Question 1

English Vocabulary — Choose the closest meaning (contextual synonym). Sentence (corrected): That young man is quite sanguine about the result of his competitive examination.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Sanguine” is a formal adjective meaning confidently optimistic, especially in the face of uncertainty. It appears in academic writing, editorials, and exam passages. The stem modifies a candidate's outlook on exam results; your goal is to pick the closest everyday equivalent. Given Data / Assumptions: Target adjective: sanguine. Context: expectations about exam results. We need a positive-outlook synonym. Concept / Approach: “Sanguine” aligns with “optimistic” or “hopeful.” Antonyms include “pessimistic” and often “depressed.” “Anxious” describes worry or nervousness, which is not a positive belief about outcomes. Therefore, “optimistic” is the best single-word replacement in neutral registers. Step-by-Step Solution: Define: sanguine → confidently hopeful/optimistic.Check collocation: sanguine about results = optimistic about results.Select the direct synonym: “optimistic.”Reject negative or orthogonal emotions (pessimistic/depressed/anxious). Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “That young man is quite optimistic about the result …” The sentence remains natural and accurate. Editorials often write “remain sanguine about growth prospects,” interchangeable with “optimistic.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: depressed: Low mood; not synonymous. pessimistic: Opposite of sanguine. anxious: Nervous, worried; different affect. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “sanguine” with “sanguinary” (bloody) due to shared root. Ensure you select the optimism sense in human-outlook contexts. Final Answer: optimistic

Question 2

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: He is averse to the idea of holding elections now. Target word: averse

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Many English words have near neighbors in meaning, but a good synonym question asks for the single word that matches the core sense most precisely in the given sentence. Here, the adjective “averse” describes a person’s attitude toward a proposal, namely, the idea of holding elections now. Given Data / Assumptions: The focal word is averse. Context: opposition to “the idea of holding elections now.” We must choose the closest single-word synonym from the options. Concept / Approach: “Averse” means strongly disinclined or opposed to something, typically used with “to” plus a noun or gerund (e.g., averse to risk, averse to change). It does not mean merely “angry” or “unconvinced.” The best synonym among the choices is “opposed,” which directly captures a negative stance toward the proposal. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Parse the sentence: the subject rejects the timing of elections.2) Recall definition: averse = opposed; having a strong dislike for; unwilling.3) Compare each option’s semantic core with “averse.”4) Select “opposed” because it mirrors the stance precisely.5) Confirm collocation: “averse to the idea” parallels “opposed to the idea.” Verification / Alternative check: Substitute the candidate: “He is opposed to the idea of holding elections now.” The meaning, tone, and grammar all remain correct, verifying the synonymy. Why Other Options Are Wrong: convinced: Means persuaded; not the opposite stance.angry: Describes emotion, not necessarily a policy stance.agreeable: Means willing/pleased; opposite of averse.neutral: Means neither for nor against; averse signals clear negativity. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “averse” with “adverse.” “Adverse” usually modifies things (adverse weather, adverse effect), while “averse” modifies people’s attitudes (averse to crowds). Also, remember the fixed pattern “averse to + noun/gerund.” Final Answer: opposed

Question 3

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: The thief outwitted the constable on some pretext and disappeared on the way to the police sta…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: To “outwit” someone is to defeat them by using superior intelligence, trickery, or strategy. The context is a thief escaping the constable by using a pretext, so the intended meaning is about clever evasion rather than physical force. Given Data / Assumptions: Target verb: outwitted. Scenario: evasion via pretext (a deceptive excuse). We want the closest meaning among the options. Concept / Approach: “Outmanoeuvre” (also spelled “outmaneuver”) means to gain an advantage by skillful or cunning moves. It aligns directly with “outwit” because both emphasize clever strategy over brute strength. “Cheated” suggests dishonesty but is broader and not specifically about beating an opponent’s mind. “Defeated” is too general and often physical; “be fooled” is ungrammatical and reverses the subject–object roles; “misled” focuses on causing a wrong belief but lacks the competitive nuance of outwitting. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define outwit: get the better of by cleverness or trickery.2) Match candidates to that definition.3) “Outmanoeuvred” best preserves the competitive, strategic sense.4) Eliminate broader or incorrect-role options (“cheated,” “be fooled”).5) Confirm fit with the sentence’s “pretext” clue. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “The thief outmanoeuvred the constable …” still communicates intelligent evasion, confirming the selection. Why Other Options Are Wrong: defeated: Too vague; could be physical rather than mental.be fooled: Ungrammatical form and wrong participant roles.cheated: Dishonesty without the tactical competition nuance.misled: One-sided deception; lacks the “outplay” sense. Common Pitfalls: Equating any form of dishonesty with “outwitting.” The key is intellectual superiority in a contest, which “outmanoeuvred” captures precisely. Final Answer: outmanoeuvred

Question 4

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: Silence is mandatory for meditation to be effective. Target word: mandatory

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Mandatory” is often used in institutional or procedural contexts to signal that something is required by rule or essential for success. In the sentence, silence is presented as a non-negotiable condition for effective meditation, which tells us the word must mean “required,” not merely “suggested.” Given Data / Assumptions: Target adjective: mandatory. Context: condition for effective meditation. We require exactly one closest synonym. Concept / Approach: Among common near-synonyms, “compulsory” best matches “mandatory” because both indicate an obligation that must be fulfilled. Words like “optional,” “voluntary,” “advisable,” and “recommended” all indicate choice or guidance, not obligation. Even “necessary/required/needed” are good paraphrases, but the test demands exactly one selection; “compulsory” is the canonical one-word counterpart. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define mandatory: legally/organizationally required; not optional.2) Examine each candidate for obligation vs choice.3) “Compulsory” uniquely conveys an enforced requirement.4) Reject advisory or voluntary terms.5) Confirm the sentence still reads naturally with the chosen synonym. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “Silence is compulsory for meditation to be effective.” The statement remains fully coherent and preserves the force of obligation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: optional: Explicitly the opposite of mandatory.voluntary: Chosen freely; not mandatory.advisable: Suggested; weaker than required.recommended: Guidance, not obligation. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “mandatory” merely means “important.” Importance is about value; “mandatory” is about obligation and rules. Final Answer: compulsory

Question 5

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: We should always try to maintain and promote communal amity. Target word: amity

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Amity” is a formal noun used in civics and social-discourse contexts to denote peaceful and friendly relations, especially between groups or communities. In the sentence, “communal amity” refers to harmony across communities. Given Data / Assumptions: Target noun: amity. Domain: social harmony across communities. We must select one best synonym. Concept / Approach: “Amity” most directly aligns with “friendship,” meaning cordial relations and goodwill. While “understanding” is positive, it is more about comprehension or mutual appreciation, not the established state of friendly relations. “Bondage” implies captivity; “contention” means conflict; “discord” means disagreement—each is semantically opposite or unrelated to “amity.” Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define amity: friendly, harmonious relations.2) Compare options on the harmony–conflict axis.3) Choose “friendship” to preserve the idea of cordial ties.4) Discard antonyms or off-domain words (contention, discord, bondage).5) Keep “understanding” as a plausible but weaker distractor. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “promote communal friendship” keeps the intended meaning of fostering harmony among communities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: bondage: Captivity; irrelevant to social harmony.contention: Active dispute; opposite of harmony.understanding: Positive but not identical to “amity.”discord: Disharmony; opposite of amity. Common Pitfalls: Equating “amity” with “tolerance.” Amity is stronger: it implies warmth and friendship, not mere forbearance. Final Answer: friendship

Question 6

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: The soldier displayed exceptional courage and saved the Major from the enemy's hand. Target wo…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Exceptional” in evaluative writing means out of the ordinary, especially in a positive sense such as outstanding bravery. In the sentence, the soldier’s courage is praised as rare and remarkable, so the synonym should highlight rarity and distinction, not mere oddity. Given Data / Assumptions: Target adjective: exceptional. Context: commendation for bravery. We need a close, positive-leaning synonym. Concept / Approach: “Unusual” fits because it points to rarity and difference from the norm without implying a negative defect. “Strange” and “abnormal” typically carry negative or oddity connotations and do not suit praise. “Avoidable” is unrelated; “ordinary” is antonymic to the intended meaning. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Parse tone: commendatory; bravery is being admired.2) Select a synonym that signals rarity with positive shading.3) Choose “unusual” as the closest match.4) Exclude “strange/abnormal” due to negative nuance.5) Exclude “avoidable/ordinary” as irrelevant or opposite. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “displayed unusual courage” is standard praise in military reportage and keeps the writer’s positive evaluation intact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: avoidable: About preventability; unrelated to quality level.strange: Odd; carries wrong connotation.abnormal: Clinical/negative tone; not commendatory.ordinary: Opposite of exceptional. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “exceptional” with “eccentric.” The former is about quality/degree; the latter is about odd behavior. Final Answer: unusual

Question 7

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted expression in the sentence below. Sentence: Public figures should not indulge in mud-slinging. Target expression: mud-slinging

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Mud-slinging” is a set phrase in political discourse meaning the act of making unfair, often false, accusations to damage someone’s reputation. It focuses on defamatory speech rather than mere argument or humor. Given Data / Assumptions: Target expression: mud-slinging. Domain: public life, politics, media. We must choose the closest single-word synonym. Concept / Approach: Among the options, “slander” (defamation by spoken statements) most directly matches the essence of mud-slinging: attacking a rival’s reputation with allegations that are untrue or unproven. “Mockery” is ridicule, which may not involve defamatory claims. “Quarrelling” is general arguing. “Caricatures” are exaggerated drawings; “banter” is playful teasing, not defamation. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define mud-slinging: defamatory attacks, especially in campaigns.2) Align with legal/ethical terminology: slander/libel.3) Pick “slander” as the best single-word match.4) Eliminate options that connote humor or simple conflict without defamation.5) Check that the sentence remains meaningful with the substitute. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “Public figures should not indulge in slander” retains the admonition and legal flavor of the original idiom. Why Other Options Are Wrong: caricatures: Visual satire; not defamatory speech per se.mockery: Ridicule; lacks the allegation component.quarrelling: Fighting verbally; not necessarily defamatory.banter: Light, playful talk; opposite tone. Common Pitfalls: Equating any negative talk with mud-slinging. The key ingredient is reputational harm through accusations. Final Answer: slander

Question 8

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: The notice said that the meeting would begin precisely at 9.30 AM. Target word: precisely

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Time announcements often distinguish between approximation and exactness. “Precisely” signals that the stated time is exact, with no tolerance for delay or vagueness. We must pick the option that mirrors this sense of exactitude most directly. Given Data / Assumptions: Target adverb: precisely. Context: meeting start time (9.30 AM). Choose a single best synonym. Concept / Approach: “Exactly” is the most straightforward one-word synonym for “precisely” in timekeeping contexts. “Accurately” relates to correctness but is broader and often used for measurements or statements. “Concisely” is about brevity of expression. “Approximately” is the opposite. “Promptly” means without delay; while related to punctuality, it is not the same as specifying exact time without approximation. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify semantic feature: absence of approximation.2) Match with “exactly.”3) Reject near-domain but different meanings (accurately, promptly).4) Reject opposite (approximately) and irrelevant (concisely).5) Confirm substitution in the sentence. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “would begin exactly at 9.30 AM” preserves the intended strictness of timing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: approximately: Implies estimation, not precision.accurately: Correctness more generally; not idiomatic for start times.concisely: About brevity, not timing.promptly: Means “without delay,” not “exactly at.” Common Pitfalls: Confusing punctuality (“promptly”) with exactitude (“precisely”). The former is behavioral; the latter is quantitative. Final Answer: exactly

Question 9

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: That the plan is both inhuman and preposterous needs no further proof. Target word: prepostero…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Writers sometimes pair moral judgment with logical judgment. In this sentence “inhuman” condemns the plan ethically, while “preposterous” criticizes it for being outrageous or contrary to reason. We must isolate the latter and find its closest synonym. Given Data / Assumptions: Target adjective: preposterous. We are not defining “inhuman”; the focus is on logical absurdity. Only one option should match closely. Concept / Approach: “Preposterous” means ridiculous, absurd, or against common sense. “Absurd” is the textbook synonym. “Impractical” is weaker; something impractical might still be sensible in principle. “Abnormal” merely means not typical. “Heartless” maps to “inhuman,” not “preposterous,” and “illogical” is close but narrower, focusing only on reasoning, while “preposterous” carries stronger ridicule. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Parse the dual critique: moral (inhuman) vs rational (preposterous).2) Define preposterous: outrageously unreasonable; ridiculous.3) Choose “absurd” as the closest single-word synonym.4) Eliminate near-misses (illogical, impractical) that miss the strength of ridicule.5) Discard unrelated options (heartless, abnormal). Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “the plan is both inhuman and absurd.” The tone and meaning stay intact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: heartless: Ethical cruelty; targets “inhuman,” not “preposterous.”impractical: Weakens the criticism to feasibility only.abnormal: Atypical, not necessarily ridiculous.illogical: Narrower, missing the ridicule aspect. Common Pitfalls: Conflating feasibility (“impractical”) with absurdity. A plan can be practical yet morally bad, or impractical yet not absurd; the sentence attacks both dimensions separately. Final Answer: absurd

Question 10

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: The prisoner has been languishing in the jail for the last many years. Target word: languishing

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Languish” often describes remaining in an unpleasant or neglected state for a long time, experiencing deterioration or suffering due to inaction or delay. In legal and carceral contexts, it conveys being stuck in jail for years without relief. Given Data / Assumptions: Target verb (present participle): languishing. Context: prolonged imprisonment. We need the closest single-word synonym from the list. Concept / Approach: The best paraphrase is “suffering” or “languishing away,” implying hardship and decline. “Enduring” can be close but is more neutral (to bear patiently). “Convicted” refers to being found guilty, not the ongoing condition. “Attempting” and “avoiding” are unrelated actions and do not capture prolonged hardship. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define languish: remain in a state of neglect or hardship; weaken.2) Map to the incarceration context: years in jail without relief.3) Select “suffering” as the closest one-word synonym.4) Reject legal-status or unrelated action words (convicted, attempting, avoiding).5) Note “enduring” as plausible but less precise than “suffering.” Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “has been suffering in the jail …” preserves the hardship nuance and duration implied by the continuous aspect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: convicted: A past legal verdict, not ongoing decline.attempting: Irrelevant action.avoiding: Opposite direction; suggests escape, not confinement.enduring: Tolerating; lacks the weakening/withering sense. Common Pitfalls: Underestimating the negative force of “languish.” It is not merely “stay”; it signals deterioration and suffering over time. Final Answer: suffering

Question 11

English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: As the driver was inebriated he could not control the car. Target word: inebriated

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Inebriated” is a formal or clinical-sounding synonym for being under the influence of alcohol. Traffic safety laws and medical notes often use this term. The sentence links the driver’s state to loss of control of the vehicle, which is consistent with alcohol intoxication. Given Data / Assumptions: Target adjective: inebriated. Context: inability to control a car. We must pick the closest single-word match. Concept / Approach: “Intoxicated” is the precise synonym. “Befuddled” means confused or muddled but does not specifically denote alcohol consumption. “Tired,” “inexperienced,” and “distracted” describe other impairments but not alcohol-induced impairment. The medical/legal register favors “intoxicated” as the exact equivalent of “inebriated.” Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define inebriated: affected by alcohol; drunk.2) Match with domain-accurate synonym: intoxicated.3) Rule out generic cognitive states (befuddled) and unrelated impairments (tired, inexperienced, distracted).4) Confirm sentence fit with road-safety context.5) Ensure exactly one clear correct answer remains. Verification / Alternative check: Substitute: “As the driver was intoxicated, he could not control the car.” The legal sense and causality remain exact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: inexperienced: Lack of practice; not a chemical state.tired: Fatigue; different cause.befuddled: Nonspecific confusion; not inherently alcohol-related.distracted: Attention diverted; again a different mechanism. Common Pitfalls: Choosing a general impairment word. “Inebriated” is specifically about alcohol; “intoxicated” mirrors that specificity. Final Answer: intoxicated

Question 12

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “When the police questioned him, he gave a very INCOHERENT answer at first.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This vocabulary question asks for the closest synonym of the word “incoherent” as it is used in the sentence about police interrogation. In common usage, an incoherent answer is one that lacks logical connection, clarity, or comprehensibility, especially under stress or confusion. The aim is to identify the option whose meaning best aligns with “not logically connected; lacking clear reasoning.” Given Data / Assumptions: The setting is a police questioning, where clarity and logical structure in answers are expected. “Incoherent” modifies “answer,” so the target word must describe reasoning or clarity of speech. We need a near-synonym that reflects illogical or disordered thinking rather than a different flaw such as off-topic content or emotional tone. Concept / Approach: “Incoherent” commonly means not logical, not clearly expressed, or difficult to follow. The strongest semantic overlap is with “irrational,” which means not based on reason or logic. “Inconsistent” can mean self-contradictory across statements but may still be coherent within each statement. “Irrelevant” means off-topic rather than illogical. “Irritating” describes a listener's feeling, not the structure of the answer. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Interpret “incoherent” in context: speech that is confused or not logically ordered.2) Compare meanings: irrational = not reasonable or logical; inconsistent = not in agreement across instances; irrelevant = not related to the question; irritating = causing annoyance.3) Select the closest logical synonym: “irrational.”4) Validate by substitution: “he gave a very irrational answer” preserves the idea of lack of logical sense under questioning. Verification / Alternative check: Dictionary paraphrases for “incoherent” often include “illogical,” “unintelligible,” or “confused.” Among the options, “irrational” best aligns with the “illogical” sense, especially for an answer given under pressure. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B) “inconsistent” — relates to contradiction across statements, not necessarily a single confused answer.C) “irrelevant” — off-topic, which differs from not making sense.D) “irritating” — describes effect on the listener, not the logical quality.E) Not needed because a precise synonym exists. Common Pitfalls: Test-takers often conflate “incoherent” with “irrelevant.” Remember: incoherent = not logical or not understandable; irrelevant = not related to the question. Final Answer: irrational

Question 13

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “Even today many people are guided by ABSTRUSE moral values.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The adjective “abstruse” describes ideas or principles that are difficult to understand because they are complex, highly theoretical, or recondite. In the sentence, it modifies “moral values,” suggesting values that are not readily grasped by most people. Given Data / Assumptions: The word qualifies moral values, not behavior or risk. We seek a synonym that focuses on difficulty of understanding. We should avoid options that introduce new meanings such as danger, practicality, or rationality. Concept / Approach: “Abstruse” aligns closely with “obscure” when “obscure” is used in the sense of hard to understand or not clearly expressed. “Dangerous” and “impracticable” change the dimension from understandability to risk or feasibility. “Irrational” concerns logic, not necessarily comprehensibility. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define the target: abstruse = hard to understand, recondite.2) Compare candidates: obscure = not clear or plain; dangerous = risky; impracticable = not workable; irrational = not logical.3) Select “obscure” as the best match for difficulty of understanding.4) Substitute to confirm: “guided by obscure moral values” preserves the intended meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Standard thesauri pair “abstruse” with “recondite,” “obscure,” and “arcane,” reinforcing this choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) “dangerous” — relates to risk, not comprehension.B) “impracticable” — feasibility, not clarity.D) “irrational” — logic, not understandability. Common Pitfalls: Assuming abstruse means “abstract.” Although related in feel, “abstruse” specifically signals difficulty of comprehension. Final Answer: obscure

Question 14

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “Instead of putting up a united front against one common enemy, the medieval states frittered away their energy in INTERNECINE warfare.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Internecine” is a historical and political term commonly used to describe conflict within a group, faction, or nation that results in damage on both sides. In essence, it is conflict that destroys participants on the same side or within the same system. Given Data / Assumptions: The context mentions medieval states fighting among themselves rather than uniting. We need a synonym that captures intra-group destruction. Several options are general negatives; only one specifies mutual internal destruction. Concept / Approach: “Internecine” most precisely equals “mutually destructive.” While “baneful,” “pernicious,” and “detrimental” all indicate harm, they do not inherently convey harm to both or all sides within the same group. The defining feature of internecine strife is reciprocal damage among kin, allies, or members of the same polity. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the key idea: conflict within related states causing mutual damage.2) Compare options: only “mutually destructive” explicitly encodes reciprocity of harm.3) Select “mutually destructive.”4) Substitute in the sentence to validate meaning. Verification / Alternative check: Historical accounts of “internecine wars” often stress brother-against-brother or ally-against-ally contexts, confirming reciprocity is central. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B) “baneful” — harmful but not necessarily reciprocal.C) “pernicious” — highly harmful, lacks the mutual aspect.D) “detrimental” — general harm only. Common Pitfalls: Choosing a generally negative adjective and missing the key nuance of “mutual” internal destruction. Final Answer: mutually destructive

Question 15

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “Few teachers have been spared the problem of an OBSTREPEROUS pupil in the class.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Obstreperous” is used for people, especially children or pupils, who are noisy, boisterous, and difficult to control. Classroom management contexts often use “unruly” for such behavior. Given Data / Assumptions: The sentence concerns classroom discipline. The target word modifies “pupil.” We require a synonym that captures both resistance to control and noisy behavior. Concept / Approach: “Unruly” directly conveys not readily ruled or controlled, a very close match. “Sullen” means morose or sulky, which is quiet but resentful. “Lazy” concerns effort, not behavior control. “Awkward” relates to clumsiness or social discomfort. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Map “obstreperous” to traits: noisy, defiant, hard to control.2) Select “unruly” as the best semantic fit.3) Reject near-misses that address mood or skill rather than discipline. Verification / Alternative check: Thesauri list “unruly,” “boisterous,” and “rowdy” as frequent companions for “obstreperous.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) “sullen” — quiet resentment, not noisy defiance.C) “lazy” — effort level, not control.D) “awkward” — clumsy, not rebellious. Common Pitfalls: Confusing emotional tone (sullen) with conduct (unruly). The sentence is about classroom management. Final Answer: unruly

Question 16

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “The story is too fantastic to be CREDIBLE.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Credible” is used to describe something that can be believed or trusted as plausible. The sentence says the story is too fantastic to be credible, implying that it is not believable. Given Data / Assumptions: We need a straightforward synonym for “credible.” The context is plausibility, not moral or aesthetic judgment. The choices include words about truth value, readability, and merit. Concept / Approach: The exact synonym of “credible” in general usage is “believable.” Other options drift to different evaluative axes: “false” contradicts the sentence structure as an antonym; “readable” concerns ease of reading; “praiseworthy” concerns merit or approval. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define: credible = capable of being believed; plausible.2) Select the closest match: “believable.”3) Validate by substitution: “too fantastic to be believable.” Verification / Alternative check: Standard dictionaries gloss “credible” with “believable” and “plausible,” confirming the pairing. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B) “false” — antonym, not synonym.C) “readable” — ease of reading; unrelated to truth value.D) “praiseworthy” — moral or aesthetic approval, not plausibility. Common Pitfalls: Picking a generally positive word such as “praiseworthy” instead of focusing on the core dimension of belief/plausibility. Final Answer: believable

Question 17

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “They feel that we should be fully aware of our own ENVIRONMENT.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Environment,” in everyday usage, refers to the external conditions, circumstances, and influences surrounding a person or community. The sentence talks about being aware of what is around us. Given Data / Assumptions: We are not dealing with genetics or nationality. The context suggests the physical and social setting around people. We need a synonym that captures “what is around us.” Concept / Approach: Among the options, “surroundings” is the most direct synonym for environment. “Nationality” relates to citizenship; “heredity” to genetic inheritance; “nature” is broader and can mean the natural world or inherent qualities, which is less precise in this context. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Interpret “environment” as immediate setting and circumstances.2) Choose the nearest single-word synonym: “surroundings.”3) Confirm fit by substitution: “aware of our own surroundings.” Verification / Alternative check: Educational contexts often use “environment” and “surroundings” interchangeably for local physical and social context. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) “nationality” — legal identity, not setting.B) “heredity” — genetic transmission.C) “nature” — too broad; may mean outdoors or inherent qualities. Common Pitfalls: Overextending “nature” to cover all contexts; here precision is needed. Final Answer: surroundings

Question 18

VOCABULARY — Choose the best meaning (closest in sense) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “No one will invite her to a tea party, for she is so GARRULOUS.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Garrulous” describes a person who talks excessively, often about trivial matters. The sentence uses a social context (a tea party) to imply that this trait is socially off-putting. Given Data / Assumptions: The word modifies a person's habitual social behavior. We need the closest meaning, not a specific subtype like giggling or gossiping. The correct option should cover excessive talkativeness broadly. Concept / Approach: “Talks a lot” captures the core of garrulity. “Giggles all the time” and “laughs a lot” refer to laughter, not speech quantity. “Repeats gossip” is closer to “gossipy” or “scandal-mongering,” which is a different trait from sheer loquacity. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define garrulous: excessively talkative, especially on trivial topics.2) Compare options and select the one that denotes abundant talking in general.3) Choose “talks a lot.” Verification / Alternative check: Thesaurus links include “talkative,” “loquacious,” and “gabby,” all emphasizing quantity of speech, not laughter or gossip specifically. Why Other Options Are Wrong: B) “giggles all the time” — laughter, not talk.C) “laughs a lot” — same issue; not speech.D) “repeats gossip” — content type, not quantity. Common Pitfalls: Confusing loquacity with being gossipy; a person can be garrulous without spreading gossip. Final Answer: talks a lot

Question 19

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “The ABERRATION in the Indian economy can be attributed to the short-sightedness of its political masters.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In economics and statistics, “aberration” refers to a departure from what is normal, expected, or typical. The sentence attributes an unusual or off-trend occurrence in the economy to leadership decisions. Given Data / Assumptions: “Aberration” is about patterns and norms rather than time delay, social status, or moral qualities. We need a term expressing departure from the norm. The subject is macroeconomic behavior, which often uses terms like deviation or variance. Concept / Approach: “Deviation” best matches the sense of an outlier or divergence from an expected path. “Procrastination” is delay; “privilege” is advantage by status; “steadfastness” is firmness and the opposite of change, not a departure. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify semantic field: statistics/economics of trends.2) Choose “deviation” as the closest synonym.3) Validate by substitution: “The deviation in the Indian economy …” Verification / Alternative check: Policy and market analyses frequently describe unexpected downturns or spikes as deviations or aberrations from trend. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) “procrastination” — delay in action; not pattern change.B) “privilege” — social advantage; unrelated.D) “steadfastness” — constancy; the opposite of deviating. Common Pitfalls: Choosing a negative-sounding word without checking the technical nuance of “departure from the norm.” Final Answer: deviation

Question 20

VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence.  Sentence: “Traffic being what it is, it is LAMENTABLE that our roads are unable to take the load.”

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Lamentable” expresses that something deserves lament or strong regret; it is poor, regrettable, or very unsatisfactory. In public policy or infrastructure discussions, “deplorable” is often used similarly to mark a situation as highly regrettable and worthy of criticism. Given Data / Assumptions: The topic is road capacity under heavy traffic. We seek a synonym conveying strong regret and criticism. Subtle distinctions exist between moral culpability and practical poor quality. Concept / Approach: “Deplorable” is the closest standard synonym for “lamentable” in the sense of deeply regrettable conditions. “Unpardonable” and “inexcusable” focus on moral blame or fault, which may be stronger than the sentence implies. “Terrible” is very broad and less precise. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Determine tone: strong regret about infrastructure shortfall.2) Select “deplorable” to match formal register and sense.3) Validate by substitution: “it is deplorable that our roads …” Verification / Alternative check: Policy editorials commonly label failing infrastructure as “deplorable,” aligning with “lamentable.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: A) “unpardonable” — focuses on unforgivable guilt.C) “inexcusable” — moral censure stronger than needed.D) “terrible” — vague intensity without nuance. Common Pitfalls: Equating all negative adjectives; choose the one that matches register and nuance. Final Answer: deplorable

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