English Sample Practice Paper for IBPS, SBI, Bank PO and Clerk- 57

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Directions—(Q. 1–5) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make it meaningful and grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

1. We have accepted over two billion dollars from them yet it is been used to build hospital in the area—
(A) that is yet to use,  (B) although it has been used, (C) not yet being used, (D) which will be used

Ans : (C)

2. People have respond in favour the government’s efforts to resolve the budget crisis—
(A) favourably responded, (B) response in favour of, (C) responded favourably to,
Ans : (C)

3. Striking this deal will enable the company to expand its operations in Europe—
(A) strike this deal that, (B) to strike off this deal, (C) by striking this deal to, (D) this deal was struck which
Ans : (E)

4. We admire they are taking this step despite the numerous risks involved—
(A) them to take, (B) them for taking, (C) that they have taken over, (D) how their taking of
Ans : (B)

5. The management has been left with no option else to change the branch timings to avoid losing business.
(A) but to change, (B) except the change of, (C) unless it changes with, (D) other than the changing
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 6–20) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions—

The great fear in Asia a short while ago was that the region would suffer through the wealth destruction already taking place in the U.S. as a result of the financial crisis. Stock markets tumbled as exports plunged and economic growth deteriorated. Lofty property prices in China and elsewhere looked set to bust as credit tightened and buyers evaporated. But with surprising speed, fear in Asia swung back to greed as the region shows signs of recovery and property and stock prices are soaring in many parts of Asia.

Why should the sharp Asian turnaround be greeted with scepticism ? Higher asset prices mean households feel wealthier and better able to spend, which could further fuel the region’s nascent rebound. But just as easily, Asia could soon find itself saddled with overheated markets similar to the U.S. housing market. In short the world has not changed, it has just moved places.

The incipient bubble is being created by government policy. In response to the global credit crunch of 2008, policy makers in Asia slashed interest rates and flooded financial sectors with cash in frantic attempts to keep loans flowing and economies growing. These steps were logical for central bankers striving to reverse a deepening economic crisis. But there’s evidence that there is too much easy money around. It’s winding up in stocks and real estate, pushing prices up too far and too fast for the underlying economic fundamentals. Much of the concern is focused on China, where government stimulus efforts have been large and effective. Money in China has been especially easy to find. Aggregate new bank lending surged 201% in the first half of 2009 from the same period a year earlier, to nearly $ 1.1 trillion. Exuberance over a quick recovery–which was given a boost by China’s surprisingly strong 7.9% GDP growth in the second quarter–has buoyed investor sentiment not just for stocks but also for real estate.

Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan argued that bubbles could only be recognised in hindsight. But investors–who have been well schooled in the dangers of bubbles over the past decade are increasingly wary that prices have risen too far, and that the slightest bit of negative economic news could knock markets for a loop. These fears are compounded by the possibility that Asia’s central bankers will begin taking steps to shut off the money. rumours that Beijing was on the verge of tightening credit led to Shanghai stocks plunging 5%. Yet many economists believe that, “there is close to a zero possibility that the Chinese government will do anything this year that constitutes tightening.” And without a major shift in thinking, the easy-money conditions will stay in place. In a global economy that has produced more dramatic ups and downs than anyone thought possible over the past two years, Asia may be heading for another disheartening plunge.

6. To which of the following has the author attributed the 2008 Asian financial crisis ?
(1) Reluctance of Asian governments to taper off the economic stimulus
(2) Greed of Asian investors causing them to trade stocks of American companies at high prices
(3) Inflated real estate prices in Asian countries
(A) None,   (B) Only (1),    (C) Only (3),    (D) Only (1) and (2),   (E) Only (2)
Ans : (D)

7. What does the author want to convey through the phrase “The world has not changed it has just moved places” ?
(A) At present countries are more dependent on Asian economics than on the US economy
(B) Economies has become interlinked on account of globalisation
(C) Asian governments are implementing the same economic reforms as developed countries
(D) All economies are susceptible to recession because of the state of the US economy
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)

8. Which of the following can be said about the Chinese government’s efforts to revive the economy ?
(A) These were largely unsuccessful as only the housing market improved
(B) The government’s only concern was to boost investor confidence in stocks
(C) These efforts were ineffectual as the economy recovered owing to the US market stabilising
(D) These were appropriate and accomplished the goal of economic revival
(E) They blindly imitated the economic reforms adopted by the US
Ans : (B)

9. Why do experts predict that Asian policy makers will not withdraw fiscal stimulus ?
(1) The US economy is not likely to recover for a long time
(2) Stock markets are yet to regain their former levels
(3) Fear of revolt by greedy citizens
(A) None,    (B) Only (3),    (C) Only (1) and (3),   (D) Only (2),    (E) Only (2) and (3)
Ans : (D)

10. What do the statistics about loans given by Chinese banks in 2009 indicate ?
(A) There was hardly any demand for loans in 2008
(B) The Chinese government has borrowed funds from the U.S.
(C) China will take longer than the US to recover from the economic crisis
(D) The GDP of China was below expectations
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)

11. Why has investor confidence in the Chinese stock market been restored ?
(1) Existing property prices which are stable and affordable
(2) The government has decided to tighten credit
(3) Healthy growth of the economy indicated by GDP figures
(A) Only (3),    (B) Only (1) and (2),   (C) All (1), (2) and (3),    (D) Only (2),    (E) None of these
Ans : (A)

12. What is the author’s main objective in writing the passage ?
(A) Illustrating that Asian economies are financially more sound than those of developed countries
(B) Disputing financial theories about how recessions can be predicted and avoided
(C) Warning Asian countries about the dangers of favouring fast growth and profits over sound economic principles
(D) Extolling China’s incredible growth and urging other countries to emulate it
(E) Advising governments about the changes in policy to strengthen economic fundamentals
Ans : (C)

13. Why does the author doubt the current resurgence of Asian economics ?
(A) Their economies are too heavily reliant on the American economy which is yet to recover
(B) Central banks have slashed interest rates too abruptly which is likely to cause stock markets to crash
(C) With their prevailing economic conditions they are at risk for a financial crisis
(D) Their GDP has not grown significantly during the last financial year
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

14. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage ?
(1) All Asian economies are recovering at the same pace
(2) Experts are apprehensive about the state of Asian economies despite their recovery
(3) Developed countries should implement the same economies reforms as Asian ones
(A) Only (1),    (B) Only (2) and (3),   (C) Only (1) and (2),   (D) Only (2),   (E) None of these
Ans : (D)

15. According to the passage, which of the following factor(s) has/ have had a negative impact on the Asian stock markets ?
(1) Abrupt drop in exports by Asian countries
(2) Extravagant disbursement of housing loans in 2009
(3) Raising of interest rates by the Central Bank
(A) None,    (B) Only (1) and (2),    (C) Only (1),    (D) Only (1) and (3),    (E) All (1), (2) and (3)
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 16–18) Choose the word or group of words which is MOST SIMILAR in MEANING to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

16. Fuel :                                (A) Petrol, (B) Stimulate, (C) Sustain, (D) Heat, (E) Charge
Ans : (B)

17. Flooded :          (A) Surged, (B) Saturated, (C) Overflowed, (D) Deluge, (E) Overcome
Ans : (C)

18. Evaporated:     (A) Dehydrated, (B) Melted, (C) Vaporised, (D) Vanished, (E) Dodged
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 19-20) Choose the word or group of words which is MOST OPPOSITE in MEANING to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

19. Buoyed :           (A) Heavy, (B) Stifled, (C) Numbed, (D) Dull, (E) Abated
Ans : (E)

20. Sharp :             (A) Blunt, (B) Incomplete, (C) Naïve, (D) Indistinct, (E) Gradual
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 21–30) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical mistake/error in it. The error if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark the letter of that part with error as your answer. If there is ‘No error’, mark (E).

21. Arranging such a large amount (A) /of funds now will be a problem why (B) / banks are usually not open (C) /so early in the morning. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

22. He had telephoned yesterday to (A) /ask how much of the youth (B) /who attend our classes would be (C) /interested in working for a textile company. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

23. Though he has promoted to (A) / the bank’s board as a director (B) / he continues to carry out (C) / all his current responsibilities. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

24. The Board’s decision has provided (A) / employees with the opportunity (B) / to acquire upto 100 (C) / shares by the company. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

25. If the manufacturing sector continues (A) / to grow at the same rate for (B) / the next few months, I think it (C) / has a high growth rate this year. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

26. The government is working (A) / out a new system to compensate (B) / those companies to sell (C) / products below the market price. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

27. The success of the (A) / government sponsor job guarantee programme (B) / has resulted in a (C) / drastic drop in poverty. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

28. We were forced into react (A) / as no organisation can (B) / afford to adhere to (C) / these outdated regulations. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

29. We had extensively discussions (A) / with the participants and (B) / obtained their feedback (C) / regarding our new services. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

30. Their failure to inspect (A) / our factories is a (B) / clear indications that our (C) / license will not be renewed. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 31–35) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e. ‘All correct’ as your answer.

31. Though these programmes have proved (A) to be extremely (B) effective (C) they do have certain drawbacks. (D) All correct (E)
Ans : (E)

32. According to these estimates (A) our profitable (B) margin (C) will be higher if we adopt (D) this approach. All correct (E)
Ans : (B)

33. In order to confront (A) the threat (B) of global warming it is imperative (C) that we work altogether. (D) All correct (E)
Ans : (D)

34. Any failure (A) to complicit (B) with these fundamental (C) regulations will result in a fine. (D) All correct (E)
Ans : (B)

35. Every organization needs to be proactive (A) in devising (B) stratergies (C) to ensure the retention (D) in staff. All correct (E)
Ans : (C)

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. However if this happens it will cause problems for the elderly who mainly use cheques.
2. The use of cheques has fallen dramatically in the past few years.
3. Thus cheques may be phased out gradually making sure that the needs of all consumers including the elderly are met.
4. This is because more and more consumers are transferring money electronically by direct debit or credit cards.
5. Without cheques they are likely to keep large amounts of cash in their homes making them vulnerable to theft.
6. British banks have thus voted to phase cheques out in favour of these more modern payment methods.

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

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

38. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1,  (B) 2,   (C) 3,   (D) 4,   (E) 6
Ans : (D)

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

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

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 World Diabetes Congress has determined that India has the largest number of diabetics in the world. Apart from the loss of productivity, the …(41)… burden is alarming – $ 2.8 billion annually. Sedentary jobs, …(42)… of electronic entertainment, changing diet patterns and …(43)… dependence on automobiles have driven the activity …(44)… of Indians’ lives especially in cities.

The …(45)… is, therefore, to make people physically …(46)… and requires interventions which imapct a large …(47)… of the population. Admittedly physical activity is a …(48)… of choice and is strongly driven by …(49)… preferences. But policymaking needs to shift to …(50)… moderate levels of physical activity in the daily lives of people. One way to accomplish this is to create walkable communities that give residents a variety of destinations within walking distance.

41. (A) economic,  (B) finance,  (C) subsidy,  (D) physical,  (E) health
Ans : (B)

42. (A) broadcast,  (B) spread,  (C) prevalent,  (D) expand,  (E) widespread
Ans : (E)

43. (A) totally,  (B) entirely,  (C) grown,  (D) mutual,  (E) increasing
Ans : (E)

44. (A) most,  (B) out,  (C) from,  (D) through,  (E) outside
Ans : (B)

45. (A) ultimatum,  (B) hazard,  (C) sensitivity,  (D) challenge,  (E) dispute
Ans : (A)

46. (A) equip,  (B) built,  (C) active,  (D) trained,  (E) qualified
Ans : (C)

47. (A) section,  (B) scale,  (C) degree,  (D) per cent,  (E) piece
Ans : (A)

48. (A) want,  (B) matter,  (C) scarcity,  (D) right,  (E) lack
Ans : (B)

49. (A) showing,  (B) given,  (C) special,  (D) personal,  (E) individually
Ans : (D)

50. (A) pursuit,  (B) indulge,  (C) introduce,  (D) insist, (E) attract
Ans : (C)

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English Sample Practice Paper for IBPS, SBI, Bank PO and Clerk- 56

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Directions—(Q. 1–12) 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.

Long ago, the country of Gandhara was ruled by a just and good king Vidyadhara. His subjects were very happy, but as the king grew older, everyone grew more and more worried because the king did not have any children who could take over the kingdom after him. The king was an avid gardener. He spent a lot of time tending to his garden, planting the finest flowers, fruit trees and vegetables. One day, after he finished working in his garden, he proclaimed, ‘I will distribute some seeds to all the children in the kingdom. The one who grows the biggest, healthiest plant within three months will become the prince or the princess.’

The next day there was a long queue of anxious parents and children outside the palace. Everyone was eager to get a seed and grow the best plant. Pingala, a poor farmer’s son, was among the children. Like the king, he too was fond of gardening and grew beautiful plants in his backyard. He took the seed from the king and planted it in a pot with great care. Some weeks passed and he plied it with water and manure, but the plant did not appear. Pingala tried changing the soil and transferred the seed to another pot, but even by the end of three months, nothing appeared.

At last the day came when all the children had to go to the king to show the plant they had grown. They went walking to the palace dressed in their best, holding beautiful plants in their hands. Only Pingala stood sadly, watching them go by. Pingala’s father had watched his son working hard with the seed and felt sorry for him. ‘Why don’t you go to the king with your empty pot ?’ he suggested. ‘At least he will know you tried your best.’ So Pingala too wore his best suit and joined the others outside the palace, holding his empty pot in his hand and ignoring the laughter around him. Soon the king arrived and began his inspection. The pots held flowers of different shades, beautiful and healthy, but the king did not look happy. At the end of the queue stood Pingala, and when the king reached him, he stopped in surprise.

‘My son, why have you come with an empty pot ? Could you not grow anything ?’ Pingala looked down and said, ‘Forgive me, your highness. I tried my best, I gave it the best soil and manure I had, but the plant would
not grow.’

Now the king’s face broke into a smile. He enveloped Pingala in his arms and announced, ‘This boy truly deserves to be crowned the prince ! I had given everyone roasted seeds, which would never grow. I wanted to see which child was the most honest one, and would admit he or she would not be able to grow anything. Only this young boy told the truth. I am sure he will rule this kingdom one day with truth and honesty.’

And indeed that was what happened. When the king grew old and died, Pingala, who had learnt everything from him, came to the throne and ruled Gandhara justly for many years.

1. Why did the king distribute seeds to all children in his kingdom ?
(A) It was part of one of the rituals of the kingdom, (B) He wanted to see who could grow the tallest plant
(C) He finished all his work in the garden and had extra seeds left
(D) He wanted to inculcate the hobby of gardening among the children of his kingdom, (E) None of these
Ans : (E)

2. Why was Pingala holding an empty pot in his hands ?
(1) He could not grow the seed the king gave him., (2) His plant did not survive after the second month.
(3) He wanted to be different from the other children.
(A) Only (1), (B) Only (2), (C) Only (3), (D) Only (1) and (2), (E) Only (1) and (3)
Ans : (A)

3. Why did Pingala’s father encourage him to go to the king with an empty pot ?
(1) He wanted the king to know that his son tried his best to grow the plant.
(2) He wanted his son to be noticed by the king.
(3) He wanted the king to realise that he had cheated his son.
(A) Only (1), (B) Only (2), (C) Only (3), (D) Only (1) and (2), (E) None of these
Ans : (D)

4. Which of the following word is most opposite to the word Admit printed in bold in the above story ?
(A) Reject , (B) Deny, (C) Dismiss, (D) Disclose, (E) Confess
Ans : (B)

5. Which of the following sentence/s is true of Pingala’s father ?
(1) He was a farmer by profession. (2) He was very encouraging towards his son.
(3) He was a poor man.
(A) Only (1), (B) Only (2) and (3), (C) Only (2), (D) Only (3), (E) All (1), (2) and (3)
Ans : (E)

6. The king crowned Pingala heir to the kingdom because—
(A) he enjoyed gardening, (B) he was taken aback by his plant
(C) he was the only child to have admitted the truth
(D) he had the most beautiful and healthy plant, (E) he was in awe of his upbringing
Ans : (C)

7. What kind of seeds did the king give to the children ?
(1) The finest seeds he had., (2) Roasted seeds that would never sprout.
(3) Vegetable and fruit seeds.
(A) Only (1), (B) Only (2), (C) Only (3), (D) Only (1) and (3), (E) None of these
Ans : (B)

8. Which of the following statements is false according to the passage ?
(A) Pingala was fond of gardening just like the king
(B) The king did not have any child who could take over the kingdom
(C) Pingala took great care of the seed the king gave him
(D) The seeds that the king gave to the children grew into beautiful and healthy plants
(E) The children were given three months to complete their assignment
Ans : (D)

9. Why did the king call for an inspection of the plants after three months ?
(A) He wanted to see which plant had the most beautiful flower
(B) He wanted to witness the joy on the children’s faces
(C) He wanted to see which plant would be the most useful to him
(D) He wanted to check the children’s gardening skills
(E) He wanted to see which child was honest and would admit the truth
Ans : (E)

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

10. Avid: (A) Bright, (B) Intelligent, (C) Enthusiastic, (D) Lazy, (E) Amateur
Ans : (B)

11. Anxious: (A) Depressed, (B) Hopeless, (C) Carefree, (D) Doubtful, (E) Nervous
Ans : (E)

12. Finest: (A) Best, (B) Thinnest, (C) Ordinary, (D) Common, (E) Cheapest
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 13–17) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the 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.

13. I am very keen to to learned about the town’s history.
(A) to learns, (B) to learn, (C) at learning, (D) to have learn
Ans : (B)

14. For the last three weeks the shop have been closed.
(A) is being closed, (B) has been closed, (C) are closed, (D) to have closed
Ans : (B)

15. If you had spoken to the receptionist, she would tell you where I was—
(A) would told you, (B) will tell you, (C) would have told you, (D) would be telling you
Ans : (C)

16. Many forests are facing the danger to be destroyed.
(A) of being, (B) to have been, (C) to being, (D) having being
Ans : (E)

17. The Science teacher seem to think that all the students in her class were lazy.
(A) to seem to think, (B) seem to be thinking, (C) seem to have thought, (D) seemed to think
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 18–22) 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).

18. We had to (A) / hurry to the airport (B) / as the flight departures (C) / from Mumbai at 6 : 30 pm. (D) 
Ans : (C)

19. If you had (A) / watered the plant regularly, (B) / it would not (C) / have died. (D) 
Ans : (E)

20. I wonder if (A) / my colleague would (B) / like it to go to (C) / the conference with me. (D) 
Ans : (C)

21. We should focus (A) / our attention at (B) / the roads where accidents (C) / have already occurred. (D) 
Ans : (D)

22. My friends are (A) / not allowed to (B) / go out without (C) / their parents’ consenting. (D)
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 23–27) In each question below, four words printed in bold are given. These are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these words printed in bold may either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (E) i.e., ‘All correct’ as your answer.

23. The tape (A) recordings contained (B) prove (C) of his involvement in the crime. (D) 
Ans : (B)

24. Despite (A) all the research, (B) there is still no cure (C) for the desease. (D) 
Ans : (D)

25. Just because something (A) is expansive, (B) it is not necessarily (C) superior. (D) 
Ans : (B)

26. Although (A) Goa is a small State, (B) it is very popular (C) with tourists. (D)
Ans : (C)

27. One does not appreciate (A) the importance (B) of good health (C) until one is ill. (D) 
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 28–32) Rearrange the following five sentences/ group of sentences (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
(1) “My horns are my weapons,” said the deer. “I’m sharpening them.”
(2) Frightened by the deer’s sharpened horns, he turned to the fox instead and shot him dead.
(3) The fox wondered why the deer was wasting time sharpening his weapons when there was no danger in sight.
(4) A wild deer was rubbing his horns against a tree. A fox passing by asked him what he was doing.
(5) Just then a hunter appeared at the scene.

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

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

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

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

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

Directions—(Q. 33–40) 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.

One day, it so happened that Emperor Akbar …(33)… on a rock in his garden. He was in a foul mood that day and the accident made him so …(34)… that he ordered the gardener’s arrest and execution. The next day when the gardener was …(35)… what his last wish would be before he was hanged, he …(36)… an audience with the emperor. His wish was …(37)…, but when the man neared the throne he loudly cleared his throat and spat at the emperor’s feet. The emperor was taken aback and …(38)… to know why he had done such a thing. The gardener had acted on Birbal’s advice and now Birbal stepped forward in the man’s defence. ‘Your Majesty,’ he said, “there could be no person more loyal to you than this unfortunate man. Fearing that people would say you hanged him for a trifle, he has gone out of his way to give you a …(39)… reason for hanging him.’’ The emperor, …(40)… that he was about to do great injustice to an innocent man, set the man free.

33. (A) fall , (B) faltered, (C) bruised, (D) trip, (E) stumbled
Ans : (E)

34. (A) imaginative , (B) troubled, (C) disturb, (D) angry, (E) unfortunate
Ans : (D)

35. (A) understanding, (B) question, (C) told, (D) requested, (E) asked
Ans : (D)

36. (A) willing , (B) requested, (C) said, (D) demand, (E) propose
Ans : (B)

37. (A) granted , (B) presented, (C) privileged, (D) judged, (E) weighed
Ans : (A)

38. (A) claimed , (B) asked, (C) demanded, (D) wanting, (E) seemed
Ans : (C)

39. (A) genuine , (B) some, (C) prized, (D) justly, (E) more
Ans : (A)

40. (A) understands , (B) realising, (C) foresee, (D) announced, (E) thinks
Ans : (D)

Directions–(Q. 41–50) In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. First read the passage over and try to understand what it is about. Then fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Mark your answer in the Answer sheet.

Martin Luther King, Jr., was born Michael Luther King, Jr., …41… his grandfather had his name …42… to Martin. Martin Luther attended segregated public schools in Georgia, …43… from high school at the age of fifteen; he received the B.A. degree in 1948 …44… Morehouse college, a distinguished Negro institution of Atlanta from which both his father and grandfather had graduated. After three years of …45… study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he was elected president of a …46… white senior class, he was awarded the B.D. in 1951. …47… a fellowship won at Ebenezer he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his residence …48… the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955. In Boston he …49… and married Coretta Scott, a young woman of …50… intellectual and artistic attainments.

41. (A) And, (B) So, (C) Since, (D) But
Ans : (A)

42. (A) Given , (B) Changed, (C) Become, (D) Made
Ans : (B)

43. (A) Graduating , (B) Finishing, (C) Graduated, (D) Finished
Ans : (C)

44. (A) In , (B) From, (C) By, (D) With,
Ans : (B)

45. (A) Theological, (B) Intellectual, (C) Educational, (D) Psychological
Ans : (A)

46. (A) Predetermined, (B) Predominantly, (C) Significantly, (D) Somewhat
Ans : (B)

47. (A) From , (B) By, (C) With, (D) Through
Ans : (C)

48. (A) For , (B) Of, (C) About, (D) To
Ans : (A)

49. (A) Saw , (B) Eloped, (C) Met, (D) Watched
Ans : (C)

50. (A) Common, (B) Particular, (C) Uncommon, (D) General
Ans : (C)

CWE IBPS Sample Paper of English Language 45

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 questions.

There was a famous temple on a high hill in Assam. The priest of this temple was widely respected and was known to be a great scholar. When he grew old, he started searching for a younger priest who could take charge of the temple after his death. But, much to his dismay, he could not find any suitable person. As the priest lay on his deathbed, he called the trustee of the temple and told him, “After my death, make sure that only a ‘human being’ replaces me as the priest of this temple”. As soon as he said these words, he died. Information travelled far and wide that the head priest of the famous temple had died and now there was an urgent need for a replacement. A day was set for the selection of the successor. That day, starting at dawn, aspirants started trekking the steep and torturous climb to the temple. The route to the temple was indeed difficult; it was full of thorns, and stones. By the time most people managed to reach the temple, they had received minor cuts and bruises on their feet and hands.

After breakfast, the selection process started. The trustee asked all the aspirants to recite difficult shlokas, or verses from the sacred texts, and explain various procedures of priesthood. By afternoon, as the selection process was about to end, one young man walked slowly into the temple. The trustee noticed him and said, “Young man, you are very late. What took you so long ? And what happened to your clothes, why are they torn ? Your feet and hands are bleeding so badly.” The man replied, “I know sir, I am late, so I will not participate in the competition. If I have your permission, I will just get my wounds treated, rest for a while and then go back to my village.” But the trustee was curious to know about this man. He asked again, “But how did you manage to hurt yourself so badly, did you not follow the same route as the others ?” “Yes sir, I did,” replied the man, “But I thought I must remove the thorns and other sharp, stones from the path so that when people come to pray in this temple they must not get hurt. That is why I got late and that is how I hurt myself. I apologize for the delay, but as I said, I know I am late and hence I don’t wish to participate in the competition. It will not be fair to the others if I participated.” Hearing this, the trustee smiled and said, “Congratulations, you have been chosen. I am sure that when our noble priest was dying and he said that he wanted a “human being” to be his successor, he meant that he wanted someone like you. “This statement infuriated the other participants. “What do you mean ?” they demanded. “Are we not humans ? This man just said that he did not wish to participate. How can you choose him as he has not gone through any of the tests ?”

The trustee replied, “Our old priest used to say that even animals know how to watch for their self interest; they know how to avoid danger, search food and so on. Only a ‘human being’ knows how to watch for other people’s interests and well being. All of you climbed the same torturous path. But only this man thought about the others and cleared the path so that no one would get hurt. By this definition, only he qualifies as a ‘human being’ and hence only he should be the successor of the great old priest.”

1. What happened immediately after the old priest died ?
(A) The trustee shut the temple and started mourning for the old priest
(B) The trustee took the old priest’s position and appointed a younger trustee
(C) Word spread that there was an urgent need for the old priest’s successor
(D) Everyone started searching for younger priests
(E) Everyone refused to become the old priest’s successor
Ans : (C)

2. Why was the old priest looking for a younger priest ?
(A) So that the younger priest became his successor
(B) So that the old priest had a student
(C) So that the younger priest searched for a successor
(D) Because in those days younger priests were more educated than older priests
(E) Because the trustee wanted a younger priest to take care of the temple
Ans : (E)

3. Why was the young man late for the competition ?
(A) He had forgotten his way and thus had taken a longer route to the temple
(B) He was removing all the stones and thorns from the path which led to the temple
(C) He was giving water to the other participants when they were on their way to the temple
(D) He had some household chores to complete
(E) He had forgotten all about the competition in the morning
Ans : (B)


4. What was the trustee’s decision when the young man gave his explanation for being late ?
(A) He immediately selected the young man as the successor to the old priest
(B) He scolded him and said that he should have been careful
(C) He asked the young man to go and get his wounds treated
(D) He asked the other participants to leave the temple premises
(E) He gave a huge sum of money to the young man
Ans : (A)

5. What was the old priest’s definition of a ‘human being’ ?
(A) Those who succeed in life and earn a lot of money are human beings
(B) Those who watch for other people’s interests and well being are human beings
(C) Those who put stones and thorns in other people’s path are human beings
(D) Those who know how to make other people laugh are human beings
(E) Those who know how to recite shlokas are human beings
Ans : (B)

6. How did the other participants react to the trustee’s decision ?
(A) They took it sportingly and learnt a lesson from the incident
(B) They congratulated the trustee for being so wise and fair
(C) They got angry and objected to the trustee's decision
(D) They decided to get even with the trustee and the young man
(E) They cursed the trustee and stomped out of the temple premises
Ans : (C)

7. What did the trustee ask during the selection process ?
(A) He asked the aspirants to recite shlokas and verses from sacred texts
(B) He asked the aspirants to explain the various procedures of priesthood
(C) He asked the aspirants to give an introduction of themselves
(D) He asked the aspirants to tell him the qualities of an ideal priest
(E) Both (A) and (B)
Ans : (E)

8. What would be an appropriate title for this passage ?
(A) The famous temple
(B) The old priest
(C) The torturous path
(D) The true successor
(E) The unjust trustee
Ans : (D)

9. Why did the young man say that he didn't wish to participate in the competition ?
(A) He was scared of losing the competition
(B) He was not sure about the duties of priesthood
(C) His parents forbade him from becoming a priest
(D) He wanted to become the priest of some other temple
(E) He was late and did not want to be unfair to others
Ans : (E)

10. When did the aspirants get cuts and bruises on their hands and feet ?
(A) While they were reciting difficult shlokas and verses
(B) While they were going through the selection process
(C) While they were talking about the old priest
(D) While they were climbing the torturous path that led to the temple
(E) While the trustee was torturing them during the selection process
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word / group of words which is most similar in the meaning to the word / group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. Qualifies
(A) Is trained in
(B) Meets the criteria
(C) Excels in
(D) Is impressive
(E) Is dynamic
Ans : (B)

12. Noticed(A) Recognised
(B) Liked
(C) Saw
(D) Informed
(E) Accepted
Ans : (C)

13. Demanded 
(A) Claimed
(B) Questioned
(C) Stated
(D) Requested
(E) Inquired
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word / group of words which is most similar in the meaning to the word / group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. Minor 
(A) Chief
(B) Main
(C) Complete
(D) Distinct
(E) Severe
Ans : (E)

15. Torturous(A) Trouble-free
(B) Liberating
(C) Exciting
(D) Demanding
(E) Boring
Ans : (A)

Directions (Q. 16–25)—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.)

16. They did not follow the (A) / directions properly so (B) / they had difficult (C) / in reaching my house. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (C)

17. The group members (A) / had to suffer a (B) / lot of problems as (C) / their leader were biased. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (D)

18. He was supposed (A) / to pick them (B) / up from the airport (C) / but he reaches late. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (D)

19. He gained admission (A) / to one of the (B) / best commerce colleges (C) / in the city. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (B)

20. His friends tried (A) / to convince him to (B) / participate in the competition (C) / but he refused. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (E)

21. The judges were so (A) / impressed by her perform (B) / that they gave her (C) / a standing ovation. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (B)

22. They win the (A) / match but they (B) / did not play (C) / a fair game. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (A)

23. The servant not only (A) / robbed them house (B) / but also betrayed (C) / their trust. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (B)

24. He have to (A) / leave on a very (B) / short notice as (C) / it was an emergency. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (A)

25. No one is allowed to go (A) / out of the hostel after 9 p.m. (B) / but still some students (C) / sneaks out last night. (D) No Error (E)
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) In each question below, four words print in bold type are given. These are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these words printed in bold may either be wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word that is inappropriate or wrongly spelt, if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and appropriate in the context of the sentence then mark (E) i.e. ‘All Correct’ as your answer.

26. All the officers (A) were asked (B) to report to duty (C) at sharp (D) 7 a.m. All Correct (E)
Ans : (E)

27. She fell ill due (A) to anxiety just (B) one week (C) before the ecsam. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (D)

28. They requested (A) everyone to take their (B) seats (C) and maintain silence. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (C)

29. They spoke (A) in such a laud (B) voice that even their neighbours (C) could hear them. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (B)

30. Manish accused (A) his rival (B) of steeling (C) his designs. (D) All Correct (E)
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 31–35) Rearrange the following 6 sentences (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) in proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph then answer the questions given below them.
(a) “I can’t bear it !” he screamed, “I’II pay the fine.”
(b) After he had received a few strokes he began to turn and twist to avoid the whip.
(c) So he paid the fine and was let off, but he became the laughing-stock of the city for having taken three punishments for one crime.
(d) A man was caught stealing a bag of onions and was taken to the court where the judge gave him a choice of three punishments : eat the stolen onions in one sitting; submit to a hundred lashes of the whip or pay a fine.
(e) “I can’t eat the onions so give me the lashes instead,” he said.
(f) The man said he would eat the onions and began confidently, but after eating a few, his eyes began to burn, his nose started running and his mouth felt as if it was on fire.

31. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence in the rearrangement ?
(A) d
(B) b
(C) a
(D) f
(E) e
Ans : (C)

32. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence in the rearrangement ?
(A) d
(B) b
(C) c
(D) a
(E) f
Ans : (A)

33. Which of the following should be the LAST (SIXTH) sentence in the rearrangement ?
(A) b
(B) e
(C) d
(D) a
(E) c
Ans : (E)

34. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence in the rearrangement ?
(A) a
(B) c
(C) b
(D) f
(E) d
Ans : (B)

35. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence in the rearrangement ?
(A) b
(B) f
(C) d
(D) e
(E) a
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 36–40) Each sentence below has a blank/s, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the word/s that best fit/s the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

36. We……decided……buy a new car.
(A) have, to
(B) has, is
(C) are, in
(D) is, to
(E) can, are
Ans : (A)

37. Rohan……asleep while watching the film.
(A) is
(B) found
(C) fall
(D) fell
(E) find
Ans : (D)

38. Priti passed her exams with ………colours.
(A) falling
(B) seeing
(C) different
(D) flying
(E) single
Ans : (D)

39. She translated an English ……… passage to Hindi without using a………
(A) meaning
(B) dictionary
(C) symbols
(D) language
(E) adjective
Ans : (B)

40. Tina finds it difficult to talk to people as she…………introvert.
(A) was a
(B) can the
(C) is an
(D) being a
(E) thought an
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, against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Long ago, in a …(41)… forest there were many tall and beautiful trees. They were happy and proud of themselves. There was one tree …(42)… them whose branches were twisted and its roots had uneven curves. All the trees made fun of that tree. Everyone including the tree itself felt that it was ugly “How are you, hunch-back ?” the other trees always shouted and their laughter made the ugly tree feel sad. But, it never raised a voice against them. They ugly tree thought, “I …(43)… I was as beautiful as them. Why did God do this to me ? Neither can I provide shade to the travellers nor can the birds make their …(44)… on me. Nobody needs me.” One day, a woodcutter came to the forest. He took a look at the trees and said, “These trees are lovely. I must cut them.” As soon as he …(45)… up his axe the trees got frightened. “None of us are going to be spared.” screamed one of the beautiful trees. Soon all the trees were brought to …(46)… by the woodcutter’s axe.

By now, the woodcutter had come near the ugly tree. He had just raised his axe when suddenly he noticed how …(47)… the ugly tree was. “This crooked tree seems to be useless for me. I cannot make long straight logs out of this ugly tree,” he thought. And he moved towards another beautiful tree. The ugly tree …(48)… a huge sigh of relief. It realized that by making it ugly, God had actually given it a boon.

From that day the ugly tree never …(49)…. It was happy with its crooked branches. It never forgot how it was…(50)… from the woodcutter’s axe, only because it was crooked and ugly .

41. (A) old
(B) short
(C) dense
(D) entertaining
(E) stout
Ans : (C)

42. (A) on
(B) at
(C) below
(D) far
(E) among
Ans : (E)

43. (A) want
(B) demand
(C) wish
(D) request
(E) think
Ans : (C)

44. (A) house
(B) palaces
(C) burrows
(D) nests
(E) buildings
Ans : (D)

45. (A) shows
(B) picked
(C) summoned
(D) threw
(E) measured
Ans : (B)

46. (A) ground
(B) hell
(C) heaven
(D) surface
(E) down
Ans : (A)

47. (A) tall
(B) sensible
(C) frightened
(D) green
(E) crooked
Ans : (E)

48. (A) thought
(B) said
(C) commented
(D) smiled
(E) heaved
Ans : (E)

49. (A) prayed
(B) laughed
(C) lived
(D) complained
(E) cursed
Ans : (D)

50. (A) given
(B) spared
(C) stolen
(D) killed
(E) taken
Ans : (B)

Central Bank Clerk English Practice Paper 23

Central Bank of India English Language 

 

(This paper is also a sample paper for IBPS Clerk) 

(Exam Held on 13-2-2011) Based on memory
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)

English Practice Paper IBPS Clerk

English Practice paper for IBPS PO and Clerk:
(If you like this paper then pls visit to the VIGYAAPANs appearing on this page)

A sample English question paper for Common Written Entrance CWE IBPS exam
English Language

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 questions.

A sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it ‘was too crowded’. “I can’t go to School,” she sobbed to a priest as he walked by Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worm and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were founded 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school.”

For two years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 cent payment.

Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased to $250,000 – a huge sum for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time. In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portait of her kind priest.

1. How did the little girl die ?
(A) She had died from suffocation in the tenement building
(B) She had starved to death, (C) She fell from a poor tenement building
(D) Not mentioned in the passage ,(E) None
Ans : (D)

2. What was found on the girl’s body after her death ?
(A) A purse containing the drawing of a school, (B) Notes that she had taken during school
(C) A note to the priest thanking him for his kindness
(D) A purse containing the address to her new school, (E) None
Ans : (E)

3. In what manner did the realtor help in making the little girl’s dream come true ?
(A) By buying a land for the building of the school for thousands of dollars
(B) By building the school himself
(C) By giving away land for building the school at a negligible price
(D) By publishing the girl’s story in the newspaper, (E) None
Ans : (C)


4. What was the real reason behind the girl not being allowed into the school ?
(A) The girl had a learning disability, (B) She was poor and inappropriately dressed
(C) The teachers were too busy to teach her
(D) The school was full of good students and did not need one more
(E) The other kids in the school did not like her
Ans : (B)

5. Which of the following can be the most appropriate title for the passage/story ?
(A) The Girl with the 57 cents, (B) The Making of Any School, (C) A Realtor’s Sacrifice
(D) How Newspapers spread Information, (E) A Priest and His Religion
Ans : (A)

6. Which of the following characteristics can be attributed to the little girl from the story ?
(1) She was brave, (2) She was selfish, (3) She was loving
(A) Only 1, (B) Only 1 and 3, (C) All 1, 2and 3, (D) Only 3, (E) Only 2 and 3
Ans : (D)

7. Which of the following cannot be said about the priest ?
(1) He was insensitive, (2) He put his thoughts into action, (3) He was compassionate
(A) Only 2, (B) Only 3, (C) Only 1, (D) Only 2 and 3, (E) Only 1 and 3
Ans : (C)

8. What was the little girl’s idea behind wanting to build a bigger school ?
(A) The current school was not providing quality education
(B) More students could study in the school, (C) To gain popularity
(D) Not mentioned in the passage, (E) None
Ans : (B)

9. How was the priest instrumental in fulfilling the little girl’s dream ?
(A) He shared her story and urged his helpers to raise money
(B) He constructed the school building with the help of his assistants
(C) He handed over the 57 cents to the realtor himself
(D) He helped in the cremation of the little girl’s body
(E) He informed the newspaper of the little girl’s plight
Ans : (A)

10. What was the final outcome of the 57 cents saved by the little girl ?
(A) The 57 cents were taken by the priest as a fee for his service to the little girl
(B) Nothing could be done with the 57 cents as the amount was too small
(C) A home for the poor was built with the 57 cents
(D) The 57 cents increased to a sum of $2,50,000 and was donated to charity
(E) The amount grew manifold due to various contributions and a school housing hundreds was finally built
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 11-13) 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.

11. WORTH: (A) Costing, (B) Importance, (C) Significance, (D) Appeal, (E) Merit
Ans : (A)

12. TOUCHED; (A) Patted, (B) Tapped, (C) Felt, (D) Moved, (E) Called
Ans : (D)

13. UNKEMPT: (A) Untidy, (B) Tiny, (C) Torn, (D) Proper, (E) Worried
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 14-15) 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.

14. BEFRIENDED: (A) Recoiled, (B) Killed, (C) Accepted, (D) Mistrusted, (E) Ignored
Ans : (E)

15. KIND: (A) Unique, (B) Heartless, (C) Careless, (D) Common, (E) Loving
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 16-20) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each sentence should replace the 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. As Anuj was familiar with the road to Neeraj’s house, he lead the way.
(A) Led the way, (B) Led away, (C) Leading ways, (D) Lead ways
Ans : (A)

17. Although he was new to the field of painting, Sharad give it a go.(A) Gave goes, (B) Gives his go, (C) Gave it a go, (D) Giving it goes
Ans : (C)

18. The performance of the band on New Year’s Eve was out of worlds.
(A) Out of the worldly, (B) Outing of worlds, (C) Out from the world, (D) Out of the world
Ans : (D)

19. Parents are changing with the times and are friendlier and more open to their children’s views.
(A) Changed timings, (B) Changed to the time, (C) Changing times, (D) Change with time
Ans : (E)

20. Many people do not like to switch at one brand to another.
(A) Switched in, (B) Switches at, (C) Switch from, (D) Switching on
Ans : (C)

Directions—(Q. 21-25) In each question below, a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e., ‘All correct’ as your answer.

21. Beside (A) the duties of compassion, (B) harmlessness (C) and forgiveness (D) there are still duties that we owe to others. All correct (E)
Ans : (E)

22. There was once a Brahmana who had made a vow (A) that he would only eat food that he could (B) gather (C) in the feilds (D) All correct (E)
Ans : (D)

23. By far the most urgent (A) need of industry in journal (B) and of IT industry in particular (C) is the need for skilled (D) manpower. All correct (E)
Ans : (B)

24. The King gave away (A) all that he had, and he and his family (B) went without food so that they might (C) feed the hungry. (D) All correct (E)
Ans : (E)

25. We must feal (A) love for all, no matter (B) whether (C) they are of our own family or strangers (D) or whether they are rich or poor. All correct (E)
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 26-30) 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) When my schoolmates asked, “What happened to your lip ?” I’d tell them that I’d fallen as a baby and cut it on a piece of glass.
(2) At a very young age, I knew I was different and I hated it.
(3) They saw me as a little girl with a broken lip, crooked nose, lopsided teeth, and hollow and somewhat slurred speech.
(4) Somehow it seemed more acceptable to have suffered an accident than to have been born different.
(5) Besides this physical appearance, I couldn’t even blow up a balloon without holding my nose, and when I bent to drink from a fountain, the water spilled out of my nose.
(6) This was because I was born with a cleft palate, and when I started to go to school, my classmates, who were constantly teasing, made it clear to me how I must look to others.

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

27. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1, (B) 2, (C) 3, (D) 4, (E) 6
Ans : (C)

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

29. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1, (B) 2, (C) 3,,(D) 4, (E) 6
Ans : (E)

30. Which of the following should be the FOURTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1, (B) 2, (C) 3, (D) 5, (E) 6
Ans : (D)

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. As the minister was (A) / very intelligent and hard working, (B) / the King appointed him (C) / as his chief advisor. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

32. Humour is a better way (A) / to provide social commentary on (B) / controversy issues and some movies (C) / do that successfully. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

33. The comedian enthralled (A) / everybody with his quick witty as (B) / he had chosen just the right topic (C) / to warm up to the crow. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

34. The superstar reveal that (A) / he had been turning (B) / the controversial security measures into (C) / a public relations opportunity. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

35. An old tiger living in (A) / the forest was not strong enough (B) / to hunt animals and starved (C) / for much days. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

36. My singing style was unique, (A) / but it would have been nothing (B) / without the contribution of (C) / the brilliant music directors. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)

37. The body was almost (A) / asleep when a ball (B) / flies across the garden (C) / and hit him on the foot. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (C)

38. At last Amar found (A) / Naresh under the shade (B) / of a tree and brought him (C) / back on the city. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

39. Mother sat through her chair (A) / by the fire to read her book, (B) / but her ten little boys were (C) / too noisy. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

40. Since the lion was (A) / very illness, all the other animals (B) / in the forest gave the lion (C) / a lot of medicines. (D) No error (E)
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.

A poor washerman had an old donkey. He did not give it …(41)… food. The donkey became thin and …(42)…. The washerman had a wife and seven children. He said, “I am working hard. But I am not …(43)… a lot of money. I can’t feed my wife and children …(44)… How can I feed this donkey ? “Suddenly he remembered a tiger-skin in the house. It was a gift to his father’s good work. He thought, “I shall …(45)… the donkey with the skin and drive it into the field and won’t go near it. My donkey can eat a lot and …(46)… fat too.” The next day he dressed the donkey in the tiger-skin and drove it into the field of crops. The villagers saw the donkey in the tiger-skin and thought, ‘The tiger will kill us all. We shall write to the Collector and he will …(47)… it with the help of the police. Many days …(48)… The donkey ate a lot of crops everyday and grew stout and strong. One day the villagers …(49)… a letter from the Collector saying, “There is no tiger in your village or in any place near your village.” That evening all the villagers went to the field with big …(50)…. The washerman’s donkey in the tiger-skin was in the field. Suddenly another donkey brayed from some place near the field. The washerman’s donkey lifted up his head and brayed too. The villagers saw this and beat the donkey.

41. (A) any, (B) too, (C) many, (D) with, (E) the
Ans : (A)

42. (A) sorry, (B) died, (C) fat, (D) healthy, (E) weak
Ans : (E)

43. (A) accumulate, (B) spend, (C) wasting, (D) earning, (E) watching
Ans : (D)

44. (A) good, (B) main, (C) well, (D) two, (E) small
Ans : (C)

45. (A) sew, (B) wrapped, (C) enclose, (D) stuck, (E) cover
Ans : (E)

46. (A) see, (B) grow, (C) became, (D) demand, (E) carry
Ans : (B)

47. (A) shoot, (B) stroke, (C) shooed, (D) ask, (E) feed
Ans : (A)

48. (A) elapse, (B) went, (C) late, (D) passed, (E) going
Ans : (D)

49. (A) granted, (B) tore, (C) received, (D) shred, (E) get
Ans : (C)

50. (A) scare, (B) sticks, (C) bowl, (D) relieved, (E) fruits
Ans : (B)