April 4, 2023 ENGLISH MADHYAM

SSC CGL 2023

Syllabus
Module-I of Section-II of Paper-I (English Language And Comprehension):

13.10.3.1 Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and their correct
usage;

 Spot the Error,

 Fill in the Blanks,
 Synonyms/ Homonyms,
 Antonyms,
 Spellings/ Detecting mis-spelt words,
 Idioms & Phrases,
 One word substitution,
 Improvement of Sentences,
 Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs,
 Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration,
 Shuffling of Sentence parts,
 Shuffling of Sentences in a passage,
 Cloze Passage,
 Comprehension Passage.

Note :- To test comprehension, three or more paragraphs will be given and

questions based on those will be asked. At least one paragraph should be a
simple one based on a book or a story and the other two paragraphs should
be on current affairs, based on a report or an editorial.

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CGL Mains Mock – 01

1. The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that
contains a grammatical error.
Scarcely we had / reached the office / when it started / raining cats and dogs.
A. Scarcely we had
B. reached the office
C. when it started
D. raining cats and dogs
2. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
P. The decision by the insurgent Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah
faction) to re-engage in talks with
Q. the Union government, conditionally, on the basis of the Framework Agreement
signed in August 2015,
R. is a welcome one
S. This breaks a deadlock that has persisted in talks since October 2019, which was set
as a deadline for the peace accord
A. RQPS
B. PQRS
C. PRSQ
D. PQSR
3. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
P. As a salutary norm, the Supreme Court has laid down that the death penalty can be
imposed only in the “rarest of rare” cases
Q. Sentencing after conviction is a knotty problem in cases relating to capital offences.
R. Subsequent judgments have sought to buttress this principle by holding that the
gruesome nature of the offence may not be the sole criterion to decide what brings
it under the ‘rarest of rare’ category
S. Trial judges are called upon to make a decision on whether only a death sentence
will meet the ends of justice, or a life term will be enough
A. QSRP
B. SQPR
C. QSPR
D. SQRP
4. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
Rashi was writing a letter to her husband
A. A letter was being written by Rashi to her husband.
B. A letter were being written by Rashi to her husband.
C. A letter was been written by Rashi to her husband.
D. A letter were been written by Rashi to her husband

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5. Given below are four jumbled sentences. Select the option that gives their correct
logical sequence.
P. to strengthen in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s latest jumbo 75 basis points
interest rate increase
Q. and the U.S. central bank’s unequivocal message
R. The rupee is yet again facing renewed pressure, along with major peers, as the dollar
continues
S. that it remains squarely focused on taming inflation
A. RPSQ
B. PRQS
C. RQSP
D. RPQS
6. What is the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom "break a leg"?
A. Literally fracture one's leg
B. Perform poorly
C. Wish someone good luck in a performance
D. To cancel a show or event
7. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice
Let the farewell be bidden to our seniors
A. We should be bidden farewell by our seniors.
B. Our seniors should bid farewell to us.
C. Let us bid farewell to our seniors.
D. Our seniors should be bidden farewell.
8. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Despite his illness, he decided to ________ with his work.
A. persevere
B. perish
C. percolate
D. permeate
9. Identify the option that arranges the given parts in the correct order to form a
meaningful paragraph.
P. The Government will release a new foreign trade policy in the coming week,
Q. Rein in the runaway import bill
R. Goods and services exports as well as
S. That could include measures to help push up
A. PSQR
B. PSRQ
C. PRSQ
D. QPRS
10. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
The first-year students are bidding farewell to their seniors.
A. Farewell is to be bid to their seniors by the first-year students.

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B. Farewell was being bid to their seniors by the first-year students.

C. Farewell is being bid to their seniors by the first-year students.
D. Their seniors is being bid farewell by the first-year students.
11. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
The company's new strategy helped them ________ in a highly competitive market.
A. flounder
B. flourish
C. flutter
D. falter
12. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
The arid desert landscape stretched for miles in every direction
A. Humid
B. Barren
C. Parched
D. Sterile
13. Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom - "bite the bullet"?
A. To chew on a bullet
B. To face a difficult situation with courage and determination
C. To waste time on unimportant matters
D. To avoid taking responsibility
14. Select the sentence that contains no spelling errors.
A. The pengiun gracefully glided across the ice.
B. She was a firm beliver in the power of positive thinking.
C. His favorite dessert was a delectable slice of choclate cake.
D. The park was filled with children enjoying the sunny weather.
15. Select the most appropriate synonym of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank.
Michael's __________ (tenacity) was admirable, as he continued to pursue his goals
despite numerous setbacks.
A. perseverance
B. idleness
C. skepticism
D. frivolity
16. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
P. The last time China’s population saw a decline was in 1961, in the midst of a
devastating four-year famine following Mao’s failed “Great Leap Forward”
campaign.
Q. The latest decline in population, however, is no blip.
R. Beijing announced on January 17 that births in China last year dropped by more than
10% to 9.56 million, with 10.41 million deaths.
S. The shrinking of the world’s most populous country by as much as 8,50,000 in 2022
marks a watershed moment with lasting consequences for China and the world.

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A. QPRS
B. PQRS
C. PQSR
D. QPSR
17. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
The new employee was very amiable, making friends quickly and easily.
A. hostile
B. affable
C. sociable
D. gregarious
18. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in
the correct order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph
P. Better ties with Canada are clearly on the agenda for the government, with the
External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, hosting Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie
Joly for bilateral talks in New Delhi
Q. This visit of Ms. Joly, who will be in Delhi again for the G-20 Foreign Minister’s
Meeting in March,
R. As India ramps up its international outreach in the year of its G-20 presidency,
S. and later again to accompany Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the G-20
summit, will be followed by several other Ministers for other G-20 meetings
A. RPSQ
B. QPSR
C. QSPR
D. RPQS
19. Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
A. Appropriate
B. Necessary
C. Maintainance
D. Environment
20. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in indirect speech.
Madhurima explained, “I am planning to quit my graduation.”
A. Madhurima explained that she were planning to quit her graduation.
B. Madhurima explained that she planned to quit her graduation.
C. Madhurima explained that she was planning to quit her graduation.
D. Madhurima explained that she had been planning to quit her graduation.
21. Identify the pair of synonyms from the underlined words in the given sentence.
The enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa has intrigued and captivated people for
centuries, making it a truly enshrouded work of art.
A. enigmatic, centuries
B. smile, captivated
C. intrigued, enshrouded
D. Mona Lisa, art

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22. The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an
error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don’t find
any error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer.
Do you know that it was I / who has done / this piece of beautiful work / No Error.
A. Do you know that it was
B. who has done
C. this piece of beautiful work
D. No Error
23. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank
The constant noise from the construction site made it difficult for her to ________ on
her studies.
A. concentrate
B. congregate
C. confiscate
D. contemplate
24. Select the most appropriate option to replace the underlined word in the given
sentence
The little girl was so frightened by the thunder that she hid under her bed
A. elated
B. captivated
C. amused
D. terrified
25. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in direct speech
He said that something might be missing in there.
A. He said, “Something may be missing in here.”
B. He said, “Something had to be missing in there.”
C. He said, “Something is been missing in here.”
D. He said, “Something could be missing in here.”
26. Select the correct homonym from the given options to fill in the blank
The magician pulled a rabbit out of his ____.
A. hat
B. had
C. hut
D. hit
27. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of
words.
A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief
A. Novice
B. Mentor
C. Expert
D. Recluse

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28. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of
words.
A government by the people or their elected representatives
A. Monarchy
B. Oligarchy
C. Democracy
D. Autocracy
29. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in reported speech.
She asked me why I had been smoking that day
A. She said to me, “Why were you smoking today?”
B. She said to me, “Why are you smoking today?”
C. She said to me, “Why you smoke today?”
D. She says to me, “Why were you smoking this day?”
COMPREHENSION
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully
and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
In recent years, there has been a (1)_____ in people's attitudes towards the
environment. The (2)_____ of plastic waste has become a global issue, and many
governments have (3)_____ policies to reduce its impact. It is crucial for everyone to
understand the importance of (4)_____ practices to preserve our planet for future
generations.
30. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
A. decrease
B. stagnation
C. shift
D. decline
31. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
A. reduction
B. eradication
C. proliferation
D. analysis
32. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
A. dismissed
B. dismantled
C. debated
D. implemented
33. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
A. innovative
B. eco-friendly
C. outdated
D. conservative
Comprehension

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Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.
Millets, a family of coarse grains and popular staple, are having an unprecedented
moment in the sun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a global
conference on millets, extolling them as the “door to prosperity” for India’s marginal
farmers, the “cornerstone of nutrition”, and as a potential ally against “climate change”.
The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets and Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Budget speech in February, singled them out as
‘Shree Anna’ — roughly translated as the ‘best among grains’ — adding that the Indian
Institute of Millets Research in Hyderabad would be supported as a centre of excellence.
Millets such as sorghum, bajra and ragi are strongly linked to Indian dietary traditions,
which is why the country has for long been the largest producer of millets in the world.
It is no surprise that this cereal family is popular because it is energy dense, can be
grown with ease in arid soils and, relative to grains such as rice, wheat and maize, is less
susceptible to pests. Why such a ‘super food’ got sidelined by the Green Revolution of
the 1960s in favour of rice and wheat has little to do with nutrition and more with the
development of high yielding varieties of rice and wheat, that produced twice or thrice
per acre. Coupled with guaranteed procurement by the government, the rice-wheat
combination enabled India to be food secure even in droughts and climate blights.
However, this food security came at a cost such as the wanton exploitation of
groundwater, a surfeit of pesticide-use, and ossified systems of grain production and
procurement that, over the years, is decreasingly remunerative for the average farmer.
With average global incomes having risen since the 1960s and rising demand for
‘sustainable agriculture’, India is looking to market millet as a global panacea. However,
competing with the global rice-wheat-maize troika, which according to the Food and
Agriculture Organization constitutes 89% of global cereal production, means that millet
production must be many times more remunerative than now. Hybrid varieties of jowar
and bajra exist, and that yields have not dramatically risen in decades despite this
means that it would be unrealistic to expect quantum jumps in yield from technological
tweaks alone. Dietary shifts are slow processes and promoting certain grains as
‘superior’ or inferior is self-defeating as it ignores the economics of production and
promotes cycles of hype — as seen in cash crops. This can have consequences for
marginal farmers. Letting all grains grow and helping a wider base of consumers access
the cereal they want is a more sustainable enterprise
34. Why has the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets?
A. To promote millets as a solution for global hunger
B. To support the Green Revolution of the 1960s
C. To recognize the nutritional benefits and climate resilience of millets
D. To encourage the production of high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat
35. What was the primary reason for the sidelining of millets during the Green Revolution
of the 1960s?
A. The development of high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat
B. The lack of nutritional benefits of millets

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C. The preference for rice-wheat-maize troika in global cereal production

D. The difficulty in growing millets in arid soils
36. What is a potential drawback of promoting certain grains as 'superior' or 'inferior'?
A. It will increase the demand for sustainable agriculture
B. It will lead to an increase in average global incomes
C. It will encourage the production of hybrid varieties of grains
D. It ignores the economics of production and promotes cycles of hype
37. What is the tone of the passage regarding the promotion of millets?
A. Critical
B. Neutral
C. Optimistic
D. Pessimistic
Comprehension:
Read the following passage and answer the questions given after it.
Between August 2021 and April 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) published three reports which laid out the science behind the climate emergency
and suggested pathways to mitigate it. The fourth report in the series was released on
Tuesday. A synthesis of the earlier studies, it gives the world a chance to stem the crisis.
The pace of increase in GHG emissions has come down in the past five years, the panel
comprising some of the world’s top climate scientists points out. However, the world is
perilously close to exhausting its carbon budget. “The threshold beyond which the
climate crisis becomes irreversible” could be breached by the first half of the 2030s,
IPCC’s modeling shows.
The Paris Climate Pact had agreed to check global temperature rise to 2°C above pre-
industrial limits and “pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial
levels”. IPCC’s studies have consistently borne out the salience of the pact’s “more
desirable target” and most countries today are on the same page about the 1.5°C limit.
To limit temperature increase below the breakdown level, temperatures must peak by
2025 and decline by 43 per cent in the next five years, scientists on the panel have
underlined. In a business-as-usual scenario, temperatures could rise to well above 2°C
by the end of this century. Mitigation efforts currently underway need fast tracking to
avert cataclysmic climate outcomes. The good news is that the world has the toolkit for
the purpose. There is also near consensus on the links between the recent extreme
weather events — Pakistan floods, Hurricane Ian in the US, heatwaves and wildfires in
North America, Australia and parts of Europe, the unpredictability of the monsoon in
India, challenges faced by small island nations. But almost always, the concord seems to
come apart on the question of shouldering responsibility. The reported disagreement on
the fine print on fossil fuels in the earlier drafts of the IPCC’s latest report shows why
“collective action” remains a fraught concept in climate negotiations.
In about eight months from now, climate delegates will gather in Dubai for the
UNFCCC’s 28th Conference of Parties (CoP). The summit is slated to evaluate progress
towards attaining the Paris Pact’s targets. The latest IPCC report demands more

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initiative from them, especially on matters related to funds and technology transfer to
the Global South.
38. Which of the following statements is CORRECT based on the information in the
passage?
(i) To limit temperature increase below the breakdown level, temperatures must peak
by 2025 and decline by 43 per cent in the next five years.
(ii) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released three reports
between August 2021 and April 2022.
(iii) The Paris Climate Pact had agreed to check global temperature rise to 3°C above
pre-industrial limits.
(iv) The fourth IPCC report is a synthesis of the earlier studies and provides potential
pathways to mitigate the climate crisis.
A. (i), (ii), (iii)
B. (ii), (iv), (i)
C. (i), (ii), (iv)
D. (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
39. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
A. Optimistic
B. Pessimistic
C. Neutral
D. Urgent
40. What is the main theme of the passage?
A. The importance of the Paris Climate Pact
B. The need for collective action and faster mitigation efforts
C. The consequences of extreme weather events
D. The progress of the UNFCCC conferences
41. According to the IPCC's modeling, by when could the climate crisis become irreversible
if the carbon budget threshold is breached?
A. By the first half of the 2030s
B. By the end of the 21st century
C. By 2025
D. By the end of the 2020s
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow
Once upon a time, in a small village by the sea, there lived a wise old man named
Theodore. He was known throughout the village for his vast knowledge and his ability to
solve problems. One day, a young boy named Timmy found a magical conch shell on the
beach. He learned that when he blew into the shell, it would grant him one wish. Unsure
of what to wish for, Timmy decided to seek Theodore's advice. After listening to
Timmy's story, Theodore suggested that he should wish for something that would
benefit not just himself, but the entire village. After giving it some thought, Timmy
wished for a never-ending supply of fresh water, as the village had been suffering from a

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severe drought. The magical conch shell granted the wish, and a spring of fresh water
appeared in the village center. The villagers rejoiced and were forever grateful to Timmy
for his selflessness.
42. What did Timmy find on the beach?
A. A treasure chest
B. A magical conch shell
C. A rare gemstone
D. An old map
43. What advice did Theodore give to Timmy about his wish?
A. To wish for unlimited wealth
B. To wish for something that would benefit the whole village
C. To wish for a never-ending supply of fresh water
D. To wish for the power to control the weather
44. What problem was the village facing?
A. A terrible storm
B. An invasion from a neighboring village
C. A severe drought
D. A mysterious illness
45. What was the outcome of Timmy's wish?
A. The village became wealthy
B. The village was saved from an invasion
C. A spring of fresh water appeared in the village center
D. The drought worsened

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Answers
1. A 2. B 3. C 4. A 5. D 6. C 7. C 8. A 9. B 10. C 11. B 12. A
13. B 14. D 15 A 16. C 17. A 18. D 19. C 20. C 21. C 22. B 23. A 24. D
25. A 26. A 27. A 28. C 29. A 30. C 31. C 32. D 33. B 34. C 35. A 36. D
37. B 38.C 39.D 40. B 41. A 42. B 43. B 44. C 45. C
Explanation
1. (A) 'we had' 'had we'
'had we' will be used instead of 'we had'.
2. B. PQRS
The decision by the insurgent Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah
faction) to re-engage in talks with the Union government, conditionally, on the basis of
the Framework Agreement signed in August 2015, is a welcome one. This breaks a
deadlock that has persisted in talks since October 2019, which was set as a deadline for
the peace accord.
3. C. QSPR
Sentencing after conviction is a knotty problem in cases relating to capital offences. Trial
judges are called upon to make a decision on whether only a death sentence will meet
the ends of justice, or a life term will be enough. As a salutary norm, the Supreme Court
has laid down that the death penalty can be imposed only in the “rarest of rare” cases.
Subsequent judgments have sought to buttress this principle by holding that the
gruesome nature of the offence may not be the sole criterion to decide what brings it
under the ‘rarest of rare’ category.
4. A. A letter was being written by Rashi to her husband.
5. D) RPQS
The rupee is yet again facing renewed pressure, along with major peers, as the dollar
continues to strengthen in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s latest jumbo 75 basis
points interest rate increase and the U.S. central bank’s unequivocal message that it
remains squarely focused on taming inflation.
6. break a leg (phrase) – Wish someone good luck in a performance
7. Let us bid farewell to our seniors.
8. a) persevere -
Explanation: In this context, "persevere" means to persist in doing something even in
the face of difficulty or obstacles. It is the most appropriate option for the sentence, as
the person is continuing to work despite being ill. The other options do not fit the
context and convey different meanings.
9. B) PSRQ

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The Government will release a new foreign trade policy in the coming week, that could
include measures to help push up goods and services exports as well as rein in the
runaway import bill.
10. C. Farewell is being bid to their seniors by the first-year students
11. b) flourish - -
Explanation: "Flourish" means to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way,
especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment. In this context, it
indicates that the company has become successful due to its new strategy. The other
options suggest negative outcomes, which are not appropriate for the sentence
12. A. Humid - म,
Explanation: In this sentence, the underlined word is "arid," which means extremely dry
or lacking in moisture. The antonym of "arid" should represent the opposite meaning.
Option A, "humid," refers to a condition where there is a high level of moisture in the
air, making it the most appropriate antonym for "arid." Options B, C, and D all have
similar meanings to "arid" and therefore are not antonyms.
13. bite the bullet (phrase) – To face a difficult situation with courage and determination
म
14. D. The park was filled with children enjoying the sunny weather.
Explanation: Option A contains a misspelling of "penguin." Option B misspells "believer."
Option C misspells "chocolate." Option D, however, is correctly spelled and contains no
errors.
15. A. perseverance -
Explanation: The word 'tenacity' means persistence or determination to continue doing
something despite facing difficulties or challenges. Out of the given options,
'perseverance' is the most appropriate synonym, as it also means the quality of
persisting in an action or effort. The other options do not convey the same meaning;
'idleness' refers to being inactive or lazy, 'skepticism' means doubting or questioning,
and 'frivolity' means lacking seriousness or being carefree.
16. PQSR
The last time China’s population saw a decline was in 1961, in the midst of a devastating
four-year famine following Mao’s failed “Great Leap Forward” campaign. The latest
decline in population, however, is no blip. The shrinking of the world’s most populous
country by as much as 8,50,000 in 2022 marks a watershed moment with lasting
consequences for China and the world. Beijing announced on January 17 that births in
China last year dropped by more than 10% to 9.56 million, with 10.41 million deaths.
17. A) hostile -

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Explanation: The word 'amiable' means friendly, good-natured, and easy to get along
with. The correct antonym for 'amiable' in this context is 'hostile', which means
unfriendly or antagonistic. Option B) affable, C) sociable, and D) gregarious are all
synonyms of 'amiable' and therefore not correct answers.
18. RPQS
As India ramps up its international outreach in the year of its G-20 presidency, better
ties with Canada are clearly on the agenda for the government, with the External Affairs
Minister, S. Jaishankar, hosting Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly for bilateral talks
in New Delhi. This visit of Ms. Joly, who will be in Delhi again for the G-20 Foreign
Minister’s Meeting in March, and later again to accompany Canadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau for the G-20 summit, will be followed by several other Ministers for
other G-20 meetings.
19. C) Maintainance
Explanation: The correct spelling of the word is "maintenance." The other three options,
"appropriate," "necessary," and "environment," are all spelled correctly.
20. C. Madhurima explained that she was planning to quit her graduation.
21. C) intrigued, enshrouded
Explanation: In the given sentence, the pair of synonyms are 'intrigued' and
'enshrouded'. Both these words share a similar meaning, which is to be mysterious or
puzzling. The other pairs do not have synonymous meanings.
22. (B) 'has done' 'did' ‘that’ Clause म verb 'was' Past Tense म
अ : Relative Clause म Verb Past Tense म ; — It was Ram, Laxman and Sita
who went to the forest.
 'did' will be used instead of 'has done' because in 'that' clause the verb 'was' is in
Past Tense, so in Relative Clause also Verb will be in Past Tense; Like— It was Ram,
Laxman and Sita who went to the forest.
23. a) concentrate
Explanation: In this context, "concentrate" means to focus one's attention or mental
effort on a particular object or activity. It is the most suitable option for the sentence, as
the noise is making it difficult for her to focus on her studies. The other options do not
fit the context and have different meanings.
24. D. terrified
Explanation: In the given sentence, the context suggests that the little girl is
experiencing fear due to the thunder. The word "frightened" conveys this emotion.
Among the given options, only "terrified" carries a similar meaning, as it also refers to
feeling extreme fear. The other options (A: elated, B: captivated, and C: amused) do not
convey fear or an appropriate emotion for the context.
25. A. He said, “Something may be missing in here.”

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26. A. hat
Explanation: In this context, the correct homonym is 'hat.' The sentence refers to a
common magic trick where a magician pulls a rabbit out of a hat. The other options,
'had,' 'hut,' and 'hit,' are incorrect because they do not make sense in the context of the
sentence
27. A. Novice
 Novice – He is a person who is new to a particular field, subject, or activity and has
little or no experience or skill in it.
 Mentor– he is an experienced and trusted advisor,
 Expert – He is someone who is highly knowledgeable and skilled in a particular area,

 Recluse – He is a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.

28. C. Democracy
 Democracy – it is a system of government in which power is vested in the people,
who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.
 Monarchy – It is a form of government in which a single person, usually a king or
queen, holds supreme power.
 Oligarchy – It is a form of government in which a small group of people have control
अ -अ
 Autocracy – It is a system of government in which a single person holds all the
power.
29. A. She said to me, “Why were you smoking today?”
30. The correct answer is "c) shift" because it indicates a change in people's attitudes
towards the environment.
31. The correct answer is "c) proliferation" because it refers to the rapid increase in the
amount of plastic waste globally.
32. The correct answer is "d) implemented" because it indicates that governments have put
policies into action to address the issue.
33. The correct answer is "b) eco-friendly" because it relates to practices that are
environmentally responsible and sustainable.
34. C) To recognize the nutritional benefits and climate resilience of millets
Explanation: The passage states that millets are energy-dense, can be grown in arid
soils, and are less susceptible to pests compared to rice, wheat, and maize. These
characteristics make millets an important food source in the context of climate change

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and nutrition. The UN's declaration highlights the importance of millets in addressing
these global challenges.
35. A) The development of high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat
Explanation: The passage mentions that the Green Revolution favored rice and wheat
due to the development of high-yielding varieties of these crops that produced two or
three times more per acre. This, along with guaranteed government procurement,
enabled India to be food secure even during droughts and climate blights.
36. D) It ignores the economics of production and promotes cycles of hype
Explanation: The passage argues that labeling certain grains as superior or inferior is
self-defeating, as it disregards the economics of production and creates cycles of hype,
similar to what is seen in cash crops. This approach can have negative consequences for
marginal farmers, and the author suggests that a more sustainable approach would
involve letting all grains grow and helping a wider base of consumers access the cereals
they want.
37. B) Neutral
Explanation: The tone of the passage is neutral because it discusses the positive aspects
of millets and their potential benefits, while also acknowledging the challenges and
potential negative consequences of promoting them as a superior grain. The passage
aims to provide an unbiased overview of the situation rather than taking a strong stance
in favor or against the promotion of millets
38. (C) Statement is (iii) is Incorrect because The Paris Climate Pact aimed to limit warming
to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to pursue a 1.5°C limit.
39. d) Urgent
Explanation: The passage highlights the need for fast-tracking mitigation efforts to avoid
catastrophic climate outcomes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
40. b) The need for collective action and faster mitigation efforts
Explanation: The passage discusses the IPCC's reports, the approaching carbon budget
threshold, and the need for collective action and fast-tracking mitigation efforts to avoid
catastrophic climate outcomes. While the Paris Climate Pact and UNFCCC conferences
are mentioned, they are not the main theme of the passage.
41. A) By the first half of the 2030s
Explanation: The passage states that IPCC's modeling shows that the threshold beyond
which the climate crisis becomes irreversible could be breached by the first half of the
2030s. This indicates that the crisis could become irreversible by that time if the carbon
budget threshold is not managed properly
42. b) A magical conch shell

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Explanation: The passage states that Timmy found a magical conch shell on the beach
which could grant him one wish.
43. b) To wish for something that would benefit the whole village
Explanation: Theodore advised Timmy to wish for something that would benefit not just
himself, but the entire village.
44. c) A severe drought
Explanation: The passage mentions that the village had been suffering from a severe
drought, which is why Timmy decided to wish for a never-ending supply of fresh water.
45. c) A spring of fresh water appeared in the village center
Explanation: The magical conch shell granted Timmy's wish, and a spring of fresh water
appeared in the village center, helping the villagers during the drought

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Vocabulary: Passage (Q34 – Q37)

1. Cereal (noun) – grain, oatmeal, corn, 13. Prosperity (noun) – The condition of
wheat अ prospering; having good fortune म

2. Millet (noun) – small-seeded annual 14. Marginal farmer (noun) – a farmer who
cereal cultivates up to 1 hectare of agricultural
land (as an owner, renter, or
3. Dietary (adjective) – Of or relating to sharecropper) (2.5 acres)
diet. -
15. Cornerstone (noun) – keystone,
4. Shift (noun) – change, alteration, foundation, basis, base, main
adjustment, adaptation, amendment
16. Potential (adjective) – possible, likely,
prospective, latent, probable, budding
5. Let (verb) – allow, permit, give
permission to
17. Ally (noun) – A friendly nation म
6. Coarse grain (noun) – a broad sub-group
of several short duration warm weather 18. Single out (phrasal verb) – To choose or
(Kharif) crops like Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra distinguish from others ,
etc
19. Energy-dense (adjective) – (of food)
7. Staple (noun) – Necessary or important, having a high calorie content in relation
especially regarding food or commodities to its weight.
म
20. Arid (adjective) – (of land or a climate)
8. Unprecedented (adjective) – Never having little or no rain; too dry or barren
having happened or existed in the past to support vegetation
अ
21. Susceptible (adjective) – defenceless,
9. Moment in the sun (phrase) – having a vulnerable अ
short period of fame or success
22. Pest (noun) – a destructive insect or
10. Inaugurate (verb) – Launch, initiate, other animal that attacks crops, food,
institute, introduce livestock, etc.

11. Conference (noun) – a formal meeting 23. Sideline (verb) – remove, suspend, put
for discussion म aside

12. Extoll (verb) – to praise (someone or 24. High yield variety (noun) – High Yielding
something) highly Variety Seeds (HYV seeds) are seeds are

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of better quality than normal quality 35. Panacea (noun) – Solution, answer,
seeds remedy, cure-all, cure, magic bullet म-
25. Couple (with) (verb) – combine,
integrate, mix, incorporate, accompany
36. Compete (with) (verb) – Contest,
contend, vie, strive, participate
26. Procurement (noun) – purchase,
acquisition, purchasing, buying,
acquirement 37. Troika (noun) – three, threesome,
ternary, trio, triad
27. Drought (noun) – dry spell, dry period,
lack of rain, shortage of water 38. Yield (noun) – produce, return

28. Blight (noun) – a thing that spoils or 39. Quantum (noun) – a share or portion.
damages something. , म

29. Wanton (adjective) – Excessive, 40. Tweak (noun) – adjustment,

extravagant, unrestrained, unreasonable modification, alteration, change
,
41. Self-defeating (adjective) – used to
30. Exploitation (noun) – the action of describe something that causes or makes
making use of and benefiting from worse the problem it was designed to
resources avoid or solve

31. Surfeit (noun) – excess, surplus, 42. Economics (noun) – the study of scarcity
and how it affects the use of resources,
plethora, superfluity अ ,अ
the production of goods and services, the
32. Ossified (adjective) – (of habits or ideas) growth of production.
fixed and unable to change: 43. Hype (noun) – Publicity, advertising,
promotion,
33. Remunerative (adjective) – lucrative,
well paid, financially rewarding, 44. Cash crop (noun) – an agricultural crop
financially worthwhile , which is grown to sell for profit. It is
typically purchased by parties separate
34. Sustainable (adjective) – supportable, from a farm.
tenable, viable, endurable, maintainable
45. Consequence (noun) – Result, effect,
outcome, upshot म, म

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Vocabulary: Passage (Q38 – Q41)

1. Highlight (verb) – emphasize, stress, 11. GHG emission (noun) – Greenhouse
underline, spotlight, accentuate gas emissions from human activities
म such as burning fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial processes,
2. Attain (verb) – reach, achieve a strengthen the greenhouse effect,
specified target / contributing to climate change

3. Pact (noun) – deal, contract,

agreement, compact, treaty म 12. Come down (phrasal verb) – decline,
decrease, reduce, abate म
4. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) (noun) – The 13. Point out (phrasal verb) – indicate,
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate denote, point out, imply
Change (IPCC) is a scientific body
established by the United Nations in 14. Perilously (adverb) – in a way that is
1988 to provide scientific information dangerous or risky
on climate change, its causes, potential
impacts, and possible response options 15. Exhaust (verb) – use up (resources)
to policymakers, stakeholders, and the completely; finish, deplete, consume
public. म
5. Lay out (phrasal verb) – Explain
16. Carbon budget (noun) – the amount of
something clearly and carefully. carbon dioxide that can be emitted
while still allowing the world to meet
6. Pathway (noun) – method, way, its climate goals
manner, mode, measure (towards a
goal) म , 17. Threshold (noun) – Level, limit,
maximum, ceiling, upper limit म
7. Mitigate (verb) – alleviate, reduce,
ease, lessen म 18. Irreversible (adjective) – Permanent,
irreparable, irretrievable, irrevocable
8. Synthesis (noun) – the combination of अ
ideas, concepts or information to form
a coherent whole 19. Breach (verb) – break, violation,
violate, rift, infringement
9. Stem (verb) – Stop, halt, restrict,
Hinder, cut off, hold back 20. Check (verb) – to limit or control

10. Pace (noun) – speed, rate, swiftness,

quickness

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21. Pursue (verb) – to work at something 33. Underway (adjective) – beginning to

or carry it out; proceed, push towards exist or is happening now म

34. Avert (verb) – prevent, avoid, ward off,

22. Limit (verb) – restrict, curb, check, stave off, deflect
place a limit on, cap म
35. Cataclysmic (adjective) – Catastrophic,
23. Consistently (adverb) – Constantly, disastrous, calamitous, dreadful, tragic,
always, time after time, time and again devastating, shattering

36. Toolkit (noun) – a collection of

24. Bear out (phrasal verb) – confirm, information, resources, and advice for
support, verify, validate a specific subject area or activity

37. Consensus (noun) – accord, unity,

25. Salience (noun) – importance म
concurrence, harmony म
26. Be on the same page (phrase) – in
38. Hurricane Ian (noun) – a powerful
agreement म
tropical storm or cyclone
27. Breakdown level (noun) – critical 39. Unpredictability (noun) – Inability to
point, turning point be predicted; changeability.
28. Peak (verb) – to reach the highest अ
point or value म
40. Concord (noun) – Harmony, unity,
29. Underline (verb) – emphasize, stress consensus, agreement म
on, highlight, accentuate, accent, call / म
attention to
41. Come apart (phrasal verb) – Break
30. Business-as-usual (adjective) – Of or open, collapse, fall apart, break
relating to things will continue as
normal despite a difficult situation 42. Shoulder (verb) – to bear the
म responsibility for something
म
31. Scenario (noun) – sequence of events,
series of developments, situation 43. Disagreement (noun) – dissent, lack of
agreement, difference of opinion,
dispute म
32. Mitigation (noun) – alleviation,
extenuation, reduction, abatement
म /

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44. Fine print (noun) – (In a contract or 48. Delegate (noun) – representative,
agreement) important details printed envoy, ambassador, deputy, emissary
in very small letters.

45. Fossil fuel (noun) – a natural fuel such

49. Slate (verb) – Schedule, Plan
as coal or gas, formed in the geological
past from the remains of living
organisms. म
50. Evaluate (verb) – Assess, gauge,
46. Fraught (adjective) – tense, anxious, estimate, calculate, weigh, value
charged, stressed / म

47. Negotiation (noun) – discussions, talks, 51. Attain (verb) –– reach, achieve a
consultation specified target

52. Technology transfer (noun) – the

sharing or exchange of technology
between individuals or organizations

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