Question 1

In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)–(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks.

From the ancient Athenian arena to the modern Olympic stadiums, athletics (i) the potential for a spectacle. The crowd (ii) with bated breath as the Olympian artist twists his body, stretching t

Accepted Answer

(i) holds (ii) waits (iii) culminate (iv) pivots. The correct option uses the singular verb "holds" to agree with the singular subject "athletics," while "waits" matches the singular subject "the crowd." The plural form "culminate" fits with the plural subject "six cross-steps," and "pivots" correctly aligns with the singular subject "body."

Question 2

Is there any good show ________ television tonight? Select the most appropriate option to complete the above sentence.

Accepted Answer

on. The correct option 'on' is used to indicate that something is being broadcast or available through a medium, in this case, television. It is the standard preposition used to refer to programs or shows that are airing.

Question 3

As the police officer was found guilty of embezzlement, he was ________ dismissed from the service in accordance with the Service Rules. Select the most appropriate option to complete the above sentence.

Accepted Answer

summarily. The term 'summarily' means to dismiss someone immediately and without the usual formalities, which is appropriate in the context of a police officer being found guilty of a serious crime like embezzlement.

Question 4

“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, su

Accepted Answer

The wealthier nations are pulling down the crooked streets in their capitals.. The passage explicitly states that wealthier nations are demolishing crooked streets in their capitals, indicating that this statement accurately reflects the author's observations.

Question 5

“His face ________ with joy when the solution of the puzzle was ________ to him.”
The words that best fill the blanks in the above sentence are

Accepted Answer

shone, shown. The correct option uses 'shone' to describe the face emitting light or happiness, and 'shown' as the past participle of 'show,' indicating that the solution was revealed to him.

Question 6

“Although it does contain some pioneering ideas, one would hardly characterize the work as ________.”
The word that best fills the blank in the above sentence is

Accepted Answer

innovative. The term 'innovative' implies a high level of creativity and originality, which contrasts with the idea of merely containing 'some pioneering ideas.' Thus, the sentence suggests that while there are new concepts, the overall work does not reach the level of being truly innovative.

Question 7

Daytime temperatures in Delhi can ____ 40°C.

Accepted Answer

reach. The verb 'reach' is appropriate here as it conveys the idea of attaining a specific temperature, which is commonly used in the context of weather.

Question 8

The growth rate of ABC Motors in 2017 was the same ______ XYZ Motors in 2016.

Accepted Answer

as that of. The phrase 'as that of' correctly compares the growth rate of ABC Motors in 2017 to the growth rate of XYZ Motors in 2016, maintaining proper grammatical structure and clarity.

Question 9

Hima Das was ____ only Indian athlete to win ____ gold for India.

Accepted Answer

the, a. The correct option uses 'the' to specify Hima Das as the unique athlete in this context, and 'a' to indicate that she won one gold medal, which is an indefinite quantity.

Question 10

“Popular Hindi fiction, despite – or perhaps because of – its wide reach, often does not appear in our cinema. As ideals that viewers are meant to look up to rather than identify with, Hindi film protagonists usually read books of aspirational value: textbooks, English books, or high value

Accepted Answer

People do not look up to writers of textbooks, English books or high value literature. The statement about people not looking up to writers of textbooks, English books, or high value literature cannot be inferred from the paragraph, as it focuses on the reading preferences of protagonists rather than the public perception of the writers.

Question 11

The author said, “Musicians rehearse before their concerts. Actors rehearse their roles before the opening of a new play. On the other hand, I find it strange that many public speakers think they can just walk on to the stage and start speaking. In my opinion, it is no less important for p

Accepted Answer

The author is of the opinion that rehearsing is important for musicians, actors and public speakers.. The author emphasizes the necessity of rehearsal for all performers, including musicians, actors, and public speakers, indicating that preparation is equally vital across these professions.

Question 12

The movie was funny and I _________.

Accepted Answer

couldn’t help laughing. The phrase 'couldn’t help laughing' is the correct form because it uses the structure 'couldn't help' followed by the gerund 'laughing,' which indicates an inability to control the action of laughing.

Question 13

The line ran ________ the page, right through the centre, and divided the page into two.

Accepted Answer

across. The word 'across' indicates that the line extends from one side of the page to the other, effectively dividing it into two equal parts, which aligns with the description given.

Question 14

Based only on the following passage, which one of the options can be inferred with certainty?

When the congregation sang together, Apenyo would also join, though her little screams were not quite audible because of the group singing. But whenever there was a special number, trouble would

Accepted Answer

When Apenyo hummed at home, her mother tended to become thoughtful.. The passage indicates that Apenyo's singing at home sometimes annoyed her mother, but more often it made her mother pensive, suggesting that her thoughts were deeper and more reflective during those moments.

Question 15

A student is required to demonstrate a high level of comprehension of the subject, especially in the social sciences.

The word closest in meaning to comprehension is

Accepted Answer

understanding. Understanding refers to the ability to grasp the meaning or significance of something, which aligns closely with the concept of comprehension in the context of social sciences.

Question 16

Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence.

One of his biggest ______ was his ability to forgive.

Accepted Answer

virtues. The correct option 'virtues' refers to a positive quality or trait, which aligns with the context of the sentence highlighting a commendable ability, such as forgiveness.

Question 17

Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence.

A person suffering from Alzheimer's disease ________ short-term memory loss.

Accepted Answer

experiences. The present tense 'experiences' is the most suitable choice as it indicates a continuous condition that is characteristic of someone with Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the ongoing nature of short-term memory loss.

Question 18

Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence.

__________ is the key to their happiness; they are satisfied with what they have.

Accepted Answer

Contentment. Contentment refers to a state of satisfaction and acceptance of one's circumstances, which aligns perfectly with the idea of being happy with what one has.

Question 19

Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the sentence below?

"As a woman, I have no country."

Accepted Answer

Women's solidarity knows no national boundaries.. The correct option emphasizes the idea that women share a common bond that transcends national borders, aligning with the sentiment of the original statement about a lack of national identity.

Question 20

Out of the following four sentences, select the most suitable sentence with respect to grammar and usage.

Accepted Answer

I will not leave the place until the minister meets me.. This sentence is correct because it uses the proper subjunctive form 'meets' to indicate a future condition that must be fulfilled before the action of leaving occurs.

Question 21

A rewording of something written or spoken is a _____________.

Accepted Answer

paraphrase. A paraphrase involves restating someone else's ideas or statements in your own words while maintaining the original meaning, making it a useful tool for clarification and understanding.

Question 22

Archimedes said, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I will move the world.”
The sentence above is an example of a __________ statement.

Accepted Answer

figurative. The statement is figurative because it uses metaphorical language to express the idea of achieving great feats with the right tools, rather than making a literal claim about moving the Earth.

Question 23

If I were you, I ________ that laptop. It's much too expensive.

Accepted Answer

wouldn't buy. The phrase "If I were you" indicates a hypothetical situation, and "wouldn't buy" correctly expresses a conditional recommendation against purchasing the expensive laptop.

Question 24

He turned a deaf ear to my request.
What does the underlined phrasal verb mean?

Accepted Answer

ignored. The phrase 'turned a deaf ear' means to deliberately ignore or pay no attention to something, which aligns with option A.

Question 25

Choose the most appropriate set of words from the options given below to complete the following sentence.
________ ________ is a will, ________ is a way.

Accepted Answer

W here, there, there. The phrase 'Where there is a will, there is a way' is a well-known proverb that emphasizes determination and resourcefulness. The correct option uses 'where' to indicate a condition and 'there' to refer to the existence of a way.

Question 26

In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)–(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks. Yoko Roi stands ________ as an author for standing ________ as an honorary fellow, after she stood ________ her writings that stand ________ the freedom of speech.

Accepted Answer

(i) out (ii) down (iii) by (iv) for. The correct option uses 'out' to highlight Yoko Roi's prominence as an author, 'down' to indicate her acceptance of the honorary fellowship, 'by' to show the means through which she established her reputation, and 'for' to specify the purpose of her writings, which advocate for freedom of speech.

Question 27

Even though I had planned to go skiing with my friends, I had to ________ at the last moment because of an injury.
Select the most appropriate option to complete the above sentence.

Accepted Answer

back out. The phrase 'back out' means to withdraw from a commitment or plan, which fits the context of having to cancel skiing plans due to an injury.

Question 28

The President, along with the Council of Ministers, ________ to visit India next week.
Select the most appropriate option to complete the above sentence.

Accepted Answer

wishes. The correct option 'wishes' is appropriate because it agrees with the singular subject 'The President' and indicates a present desire or intention.

Question 29

“His life was divided between the books, his friends, and long walks. A solitary man, he worked at all hours without much method, and probably courted his fatal illness in this way. To his own name there is not much to show; but such was his liberality that he was continually helping other

Accepted Answer

The solitary man described in the passage is dead.. The passage discusses the solitary man's life and contributions, ultimately framing it in the context of a funeral, which implies that he has passed away.

Question 30

In the given text, the blanks are numbered (i)–(iv). Select the best match for all the blanks. Steve was advised to keep his head ________ before heading ________ to bat; for, while he had a head ________ batting, he could only do so with a cool head ________ his shoulders.

Accepted Answer

(i) down (ii) out (iii) for (iv) on. The correct option uses idiomatic expressions appropriately; 'keep his head down' suggests focusing and avoiding distractions, 'heading out to bat' indicates preparing to play, 'head for batting' implies a mindset for performance, and 'with a cool head on his shoulders' emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure.

Question 31

Ravihad _____ younger brother who taught at _____ university. He was widely regarded as _____ honorable man. Select the option with the correct sequence of articles to fill in the blanks.

Accepted Answer

a; a; an. The correct option uses 'a' before 'younger brother' because it introduces a non-specific singular noun, 'a' before 'university' since it refers to a non-specific university, and 'an' before 'honorable man' because 'honorable' starts with a vowel sound, making it the appropriate article.

Question 32

The CEO’s decision to downsize the workforce was considered myopic because it sacrificed long-term stability to accommodate short-term gains.

Select the most appropriate option that can replace the word “myopic” without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Accepted Answer

shortsighted. The term 'shortsighted' accurately reflects the idea of lacking foresight or considering only immediate benefits, which aligns with the criticism of the CEO's decision to prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability.

Question 33

“I put the brown paper in my pocket along with the chalks, and possibly other things. I suppose every one must have reflected how primeval and how poetical are the things that one carries in one’s pocket: the pocket-knife, for instance the type of all human tools, the infant of the sword.

Accepted Answer

The pocket-knife is described as the infant of the sword.. The passage explicitly states that the pocket-knife is referred to as 'the infant of the sword,' highlighting its significance as a fundamental tool in human history.

Question 34

Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence:
His rather casual remarks on politics ________ his lack of seriousness about the subject.

Accepted Answer

betrayed. The word 'betrayed' indicates that his casual remarks revealed or exposed his lack of seriousness about politics, making it the most fitting choice in this context.

Question 35

Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word below:
Circuitous

Accepted Answer

indirect. The term 'circuitous' refers to a route or method that is not straightforward, often taking longer or more complex paths to reach a destination, which aligns closely with the meaning of 'indirect.'

Question 36

Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence:
If we manage to ________ our natural resources, we would leave a better planet for our children.

Accepted Answer

conserve. Conserve means to protect and preserve natural resources, ensuring they remain available for future generations, which aligns perfectly with the goal of leaving a better planet for our children.

Question 37

Modern warfare has changed from large scale clashes of armies to suppression of civilian populations. Chemical agents that do their work silently are said to be suited to such warfare; and regretfully, there exist people in military establishments who think that chemical agents are useful

Accepted Answer

Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable.. The passage highlights the negative implications of using chemical agents in modern warfare, particularly their silent and harmful effects on civilian populations, suggesting that their use is morally and ethically undesirable.

Question 38

Which one of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word given below?

Nadir

Accepted Answer

Lowest. The term 'nadir' refers to the lowest point in a situation or condition, making 'Lowest' the correct choice as it directly aligns with this definition.

Question 39

Complete the sentence:
Universalism is to particularism as diffuseness is to ____________

Accepted Answer

specificity. Universalism and particularism represent broad versus specific approaches, while diffuseness contrasts with specificity, which refers to a focused and detailed manner of interaction or understanding.

Question 40

Were you a bird, you ____________ in the sky.

Accepted Answer

would fly. The phrase 'were you a bird' sets up a hypothetical situation, which is best expressed using 'would fly' to indicate what one would do in that imagined scenario.

Question 41

Choose the grammatically INCORRECT sentence:

Accepted Answer

She is an European.. The phrase 'an European' is incorrect because 'European' begins with a consonant sound, so it should be preceded by 'a' instead of 'an'.

Question 42

A after several defeats in wars, Robert Bruce went in exile and wanted to commit suicide. Just before committing suicide, he came across a spider attempting tirelessly to have its net. Time and again, the spider failed but that did not deter it from making attempts. Such attempts by the sp

Accepted Answer

No adversity justifies giving up.. The story illustrates how Robert Bruce was inspired by the spider's perseverance despite repeated failures, leading him to choose not to give up on his own life and ambitions. This emphasizes that facing adversity should not lead to despair or surrender.

Question 43

Complete the sentence: Universalism is to particularism as diffuseness is to __________.

Accepted Answer

specificity. Universalism emphasizes general principles applicable to all, while particularism focuses on specific contexts. Similarly, diffuseness refers to a broad, general approach, whereas specificity denotes a focused, detailed perspective.

Question 44

Were you a bird, you __________ in the sky.

Accepted Answer

would fly. The phrase uses a conditional structure, implying a hypothetical situation. 'Would fly' indicates what the speaker would do if they were a bird, aligning with the conditional mood.

Question 45

After several defeats in wars, Robert Bruce went in exile and wanted to commit suicide. Just before committing suicide, he came across a spider attempting tirelessly to have its net. Time and again, the spider failed but that did not deter it from making attempts. Such attempts by the spid

Accepted Answer

No adversity justifies giving up hope.. The story illustrates how Robert Bruce found inspiration in the spider's persistence despite repeated failures, leading him to regain hope and ultimately succeed. This supports the assertion that no matter the adversity faced, one should not give up hope.

Question 46

We were a bird, you ____________ in the sky.

Accepted Answer

would fly. The phrase 'we were a bird' suggests a hypothetical or conditional situation, making 'would fly' the appropriate choice to express what we would do in that scenario.

Question 47

Were you a bird, you -------------------- in the sky.

Accepted Answer

would fly. The phrase uses a conditional structure, indicating a hypothetical situation. 'Would fly' appropriately expresses what one would do if they were a bird, aligning with the subjunctive mood.

Question 48

Complete the sentence:
Universalism is to particularism as diffuseness is to --------------------.

Accepted Answer

specificity. Universalism and particularism represent broad versus specific approaches, while diffuseness refers to a general or vague context, which contrasts with specificity that denotes clear and precise details.

Question 49

Choose the most appropriate phrase from the options given below to complete the following sentence.

India is a post-colonial country because

Accepted Answer

it was a former British colony. India is considered a post-colonial country primarily because it was once under British rule, which significantly shaped its historical, political, and social landscape.

Question 50

Who __________ was coming to see us this evening?

Accepted Answer

did you say. The correct option 'did you say' is appropriate because it forms a direct question about what was previously mentioned, maintaining the correct interrogative structure.

GATE General Aptitude: Verbal Aptitude questions with solutions

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