Canara Bank PO English Practice Paper 17

Canara Bank Probationary Officers PO Exam 2009
(Held on 15-3-2009) based on memory General English : Solved Paper


Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.

John Maynard Keynes, the trendiest dead economist of this apocalyptic moment, was the godfather of government stimulus. Keynes had the radical idea that throwing money at recessions through aggressive deficit spending would resuscitate flatlined economies- and he wasn’t too particular about where the money was thrown. In the depths of the Depression, he suggested that the Treasury could “fill old bottles with banknotes, bury them at suitable depths in disused coal mines” then sit back and watch a money-mining boom create jobs and prosperity. “It would, indeed, be more sensible to build houses and the like, “he wrote, but “the above would be better than nothing.”

As President-elect Barack Obama prepares to throw money at the current downturn-a stimulus package starting at about $800 billion, plus the second $350 billion chunk of the financial bailout-we all really do seem to be Keynesians now. Just about every expert agrees that pumping $1 trillion into a moribund economy will rev up the ethereal goods-and-services engine that Keynes called “aggregate demand” and stimulate at least some shortterm activity, even if it is all wasted on money pits. But Keynes was also right that there would be more sensible ways to spend it. There would also be less sensible ways to spend it. A trillion dollars’ worth of bad ideas-sprawl-inducing highways and bridges to nowhere, ethanol plants and pipelines that accelerate global warming, tax breaks for overleveraged McMansion builders and burdensome new long-term federal entitlements-would be worse than mere waste. It would be smarter to buy every American an iPod, a set of Ginsu knives and 600 Subway foot-longs.

It would be smarter still to throw all that money at things we need to do anyway, which is the goal of Obama’s upcoming American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. It will include a mix of tax cuts, aid to beleaguered state and local governments; and spending to address needs ranging from food stamps to computerized health records to bridge repairs to broadband network to energy-efficiency retrofits, all designed to save or create 3 million to 4 million jobs by the end of 2010. Obama has said speed is his top priority because the faster Washington injects cash into the financial bloodstream, the better it stands to help avert a multiyear slump with double-digit unemployment and deflation. But he also wants to use the stimulus to advance his long-term priorities : reducing energy use and carbon emissions, cutting middle-class taxes, upgrading neglected infrastructure, reining in health-care costs and eventually reducing the budget deficits that exploded under George W. Bush. Obama’s goal is to exploit this crisis in the best sense of the word to start pursuing his vision of a greener, father, more competitive, more sustainable economy.

Unfortunately, while 21st century Washington has demonstrated an impressive ability to spend money quickly, it has yet to prove that it can spend money wisely. And the chum of a 1 with 12 zeros is already creating a feeding frenzy for the ages. Lobbyists for shoe companies, zoos, catfish farmers, mall owners, airlines, public broadcasters, car dealers and everyone else who can afford their retainers are lining up for a piece of the stimulus. States that embarked on raucous spending and tax cuttng sprees when they were flush are begging for bailouts now that they’re broke. And politicians are dusting off their unfunded mobster museums, waterslides and other pet projects for rebranding as shovel-ready infrastructure investments. As Obama’s aides scramble to assemble something effective and transformative as well as politically achievable, they acknowledge the tension between his desires for speed and reform.

1. Obama’s upcoming American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan focuses on which of the following ?
(1) Recovery of all debts from the debtors in a phased manner.
(2) Pumping money very liberally in projects that are mandatory.
(3) Investing money recklessly in any project regardless of its utility.
(A) (1) only, (B) (2) only, (C) (3) only, (D) (2) and (3) only, (E) All (1), (2) & (3)
Ans : (D)

2. John M. Keynes was advocate of which of the following suggestions ?
(A) Spending money recklessly during recessions is suicidal
(B) Exorbitant spending during recessions is likely to boost economy
(C) Aggressive deficit spending is likely to be fatal for economic meltdown
(D) Government stimulus to economy may not help because of red-tapism
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

3. Obama desires to accelerate the process of pumping money with utmost rapidity as he believes that it would—
(1) Help create reasonably high employment opportunities
(2) Avoid deflation
(3) Inject cash into the already troubled economy
(A) (1) and (2) only, (B) (2) and (3) only, (C) (1) and (3) only, (D) All (1) (2) and (3)
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)

4. Which of the following is TRUE about Keynes’ philosophy ?
(A) Actual spending money during meltdown is more important than where and on what it is spent
(B) Government should be selective in approach for spending money during recession
(C) Filling old bottles with banknotes and burying them is an atrocious proposal
(D) Creating jobs and prosparity during recessions is almost an impracticable proposal
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

5. What, according to Keynes, is the “aggregate demand” ?
(A) Goods and Services Sector
(B) Stimulation of a short-term activity
(C) Attempting to rev up the sluggish economy
(D) Pumping one trillion dollars into economy
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)

6. According to the author of the passage, food stamps, bridge repairs, etc. are the projects that—
(A) Do not warrant urgent spending as they have a lower utility value
(B) Need the least investment and priority as compared to building houses for the needy
(C) May not have any favourable impact on attempts to counter recession
(D) Have lower value in terms of returns but require major investments
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)

7. The author of the passage calls Barack Obama and his team as “Keynesians” because—
(A) Barack Obama has been reluctant to follow Keynes’ philosophy
(B) His team is advising Barack to refrain from Keynes’ philosophy
(C) Barack Obama and his team have decided to fil old bottles with banknotes
(D) Building houses has been under the active consideration of Barack Obama and his team
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)

8. Highways, bridges, ethanol plants, etc. are considered by the author as—
(A) Reasonably appropriate propositions to spend money on
(B) Measures that affect the environment adversely
(C) Imprudent proposals to waste money on
(D) Tax saving schemes bestowed on builders
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

9. Which of the following is/are corrective measure(s) as part of the long term priorities of Obama that was an outcome of his predecessor’s regime ?
(1) Countering recession through immediate rescue operations.
(2) Reining the budget deficit.
(3) Creating a more sustainable economy.
(A) (1) & (2) only, (B) (2) & (3) only, (C) (1) & (3) only, (D) (2) only, (E) None of these
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 10–12) Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

10. Raucous: (A) Strident, (B) Harsh, (C) Rough, (D) Unprecedented, (E) Soft
Ans : (E)

11. Beleaguered: (A) Carefree, (B) Harassed, (C) Stressful, (D) Uneventful, (E) Evaporating
Ans : (A)

12. Moribund : (A) Declining, (B) Waning, (C) Thriving, (D) Pessimistic, (E) Glorifying
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 13–15) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word given in bold as used in the passage.

13. Frenzy: (A) Passion ,(B) Expression ,(C) Succession ,(D) Habit, (E) Manifestation
Ans : (A)

14. Apocalyptic: (A) Unwelcome, (B) Disastrous, (C) Risk-free, (D) Joyous, (E) Ceremonious
Ans : (B)

15. Resuscitate; (A) Melt down, (B) Devastate, (C) Mislead, (D) Save, (E) Deactivate
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 16–20) In each of these questions four words are given denoted by (1), (2), (3) and (4). Two of these words may be either synonyms or antonyms. Find out the correct pair in each question.

16. (1) Tranquility, (2) Loyalty, (3) Calamity, (4) Uproar,
(A) 1–3, (B) 2–4, (C) 2–3, (D) 3–4, (E) 1–4
Ans : (E)

17. (1) Exorbitant, (2) Expeditious, (3) Quick, (4) Quest
(A) 3–4, (B) 1–2, (C) 1–4, (D) 3–2, (E) None of these
Ans : (C)

18. (1) Opaque, (2) Translucent, (3) Transverse, (4) Transvestite
(A) 1–4, (B) 2–4, (C) 3–1, (D) 2–1, (E) None of these
Ans : (D)

19. (1) Ecstasy, (2) Depression, (3) Intoxication, (4) Compression
(A) 1–2, (B) 2–4, (C) 2–3, (D) 3–4, (E) None of these
Ans : (A)

20. (1) Vilification, (2) Nullification, (3) Denigration, (4) Falsification
(A) 1–2, (B) 2–3, (C) 1–3, (D) 2–4, (E) None of these
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 21–30) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

21. Radha’s three children, Shantana, Manu and Meera are talented, but the latter excels the other two.
(A) the last excels, (B) latter excel, (C) the latter excelling, (D) the last excelling,
Ans : (A)

22. Students are not abandoning helmets, but some avoiding use of helmets while riding motorbikes.
(A) some avoid the used, (B) some avoid of the use, (C) some are avoiding of use
(D) some are avoiding use
Ans : (D)

23. We must treat any statement as a rumour until they are confirmed with proof.
(A) till they are confirmed, (B) until they are confirming
(C) until it is confirmed, (D) until it is confirming
Ans : (C)

24. The officer appreciated his subordinate’s many attempt to bravely confront the miscreants.
(A) many attempting brave confronts, (B) many brave attempts to confront
(C) repeated attempts to brave confront, (D) many attempts of brave confront
Ans : (B)

25. We admire him attempting to climb the summit in such a bad weather.
(A) his attempting to climb, (B) his attempt of climb
(C) him for attempt of climb, (D) his for attempt to climbing
Ans : (E)

26. Being a successful businessman demands hard work, honesty, persuasive skills and sound market knoweldge.
(A) To be a successful business who demands
(B) Being a successfully demanding businessman
(C) To be a successful businessman demanding
(D) For being a successful demanding businessman
Ans : (E)

27. Was it they who were accused of stealing the neighbour’s car ?
(A) Were it they who were, (B) Was it they who had
(C) Were they who, (D) Were it they who
Ans : (A)

28. The doctor has advised him to lay in bed at least for two weeks.
(A) that he lay in bed, (B) that he lays in bed
(C) to lie in bed, (D) to be laid in bed
Ans : (C)

29. He is the only one of the members who have paid all the dues.
(A) Member who has paid, (B) Members who have been paying
(C) Member who has been paid, (D) members who has paid
Ans : (D)

30. Neither any of the members of the society nor the Chairman were present for the annual meeting.
(A) were present at, (B) was present for
(C) have been present, (D) has been present for
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 31–35) In each sentence below one word has been printed in bold. Below the sentence, five words are suggested, one of which can replace the word printed in bold, without changing the meaning of the sentence. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

31. She came in utter disrepute due to her vindictive act.
(A) revengeful, (B) ungrateful, (C) unpardonable, (D) uneventful, (E) derogatory
Ans : (A)

32. His attempts to equivocate the subject under discussion were thwarted.
(A) balance, (B) defend, (C) mislead, (D) adjust, (E) reconcile
Ans : (C)

33. He was conceptually clear about the problem and therefore could provide a pragmatic solution.
(A) diplomatic, (B) practical, (C) analytical, (D) tolerable, (E) acceptable
Ans : (B)

34. They returned after their ignominious defeat in the foreign country.
(A) irreversible, (B) impertinent, (C) indecisive, (D) impulse, (E) disgraceful
Ans : (E)

35. The minister’s clandestine meeting with the opposition party leader was severely criticized.
(A) unofficial, (B) authentic, (C) periodical, (D) secret, (E) purposeful
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 36–40) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3) (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph, then answer the questions given below them.
(1) In all varieties of humour, especially the subtle ones it is therefore what the reader thinks which gives extra meaning to these verses.
(2) But such a verse may also be enjoyed at the surface level.
(3) Nonsense verse is one of the most sophisticated forms of literature.
(4) This fulfils the author’s main intention in such a verse which is to give pleasure.
(5) However the reader who understands the broad implications of the content and allusion finds greater pleasure
(6) The reason being it requires the reader to supply a meaning beyond the surface meaning.

36. Which of the following is the THIRD sentence ?
(A) (1), (B) (2), (C) (6), (D) (3), (E) (4)
Ans : (A)

37. Which of the following is the SECOND sentence ?
(A) (1), (B) (5), (C) (6), (D) (2), (E) (3)
Ans : (C)

38. Which of the following is the FIFTH sentence ?
(A) (4), (B) (5), (C) (2), (D) (3), (E) (1)
Ans : (A)

39. Which of the following is the FIRST sentence ?
(A) (5), (B) (1), (C) (6), (D) (4), (E) (3)
Ans : (E)

40. Which of the following is the SIXTH (LAST) sentence ?
(A) (6), (B) (5), (C) (4), (D) (1), (E) (3)
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

The U.S. is in the …41… of a cleanup of toxic financial waste that will …42… taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars, at the very least. The primary manufacturers of these hazardous products …43… multimillion- dollar paychecks for their efforts. So why shouldn’t they …44… to pay for their mopup ? This is, after all, what the U.S. Congress …45… in 1980 for …46… of actual toxic waste. Under the Superfund law …47… that year, polluters …48… for the messes they make. Environmental lawyer E. Michael Thomas sees no …49… lawmakers couldn’t demand the same of financial polluters and …50… them to ante up some of the bank bailout money.

41. (A) essence, (B) debate, (C) range, (D) depth, (E) midst
Ans : (E)

42. (A) facilitate, (B) save, (C) benefit, (D) cost, (E) earn
Ans : (D)

43. (A) spent, (B) pocketed, (C) donated, (D) demanded, (E) dwindled
Ans : (A)

44. (A) have, (B) admit, (C) hesitate, (D) come, (E) defy
Ans : (C)

45. (A) admonished, (B) visualized, (C) decreed, (D) refrained, (E) commented
Ans : (B)

46. (A) producers, (B) users, (C) consumers, (D) advocates, (E) exponents
Ans : (A)

47. (A) abandoned, (B) enacted, (C) revoked, (D) forced, (E) squshed
Ans : (B)

48. (A) demand, (B) consider, (C) regain, (D) claim, (E) pay
Ans : (E)

49. (A) issue, (B) wonder, (C) practice, (D) reason, (E) compensation
Ans : (D)

50. (A) dupe, (B) follow, (C) force, (D) plead, (E) appeal
Ans : (C)

Canara Bank PO English Practice Paper 19

This is also a sample practice paper for SBI PO

English Language (Exam Held on 25-7-2010) Based on memory

Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the question.

A few weeks ago, a newspaper article quoted a well known scientist saying, “IT has destroyed Indian science”. One can speculate about the various ways in which the growth of the IT sector and other similar knowledge industries such as biotechnology has led to a decline in basic scientific research in India.

The most obvious reason is money; pay scales in IT and BT are much higher than one can aspire to in academia. The argument goes : why should a bright B. Tech. or M.Sc. student enroll in a Ph.D. programme when she can make a lot more money writing code ? Not only does a fresh IT employee make a lot more than a fresh M.Tech. student, her pay will rise much faster in IT than in academia. A professor’s pay at a government-run university, even after the Sixth Pay Commission, tops out at far less than a senior executive's salary in a major industry.

Second, the social status of IT and BT jobs equal or even exceed the social status of corresponding academic positions, since they are seen as knowledge industries, which plays to best and worst instincts of the societal order. As quintessential white collar professions, neither do they compel a successful entrepreneur to resort to violence and corruption, nor do they demand any physical labour. Unlike real estate or road construction, it is felt that IT workers can become rich while staying honest and sweat-free.

Assuming that the labour pool for academia and IT is roughly the same, the difference in our collective preferences biases the labour market towards IT and away from academia. Further, when the imbalance between IT and academia continues for years and even decades, a destructive loop, from academia’s point of view, is created. When our best and brightest take IT jobs over academic ones for a decade or more, faculty positions in our universities and research centres are no longer filled by the best candidates.

As faculty quality goes down, so does the capacity to train top-class graduate students who, after all, are teachers in training. In response to decreasing faculty quality, even those students who would otherwise choose an academic profession, decide to join industry or go abroad for their studies. These foreign trained graduates prefer to come back to corporate India—if at all they do come back—and the downward cycle replicates itself in each generation. In other words, academia is trapped within a perfect storm created by a combination of social and economic factors.

In this socio-economic calculus, the members of our societal classes should prefer an IT job to an academic one. Or, to put it another way, the knowledge economy, i.e., the creation of knowledge for profit, trumps the knowledge society, i.e., the creation of knowledge for its own sake or the sake of the greater good. As is said, “knowledge is power, but money is even more power.” Perhaps the scientist was alluding to this victory of capitalism over the pursuit of pure knowledge when he accused IT of having a negative influence on Indian science.

Surely, knowledge has become a commodity like any other and as a result, knowledge workers are like any other labourers, who will sell their wares to the highest bidder. One solution is to accept and even encourage the commoditization of knowledge; if so, Indian universities and research centres should copy their western counterparts by becoming more and more like corporations. These centres of learning should convert themselves into engines of growth. In this logic, if we increase academic salaries and research grants to match IT paycheques we will attract good people into academia, where, in any case, it is rumoured that a certain elusive feeling called ‘the quality of life’ is better.

1. According to the passage, what did the scientist actually mean when he said, “IT has destroyed Indian Science ?”
(A) The centres meant for Scientific research are being utilized by IT industries
(B) The IT industry does not employ people pursuing higher studies
(C) As information is readily available on the internet because of IT, there is no need to seek further information
(D) IT has distorted the truth as stated by Indian science
(E) The desire for money has overshadowed the search for knowledge
Ans : (B)

2. Which of the following is possibly the most appropriate title for the passage ?
(A) Is the Future of IT Bright ?
(B) The IT Industry and the World Economy
(C) Research and Academics – Losing the Battle Against IT
(D) Scientific Research and the Need for Well – Trained Faculty
(E) Information Technology and its Advantages
Ans : (C)

3. Why does the author say that knowledge has become a commodity ?
(A) As it is no longer desirable in any professional field
(B) As there are too many educational institutes in the country which do not provide quality education
(C) As knowledge is now available easily as compared to the past
(D) As knowledgeable people sell their services for the highest price possible
(E) Like commodities knowledge too becomes stale after a certain period
Ans : (D)


4. What, according to the author, is a destructive loop ?
(A) Many people quit their existing jobs to work in the IT industry which in turn leads to the downfall of the other industries
(B) The fact that the best minds do not want to become teachers and this in turn leads to good students seeking knowledge elsewhere
(C) The fact that people working in the IT industry do not pursue higher studies which in turn leads to the deterioration in quality of employees
(D) The unending use of resources by the IT industry leading to a dearth of resources in the country
(E) Less grants are being provided by the Government to academic institutes which in turn leads to poor quality students joining the same
Ans : (C)

5. Which of the following mentioned below is/are the author’s suggestion/s to promote interest in Indian academia ?
(1) Research centres should adopt the corporate culture as is done in the West
(2) Lessening the number of research grants given
(3) Making academic salaries equivalent to those paid in IT industries.
(A) Only (3), (B) Only (1), (C) Only (2) and (3), (D) Only (1) and (3), (E) None of these
Ans : (D)

6. Which of the following is NOT TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(1) It is believed that the quality of life is better when pursuing scientific research
(2) People currently seek knowledge only for the greater good of the society.
(3) Money is not perceived to be as powerful as knowledge.
(A) Only (1) and (3), (B) Only (2), (C) Only (1) and (2), (D) Only (2) and (3), (E) All (1), (2) and (3)
Ans : (D)

7. Which of the following, according to the author, are factors responsible for the declining interest in scientific research ?
(1) Slower progress of work in research
(2) Lesser monetary compensation in research related activities
(3) Societal perception towards research
(A) Only (1), (B) Only (3), (C) Only (2) and (3), (D) Only (1) and 2), (E) All (1), (2) and (3)
Ans : (C)

8. Which of the following is true about the perception towards IT jobs as given in the passage ?
(1) They are physically tiring. (2) They are considered to be managerial level jobs.
(3) They require usage of dishonest means.
(A) Only (2), (B) Only (1) and (2), (C) Only (3), (D) Only (2) and (3), (E) All (1), (2) and (3) are true
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 9–12) Choose the word/group of words which is MOST SIMILAR in MEANING to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

9. CAPACITY: (A) volume, (B) capability, (C) voltage, (D) quantity, (E) qualification
Ans : (B)

10. ALLUDING: (A) referring, (B) breaking, (C) escaping, (D) imposing, (E) clinging
Ans : (A)

11. SPECULATE; (A) visit, (B) contemplate, (C) remark, (D) argue, (E) regulate
Ans : (B)

12. QUINTESSENTIAL; (A) typical, (B) different, (C) necessary, (D) unique, (E) excellent
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 13–15) Choose the word/group of words which is MOST OPPOSITE in MEANING to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

13. BRIGHT; (A) soft, (B) dark, (C) dull, (D) vivid, (E) dim
Ans : (C)

14. ELUSIVE; (A) definite, (B) happy, (C) mysterious, (D) worthwhile, (E) remarkable
Ans : (A)

15. FRESH: (A) used, (B) stale, (C) tired, (D) experienced, (E) aged
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 16–20) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the word/phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and no correction is required, mark (E) as the answer.

16. The poor Brahmin led a hand to mouthful existence and could use any job which paid him a little—
(A) handful to mouthful existence, (B) hand to mouth existence
(C) handing for mouthful existing, (D) hand and mouth exist
Ans : (B)

17. In order earning decent living we need to have a good job which pays a substantial amount of money—
(A) earned decency life, (B) earning decency live
(C) earn a decent living, (D) earned decently life
Ans : (C)

18. We went to the famous restaurant to eat and were served piped hot food—
(A) served piping hotter, (B) serving pipe hot
(C) served piping hot, (D) serve pipe hotten
Ans : (C)

19. Akshay considered Suresh a complete pain in the neck as he kept asking baseless questions—
(A) paining in the neck, (B) painless neck
(C) painful necks, (D) pain in necking
Ans : (B)

20. I jump through hoop to finish this project in time but was not rewarded adequately—
(A) jumped through hoops, (B) jumping for hooping
(C) jumped on hoop, (D) jumping from hoop
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 21–25) Each question below has two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words for each blank which best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

21. Adding to a growing body of research …… cutting back on sweetened beverages it is now found that drinking …… sugary drinks may help lower blood pressure.
(A) for, all, (B) sustaining, increased
(C) against, lesser, (D) behind, more, (E) supporting, fewer
Ans : (E)

22. The blame game for the air tragedy is already in full …… with the authorities involved making attempts to …… for themselves.
(A) sway, defend, (B) view, try, (C) fledged, protect
(D) swing, cover, (E) roll, hide
Ans : (D)

23. The actress, wearing a dark gray suit and open necked shirt, sat …… the proceedings looking nervous throughout, occasionally frowning as her lawyer …… with the judge.
(A) through, spoke, (B) on, argued, (C) for, addressed
(D) with, discussed, (E) along, lectured
Ans : (B)

24. It was an excellent social evening with people from all ……… of life getting a chance to let their hair ………
(A) areas, drop, (B) realms, flow, (C) arena, undone
(D) walks, down, (E) types, loose
Ans : (D)

25. There can be no denying the fact that in sports, star coaches have the …… to get something extra out of their ………
(A) apprehension, work, (B) ability, teams, (C) fear, member
(D) capability, house, (E) desirous, players
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Rearrange the following Six sentence (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them—
(1) It is therefore a contributing factor to the growth of landfills and waterway pollution, both of which are costly and energy intensive to solve.
(2) Making an effort to use those resources and avoid polystyrene ones can help to decrease your environmental impact.
(3) Non-biodegradable essentially means that any polystyrene that makes its way into a landfill will stay there indefinitely, never breaking down and returning to the earth.
(4) Polystyrene, as a product, is very convenient to use, but it has some important effects we should consider when making choices as consumers.
(5) While recycling polystyrene material can cushion the environmental blow of its use, alternatives are available that are created from renewable resources and biodegrade more readily.
(6) For example, while polystyrene has some excellent uses and is, technically, recyclable, it is not a substance that biodegrades.

26. Which of the following should be the LAST (SIXTH) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1, (B) 2, (C) 3, (D) 4, (E) 5
Ans : (B)

27. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 5, (B) 6, (C) 1, (D) 4, (E) 2
Ans : (C)

28. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1, (B) 2, (C) 3, (D) 4, (E) 5
Ans : (D)

29. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2, (B) 3, (C) 4, (D) 5, (E) 6
Ans : (E)

30. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1, (B) 2, (C) 3, (D) 4, (E) 5
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 31–40) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any).

31. Sugar-sweetened drinks does not (A) /pose any particular health risk, and (B) / are not a unique risk factor (C) / for obesity or heart disease (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

32. Airline managements should note (A) / that the ultimate passenger unfriendliness (B) / is to have their planes crash (C) / due to the adopted of unsafe procedures (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

33. Celebrating its ten long years (A) / in the industry, a private entertainment channel (B) / announce a series of (C) / programmes at a press conference (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

34. The award ceremony ended (A) / on a note of good cheer (B) / with audiences responding warmly (C) / to its line up of film (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

35. The actress was ordered for (A) / wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet and (B) / submit to random weekly drug testing after (C) / she failed to appear for a court date last week (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

36. Coaches have the advantage of (A) / draw on their personal experiences (B) / and providing their players (C) / with unique inputs (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

37. The actor loves to think (A) / never enjoys stick to one kind of role (B) / and finds it difficult to (C) / fulfil everyone’s expectations (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

38. A major computer security firm urged (A) / the social networking site to set up (B) / an early-warning system after hundreds of users were (C) / hit by a new wave of virus attacks (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)

39. The finding may help doctors (A) / to give more personalised care to patients (B) / and to modify the amount of powerful drugs (C) / administered over their patients (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

40. The actress made a rare appearance (A) / at the party and was (B) / overheard talking in (C) / her next big project (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which ‘fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Hundreds of plants and animals are (…41…) every-day due to deforestation and urbanization, what might happen if this continues in the future ? The last mass extinction of plant and animal species occurred 65 million years ago with the Dinosaurs. In all, five mass extinctions have occurred and scientists (…42…) earth is in the sixth mass extinction. The world as it is now is threatened, including people, who are responsible for earth’s (…43…). Pesticides contaminating water; overharvesting of animals and plants; air pollution; illegal fishing and the clearing of land are direct results of urbanization and deforestation. People have (…44…) and damaged almost half of earth’s land, at a very unsustainable rate.

Global warming is having a serious impact as well. A six-degree Celsius increase in global temperature killed 95% of all species on Earth 251 million years ago. An increase of six-degrees Celsius is forecast this century if a change is not made to (…45…) the damage done to earth. Humans will be one of the 95% of species lost. Noticeable changes of global warming include migration (…46…) and the change in season timings. Migrating birds are migrating earlier, which in turn is causing them to hatch eggs and (…47…) young earlier than they did at the beginning of this century. While this is just the tip of the iceberg, many other (…48…) regarding the extinction of plant and animal species need addressing. It is more important now than ever before to pull our heads out of the sand and make changes for the (…49…) of the earth. Future generations are (…50…), as they are a species as well.

41. (A) killing, (B) alive, (C) born, (D) left, (E) lost
Ans : (E)

42. (A) speak, (B) told, (C) estimation, (D) believe, (E) consider
Ans : (D)

43. (A) shape, (B) development, (C) deterioration, (D) warmth, (E) expansion
Ans : (C)

44. (A) altered, (B) created, (C) produced, (D) made, (E) brought
Ans : (A)

45. (A) void, (B) dissipate, (C) augment, (D) reverse, (E) increase
Ans : (D)

46. (A) delay, (B) birds, (C) slowdown, (D) hasten, (E) acceleration
Ans : (E)

47. (A) spare, (B) bear, (C) destroy, (D) amend, (E) generation
Ans : (B)

48. (A) animals, (B) difficulty, (C) issues, (D) humans, (E) problem
Ans : (C)

49. (A) extinction, (B) better, (C) wealth, (D) stigma, (E) demand
Ans : (B)

50. (A) endangered, (B) threaten, (C) evaluated, (D) living, (E) compared
Ans : (A)

Canara Bank of India Clerk English Practice Paper 18

English Language (Exam Held on 13-2-2011) Based on Memory

 

(We hope u like it, if Ya, then pls visit to the VIGYAPANs ao this sheet also)

Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.

The Sun, while going on his daily rounds saw a princess and fell in love with her. Whenever he could slip away from the heavens he would take human form and go down to the princess to spend some time with her. The princess too became quite fond of him and would wait for him to come. One day the Sun decided to send her a blood-red ruby as a token of his love for her. He put the gem in a silk bag, and calling a crow that was flying past, asked the bird to deliver the gem to his beloved. Crows had milky white feathers in those days and it was considered auspicious if a crow came anywhere near you. So the Sun was pleased that he had found a crow to deliver the gem. As the crow sped through the sky with the silken bag, the aroma of food lured him. Looking down the crow saw that a wedding feast was in progress, and immediately it was distracted from its mission. Food was one thing it could never resist !

Alighting on a tree nearby, it hung the bag on a twig and went off to find some food. While the crow was feasting, a merchant passing by saw the bag on the tree, and knocked it down with a pole. When he opened the bag and saw its contents he almost swooned in joy. Quickly pocketing the ruby, he filled the bag with dry cow dung that was lying there, and then deftly returned the bag to the branch. It was all done so quickly that the crow missed all the action. After having its fill, it flew up to the tree, and picking up the bag took it to the person it was intended for. The princess was in the garden. When the crow gave her the bag, she took it eagerly, knowing that it was from the Sun. But when she saw its contents she reeled back in shock and anger. Believing that it was the Sun’s way of telling her that he did not care for her, she flung the bag away, rushed to her palace, and never came out again. When the Sun learnt of what had happened he was furious.
So great was his anger that when he turned his scorching gaze on the crow, its feathers were burned black. Its feathers have been black ever since. The ruby did not stay with the man who stole it. It fell out of his pocket and rolled into a deep pit. Men have been trying to dig it out ever since. Many precious stones have been found in the process, making Myanmar one of the richest sources of rubies and sapphires, but the ruby that the Sun sent to the princess is yet to be found.

1. What did the Sun send for the princess as a token of his love ?
(A) He sent her the crow, (B) He sent her dry cow dung
(C) He sent her a red ruby, (D) He gifted her the city of Myanmar
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)

2. Why did the princess fling the gift away ?
(A) She did not like rubies, (B) The crow was known to bring bad luck
(C) She had found cow dung in the bag
(D) She thought the Sun was playing a cruel joke on her
(E) She had wanted the Sun to personally deliver it
Ans : (C)

3. What led to the discovery of precious stones in Myanmar ?
(A) Humans discovered the stones in their search for the lost ruby
(B) The crow spread the news of the lost ruby
(C) The princess went in search of the lost ruby and discovered other precious stones
(D) The merchant went in search of the ruby that fell off his pocket
(E) The merchant’s clumsiness led to the discovery of precious stones
Ans : (A)


4. While on its way to the princess, the crow was distracted by—
(A) The merchant calling out to him, (B) The wedding that was taking place below
(C) The ruby that the Sun sent for the princess, (D) The temptation of the smell of food
(E) The huge crowd at the wedding
Ans : (D)

5. Why did the Sun send his gift for the princess along with the crow?
(A) The princess loved crows
(B) The crow was the only bird available at the time
(C) The crow was considered to be an auspicious bird
(D) The crow knew where the princess lived
(E) The Sun trusted the crow
Ans : (C)

6. The joy of the merchant on finding the ruby was short lived because—
(A) He did not succeed in stealing the ruby, (B) The ruby fell out of his pocket
(C) The crow returned just in time and caught him red handed
(D) He soon discovered many more precious stones
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

7. How did the crow get its black colour ?
(A) The crow was punished by the Sun for its clumsiness
(B) The crow was burned black by the scorching gaze of the angry Sun
(C) The crow was not considered auspicious any more
(D) The crow was cursed by the merchant
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

8. What could be an appropriate title for the story ?
(A) The Careless Black Crow, (B) Myanmar and its Mineral Riches
(C) The Sun and the Princess, (D) The Depressed Princess
(E) The Sun and the Ruby
Ans : (C)

9. What was the crow’s mission ?
(A) To deliver the gift to the princess, (B) To attend the wedding
(C) To make the Sun angry, (D) To keep the princess in her palace
(E) To protect the princess from the harmful Sun
Ans : (A)

10. What message did the princess get after opening the bag ?
(A) That the Sun truly loved her, (B) That the crow was an evil bird
(C) That the crow was playing a joke on her
(D) That the Sun did not love her anymore
(E) That the cow dung was a token of the Sun’s love for her
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. Token: (A) Symbol, (B) Insurance, (C) Slip, (D) Assurance, (E) Investment
Ans : (A)

12. Deftly; (A) Skillfully, (B) Blindly, (C) Eagerly, (D) Rightfully, (E) Innocently
Ans : (A)

13. Auspicious: (A) Religious, (B) Lucky, (C) Fulfilling, (D) Charming, (E) Normal
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. Scorching; (A) Cool, (B) Heated ,(C) Warm, (D) Silent, (E) Composed
Ans : (A)

15. Furious: (A) Beaming, (B) Angry, (C) Forgiving, (D) Calm, (E) Sulking
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 16–25) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E) i.e., ‘No error’. (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.)

16. When we (A) / reached the shops, (B) / we find that (C) / they were all closed. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

17. Poor people (A) / has no money (B) / therefore they cannot afford (C) / proper medical facilities. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

18. The course is for (A) / anyone who is interested (B) / in learning (C) / about computers. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

19. We were surprised (A) / that she participated (B) / at the performance (C) / held at NCPA. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

20. As soon as (A) / I getting my (B) / first salary (C) / I spent all my money. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

21. The principal (A) / introducing me (B) / to some of her (C) / teaching staff. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

22. The doctors said that (A) / he was making good progress (B) / and would not (C) / need an operation. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)

23. Instead of (A) / to buy books, (B) / I borrow them (C) / from the library. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

24. By the times (A) / we reached the classroom, (B) / the lecture had (C) / already begun. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

25. The Indian government (A) / should make sure that (B) / men and women are (C) / given equal opportunities. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Pick out the most effective word from the given words to fill in the blanks to make the sentence meaningfully complete.

26. I was annoyed …… John for arriving late.
(A) on, (B) about, (C) by, (D) for, (E) with
Ans : (E)

27. We are …… the possibility of buying our own house.
(A) judging, (B) initiating, (C) threatening, (D) applying, (E) considering
Ans : (E)

28. The student did not pay …… to the instructions that were given to her in class.
(A) ear, (B) awareness, (C) notice, (D) attention, (E) closure
Ans : (D)

29. The young boy was unhurt …… for a minor injury to his knee.
(A) less, (B) except, (C) also, (D) just, (E) while
Ans : (B)

30. There is …… chance of seeing her again …… she leaves.
(A) perhaps, when, (B) also, as, (C) little, before
(D) full, therefore, (E) more, after
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 31–35) In each question below four words which are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D) have been printed, of which, one word may be wrongly spelt. The letter of that word is the answer. If all the four words are correctly spelt, mark (E) i.e. “All Correct” as the answer.

31. (A) Accept, (B) Reciept, (C) Frequent, (D) Gesture, (E) All Correct
Ans : (B)

32. (A) Justise, (B) Practice, (C) Menace, (D) Variance, (E) All Correct
Ans : (A)

33. (A) Complaint, (B) Alerted, (C) Cheated, (D) Hunged, (E) All Correct
Ans : (D)

34. (A) Remorse, (B) Noble, (C) Upsurge, (D) Incline, (E) All Correct
Ans : (E)

35. (A) Blister, (B) Warrant, (C) Arrest, (D) Mannual, (E) All Correct
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 36–40) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
1. At first he got scared, but then he thought, “I have never worshipped her that is why I am not able to get anything from my land.”
2. One day unable to tolerate the summer heat, he went to rest under a big banyan tree.
3. He rushed to his village and placed his humble offering of milk in a bowl before the snake.
4. Vishnu Raman was a poor Brahmin and a farmer by profession.
5. The next day when he returned, he was rewarded with a gold coin in the bowl he left behind.
6. Just as he was preparing to lie down he saw a huge Cobra swaying with his hood open.

36. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 2, (B) 3, (C) 5, (D) 4, (E) 6
Ans : (A)

37. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 1, (B) 4, (C) 6, (D) 3, (E) 5
Ans : (B)

38. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 5, (B) 6, (C) 2, (D) 1, (E) 4
Ans : (D)

39. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 6, (B) 4, (C) 3, (D) 2, (E) 5
Ans : (C)

40. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after the rearrangement ?
(A) 4, (B) 2, (C) 3, (D) 5, (E) 6
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

            Once upon a time there lived a peacock and a tortoise in close proximity and they became the best of friends. The peacock lived on a tree on the …(41)… of a stream which was the home of the tortoise. It was a daily …(42)… for the peacock to dance near the stream after he had a drink of water. He would display his great plumage for the amusement of his friend. One unfortunate day, a bird-catcher who was on the …(43)… caught the peacock and was about to take him away to the market. The unhappy bird begged his captor to allow him to bid his friend the tortoise good-bye, as it would be the …(44)… time he would see him. The bird-catcher gave in to his request and took him to the tortoise. The tortoise was in tears to see his friend held …(45)….
               The tortoise asked the birdcatcher to let the peacock go; but he laughed at the request, saying that it was his means of livelihood. The tortoise then said, “If I give you an expensive present, will you let my friend go ?” “Certainly,” answered the bird-catcher. Whereupon, the tortoise …(46)… into the water and in a few seconds came up with a handsome pearl, which he presented to the bird-catcher. This was beyond the man’s expectations, and he let the peacock go immediately. A short time after, the bird-catcher came back and told the tortoise that he thought he had not paid enough for the release of his friend, and …(47)…, that unless a match to the pearl was obtained for him, he would catch the peacock again. The tortoise, who had already …(48)… his friend to shift to a distant jungle on being set free, was greatly …(49)… by the greed of the bird - catcher. “Well,” said the tortoise, “if you insist on having another pearl like the one I gave you, give it back to me and I will fish you an exact match for it.” The greediness of the bird-catcher prevented his reasoning and he …(50)… gave the pearl to the clever tortoise. The tortoise swam out with it saying, “I am no fool to give you another pearl, you’re greediness has left you with nothing.

41. (A) fence, (B) brim, (C) banks, (D) base, (E) outlet
Ans : (C)

42. (A) fact, (B) lifestyle, (C) phenomenon, (D) adventure, (E) routine
Ans : (C)

43. (A) prowl, (B) guard, (C) rounds, (D) duty, (E) alert
Ans : (B)

44. (A) right, (B) last, (C) perfect, (D) appropriate, (E) justified
Ans : (B)

45. (A) captive, (B) custody, (C) affectionately, (D) badly, (E) carelessly
Ans : (A)

46. (A) collapsed, , (B) dived, (C) sunk, (D) drowned, (E) slipped
Ans : (B)

47. (A) wished, (B) secured, (C) contemplated, (D) debated, (E) threatened
Ans : (E)

48. (A) advised, (B) left, (C) disowned, (D) excluded, (E) wanted
Ans : (A)

49. (A) aware, (B) enraged, (C) superstitious, (D) touched, (E) tolerant
Ans : (B)

50. (A) deftly, (B) clumsily, (C) selfishly, (D) affectionately, (E) promptly
Ans : (E)