Read the given passage and answer the four questions that follow:-

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter.

A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes.

Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking

Q1. The expression "In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub" implies that the comic story teller

(A) emphatically highlights the punchline of the story

(B) deliberately avoids mentioning the punchline of the story

(C) subtly hides the humour at the end of the story

(D) is skillfully casual in his treatment of the punchline

  

Q2. The writer portrays humorous stories as being of a higher level than comic stories by emphasising that .

(A) a humorous story is grave in spite of being humorous

(B) a humorous story is difficult and superior due to its American descent

(C) a humorous story is a great and delicate art that requires an artist to tell

(D) unlike the comic and witty stories, humorous stories do not depress the reader

  

Q3. How is the humour in a humorous story typically conveyed?

(A) by announcing beforehand that the story is funny.

(B) by telling the story gravely and concealing the humour.

(C) by explicitly exaggerating the punchline.

(D) by shouting the punchline loudly through narrative markers.

  

Q4. Which of the following best describes the difference between a humorous story and a comic story?

(A) A humorous story is brief and succinct, while a comic story is long.

(B) A humorous story depends on the matter, whereas a comic story depends on the manner of telling.

(C) A humorous story relies on the manner of telling, while a comic story depends on the matter.

(D) A humorous story requires no artistic skill, while a comic story does.

  

Q5. What implication does the study have for Mars exploration?

(A) Mars lacks geological structures similar to those on Earth.

(B) Life on Mars, if present, would only exist on its surface.

(C) Techniques used on Earth's rocks can help detect life in Martian subsurface rocks.

(D) Microorganisms on Mars are likely much younger than those on Earth.

  

Read the passage given below and answer the four questions that follow:-

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years.

They extracted a  cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2 -billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active.

The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution.

The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars.

"This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

Q6. Why are the microbes described as "primitive in evolutionary terms"?

(A) They evolved from Martian microorganisms.

(B) They lack DNA and structural complexity.

(C) They resemble Earth's earliest life forms in terms of adaptation.

(D) They were found in relatively young volcanic sediments.

  

Q7. How were the microbes in the rock confirmed to be indigenous?

(A) By testing their ability to grow in nutrient-rich environments.

(B) By comparing their DNA to modern microbes found on Earth's surface.

(C) By staining their DNA and using advanced microscopes to rule out contamination.

(D) By analysing clay deposits in the fractures of the rock.

  

Q8. What factor might have supported microbial survival in the rock fractures?

(A) The presence of volcanic ash

(B) Nutrients from clay deposits in the fractures

(C) High oxygen levels deep within the crust

(D) Light reflected through the cracks

  

Q9. The word 'Lexicon' means:----

(A) semantics (B) syntax

(C) dictionary (D) phonetics

  

Q10. The author felt 'at home' in the shop as it ____ .

(A) had all varieties of books

(B) was unique

(C) was situated near his house

(D) was his sanctuary

  

Q11. The author was 'only disturbed five times' refers to the fact that _____

(A) very few customers walked in

(B) the shop was 'another world'

(C) too many books were piled up

(D) it was in a run-down neighborhood

  

Q12. Mr Mun-Chee's shop was not a new shop as  ___.

(A) it was dusty (B) its paint was chipped

(C) it was shabby (D) it had a green sign

  

Q13. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below:-

The king  ______the throne voluntarily.

(A) accessed (B) adopted

(C) abdicated (D) abided

  

Q14. Match the words given in List-I with their meanings given in List-II:-

List-I (Words)

List-II (Meanings)

(A) Divergent

(I) used to describe differences when one might be deceived by similarities

(B) Discrete

(II) often used for contrasting opinions or ideas

(C) Diverse

(III) used of different types of something

(D) Distinct

(IV) different and separate, not overlapping

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

(B) (A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(C) (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(D) (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

  

Q15. Match the words given in List-I with the definitions from List-II:-

List-I (Words)

List-II (Definitions)

(A) Ophthalmologist

(I) A dentist who treats problems related to teeth and jaws

(B) Cardiologist

(II) A doctor who studies and treats kidney diseases

(C) Nephrologist

(III) A doctor who studies and treats diseases of the heart

(D) Orthodontist

(IV) A doctor who studies and treats diseases of the eyes

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

(B) (A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(C) (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(D) (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

  

Q16. Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate words from List-II:-

List-I (Sentences)

List-II (Words)

(A) The word home is often warmth and security.

(I) denotes

(B) Years of playing guitar gave her a large  finger.

(II) callous

(C) In grammar, an asterisk is often  a footnote.

(III) connotes

(D) Ignoring the beggar on the street was an act.

(IV) callus

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (IV)

(B)  (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(C)  (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

(D)  (A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

  

Q17. Choose the most appropriate antonym for Vitiate from the options given below:-

(A) Debase (B) Activate

(C) Avenge (D) Offend

  

Q18. Select the word closest in meaning to the word Narcissism-

(A) Meanness (B) Self-love

(C) Modesty   (D) Magnanimity

  

Q19. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the given options:-

Research has proved the significance of leading a structured life with enormous evidence to prove that mental fatigue can actually___ life.

(A) produce (B) curtail

(C) prolong (D) procure

  

Q20. Match the proverbs in List-I with their meanings in

List-I (Proverbs)

List-II (Meanings)

(A) It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest

(I) People often blame their equipments for their failure or incompetence

(B) Never look a gift horse in the mouth

(II) People can have perfect intentions and still act wrongly or inappropriately

(C) The bad workman blames his tools

(III) Only a bad person would do something to harm his family or friends

(D) The road to hell is paved with good intentions

(IV) Never be ungrateful or critical of something that you have received as a gift or obtained by chance

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

(B) (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(C) (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)

(D) (A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

  

Q21. Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence:-

(A) craftsmanship and profound spiritual depth, features

(B) ancient Indian architecture, celebrated for its intricate

(C) iconic temples, stupas, and forts that showcase

(D) a blend of artistic brilliance and advanced engineering

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (C), (A), (B), (D)

(B) (B), (A), (D), (C)

(C) (B), (A), (C), (D)

(D) (C), (B), (D), (A)

  

Q22. Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate expressions from List-II:-

List-I (Sentences)

List-II (Expressions)

(A) Her replies to the questions put to him____ rudeness.

(I) resolved on

(B) She had strong reservations about his plan but not wanting to discourage him, she  _____  it.

(II) embarked on

(C) They decided to think through the implications of their course of action before they _____ it.

(III) bordered on

(D) He ______ making one more attempt at passing his final in Mathematics.

(IV) concurred with

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

(B) (A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(C) (A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(D) (A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

  

Q23. Rearrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence:-

(A) proportions, due to the adoption of urban

(B) vitamin D deficiency, driven to an epidemic

(C) as stress fractures and neurological issues

(D) lifestyles result in severe symptoms, such

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (C), (B), (A), (D) (B) (D), (B), (A), (C)

(C) (B), (A), (D), (C) (D) (C), (B), (D), (A)

  

Q24. Select the option closest in meaning to the underlined word:-

'You can't enter the building without showing your identity card', said the officious little man at the reception door.

(A) Intrusive (B) Impetuous

(C) Vicious (D) Respectful

  

Q25. Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence:-

(A) share a common broad template, there are

(B) someone is prone to certain diseases, or has a particular hair colour

(C) although most of the letters in our DNA are identical, and

(D) also a lot of person-specific changes in them, due to which Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

List-I (Sentences)

List-II (Prepositions)

(A) The case was put ___ the judge.

(B) She is suffering from ___ fever.

(C) A jeep hit him while he was going  the main road.

(D) He is not popular  the students.

(I) across

(II) before

(III) among

(IV) from

(A) (A), (D), (C), (B) 

(B) (B), (D), (A), (C)

(C) (B), (A), (C), (D) 

(D) (C), (A), (D), (B)

  

Q26. Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate prepositions from List-II:-

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) (A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

(B) (A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)

(C) (A) - (III), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)

(D) (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

  

Q27. Rearrange the given parts to form a meaningful sentence:-

(A) and strengthens economic self-reliance

(B) manufacturing, creates jobs, encourages

(C) make in India promotes local

(D) innovation, attracts global investments

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) (D), (C), (B), (A) 

(B) (A), (D), (C), (B)

(C) (B), (A), (D), (C) 

(D) (C), (B), (D), (A)

  

Q28. Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate idioms from List-II:-

List-I (Sentences)

List-II (Idioms)

(A) We had to seek the intervention of his wife to ____after he got into an altercation with the neighbours.

(B) With so many apps launching every day, good mobile games have become popular  . It's hard to find one that stands out.

(C) After a long week at work, we planned to ____ with old friends and reminisce about good times over the weekend.

(D) The manager had to ____ to the team for their constant delay in submitting the reports warning them that it wouldn't be tolerated anymore.

(I) chew the fat

(II) read the riot act

(III) pour oil on troubled waters

(IV) a dime a dozen

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(B) (A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

(C) (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(D) (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

  

Q29. Identify the word closest in meaning to the word Plaintive-

(A) Joyful (B) Peaceful

(C) Mournful (D) Triumphant

  

Q30. Identify the word closest in meaning to the underlined word:-

My boss is a fraudulent character.

(A) honest

(B) innocent

(C) transparent

(D) deceptive

  

Q31. Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate Phrasal verbs from List-II:-

List-I (Sentences)

 List-II (Phrasal Verbs)

(A) The evidence presented in the trial will certainly ___ his claims of innocence.

(B) The storm began to ____ on the city, leaving behind widespread damage and power outages.

(C) The small start-up managed to  its larger competitors by offering more innovative solutions and better customer service.

(D) The new research findings could ___ our understanding of the disease and lead to better treatment options.

(I) beat out

(II) bear on

(III) bear out

(IV) beat down

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

(A) (A) (III), (B) (I), (C) - (IV), (D) (II)

(B) (A) (III), (B) (IV), (C) (I), (D) - (II)

(C) (A) (I), (B) (II), (C) (IV), (D) - (III)

(D) (A) (II), (B) (IV), (C) (I), (D) - (III)

  

Q32. Select the appropriate word from the given options to complete the following sentence:

The artist struggled with __________ the perfect shade of blue for the sky on his palette.

(A) affecting (B) effecting

(C) exerting (D) extracting

  

Q33. Fill in the blanks in Label B with the appropriate homophones from Label A:

List - I (Statement) List - II (Homonym)

(A) The team was forced to __________ the machine for transportation.

(B) The planning in __________ your hard-working were unsuccessful.

(C) The planning was __________ was delayed due to bad weather.

(D) He was criticised for voicing his __________ during the debate.

(i) dissent

(ii) descent

(iii) disassemble

(iv) disassemble

Options:

(A) (A)-iii, (B)-iv, (C)-ii, (D)-i

(B) (A)-iii, (B)-iv, (C)-i, (D)-ii

(C) (A)-iii, (B)-i, (C)-ii, (D)-iv

(D) (A)-iii, (B)-ii, (C)-i, (D)-iv

  

Q34. Choose the correct antonym for Infallible from the options given below:

(A) Unerring

(B) Flawed

(C) Impeccable

(D) Explicable

  

Q35. Fill in the blanks in Label B with the appropriate phrasal verbs from Label A:

List-I

List-II

(P) put over

(Q) put across

(R) put out

(S) put down

(A) The scientist tried to 

(B) The child was __________ after getting tired from the game.

(D) The company was forced to __________ its new product, after it failed safety tests.

Options:

(A) (A)-Q, (B)-S, (C)-R, (D)-P

(B) (A)-Q, (B)-R, (C)-P, (D)-S

(C) (A)-Q, (B)-P, (C)-S, (D)-R

(D) (A)-P, (B)-S, (C)-R, (D)-Q

  

Q36. Select the verb form that most appropriately completes the following sentence:

My sister __________ me once or twice since the time she moved to Athens.

(A) was messaging

(B) has messaged

(C) has been messaging

(D) had messaged

  

Q37. Select the word opposite in meaning to the given word:

Novice

(A) Amateur (B) Expert

(C) Artist      (D) Priest

 

Q38. Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence:

(A) narratives, often capturing royal, religious and nature scenes,

(B) vibrant colours, offer a unique glimpse into historical and cultural

(C) with a precision that makes each piece a work of art in itself

(D) miniature paintings, known for their intricate details and

Options:

(A) (D), (B), (A), (C)

(B) (D), (A), (B), (C)

(C) (C), (D), (A), (B)

(D) (B), (C), (D), (A)

  

Q39. Fill in the blank with the correct option:

I asked many people the way to the station but ___ of them had any clue about it.

(A) none (B) some

(C) a few (D) everyone

  

Q40. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below:

Film stars and models are known for their _________ style.

(A) superior

(B) frugal

(C) taciturn

(D) flamboyant

  

Q41. Choose the antonym for Loquacity from the options given below:

(A) Impetuosity

(B) Frivolity

(C) Taciturnity

(D) Superfluity

  

Q42. Rearrange the following parts to make a meaningful sentence:

(A) role in scavenging dead organic materials and diseased

(B) population as well as aquatic plants and weeds

(C) according to environmentalists, the turtle plays a significant

(D) fish in the river, thereby controlling the fish

Options:

(A) (B), (D), (A), (C)

(B) (A), (B), (C), (D)

(C) (C), (A), (B), (D)

(D) (D), (B), (C), (A)

  

Q43. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below:

Despite its best efforts, the team's failure was _______ given their lack of preparation.

(A) inevitable

(B) avoidable

(C) improbable

(D) optional

  

Q44. Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence:

(A) the writer lived and worked

(B) lack of substantial evidence

(C) the exact period in which

(D) cannot be ascertained due to

Options:

(A) (A), (D), (B), (C)

(B) (C), (D), (B), (A)

(C) (B), (C), (D), (A)

(D) (A), (B), (C), (D)

  

Q45. Fill in the blank with the suitable word from the options given below:

The company's growth was _________ by the adverse change in the market regulations.

(A) augmented

(B) accelerated

(C) reduced

(D) hindered

  

Q46. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence:

The manager asked if they _______ complete the report by the end of the week.

(A) will (B) could

(C) shall (D) should

  

Q47. Choose the correct antonym for Acquisitive from the options given below:

(A) confession (B) conviction

(C) consent (D) concord

  

Q48. Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence:

(A) of minds of contemporary times

(B) this volume is a rich collection of the best

(C) cutting across boundaries and gender

(D) of insights and thoughts of the greatest

Options:

(A) (B), (A), (C), (D)

(B) (B), (D), (A), (C)

(C) (D), (B), (C), (A)

(D) (C), (B), (D), (A)

  

Q49. Select the synonym of the given word:

Sporadic

(A) Irregular

(B) Consistent

(C) Confident

(D) Obscure

  

Q50. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence:

The ________ conflict of the student blocked all his expressive energy, filling the air with a sense of unease.

(A) professional

(B) emotional

(C) contentious

(D) portentous