, or avoid the truth).

Sentence talks about preparing the children. Only gullible or unsuspecting persons need to be prepared for harsh realities. ‘Foolish’ would also fit, but for the second blank ‘cherished’ is incorrect. For second blank we need something related to ‘prepared’. Reconcile and adept are ruled out as they would require no preparation. So, ‘familiarise’ is the correct answer.

The sentence clearly indicates two opposite words are required for the blanks. Catastrophe meaning calamity does not go with preceding words, ‘process of’. Annihilation meaning ‘destruction’ fits in. Moreover its opposite is found in ‘reasserting’ meaning ‘upholding’. So, correct answer is option 3.

The key word is ‘concerns’. ‘Restrained dumping’ would not lead to intensification of concerns. With informal we have ‘beneficial’ for second blank. 'Beneficial' is ruled out as it would not raise concerns. ‘Antagonistic’ means unfriendly, which does not fit in with the context. ‘Aiding’ and ‘hazy’ are similarly ruled out. So, correct answer is option 5.

Gandhiji did not resort to the extreme methods to resist pretentiousness meaning self importance or constraint meaning restrictions or liberality meaning kindness. Tyranny meaning oppression is the correct answer. He resisted oppression to obtain the agreement or compliance of the Britishers. ‘Oppression’ in option 5 would be correct, but dissent does not fit the second blank. Allowance and concession are too soft to fit in with the context.

‘Theoretically’ indicates a situation which is opposite of what exists. So, a contrasting situation is being described. Moreover, the use of ‘merely’ before the second blank indicates that the President had no real powers. This is reflected in option (3).

Though validity of legends is 'susceptible', they 'mesmerise' children and adults alike.

'Irascibleness' means 'prone to outbursts of temper' and 'courteously' 'gracious consideration toward others'. Hence, these words fit best here.

The word ‘forced’ indicates that the new interface of some of the new softwares were not liked. Hence, 'succinct' and 'friendly' are out of context. Interface cannot be 'irrational'. ‘Intricate’ could be correct, but 'agree' does not fit in the second blank. You can 'discard' or 'revert' to older software. The new interface was not liked because they were awkward or 'cumbersome'. So, the obvious choice would be to 'go back' or 'revert' to the old ones as against the new ones.

'Of' is used to show relating to. Like opportunity is of lifetime.

'To' is used to indicate a limit or an ending point.