GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 427

38. I see her (a) most weekends 54. In spite of the fact (a)/ that the 66. No sooner did I open the door
(b) but not very often between. meeting was about to end, (b)/ he (a)/ when the rain, heavy and
(c) No error (d) insisted to ask several questions. stormy, rushed in (b)/ making
39. The chancellor (a) was present (c)/ No error (d) us shiver from head to foot. (c)/
(b) on both occasions. (c)/ No 55. Hardly had he entered into the No error (d)
error (d) room (a)/ and taken his seat, (b)/ 67. After opening the door (a)/ we
40. The deliberations by (a)/the when the girls began to giggle. (c)/ entered into the room (b)/ next
committee (b)/are completely No error (d) to the kitchen. (c)/ No error (d)
confidential. (c)/No error (d) 56. I was disappointed (a)/ when I 68. When the dentist came in (a)/
came for seeing you last evening
my tooth was stopped aching
(b)/ but could not find you at home.
2014 (I) (c)/ No error (d)
(b)/ out of fear that I might
41. The pile of books(a)/ are(b)/ lose my tooth. (c)/ No error (d)
57. The number of jobs (a)/that would
missing. (c)/ No error (d) 69. Emphasis on equality of life
be satisfactory in all respects (b)/
42. Either he(a)/ or I(b)/ are are small. (c)/ No error (d) ensures (a)/ for the health and
wrong. (c)/ No error (d) happiness (b)/ of every
58. I have found the man, (a)/ whom I individual. (c)/ No error (d)
43. Please(a)/ tell to him(b)/ to do know (b)/ is the thief. (c)/ No
his work. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) 70. The students were (a)/
44. Though he is good (a)/ he is awaiting for (b)/ the arrival of
59. There is no reason (a)/ why he
(b)/ mischievous. (c)/ No the chief guest. (c)/ No error (d)
should not come (b)/ since he is in
error (d) town and is free. (c)/ No error (d) 71. You will come (a)/ to my party
45. The thief (a)/ hit me (b)/ 60. It is high time (a)/ we cried a halt tomorrow, (b)/ isn’t it? (c)/ No
suddenly and hardly. (c)/ No to the existing corrupt practices error (d)
error (d) (b)/ followed in the educational 72. Having read a number of
46. The number of books (a)/ in sphere. (c)/ No error (d) stories (a)/ about space travel
our library (b)/ is less. (c)/ No 61. The situation is perilous (a)/ but if (b)/ his dream now is about to
error (d) we are prepared promptly to act, visit the Moon. (c)/ No error (d)
47. The general said (a)/ ‘soldiers (b)/ there is still one chance of 73. The meeting adjourned
do not fire (b)/ till I will give escape. (c)/ No error (d) abruptly (a)/ by the Chairman
the order’. (c)/ No error (d) after (b)/ about three hours of
48. Neither of the candidates (a)/ 2015 (I) deliberation. (c)/ No error (d)
are (b)/ good. (c)/ No error (d) 62. Unless you stop to make noise at 74. Not one of the hundreds (a)/ of
49. The machine (a)/ is more once, (a)/ I will have no option but striking workers (b)/ were
efficient (b)/ than any other to (b)/ bring the matter to the allowed to go near the factory.
equipments in the workshop. attention of the police. (c)/ No (c)/ No error (d)
(c)/ No error (d) error (d)
75. If I had known (a)/ this earlier
50. The tin deposits in that area 63. He couldn’t but help (a)/ shed tears (b)/ I will have helped him. (c) /
(a)/ would probably be at the plight of the villagers (b)/ No error (d)
exhausted (b)/ into near rendered homeless by a devastating
cyclone. (c)/ No error (d) 76. Mr Smith was accused for
future. (c)/ No error (d)
murder (a)/ but the court found
51. The operation of this machine 64. Since, it was his first election him not guilty (b)/ and
(a)/ is different (b)/ to that of campaign, the candidate was
acquitted him. (c)/ No error (d)
other. (c)/ No error (d) confused; (a)/ none could clearly
understand (b)/ either the
principles he stood for or the 2015 (II)
2014 (II) benefits he promised. (c)/ No 77. I am told (a)/John is ill (b)/
52. It was nearly thirty years ago error (d)
since Monday. (c)/No error (d)
(a)/ since this magazine (b)/ 65. It is an established fact that the
was first published. (c)/ No 78. I shall leave school (a)/as soon
transcendental American poets and
error (d) as (b)/ I shall find a job. (c)/ No
philosophers, (a)/ who lived in the
latter half of the 19th century, (b)/ error (d)
53. Ten years ago he was having
an income (a)/ of over ten were more influenced by Indian 79. He is a rich man (a)/ he is
thousand rupees a month; (b)/ philosophy, in particular by owning (b)/ a number of
he must indeed be a wealthy Upanishadic Philosophy. (c) / No buildings in Bombay. (c)/No
man by now. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) error (d)
428 NDA/NA Pathfinder

80. We were able to make it (a)/ in 91. I not fallen ill, (a)/ I would have
spite of (b)/ a bad weather. (c)/
2016 (I) sent you (b)/ my research paper
No error (d) 86. She said that she was much earlier. (c)/ No error (d)
understanding (a)/ his point of
81. Neither of the letters of credit view (b)/ very well. (c)/ No 92. The barn owl helps the farmer
(a)/ were useful (b)/ when he error (d) by destroying (a)/ rats which
needed it. (c)/ No error (d) could, if left unchecked (b)/ do a
87. All the houses having been lot of damage to the crops. (c)/
82. Little he realised (a)/ that he washed away (a)/ by the floods,
wouldn’t live (b)/ to see his No error (d)
(b)/ the villagers sought shelter
grandson married. (c)/ No in the Panchayat office. (c)/ No 93. He had gone (a)/ home three
error (d) error (d) weeks ago and was expected (b)/
83. A difficult syllabus (a)/ is 88. It is necessary for us to back yesterday, but he has not
supposed to hurt (b)/ juvenile familiarise with (a)/ and get used come yet. (c)/ No error (d)
mind. (c)/No error (d) to (b)/ the ways of the people 94. We must sympathise (a)/ for
among whom we live. (c)/ No others (b)/ in their troubles. (c)/
84. The voice of sanity and
error (d) No error (d)
patriotism (a)/ are important to
dispel (b)/ the prevailing 89. The mother asked the child (a)/ 95. The scientists in America (a)/
confusion. (c)/ No error (d) why did she cry out (b)/ in her are trying for long (b)/ to
sleep. (c)/ No error (d) discover the genes responsible
85. You were going to explain (a)/
your late arrival, (b)/ isn’t it? 90. I asked him that (a)/ why he was for ageing. (c)/ No error (d)
(c)/ No error (d) angry (b)/ but he did not answer.
(c)/ No error (d)

ANSWERS
Complete Exercise
1 b 2 b 3 a 4 a 5 b 6 c 7 a 8 c 9 a 10 a
11 a 12 a 13 c 14 b 15 b 16 c 17 c 18 c 19 b 20 a
21 c 22 a 23 b 24 b 25 b 26 a 27 a 28 a 29 a 30 b
31 b 32 a 33 c 34 b 35 b 36 a 37 c 38 a 39 a 40 c
41 b 42 b 43 b 44 c 45 b 46 b 47 a 48 a 49 b 50 c
51 c 52 a 53 a 54 b 55 c 56 c 57 a 58 a 59 a 60 b
61 b 62 b 63 b 64 b 65 a 66 b 67 b 68 a 69 b 70 a
71 b 72 b 73 c 74 a 75 c 76 b 77 c 78 b 79 b 80 a
81 a 82 b 83 d 84 b 85 d 86 b 87 c 88 c 89 a 90 a
91 a 92 c 93 d 94 c 95 c 96 b 97 d 98 b 99 b 100 b
101 a 102 c 103 a 104 c 105 b 106 a 107 b 108 c 109 b 110 b
111 a 112 b 113 b 114 a 115 a 116 a 117 b 118 a 119 b

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)

1 c 2 b 3 a 4 c 5 c 6 a 7 a 8 a 9 a 10 c
11 a 12 c 13 a 14 c 15 c 16 c 17 b 18 c 19 b 20 a
21 a 22 c 23 d 24 c 25 a 26 a 27 a 28 a 29 d 30 a
31 a 32 a 33 a 34 b 35 c 36 b 37 c 38 c 39 c 40 a
41 b 42 c 43 b 44 b 45 c 46 d 47 c 48 b 49 c 50 c
51 c 52 a 53 d 54 c 55 a 56 b 57 c 58 b 59 b 60 c
61 b 62 a 63 a 64 c 65 c 66 b 67 b 68 b 69 b 70 b
71 c 72 c 73 a 74 c 75 c 76 a 77 b 78 c 79 b 80 d
81 b 82 a 83 c 84 b 85 c 86 a 87 b 88 a 89 b 90 a
91 a 92 d 93 a 94 b 95 b
GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 429

EXPLANATIONS
Complete Exercise
1. (b) The phrase ‘one of the’ takes a 14. (b) As the sentence refers to one person 27. (a) As per the rule, second person
plural noun. So, ‘bad habit’ should i.e. ‘One of them’ so it would have a must be followed by third person.
be replaced by ‘bad habits’. singular pronoun. Hence, we would So, the sentence should start as
2. (b) The word ‘scenery’ is always
replace ‘their’ by ‘his’ to make the ‘Either you or she’ instead of ‘Either
used in a singular form. Hence, in sentence correct. she or you’.
the given sentence, ‘scenery’ 15. (b) The pronoun ‘he’ in the sentence is 28. (a) ‘The children’ in the given
should be used in place of not needed. Without ‘he’ the sentence sentence did a common thing
‘sceneries’. is self-explanatory. (action) of troubling their parents.
3. (a) The word ‘furniture’ is always 16. (c) The sentence refers to one teacher
So, ‘the children’ would be taken as a
used in a singular form. So, part i.e. singular form. Hence, it should single entity (singular) and hence
(a) would become ‘All the accompany a singular pronoun. would take a singular verb i.e. ‘was’.
furniture has been.’ Therefore, we will replace ‘them’ by 29. (a) As the sentence states an event
4. (a) ‘Mob’ is a ‘group of people
‘him’. in the past tense (last year), ‘will be’
with one common thought of 17. (c) The pronoun ‘he’ in the sentence is
should be replaced by ‘was’.
criminal consequence’. Hence, in not needed. 30. (b) In the sentences with ‘along
the given sentence, ‘mob’ should 18. (c) ‘Each girl’ means a number of girls. with’, the verb should agree with the
be used in place of ‘crowd’. Hence, the pronoun used for it will be first subject. Therefore, the given
5. (b) The word ‘luggage’ is always plural. So, ‘them’ would replace ‘her’ in sentence will take a plural verb ‘were’
used in a singular form. The the sentence. as ‘The soldiers’ is plural.
correct sentence would be ‘They 19. (b) This sentence would contain a 31. (b) The word ‘other’ is missing in
left their luggage……’ reflexive pronoun. Hence, ‘him’ in the the sentence. Hence, we will add
6. (c) In this sentence, ‘gears’ is used sentence would be replaced by ‘himself ’. ‘other’ after ‘any’ in the sentence.
incorrectly. It should be changed 20. (a) The pronoun ‘myself ’ used in the 32. (a) ‘Latest chapter of this novel’ does
to ‘gear’. sentence is erroneous. Instead of not make any sense. Hence, we
7. (a) The sentence means to convey ‘myself ’, ‘I’ would be used. replace it by ‘last chapter’.
the message that the Indian 21. (c) As per the rule, ‘many a’ takes a 33. (c) ‘Latter’ is not the correct word to
Military drove away the Chinese. singular verb. So, in the given sentence be used as per the sentence. Hence,
To convey this meaning, ‘force’ we would replace ‘were’ by ‘was’ to we would use ‘later’ instead of it.
needs to be changed to ‘forces’. make it grammatically correct.
34. (b) As per the rule, when two
8. (c) ‘Bouquet’ is used with flowers.
22. (a) In the given sentence, ‘dozen of adjectives qualify the same noun,
For grapes, we use ‘bunch’. geography books’ is considered as a both the adjectives should be
9. (a) The plural of ‘brother-in-law’ single entity. Hence, the verb ‘are’ in the represented in the same degree.
is ‘brothers-in-law’. sentence would be replaced by ‘is’. So, we would change ‘beautiful’ in
10. (a) The sentence refers to a 23. (b) When the subject of the sentence is the given sentence to ‘the most
number of shirts. So, the word ‘The number of ’ is singular. Hence, beautiful’.
‘kind’ must be replaced by ‘kinds’. ‘have’ in the given sentence would be
35. (b) As per the rule ‘superior’ is
11. (a) As the sentence refers to a
replaced by ‘has’.
followed by ‘to’. So, we would
number of persons i.e. ‘people’, 24. (b) ‘The Himalayas’ are a mountain replace ‘than’ by ‘to’.
‘sorts’ will be used instead of range and hence, should take a plural
verb. Therefore, ‘is’ in the given 36. (a) The word ‘other’ in the given
‘sort’.
sentence would be replaced by ‘are’. sentence is not needed. So, we will
12. (a) The pronoun ‘It’ comes before remove it.
the phrase or clause to which it 25. (b) In the given sentence, ‘was’ would
be used after ‘and’. 37. (c) ‘Those of ’ would be added before
refers. So, ‘It’ will come at the
starting of the sentence. ‘any other English dramatist’.
26. (a) As per the sentence structure, it
13. (c) The question ‘Helped whom?’ mentions an activity (going to Delhi) 38. (a) To make the sentence
remains unanswered until we add that has already completed. So, ‘had meaningful, we would remove ‘all the
‘him’ at the end of the sentence. been’ in the sentence would be replaced more’ from the sentence.
by ‘went’.
430 NDA/NA Pathfinder

39. (a) As per the rule, the adjectives 53. (a) ‘Something’ is used in a positive 68. (a) Part (a) is incorrect. ‘No’ should
‘little’ and ‘few’ are not made to sense. It should be replaced by be added before ‘sooner’. The
qualify the nouns ‘quantity’ and ‘anything’ in the given sentence to sentence would become ‘No sooner
‘number’. Hence, we would use ‘A convey the right meaning. had he arrived than ....... .’
small’ instead of ‘A little’. 54. (b) ‘Nobler’ does not make sense. It 69. (b) ‘Because’ is the incorrect
40. (c) ‘Too’ is not the correct word to should be replaced by ‘more nobly’ in conjunction used in the sentence. It
be used with ‘intelligent’ in the the given sentence. should be replaced by ‘so that’.
sentence. Hence, we would use 55. (c) ‘Direct’ means ‘straight’ and
70. (a) ‘No’ in the sentence should be
‘very’ instead of ‘too’. removed as it is not needed in the
‘directly’ means ‘at once’. Therefore,
sentence.
41. (b) ‘The’ is not used before a we must use ‘direct’ instead of
comparative adjective like ‘greater’. ‘directly’ in the given sentence. 71. (b) The right usage is ‘referred to’
So, we would remove ‘the’ before and not ‘referred for’. Hence, we
56. (c) ‘Neither’ should be replaced by
‘greater’. would replace ‘for’ by ‘to’.
‘either’ to make the sentence
42. (b) Here, ‘fact’ mentioned in the meaningful. 72. (b) The word ‘connive’ is used with
given sentence is a particular fact ‘at’. Hence, we would replace ‘on’ by
57. (a) ‘Not’ in the given sentence is not
that ‘we did not receive pay on ‘at’ to make the sentence
needed as per the rule two negatives grammatically correct.
time’. So, we should use ‘the’ before ‘not’ and ‘seldom’ are not used in a
‘fact’. single sentence. Hence, we would 73. (c) The right usage is ‘angry with’
43. (b) ‘An’ is not used with unique, so remove ‘not’. and not ‘angry at’. Hence, we replace
use ‘a’ with unique. ‘at’ by ‘with’ in the sentence.
58. (a) ‘Much’ should be replaced by ‘very’
74. (a) ‘Am hearing’ should be changed
44. (c) As per the rule, articles are not in the sentence to make it
used before abstract nouns. ‘Silence’ meaningful. to ‘hear’.
in the given sentence is an abstract 75. (c) ‘Distinguish’ uses the preposition
59. (a) As per the rule, it should be ‘often
noun. Hence, we would remove ‘a’ meet him’ instead of ‘meet him often’. ‘from’. Hence, we would replace ‘for’
before ‘silence’. by ‘from’.
60. (b) ‘Blunt’ needs to be replaced by the
45. (b) ‘Little’ means ‘no’. Hence, to 76. (b) As per the rule, no preposition is
adverb ‘bluntly’ to make the sentence
make sense we would add the used after ‘enter’, so we would
meaningful.
article ‘a’ before ‘little’. remove the word ‘into’ from part (b).
61. (b) ‘No sooner’ is followed by ‘than’
46. (b) ‘Little sugar’ means ‘no sugar’. 77. (c) ‘To ask’ should be replaced by ‘on
and not by ‘when’. Hence, we would asking’ to make the sentence
Hence, to make sense, we would
replace ‘when’ by ‘than’. grammatically correct.
add ‘a’ before ‘little’.
62. (b) The word ‘therefore’ is not needed 78. (b) ‘Inform of ’ means the
47. (a) ‘Gita’ is a religious book of the
in the sentence. Hence, we would information about something and
Hindus. So, as per the rule, it
delete that. ‘inform about’ means the
should be written as ‘the Gita’.
63. (b) ‘Because’ is not needed in the information with the details. Hence,
48. (a) ‘Greeks’ in the sentence is
sentence as the sentence starts with we would use ‘of ’ instead of ‘about’.
written incorrectly. It should be
stating the reason for failure. We 79. (b) ‘Invited to’ is the correct usage.
written as ‘the Greeks’ as it intends
should replace ‘because’ by ‘that’ to Hence, we would not use ‘for’.
to mention ‘people of Greece’ in
make the sentence correct.
the given sentence. 80. (a) ‘Came out with’ is the correct
64. (b) ‘That’ is not used in the indirect usage. Hence, we would replace ‘to’
49. (b) To make the sentence correct,
speech when the sentence is by ‘with’ in the given sentence.
the article ‘a’ should be added
interrogative. Hence, we would
before ‘hand’. 81. (a) ‘Today’ should not be used. It
remove ‘that’. should be replaced by ‘this’.
50. (c) In the sentence, we speak about
65. (a) As per the rule ‘unless’ is not used 82. (b) The verb in the sentence must
a particular thing, ‘infant mortality
with negatives like ‘not’. agree with ‘you’. Hence, we would
rate’. So, we would use ‘the’ before
Hence, we would remove ‘do not’ change ‘is’ to ‘are’.
it.
from the sentence.
51. (c) ‘Very’ should be used instead of 83. (d) The sentence is correct.
66. (b) ‘Neither’ is used with ‘nor’. Hence,
‘too’ as ‘too’ must be followed by ‘to’ 84. (b) ‘I have finished’ is incorrect as
to make the syntax correct. we would replace ‘or’ by ‘nor’ in the
sentence. per the sentence structure. It should
52. (a) ‘Did not know hardly’ should be be changed to ‘I will have finished.’
67. (b) The conjunction ‘if ’ needs to be
replaced by ‘hardly knew’ to make 85. (d) The sentence is correct.
replaced by ‘that’.
the sentence grammatically correct.
GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 431

86. (b) The verb in the sentence should 100. (b) ‘By the road’ is incorrect. We 111. (a) ‘Am’ needs to be replaced by
agree with the noun ‘captain’. Hence, should use ‘by road’. ‘have been’ as the task in the
we should change ‘are’ to ‘is’. 101. (a) ‘In’ in the given sentence needs sentence (‘learning English’) is
87. (c) The word ‘about’ is not needed in to be replaced by ‘with’. continuous.
the sentence. Hence, we would 102. (c) ‘The’ in the part (c) of the 112. (b) ‘With’ is not needed as ‘to marry
remove ‘about’. sentence should be replaced by ‘an’ as the girl’ makes right sense. Hence,
88. (c) ‘Either of ’ is used for two things. the next word ‘infant’s’ starts with a we would remove ‘with’.
Hence, we would use ‘any of ’ in the vowel. 113. (b) ‘He had left’ needs to be changed
given sentence.
103. (a) As per the given sentence, the to ‘had he left’ to make the sentence
89. (a) ‘Had been’ should be used in verb ‘were’ should be replaced by grammatically correct.
place of ‘are’ to convey the correct ‘was’ to make the sentence 114. (a) ‘Was arriving’ is not correct as
meaning of the sentence. grammatically correct. per the sentence structure and tense.
90. (a) The word ‘know’ should be 104. (c) ‘As well’ is not needed in the It should be change to past tense
replaced by ‘remember’ to convey the sentence. Hence, we delete it. i.e., ‘When he arrived’.
proper meaning of the sentence.
105. (b) The right phrase to use is ‘catch 115. (a) The sentence refers to a past
91. (a) ‘Losses’ is the incorrect word. It event. Hence, the verb ‘constituted’
a glimpse’. Hence, we replace ‘have’
should be changed to ‘loses’. should be changed to ‘had
by ‘catch’ in the given sentence.
92. (c) ‘Through’ is not the right word. constituted’.
106. (a) We need to use ‘distinct’ in place
It should be replaced by ‘with’.
of ‘distinctive’ to make the sentence 116. (a) We should remove ‘to’ and
93. (d) The sentence is correct. meaningful. change ‘sneeze’ to ‘sneezing’ to make
94. (c) ‘Say’ should be used in place of 107. (b) ‘Many a’ uses a singular verb.
the sentence correct.
‘do’ as ‘do’ is not used with ‘prayer’. Hence, we replace ‘are’ in the given 117. (b) ‘Hand to the mouth’ is incorrect.
95. (c) We need to add ‘had’ before ‘left’ sentence by ‘is’. The correct phrase/idiom is ‘hand to
to make the sentence grammatically 108. (c) ‘Work it out’ does not convey the
mouth’ which means ‘to have just
correct. right meaning it should be changed enough money to live on and
96. (b) ‘Enough old’ should be changed to ‘work out’. nothing extra’.
to ‘old enough’. 118. (a) As per the rule ‘as well as’ is not
109. (b) ‘Did not think’ needs to be
97. (d) The sentence is correct. replaced by ‘thought’ to make the used in place of ‘and’. Hence, we
sentence correct. replace ‘as well as’ by ‘and’ to make
98. (b) We should use ‘impartial’ in place the sentence correct.
of ‘partial’. 110. (b) ‘Either’ is used two things. For
119. (b) The preposition ‘by’ is incorrect.
99. (b) ‘For’ should be replaced by ‘on’ to more than two, we use ‘any’. Hence,
we would replace ‘either’ by ‘any’ to It should be replaced by ‘to’ to make
convey the correct meaning of the the sentence meaningful.
sentence. make the sentence correct.

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)

1. (c) ‘To close’ does not convey the 6. (a) ‘Despite’ is not followed by remove ‘will’ to make the sentence
right meaning. It should be changed preposition ‘of ’ so to make the given grammatically correct.
to ‘to an end’ or ‘to conclusion’ to sentence correct, remove ‘of ’ from
part (a) of the sentence. 12. (c) As per the rule, ‘for’ is used to
make the sentence meaningful. express duration while ‘since’ is used
7. (a) ‘As soon as’ is the correct usage. for a starting point. Hence, we
2. (b) ‘Each of ’ takes a singular verb. Hence, we should add ‘as’ after
Hence, ‘have’ in the given sentence would use ‘for’ in the sentence in
‘soon’.
should be changed to ‘has’. place of ‘since’.
8. (a) ‘For an employment’ should be
13. (a) ‘Many a’ takes a singular verb.
3. (a) As per the rules, 3rd person changed to ‘for employment’. This is
done because articles are not used Hence, we would use ‘was’ in place
should come before Ist person.
before abstract nouns. of ‘were’.
Hence, part (a) of the sentence
would be changed to ‘Gopal and I’. 9. (a) In the sentence, ‘the train left’ 14. (c) The verb ‘talk’ is used incorrectly
would be changed to ‘the train had in the sentence. It should be
4. (c) The word ‘hard’ should be added
left’. changed to ‘talking’ to make the
before ‘to read’ to make the sentence
sentence correct.
meaningful. 10. (c) The sentence refers to present
tense. Hence, ‘was’ in the sentence 15. (c) ‘Died by cancer’ is incorrect as in
5. (c) The question tag ‘isn’t it?’ should case of diseases we use ‘died of ’.
should be changed to ‘is’.
be replaced by ‘aren’t they?’ to make Hence, the word ‘by’ should be
the sentence correct. 11. (a) ‘Will’ is not needed in part (a) of
changed to ‘of ’.
the sentence. Hence, we should
432 NDA/NA Pathfinder

16. (c) The adverb form of the word 32. (a) ‘That’ is not needed in the 50. (c) Replace ‘into’ with ‘in the’. ‘Into’
‘profound’ i.e., ‘profoundly’ should sentence. Hence, we should remove it. shows the motion of subject and
be used instead of ‘profound’ to 33. (a) ‘Greatful’ is incorrect. We should
here ‘in the’ will make sense.
make the sentence meaningful. use ‘grateful’ in place of ‘greatful’ to 51. (c) Replace ‘to’ with ‘from’.
17. (b) ‘More’ is used incorrectly in the convey the correct meaning of the 52. (a) Use ‘about’ in place of ‘nearly’.
sentence. It should be replaced by sentence. ‘Nearly’ is used when the sense is
‘much’ to make the sentence 34. (b) ‘Is he’ should be changed to ‘he is’ vague, incomplete and uncertain
meaningful. to make the sentence grammatically but here the duration has been
correct. (‘is he’ is used in interrogative definite as to be thirty years.
18. (c) ‘It is’ is not needed in the sentences.)
sentence. It should be deleted to 53. (d) The sentence is correct.
make the sentence grammatically 35. (c) ‘The’ should not be used in the
54. (c) ‘Insisted on asking several
correct. sentence. It should be ‘to go to bed at
10 pm daily’. questions’ should be used.
19. (b) The preposition ‘in’ in the given 55. (a) Use of ‘into’ is not required
36. (b) The word ‘down’ is not needed in
sentence is incorrect. It should be here as we know that ‘enter’ agrees
the sentence. Hence, we should
replaced by ‘on’ to make the with no preposition.
remove it.
sentence meaningful.
56. (b) Use of infinitive is required
37. (c) The phrase ‘call into question’
20. (a) The preposition ‘despite’ is not here, so according to the structure
means ‘to cause doubt about
followed by ‘of ’. Hence, we delete something’. Hence, we would replace of sentence, use ‘to see’ in place of
‘of ’ from the given sentence. ‘called to question’ by ‘called into ‘for seeing’ to make the sentence
question’. completely correct.
21. (a) ‘None of ’ uses singular verb.
Hence, we would change ‘have’ to 57. (c) Here, subject is singular. So, we
38. (c) The part (c) of the sentence should
‘has’ to make the sentence correct. be changed to ‘but not very often in would use ‘is small’ in part (c).
22. (c) ‘Was she’ is incorrect as per the between’ to make the sentence 58. (b) Use ‘who’ in place of ‘whom’ as
given sentence. It should be meaningful. the sentence is in need of adjective
replaced by ‘she was’. 39. (c) ‘At’ should be used in place of ‘on’
clause to make it correct.
in the given sentence. 59. (b) ‘Why’ should be replaced by
23. (d) The sentence is correct.
40. (a) ‘Of ’ is used with the word
‘that’ to make the sentence correct.
24. (c) ‘Oneself ’ is incorrectly used. It
‘deliberations’. Hence, we would use ‘of ’ 60. (c) Use ‘being’ before ‘followed’
should be changed to ‘themselves’.
in place of ‘by’. because a complete sense can be
So that it complements with the
41. (b) ‘Is’ will be used in place of ‘are’.
given only by using this word.
pronoun ‘them’ used in the given
sentence. Here subject ‘The pile of books’ is 61. (b) Use ‘prepared to act promptly’
singular. in place of ‘prepared promptly to
25. (a) ‘Would have arrived’ is not act’ which gives a proper meaning
correct as per the sentence structure. 42. (c) ‘Am wrong’ is to be used instead of
here.
It should be ‘had arrived’. ‘are wrong’. Helping verb is used
according to the nearer subject which 62. (a) ‘Unless you stop making noise
26. (a) ‘Risen’ is the incorrect form of is ‘I’ in the given sentence. at once’ is better expression. We
the verb ‘rise’. It should be changed have to remove ‘to make’.
to ‘raised’. 43. (b) Remove ‘to’ after ‘tell’. It is wrong
use of preposition. 63. (a) ‘But’ will come after ‘help’
27. (a) The sentence refers to a past because ‘but’ is the conjunction
event. Hence, ‘have seen’ should be 44. (b) Add ‘yet’ before he. ‘Yet’ is used in which add two words, sentences,
changed to ‘saw’. a sentence, starting with etc.
‘though/although’.
28. (a) ‘Charged with’ means ‘to place 64. (c) In this option ‘had’ should
criminal charges against someone’. 45. (c) Part (c) should be ‘hard suddenly’ to come in between ‘he’ and
Hence, ‘of ’ in the given sentence make the sentence meaningful. ‘promised’ i.e. the benefits he had
would be replaced by ‘with’. 46. (d) The sentence is correct. promised.
29. (d) The sentence is correct. 47. (c) ‘Till I give the order’ is the right 65. (c) Here, ‘in particular’ will be
30. (a) As per the sentence structure, usage. replaced by the adverb
‘has taken’ should be changed to ‘particularly’.
48. (b) Replace ‘are’ with ‘is’. Singular form
‘took’. is used after neither. 66. (b) In this part, only ‘when’ should
31. (a) ‘If ’ is not used with ‘suppose’. be replaced with ‘than’.
49. (c) Write ‘equipment’ in place of
Hence, we should delete ‘if ’ from 67. (b) Use of preposition (into) is not
‘equipments’. After ‘any other’ singular
the sentence. required with ‘enter’.
noun is used.
GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 433

68. (b) ‘was’ would not be used in 78. (c) Remove ‘shall’ from the part of the 87. (b) Part (b) has error of use of
part (b). sentence to make it correct. See the preposition. Instead of ‘by’ we
69. (b) The verb ‘ensures’ does not take
syntax: should write ‘due to’.
‘for’ after it, so it has to be removed. sub+shall/will +…+sub+v1 /v1 + s /es... . 88. (a) ‘Ourselves’ should be used after
70. (b) ‘For’ would not be used in the 79. (b) ‘He is owning’ is to be replaced by ‘familiarise’.
sentence. ‘He owns’. ‘Own’ is not used in 89. (b) Part (b) has error in usage of
progressive form. tense ‘why did she cry out’ should
71. (c) ‘Isn’t’ is wrong as it should be
‘won’t you’? 80. (d) The sentence is correct. not be used. It should be ‘why had
she cried out’.
72. (c) ‘About’ should not be used here. 81. (b) ‘Neither’ is followed by singular
verb. So, ‘was’ should be used in place 90. (a) Part (a) has error. ‘That’
Part (c) would be ‘his dream now is
to visit the Moon’. of ‘were’. should not be used.
82. (a) Part (a) is erroneous. It should be 91. (a) Part (a) has error, the part (a)
73. (a) ‘The meeting was adjourned
abruptly’ is the correct sentence. ‘Little did he realise’. should be ‘Had I not fallen ill’.
83. (c) ‘minds’ should be used in place of 92. (d) The sentence is correct.
74. (c) Here, subject one is singular so
the verb should also be singular. ‘mind’. 93. (a) Part (a) has error of use of
Therefore, ‘were’ is incorrect and 84. (b) Use ‘is’ in place of ‘are’. When two Past Tense. Here, simple Past
‘was’ should be used. things are meant for same thing then Tense is to be used and it should
75. (c) The sentence is an imaginative singular verb is used. be ‘He went home’.
sentence in past, so ‘will’ has to be 85. (c) As per the rules of tag, we should 94. (b) Part (b) has error in usage of
replaced by ‘would’. use ‘weren’t you’. A tag takes the verb preposition. ‘With’ should be used
76. (a) ‘Accused of ’ is the right usage as of the main sentence. Here, ‘were’ is in place of ‘for’.
‘accused for’ does not make sense in the verb of the main sentence. 95. (b) Present Continuous tense
the given sentence. 86. (a) Part (a) has error of tense. As the should be used in part (b). Part
77. (b) Use ‘John has been ill’ in place of sentence is in Past Tense, the part (a) (b) would become ‘have been
‘John is ill’ to make the syntax of the sentence would become ‘She trying for long’.
correct as there is a time reference. said that she had understood ...... .’
434 NDA Pathfinder

02
VOCABULARY

Vocabulary comprises one of the most scoring bunch of questions in NDA/NA exam. A sound vocabulary
is always anticipated to crack the questions based on synonyms and antonyms. The following chapter
gives you an edge in mastering the words that have importance in the examination.

Vocabulary is a broad concept in itself. One can enhance one’s language skills by acquiring a good hold over vocabulary.
To score high in the NDA/NA exam (English Paper), a candidate should improve his/her vocabulary skills. It helps one
in solving questions of Comprehension, Cloze Test, Antonyms and Synonyms etc.
Here, we illustrate some steps to enrich vocabulary.

Step I Identify the Word Whenever we come across a new word in a sentence while reading a textbook,
newspaper or a magazine, we should look up its meaning. This is the best way to enhance one’s vocabulary.
Suppose you come across a word ‘Antique’ and you don’t know its meaning, you consult a dictionary and
find its meaning which is ‘old and often valuable’.

Step II Identify the Antonyms of that Word Along with the meaning of a word, its antonyms (words with
opposite meaning) to it should also be taken into consideration. A good knowledge of words and their
antonyms is very beneficial from the examination point of view. e.g. Opposite of Antique is modern.
Antique can also be replaced by Modern, Renovated and Recent etc.

Step III Identify the Synonyms of that Word The knowledge of words that are similar or closer in meaning to a
word is very useful. It makes a student efficient enough to have a strong sense of the language. Example:
‘Antique’ can be replaced by Traditional or Ancient.

Step IV Form a Proper Sentence This is one of the most important parts in vocabulary building. It serves to
stimulate memory by recalling the words as and when needed, apart from making the proper sense and the
use of words clear. e.g. To be more familiar with a word, we should use it in sentence form. For ‘Antique’ a
proper sentence is ‘People love to purchase the antique items.’
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 435

Abeyance A state of not happening or Absurd Ridiculous, Unreasonable

A being used at present Synonyms Foolish, Ridiculous
Synonyms Abandon, Suspension, Antonyms Reasonable, Genuine
Aback Taken by surprise Discontinuation ●Political parties indulge in absurd
Synonyms Surprised, thrown off Antonyms Continuation, Resumption arguments before the election.
guard ●The old generator has been in
abeyance for six months. Abut To border upon
Antonyms Relax, Contended
Synonyms Adjoin, Lie next to,
●Everyone was taken aback by Abhor To feel hatred or dislike Adjacent
Sachin’s decision to quit. Synonyms Detest, Loathe Antonyms Far, Opposite
Abandon To leave something and Antonyms Like, Admire ●Our land abuts a nature preserve.
never return to it ●The world would be like heaven if
all the people abhor none. Abysmal extremely poor or bad
Synonyms Desert, Leave
Synonyms Awful, Terrible
Antonyms Continue, Carry on Abide To accept something in Antonyms Good, Pleasant
●Railways has abandoned their outer accordance with ●The quality of her work is abysmal.
signal. Synonyms Obey, follow
Antonyms Flout, Reject Accede To agree
Abase To humiliate
Citizens have to abide by the rules. Synonyms Consent, Acceptance
Synonyms Degrade, Disregard, ●

Dishonour
Antonyms Disagree, Refusal, Denial
Abnegate To give-up; renunciation ●The business contract between the
Antonyms Regard, Honour, Respect Synonyms Discard, Reject two parties was acceded successfully.
●Abasing someone is immoral. Antonyms Accept, Take
Abnegating superstitions is Accentuate To emphasise or to make
Abashed Make someone feel ●

advantageous. noticeable
embarrassed or ashamed
Synonyms Highlight, Hype
Synonyms Embarrass, Humiliate Abound To exist in large numbers or Antonyms Shadowed, Downtrodden
Antonyms Unabashed, Undaunted amounts ●People often shout to accentuate
●He is abashed of his own mistakes. Synonyms Plenty, Suffice their opinion.
Antonyms Scarce, Scanty
Abate To make or become less strong Accessible Easy to obtain, approachable
Synonyms Weaken, Lessen
●Kiwis abound in New Zealand.
Synonyms Achievable, Acquiresome
Antonyms Strengthen, Intensify Abrasive Showing little concern for Antonyms Remote, Distant
●We waited for the wind to abate. feeling of others ●Everything is accessible with the
Synonyms Rude, Annoying, Internet.
Abbreviate To shorten Unfriendly
Synonyms To abridge, To curtail Antonyms Pleasant, Friendly Accessory A thing which can be
Antonyms Lengthen, Enhance ●Abrasive behaviour of employees added to something else in order to
●The voluminous book was may prove harmful to a firm. make it more useful, versatile or
abbreviated for the convenience of attractive
the students. Abrogate To end a law, agreement or Synonyms Adornment, Retrofit
custom formally
Abdicate To give up power Antonyms Subsidiary, Corroborative
Synonyms Abandon, Abort
Synonyms Relinquish, Renounce ● Cellular phones are incomplete
Antonyms Institute, Introduce
Antonyms Accept, Take without the accessories.
●Our country should abrogate
●The old king abdicated the throne. outdated laws. Acclaim Public approval and praise
Synonyms Praise, Applaud, Cheer
Aberrant straying from the right or Abstain Withhold or Refrain
normal way Antonyms Criticise, Remark upon
Synonyms Avoid, Cease
Synonyms Deviant, atypical
●Sardar Patel was an acclaimed
Antonyms Do, Continue
leader.
Antonyms Normal, Usual ●It is worth while to abstain from
●Aberrant behaviour can be a sign of intoxicants. Accolade An award or an expression
rabies in an animal. of praise.
Abstruse Difficult to understand,
Synonyms Appreciation, Honour,
Abet To encourage someone to do obscure. Award
wrong Synonyms Esoteric, Perplexing
Antonyms Criticism, Critique
Synonyms Assist, Incite, Encourage Antonyms Clear, Obvious ●Getting success is a great accolade.
Antonyms Demotivate, Prevent ●You are not the only one who finds
●She abetted the thief in the robbery. Einstein’s theory abstruse.
436 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Accord Be harmonious or consistent Adroit Very skilful Amalgamate To combine to form

Synonyms Concord, Agreement Synonyms Expert, Proficient a larger group
Antonyms Disagree, Contrast Antonyms Unskilled, Incompetent Synonyms To merge, Combine
●The board of directors could not ●The showroom needs an adroit Antonyms Separate, Disjoin
reach an accord in the annual mechanic. ● Hutchison and Essar group
meeting. amalgamated to form
Afflict Affect adversely Hutchison-Essar.
Accost Approach and address angrily Synonyms Suffer, Bother
or aggressively Antonyms Comfort, Aid Ambiguous Open to more than
Synonyms Annoy, Confront ●The flood has greatly afflicted the crops one interpretation, not having one
Antonyms Aid, Help in this village. obvious meaning
●On the mistake of the son, father Synonyms Unclear, Confusing
accosted him. Affluence Having a lot of money Antonyms Clear, Obvious
Synonyms Wealth, Prosperity ●Ambiguous answers must be
Accrue To increase in number or Antonyms Scarcity, Poverty removed.
amount ●Generally, affluent fathers have spoilt
Synonyms To collect, To accumulate kids. Ameliorate Making a situation
Antonyms Disperse, Dwindle better, less painful
●Crossing for a single run accrued the Affront An action or remark that causes Synonyms Mitigate, Improve
score of the team. outrage or offence Antonyms Worsen, Aggravate
Synonyms Insult, Offence ●Government grant is
Adept Skilful Antonyms Honour, Compliment ameliorating the situation in
Synonyms Expert, Efficient ●Poor dressing sense often causes affront. the territory.
Antonyms Unskilled, Inept
Aggrandize Increase power, status or Amenable Open and responsive
●It seems that he is adept in
wealth of to suggestions
computers.
Synonyms Exalt, Boost Synonyms Compliant,
Adjourn Temporary breaking-off Antonyms Abase, Degrade Manageable,
Synonyms Suspend, Interrupt Persuadable
●Its a movie that aggrandizes the bad
Antonyms Carry out, Advance guys. Antonyms Stubborn, Rigid,
Non-compliant
●Court is adjourned for the day.
Aggravate To make a problem worse ● A better way to resolve the
Adjunct Something joined or added to Synonyms Worsen, Compound problems is being amenable.
another thing but is not an essential Antonyms Soothe, Calm Amicable Friendly behaviour of a
part of it ●The symptoms were aggravated by person
Synonyms Supplement, Addition drinking alcohol. Synonyms Friendly,
Antonyms Subtraction, Lessening Good-natured
Agog very eager or curious to hear or see
●The witness of the case has adjuncted Antonyms Unfriendly, Hostile
something
a new twist in it. ●Noble people are always
Synonyms Eager, Impatient
Adjure To urge solemnly Antonyms Reluctant, Uninterested
amicable.
Synonym Request ●He was all agog on hearing the news of Annul To make something legally
Antonym Answer his promotion. void
●On the continuous adjuring of Synonyms Cancel, Abolish,
Altercation A noisy argument or Invalidate
students, a picnic was arranged.
disagreement, especially in public Antonyms Accept, Validate
Admonish To warn Synonyms Quarrel, Bickering ●The contract was annulled by
Synonyms Scold, Reprove Antonyms Agreement, Harmony the second party.
Antonyms Allow, Compliment ●A general political talk should not lead
●The teacher admonished the student to an altercation. Anomaly Deviation from the
for his insolent behaviour. standard
Altruism Disinterested and selfless Synonyms Oddity, Peculiarity
Adorn Make more beautiful or concern for the well-being of others. Antonyms Conformity,
attractive Synonyms Benevolence, Normality
Synonyms To embellish, To decorate Humanitarianism ● We do not publish cheap
Antonyms Malign, Deface Antonyms Greediness, Meanness quality books as it is an
● The temple is adorned with flowers. ●Mother Teresa is known for her anomaly to our policy.
altruism.
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 437

Antagonism A strong feeling of Apportion To divide something Bereavement The situation you are in
dislike or hatred among people when a close friend or a family
Synonyms Hate, Prejudice Synonyms Distribute, Allocate member has just died
Antonyms Love, Affection Antonyms Keep, Withhold Synonyms Death, Loss
●Man cannot be an antagonist as he ●The property of the deceased man Antonyms Happiness, Zeal
has to live in the society. was apportioned between his two I am deeply concerned at the
●

sons. bereavement caused by my father’s

Antipathy A strong feeling of dislike
Synonyms Aversion, Dislike
death.
Antonyms Affinity, Cordiality
●Pakistan’s antipathy is open to
B Bestow To give or confer or honour
someone
India. Babble To talk or say something in a Synonyms Award, Give, Grant,
Antithesis The direct or exact opposite quick, confused, excited or silly way Present
Synonyms Counterpart, Converse Synonyms Chatter, Bumble Antonyms Deprive, Refuse, Take
Antonyms Same, Identical Antonyms Quiet, Sense ●A lot of awards are bestowed upon
●It seems that he has decided to be ●He seems to be babbling. him.
in antithesis of my opinion.
Badger To try to make someone do Bigotry Intolerance towards those who
Aphorism A short, wise and true something by asking them many hold different opinion from oneself
statement times Synonyms Fanaticism, Prejudice
Synonyms Adage, Maxim Synonyms Pester, Bother, Torment
Antonyms Tolerance, Impartiality
Antonyms Nonsense, Absurdity Antonyms Aid, Delight
●A deeply ingrained bigotry
● “Honesty is the best policy” is a ●The peon had to be badgered to get
prevented her from even considering
very practical aphorism. the form signed by the principal.
the arguments.
Aplomb Confidence and style Baleful Full of evil intentions,
menacing
Bizarre Strange and difficult to explain
Synonyms Assurance, Poise
Synonyms Destructive, Malignant Synonyms Strange, Weird
Antonyms Gaucheness,
Discomposure Antonyms Good, Helping, Antonyms Explainable, Normal
●Continuous failure had a great Promising ●The bizarre events taking place in
effect on his aplomb. ● His baleful behaviour was strange. the destered house led the people to
assume it was haunted.
Apocryphal Well-known but Banal Trite; something boring ;
probably not true ordinary and not original Blabber Talk foolishly
Synonyms Fictitious, Made-up Synonyms Common place, Trite, Synonyms Chatter, Babble
Antonyms Authentic, Real Boring, Dull Antonyms Sense, Consciouness
●Existence of God is an apocryphal Antonyms Entertaining, Original ●Blabbering is what one can expect
fact to the people world wide. ●I hate the places that seem banal. from fools.
Apogee Most successful part of Bane A cause of great distress or Bohemian A socially unconventional
something annoyance. person, especially an artist or a writer
Synonyms The top, Apex Synonyms Ruin, Destruction Synonym Non-conformist
Antonyms Bottom, Base Antonyms Blessing, Boon, Advantage Antonym Conformist
●Romance is the apogee of a ●Keeping noise levels low is the bane ●The Bohemian attitude is considered
relationship. of airport administration. rebellious.
Appease to make someone pleased or Bashful Tending to feel Bolster To support or strengthen
less angry by giving or saying uncomfortable with other people and
something they desire be embarrassed easily; shy Synonyms Strengthen, Reinforce
Synonyms To pacify, Placate Synonyms Diffident, Modest, Meek, Antonyms Discourage, Undermine
Antonyms Annoy, Irritate Coy, Nervous ●More money is needed to bolster the
Antonyms Open, Confident industry.
● His appeasing behaviour is always
appreciated. ●She feels bashful in my company. Boor A person who is rude and
Append To add something to the end Berate To criticise or scold severely does not consider other people’s
of a writing Synonyms Lash out, Tear into, feelings
Synonyms Add, Attach Abuse Synonyms Lout, Rogue
Antonyms Disjoin, Detach Antonyms Praise, Compliment Antonyms Civilised, Decent, Modest
●It is always advisible to append the ●Father berated his son for his ● Terrorists are nothing but boors.
hints to a mathematical problem. mistakes.
438 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Bovine Relating to or affecting Canny Very clever and able to make

cattle, looking or acting like a cow C intelligent decisions.
Synonyms Cow-like, Cattle-like Synonyms Clever, Shrewd
●She stared at us with a stupid Cabal A group of people who secretly Antonyms Uncanny, Daft
bovine expression. work together ● Rohan is a canny card player.
Synonyms Clique, Faction
Brag To speak proudly of what you Cantankerous Bad tempered,
Antonyms Individual, Single
have done or what you own argumentative and uncooperative
He was assassinated by a cabal of
●
Synonyms Bad tempered,
Synonyms Swagger, Boast that place.
Antonyms Modest, Polite Uncooperative
●He was bragging about his Cache A hidden store of provision, Antonyms Affable, Good-natured
success. weapons, treasure; to hide weapons or ●Children are by nature
other things cantankerous.
Brash Showing too much confidence
Synonyms Hoard, Store Capacious Having a lot of space
and too little respect
Synonyms Arrogant, Brazen Antonyms Discard, Remove Synonyms Spacious, Open
Antonyms Diffident, Meek ●People must create a cache of Antonyms Small, Cramped
●A brash man has less friends. medicines for emergency. ●A bunglow is a capacious house to
live-in.
Bumble To speak or move in a Cajole To persuade someone to do
confused way something by coaxing or flattery Cardinal Of the greatest importance,
Synonyms Persuade, Coax fundamental.
Synonyms Lurch, Stumble
Antonyms Dissuade, Discourage Synonyms Significant, Fundamental
Antonyms Efficient, Expert
He knows how to cajole people into Antonyms Unimportant, Insignificant
●Bumbling persons create a doubt ●

to security. doing what he wants. ●Cardinal facts of the case are

hidden.
Bungle To do something badly or Calamity An event that brings terrible
unsuccessfully loss, lasting distress or severe affliction Careen To go forward quickly while
moving from side to side
Synonyms Mishandle, Mismanage Synonyms Tragedy, Catastrophe
Synonyms Lurch, Rock
Antonyms Succeed, Managed Antonyms Blessing, Godsend
Antonyms Crawl, Creep
●He has bungled the whole work. ●The great calamity was brought to
I saw the duck careening through
●
rest.
Buoyant Happy and confident the ponds.
Synonyms Happy, Joyous Callous Showing or having an Castigate To criticise severely
Antonyms Unhappy, Sad insensitive and cruel disregard for Synonyms Rebuke, Chide, Scold
●He was very buoyant about the others. Antonyms Admire, Praise
visit to Agra. Synonyms Insensitive; Unsympathetic ●Odd behaviour of a person is a
Antonyms Sensitive, Sympathetic matter of castigation.
Burgeon To grow or develop
quickly ●People often think that doctors are
callous. Catalyst Stimulus; a person who causes
Synonyms Expand, Swell change by his presence
Antonyms Shrink, Contract Calumny A false accusation Synonyms Impetus, Incentive
●Terrorism is burgeoning across the Synonyms Defamation, Slander Antonyms Inhibitor, Preventer
border. Antonyms Eulogy, Praise ●Birbal was a catalyst in the courts of
He is a victim of calumny. Akbar.
Burly A large and strong person ●

Synonyms Tawny, Gigantic Catapult To suddenly put someone

Camouflage To disguise into an important position; to propel
Antonyms Lean, Thin Synonyms Hide, Conceal Synonyms Excel, Marshal
●There must be a burly man for Antonyms Reveal, Show Antonyms To recede, Decline
the role of a demon. ●The camouflaged players arrived at ● Someone cannot be catapulted to be
Bustling If a place is bustling, it is the airport. the chief straight way.
full of busy activity Canard A false, report or story Charismatic Possessing spiritual grace;
Synonyms Dashing, Scurrying Synonyms Tale, Story inspiring
Antonyms Quiet, Inactive, Antonyms Truth, Fact Synonyms Charming, Fascinating
Dormant ●The newspaper was sued for Antonyms Offensive, Frightening
● The house, usually bustling with publishing a canard about a celebrity. ●Modi is a charismatic leader.
activity, was strangely silent.
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 439

Chaste Morally pure or decent Concomitant Naturally accompanying Convivial (Of an event or
Synonyms Decent, Pure or associated with something atmosphere) Friendly, lively and
Antonyms Impure, Indecent Synonyms Linked, Associated enjoyable
●The chaste conduct of the austere Antonyms Disassociated, Unlinked Synonyms Jovial, Pleasant
person commands respect. ●Loss of memory is a concomitant of Antonyms Sad, Unhappy
Cherubic Good natured old age. ●The President of the club arranged
a convivial cocktail party.
Synonyms Innocent, Angelic
Concussion Temporary
Antonyms Demonic, Devilish Copious Ample, producing much
unconsciousness or confusion caused by
●His behaviour reveals his approach a blow on the head Synonyms Plentiful, Abudant
to be cherubic. Antonyms Scarce, Meager
Synonym Violent, Shaking
Chide To express mild disapproval of Antonym Consciousness ●The storm produced a copious
someone, to scold someone gently amount of rain.
●The accident caused the man a severe
Synonyms Rebuke, Scold concussion.
Antonyms Admire, Praise
●Mother chided the son for his rude
behaviour with the guests.
Condone To accept behaviour that is
morally wrong
D
Synonyms Accept, Allow
Chronic Happening or existing Dabble Take part in an activity in a
Antonyms Condemn, Punish
frequently or most of the time casual way.
Parents always condone the fault of
●
Synonyms Tinker, Dally, Trifle
Synonyms Persistent, Long
children.
standing Antonym Take seriously
Antonyms Temporary, Mild Contentious Causing or likely to cause ●Rita dabbled in many things before
●She suffers from chronic pain in disagreement she got married.
her knees. Synonyms Controversial,
Dainty Small and graceful
Churlish Rude, unfriendly and Argumentative
Synonyms Elegant, Petite
unpleasant Antonyms Agreeable, Pleasing
Antonyms Crude, Ugly
Synonyms Arrogant, ill-mannered ●The contentious issue may obstruct ●The house looks dainty and
Antonyms Gracious, Polite the development. beautiful.
●Churlish behaviour is his Contort To twist or bend out of
trademark. Dank Unpleasantly moist and cold
normal shape Synonyms Wet, Damp
Clout Power and influence Synonyms Distort, Twist Antonyms Arid, Dry
Synonyms Sway, Power Antonyms Straighten, Smooth ●He shivered as he entered the dank
Antonyms Powerless, Uncontrol ●He contorted the instrument by room.
●Hitler was a man of great clout. rough handling.
Deadlock A situation involving
Coalesce To grow together or unite Contrive To invent or make something opposing parties, in which no
into one; to fuse in a clever or unusual way progress can be made; stalemate
Synonyms Fuse, Join Synonyms Create, Manufacture Synonyms Gridlock, Dilemma
Antonyms Split, Breakup Antonyms Destroy, Ruin Antonyms Solution, Agreement
● The ice-masses coalesced into a ● The Defence Ministry contrived a ●The mediator will help the opposing
glacier over time. plan to tackle cross border terrorism. parties end the deadlock so the
contract can be signed.
Cogent Very clear and easy for the Conundrum A confusing and difficult
mind to accept and believe question or problem Debacle A complete failure; a crushing
Synonyms Convincing, Compelling Synonyms Dilemma, Quandary defeat
Antonyms Vague, Unconvincing Antonym Easy-way Synonyms Fiasco, Failure
●His ideas were cogent and sound. Antonyms Success, Accomplishment
●Competitive exams make you face
conundrums.
●He faced a debacle in yesterday’s
Conciliate To end a disagreement or game.
someone’s anger by acting in a Convene To come together for a
friendly way or to slightly change Debase To adulterate, to make poor in
meeting or activity
your opinion quality or of less value
Synonyms Summon, Call
Synonyms Appease, Placate Synonyms Degrade, Devalue
Antonyms Disperse, Leave
Antonyms Provoke, Kindle Antonyms Upgrade, Enhance
We convened at the hotel for a
●
● The nagging child was conciliated ●Debased commodities are sold in the
seminar.
by the toys. market.
440 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Debauch To destroy or damage Depravity The state of being morally Devolve 1. Transfer of power to a lower
something so that it is no longer bad, or an action that is morally bad. level
considered good or moral. Synonyms Perversion, Criminality 2. Pass into a worse state; degenerate
Synonyms Abase, Corrupt Antonyms Goodness, Uprightness Synonyms Delegate, Pass on
Antonyms Ennoble, Uplift Antonyms Centralize, Improve
●People were shocked by the
depravity of her actions.
● In a democratic system, power is
●Western culture has debauched
devolved to the local level.
the moral fabric of our society.
Deprecate To criticise or express
Diabolic Extremely evil
Debilitate To make someone very disapproval of something
Synonyms Cruel, Atrocious
weak and infirm Synonyms Belittle, Detract
Antonyms Kind, Moral
Synonyms Cripple, Disable Antonyms Approve, Commend ●The police quickly mobilised to track
Antonyms Strengthen, Enable ●Everybody deprecated the death of down the diabolical serial killer.
●The virus debilitates the body’s the charitable man.
immune system. Diffident Modest or shy because of a lack
Deride To laugh at someone or of self-confidence
Decadence Having low moral something in a way that shows you Synonyms Bashful, Meek
standards and behaviour think they are stupid or are of no Antonyms Bold, Confident
Synonyms Corruption, value. ●He is too diffident to work in a
Debauchery Synonyms Ridicule, Mock, Disdain company.
Antonyms Ascent, Decency Antonyms Admire, Approve
●Decadent people are not valued. Disapprobation Strong disapproval,
●He was derided at for his strange typically on moral grounds
Decimate To kill a large number of ways. Synonyms Deprecation, Disapproval
(something) or to reduce very Desperado A desperate or reckless Antonyms Approval, Approbation
heavily person, especially a criminal ●Sherry was used to constant
Synonyms Annihilate, Exterminate Synonyms Bandit, Villain disapprobation of critics.
Antonyms Bear, Build, Create Antonyms Civilised, Refined Disconcert to make someone upset;
● Populations of endangered ●Law must punish the desperado. unsettle
animals have been decimated. Synonyms Perplex, Baffle, Bewilder
Despot A ruler who has total power Antonyms Assist, Calm
Decrepit Worn out or ruined and often uses it in cruel and unfair
because of age or neglect ●The whole experience had disconcerted
ways. him.
Synonyms Dilapidated, Battered
Synonyms Tyrant, Oppressor
Antonyms Firm, Healthy
Antonym Democrat
●The building was a decrepit
sample of bricks now.
●Hitler was one of the biggest
despots.
E
Defalcate To steal or misuse funds Earmark Designate funds or resources for
Desultory Lacking a plan, purpose
entrusted to one a particular purpose, procure
or enthusiasm
Synonyms Embezzle, Loot, Filch Synonyms Attribute, Designate
Synonyms Aimless, Chaotic
Antonyms Appropriate, Receive Antonym Disallocate
Antonyms Organised, Systematic
●Public funds are defalcated by ●The government earmarked a huge
leaders.
●He wandered around, cleaning up
in a desultory way. package for agriculture
Demure (of a woman or her Ebullient Very happy and enthusiastic;
behaviour) Modest; shy; reserved
Detract Dimish the worth or
value of something exuberant
Synonyms Meek, Bashful Synonyms Cheerful, Exuberant
Synonyms Belittle, Decrease
Antonyms Brazen, Shameless Antonyms Unhappy, Depressed
Antonyms Commend, Compliment
●Her demure nature gets ●The man seems to be ebullient on his
everybody’s attention. ●Numerous errors in the book success.
detracted the reader’s attention.
Deplore To feel or express strong Edifice A large impressive building; a
condemnation of something Devious Showing a skilfull use of system that has been established for a
Synonyms Abhor, Denounce underhand tractics to achieve goals
long time
Antonyms Praise, Commend Synonyms Unfair, Fraudulent Synonyms Monument, Building
Public deplored the causal steps Antonyms Honest, Fair
● ●The glass edifice is an architectural
taken by the administration for ●The minister was a devious wonder.
the safety of women. politician.
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 441

Effeminate Womanish; Feminine, Entropy Lack of order or Facetious Treating serious issues with
Unmanly predictability, gradual decline into deliberately inappropriate humour
Synonyms Effete, Unmanly disorder Synonyms Flippant, Frivolous
Antonyms Masculine, Manly Synonyms Break up, Collapse Antonyms Serious, Formal
He had a high and somewhat
●
Antonyms Improvement, Order ●The facetious boy was chided.
effeminate voice.
● The mishandling of the situation
Facile 1. Ignoring the true
Effete Weak and Powerless led to entropy.
complexities of an issue; superficial
Synonyms Unmanly, Effeminate
Ephemeral Existing only for a 2. A success which is easily achieved
Antonyms Manly, Powerful
short time Synonyms Superficial, Hasty
●His effete body looks pale.
Synonyms Fleeting, Transient Antonyms Thorough, Profound
Effusive Expressing gratitude, approval Antonyms Enduring, Lasting ● This problem needs more than just a
or pleasure in a way that shows very ●Fame in the show business is facile solution.
strong feeling ephemeral.
Synonyms Gushing, Unrestrained
Factitious Artificial, not natural
Antonyms Restrained, Reserved Epoch A long period of time, Synonyms Fake, Bogus
● The coach was effusive in praising especially one in which there are Antonyms Natural, Real
Tendulkar. new advances and great changes ●His explanations were all factitious.
Synonyms Era, Span, Age
Emaciated Very thin and weak, usually Fallacious Based on a mistaken belief;
●The development of the steam misleading
because of illness or extreme hunger
engine marked an important
Synonyms Thin, Skeletal Synonyms Erroneous, False
epoch in the history of industry.
Antonyms Chubby, Fat Antonyms Genuine, True
●Chronic diseases make one emaciated. Equitable Treating everyone fairly ●Someone is spreading fallacious
and in the same way. information.
Embodiment someone or something that
Synonyms Unbiased, Reasonable
represents a quality or an idea exactly Fastidious Very attentive to and
Synonyms Personification, Incarnation Antonyms Partial, Biased concerned about accuracy and details;
Antonym Exclusion ●He is fighting for a more very concerned about matters of
●Mother Teresa was often regarded as equitable distribution of funds. cleanliness
the embodiment of selfless devotion to Synonyms Painstaking, Meticulous
Excruciating Intensely painful
others. Antonyms Careless, Sloppy
Synonyms Acute, Agonising
Enervate to make someone feel weak Antonyms Painless, Calm
● His culinary skills are fastidious.
and without energy The Uttrakhand disaster was an
●
Fatuous Stupid, not correct or not
Synonyms Debilitate, Devitalise excruciating experience for the carefully thought about
Antonyms Strengthen, Energise victims. Synonyms Silly, Foolish
●We were enervated by the lengthy
discussion. Expatiate Speak or write in detail Antonyms Sensible, Intelligent
Synonyms Expound, Lecture ●All his reasons appeared fatuous to
Enjoin To instruct or urge someone to do me.
something or behave in a particular way Antonyms Compress, Abridge
Synonyms Urge, Command, Insist ●It is useless to expatiate upon the Feckless Lacking initiative or strength
Antonyms Obey, follow beauties of nature to one who is of character; irresponsible
blind. Synonyms Useless, Worthless
●The boss enjoined the workers to do
the best. Antonyms Responsible, Competent
Country does not need feckless
F
●
Ensconce To make yourself very people.
comfortable or safe in a place or
position Fecund Very fertile
Synonyms Settle, Install Facade The principal front of a Synonyms Fertile, Fruitful
Antonyms Unsettle, Exhibit building that faces on to a street or Antonyms Unproductive, Infertile
He ensconced in his new abode there. open space
●
●The soil of the plains is fecund.
Synonyms Front, Elevation,
Entree Admittance; the right to enter Frontage Feisty Having or showing exuberance,
something
Antonyms Rear, Back strong determination and lack of fear
Synonyms Entry, Ingress
●The gallery’s 18th century facade Synonyms Courageous, Gutsy
Antonyms Exit, Refusal
attracted the visitors. Antonyms Cowardly, Dull
●Entree to the country club is through
sponsorship. ● Mountaineering needs feisty people.
442 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Felicity 1. Intense happiness Fortitude Courage in pain or adversity Genial Friendly and cheerful
2. The ability to find appropriate Synonyms Courage, Bravery Synonyms Affable, Cordial
expressions for one’s thoughts Antonyms Cowardice, Fear Antonyms Hostile, Unfriendly
Synonyms Bliss, Delight, ●Fortitude makes you a winner. ●His genial outpour surprised me.
Eloquence
Antonyms Sorrow, Unhappiness Frenzied Madly excited or uncontrolled Ghastly Unpleasant and shocking
●Felicity is a bliss to be enjoyed. Synonyms Wild, Frantic Synonyms Terrible, Horrible
Antonyms Controlled, Calm Antonyms Pleasant, Charming
Fester (of a problem or negative ●The office was a scene of frenzied ●The scene of the crime looks
feeling) become worse or more activity this morning. ghastly.
intense, especially through long
term neglect or indifference Giddy Having a sensation of whirling
Synonyms Smoulder, Aggravate and a tendency to fall or stagger.
Antonyms Flourish, Grow G Synonyms Dizzy, Light-headed
● It is better to express your anger Antonyms Steady, Sensible
than let it fester inside you. Gainsay To deny or contradict a fact or ●He was walking giddily.
Fetid Smelling extremely bad, Foul statement
Gingerly In a careful or cautious
Synonyms Smelly, Putrid Synonyms Dispute, Oppose
manner
Antonyms Aromatic, Perfumed Antonyms Accept, Confirm
Synonyms Warily, Cautiously
●The corpse of the dog has made
● There is no gainsaying the fact that Antonyms Carelessly, Rashly
the surroundings fetid. they have built a great building.
He did the work gingerly.
●

Fidelity Honest or lasting support, Gall Bold and impudent behaviour

Gratify To please someone or to
Loyalty, Faithfulness Synonyms Impudence, Insolence
satisfy a wish or need
Synonyms Loyalty, Constancy Antonyms Cordiality, Politeness
Synonyms Please , Gladden
Antonyms Dishonesty, Infidelity ●After borrowing my car, he had the
Antonyms Dissatisfy, Displease
gall to complain about its seats.
●Friendship survives on fidelity. ● I am gratified by his words.
Fiend 1. Cruel, inhuman Gallant 1. Brave; heroic
2. (Of a man) polite and kind towards Grimace To make an expression of
2. An enthusiastic or devotee of a pain, strong dislike, etc in which the
woman
particular thing face twists in an ugly way
Synonyms Valiant, Unafraid
Synonyms Barbarian, Ogre Synonyms Scowl, Frown
Antonyms Timid, Rude
Antonyms Angel, God Antonyms Smile, Content
● Although she lost, she made a gallant
● His hands were trembling as if he After falling down, he started to
effort. ●

was some sort of fiend. stand up grimacing with pain.

Garble To make words or messages clear
Flack Strong criticism or opposition Grisly Causing horror or disgust
and difficult to understand
Synonyms Criticism, Censure Synonyms Gruesome, Ghastly
Synonyms Muddle, Jumble
Antonyms Appraisal, Praise Antonyms Pleasant, Attractive
Antonyms Obvious, Clear
●Dowry should be a matter of The grisly figure made the child
●The terrified child gave a garbled ●

flack.
account of the incident to the police. cry.
Flagrant Too bad to be ignored Grubby Covered with dirt
Garish Too bright or colourful
Synonyms Heinous, Shameless
Synonyms Gaudy; Bright Synonyms Filthy, Mucky, Grimy
Antonyms Magnificent, Wonderful
Antonyms Dull, Unflashy Antonyms Clean, Tidy
●The killing of innocent villagers is ●The decoration looked garish. ●One must clean off grubby hands
an example of flagrant ways of
before eating.
Maoists. Gauche Awkward and uncomfortable
Foment To cause trouble to develop with other people, specially because Gruff (person’s voice) Low and
young and lacking in experience unfriendly
Synonyms Incite, Instigate
Synonyms Awkward, Gawky Synonyms Rough, Hoarse
Antonyms Deter, Discourage
Antonyms Elegant, Sophisticated Antonyms Soft, Mellow
●He was accused of fomenting
violence. ●She had grown from a gauche teenager ●He speaks in a gruff way, but is
to a self assured young woman. really kind.
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 443

Hector Talk to someone in a bullying Impertinent Rude and not showing

H way respect towards someone older or in
Synonyms Intimidate, Badger a higher position than you
Habituated Used to something, Antonyms Please, Assist Synonyms Disrespectful, Rude
especially something unpleasant ●The senior guy was hectoring the Antonyms Polite, Mannered
Synonyms Accustom, Adapt junior. ●Its impertinent to ask strangers
Antonyms Avoid, Shun about their private lives.
●Bears can become habituated to people Heedless Not giving attention to a
easily. risk or possible difficulty Implausible Not believable or
Synonyms Inattentive, Oblivious realistic
Haggard Looking exhausted or unwell, Antonyms Needful, Attentive Synonyms Unbelievable, Doubtful
especially from fatigue, worry or ● He was driving heedlessly. Antonyms Reasonable, Convincing
suffering ●She’s been making implausible
Synonyms Drained, Tired Heinous Outrageously evil; horrifying claims.
Antonyms Fresh, Healthy Synonyms Wicked, Atrocious
● The athletes looked haggard after the Antonyms Admirable, Delightful Impolitic Unwise words or actions
race. ●The man is facing charges over his that are likely to cause offence or
heinous act. problems.
Haggle Dispute or bargain persistently Synonyms Unwise, Imprudent
Synonyms Barter, Negotiate Herald To be a sign of something Antonyms Wise, Prudent
Antonyms Concur, Comply that is going to come or happen soon ●I thought it impolitic to ask any
●Customers often haggle with the Synonyms Indicator, Sign question about her ex.
seller. Antonym Aforeseen
●The early flowers are heralds of Improvident Not giving thought to
Hallowed Very respected and praised spring. the future
because of great importance or great age Synonyms Heedless, Inconsiderate
Synonyms Holy, Sacred Horrendous Shocking; horrible Antonyms Provident, Farsighted
Antonyms Cursed, Unholy Synonyms Dreadful, Alarming ●He is improvident about his
●The site of the ancient temple is a Antonyms Pleasing, Wonderful career.
hallowed ground. ●Conditions in the refugee camps
were horrendous. Inalienable Not subject to being
Hapless Having no luck; very taken away from or given by the
unfortunate Humane Having or showing possessor
Synonyms Unlucky, Ill-fated compassion Synonyms Absolute, Inviolable
Antonyms Fortunate, Lucky Synonyms Compassionate, Kind Antonyms Changeable, Alienable
●She plays the hapless heroine who is Antonyms Unkind, Inhumane ●The group of women wanted
unlucky in love. ●It is not humane to treat animals equal inalienable rights as men.
cruelly.
Harrowing Extremely upsetting because Incorrigible Beyond correction or
connected with suffering Hypothetical Based on a situation change
Synonyms Torturous, Painful that is not real, but that might Synonyms Hardened, Hopeless
Antonyms Calming, Comforting happen Antonyms Correctable, Changeable
●The harrowing news reached the Synonyms Imaginary, Theoretical ●She is an incorrigible chatterbox.
village. Antonyms Real, Actual
●She described a hypothetical case to Incredulous Not able or willing to
Headstrong Very determined to do believe something
clarify her point.
what one wants without listening to
Synonyms Mistrustful, Doubtful
others
Antonyms Believing, Credulous
Synonyms Wilful, Strong-willed
Antonyms Undetermined, Tractable
I ●Everyone laughed at the
incredulous stories of the old man.
●He made himself headstrong for the
coming project. Idolatry Very great admiration or Indigent Very poor
respect for someone, often too great Synonyms Penniless, Destitute
Heady Having a strong exhilirating Synonyms Reverence, Adoration Antonyms Rich, Affluent
effect Antonyms Vilification, Condemnation ●The heavy losses he incurred
Synonyms Exciting, Thrilling ●Newton was revered to the point of in business rendered him
Antonyms Boring, Dull idolatry. indigent.
● The party seems heady today.
444 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Infallible Incapable of making mistakes Jocular Funny or intended to make Lackadaisical Lacking enthusiasm and
or being wrong someone laugh determination
Synonyms Unerring, Flawless Synonyms Funny, Humorous Synonyms Lazy, Unenthusiastic
Antonyms Fallible, Erring Antonyms Serious, Depressed Antonyms Enthusiastic, Excited
●I never claimed to be infallible. ●Someone made a jocular remark ●Efforts from the man seem
to entertain the gathering. lackadaisical.
Inimical Harmful or limiting
Synonyms Injurious, Harmful Laggard A person who makes slow
Antonyms Helpful, Advantageous
●A person with inimical behaviour is
K progress and lags behind others
Synonyms Loiterer, Lingerer
dangerous. Antonym Leader
Kaput Broken; not working ●A laggard can’t win the race of life.
Iniquitous Very unfair or evil properly
Synonyms Wicked, Sinful Synonyms Faulty, Broken Lambaste To criticise severely
Antonyms Good, Virtuous Antonym Operational Synonyms Chastise, Castigate
●This decision seems iniquitous. ●My fridge has gone kaput. Antonyms Praise, Compliment
Innate (of a quality) which you are
●His work was lambasted by everyone.
Ken A person’s range of knowledge
born with or which is present naturally or understanding Languid Showing or having very little
Synonyms Inborn, Ingrained Synonyms Knowledge, Awareness strength, energy or activity.
Antonyms Acquired, Extrinsic Antonym Ignorance Synonyms Enervated, Unenergetic
●He is a person with innate wisdom. ●Politics are beyond my ken. Antonyms Energetic, Active
Insipid Lacking flavour; weak or ● He looked languid after a sleepless
Kernel The central or most night.
tasteless
important part of something
Synonyms Bland, Tasteless Lassitude A state of physical or mental
Synonyms Essence, Core
Antonyms Tasty, Delicious weariness
Antonyms Exterior, Periphery
● The dinner was insipid. Synonyms Fatigue, Lethargy
●We are to write the kernel of the
story. Antonyms Freshness, Vigour, Energy
Symptoms of the disease include
J
●

Kindle Arouse or inspire (an paleness and lassitude.

emotion or feeling)
Jabber Talk in a rapid, excited and Synonyms Arouse, Rouse, Wake Leery Cautious or wary due to realistic
often incomprehensible way Antonyms Douse, Put out suspicions
Synonyms Prattle, Babble ●The trip kindled an interest in Synonym Careful
travel. Antonym Careless
Antonyms Be silent, Speak clearly
The train was full of people
●They were leery of their neighbours.
●
Knave A dishonest man
jabbering into their mobile phones. Leviathan Extremely large and
Synonyms Fraud, Cheat
Jaded Not having interest or losing Antonym Honest powerful
interest as you have experienced ●A knave cheated me on the bus. Synonyms Titan, Huge
something too many times. Antonyms Powerless, Tiny
Synonyms Bored, Tired ●The old building is leviathan and
Antonyms Fresh, Activated L imposing.
● Flying is exciting the first time you Limber (of a person or body part) Able
do it, but you soon become jaded.
Labile Changing often or easily to bend and move easily and smoothly
Jaunty Lively in manner or appearence Synonyms Adaptable, Reactive Synonyms Flexible, Nimble
Synonyms Merry, Cheerful Antonyms Balanced, Unreactive Antonyms Rigid, Stiff
Antonyms Unhappy, Depressed ●Our culture is the most labile of ●His whole body is a limber of
●Success makes a person jaunty. all. muscles.

Jinx Bad luck or a person or thing that Laborious Tedious; needing a lot of Limpid Clearly expressed and easily
brings bad luck time and effort understood
Synonyms Misfortune, Curse Synonyms Tough, Arduous Synonyms Lucid, Clear
Antonyms Good Luck, Boon Antonyms Simple, Easy Antonyms Unclear, Unintelligible
●His luck has been so bad he feels ●The project needs laborious ●The situation is a limpid one to get
jinxed. people. through.
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 445

Livid Extremely angry Miffed Annoyed at someone’s Nebulous (especially of ideas) not clear
Synonyms Infuriated, Irate behaviour towards you and having no form
Antonyms Calm, Peaceful Synonyms Irritated, Angry Synonyms Ambiguous, Vague
●The boss was livid when yet another Antonym Pleased Antonyms Clear, Certain
deadline was missed. ●The miffed employees called up ●These philosophical concepts can be
a strike. nebulous.

M Minatory Expressing or
conveying a threat
Nefarious (especially of activities)
morally bad
Synonyms Aggressive, Synonyms Heinous, Odious
Macabre Horrible, because concerned Threatening Antonyms Delightful, Gentle
with death Antonyms Unthreatening The man was found to be involved in
●
Synonyms Shocking, Gruesome The minatory situation is under
● nefarious activities.
Antonyms Pleasant, Pleasing control.
●Even the police were horrified at the Nettle To annoy or irritate someone
macabre nature of the killings. Minuscule Extremely small Synonyms Irritate, Irk
Synonyms Tiny, Minute Antonyms To please, Calm
Magnanimous Generous or forgiving Antonyms Huge, Vast
Synonyms Benevolent, Charitable
●His continuous questions nettled him.
●The minuscule insects are
Antonyms Selfish, Mean-spirited hidden there in the bush. Niggardly ungenerous with money,
●The king was magnanimous towards time etc; mean
his subjects. Modicum A small amount, Synonyms Mean, Miserly
especially of something good Antonyms Generous, Abundant
Magnate Successful businessman; tycoon
Synonyms Particle, Speck Rita is a niggardly woman, so don’t
Synonyms Tycoon, Mogul ●

Antonyms Lot, Entirety expect a handout from her.

Antonyms Pawn, Nobody
Ratan Tata is a business magnate.
●Only a modicum of skill is
●

necessary to put the pieces Nihilism The belief that traditional

Maladroit Awkward in movement or together. morals, ideas, beliefs have no worth or
unskilled in behaviour or action value
Synonyms Bumbling, Awkward Modish Fashionable Synonyms Negativity, Cynicism
Antonyms Adroit, Skilful Synonym Stylish Antonyms Allowance, Approval
Antonym Traditional Young generation shows a great deal
●She can be a little maladroit in social ●

situations. ●The showroom contains a lot of of nihilistic traditions.

modish clothes.
Malodorous Stinking; foul-smelling Non-plussed So surprised and confused
Synonyms Noxious, Fetid Mollify To make someone less that one is unsure how to react.
Antonyms Aromatic, Fragrant angry Synonyms Astonish, Astound
●The malodorous drain is a problem for Synonyms Appease, Placate Antonyms Calm, Comfort
the locality. Antonyms Enrage, Agitate ●I can’t say why he was non-plussed at
●All attempts to mollify the my arrival.
Maverick An unorthodox or
extremists have failed.
independent minded person
Synonyms Non-conformist, Moor Wasteland
Dissenter Synonym Upland O
Antonyms Orthodox, Conformist Antonym Cropland
●He was considered as something of a ●Government has decided to Obdurate Not willing to change your
maverick in the publishing word. gentrify the moor. opinion or the way you do something
Mellifluous Pleasingly smooth and Synonyms Adamant, Hardened
musical to hear Antonyms Amenable, Submissive
Synonyms Harmonious, Mellow N ●He is known for his obdurate
Antonyms Noisy, Cacophonous determination.
She has a rich and mellifluous voice.
●
Nadir The worst or lowest point Obfuscate To make something more
Mendacious Not truthful; lying of something difficult to understand
Synonyms Deceitful, Dishonest Synonyms Rock-bottom, Base Synonyms Obscure, Confuse
Antonyms Truthful, Honest Antonyms Zenith, Apex Antonyms Clarify, Enlighten
●None of his statements are
●He is at the nadir on this ● This explanation has obfuscated
mendacious. matter. everybody.
446 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Obliterate 1. To destroy completely Onerous Difficult to do or needing a Parlous Very bad, dangerous or
2. To remove a thought, feeling or lot of effort uncertain
memory from someone’s mind Synonyms Arduous, Demanding Synonyms Bad, Dreadful
Synonyms Demolish, Annihilate Antonyms Effortless, Easy Antonyms Good, Comfortable
Antonyms Create, Establish ● She found the duties of motherhood ●Relationship between the two
● An explosion obliterated the new onerous. countries have been in a parlous
building. state for some time.
Overweening Too proud or confident
Obnoxious Very unpleasant or rude in yourself Parsimonious Very unwilling to
Synonyms Repulsive, Offensive, Synonyms Brash, Haughty spend money or give something;
Disgusting Antonyms Modest, Unassuming stingy
Antonyms Agreeable, Decent ● Nobody wants to be friendly with Synonyms Niggardly, Miserly
●When she’s in a bad mood she is overweening people. Antonyms Extravagant, Generous
obnoxious to everyone. ● Even the parsimonious Deepu went
Overwrought In a state of being
Obstinate Unreasonably determined; to the cafe.
upset, nervous and worried
stubborn Synonyms Frantic, Agitated and Paucity The fact that there is too little
Synonyms Adamant, Inflexible worried of something
Antonyms Flexible, Amenable Antonyms Calm, Collected Synonyms Shortage, Dearth
● He can be very obstinate at times. ●He was in an overwrought state for Antonyms Abundance, Sufficiency
weeks after the accident. Wastage of water can cause its
Obstreperous Difficult to deal with ●

and noisy paucity.

Synonyms Unruly, Boisterous
Antonyms Pacified, Tractable
P Pejorative Expressing disapproval or
suggesting that something is not good
●The executive refused to help the Palliate To reduce the bad effects of or is of no importance
obstreperous clientele. something; To reduce pain without Synonyms Disparaging, Deprecatory
Obverse Opposite or counterpart of a curing its cause Antonyms Complimentary, Praising
fact or truth Synonyms Alleviate, Soothe ●Make sure students realise that ‘fat’
Synonyms Complement, Antonyms Aggravate, Agitate is a pejorative word.
Counterpart ●The medicine palliated the pain of
Pellucid Very clear in meaning and
Antonyms Reverse, Rear the patient
easy to understand
●The two brothers are of obverse
Pallid 1. Very pale, in a way that looks Synonyms Comprehensible,
nature.
unhealthy and not attractive Understandable
Obviate Remove (a need or difficulty); 2. Showing no enthusiasum or Antonyms Complex, Unclear
avoid or prevent something excitement ●The pellucid language of the book
undesirable Synonyms Anemic, Feeble, catches the attention of everyone.
Synonyms Remove, Prevent Uninspired
Antonyms Enthusiastic, Hearty,
Perky Cheerful and lively
Antonyms Support, Allow
Strong Synonyms Bubbly, Lively
●A parachute can be used to obviate
His pallid face reveals the tension. Antonyms Depressed, Gloomy
disaster. ●

●His perky face looks elegant to

Occult Relating to magical powers and Pandemonium Wild and noisy me.
activities disorder or confusion
Synonyms Psychic, Magical Synonyms Disorder, Chaos Pesky Causing trouble; Annoying
Antonyms Natural, Obvious Antonyms Calm, Order Synonyms Nettlesome, Troublesome
●Some books in the library were on ●Pandemonium reigned in the hall as Antonyms Pleasing, Untroubling
occult subjects. the election results were announced. ●I’ve been trying to get rid of this
pesky cold.
Offbeat Unusual and strange therefore Parched Dried out because of too
surprising or noticeable much heat. Plaudits Enthusiastic approval; praise
Synonyms Bizzare, Unconventional Synonyms Arid, Scorched Synonyms Accolade, Acclaim
Antonyms Ordinary, Conventional Antonyms Wet, Damp Antonyms Blame, Censure
●She decided to choose an offbeat It was the height of summer and
● ●She has received plaudits for her
career in fine arts and was the land was parched and brown. work with homeless people.
successful.
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 447

Plenary 1. Complete; full Quaint Attractive because of being Rankle To make someone annoyed or
2. (of a meeting) To be attended by all unusual and especially old-fashioned angry for a long time
participants, who otherwise meet in Synonym Bizarre Synonyms Anger, Embitter
smaller groups Antonym Common Antonyms Calm, Comfort
Synonyms Absolute, Complete ●The writer talked about the quaint ●It still rankles me that she got
Antonyms Incomplete, Limited customs of the natives. promoted and I didn’t.
● A plenary session of the UN Security
Quandary A state of not being able Raspy Unpleasantly rough
Council was held this month.
to decide what to do about a Synonyms Gruff, Hoarse
Predicament A difficult, unpleasant or situation in which you are involved. Antonyms Soothing, Soft
embarassing situation Synonyms Impasse, Difficulty ●Her voice was raspy from yelling so
Synonyms Crisis, Deadlock Antonyms Solution, Certainty much.
Antonyms Advantage, Solution ● The unexpected results of the test Ratify To make a treaty, agreement
●I have taken a loan to get out of my have created a quandary for the etc official by signing it or voting for
financial predicament. researchers. it.
Prevaricate To avoid telling the truth Synonyms Sanction, Approve
Querulous Complaining in an
or saying exactly what you think Antonyms Disapprove, Deny
annoyed way.
about something Synonyms Petulant, Bemoaning
● Project was ratified by the officials.
Synonyms Distort, Dodge Antonyms Cheerful, Easy-going Ravishing Very beautiful
Antonyms Confront, Face ●He is becoming a querulous person Synonyms Gorgeous, Stunning
●The convict prevaricated before the day by day. Antonyms Ugly, Hideous
court.
Quibble To argue or complain about ●She looked ravishing in her
Proclivity A strong natural liking for small, unimportant things
wedding dress.
something or tendency to do Recondite (of a subject or knowledge)
Synonyms Protest, Argument
something that is usually bad. Not known by many people and
Antonyms Approval, Agreement
Synonyms Predilection, Predisposition difficult to understand
●There is no point quibbling over a
Antonyms Antipathy, Disinclination Synonyms Obscure, Esoteric
couple of dollars.
●Gambling is his main proclivity. Antonyms Obvious, Simple
Quip A humorous and clever remark Geochemistry is a recondite subject.
Profligate Wasteful with money and ●

Synonyms Gag, Gibe

resources Recoup To get back money that one
Antonyms Seriousness, Praise
Synonyms Extravagant, Wasteful has spent or lost
●They traded quips over a beer.
Antonyms Thrifty, Frugal Synonyms Retrieve, Regain
●She is well-known for her profligate Quisling A person who helps an Antonyms Forefeit, Lose
spending habits. enemy who has taken over his ●The gambler recouped his losses in
country. the next game.
Synonyms Collaborator, Betrayer Rectitude The quality of being honest
Q Antonyms
The ruler
Supporter, Loyalist
warned all the quislings.
and morally correct
●
Synonyms Righteousness, Goodness
Quagmire 1. An area of soft wet Antonyms Infamy, Dishonesty
Quixotic Having ideas or intentions
ground which one sinks into if one that are impressive but not practical.
●Gandhiji was a man of
tries and walks on it. unquestioned moral rectitude.
Synonyms Impractical, Idealistic
2. An awkward, complex or hazardous Antonyms Practical, Pragmatic Redolent Strongly reminiscent or
situation. suggestive of; fragrant; odorous;
●They had quixotic dreams about
Synonyms Dilemma, Entanglement the future. suggestive of an odour
Antonyms Solution, Agreement Synonyms Evocative, Suggestive
● The quagmire he is in seems Antonyms Bland, Unsavoury
unavoidable.
R ●Rashi’s house seemed to be redolent
with the aroma of flowers.
Quail Feel or show fear or
apprehension Rabid Having a very extreme opinion Reek (v/n) To smell strongly and
Synonyms Blanch, Cringe about or interest in something unpleasantly; stink
Antonyms Calm, Steady Synonyms Crazed, Fanatical Synonyms Stink, Smell
●Students were quailing before the Antonyms Moderate, Liberal Antonyms Sweetness, Fragrance
principal. ●Amit is a rabid cricket fan. ●Her breath reeked of garlic.
448 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Renunciation The formal rejection Scoff To laugh and speak about a Slovenly 1. Untidy and dirty
of something, typically a belief, person or idea in a way that shows 2. (of a person or action) careless;
claim or course of action you think they are silly or stupid. excessively casual
Synonyms Repudiation, Synonyms Belittle, Deride Synonyms Messy, Scruffy
Abandonment Antonyms Approve, Compliment Antonyms Tidy, Neat
Antonyms Agreement, Allowance ●The critics scoffed at his paintings. ● Change your slovenly habits right now.
●The company renunciated the
agreement made by them. Sententious Trying to appear wise, Stalwart 1. Loyal, reliable and
clever and important in a way that is hardworking
Repartee Conversation or speech annoying Synonyms Staunch, Dependable
characterised by quick, witty Synonyms Moralistic, Antonyms Non-reliable,
comments or replies Self-righteous Undependable
Synonyms Banter, Pleasantry Antonym Unimportant ● I have a bunch of stalwart friends.
Antonyms Seriousness, Question ●The document was sententious and
●The two comedians engaged in pompous. Stodgy Dull and uninspired; lacking
witty repartee. originality or excitement
Servitude The state of being under Synonyms Boring, Dull
Replete Filled or well supplied the control of someone else and of Antonyms Interesting, Lively
with something having no freedom; slavery ●The company did not succeed in
Synonyms Filled, Loaded Synonyms Bondage, Enslavement shedding its stodgy image.
Antonyms Lacking, Empty Antonyms Freedom, Mastery
●The book is replete with ●In the past, the majority of women Stouthearted Brave and determined
photographs. were confined to a lifetime of Synonyms Fearless, Courageous
servitude and poverty. Antonyms Timid, Cowardly
Reprieve To cancel or postpone a ●The stouthearted soldiers won the battle.
punishment Sever To put an end to (a connection
Synonyms Abatement, or relationship); break off Stupor A state of near- unconsciousness or
Absolution Synonyms Detach, Disconnect insensibility
Antonyms Charge, Punish Antonyms Unite, Connect Synonyms Coma, Trance
●He was sentenced to death but ●I severed myself from my Antonyms Consciousness, Wakefulness
was granted a last minute double-faced friends. ●He was lying under a table in a
reprieve. drunken stupor.
Sham Someone or something that is
Reproach To criticise someone, not what it pretends to be; pretence
especially for not being successful
or not doing what is expected
Synonyms Fake, Pretend
Antonyms Real, Genuine
T
Synonyms Disgrace, Rebuke ●They claimed that the election had
Antonyms Approval, been fair, but really it was a sham. Taint To damage something, especially by
Commendation adding something harmful or undesirable
● His mother reproached him for Skullduggery Secret and dishonest to it
not eating his dinner. behaviour Synonyms Contaminate, Pollute
Synonyms Trickery, Fraudulence Antonyms Clean, Improve
Repugnant Causing a strong Antonym Honesty
feeling of dislike or disgust
●A leaky pipe can taint the entire water
●Skullduggery is never appreciated. supply.
Synonyms Repulsive, Abhorrent
Antonyms Pleasant, Delightful Sleaze Activities especially business or Tangible Real or not imaginary; able to be
● The idea of cheating in an exam political, of a low moral standard shown, touched or experienced
is morally repugnant to me. Synonyms Corrupt, Immoral Synonyms Palpable, Touchable
Antonyms Moral, Principled Antonyms Intangible, Abstract
●Molestation is an obvious sleaze. ●There is no tangible evidence to support
S Slipshod Characterised by a lack of
her claim.

care, thought or organisation; shabby Thrifty Using money and other resources
Scintillate Emit flashes of light, Synonyms Careless, Disorganised carefully and not wastefully
sparkle Antonyms Careful, Meticulous Synonyms Frugal, Prudent
Synonyms Shine, Gleam ●She complained that the Antonyms Extravagant, Generous
Antonym Dull carpenter’s work had been ●He is being thrifty in deciding his
●Stars are scintillating in the sky. slipshod. budget.
GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 449

Throttle To attack or kill someone by Umbrage A feeling of being offended by Vanquish To defeat
choking or strangling; strangle what someone had said or done thoroughly
Synonyms Gag, Smother Synonyms Annoyance, Chagrin Synonyms Conquer, Trounce
Antonyms Release, Let go Antonyms Calmness, Comfort Antonyms Surrender, Yield
●A leader was throttled by the Will she take umbrage if she isn’t invited
● ●The school team was
Maoists. to the party? vanquished in the match.

Tirade A long, angry speech of Unabashed Without any worry about Vaunt Boast about or praise
criticism or accusation possible criticism or embarrassment something, especially
Synonyms Diatribe, Invective Synonyms Brazen, Unashamed excessively
Antonyms Compliment, Praise Antonyms Ashamed, Sheepish Synonyms Boast, Brag
The coach directed a tirade at the Antonyms Deprecate,
● ●He is an unabashed capitalist.
team after the loss. Condemn
Unassuaged Not soothed or relieved ● Even the noblest of fellows
Titanic Extremely powerful, strong, Synonyms Annoyed, Complaining have been known to vaunt a
important or large Antonyms Contented, Pleased bit.
Synonyms Colossal, Gigantic The customer is unassuaged with the
●
Vehement Expressing strong
Antonyms Small, Puny services. feelings; forceful, passionate or
●A titanic wave let the Titanic sink in. intense
Unbridled Not controlled or limited
Titter To give a short, half-suppressed Synonyms Forceful,
Synonyms Unrestricted,
Passionate
laugh; giggle Unrestrained
Antonyms Mild, Apathetic
Synonyms Giggle, Snigger Antonyms Controlled, Restrained
Cry
●The proposal has faced
Antonym ●The unbridled riot caused a lot of damage.
vehement opposition from
● He was tittering on his joke.
Undiscerning Lacking judgement, insight or many people.
Toothsome (Especially of food) taste Venal Willing to do dishonest
attractive or pleasant Synonyms Obtuse, Indiscriminate things in return for money
Synonyms Tasty, Delicious Antonyms Insightful, Perceptive Synonyms Corrupt, Crooked
Antonyms Unpleasant, Unsavoury ● The situation showed undiscerning Antonyms Honest, Ethical
● Pizza is a toothsome food for this character of the lady. ●The country wants to get rid
generation. of venal leaders.
Unequivocal Leaving no doubt;
Torpid Having or showing very little unambiguous Venerable Valued and
energy or movement; not active Synonyms Unambiguous, Absolute respected because of old age,
Synonyms Lethargic, Inactive Antonyms Ambiguous, Doubtful long use etc
Antonyms Energetic, Active ●The church is unequivocal in its Synonyms Revered, Esteemed
●The torpid boy is becoming obese condemnation of the violence. Antonyms Dishonourable,
day-by-day. Disreputable
Unexpurgated (of a text) Complete and
● The Hindu is a venerable
Tout 1. To publicise; praise excessively containing all the original material;
newspaper.
2. To sell tickets unofficially, usually at uncensored
a much higher than the official price Synonyms Exhaustive, Entire Venerate To honour or
Synonyms Laud, Praise Antonyms Censored, Abridged greatly respect a person or
Antonyms Criticise, Blame ●Unexpurgated material was sent for thing
● A local car dealer was touting its proof-reading now. Synonyms Respect, Exalt
wares on the radio. Antonyms Denounce,
Condemn
The Ganges is venerated in
V
●

U India.
Verity An important principle
Ubiquitous Existing everywhere; Vanity 1. Excessive pride in or admiration or fact that is always true
omnipresent of one’s own appearance or achievements. Synonyms Accuracy, Veracity
Synonyms Universal, Prevasive 2. The quality of being worthless or futile Antonyms Falseness,
Antonyms Rare, Scarce Synonyms Egotism, Conceit Falsehood
●Reliance Jio’s advertisements are Antonyms Modesty, Humility ● Revolution of Earth on its
ubiquitous. ● He is in a deep vanity about his abilities. axis is a verity.
450 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Verve Great energy and enthusiasm

Synonyms Vigour, Enthusiasm W X
Antonyms Lethargy, Inactivity
●She delivered her speech with Wallop To strike or hit very hard Xenophobic Extreme dislike or fear of
tremendous verve. Synonyms Bash, Batter foreigners, their customs, their religions
Antonym — etc.
Vindicate To clear someone of ●The peon was walloping the bell Synonyms Animosity, Chauvinism
blame or suspicion, to prove to be continuously. Antonyms Tolerance, Impartiality
right or reasonable, to justify ● Tourist guides cannot be xenophobic.
Synonyms Justify, Acquit Whimper To make a series of low,
Antonyms Blame, Charge feeble sounds expressive of fear, pain
The investigation vindicated her or discontent
Y
●

complaint about the newspaper. Synonyms Sob, Whine

Antonyms Laugh, Chuckle
Virulent 1. (of a disease or poison) The dog that met with the accident
Extremely severe or harmful in its
●
Yank To pull something with a quick
was whimpering in front of the movement
effects. office.
2. Full of hate and violent Synonyms Jerk, Tug
opposition Whisk To take or move someone or Antonym Push
Synonyms Fatal, Malicious something somewhere suddenly and The man yanked at the zip of the bag.
●

Antonyms Harmless, Amicable quickly

● There is a virulent relation Synonyms Dart, Dash
between India and Pakistan these
days.
Antonyms Drag, Slow
●The sacks of grain are taken by
Z
hungry people whiskly.
Vitiate To spoil or impair the Zany Strange, surprising or uncontrolled
quality or efficiency of something Whit A very small part or amount in an amusing way
Synonyms Annihilate, Spoil Synonyms Scrap, Bit
Synonyms Bizzare, Eccentric
Antonyms Fix, Mend Antonyms Lot, Whole
Antonyms Familiar, Sensible
●Mishandling has vitiated the ●The child accepted only a whit of ● His zany behaviour is beyond
quality of machines. the chocolate.
explanation.
Voracious Engaging in an activity Wistful Sad and thinking about Zest Enthusiasm, eagerness, energy and
with great eagerness or enthusiasm something that is impossible or past
interest
Synonyms Insatiable, Synonyms Contemplative, Nostalgic
Uncontrollable Synonyms Enthusiasm, Gutso
Antonyms Cheerful, Happy
Antonyms Satiable, Controllable Antonyms Apathy, Indifference
●I thought about my childhood days
●As a child, I had a voracious and grew wistful.
● His humour added zest to the
appetite for books. performance.
03
GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 451

ANTONYMS

The importance of vocabulary brings the candidate to the questions based on antonyms. Generally, a
good number of 8 to 10 questions are there in this type of question. The questions may be either in
direct format or in sentence format. If the question is in the sentence format, then answer must be
given according to the context there within.

An Antonym is a word that is directly opposite in meaning to a given word.

e.g. The word ‘close’ has its antonym as ‘open’.
Here, both the words are opposite in meaning to each other.
Questions on antonyms are based on direct and sentence format, which are as follow

1. Direct Format
In this format a word is given and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which is opposite
in meaning to the given word.
e.g. Which of the given word is opposite in meaning of the words provided?
DEAD
(a) Moving (b) Life (c) Alive (d) Decease
Explanation (c) ‘Dead’ means no longer alive. To find the antonym of dead, we have to consider its opposite
meaning i.e., not dead or living. ‘Alive’ means ‘living or not dead’. So, option (c) is the correct choice.

2. Sentence Format
In this format one word of a sentence is highlighted and out of the given four options, a word is to be
selected which is opposite in meaning to that of the highlighted word.
e.g. Which of the given words is the antonym of the word written in capital letters?
Police took the ILL man to a hospital.
(a) decease (b) moving (c) life (d) healthy
Explanation (d) The opposite of ‘ill’ is ‘healthy’. So, the right answer is (d).
452 NDA/NA Pathfinder

CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY

FIND THE ANTONYM OF GIVEN WORDS
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-50) In the 16. SULLEN 32. ELAN
following items, which of the given (a) Dirty (b) Cheerful (a) Inelegance (b) Stupidity
word is opposite in meaning of the (c) Clean (d) Risen (c) Obscure (d) Despair
words provided.
17. ASSURE 33. RECONDITE
1. DETAIN (a) Alarm (b) Reassure (a) Manifest (b) Flexible
(a) Release (b) Silence (c) Quiet (d) Unsure (c) Provident (d) Sociable
(c) Forget (d) Prosper
18. FALLACIOUS 34. GAINSAY
2. FAMOUS (a) Perfect (b) Truthful (a) Regret (b) Own
(a) Boring (b) Poor (c) Accidental (d) Disarming (c) Prudent (d) Prude
(c) Obscure (d) Untalented
19. GUMPTION 35. EFFLUVIUM
3. COLOSSAL (a) Seriousness (b) Apathy (a) Land (b) Essential
(a) Easy (b) Tiny (c) Levity (d) Despair (c) Fragrance (d) Solid
(c) Graceful (d) Fool
20. ECSTASY 36. PARSIMONY
4. FLUID (a) Gate (b) Agony (a) Generosity (b) Sinfulness
(a) Solid (b) Liquid (c) Languor (d) Fatigue (c) Verbosity (d) Tenderness
(c) Afraid (d) Decent
21. ASTUTE 37. TRUCULENT
5. CONTINUE (a) Distraught (b) Careful (a) Faltering (b) Gentle
(a) Curve (b) Argue (c) Generous (d) Foolish (c) Facile (d) Submissive
(c) Carry (d) Pause
22. WINSOME 38. SPURIOUS
6. LABOUR (a) Dour (b) Attractive (a) Disingenuous (b) Thoughtless
(a) Amuse (b) Cat (c) Mysterious (d) Clever (c) Placid (d) Genuine
(c) Rest (d) Strive
23. DROLL 39. WELTER
7. BRAWNY (a) Forget (b) Charm (a) Order (b) Freeze
(a) Swift (b) Weak (c) Sedate (d) Absurd (c) Patron (d) Sustain
(c) Strong (d) Pale
24. ENIGMATIC 40. ECLAT
8. FICKLE (a) Healthy (b) Watchful (a) Apathy (b) Dullness
(a) Steady (b) Kind (c) Disastrous (d) Obvious (c) Silence (d) Disinterest
(c) Please (d) Finagle
25. OBTUSE 41. PESSIMISTIC
9. INEPT (a) Slim (b) Acute (a) Indifferent (b) Ascetic
(a) Clumsy (b) Infer (c) Opaque (d) Thick (c) Helpful (d) Hopeful
(c) Competent (d) Foolish
26. OBSEQUIOUS 42. ANALOGOUS
10. PIVOTAL (a) Clear (b) Clever (a) Similar
(a) Turning (b) Wavy (c) Domineering (d) Dandified (b) Uncritical
(c) Unimportant (d) Clear (c) Disproportionate
27. DOLEFUL
11. CURSED (a) Empty (b) Rich (d) Dissimilar
(a) Swore (b) Pious (c) Witty (d) Elated 43. EVIDENT
(c) Unfortunate (d) Lucky (a) Unnoticeable
28. WANTON
12. CANDID (a) Merciful (b) Repast (b) Observed
(a) Unkind (b) Blunt (c) Brilliant (d) Vicious (c) Seen
(c) Valid (d) Dishonest (d) Calculated
29. BANAL
13. FLAUNT (a) Sincere (b) Wealthy 44. THICK SKINNED
(a) Regard (b) Sink (c) Extraordinary (d) Trustworthy (a) Insensitive (b) Sensitive
(c) Hide (d) Propose (c) Resolute (d) Different
30. LUGUBRIOUS
14. HEAL (a) Quick (b) Cheerful 45. ELEGANCE
(a) Sew (b) Foot (c) Salubrious (d) Dry (a) Balance (b) Savagery
(c) Good (d) Maim (c) Dullness (d) Politeness
31. PERSPICACIOUS
15. PACIFY (a) Calm (b) Easy 46. STERN
(a) Excite (b) Land (c) Dull (d) Winsome (a) Violent (b) Genial
(c) Coddle (d) Unhand (c) Great (d) Crowded
GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 453

47. INCREDIBLE 58. ESCALATING prices are 71. His behaviour at social
(a) Hard to believe causing hardship to the poor. gatherings is LAUDABLE.
(b) Hard to understand (a) Fixed (b) Fluctuating (a) condemnable (b) impolite
(c) Believable (c) Falling (d) Reasonable (c) unpleasant (d) repulsive
(d) Conspicous 59. I have MALICE towards none. 72. The characters in this story are
48. ERSATZ (a) sympathy (b) goodwill not all FICTITIOUS.
(a) Genuine (c) friendship (d) attraction (a) common (b) factual
(b) Artificial 60. The boy comes of an (c) real (d) genuine
(c) Old AFFLUENT family. 73. The RELUCTANCE of the officer
(d) Outdated (a) poor (b) ordinary was obvious.
49. CANTANKEROUS (c) infamous (d) backward (a) eagerness (b) hesitation
(a) Bad-tempered (b) Sleepy 61. What the critic said about this (c) enjoyment (d) unwillingness
(c) Affable (d) Polymath new book was ABSURD? 74. He is a GENEROUS man.
50. NEOPHYTE (a) interesting (b) impartial (a) stingy (b) uncharitable
(a) Expert (b) Beginner (c) sensible (d) ridiculous (c) selfish (d) ignoble
(c) Gardener (d) Introvert 62. The issue raised in the form 75. The officer EXAGGERATED the
can be IGNORED. damage caused by the rowdies.
Directions (Q. Nos. 51-100) Each (a) removed (b) considered (a) underwrote
item in this section consists of a (c) set aside (d) debated (b) condemned
capital word in given sentence. Each 63. After swallowing the frog, the (c) ignored
sentence is followed by four words. snake had become (d) underestimated
Select the word which is most LETHARGIC. 76. The speaker was unable to
opposite in meaning to the capital (a) aggressive (b) dull PACIFY the crowd.
word. (c) active (d) hungry (a) excite (b) antagonise
51. All care is FUTILE in a cureless 64. For the first time, I saw him (c) threaten (d) challenge
case. speaking RUDELY to her. 77. His officer was a very STRICT
(a) waste (b) expensive (a) softly (b) gently person.
(c) useful (d) cheap (c) politely (d) slowly (a) pleasant (b) open hearted
52. REVELATION of facts became 65. Dust storms and polluted rivers (c) lenient (d) indifferent
very easy when I investigated have made it HAZARDOUS to 78. SERVITUDE is not helpful for
the case. breathe the air and drink the mental growth.
(a) Rejection (b) Elimination water. (a) Disservice (b) Retirement
(c) Concealment (d) Introduction (a) convenient (b) risky (c) Freedom (d) Termination
53. The story you have just told is (c) wrong (d) safe 79. His attitude to poor people is
INCREDIBLE. 66. Only hard work can ENRICH DEPLORABLE.
(a) credible (b) fantastic our country. (a) commendable (b) miserable
(c) probable (d) believable (a) impoverish (b) improve (c) equitable (d) desirable
54. His assignments have taken (c) increase (d) involve 80. The guest made DEROGATORY
him to many EXOTIC locations 67. He is a man of remarks about the food he was
around the world. EXTRAVAGANT habits. served.
(a) wonderful (b) cosmopolitan (a) sensible (b) careful (a) interesting (b) complimentary
(c) irrelevant (d) common (c) economical (d) balanced (c) unnecessary (d) cheerful
55. He has given up his VICIOUS 68. They employ only DILIGENT 81. He has an AVERSION to milk.
habits. workers. (a) dear (b) loving
(a) godly (b) virtuous (a) unskilled (b) lazy (c) liking (d) pet
(c) sublime (d) friendly (c) careless (d) idle 82. The PAUCITY of good teachers
56. The doctor found the patient 69. His success in the preliminary is the chief reason for the
INERT. examination made him present condition of these
(a) active (b) lazy COMPLACENT. schools.
(c) strong (d) resolute (a) discontented (b) self-satisfied (a) presence (b) surplus
57. The issue was raised (c) curious (d) militant (c) appointment (d) retention
TANGENTIALLY in the 70. In this competition, he has 83. Don’t you think his account of
negotiations. become the VICTOR. things was MONOTONOUS?
(a) partly (b) forcefully (a) beaten (b) frustrated (a) agreeable (b) acceptable
(c) candidly (d) fitfully (c) disappointed (d) vanquished (c) varied (d) indecent
454 NDA/NA Pathfinder

84. SPURIOUS drugs can prove to 90. I was upset by his HOSTILE 95. His BOORISH ways entertained
be fatal. attitude. the group.
(a) Virtuous (b) Inferior (a) friendly (b) negative (a) enthusiastic (b) funny
(c) Genuine (d) Contemptuous (c) positive (d) inimical (c) refined (d) magical
85. Kapil’s bowling yesterday 91. Yuvraj Singh is suffering from a 96. His performance was
proved very COSTLY. BENIGN cancer. CAPTIVATING.
(a) economical (b) frugal (a) unfriendly (b) friendly (a) poor (b) excellent
(c) thrifty (d) expensive (c) fatal (d) malignant (c) allergic (d) enthralling
86. I cannot see much LIKENESS 92. He is a NOTED figure of film 97. A VIGILANT constable evaded
between the two boys. industry. the possible bomb blast in Delhi.
(a) enmity (b) hatred (a) known (b) unknown (a) sleeping (b) incautious
(c) difference (d) dislike (c) famous (d) infamous (c) coward (d) lazy
87. I am still DUBIOUS about that 93. SAGACIOUS decisions taken at 98. Please CONFIRM me whether
plan. right time in career has long you are coming or not in the
(a) certain (b) doubtful effects. party.
(c) docile (d) faithful (a) Foolish (a) inform (b) deny
(b) Intelligent (c) reject (d) avoid
88. The wise say that life is meant
(c) Thoughtful
not merely to ACCUMULATE 99. Raju is so TACTFUL that he
(d) Intuitive
wealth but for self-realisation. would manage the loss.
(a) amass (b) produce 94. The drug will have (a) unintelligent (b) slow
(c) scatter (d) gather PERNICIOUS effect on your (c) poor (d) rough
health.
89. He will never TURN DOWN 100. It is a wrong NOTION that
(a) beneficial
your request. everything depends on luck.
(b) prolonged
(a) turn up (b) turn over (a) principle (b) reality
(c) ruinous
(c) reject (d) accept (c) fantasy (d) law
(d) poor

QUESTIONS FROM
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016)
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-73) Each item in this section consists of a capital word in given sentences. Each sentence is
followed by four words. Select the word which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capital word.
2012 (I) 5. A large number of designer 9. The accused emphatically
1. The COMPLAINANT was not clothes are REVOLTING. DENIED the charge in the court.
supportive of providing all facts (a) inviting (b) beautiful (a) accepted (b) agreed
in the court. (c) fashionable (d) delightful (c) asserted (d) affirmed
(a) defendant (b) advocate
(c) indulgence (d) servant 6. Though they are twins, they 10. This cloth is a COARSE of touch.
look very DIFFERENT. (a) delicate (b) rough
2. Living in a SOLITARY place (a) regular (b) same (c) painful (d) harsh
brings in some kind of (c) similar (d) uniform
satisfaction.
(a) limited (b) exotic 7. RECESSION is a major cause 2012 (II)
(c) healthy (d) populous of unemployment.
11. A small ALTERCATION between
(a) Education
3. They spent a DISTURBED the children started off a riot.
(b) Inflation
night after hearing the tragic (a) quarrel
news. (c) Poverty
(b) friendly discussion
(a) restless (b) sleepless (d) Computerisation
(c) contest
(c) mournful (d) peaceful 8. He finally CONCEDED that he (d) race
4. We have CREATED a beautiful was involved in smuggling.
12. He agreed reluctantly to sign the
new house from out of the old (a) admitted
form but looked ILL AT EASE.
ruin. (b) accepted
(a) embarrassed (b) comfortable
(a) destroyed (b) built (c) denied
(c) welcome (d) easy
(c) constructed (d) planned (d) concealed
GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 455

13. My mother has been working 25. These people are sunk in 37. The railway lines are
hard for the last two weeks and abysmal ignorance and their EXTENDED and we are quite
she feels RUN DOWN. illiteracy is simply COLOSSAL. happy about it.
(a) energetic (b) cold (a) intolerable (b) huge (a) protracted (b) widened
(c) emotional (d) morbid (c) small (d) silly (c) curtailed (d) elongated
14. The three states signed a pact 26. Previously per capita income 38. There was a fire this morning.
to have COLLECTIVE economy. used to INCREASE by seven They were lucky to ESCAPE it.
(a) distributive (b) disintegrative rupees per year. (a) arrest (b) elude
(c) individual (d) divided (a) dwindle (b) diminish (c) evade (d) conceive
15. He was deeply hurt by her (c) mitigate (d) profit 39. Domestic violence is a very
CURT reply. 27. In the modern times, we find INHUMAN act.
(a) abrupt (b) short that most social relationships (a) indifferent
(c) expansive (d) rude are rather ARTIFICIAL. (b) compassionate
16. He was asked to ACCELERATE (a) decent (b) genuine (c) terrible
the pace of work. (c) excellent (d) adorable (d) ferocious
(a) slacken (b) control 28. Social LIBERTY may be 40. His ELOQUENT speech helped
(c) speed (d) supervise instrumental in the emotional him bag the award.
growth of a person. (a) lucid (b) vivid
17. The child was ABDUCTED
(a) constraint (b) slavery (c) short (d) inarticulate
when he was going to school.
(c) compulsion (d) obligation
(a) seized (b) set free
(c) kidnapped (d) ransomed 29. Education is most ESSENTIAL 2014 (I)
for the all round development of
18. The baby has a very DELICATE 41. FRAIL
a person.
body. (a) Strong (b) Big
(a) unimportant (b) disdainful
(a) crude (b) strong (c) Old (d) Weak
(c) customary (d) redundant
(c) hard (d) bony 42. INDIGENOUS
30. He was extremely MODEST in
19. The government has (a) Genuine (b) Foreign
company.
ENHANCED the tuition fees in (c) Indigent (d) Indignant
(a) curious (b) virtuous
schools and colleges. 43. POVERTY
(c) unassuming (d) immodest
(a) magnified (a) Prosperity (b) Adversary
(b) aggravated (c) Adversity (d) Diversity
(c) decreased 2013 (II)
(d) augmented 44. WHOLESOME
31. His CANDID remarks impressed (a) Complete
20. He aims at PERFECTION in the authorities. (b) Unhealthy
whatever job he undertakes. (a) blunt (b) guarded (c) Incomprehensible
(a) deficiency (b) immaturity (c) sincere (d) unconventional (d) Few
(c) badness (d) completeness 32. The guilty appealed to the jury
to CONDONE his punishment.
2013 (I) (a) accept (b) forgive
2014 (II)
(c) condemn (d) criticise 45. His short but pointed speech
21. Her illness ENERVATED the was APPLAUDED by all
whole family. 33. His family SEVERED ties with
sections of the audience.
(a) enhanced (b) exhausted him for marrying inter-caste.
(a) disapproved
(c) weakened (d) energised (a) joined (b) included
(b) misunderstood
(c) detached (d) disrupted
22. The teacher INSERTED another (c) praised
picture to illustrate the point. 34. It is easy to understand his (d) welcomed
(a) deducted (b) added FUZZY thoughts.
46. In ancient India, scholars had
(c) removed (d) reclined (a) misty (b) vague
no interest in political power or
(c) clear (d) useful
23. The committee rejected his MATERIAL growth.
LUDICROUS proposal. 35. He drove his car through SLIMY (a) internal (b) spiritual
(a) absurd (b) reasonable road to reach your office. (c) psychic (d) celestial
(c) farcical (d) stupid (a) ugly (b) clean
47. A FRIENDLY dog met us at the
(c) beautiful (d) slippery
24. Children ADORE the cricket farm gate.
players. 36. We are ANXIOUS to avoid any (a) helpful
(a) discuss (b) condemn problems with regard to this. (b) understanding
(c) benefit (d) check (a) cool (b) composed (c) quiet
(c) careless (d) worried (d) hostile
456 NDA/NA Pathfinder

48. He is extremely INTELLIGENT 56. The new manager of the bank is 2016 (I)
but proud. URBANE in his manners.
64. He handled the machine with
(a) dull (b) weak (a) civilised (b) slow
DEFT fingers.
(c) ignorant (d) arrogant (c) rude (d) foolish (a) delicate (b) sturdy
49. The young leader was 57. It is necessary to develop (c) quick (d) clumsy
RELUCTANT to shoulder the THRIFTY habits to be able to 65. I was deeply affected by his
responsibilities of the lead a comfortable life. URBANE behaviour.
ministerial office. (a) expensive (b) extravagant (a) rural (b) rude
(a) wanting (b) willing (c) economical (d) good (c) irrational (d) indifferent
(c) anxious (d) eager 58. Many people suffer because of 66. His TIMIDITY proved costly.
50. He ABANDONED his family. PRIDE. (a) arrogance (b) boldness
(a) supported (b) encouraged (a) lowliness (b) submission (c) skilfulness (d) cunning
(c) pleased (d) saved (c) humility (d) obedience 67. Arrangements were made to
51. History ABOUNDS in instances handle the MAMMOTH
of courage. 2015 (II) gathering tactfully.
(a) shines (b) lacks (a) significant (b) small
59. He CONCEALED his thoughts (c) unruly (d) noisy
(c) suffices (d) fails
very cleverly.
52. ADVERSITY teaches man to be (a) emphasised 68. He was ENGROSSED in his
humble and self-reliant. work when I walked in.
(b) expressed
(a) Sincerity (b) Animosity (a) occupied (b) inattentive
(c) affirmed
(c) Curiosity (d) Prosperity (c) engaged (d) absent
(d) revealed
53. Like poverty, AFFLUENCE can 69. These are the main points of the
60. The proposal was PRECEDING paragraph.
sometimes create its own DENOUNCED by one and all. (a) following (b) previous
problems. (a) renounced (c) first (d) last
(a) indigence (b) opulence (b) recommended
(c) sorrow (d) exuberance (c) announced 70. He made a SHREWD guess.
(a) clever (b) wild
54. The habit of SQUANDERING (d) commended
(c) incorrect (d) discriminating
money should not be 61. She was SKEPTICAL about the
encouraged. 71. He is suffering from a SEVERE
safety of the new drug. cough.
(a) discarding (b) hoarding (a) doubtful (b) certain (a) violent (b) mild
(c) donating (d) stealing (c) hopeful (d) sanguine (c) bad (d) continuous
62. The answers to the question 72. CUMULATIVELY, the effect of
2015 (I) were COHERENT. these drugs is quite bad.
55. John is always SHABBILY (a) relaxed (b) loose (a) Individually (b) Obviously
dressed. (c) consistent (d) disconnected (c) Clearly (d) Collectively
(a) decently 63. It was no ALTRUISTIC motive 73. He was CONSPICUOUS
(b) beautifully that prompted him to help her. because of his colourful shirt.
(c) extravagantly (a) selfish (b) inhuman (a) charming (b) ugly
(d) scantily (c) brutal (d) wicked (c) small (d) unnoticeable

ANSWERS
Check Your Vocabulary
1 a 2 c 3 b 4 a 5 d 6 c 7 b 8 a 9 c 10 c
11 d 12 d 13 c 14 d 15 a 16 b 17 a 18 b 19 b 20 b
21 d 22 a 23 c 24 d 25 b 26 c 27 d 28 a 29 c 30 b
31 c 32 d 33 a 34 b 35 c 36 a 37 b 38 d 39 a 40 b
41 d 42 d 43 a 44 b 45 c 46 b 47 c 48 a 49 c 50 a
51 c 52 c 53 a 54 d 55 b 56 a 57 c 58 c 59 b 60 a
61 c 62 b 63 c 64 c 65 d 66 a 67 c 68 b 69 a 70 d
71 a 72 c 73 a 74 a 75 d 76 a 77 c 78 c 79 a 80 b
81 c 82 b 83 c 74 c 85 a 86 c 87 a 88 c 89 d 90 a
91 d 92 b 93 a 94 a 95 c 96 c 97 b 98 b 99 a 100 b
GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 457

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)

1 a 2 d 3 d 4 a 5 a 6 c 7 b 8 c 9 a 10 a
11 b 12 b 13 a 14 c 15 c 16 a 17 b 18 b 19 c 20 a
21 d 22 c 23 b 24 b 25 c 26 b 27 b 28 a 29 a 30 d
31 b 32 c 33 a 34 c 35 b 36 b 37 c 38 a 39 b 40 d
41 a 42 b 43 a 44 b 45 a 46 b 47 d 48 a 49 b 50 a
51 b 52 d 53 a 54 b 55 a 56 c 57 b 58 c 59 d 60 b
61 b 62 d 63 a 64 d 65 b 66 b 67 b 68 b 69 a 70 c
71 b 72 a 73 d

EXPLANATIONS
Check Your Vocabulary
1. (a) Detain means hold or keep back 13. (c) Flaunt means show off, therefore 23. (c) Droll means to have a humorous
then its opposite will be ‘release’ ‘hide’ is its opposite. or odd quality then its opposite will
which means ‘let go’. be ‘sedate’ which means ‘unruffled
14. (d) Heal means restore to health then
2. (c) Famous means widely known or serious’.
its opposite will be ‘maim’ which
then its opposite will be ‘obscure’ means to ‘injure’. 24. (d) Enigmatic means mysterious or
which means ‘little known’. obscure, therefore ‘obvious’ is its
15. (a) Pacify means soothe or calm, opposite.
3. (b) Colossal means incredibly large, therefore ‘excite’ is its opposite.
therefore ‘tiny’ is its opposite. 25. (b) Obtuse means insensitive or
16. (b) Sullen means showing a stupid then its opposite will be
4. (a) Fluid is a substance that flows disagreeable mood or lacking cheer,
then its opposite will be ‘solid’ which ‘acute’ which means ‘marked by keen
therefore ‘cheerful’ is its opposite. perception or shrewd’.
means ‘does not flow’.
17. (a) Assure means make sure by 26. (c) Obsequious means ‘too eager to
5. (d) Continue means act without
interruption then its opposite will be removing doubt or worry then its help or obey someone important’,
‘pause’ which means ‘stop opposite will be ‘alarm’ which means then its opposite will be
temporarily’. ‘to give warning or to arouse fear’. ‘domineering’ which means ‘play the
dictator or bully’.
6. (c) Labour means work then its 18. (b) Fallacious means not true or
accurate. So, ‘truthful’ is its opposite. 27. (d) Doleful means full of grief or
opposite will be ‘rest’ which means
cheerless then its opposite will be
‘cease working’. 19. (b) Gumption means initiative or ‘elated’ which means ‘very happy
7. (b) Brawny means muscled or strong, drive then its opposite will be ‘apathy’ and excited’.
therefore ‘weak’ is its opposite. which means ‘a lack of interest or 28. (a) The meaning of wanton is
8. (a) Fickle means to lack steadiness, concern’. malicious or merciless, therefore
therefore ‘steady’ is its opposite. ‘merciful’ is its opposite.
20. (b) Ecstasy means a state of
9. (c) Inept means to lack competence, rapturous delight then its opposite 29. (c) Banal means trite or common
therefore ‘competent’ is its opposite. will be ‘agony’ which means ‘intense place, therefore ‘extraordinary’ is its
pain of mind or body’. opposite.
10. (c) Pivotal means very important or
crucial, therefore ‘unimportant’ is its 30. (b) Lugubrious means mournful or
21. (d) Astute means shrewd or mentally
opposite. dismal, therefore ‘cheerful’ is its
sharp or clever. So, ‘foolish’ is its
opposite.
11. (d) Cursed means a cause of trouble antonym.
or bad luck. So, ‘lucky’ is its 31. (c) Perspicacious means quick in
22. (a) Winsome means cheerful and noticing, understanding or judging
antonym.
engaging then its opposite will be things accurately therefore, ‘dull’ is
12. (d) Candid means to be frank or ‘dour’ which means ‘gloomy or its opposite.
honest, therefore ‘dishonest’ is its sullen’.
opposite.
458 NDA/NA Pathfinder

32. (d) Elan means vigorous spirit or 50. (a) Neophyte means novice. So, 69. (a) Complacent means too satisfied
enthusiasm then its opposite will be ‘expert’ is its antonym. with yourself or with a situation. So,
‘despair’ which means ‘an utter loss 51. (c) Futile means having no purpose. ‘discontented’ is its antonym.
of hope’. So, its antonym will be ‘useful’. 70. (d) Victor means the winner. Its
33. (a) Recondite means not understood 52. (c) Revelation means making people opposite will be ‘vanquished’ which
or known by many people then its aware of something. So, its antonym means ‘defeated’.
opposite will be ‘manifest’ which will be ‘concealment’. 71. (a) Laudable means praiseworthy. Its
means ‘easily understood or
53. (a) ‘Incredible’ means impossible or opposite will be ‘condemnable’ which
recognised’.
very difficult to believe. So, its means ‘insulting’.
34. (b) Gainsay means deny then its antonym will be ‘credible’.
opposite will be ‘own’ which means 72. (c) Fictitious means something that
‘to admit’. 54. (d) Exotic means seeming exciting is not real. So, its antonym will be
and unusual, so ‘common’ will be the ‘real’.
35. (c) Effluvium means an offensive opposite word of exotic.
smell then its opposite will be 73. (a) Reluctance means unwillingness
‘fragrance’ which means ‘a sweet or 55. (b) Vicious means violent and cruel. to do something. Its opposite will be
delicate odor’. So, its antonym will be ‘virtuous’. ‘eagerness’ which means ‘willingness
56. (a) Inert means without power to to do something’.
36. (a) Parsimony means thrift or
stinginess, therefore ‘generosity’ is its move or act. So, ‘active’ is its 74. (a) Generous means willing to give
opposite. antonym. people more of your time or money.
37. (b) Truculent means cruel or savage, 57. (c) Tangentially means having slight Its opposite will be ‘stingy' which
therefore ‘gentle’ is its opposite. or indirect connection. So, its means ‘not giving willingly or miser’.
antonym will be ‘candidly’, which 75. (d) Exaggerated means to make or
38. (d) Spurious means lacking genuine means outspoken or frank.
qualities or false, therefore ‘genuine’ show something greater than usual.
is its opposite. 58. (c) Escalating means increasing Its opposite will be ‘underestimated’
rapidly. So, ‘falling’ is its antonym. which means ‘to diminish or lesson
39. (a) Welter means a state of wild the quality of something or
disorder or turmoil, therefore ‘order’ 59. (b) Malice means ill-will or desire to
do harm. So, its antonym will be someone’.
is its opposite.
‘goodwill’. 76. (a) Pacify means to make someone
40. (b) Eclat means a dazzling effect or
60. (a) Affluent means having a lot of calm and silent. Its opposite will be
brilliance, therefore ‘dullness’ is its
money and a good standard. So, ‘excite’ which means ‘to provoke
opposite.
‘poor’ would be the antonym of this someone to do something’.
41. (d) Pessimistic is one who tends to word.
see the worst aspect of things. So, 77. (c) Strict means hard or tough in
‘hopeful’ is its antonym. 61. (c) Absurd means not logical and attitude or action, but ‘lenient’ means
sensible. So, its antonym will be ‘soft hearted and friendly’.
42. (d) Analogous is similar in some ‘sensible’.
way. So, ‘dissimilar’ is its antonym. 78. (c) Servitude means slavery, but
62. (b) Ignore means to pay no ‘freedom’ means ‘to make free from
43. (a) Evident means obvious or attention. So, its antonym will be all bonds’.
noticeable. So, ‘unnoticeable’ is its ‘considered’, which means ‘to pay
antonym. 79. (a) Deplorable means deserving
attention’.
strong condemnation, but
44. (b) Thick-skinned refers to a person 63. (c) Lethargic means not having any ‘commendable’ means ‘deserving
who does not get upset or offended energy. So, its antonym will be praise’.
by things other people say. So, ‘active’.
‘sensitive’ is its antonym. 80. (b) Derogatory means showing a
64. (c) Rudely means showing lack of critical or disrespectful attitude, but
45. (c) Elegance is the quality of being respect. So, its antonym will be
graceful and stylish in appearence or ‘complimentary’ means ‘showing
‘politely’. respect to other or praise someone’.
manner. So, ‘dullness’ is its antonym.
65. (d) Hazardous means dangerous. So, 81. (c) Aversion means strong dislike for
46. (b) Stern means very serious its antonym will be ‘safe’.
especially in an unfriendly way. So, something, but ‘liking’ means ‘a
‘genial’ is its antonym. 66. (a) Enrich means to improve the feeling of fondness for something’.
quality of something. So, its
47. (c) Incredible is difficult or 82. (b) Paucity means small amount of
antonym will be ‘impoverish’ which
impossible to believe. So, ‘believable’ something, but ‘surplus’ means ‘more
means ‘to reduce the quality of
is its antonym. than what is needed’.
something’.
48. (a) Ersatz is artificial or copied from 83. (c) Monotonous means lacking in
67. (c) Extravagant means lavish. Its
something else. So, ‘genuine’ is its opposite will be ‘economical’ which variation, but ‘varied’ means ‘number
antonym. means ‘not so costly’. of different types showing variety’.
49. (c) Cantankerous is bad-tempered. 68. (b) Diligent means hardworking. Its 84. (c) Spurious means false or fake, but
So, ‘affable’ is its antonym. opposite will be ‘lazy’. ‘genuine’ means ‘authentic’.
GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 459

85. (a) Costly’ means expensive. 90. (a) Hostile means ‘not friendly’. So, 96. (c) Captivating means charming. So,
‘economical’ means ‘inexpensive’ or friendly will be its opposite word. ‘allergic’ is its antonym, which means
‘low-priced’, so it is the opposite 91. (d) Benign means not harmful in unbearable.
of the costly. effect. So, ‘malignant’ is its antonym, 97. (b) Vigilant means cautious. So,
86. (c) Likeness means resemblence, which means harmful. ‘incautious’ is its antonym, which
similarity, so ‘difference’ is the 92. (b) Noted means famous. So, means careless.
most appropriate opposite. ‘unknown’ is its antonym. 98. (b) Confirm is establish the truth or
87. (a) Dubious means doubtful, 93. (a) Sagacious is having or shwoing correctness of something. So, ‘deny’ is
questionable. Its opposite will be keen mental discernment and good its antonym.
‘certain’ which means judgement. So, ‘foolish’ is its antonym.
99. (a) Tactful means having or showing
‘unquestionable’ or ‘undoubting’. 94. (a) Pernicious means having a harmful skill and sensitivity in dealing with
88. (c) Accumulate means ‘to gather’. effect. So, ‘beneficial’ is its antonym, others or with difficult issues. So,
So, scatter will be its opposite which means favourable. ‘unintelligent’ is its antonym.
word. 95. (c) Boorish means rough and 100. (b) Notion means a conception of or
89. (d) Turn down means reject. So, bad-mannered. So, ‘refined’ is its belief about something. So, ‘reality’ is
its opposite is ‘accept’. antonym, which means its antonym.
well-mannered.

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)

1. (a) Complainant is a legal 9. (a) Deny means do not admit or 18. (b) Delicate means easily damagable.
expression that means a person accept. So, ‘accepted’ is the correct ‘Strong ’ is the obvious antonym of it,
who makes a formal complaint in antonym. which means ‘tough’.
a court of law. In the given
10. (a) The word coarse here in this 19. (c) ‘Enhanced’ means to raise the value
choices, ‘defendant’ is its antonym.
sentence, means rough. So, its antonym or price. Its opposite will be ‘decrease’
2. (d) Solitary means unsociable or would be ‘delicate’, which means ‘soft’. which means ‘to lessen something’.
lonely. Its antonym would be
‘populous’. 11. (b) Altercation means a noisy argument 20. (a) Perfection means the state of being
or disagreement. So, ‘friendly discussion’ without fault. Deficiency is its opposite
3. (d) Within the context of this is the obvious antonym of it. as it means ‘a failing or shortcoming’.
sentence, the antonym of disturbed
would be ‘peaceful’. All other three 12. (b) Ill at ease means to be worried and 21. (d) Enervate means to weaken
words have more or less negative not relaxed. Its antonym would be mentally or morally. Its opposite will
meaning similar to that of ‘comfortable’ which means ‘without be ‘energise’ which means ‘to make
disturbed. difficulty’. someone enthusiastic’.
4. (a) Destroyed is the obvious 13. (a) Run down means very tired. Its 22. (c) Inserted means to put something
antonym of created, which means opposite will be ‘energetic’ which into something. Its opposite will be
‘demolished’. means ‘full of energy’. So, they both ‘remove’ which means ‘to take
5. (a) Within the context of this are antonyms to each other. something away’.
sentence, the antonym of 14. (c) Collective means forming a whole 23. (b) Ludicrous means very silly or
revolting would be ‘inviting’. or combined together. Its opposite will ridiculous. Its opposite will be
Revolting means disgusting be ‘individual’ which means ‘being ‘reasonable’ which means ‘fair and
whereas ‘inviting’ means ‘attractive’. single’. So, they both are antonyms to sensible’.
6. (c) In this sentence, the contextual each other. 24. (b) Adore means to love and admire
meaning of different is not similar. 15. (c) Curt means short and not polite someone very deeply. Its opposite will
So, ‘similar’ is the correct antonym. and ‘expansive’ means ‘friendly’ or be ‘condemn’ which means ‘to criticise
7. (b) Recession means a temporary ‘polite’. So, they both are the opposite someone strongly’.
economic decline during which words. 25. (c) Colossal means extremely huge. Its
trade and industry activity are opposite will be ‘small’ which means
16. (a) Accelerate means to make
reduced. In the context of the ‘little’ or ‘not large.’
something happen more quickly. Its
given sentence, the antonym of
recession is ‘inflation’. opposite will be ‘slacken’ which means 26. (b) The opposite of ‘increase’ is
‘to make slower’. ‘diminish’ which means ‘to reduce
8. (c) The word concede means to something’.
admit, often unwillingly, that 17. (b) Abducted means ‘to kidnap
something is true. Among the someone’. ‘Set free’ is the correct 27. (b) Artificial means not real. Its
options ‘denied’ is its antonym. antonym of it, which means ‘to release opposite will be ‘genuine’ which means
someone’. ‘something that is true’.
460 NDA/NA Pathfinder

28. (a) Liberty means freedom to do 41. (a) Frail means weak. So, its antonym 57. (b) Thrifty means economical or
something what you want. Its is ‘strong’ which means ‘powerful’. money saving. Its opposite will be
opposite will be ‘constraint’ which ‘extravagant’ which means ‘spend
42. (b) Indigenous means native or
means ‘something that limits a person much’.
or thing’. belonging naturally to a place. So,
‘foreign’ is its antonym. 58. (c) Pride here means the belief that
29. (a) Essential means something that is you are better or more important
very necessary. Its opposite will be 43. (a) Poverty means being poor or the than other people. So, ‘humility’ will
‘unimportant’ which means ‘not state of being poor. So, ‘prosperity’ is be its correct antonym, which means
important’. its antonym. humble feeling.
30. (d) Modest means not telling too 44. (b) Wholesome implies healthy or 59. (d) Concealed means to hide. So, its
much about your own abilities. healthful. So, its opposite is antonym will be ‘revealed’ which
‘Immodest’ has just opposite meaning ‘unhealthy’. means ‘to disclose’.
of ‘modest’. 45. (a) Applauded means praised. So, 60. (b) Denounced means to criticise. So,
31. (b) Candid means speaking openly ‘disapproved’ is its correct antonym ‘recommended’ is its antonym that
and honestly. Its opposite will be which means ‘not praised or means ‘to praise’.
‘guarded’ which means ‘not showing criticised’. 61. (b) Skeptical means doubtful, so
your feeling’. correct antonym will be ‘certain’.
46. (b) Material means earthly or related
32. (c) Condone means to accept to wealth. So, ‘spiritual’ is the correct 62. (d) Coherent means in connection to
behaviour that is morally wrong. Its antonym which means ‘divine’. one another. So, ‘disconnected’ is just
opposite will be ‘condemn’ which opposite in its meaning.
means ‘to express strong disapproval 47. (d) Friendly means kind and pleasant.
for moral reasons’. So, ‘hostile’ is the correct antonym 63. (a) Altruistic means not selfish, so its
which means ‘unfriendly’. correct antonym is ‘selfish’.
33. (a) Severed means to completely end
a relationship with somebody. Its 48. (a) Intelligent means smart. So, ‘dull’ 64. (d) Deft means skillful and quick. Its
opposite will be ‘join’ which means ‘to is its correct antonym which means opposite will be ‘clumsy’ which means
connect’. ‘stupid’. ‘doing something without skill’.
34. (c) Fuzzy means confused. It opposite 49. (b) Reluctant means unwilling. So, 65. (b) Urbane means confident and
will be ‘clear’ which means ‘easy to ‘willing’ is the correct antonym which well-mannered. Its opposite will be
understand’. means ‘ready’. ‘rude’ which means ‘being impolite’.
35. (b) Slimy means covered with 50. (a) Abandoned means to leave and 66. (b) Timidity means showing a lack of
unpleasant liquid or substance. Its never return to someone who needs courage or confidence. Hence,
opposite will be ‘clean’ which means ‘boldness’ is its opposite.
protection or help. So, ‘supported’ will
‘not dirty’. be its antonym. 67. (b) Mammoth means extremely large.
36. (b) Anxious means ‘very eager or Therefore, ‘small’ is its opposite.
51. (b) Abounds means exist in large
concerned to do something or for numbers. So, ‘lacks’ is the correct 68. (b) Engrossed means absorb all the
something to happen’. Its opposite antonym which means ‘deficit’. attention or interest of someone. So,
will be composed, which means calm. ‘inattentive’ is its opposite.
52. (d) Adversity means a difficult or
37. (c) Extended means to make 69. (a) Preceding means coming before in
unlucky situation. So, ‘prosperity’ is its
something longer or larger. Its order. Its opposite will be ‘following’
correct antonym.
opposite will be ‘curtailed’ which which means ‘next in order’.
means ‘to limit something or make it 53. (a) Affluence means state of richness.
shorter’. 70. (c) Shrewd means able to judge a
So, ‘indigence’ is the correct antonym
situation accurately. So, ‘incorrect’ is
38. (a) Escape means to avoid something which means ‘extreme poverty’.
its opposite.
unpleasant or dangerous. Its opposite 54. (b) Squandering means wasting. So,
‘arrest’ which means ‘to be captured’. 71. (b) Severe means intense or serious’.
‘hoarding’ is its correct antonym So, ‘mild’ is its opposite.
39. (b) Inhuman means lacking kindness which means ‘to collect’.
and pity. Its opposite will be 72. (a) Cumulatively means increasing or
55. (a) Shabbily means ‘badly’. Its enlarging by successive addition. So,
‘compassionate’ which means ‘feeling opposite will be ‘decently’ which
or showing sympathy’. ‘individually’ is its opposite.
means ‘well sophisticated’.
40. (d) Eloquent means able to use 73. (d) Conspicuous means easy to see or
56. (c) Urbane means polite. So, ‘rude’ is get noticed. So, ‘unnoticeable’ is its
language and express your opinions
the correct antonym which means opposite.
well. Its opposite will be ‘inarticulate’
‘impolite’.
which means ‘not expressed clearly’.
GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms

04
SYNONYMS
Another aspect of vocabulary is questions based on similar words. These questions are 8 to 10 in number
and may be either in sentence format or in direct format. To answer the questions based on sentence
format, the candidate is required to answer according to the context within.

Synonyms are the words which have a similar meaning to that of a given word.
e.g. The synonyms of the word ‘reside’ is abode, dwell, to live, etc.
Here, all the underlined words have the same meaning in context to the given word.
Questions on synonyms are based on direct and sentence format, which are as follow

1. Direct Format
In this format a word is given and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which is the correct meaning
of the given word.
e.g. Which of the given words is closest in meaning of the words provided?
REMOTE
(a) Automatic (b) Distant (c) Mean (d) Savage
Explanation (b) Remote means located far away and ‘Distant’ also means ‘far away in space or time’. While, Automatic
means done or occurring spontaneously, Mean means intend to convey or refer to and Savage means cruel and
vicious. So, the right synonym for ‘Remote’ is ‘Distant’. Hence, option (b) is the correct choice.

2. Sentence Format
In this format one word of a sentence is highlighted and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which
is similar in meaning to the highlighted word.
e.g. Which of the given word have the same meaning to the word written in capital letters?
A person gets WEAK mobile signal in remote area.
(a) fluctuating (b) falling (c) low (d) distant
Explanation (c) In this sentence ‘Weak’ is used as ‘Low’ mobile signal. While, Fluctuating (rise and fall), Falling (drop
down) and Distant (faraway) are different in meaning to the given word. Hence, option (c) is the correct choice.
462 NDA/NA Pathfinder

CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY

FIND THE SYNONYM OF GIVEN WORDS
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-50) In the 16. NEGLIGIBLE 32. BESPOKE
following items, which of the given (a) Insignificant (b) Arguable (a) Gentle (b) Quiet
words is closest in meaning to the (c) Careless (d) Dark (c) Tailored (d) Handsome
words provided.
17. PLACID 33. DIFFIDENT
1. MODEST (a) Calm (b) Lazy (a) Apathetic (b) Shy
(a) Attractive (b) Clever (c) Solemn (d) Devious (c) Arrogant (d) Quarrelsome
(c) Current (d) Humble
18. RAKE 34. PROFFER
2. CUSTOM (a) Thin (b) Scoundrel (a) Mendicant (b) Wastrel
(a) Dessert (b) Habit (c) Gentleman (d) Shovel (c) Predict (d) Tender
(c) Ethic (d) Deliver
19. DUPE 35. MORDANT
3. PROLONG (a) Rancher (b) Trick (a) Dead (b) Gruesome
(a) Extend (b) Inquire (c) Simpleton (d) Drug (c) Fetid (d) Caustic
(c) Relax (d) Wait
20. STIGMA 36. CHURLISH
4. HUSTLE (a) Stain (b) Trial (a) Childish (b) Boorish
(a) Dance (b) Hurry (c) Difficulty (d) Holiness (c) Tempestuous (d) Disorderly
(c) Busy (d) Clean
21. RESIDE 37. ANTEDILUVIAN
5. SOLEMN (a) Remain (b) Home (a) Antiquated (b) Parched
(a) Amusing (b) Harmful (c) Dwell (d) Sediment (c) Nonsectarian (d) Nonsensical
(c) Speech (d) Serious
22. COVETOUS 38. PICAYUNE
6. IMPLY (a) Quiet (b) Sneaky (a) Petty (b) Spicy
(a) Suggest (b) Stab (c) Lurking (d) Greedy (c) Paltry (d) Southern
(c) Thick (d) Destroy
23. ABIDE 39. SMITE
7. RAMBLE (a) Endure (b) Hate (a) Flee (b) Speck
(a) Knot (b) Confuse (c) Attendance (d) Live (c) Dirt (d) Strike
(c) Wander (d) Wonder
24. SHREWD 40. WINNOW
8. BENEFICIAL (a) Intractable (b) Mean (a) Carve (b) Wind
(a) Help (b) Advantageous (c) Astute (d) Intelligent (c) Weed (d) Carry
(c) Charity (d) Wise
25. FETTER 41. EXPLOIT
9. FLARE (a) Rancid (b) Praise (a) Utilise (b) Alert
(a) Judicial (b) Temper (c) Hamper (d) Persist (c) Support (d) Neglect
(c) Style (d) Blaze
26. FLAGRANT 42. DETRIMENTAL
10. NEGLIGENT (a) Vibrant (b) Glaring (a) Demolition (b) Aversion
(a) Pajamas (b) Morbid (c) Vicious (d) Pleasant (c) Beneficial (d) Harmful
(c) Careless (d) Dark
27. MITIGATE 43. SHARP
11. ALOOF (a) Relieve (b) Blend (a) Bleakly (b) Bluntly
(a) Above (b) Tidy (c) Defend (d) Confuse (c) Exactly (d) Blond
(c) Clever (d) Reserved
28. RAIL 44. CONDEMN
12. RESOLVE (a) Scold (b) Push (a) Censure (b) Approve
(a) Turn (b) Puzzle (c) Try (d) Punish (c) Recommend (d) Praise
(c) Decide (d) Want
29. MELD 45. RELUCTANT
13. CONGREGATE (a) Character (b) Distinction (a) Disinclined (b) Anxious
(a) Worship (b) Gather (c) Blend (d) Firmness (c) Refuse (d) Eager
(c) Disturb (d) Hurry
30. RALLY 46. INTRICATE
14. UTTER (a) Demonstrate (b) Muster (a) Complicated (b) Simple
(a) Express (b) Defer (c) Course (d) Truly (c) Colourful (d) Good
(c) Borrow (d) Laugh
31. ABJECT 47. PENURY
15. FEARLESS (a) Indigent (b) Desire (a) Prompous (b) Luxury
(a) Powerful (b) Cowardly (c) Deplorable (d) Extreme (c) Poverty (d) Punitive
(c) Brave (d) Careful
GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 463

48. EXPOSTULATE 58. Teaching in universities is now 71. She is a woman of STERLING
(a) Protest (b) Agree considered a LUCRATIVE job. qualities.
(c) Follow (d) Argue (a) risky (b) profitable (a) interesting (b) outstanding
(c) honourable (d) undignified (c) irritating (d) exciting
49. ABSURD
(a) Senseless (b) Clean 59. The committee conducted an 72. Although the boys in his class
(c) Abrupt (d) Candid EXHAUSTIVE inquiry. were naughty, he never resorted
(a) time-consuming to CORPORAL punishment.
50. PHILANTHROPY (a) harsh (b) physical
(a) Generosity (b) Perversity (b) complicated
(c) renewed (c) unjust (d) general
(c) Perjury (d) Flaunting
(d) thorough 73. He wanted to MITIGATE his
60. He is just LAYING UP a lot of burdens.
Directions (Q. Nos. 51-100) Each of (a) lessen (b) increase
the following items consists of a trouble for himself.
(a) clearing (b) accumulating (c) postpone (d) leave
sentence followed by four words or
(c) accepting (d) removing 74. She adjusted quite well with her
group of words. Select the synonym
husband’s IDIOSYNCRASIES.
of word (occurring in the sentence in 61. He fought the demon with all
(a) peculiar habits
capital letters) as per the context. his MIGHT.
(b) bad habits
(a) heaviness (b) strength
51. The engineer ROUGHED OUT (c) weaknesses
(c) density (d) popularity
his ideas on a piece of paper (d) stupid manners
while he talked. 62. Devotees believe that God
75. The Deputy Inspector General
(a) shaped roughly DWELLS in their heart.
made a PERFUNCTORY
(b) rejected (a) lives (b) insists
inspection of the police station.
(c) drew a quick plan (c) travels (d) enters
(a) thorough and complete
(d) described inaccurately 63. Not everyone can RESPOND TO (b) superficial
52. He fell into an ABYSS of a difficult question quickly. (c) done as a routine but without
despair. (a) discuss (b) argue interest
(a) well (c) answer (d) deny (d) intensive
(b) deep pit 64. The sage did not want to be 76. The decision to drop the atom
(c) sea bothered with MUNDANE bomb on Hiroshima was a
(d) hollow concerns. GRAVE one.
53. He had the AUDACITY to (a) worldly (b) meaningless (a) serious (b) momentous
interrupt the Governor of the (c) trivial (d) superfluous (c) instinctive (d) impulsive
State while the latter was 65. Mountaineering in bad weather 77. A scientist generally carries out
addressing a gathering of is DANGEROUS. his investigations
academicians. (a) threatening (b) shaky EMPIRICALLY.
(a) courage (b) authority (c) perilous (d) slippery (a) by intuitively
(c) foolishness (d) arroganace (b) by verbally
66. Stellar groupings tend to be
54. After weeks of FRENETIC UNLIMITED. (c) by through written
activity, the ground was ready (a) lengthy (b) heavenly communication
for the big match. (c) huge (d) infinite (d) by observation and experiment
(a) strenuous (b) hurried 78. He is employed in an
67. One who rules with unlimited
(c) excited (d) hectic ORDNANCE factory.
power is called a DICTATOR.
55. The students took COPIOUS (a) anarchist (b) autocrat (a) orthodox
notes during the lecture (c) egoist (d) sychophant (b) arms and ammunition
delivered by the visiting (c) electrical and electronic
68. He was not ready with his (d) ordinary and common
professor.
ANNUAL accounts.
(a) extensive (b) exhaustive 79. He is a SYCOPHANT who tries
(a) yearly (b) important
(c) bounteous (d) abounding to win over
(c) monthly (d) permanent
56. Very few people are politicians.
69. Society cannot depend upon a (a) psychologist
IMPERVIOUS to criticism.
FANATIC for guidance. (b) opportunist
(a) impenetrable (b) unaffected
(a) optimist (b) martyr (c) unscrupulous man
(c) unstoppable (d) unmindful
(c) bigot (d) anarchist (d) flatterer
57. The policemen kept on
70. A busy person cannot waste his 80. I cannot believe in the
questioning the criminal but
time on TRIVIAL issues. VERACITY of his statement.
failed to ELICIT the truth.
(a) unimportant (b) rude (a) truth (b) usefulness
(a) evoke (b) wrest
(c) crude (d) tribal (c) sincerity (d) falsity
(c) obtain (d) extort
464 NDA/NA Pathfinder

81. I never believed that it was the 87. Please do not INTERFERE with 94. His bad behaviour EVOKED
AUTHENTIC signature of the my work. punishment.
Prime Minister. (a) meddle (b) help (a) escaped
(a) hand-written (b) genuine (c) object (d) copy (b) called for
(c) proper (d) authoritative (c) produced
88. This job is very TEDIOUS.
82. Valiant Vicky used to BOAST of (d) summoned
(a) tiresome (b) dull
his bravery to his beloved wife. (c) interesting (d) exciting 95. Please do not give any more
(a) cry (b) abuse FLIMSY pretexts for not having
89. She TAKES AFTER her mother.
(c) hate (d) brag done the work.
(a) follows (b) comes after
83. I can no longer be satisfied with (a) insubstantial (b) strong
(c) resembles (d) lmitates
FICTITIOUS good conduct. (c) justified (d) impulsive
90. He is very intelligent, but
(a) based on facts 96. He was the court appointed
ILL-FAVOURED by nature.
(b) based on imagination lawyer for fifty-six INDIGENT
(a) unlucky
(c) based on hatred defendants.
(d) based on feudal ties (b) weak in health
(a) indian men (b) poor
(c) short-tempered
84. MASS MURDER is very often a (c) guilty (d) untried
(d) ugly
result of communal frenzy. 97. The boy said that pain had
(a) Patricide (b) Fratricide 91. The song had a SOPORIFIC ABATED.
(c) Regicide (d) Genocide effect on the child. (a) reduced (b) vanished
(a) soothing (c) increased (d) stabilised
85. The two EXECUTIONERS (b) terrific
approached the tree with a red (c) supreme 98. He became known as an
mark on its side. (d) sleep-inducing IMPLACABLE foe of
(a) executive engineers fundamentalism.
(b) explorers 92. His ALLEGIANCE to the party (a) relentless (b) pleasing
(c) experimenters was suspect from the very (c) dangerous (d) courageous
(d) those who inflict capital beginning.
(a) servility
99. The queen was aware of the
punishment INSOLENT behaviour of the
(b) obedience
86. The MAIDEN SPEECH of the lords.
(c) loyalty
young member of the Lok Sabha (a) violent (b) polite
(d) passivity
was very much appreciated by (c) insulting (d) frivolous
the people. 93. Sympathetic criticism has a
100. Modern man is PRAGMATIC in
(a) farewell speech SALUTARY effect.
his dealings.
(b) short speech (a) premature (b) terrible
(a) practical (b) playful
(c) first speech (c) disastrous (d) beneficial
(c) casual (d) clever
(d) speech about women

QUESTIONS FROM
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016)
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-69) Each of the following items, consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words.
Select the synonym of word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.

2012 (I) 3. EXAGGERATION of facts would 5. He INDUCES human beings to

1. The convict’s INGENUOUS always lead to confusion. want things they don’t want.
explanation brought tears in (a) Simplification (a) influences
every eye. (b) Negation (b) dictates
(a) candid (b) secret (c) Emancipation (c) persuades
(c) insincere (d) consistent (d) Amplification (d) appreciates

2. The ENORMITY of the 4. After his father’s death, he 6. His information is not
population problem is irksome. became INSOLVENT. AUTHENTIC.
(a) real (b) reliable
(a) intensity (b) vastness (a) rich (b) poor
(c) believable (d) genuine
(c) cruelty (d) fragility (c) bankrupt (d) nonchalant
GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 465

7. He is not CUT OUT to be a 17. She thought that RUNNING 28. By 1918, Gandhiji had
teacher. INTO her old friend was a stroke established himself as a leader
(a) trained (b) suited of fate. with a UNIQUE way of
(c) selected (d) guided (a) meeting by chance protesting exploitation and
(b) colliding injustice.
8. The Chief Minister (a) different (b) exceptional
(c) travelling with
REPRIMANDED the officers (c) excellent (d) good
(d) quarrelling with
for their methods of handling
the public. 18. He was a CHARISMATIC leader. 29. Your INTERVENTION was
(a) adulated (a) exceptionally fascinating required.
(b) scolded severely (b) particularly popular (a) interference (b) interruption
(c) disapproved of (c) compulsively pleasant (c) disturbance (d) connection
(d) suspended (d) strangely haunting 30. It is difficult to DISCERN the
19. She was completely sample on the slide without
9. Sin is the sole calamity that a
ENGROSSED in her work. adjusting the microscope.
wise man should
(a) disturbed (b) absorbed (a) discard (b) arrange
APPREHEND.
(c) fatigued (d) successful (c) determine (d) debate
(a) give up
(b) discourage 20. He is an INDEFATIGABLE
(c) comprehend worker. 2013 (II)
(d) fear (a) tired (b) tireless 31. A wise man puts past
10. We must be proud of our (c) brave (d) skilful RANCOUR behind and moves
cultural HERITAGE. ahead.
(a) things we make for ourselves 2013 (I) (a) dislike (b) hatred
(b) things we have lost (c) division (d) criticism
21. One must live life with
(c) things we have from the past 32. Many of the villagers were
DIGNITY.
(d) things we do for others ISOLATED by heavy showers of
(a) nobility (b) eminence
(c) honour (d) rank rains.
2012 (II) 22. Europe, America and Japan have
(a) destroyed
(b) separated from others
11. MOMENTOUS changes are taken to the field of science with
(c) battered
taking place in the social and SINGULAR vigour and activity.
(d) devasted
economic life of India. (a) peculiar (b) outstanding
(a) Notorious (b) Momentary (c) familiar (d) single 33. A series of COLUMNS
(c) Official (d) Enormous supporting a large porch is
23. Our age is pre-eminently an AGE
typical of medieval architecture.
12. His condition of science.
(a) statues (b) arches
DETERIORATED day-by-day. (a) era (b) date
(c) pillars (d) murals
(a) went bad (b) grew worse (c) generation (d) moment
(c) went down (d) grew bad 34. Trees that BLOCK the view of
24. Ant is believed to be the most
oncoming traffic should be cut
13. She is pretty INSIPID young INDUSTRIOUS creature.
down.
lady. (a) sensible (b) successful
(a) alter (b) obstruct
(a) clever (b) lazy (c) diligent (d) punctual
(c) improve (d) spoil
(c) dull (d) lean 25. The schools insist on giving
35. The landscape changed
14. It is the difficulty or WHOLESOME food to the
ABRUPTLY after the snowfall.
SCARCITY of a thing that children for the proper growth of
(a) suddenly (b) sharply
makes it precious. their mind and body.
(c) favourably (d) slightly
(a) poverty (b) absence (a) whole crops (b) nourishing
(c) insufficiency (d) disappearance (c) fit (d) sound 36. We saw a SCINTILLATING
fireworks display.
15. We should not allow 26. As I look around, I see the
(a) fascinating (b) unforgettable
ADVERSITY to discourage us. crumbling ruins of a proud
(c) beautiful (d) sparkling
(a) poverty civilisation strewn like a vast
(b) darkness heap of FUTILITY. 37. The PACT has been in effect for
(c) time of trouble (a) irrelevance (b) absurdity twenty years.
(d) unfriendly criticism (c) pointlessness (d) downtrodden (a) treaty (b) monarchy
(c) lease (d) trend
16. He is very OBLIGING by 27. Mark Antony’s EULOGY of
nature. Caesar is finely recorded by 38. He had a reputation of being a
(a) helpful (b) nice Shakespeare in his play. PRUDENT businessman.
(c) thankful (d) compelling (a) prayer (b) honour (a) skilful (b) wealthy
(c) praise (d) denunciation (c) careful (d) dishonest
466 NDA/NA Pathfinder

39. There was a signpost where the 49. The story is too fantastic to be 59. He was FIRED for negligence on
two paths CONVERGE. CREDIBLE. duty.
(a) separate (b) intersect (a) believable (b) false (a) relieved of his job (b) scolded
(c) merge (d) diverge (c) readable (d) praiseworthy (c) rebuked (d) attacked
40. The violence erupted because of 50. Catching snakes can be
the ZEALOT. HAZARDOUS for people
untrained in the art.
2016 (I)
(a) enthusiastic (b) brave
(a) tricky (b) harmful 60. Suddenly there was a bright
(c) timid (d) fanatic
(c) difficult (d) dangerous flash, followed by a
DEAFENING explosion.
2014 (II) (a) dangerous (b) terrifying
41. We should always try to
2015 (I) (c) mild (d) very loud
maintain and promote 51. Democracy is not the 61. He showed EXEMPLARY
communal AMITY. standardising of everyone so as courage during the crisis.
(a) bondage (b) contention to OBLITERATE all peculiarity. (a) usual (b) durable
(c) friendship (d) understanding (a) demolish (b) extinguish (c) commendable (d) some
(c) erase (d) change
42. Many species of animals have 62. When the new teacher entered
become EXTINCT during the
52. Divine grace is truly the classroom, he found the
INEFFABLE.
last hundred years. pupils RESTIVE.
(a) describable (b) spiritual
(a) aggressive (b) non-existent (a) at rest (b) idle
(c) indescribable (d) nameless
(c) scattered (d) feeble (c) quiet (d) impatient
53. The convocation address was
43. True religion does not require very EDIFYING. 63. There is no DEARTH of talent
one to PROSELYTISE through (a) tedious
in this country.
guile or force. (a) scarcity (b) availability
(b) in need of editing
(a) translate (b) hypnotise (c) plenty (d) absence
(c) instructive
(c) attack (d) convert 64. The servants RETIRED to their
(d) exciting
44. That the plan is both inhuman quarters.
and PREPOSTEROUS needs no (a) entered (b) went away
further proof.
2015 (II) (c) ran away (d) mobilised
(a) heartless (b) impractical 54. Many of his acquaintances avoid
him because he is so
65. The navy gave TACTICAL
(c) absurd (d) abnormal support to marines.
GARRULOUS.
45. The attitude of the Western (a) unreasonable (b) talkative (a) sensitive (b) strategic
countries towards the (c) quarrelsome (d) proud (c) immediate (d) expert
third-world countries is rather 66. A genius tends to DEVIATE
CALLOUS to say the least. 55. He bore the pain with great
FORTITUDE. from the routine way of
(a) passive (b) unkind thinking.
(c) cursed (d) unfeeling (a) resignation (b) defiance
(c) indifference (d) forbearance (a) dispute (b) disagree
46. Whatever the VERDICT of (c) distinguish (d) different
history may be, Chaplin will 56. He gave his TACIT approval to
the proposition. 67. He was greatly DEBILITATED
occupy a unique place in its by an attack of influenza.
pages. (a) full (b) loud
(c) clean (d) implied (a) depressed (b) weakened
(a) judgement (b) voice
(c) worried (d) defeated
(c) outcome (d) prediction 57. In spite of hard work, the
farmers could only get a 68. His efforts at helping the poor
47. He CORROBORATED the are LAUDABLE.
MEAGRE yield.
statement of his brother. (a) welcome (b) sincere
(a) satisfactory (b) scanty
(a) confirmed (b) disproved
(c) plenty (d) normal (c) good (d) praiseworthy
(c) condemned (d) seconded
58. He was EXHILARATED at the 69. His conduct brought him
48. Whatever opinion he gives is outcome of the election results. REPROACH from quarters.
SANE. (a) satisfied (b) surprised (a) rebuke (b) sympathy
(a) rational (b) obscure (c) disappointed (d) overjoyed (c) indifference (d) remorse
(c) wild (d) arrogant
GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 467

ANSWERS
Check Your Vocabulary
1 d 2 b 3 a 4 b 5 d 6 a 7 c 8 b 9 d 10 c
11 d 12 c 13 b 14 a 15 c 16 a 17 a 18 b 19 b 20 a
21 c 22 d 23 a 24 c 25 c 26 b 27 a 28 a 29 c 30 b
31 c 32 c 33 b 34 d 35 d 36 b 37 a 38 a 39 d 40 c
41 a 42 d 43 c 44 a 45 a 46 a 47 c 48 d 49 a 50 a
51 c 52 b 53 d 54 c 55 b 56 b 57 a 58 b 59 d 60 b
61 b 62 a 63 c 64 a 65 c 66 d 67 b 68 a 69 c 70 a
71 b 72 b 73 a 74 a 75 b 76 a 77 d 78 b 79 d 80 a
81 b 82 d 83 b 84 d 85 d 86 c 87 a 88 a 89 c 90 c
91 d 92 c 93 d 94 b 95 a 96 b 97 a 98 a 99 c 100 a

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)

1 a 2 b 3 d 4 c 5 c 6 d 7 b 8 b 9 d 10 c
11 d 12 b 13 c 14 c 15 c 16 a 17 a 18 a 19 b 20 b
21 c 22 b 23 a 24 c 25 b 26 c 27 c 28 b 29 a 30 c
31 b 32 b 33 c 34 b 35 a 36 d 37 a 38 c 39 b 40 d
41 c 42 b 43 d 44 c 45 d 46 a 47 a 48 a 49 a 50 d
51 c 52 c 53 c 54 b 55 d 56 d 57 b 58 d 59 a 60 d
61 c 62 d 63 a 64 b 65 b 66 d 67 b 68 d 69 a

EXPLANATIONS
Check Your Vocabulary
1. (d) Modest means to be free of 7. (c) Ramble means move aimlessly 14. (a) To utter means to ‘express’ in
conceit or pretension. So, ‘humble’ from place to place. So, ‘wander’ is words.
is its synonym. its synonym. 15. (c) Fearless means lacking fear or
2. (b) Custom means long established 8. (b) Beneficial means causing benefit. ‘brave’.
practice. So, ‘habit’ is its synonym. So, ‘advantageous’ is its synonym. 16. (a) Negligible means very small or
3. (a) Prolong means lengthen in time. 9. (d) Flare means a fire. So, ‘blaze’ is unimportant. So, ‘insignificant’ is its
So, ‘extend’ is its synonym. its synonym. synonym.
4. (b) Hustle means to quickly move. 10. (c) Negligent means marked by 17. (a) Placid means free of disturbance.
So, ‘hurry’ is its synonym. neglect. So, ‘careless’ is its synonym. So, ‘calm’ is its synonym.
5. (d) Solemn means very serious or 11. (d) Aloof means not friendly. So, 18. (b) A rake is a dissolute person. So,
formal in manner, behaviour or ‘reserved’ is its synonym. ‘scoundrel’ is its synonym.
expression. So, ‘serious’ is its 12. (c) One meaning of Resolve is to 19. (b) Dupe means deceive. So, ‘trick’ is
synonym. ‘decide’. its synonym.
6. (a) Imply means express indirectly. 13. (b) To congregate means to ‘gather’ 20. (a) Stigma means a mark of shame
So, ‘suggest’ is its synonym. in a group. or discredit. So, ‘stain’ is its synonym.
468 NDA/NA Pathfinder

21. (c) Reside means occupy a place as 43. (c) Sharp means ‘precisely or 63. (c) Respond and ‘answer’ have the
one’s home. So, ‘dwell’ is its exactly’. So, both are synonyms of same meaning which means ‘say
synonym. each other. something in reply’.
22. (d) Covetous means wanting to 44. (a) Condemn means ‘to express 64. (a) Mundane and ‘worldly’ both
have something too much. So, complete disapproval of or censure’. means the same, i.e. ‘of this earthly
‘greedy’ is its synonym. So, condemn and censure are world rather than a heavenly or
23. (a) Abide means accept or bear synonyms of each other. spiritual one’.
someone or something bad, 45. (a) Reluctant means unwilling and 65. (c) Dangerous and ‘perilous’ both
unpleasant etc. So, ‘endure’ is its hesitant. So, ‘disinclined’ is its have same meaning, i.e. ‘likely to
synonym. synonym. cause harm or injury’.
24. (c) Shrewd means having or showing 46. (a) Intricate is ‘complicated’. 66. (d) Unlimited and ‘infinite’ both
sharp powers of judgement. So, 47. (c) Penury is the state of being very means the same, i.e. ‘without any
‘astute’ is its synonym. poor. So, ‘poverty’ is its synonym. limit’.
25. (c) Fetter means restrain. So, 48. (d) Expostulate means to express 67. (b) Dictator and ‘autocrat’ both
‘hamper’ is its synonym. strong disapproval or disagreement. means the same, i.e. ‘a ruler with
26. (b) Flagrant means too bad to be Hence, ‘argue’ is its synonym. total power over a country’.
ignored. So, ‘glaring’ is its synonym. 49. (a) Absurd means extremely silly, 68. (a) Annual and ‘yearly’ have the
27. (a) Mitigate means to make less foolish or unreasonable. So, ‘senseless’ same meaning as ‘occurring once
severe or painful. So, ‘relieve’ is its is its synonym. every year’.
synonym. 50. (a) Philanthropy is the practice of 69. (c) Fanatic and ‘bigot’ both means
28. (a) Rail means ‘scold’ in harsh, giving money and time to help make the same, i.e. ‘a person filled with
abusive language. life better for other people. So, excessive zeal’.
29. (c) Meld means merge. So, ‘blend’ is ‘generosity’ is its synonym. 70. (a) Trivial and ‘unimportant’ have
its synonym. 51. (c) Roughed out is a phrasal verb the same meaning which means ‘of
means ‘to draw a rough draft’. So, little value or importance’.
30. (b) Rally means ‘muster’ for a
common purpose. ‘drew quick plan’ is its synonym. 71. (b) Sterling means (of a person or
52. (b) Abyss means ‘a deep pit’. So, their work or qualities) excellent or
31. (c) Abject means extremely bad or valuable. So, ‘outstanding’ is its
severe. So, ‘deplorable’ is its options, ‘sea’ will be its synonym.
synonym.
synonym. 53. (d) Audacity means the rashness or
brashness to do something. So, 72. (b) Corporal means of or relating to
32. (c) Bespoke means custom made; the body. So, ‘physical’ is its
‘tailored’ also means custom-made. ‘arrogance’ is its synonym.
synonym.
33. (b) Diffident means lacking in 54. (c) Frenetic means wildly excited or
active. So, ‘excited’ is its synonym. 73. (a) Mitigate means to make less
confidence. So, ‘shy’ is its synonym. severe or painful. So, ‘lessen’ is its
34. (d) Proffer means put something 55. (b) Copious means abundant or synonym.
forward for acceptance. So, ‘tender’ is plentiful. So, ‘exhaustive’ is its
synonym. 74. (a) Idiosyncrasies means an unusual
its synonym. way in which a particular person
35. (d) Mordant means cruel and 56. (b) Impervious means not able to be behaves or thinks. So, ‘peculiar
criticising in a humorous way. So, influenced, hurt or damaged. So, habits’ is its synonym.
‘caustic’ is its synonym. ‘unaffacted’ is its synonym.
75. (b) Perfunctory and ‘superficial’ both
36. (b) Churlish means impolite. So, 57. (a) ‘Elicit’ and ‘Evoke’ mean the mean the same, i.e. ‘carried out
‘boorish’ is its synonym. same i.e. ‘to cause a particular without real interest, feeling or
response to happen’. effort’.
37. (a) Antediluvian means very old or
old-fashioned. So, ‘antiquated’ is its 58. (b) Lucrative and ‘profitable’ both 76. (a) Grave means making you feel
synonym. mean the same, i.e. ‘attractive and worried so, ‘serious’ is its synonym.
full of profit’.
38. (a) Picayune means of little value or 77. (d) Empirically means based on
significance. So, ‘petty’ is its 59. (d) Exhaustive and ‘thorough’ both observation or experience, not on
synonym. have same meaning as ‘fully theory. So, ‘by observation and
comprehensive’. experiment’ is its synonym.
39. (d) Smite means to ‘strike’ heavily
especially with the hand. 60. (b) Laying up and ‘accumulating’ 78. (b) Ordnance refers to ‘arms and
both have same meaning, i.e. ‘build ammunition’, which is its synonym.
40. (c) Winnow means to get rid of, like up’.
‘weed’. 79. (d) Sycophant means ‘a person who
61. (b) Might and ‘strength’ both mean praises powerful people in order to
41. (a) Exploit means to make full use of the same, i.e. ‘impressive power’.
and derive benefit from a resource. get their approval’. So, ‘flatterer’ is its
So, ‘utilise’ is its synonym. 62. (a) Dwells and ‘lives’ have the same synonym.
meaning which means ‘to live’. 80. (a) Veracity means ‘truth’, which is
42. (d) Detrimental means ‘harmful’.
its synonym.
GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 469

81. (b) Authentic means conforming to 87. (a) Interfere means to enter into the something unpleasant has happened.
fact and therefore worthy of trust, concerns of others. So, ‘meddle’ is its So, ‘beneficial’ is its synonym.
reliance or belief. So, ‘genuine’ is its synonym. 94. (b) Evoked means to cause a
synonym. 88. (a) Tedious means boring and too particular reaction or response to
82. (d) Boast means to say (something slow or long. So, ‘tiresome’ is its happen. So, ‘called for’ is its synonym.
about oneself ) in a proud or synonym. 95. (a) Flimsy is not likely to be true or
self-admiring way. So, ‘brag’ is its 89. (c) Takes after means to look the to be believed. So, ‘insubstantial’ is
synonym. same as or similar. So, ‘resembles’ is its synonym.
83. (b) Fictitious means ‘imaginary’. its synonym. 96. (b) Indigent means ‘very poor’.
84. (d) Mass murder means the savage 90. (c) Ill-favoured is abstract. So, 97. (a) Abate is ‘to decrease in strength’.
and excessive killing of many people. short-tempered is its correct So, ‘reduced’ is its synonym.
So, ‘genocide’ is its synonym. synonym.
98. (a) Implacable means ‘unable to be
85. (d) Executioners means one who 91. (d) Soporific means ‘tending to appeased or placated’. So, ‘relentless’
puts to death. So, ‘those who inflict induce drowsiness or sleep’. So, ‘sleep is its synonym.
capital punishment’ is its synonym. inducing’ is its synonym.
99. (c) Insolent means showing a rude
86. (c) Maiden speech means the first 92. (c) Allegiance means ‘loyalty or and arrogant lack of respect. So,
speech given by a newly elected commitment to a superior or to a ‘insulting’ is its synonym.
member of a Legislature or group or course’.
Parliament so, ‘first speech’ is its 100. (a) Pragmatic is ‘based on practical
93. (d) Salutary means having a good or judgements rather than principles’.
synonym. helpful result especially after So, ‘practical’ is its synonym.

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)

1. (a) Ingenuous means frank. The 10. (c) Heritage means ‘things we have 20. (b) Indefatigable and ‘tireless’ both
word ‘candid’ too means ‘frank’. So, from the past’. So, option (c) is the mean ‘a person who is not weary’.
it is the right synonym. correct synonym. So, they both are synonyms.
2. (b) Enormity means very great in 11. (d) Momentous means very big or 21. (c) Dignity and ‘honour’ mean ‘the
size’. So, ‘vastness’ is the right great and ‘enormous’ means the quality of being worthy of respect’.
synonym as it means the same. same. So, they both are synonyms. So, they both are synonyms.
3. (d) Exaggeration is ‘making 12. (b) Deteriorated means became 22. (b) Singular and ‘outstanding’ both
something seem larger, more worse, so ‘grew worse’ is the mean ‘extremely good’. So, they both
important, better or worse than it synonym. are synonyms.
really is’. Its synonym is 23. (a) Age means ‘a period of time’ and
‘amplification’. 13. (c) Insipid means ‘not exciting or
‘era’ means the same. So, they both
boring,’ so ‘dull’ will be the perfect
4. (c) Insolvent means ‘not having are synonyms.
enough money to pay debts, buy synonym as it means the same.
24. (c) Industrious means ‘hardworking’
goods’. Its synonym is ‘bankrupt’ as 14. (c) Scarcity means not enough and and ‘diligent’ means the same. So,
it means the same. ‘insufficiency’ means the same, so they both are similar words.
5. (c) Induces means ‘to persuade they are synonyms.
25. (b) Wholesome and ‘nourishing’
someone to do something’. So, the 15. (c) Adversity means ‘difficulty or both are synonyms as they mean
answer choice is obvious. problem’, so ‘time of trouble’ could ‘healthy food’.
6. (d) Authentic means ‘true or real’. be the synonym of it.
26. (c) Futility and ‘pointlessness’ both
Among the options, ‘genuine’ is the 16. (a) Obliging means ‘helpful are similar words as they mean
obvious synonym. behaviour’, so ‘helpful’ is the perfect ‘uselessness’.
7. (b) ‘Not cut out to be something’ is synonym of it. 27. (c) Eulogy means ‘to appreciate
an idiomatic expression that means 17. (a) Running into means ‘to meet somebody’, that means ‘praise’ is the
not to be the right type of person someone by chance’. So, they both synonym of eulogy.
for something. Here, ‘suited’ is the
are synonyms. 28. (b) Unique and ‘exceptional’ both
right synonym.
18. (a) Charismatic means very mean unusual. So, they both are
8. (b) Reprimanded means to express synonyms.
someone your strong official attractive and ‘exceptionally
disapproval of them. So, here correct fascinating’ has the same meaning. 29. (a) Intervention and ‘interference’
synonym would be option (b) So, they both are synonyms. both mean ‘unwanted involvement’.
‘scolded severely’. 19. (b) Engrossed means ‘getting So, they both are synonyms.
9. (d) The contextual meaning of the involved in something with full 30. (c) Discern and ‘determine’ both
word apprehend, here is ‘fear’. So, attention’, so ‘absorbed’ will be the mean ‘to decide’. So, they both are
option (d) is the correct synonym. synonym as it means the same. synonyms.
470 NDA/NA Pathfinder

31. (b) Rancour and ‘hatred’ both 43. (d) Proselytise directly implies ‘to 56. (d) Tacit and ‘implied’ are synonyms
mean ‘bitterness or resentfulness’. convert or attempt to convert from one to each other as both mean ‘not
So, they both are synonyms. religion to another’. So, ‘convert’ is its understood’.
32. (b) Isolated means ‘to separate synonym. 57. (b) Meagre and ‘scanty’ both have a
somebody physically or socially 44. (c) ‘Preposterous’ means unreasonable meaning ‘less in amount’. So, these
from other people or things’. and ‘absurd’ is the nearest in the are synonyms.
Hence, option (b) is correct. meaning of the word, fitting best to 58. (d) Exhilarated and ‘overjoyed’ are
33. (c) Columns means tall, solid, the statement. the similar words as both have same
vertical post and ‘pillars’ has 45. (d) Callous means ‘not caring about meaning, i.e. ‘extremely happy.’
exactly the same meaning. So, other people’s feelings or suffering’. 59. (a) Fired means ‘relieved of his job’.
they both are synonyms. The best synonym to the word is Hence, option (a) is correct.
34. (b) Block and ‘obstruct’ mean ‘to ‘unfeeling’ which means ‘lacking
sensitivity towards others’. 60. (d) Deafening means ‘very loud’.
stop from seeing’. So, they both
are synonyms. 46. (a) Verdict means a formal answer or 61. (c) Exemplary means very good and
decision of the jury given to the court. suitable to be copied by others.
35. (a) Abruptly and ‘suddenly’ mean ‘Commendable’ means ‘praise worthy’,
‘unexpectedly’ and ‘changing ‘Judgement’ also means ‘the decision of
a court’. So, it is the nearest in the therefore, option (c) is its synonym.
without knowledge’. So, they
both are synonyms. meaning of the word verdict. 62. (d) Restive means ‘unable to stay still
47. (a) Corroborated means ‘to provide or being controlled’. Therefore,
36. (d) Scintillating and ‘sparkling’ option (d) ‘impatient’ is its synonym.
mean ‘twinkling and shining evidence to support a statement’. So,
brightly’. So, they both are ‘confirmed’ is the correct answer among 63. (a) Dearth means ‘a lack or scarcity
synonyms. the given options. of something’. Therefore, option (a)
48. (a) ‘Rational’ means ‘logical or sane’ is is its synonym.
37. (a) Pact and ‘treaty’ both mean ‘a
formal agreement’. So, they both the appropriate answer among the 64. (b) Retired means ‘to go to a place’.
are synonyms. given options. According to the context of the
49. (a) Credible directly relates to sentence option (b) ‘went away’ is
38. (c) Prudent and ‘careful’ both most similar in meaning to the word
mean ‘showing care and thought ‘believable or convincing’. So,
‘believable’ is the appropriate answer. ‘retired’.
for the future’. So, they both are
synonyms. 50. (d) Hazardous means ‘that can be 65. (b) Tactical means ‘careful planning
dangerous or cause damage’. in order to achieve something’.
39. (b) Converge and ‘intersect’ both Therefore, option (b) ‘strategic’ is
mean ‘to move towards each 51. (c) Erase is most suitable synonym most similar in meaning to the word
other and meet at a point’. So, here in the context of the sentence as tactical.
they both are synonyms. ‘obliterate’ and ‘erase’ both mean ‘wipe
out’. 66. (d) Deviate means ‘to be different
40. (d) Zealot and ‘fanatic’ both from the rest’. Therefore, option (d)
mean ‘a person who is extremely 52. (c) Here, ineffable means ‘too great to ‘different’ is its synonym.
enthusiastic about something’. So, be expressed in words’. Hence, option
they both are synonyms. (c) indescribable is correct. 67. (b) Debilitated means ‘to weaken as
a result of an illness’. Therefore,
41. (c) ‘Amity’ is the exact and 53. (c) ‘Instructive’ as well as edifying both option (b) ‘weakened’ is most similar
appropriate synonym of mean ‘providing intellectual instruction’. to the word ‘debilitate’.
‘friendship’. 54. (b) Garrulous as well as ‘talkative’ 68. (d) Laudable means ‘worth
42. (b) ‘Extinct’ and ‘Non-existent’ means ‘one who talks much’. So, both appreciation’. Therefore, ‘praiseworthy’
both mean ‘having no living are synonyms. is its correct synonym.
members’ (like dinosaurs) which 55. (d) Fortitude and ‘forbearance’ are
is exactly what the statement is 69. (a) Reproach means ‘expressing
synonyms as both mean ‘mental blame or criticism’. Therefore, option
talking about. So, ‘non-existent’ is strength and courage to face danger,
its synonym. (a) ‘rebuke’ is its synonym.
pain etc’.
05
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 471

SENTENCE
IMPROVEMENT
Generally, 10 to 15 questions based on sentence improvement are asked in NDA/NA exam. In these
questions, a part of the given sentences is underlined. Out of the given options, an option is chosen for
underlined portion, which may improve the sentence.

Questions based on sentence improvement are designed to test a candidate’s knowledge of English grammar and
vocabulary. A sound knowledge of grammatical rules is highly beneficial in solving such questions. Study of grammar
along with constant practice is sure to give the desired result.

In the questions given below, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part
which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case, no improvement is needed, option (d) is the
answer.
e.g. The girl is wise despite her age.
(a) is her (b) than her
(c) for her (d) No improvement
Explanation (c) In the above given sentence underlined word is despite her, we have to choose the correct option which will
improve the sentence. Among the given options ‘for her’ is best option which improves the sentence and makes it
grammatically correct while ‘is her’, ‘than her’ and ‘at her’ are incorrect choices that are not grammatically correct.
Hence, option (c) is the correct choice.
472 NDA/NA Pathfinder

IMPROVE THE SENTENCES

Directions (Q.Nos. 1-85) In the questions given below, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given
alternatives to the underlined part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case, no
improvement is needed, option (d) is the answer.
1. He could not look anything in 8. We were not the wiser for all 15. Not a word they spoke to the
the dark room. this effort to explain the case unfortunate wife about it.
(a) look at to us. (a) did they speak
(b) see (a) none (b) they will speak
(c) see through (b) neither (c) they had spoken
(d) No improvement (c) nevertheless (d) No improvement
2. He was fined for careless (d) No improvement 16. More than one person was killed in
driving. 9. If I stood alone in defence of accident.
(a) got fined truth, and the whole world is (a) were killed
(b) fined banded against me and against (b) are killed
(c) was to be fined truth. I would fight them all. (c) have been killed
(d) No improvement (a) will be banded (d) No improvement
3. We look forward to hear from (b) were banded 17. If he had time, he will call you.
you. (c) banded
(a) would have
(a) hearing (d) No improvement
(b) would have had
(b) have heard 10. During his long discourse, he (c) has
(c) listen did not touch that point. (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement (a) touch upon 18. His powerful desire brought about
4. When the examinations were (b) touch on his downfall.
over Anil and me went to our (c) touch of (a) His intense desire
native town. (d) No improvement (b) His desire for power
(a) me and Anil 11. He has not and can never be in (c) His fatal desire
(b) Anil and I the good books of his employer (d) No improvement
(c) I and Anil because he lacks honesty. 19. All, but her, had made an attempt.
(d) No improvement (a) has not and cannot be
(a) All, but she,
5. Will you kindly open the (b) has not and can never been
(b) All, but herself,
knot? (c) has not been and can never be
(c) All, but hers,
(a) untie (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement
(b) break 12. This matter admits of no 20. I hope you vividly remember the
(c) loose excuse. premier of the film when I, my wife
(d) No improvement (a) admits to and you were present in the hall.
6. Realising the significance of (b) admits from
(a) my wife, I and you
technical education for (c) admits
(b) you, I and my wife
developing country, the (d) No improvement
(c) my wife, you and I
government laid aside a large 13. You have come here with a (d) No improvement
sum on it during the last view to insult me.
plan-period. 21. With a thundering roar the huge
(a) to insulting me rocket soared up from the launching
(a) laid up (b) of insulting me pad.
(b) set aside (c) for insulting me (a) flew up
(c) laid out (d) No improvement (b) went upwards
(d) No improvement
14. For all powers of reason and (c) took off
7. Other countries have understanding, we know a (d) No improvement
eradicated this disease ten little about life’s secrets. 22. My opinion for the film is that it
years ago.
(a) a little of love secrets will bag the national award.
(a) eradicated
(b) little about life’s secrets (a) opinion to
(b) had eradicated
(c) nothing about life’s secrets (b) opinion about
(c) did eradicated
(d) No improvement (c) opinion on
(d) No improvement
(d) No improvement
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 473

23. He sent a word to me that 31. The greatest thing in style is to 41. While crossing the highway, a
he would be coming late. have a use of metaphor. five year old child was knocked
(a) sent word (a) knowledge (b) command out by a passing car.
(b) had sent a word (c) need (d) No improvement (a) away
(c) sent words (b) up
32. Infact, if it hadn’t been for his (c) down
(d) No improvement
invaluable advice on so many
(d) No improvement
24. It became clear that the occasions I wouldn’t have achieved
strangers were heading into anything in life. 42. Every time I go in a lift to my
a serious disaster. (a) remarkable advice sixth floor apartment, I
(a) along (b) valuable advices remember the calm and serenity
(b) towards (c) priceless suggestion of my ancestral home in the
(c) for (d) No improvement village.
(d) No improvement (a) move in a lift
33. To get one’s name in the Rowland (b) ascend in a lift
25. Fifty kilometres are not a Ward’s book of hunting records was (c) take a lift
great distance in these days the hot ambition of every serious
(d) No improvement
of fast moving vehicles. hunter.
(a) is not a great distance (a) extreme (b) burning 43. He found a wooden broken chair
(b) is no distance (c) high (d) No improvement in the room.
(c) aren’t a great distance (a) wooden and broken chair
34. I have lived in Delhi since I was (b) broken wooden chair
(d) No improvement four.
(c) broken and wooden chair
26. I am used to hard work. (a) am living (b) lived
(d) No improvement
(a) work hard (c) had lived (d) No improvement
44. If the room had been brighter, I
(b) work hardly 35. My friend was in hospital for a would have been able to read for
(c) hard working week after an accident.
a while before bed time.
(d) No improvement (a) through (b) following (a) If the room was brighter
27. It was indeed a shock for (c) for (d) No improvement (b) If the room are brighter
her, but she has later 36. I want you to clearly understand (c) Had the room been brighter
recovered from it. that matters. (d) No improvement
(a) since (a) you clearly to understand 45. Practically, every part of the
(b) then (b) you to understand clearly banana tree is used by man.
(c) afterwards (c) to clearly understand you (a) each part
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement (b) any part
28. There is dearth of woman 37. If you cross the line, you will be (c) most part
doctor in our state. We shall disqualified. (d) No improvement
have to recruit some from (a) cross upon the line 46. Hoping not to be disturbed, I sat
the other states. (b) cross on the line down in my easy chair to read
(a) women doctor (c) cross out the line the book. I won as a prize.
(b) woman doctors (d) No improvement (a) I had won as a prize
(c) women doctors (b) I have won as prize
38. No sooner he had returned home
(d) No improvement (c) I had to win as a prize
then his mother felt happy.
29. The poor villagers have (a) had he returned home when (d) No improvement
waited in the bitter cold for (b) he had returned home than 47. His father won’t be able to leave
more than four hours now. (c) did he return home than for Varanasi until they have
(a) have been waiting (d) No improvement arrived.
(b) had waited 39. There is no more room for you in (a) until they arrive
(c) has been waiting this compartment. (b) until they will have arrived
(d) No improvement (a) There is no more seat (c) until they will arrive
(b) There is no more space (d) No improvement
30. Most donors would seriously
protest any effort to (c) There is no more accommodation 48. The company goes to great
extrapolate from such (d) No improvement length to ensure that employees
limited data. 40. Young men and women should get can be comfortable in their work
(a) protest against habituated to reading and writing environment.
(b) protest at about current affairs. (a) are comfortable
(c) protest to (a) used (b) prepared (b) will be comfortable
(d) No improvement (c) trained (d) No improvement (c) should be comfortable
(d) No improvement
474 NDA/NA Pathfinder

49. The reason why he wrote the 58. If you are living near a 66. The dissidents hold a great
letter was because he could not market place you should be problem in every political party.
contact him over the phone. ready to bear the disturbances (a) cause
(a) why he wrote the letter was since caused by traffic. (b) give
(b) for which he wrote the letter (a) to bear upon (c) pose
because (b) to bear with (d) No improvement
(c) why he wrote the letter was that (c) to bear away
(d) No improvement
67. Not long back, in Japan, a
(d) No improvement mysterious nerve gas affected a
50. I shall be grateful to you if you 59. I shall not go until I am large number of people.
are of help to me now. invited. (a) effected
(a) till I am invited (b) infected
(a) help (b) would help
(b) unless I am invited (c) infested
(c) helped (d) No improvement
(c) if not I am invited (d) No improvement
51. Will you lend me few rupees in (d) No improvement
this hour of need? 68. As she was suffering from high
60. I took the cycle which he fever, she could not face the
(a) lend me any rupees
bought yesterday. examination.
(b) borrow me a few rupees
(a) that he bought yesterday
(c) lend me a few rupees (a) bear
(b) that which he had bought
(d) No improvement (b) suffer
yesterday
(c) take
52. He should move on to the next (c) that he had bought yesterday
(d) No improvement
point and not harp one string (d) No improvement
only. 69. As he is past his teens now, he
61. If you had attended the
(a) harp on string only can look for himself.
meeting, you would have
(b) harp only one string benefitted a great deal. (a) after
(c) harp upon one string only (b) to
(a) could benefit
(d) No improvement (c) around
(b) would benefit
53. Please make it a point to send a (d) No improvement
(c) benefitted
letter at my address. (d) No improvement 70. Either he or I am going.
(a) on my address 62. The cloud of misfortunes (a) he or I are going
(b) to my address appears to have blown out. (b) he is going or I am
(c) in my address (a) over (c) I or he is going
(d) No improvement (b) up (d) No improvement
54. The demonstration passed off (c) away 71. It will be no good trying to find
peacefully. (d) No improvement an excuse next time.
(a) passed out (b) passed away 63. We had nothing to eat since (a) to try to find
(c) passed on (d) No improvement 8’o clock, this morning. (b) to try finding
55. This telephone number is not (a) have had nothing (c) trying finding
(b) has had nothing (d) No improvement
existing.
(a) has not existed (c) did have nothing 72. We did not see this movie yet.
(b) does not exist (d) No improvement
(a) have seen
(c) has not been existing 64. If you are not clear about the (b) have not seen
(d) No improvement meaning of a word, it is wise (c) has seen
56. Whenever my students come to look into a dictionary. (d) No improvement
(a) look for
across new words, I ask them to 73. If I were you, I would do it at
(b) look at
look for them in the dictionary. once.
(c) look up
(a) to look it up (d) No improvement (a) was
(b) to look them up (b) am
65. They are social insects, living (c) would be
(c) to look at them
in communities, regulated by (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement
definite laws, each member of
57. Please remind me of posting these society bearing well-defined 74. They set a strong guard, lest
letters to my relatives. and separate part in the work anyone could escape.
(a) by posting of a colony. (a) would
(b) to post (a) who are living in communities (b) might
(c) for posting (b) living among a community (c) should
(d) No improvement (c) who lives with a community (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 475

75. The matter called up an 79. I hope you won’t object to me (c) by which he arrived
explanation of his conduct. watching while you work. (d) No improvement
(a) out (b) in (a) against me watching 83. There is no alternate, so we
(c) for (b) me to watch must leave now.
(d) No improvement (c) to my watching (a) altering
76. The end of the examinations is (d) No improvement (b) alternative
an opportunity for celebrating. (c) alternation
80. The accused refused having (d) No improvement
(a) chance (b) moment murdered anybody.
(c) occasion (a) disagreed 84. I cannot listen what she is
(d) No improvement (b) denied saying.
77. Our office clock is not so correct (c) declaimed (a) hear what
as it should be, it is usually five (d) No improvement (b) listen for what
minutes fast. (c) listen to that
81. We need honest workers, not (d) No improvement
(a) right people of redoubtable integrity.
(b) regular (a) doubting 85. He is still in vigorous health
(c) accurate (b) doubtful although he is on the right side
(d) No improvement (c) doubtless of sixty.
78. You cannot forbid him leaving. (d) No improvement (a) wrong
(a) he leaving (b) left
82. By the time he arrived, (c) negative
(b) his leaving everybody had gone home.
(c) him to leave (d) No improvement
(a) when he arrived
(d) No improvement (b) at which he arrived

QUESTIONS FROM
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016)
Directions (Q. Nos.1-57) In this section, look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given
three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate
your response against the corresponding letter (a), (b) or (c). If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d)
as your response. Thus, a ‘No improvement’ response will be signified by the letter (d).

2014 (I) 4. He is definitely the cleverer (a) had been saved

among the two. (b) may have been saved
1. I don’t remember exactly when
(a) in (b) of (c) could have saved
did I go to Shimla last year. (d) No improvement
(c) than (d) No improvement
(a) when I did go
5. He is resembling his father. 9. He is living in this house for the
(b) when I was going
past ten years.
(c) when I went (a) has resembled
(a) was living
(d) No improvement (b) was resembling
(b) had been living
(c) resembles
2. Even he worked hard, he failed (c) has been living
(d) No improvement
in the examination. (d) No improvement
(a) Since 6. Would you mind closing the 10. He is knowing the secret.
(b) Although window?
(a) knows
(c) For (a) to close (b) in closing
(b) has been knowing
(d) No improvement (c) for closing (d) No improvement
(c) was knowing
7. I can be grateful if you could (d) No improvement
3. He was asked to arbitrate with
write to me about it.
two merchants in a dispute. 11. The meeting has been put off to
(a) would be (b) should be
(a) to arbitrate between Friday next.
(c) must be (d) No improvement
(b) to arbitrate at (a) put on
(c) to arbitrate 8. A majority of the passengers (b) put out
(d) No improvement
could have been saved if the (c) put for
driver had applied the brakes in (d) No improvement
time.
476 NDA/NA Pathfinder

12. If you will come with me I shall 22. Everybody who finished 29. The workers are hell bent at
be happy. writing can go home. getting what is due to them.
(a) come with me (a) had finished (a) hell bent on getting
(b) had come with me (b) have finished (b) hell bent for getting
(c) came with me (c) has finished (c) hell bent to getting
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement (d) No improvement
30. You are warned against
committing the same mistake
2014 (II) 2015 (I) again.
13. As the parties failed to reach any 23. Although, India is still by far (a) to commit
agreement, the meeting broke a poor country, it can become (b) for committing
through. rich if its natural and human (c) against to commit
(a) broke out (b) broke away resources are fully utilised. (d) No improvement
(c) broke up (d) No improvement (a) few and far between 31. While we would like that all
(b) by and large Indian children to go to school,
14. If I have reached there by this (c) by and by we need to ponder why they do
time tomorrow, I will write to you
(d) No improvement not.
immediately.
24. The more they earn, more (a) that all the Indian children
(a) reached (b) reach
they spend. (b) if all the children of India
(c) am reaching (d) No improvement
(c) all Indian children
(a) More they earn, more they
15. My friend met me, unexpectedly, (d) No improvement
spend
when I looked for a taxi, 32. Due to these reasons, we are all
(b) More they earn, the more
desperately. in favour of universal
they spend
(a) had looked compulsory education.
(b) was looking (c) The more they earn, the
more they spend (a) Out of these reasons
(c) had been looking (b) For these reasons
(d) No improvement
(d) No improvement (c) By these reasons
16. Her learning makes up towards 25. But in all these cases, (d) No improvement
her want of beauty. conversion from one scale to
another is easy because scales 33. When it was feared that the
(a) for (b) to serfs might go too far and gain
have well-formulated.
(c) against (d) No improvement their freedom from serfdom, the
(a) can be well-formulated protestant leaders joined the
17. If he got his enemy in his hand, (b) are well-formulated princes at crushing them.
he would have crushed him to (c) well-formulated (a) into crushing
death. (d) No improvement (b) in crushing
(a) has got (b) was getting
26. Five years ago on this date, I (c) without crushing
(c) had got (d) No improvement
am sitting in a small Japanese (d) No improvement
18. Please ask your son to turn off car, driving across Poland 34. In India, today many of our
the radio, so that it is not quite so intellectuals still talk in terms
towards Berlin.
loud. of the French revolution and the
(a) was sitting
(a) in (b) back Rights of Man, not appreciating
(b) sat
(c) down (d) No improvement that much has happened since
(c) have been sitting
19. He said that when I have worked then.
(d) No improvement
(a) much has been happening
for him for six months I would
get a pay rise.
27. The old man felled some trees (b) much had happened
in the garden with hardly no (c) much might happen
(a) had worked
effort at all. (d) No improvement
(b) have had worked
(a) hard effort 35. Taxpayers are to be conscious of
(c) did work
(b) hardly any effort their privileges.
(d) No improvement
(c) a hardly any effort (a) have to
20. I am looking forward to joining (d) No improvement (b) need
your organization. (c) ought to
(a) join (b) join in
28. She says she’s already paid
me back, but I can’t (d) No improvement
(c) having joined (d) No improvement
remember, so I’ll have to take 36. I would have waited for you at
21. I am not sure why she is wanting her word. the station if I knew that you
to see him. (a) to take her word true would come.
(a) she wants (b) to take her at her word (a) had known
(b) is she wanting (c) to take her word for it (b) was knowing
(c) she want (d) No improvement (c) have known
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 477

37. No one could explain how a 44. After I saved some money, I (a) seldom
calm and balanced person like shall go abroad. (b) hardly
him could penetrate such a (a) shall save (c) ever
mindless act on his friends. (b) should have saved (d) No improvement
(a) perpetuate (c) have saved 51. Applications of those who are
(b) perpetrate (d) No improvement graduates will be considered.
(c) precipitate 45. Can you arrange the car to be (a) whom are graduates
(d) No improvement ready this evening? (b) whose are graduates
(a) arrange with the car (c) whom are only graduates
2015 (II) (b) arrange for the car (d) No improvement
(c) arrange that the car 52. It is raining heavily all through
38. Had she been hungry, she would
(d) No improvement this week.
have devoured the whole lot of
46. Hardly had he reached home (a) has rained
it.
when the telephone rang. (b) rains
(a) Unless she had been hungry
(a) he had reached (c) rained
(b) However she had been hungry
(b) did he reach (d) No improvement
(c) As if she had been hungry
(d) No improvement (c) he reached 53. The sparrow took no notice
(d) No improvement about the bread.
39. Until you don’t finish the work,
(a) notice of
you won’t be given leave. 47. He is likely to win the elections
(b) notice from
(a) Until you must finish by the sweeping majority.
(c) notice to
(b) Until finishing (a) with the sweeping majority (d) No improvement
(c) Until you finish (b) in sweeping majority
(d) No improvement 54. As he spoke about his
(c) by a sweeping majority
achievements, his high claims
40. The names of the defaulters (d) No improvement amused us.
have been cut off the register. (a) big
(a) cut out 2016 (I) (b) tall
(b) struck out (c) long
(c) struck off 48. When he heard the rhetorical (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement speech of the leader, he was
55. We ought to stand for what is
carried along by his enthusiasm. right.
41. This is a matter I’d rather not
(a) carried aloft (a) stand at
talk about.
(b) carried down (b) stand on
(a) of which I’d rather not talk about
(c) carried away (c) stand up
(b) I rather not talk about
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement
(c) than I’d rather not talk about
(d) No improvement 49. After the heavy rains last week, 56. He enjoys to tell stories to
the water in the lake raised children.
42. Only when you left I did sleep. (a) how to tell stories
(a) I slept another two feet.
(b) telling stories
(b) did I sleep (a) rose another two feet (c) to narrate stories
(c) had I slept (b) arisen another two feet (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement (c) would raise another two feet
(d) No improvement 57. In a few minutes time, when the
43. I will be happy if you will buy clock strikes six, I would be
me apples. 50. One can live and work in a town waiting here for an hour.
(a) buy without being aware of the daily (a) shall be waiting on
(b) bought march of the sun across the sky (b) shall have been waiting
(c) will be buying without never seeing the moon (c) shall wait
(d) No improvement and stars. (d) No improvement
478 NDA/NA Pathfinder

ANSWERS
Improve the Sentences
1 b 2 d 3 d 4 b 5 a 6 b 7 a 8 a 9 b 10 a
11 c 12 d 13 b 14 b 15 a 16 a 17 c 18 b 19 a 20 c
21 c 22 b 23 a 24 b 25 a 26 d 27 a 28 b 29 a 30 a
31 a 32 d 33 b 34 d 35 b 36 d 37 d 38 c 39 b 40 a
41 c 42 c 43 b 44 c 45 d 46 a 47 a 48 a 49 c 50 b
51 c 52 c 53 b 54 d 55 b 56 b 57 b 58 b 59 b 60 c
61 d 62 a 63 a 64 c 65 d 66 c 67 b 68 c 69 a 70 d
71 a 72 b 73 d 74 c 75 c 76 c 77 c 78 c 79 c 80 b
81 b 82 d 83 b 84 a 85 a

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)

1 c 2 b 3 a 4 b 5 c 6 d 7 a 8 d 9 c 10 a
11 d 12 a 13 c 14 b 15 b 16 a 17 c 18 c 19 a 20 d
21 a 22 c 23 b 24 c 25 b 26 a 27 b 28 b 29 a 30 d
31 c 32 b 33 b 34 d 35 a 36 a 37 b 38 d 39 c 40 c
41 a 42 b 43 a 44 c 45 b 46 d 47 c 48 c 49 a 50 c
51 d 52 c 53 a 54 b 55 c 56 b 57 b

EXPLANATIONS
Improve the Sentences
1. (b) ‘Look’ does not make sense in 8. (a) ‘None the wiser’ is an idiom 14. (b) ‘Little about life’s secrets’ makes
the sentence. It should be changed which means ‘to still be confused proper sense with the given sentence
to ‘see’. about something even after it has as it means ‘negligible’. So, remove
been explained to you’. So, we would ‘a’.
2. (d) No improvement
replace ‘not’ by ‘ none’.
3. (d) No improvement 15. (a) As the sentence is in the past
9. (b) As the verb in the first part of tense, ‘did they speak’ would be used.
4. (b) ‘Me’ should be replaced by ‘I’ to the sentence is in past tense, we
make the sentence grammatically would change ‘is banded’ to ‘were 16. (a) As the given sentence mentions
correct. banded’ to make the sentence plural (‘more than one person’), the
correct. plural verb ‘were’ would be used in
5. (a) The word ‘untie’ is used with place of ‘was’.
‘knot’. So, we would replace ‘open’ by 10. (a) ‘Touch upon’ makes the correct
‘untie’. sense in the given sentence. 17. (c) The sentence mentions an
incident in present tense, so ‘has’
6. (b) ‘Laid aside’ does not make sense. 11. (c) ‘Has not been and can never be’
should be used as the incident in should be used in place of ‘had’.
It should be replaced by ‘set aside’.
the given sentence refers to a 18. (b) ‘His desire for power’ makes
7. (a) As the sentence is in past tense, continuous event in the past. sense with the given sentence.
we will use ‘eradicated’ in place of
12. (d) No improvement 19. (a) In the given sentence, subject
‘have eradicated’. Because the time is
also given of the completion of the 13. (b) ‘To’ should be replaced by ‘of ’ pronoun ‘she’ should be used in
task. and ‘insult’ by ‘insulting’ to make the place of object pronoun ‘her’ to make
sentence grammatically correct. the sentence grammatically correct.
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 479

20. (c) The correct sequence should be 40. (a) ‘Used’ can be used in place of 60. (c) ‘That he had bought yesterday’
3rd person, 2nd person and 1st ‘habituated’ to improve the uses the correct tenses as per the
person. So, ‘my wife, you and I would sentence. given sentence.
be used.
41. (c) ‘Knocked out’ does not make 61. (d) No improvement
21. (c) ‘Took off ’ is the right phrase that sense with the given sentence. ‘out’
should be used with ‘rocket’. 62. (a) ‘Over’ would make right sense
should be replaced by ‘down’. with ‘blown’.
22. (b) ‘Opinion about’ makes the right 42. (c) ‘Take a lift’ should be used in
sense in the given sentence. 63. (a) ‘Have had nothing’ fits properly
place of ‘go in a lift’. as per the sentence structure.
23. (a) The phrase ‘send word to
43. (b) ‘Broken wooden chair’ conveys 64. (c) ‘Look up’ means ‘to find’. So,
someone’ means to convey a message
the right meaning. ‘look up’ should be used in place of
to someone. So, ‘sent a word’ in the
given sentence would be changed to 44. (c) ‘Had the room been brighter’ ‘look into’.
‘sent word’. makes the sentence grammatically 65. (d) No improvement
24. (b) ‘Towards’ is the right word to be correct.
66. (c) ‘Pose’ should be used in place of
used with ‘heading’. 45. (d) No improvement ‘hold’.
25. (a) ‘Is not a great distance’ should be 46. (a) The sentence refers to an 67. (b) ‘Infected’ makes sense with the
used as ‘fifty kilometres’ in the given event in the past (won as a prize). given sentence.
sentence is taken as a whole (i.e. So, we would use ‘I had won as a
singular). prize’. 68. (c) ‘Take’ goes with ‘examination’. So,
we would replace ‘face’ by ‘take’.
26. (d) No improvement 47. (a) ‘Until they arrive’ should be
used to make the sentence 69. (a) ‘After’ should be used in place of
27. (a) The sentence talks about a point
grammatically correct. ‘for’ to make the sentence meaningful.
in time (‘It was indeed a shock for
her’). So, we would use ‘since’ in place 48. (a) ‘Are comfortable’ should be 70. (d) No improvement
of ‘later’. used to make the sentence 71. (a) ‘To try to find’ should be used to
28. (b) ‘Woman doctors’ should be used meaningful. make the sentence meaningful.
to convey the correct meaning of the 49. (c) ‘Because’ would not be used in 72. (b) ‘Have not seen’ should be used
sentence. the sentence as it states a reason. instead of ‘did not see’.
29. (a) The sentence refers to a Hence, ‘why he wrote the letter
was that’ would be used. 73. (d) No improvement
continuous activity (waiting). So ‘have
been waiting’ should be used. 50. (b) ‘Would help’ should be used to 74. (c) ‘Lest’ is always followed by
convey the right meaning of the ‘should’.
30. (a) ‘Protest’ does not make sense in
the sentence. It should be replaced by sentence. 75. (c) ‘Call for something’ means ‘to
‘protest against’. 51. (c) ‘Lend me a few rupees’ should need something’.

31. (a) ‘A use’ does not convey any be used as ‘lend me few rupees’ is 76. (c) ‘Occasion’ is the right word that
meaning. It should be replaced by equivalent to no money. should be used in the given sentence.
‘knowledge’. 52. (c) ‘Harp upon one string only’ 77. (c) ‘Accurate’ is the right word. It
32. (d) No improvement should be used to convey the should be used in place of ‘correct’.
correct meaning of the sentence. 78. (c) ‘Him to leave’ makes sense with
33. (b) ‘Burning’ goes with ‘ambition’.
Hence, we would replace ‘hot’ by 53. (b) ‘To’ should be used in place of the given sentence.
‘burning’. ‘at’. 79. (c) ‘To my watching’ makes correct
34. (d) No improvement 54. (d) No improvement sense.

35. (b) As one activity in the given 55. (b) ‘Does not exist’ makes the 80. (b) Refused should be replaced by
sentence (being in hospital) follows sentence meaningful. ‘denied’ to make it correct.
another (accident), we would use 56. (b) ‘To look them up’ means ‘to 81. (b) It should be ‘doubtful’ in place of
‘following’. find their meaning’. So, we would ‘redoubtable’.
36. (d) No improvement use option (b). 82. (d) No improvement
37. (d) No improvement 57. (b) ‘To post’ is the right usage. It
83. (b) It should be ‘alternative’ in place
should be used in place of ‘of of ‘alternate’.
38. (c) ‘No sooner’ is followed by ‘than’. posting’.
Hence, we would use ‘did he return 84. (a) It should be ‘hear what’ in place
home than’. 58. (b) ‘To bear with’ should be used
of ‘listen what’.
in place of ‘to bear’.
39. (b) ‘There is no more space’ would 85. (a) It should be ‘wrong’. Right
59. (b) ‘Unless I am invited’ should be
convey the correct meaning of the implies ‘less’.
used.
sentence.
480 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)

1. (c) ‘When I went’ will be used in 22. (c) We would use Present Perfect 40. (c) The correct verb to be used here is
the sentence in place of ‘when did I tense here. So, use ‘has finished’ in ‘strike off ’. ‘Strike off ’ means to erase
go’. place of finished. from a list. Its past tense is ‘struck off ’.
2. (b) ‘Although’ should be used in 23. (b) ‘By and large’ should be used 41. (a) We need a sentence connector. So,
place of ‘even’. in place of ‘by far’ as ‘by far’ does ‘of which’ is used here as a proper
3. (a) ‘To arbitrate between’ makes the not convey the right meaning. connector.
sentence grammatically correct. 24. (c) Use ‘The more they earn, the 42. (b) ‘Only when ...’ is an adverbial
4. (b) ‘Of ’ will be used instead of more they spend’ which is phrase here and for this, we have to
‘among’. grammatically correct. use inversion form of the verb. So, ‘did
25. (b) ‘Are well-formulated’ should be I sleep’ is correct.
5. (c) ‘Resembles’ will be used instead
of ‘is resembling’. used in place of ‘have 43. (a) Use ‘buy’ here as the conditional
well-formulated’. clause needs to be in Simple Present
6. (d) No improvement tense.
26. (a) The sentence is about past, so
7. (a) ‘Would be’ is the correct usage verb should also be in Past tense. 44. (c) ‘Saved’ should be replaced with
as ‘would’ is used for polite requests. Hence, ‘was sitting’ is correct. ‘have saved’ to show the consequence of
8. (d) No improvement 27. (b) ‘Hardly no effort’ is wrong. It the action.
9. (c) ‘Has been living’ will be used in should be replaced with ‘hardly any 45. (b) ‘Arrange for the car’ is suitable
place of ‘is living’. effort’. replacement for this sentence. ‘Arrange
28. (b) ‘To take someone at his/her for’ is an idiomatic expression which
10. (a) ‘Knows’ is the most appropriate means ‘to make plans for someone to
choice. word’ means ‘to accept what
someone says on trust’. do something’.
11. (d) No improvement 46. (d) No improvement
29. (a) ‘Hell bent on getting’ is
12. (a) ‘Come with me’ will be used in correct, so it should replace ‘hell 47. (c) Use ‘by a sweeping majority’ which
the sentence. bent at getting’ in the sentence. is grammatically correct.
13. (c) If a meeting ‘breaks up’ it ends 30. (d) No improvement. 48. (c) From the given options, the idiom
and people leave. So, (c) is the right ‘carried away’ is appropriate. ‘carried
option. 31. (c) Remove ‘that’ before ‘all Indian
children’ to make it correct. away’ means ‘to become overly excited
14. (b) ‘Reach’ should be used in place or involved in something’.
of ‘have reached’ to make the 32. (b) ‘For these reasons’ is better
expression, so it should replace 49. (a) The sentence is in the past tense.
sentence grammatically correct. The past tense of the verb ‘rise’ is ‘rose’.
‘Due to these reasons’ in the
15. (b) Use of ‘was looking’ is sentence. Therefore, option (a) is correct.
appropriate here according to 50. (c) The word ‘ever’ is an appropriate
correct tense structure. 33. (b) Use of preposition ‘at’ is wrong,
option (b) i.e. ‘in crushing’ is substitution of ‘never’.
16. (a) ‘For’ should be used in place of correct expression. 51. (d) No improvement
‘towards’.
34. (d) The sentence cannot be 52. (c) The sentence is in past tense.
17. (c) Use of ‘had got’ is suitable here improved further. Therefore, option (c) is correct.
because here Past Perfect tense is
required. 35. (a) ‘Have to’ should be used in 53. (a) The preposition ‘of ’ is used with
place of ‘are to’. the word ‘notice’ to form a meaningful
18. (c) ‘Turn off ’ means to switch the expression.
radio off. Here, there is a sense of 36. (a) If I ‘had known’ (past
low sound with radio still playing. imaginative case) is the correct 54. (b) ‘Tall claims’ is the correct
Hence, ‘turn down’ is suitable expression. expression. It means ‘over statement’.
because it means to lower the 37. (b) Use of ‘penetrate’ is wrong, 55. (c) The phrase ‘stand up for’ means to
volume. which means ‘to go inside’. It defend or support someone or
19. (a) ‘Had worked’ should be used in should be ‘perpetrate’ which means something. So, option (c) would be
the given sentence. ‘to commit a crime or a violent or used.
harmful act’. 56. (b) ‘Telling stories’ should be used in
20. (d) No improvement
38. (d) No improvement place of ‘to tell stories’.
21. (a) ‘She wants’ should be used to
make the sentence grammatically 39. (c) Use ‘Until you finish’. We do 57. (b) The sentence is in future perfect
correct. not use ‘don’t’ when ‘until’ and continuous tense. Therefore, option (b)
‘unless’ are used in the sentence. should be used.
06
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion

SENTENCE
COMPLETION
Generally, 10 to 15 questions based on sentence completion are asked in NDA/NA exam. The question
can be based on a sentence or on a paragraph format. The candidate has to choose the correct option to
fill the blank from the given options.

Sentence Completion comprises of filling up of the gaps given in a particular sentence individually or in a passage. The
sentence has a blank and is followed by four options. The candidate has to pick the correct option to fill the blank.
A candidate should read the given sentence first and try to deduce the meaning of the statement. After that, the inferred
meaning should be matched with the given options. The close inferential word is to be selected as the choice.

Types of Questions
Generally, two types of questions are asked in the exam

Type 1 Single Sentence Completion

Here only a single sentence is given with a blank. Candidate has to select the most appropriate word out of the given
choices. For Example
The crows appear to behave ..........., actively helping one another to find food.
(a) mysteriously (b) warily (c) aggressively (d) cooperatively
Ans. (d) Cooperatively as it stands for the quality of helping actively helping one another to find food.

Type 2 Sentence Completion in Passage

A small passage is given with many blanks. Each blank is to be filled with appropriate word. For each blank, three or four
choice words are given out of which correct word is to be chosen keeping in mind the context of the passage. e.g.
In recent years I’ve come across a number of instances in which students have developed devices and apps to help seniors
and the disabled. But I was 1. (a) genuine impressed by a creation of a 12 2. (a) years old.
(b) genuinely (b) ear
(c) gainly (c) year
Ans. 1. (b), 2. (c)
482 NDA/NA Pathfinder

SENTENCE COMPLETION EXERCISE

SET 1 SINGLE SENTENCE COMPLETION
Directions (Q.Nos. 1-83) Pick out 10. We are not sure if their 19. The majority of village folk in
the most effective word from the business is strictly ……… . India are illiterate and ………
given words to fill in the blank to (a) prudent (b) honest superstitious.
make the sentence meaningfully (c) judicious (d) legitimate (a) overtly (b) delicately
complete. 11. The claims made by the (c) stubbornly (d) covertly
1. The two sisters look so ……… manufacturer of the product are 20. I must admit my parents stood
that it is difficult to tell one so extravagant that only the by me in my times of ……… .
from the other. ……… will accept them on face (a) passion (b) duress
(a) same (b) similar value. (c) involvement (d) criticism
(c) identical (d) alike (a) cynical (b) gullible
(c) rich (d) indifferent 21. Even if it rains all day I will not
2. Since one cannot read every be able to ……… my journey.
book, one should be content 12. Justice should be ……… (a) put by (b) put out
with making a ……… selection. even-handedly. (c) put off (d) put away
(a) normal (b) standard (a) discharged
(c) sample (d) judicious (b) performed 22. Help yourself ……… whatever
(c) declared you can use without wasting.
3. Success comes to those who are (a) with (b) to
(d) administered
vigilant not to permit ……… (c) in (d) for
from the chosen path. 13. The leader of the opposition
(a) diversion (b) deviation party condemned the communal 23. Indigenous products are now
(c) obstruction (d) alienation riots in ……… terms. comparable ……… imported
(a) unambiguous goods in quality.
4. His actions had ……… pain and
(b) unparliamentary (a) against (b) to
suffering on thousands of
(c) unequivocal (c) than (d) from
people.
(d) uncontrollable 24. The Director pointed out in
(a) deplored (b) eliminated
(c) affected (d) inflicted 14. They should spend less time favour of the manager that the
5. He has good ……… over the ……… about and more with profitability of the plant had
famous world languages. their children. ……… since he has taken over.
(a) authority (b) expertise (a) gallivanting (b) gravitating (a) added (b) arisen
(c) hold (d) command (c) frisking (d) flirting (c) increased (d) declined

6. The lions in the Gir forest are 15. The government’s handling of 25. Madan ……… the first prize in
protected as they come under the situation led to ……… this competition.
……… species. violations of human rights. (a) have won (b) win
(a) dangerous (b) engendered (a) tumultuous (b) obvious (c) has won (d) is winning
(c) enamoured (d) endangered (c) ostensible (d) flagrant 26. In large cities people are cut
7. People who have an ……… 16. A bullet ……… his cheek. ……… from nature.
reputation are often avoided by (a) grazed (b) glazed (a) down (b) out
the rest. (c) grasped (d) screamed (c) off (d) away
(a) unsteady (b) unsavory 17. The injured man was still 27. As a general rule, politicians do
(c) unsafe (d) unsatisfied not ……… centre stage.
groggy and could only give a
8. My father was too ……… to ……… account of the accident. (a) foster (b) forbid
push open the heavy door. (a) garish (b) gangling (c) forgive (d) forsake
(a) timid (b) faint (c) garbled (d) garrulous 28. We cannot go on strike every
(c) feeble (d) faltering
18. The teacher’s counsel had a year. Now that we have gone on
9. He does not suffer from any ……… effect on the mischievous strike we must ……… this
……… disease at all. student’s conduct. issue.
(a) acute (b) chronic (a) memorable (b) salutary (a) canvass (b) cross
(c) temporary (d) irregular (c) sudden (d) forceful (c) clinch (d) culminate
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 483

29. Indications are that the 38. The Earth is at present in great 49. The non-cooperative attitude of
government has ……… to the danger of becoming the members can only ……… the
prospect of granting bonus to uninhabitable because of ……… image of the society.
the striking employees. environmental pollution, which (a) spoil (b) improve
(a) relieved (b) aligned is going on at an incredibly (c) degrade (d) defame
(c) obliged (d) reconciled rapid pace. 50. If our friends are not able to take
30. I was totally ……… by his line (a) gigantic (b) inhuman us in their car; we must make
of thinking and could not put (c) stupendous (d) colossal ……… arrangements to go to the
forth any argument. 39. It was indeed unreasonable airport.
(a) refuted (b) non-plussed ……… him to leave this job and (a) alternative (b) another
(c) degraded (d) exhausted start business. (c) alternate (d) possible
31. The ……… study on import of (a) in (b) with 51. Many ……… decisions were taken
natural gas from Iran through (c) upon (d) of at the meeting.
pipeline would be completed 40. Rohit behaves strangely at (a) hectic (b) historic
shortly. times and therefore, nobody (c) historical (d) historinic
(a) natural (b) economic gets ……… with him. 52. We had to pay more taxi fare
(c) feasibility (d) calculated (a) about (b) through because the driver brought us by a
32. Man is ………, however, he is (c) along (d) up ……… route.
more in need of mental 41. It was difficult to remove my (a) circular (b) circumscribed
companionship than of feet as it had got stuck ……… (c) longest (d) circuitous
physical companionship. in the mud. 53. The team was well trained and
(a) biological (b) egoistic (a) fairly (b) greatly strong, but somehow their ………
(c) gregarious (d) democratic (c) widely (d) firmly was low.
33. Shivalal ……… classical music. 42. Due to security reasons, we (a) feeling (b) moral
He always prefers Bhimsen were ……… entry to the (c) consciousness (d) morale
Joshi to Asha Bhonsale and assembly hall. 54. The ……… brought against the
Pandit Jasraj to Kumar Sanu. (a) stopped (b) denied ministry was rejected by a vast
(a) adores (b) cares (c) warned (d) rejected majority in the Lower House of
(c) cultivates (d) apprehends 43. ……… the arrival of the police, Parliament.
34. He is the best man for this job. nobody went near the victim. (a) bill (b) motion
He has mental ……… to carry (a) Unless (b) Although (c) decree (d) suit
it out. (c) Even (d) Till 55. Owing to the power cut in the
(a) adroitness (b) durability 44. The car in which the minister area, factories are being forced to
(c) persuasion (d) predilection was travelling ……… with an ……… men.
35. We still have not given our accident. (a) throw away (b) send off
……… to conduct the survey of (a) hit (b) drove (c) put off (d) lay off
natural resources in our state. (c) crashed (d) met
56. In a changing and ………
(a) consent (b) request 45. Divya always ……… the unstructured business
(c) provision (d) projection permission of her father before environment, creativity and
36. His party is solely to be going for movies. innovation are being ………
blamed for the political ……… (a) seeking (b) seeks demanded of executives.
in the country. (c) sought (d) seeker (a) highly, extremely
(a) revival 46. It ……… that Punit will not be (b) progressively, increasingly
(b) degradation selected for the post. (c) increasingly, moderately
(c) stalemate (a) feels (b) looks (d) excessively, rapidly
(d) devaluation (c) believes (d) seems 57. Moreover, a fact finding mission
37. Now the management 47. Namrata was found to ……… ……… by BSN to India in
graduate can expect to have a the required qualifications for January this year strongly
prosperous life on a ……… the job. recommended that the French
income without having to (a) contain (b) disclose group should do it alone and not
depend on finding a place in (c) posses (d) acquire hand over ……… to an Indian
family business having to tend
the paternal estates. 48. I purposely ……… meet you Partner.
during my last visit to (a) organised, papers
(a) professional
Kashmir. (b) constituted, authority
(b) regular
(a) didn’t (b) won’t (c) sponsored, power
(c) meaningful
(c) hadn’t (d) wouldn’t (d) dispatched, control
(d) dependable
484 NDA/NA Pathfinder

58. This partly explains how the 65. One major ……… between the 74. I am fully ……… the problems
Mehta family has been able to Election Commission and the facing the industry.
……… its lavish lifestyle in Union Government is related to (a) alive with (b) alive to
recent times, despite the fact the powers of the former in (c) alive for (d) alive on
that all its assets have respect of the deployment of
central police forces at places 75. The Romans were ………
been………. . science.
(a) keep, removed where elections are held.
(a) irritant (b) conflict (a) bad in (b) bad to
(b) afford, attached (c) bad for (d) bad at
(c) develop, liquidated (c) pain (d) culprit
(d) keep up, destroyed 66. Your present statement does not 76. Although, I was ........ of his
……… what you said last week. plans, I encouraged him,
59. The Hubble Space Telescope will because there was no one else
search for planets around the (a) accord to (b) accord in
(c) accord with (d) accord for who was willing to help.
stars, a key to the ……… for (a) sceptical (b) remorseful
extraterrestrial life and examine 67. I had a vague ……… that the (c) fearful (d) excited
interstellar dust and gases out lady originally belonged to
of which stars are born. Scotland. 77. You have no business to ........
(a) perception (b) discovery (a) notion (b) expression pain on a weak and poor person.
(c) enquiry (d) quest (c) imagination (d) theory (a) inflict (b) put
(c) direct (d) force
60. Soft minded individuals are 68. The prisoner showed no ………
……… to embrace all kinds of for his crimes. 78. Her uncle died in a car accident.
superstitions. (a) hatred (b) obstinacy He was quite rich. She suddenly
(a) disposed (b) eager (c) remorse (d) anger ........ all her uncle’s money.
(c) reluctant (d) prone (a) succeeded (b) caught
69. It is inconceivable that in many (c) gave (d) inherited
61. He is a person of sound schools children are subjected to
character and ……… physical ……… in the name of 79. There was a major accident. The
disposition. discipline. plane crashed. The pilot ........
(a) beneficent (b) morous (a) violation (b) exercise did not see the tower.
(c) amiable (d) amicable (c) violence (d) security (a) likely (b) probably
(c) scarcely (d) hurriedly
62. It being an ……… issue, it is 70. We have not yet fully realised
not correct to introduce the ……… consequences of the 80. The car we were travelling in
questions of morality into the war. ........ a mile from home.
debate. (a) happy (b) pleasing (a) broke off (b) broke down
(a) moral (b) immoral (c) grim (d) exciting (c) broke into (d) broke up
(c) amoral (d) irrelevant 71. Happiness consists in being 81. What are you ........ in the
63. The communalist represents the ……… what we have. kitchen cupboard?
……… of everything noble that (a) contented to (b) contented with (a) looking in (b) looking on
we have inherited from our (c) contented for (d) contented in (c) looking to (d) looking for
culture and history. 72. His rude behaviour is a ……… 82. I did not see the point of ........
(a) antithesis (b) antidote his organisation. waiting for them, so I went
(c) immorality (d) antagonism (a) disgrace for home.
64. According to corporate circles (b) disgrace on (a) hanging around
data is pushing through the (c) disgrace upon (b) hang on
merger to create financially ...... (d) disgrace to (c) hang together
company in the processed foods (d) hanging up
73. No child is ………
business, the group’s thrust understanding. One has to wait 83. He lost confidence and ........ of
area for the 1990’s. and provide proper guidance. the deal at the last minute.
(a) acceptable (b) powerful (a) dull to (b) dull in (a) backed out (b) backed on
(c) leading (d) straight (c) dull of (d) dull for (c) backed down (d) backed onto
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 485

SET 2 SENTENCE COMPLETION IN PASSAGE

Directions (Passages 1-62) In the following passages, at certain point, you are given a choice of three words marked (a),
(b) and (c) or (a), (b), (c) and (d) one of which fits the meaning of the passage. Choose the best word out of the given ones.

PASSAGE 1
Once a tribal king went to a jungle for hunting. While hunting, he caught two parrots in his net. He was happy to
catch the parrots as he could teach them to talk and then let his children play with the talking parrots.
But 1. (a) when the tribal king was returning home with his two parrots, one of the parrots escaped from the net
(b) while
(c) would
and 2. (a) flew away. The tribal king brought the other parrot home and taught it to 3. (a) squeak like him.
(b) fly (b) cheat
(c) flown (c) speak
Soon the parrot learnt to talk like a tribal man. The other parrot which had 4. (a) managed to escape, was caught
(b) wanted
(c) cried
by a sage. The sage 5. (a) liked the parrot and taught him to recite holy hymns.
(b) strikes
(c) wiped

PASSAGE 2
The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species, most recognisable for their pattern of dark vertical stripes on
reddish-orange fur with a lighter underside. The largest wild tiger ever reported had a total body length of 3.38 m
over curves and weighed 388.7 kg.
Not only is tiger a beautiful animal but it is also the indicator of the 6. (a) forest’s health 7. (a) Blaming the tiger
(b) closet’s (b) Killing
(c) man’s (c) Saving
means we save the forest since tiger cannot live in places where trees have vanished and in turn secure food and
water for all. If we make sure tigers 8. (a) dive, we have to make sure that deer, antelope and all other animals
(b) live
(c) strive
that the tiger eats (its prey base) live. To make sure that these 9. (a) carnivores live, we must make sure that all
(b) herbivores
(c) omnivores
the trees, grass and other plants that these 10. (a) prey animals need for food are protected. In this way, the whole
(b) stray
(c) gray
forest gets saved!

PASSAGE 3
If you’ve ever 11. (a) cloned a pet, you already know how much fun and affection they can bring. But did you know
(b) owned
(c) shoved
that pets also come with some 12. (a) pretty powerful mental and physical health benefits? Dogs in particular can
(b) gritty
(c) sunny
reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness and even 13. (a) improved
(b) imporves
(c) improve
486 NDA/NA Pathfinder

your cardiovascular health. Caring for a dog can help children grow more secure and active or provide valuable
companionship for 14. (a) older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a dog can add real joy and
(b) oldest
(c) elder
15. (a) conditional love to your life.
(b) provisional
(c) unconditional

PASSAGE 4
Life began on earth millions of years ago. Though there are 16. (a) numbered forms of life, as we all know, human
(b) innumerable
(c) numerous
beings 17. (a) devolved to be most intelligent form of life. Yet almost all human beings fail to recognise this
(b) evolving
(c) evolved
opportunity given by existence, by looking beyond their desires. Life can be used, misused or just 18. (a) wasted.
(b) superused
(c) washed
Those who make good use of this opportunity not only are enlightened, but also bring light in others life.
19. (a) God Krishna, Gautama the Buddha, Vardhamana Mahaveera, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed,
(b) Lord
(c) Bard
Adi Shankara Charya, Shirdi Saibaba are some of them who have attained this 20. (a) means. Osho is also a great
(b) blend
(c) end
Master who belongs to this list. He has spoken volumes on topics such as ‘trust’, ‘freedom’, ‘miracle’ and ‘healing’.
However, he became extremely popular (unpopular as well, in the eyes of unwise) for his 21. (a) courses on sex.
(b) discourses
(c) forces

PASSAGE 5
Can we see (22) ......... the Earth is a globe? Yes, we can, when we watch a ship that sails out to sea. If we watch closely,
we see that the ship begins (23) ........ . The bottom of the ship disappears first and then the ship seems to sink lower and
lower, (24) ......... we can only see the top of the ship and then we see nothing at all. What is hiding the ship from us? It
is the Earth. Stick a pin most of the way into an orange and (25) ......... turn the orange away from you. You will see the
pin disappear, (26) ......... a ship does on the Earth.
22. (a) if (b) where (c) that (d) whether 25. (a) reluctantly (b) accidentally

23. (a) being disappeared (b) to be disappeared (c) slowly (d) passionately
(c) to have disappeared (d) to disappear 26. (a) the same (b) alike
24. (a) until (b) since (c) after (d) by the time (c) just as (d) by the way

PASSAGE 6
After months of colder weather, the days get longer, the buds (27) ......... in the trees, birds sing and the world (28) ..........
a green dress. Spring passes (29) ............ summer. Everyone knows that summer will not (30) ............ forever. The power
of all the wisest men and women in the world cannot keep it for us. The corn becomes ripe, the leaves turn brown and
then drop to the ground, (31) ............ the world changes its green dress for a dress of autumn colours.
27. (a) fall off (b) take up 29. (a) into (b) by (c) from (d) on
(c) put off (d) come out 30. (a) forego (b) evaluate (c) succumb (d) last
28. (a) looks after (b) puts on 31. (a) yet (b) therefore
(c) carries on (d) comes round (c) since (d) and
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 487

PASSAGE 7 (47)…….. . Many of the King’s advisers turned against

him and asked a powerful General (Chakri) to (48)…… .
The postal service is the government agency (32) .............
handles the mail. Its job is (33) ............. letters and Taksin and become the new King of Siam. General
packages to people and businesses all over the world. Its Chakri overthrew Taksin and (49)…… himself King of
goal is to see that your mail gets to its destination (34) Siam. He was known as Rama and was the first ruler of
............. possible. People (35) ............. the postal service to the Chakri Dynasty. The Chakri Dynasty was (50)…. and
deliver important letters and even valuables, (36) ............. it has (51)….. to the present day.
time and to the right person. 42. (a) became (b) insane (c) overthrow (d) called
32. (a) the fact that (b) whether 43. (a) made (b) ruled (c) dynasty (d) became
(c) of which (d) that
44. (a) hereditary (b) insane (c) dynasty (d) called
33. (a) being delivered (b) to be deliver
(c) to have delivered (d) to deliver 45. (a) became (b) ruled (c) dynasty (d) hereditary

34. (a) less quickly (b) too quickly 46. (a) hereditary (b) called (c) overthrow (d) insane
(c) so quickly that (d) as quickly as 47. (a) hereditary (b) insane (c) overthrow (d) called
35. (a) back out (b) check out 48. (a) overthrow (b) ruled (c) dynasty (d) made
(c) come in (d) rely on
49. (a) before (b) ruined (c) dynamic (d) made
36. (a) to (b) for (c) at (d) on
50. (a) hereditary (b) established
(c) overthrow (d) called
PASSAGE 8 51. (a) survived (b) insane (c) overthrow (d) called
A century ago the process of choosing a career was a
much simpler matter than it is today. A boy often
followed in his father’s footsteps. His sister learned the PASSAGE 10
household skills that (37) ............. her to become a wife There once was an old woman who (52) .......... in a shoe.
and mother. Now-a-days young people grow up in a much This must have been very cramped and difficult because
free society (38) ............. they enjoy almost unlimited living (53) .......... a shoe is not very comfortable, I expect.
career opportunities. In recent years, there (39) ............. One day, she went out and there (54) ........ some children
an enormous increase in the kinds of vocations from playing in the street nearby where she lived. They began
which it is possible to choose. In addition, many of the shouting (55) .......... her. “You silly old woman, why do
barriers to career opportunity that existed only a few you live in a shoe?”, they shouted and other things like
decades ago, such as (40) ............. based on sex or that. They were very insulting (56) .......... the old woman.
religion or ethnic origins are (41) ............. disappearing. I don’t know why the old woman had to live in a shoe,
37. (a) had prepared (b) may prepare but she (57) .......... have been very poor and it was not
(c) was prepared (d) would prepare nice to (58) .......... fun of the poor woman because she
was so hard up that she had nowhere (59) .......... to live.
38. (a) where (b) when (c) why (d) whom
But children can be very cruel sometimes and this case
39. (a) had been (b) has been was (60) .......... exception. However, on this occasion the
(c) will be (d) would have been old woman didn’t just (61) .......... their insults meekly,
but became very angry and shouted “I will teach you a
40. (a) judgement (b) perception
(62) ..........”, she chased them with a cane.
(c) goodwill (d) discrimination
52. (a) make (b) must (c) lived (d) else
41. (a) rapidly (b) incessantly
53. (a) whether (b) in (c) despite (d) within
(c) categorically (d) vigilantly
54. (a) were (b) was (c) are (d) had
55. (a) below (b) under (c) upon (d) at
PASSAGE 9
King Mongkut (42)….. the King of Siam (Thailand) in the 56. (a) till (b) to (c) until (d) based on
year 1851. Mongkut (43)…… Siam for seventeen years. 57. (a) ought to (b) need not (c) might (d) must
Mongkut was a (44) …… . A dynast is a (45)…. ruler.
58. (a) make (b) create (c) cook (d) prepare
This means that Mongkut became king because his
family had been ruling Siam before him. Mongkut was 59. (a) instead (b) from (c) however (d) else
the fourth member of his family to be king of Siam and 60. (a) no (b) not (c) neither (d) either
so he was (46)….. Rama IV. How did Mongkut’s family
61. (a) lived (b) else
become the rulers of Siam?
(c) take/accept/put up with (d) must
In the previous century, Taksin had been the King of
Siam and for a number of years he had slowly gone
62. (a) chapter (b) lesson (c) teaching (d) power
488 NDA/NA Pathfinder

QUESTIONS FROM
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016)
SET 1 SINGLE SENTENCE COMPLETION
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-48) In this section, each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given
after the sentence. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank space.

2014 (I) 10. When electricity failed, 19. Many of the advances of
emergency generators …… . civilisation have been conceived
1. When the police arrived, the
(a) cut out (b) cut off by young people just on the
thief ......... away.
(c) cut on (d) cut in .......... of adulthood.
(a) strolled (b) moved
(c) galloped (d) ran 11. We need two more hands to (a) boundary (b) threshold
……… the heavy rush of work. (c) peak (d) horizon
2. His ...... as an officer was not
(a) cope up (b) cope with 20. The more your action and
quite satisfactory.
(c) cope to (d) cope in thought are allied and ........, the
(a) acting (b) doing
(c) deed (d) record 12. Twenty-five candidates ……… happier you grow.
each other for the first prize. (a) divergent (b) unravelled
3. The two children stood at the (c) integrated (d) invincible
(a) compete for (b) compete with
...... of the table.
(c) compete to (d) compete on 21. He ......... in wearing the
(a) conclusion (b) terminal
(c) end (d) termination 13. We must eliminate the ……… old-fashioned coat in spite of his
rich and poor. wife’s disapproval.
4. The old man was ........ weak to
(a) disparity between (a) insists (b) persists
open the door.
(b) disparity for (c) desists (d) resists
(a) very (b) far
(c) disparity in
(c) much (d) too 22. It is not what you say that .........,
(d) disparity from
5. Universities in Germany and but what you do.
Denmark will have an input
14. As an innovator, he ……… the (a) matches (b) implies
beaten track and explored (c) matters (d) moves
……… the project.
religions.
(a) for (b) into 23. Physically we are now all
(a) deviated from (b) deviated to
(c) about (d) at neighbours, but psychologically
(c) deviated in (d) deviated for
6. He gave me a leg ……… when we are ......... to each other.
I was completely new to the (a) primitives (b) complementary
business.
2014 (II) (c) strangers (d) cowards
(a) up (b) down 15. You haven’t had your lunch yet, 24. The old ‘Nature versus ..........’
(c) off (d) for .......... you? debate regarding crime continues
(a) are (b) aren’t
7. You should have nothing to do even today.
(c) have (d) haven’t
with those criminals, they all (a) man (b) universe
have violent attitudes and long 16. Life is to death as pleasure is to (c) culture (d) nurture
records. They are men ……… ...... .
the same kidney. (a) poverty
(c) anguish
(b) suffering
(d) pain
2015 (II)
(a) with (b) in
(c) of (d) on 25. Man has won his dominant
17. The French ...... reputed to have
position on this planet by his
8. He didn’t have the guts to a very good sense of humour.
………… of technology.
stand ……… his friend when (a) is (b) was
(a) command (b) emphasis
he was in trouble. (c) are (d) will be
(c) belief (d) stress
(a) with (b) for 18. ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ are the
(c) by (d) beside little courtesies by which we 26. The day was extremely hot and,
keep the ......... of life oiled and in no time, my back was
9. He broke out of the prison
……… dressing as a woman. running smoothly. drenched with ………… .
(a) path (b) machine (a) prickly heat (b) perspiration
(a) in (b) as
(c) garden (d) river (c) sores (d) fatigue
(c) by (d) with
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 489

27. The government is encouraging 34. To say that we were surprised 41. To explain his design to his
village upliftment ………… in at the cleverness of the child is visitors, the architect ............. a
the country. an understatement; we were simple plan on the blackboard.
(a) programmes really ………… . (a) built (b) finalised
(b) designs (a) annoyed (b) astounded (c) sketched (d) arranged
(c) talks (c) flattered (d) confused 42. Though Bonsai, a well-known
(d) propaganda 35. In spite of the old woman’s art form, originated in China, it
28. Satish was endowed ………… a repeated entreaties, he was ............ by the Japanese.
natural talent for music. remained ………… . (a) cultivated (b) finished
(a) in (b) by (a) ashamed (b) docile (c) perfected (d) enlarged
(c) for (d) with (c) indifferent (d) lethargic 43. He is greatly admired for his
29. Mr Ghosh is very happy ………… 36. There was ………… competition ............. behaviour.
his son’s excellent result. for electoral seats. (a) decrepit (b) decadent
(a) for seeing (b) to see (a) diligent (b) rapid (c) decarative (d) decorous
(c) by seeing (d) see (c) cut-throat (d) sparse 44. Would you mind ............. to the
30. Sunlight filtering ………… the 37. The cricket team ………… Principal how the trouble
stained glass window created a mainly of State players. started?
mosaic of colours on the floor. (a) composed (b) consist (a) remarking (b) saying
(a) in (b) through (c) made with (d) comprises (c) explaining (d) talking
(c) at (d) into 38. His love for money is the only 45. Vaccination will make people
31. Are you feeling doubtful ………… ………… that drives him to immune .............. certain
your decision? work so hard. diseases for a given period.
(a) about (b) upon (a) programme (b) plan (a) against (b) to
(c) at (d) for (c) reason (d) greed (c) with (d) for
32. I want to study Geology now for 39. According to ………… sources, 46. The two boys looked so alike
I ………… Zoology for the last the Chief Minister did not that it was impossible to
three years. consult his Cabinet Members ............. between them.
(a) am studying on this issue. (a) discriminate (b) discern
(b) have been studying (a) intelligent (b) simple (c) distinguish (d) identify
(c) had studied (c) reliable (d) fundamental 47. The campers ............ their tents
(d) had been studying at the base of the mountain.
33. Increase in storage facilities has 2016 (I) (a) installed (b) dug
made it possible to store goods at 40. When the bus was at full (c) pitched (d) established
places ………… to people all over speed, its brakes failed and an 48. The enemy had captured him
the country. accident was ........ . and his life was at stake, still he
(a) safe (a) inevitable refused to .......... the state
(b) easy (b) undeniable secrets.
(c) proper (c) fatal (a) divulge (b) divert
(d) convenient (d) miserable (c) indulge (d) invert

SET 2 SENTENCE COMPLETION IN PASSAGE

Directions (Passages 1-37) In the following passages, at certain point, you are given a choice of three words marked (a),
(b) and (c) or (a), (b), (c) and (d) one of which fits the meaning of the passage. Choose the best word out of the given ones.

2013 (I)
PASSAGE 1
In a few seconds, we ran the boat into a little bay, where we made her fast to a piece of coral, and running up the
beach, entered the ranks of the penguins armed with our sticks and spears.
We were greatly surprised to 1. (a) find that instead of attacking us or 2. (a) showing signs of fear at our
(b) learn (b) giving
(c) hear (c) revealing
(d) understand (d) conveying
490 NDA/NA Pathfinder

3. (a) arrival, these strange birds did not move 4. (a) in their places until we took hold 5. (a) off them,
(b) entry (b) at (b) of
(c) approach (c) from (c) from
(d) alight (d) on (d) on
they merely 6. (a) opened their eyes on us 7. (a) with wonder as we passed. There 8. (a) lived one
(b) turned (b) out of (b) existed
(c) closed (c) in (c) was
(d) showed (d) on (d) persisted
old penguin, however that 9. (a) commenced to walk slowly towards the sea, and Peterkin 10. (a) carried
(b) began (b) bore
(c) continued (c) took
(d) stalked (d) thought
it into his head that he 11. (a) would try to stop it, so he 12. (a) interposed between it and the sea
(b) could (b) ran
(c) should (c) arrived
(d) won’t (d) jumped
and 13. (a) moved his stick in its face. But this 14. (a) appeared to be a determined old 15. (a) bird.
(b) pointed (b) happened (b) animal
(c) waved (c) proved (c) creature
(d) watched (d) seemed (d) pet
It would not go back; in fact, it 16. (a) should not cease to advance, but 17. (a) battled with Peterkin bravely,
(b) would (b) struggled
(c) could (c) contested
(d) must (d) snugged
and 18 (a) chased him before it, until it 19. (a) touched the sea.
(b) drove (b) arrived at
(c) moved (c) reached
(d) lashed (d) jumped

2014 (I)
PASSAGE 2
Drobny defied the critics. He had played through the Wimbledon fortnight and reached the final. Could he win just
one more match and take the crown, or would be fail again at the last test and justify those who said that he lacked
the little something that makes the champion? His opponent was the Australian Ken Rosewall, 20. (a) that brilliant
(b) a
(c) the
youngster and already a master 21. (a) with worldwide experience behind him. Jaroslav Drobny, 22. (a) a son of a
(b) a (b) an
(c) that (c) the

Czech carpenter, who 23. (a) had started the boy off at the 24. (a) age of five with a wooden ‘bat’ in lieu 25. (a) for a
(b) a (b) stage (b) of
(c) the (c) career (c) to
racquet, went on 26. (a) to the famous Centre Court at Wimbledon 27. (a) in day with the full knowledge that this
(b) a (b) on
(c) the (c) that
28. (a) can be the game of his 29 (a) life. He had kept on trying, and 30. (a) he could keep on trying, but
(b) must (b) age (b) one
(c) would (c) day (c) you
31. (a) games would become fewer and fewer. He knew that he had to gain an advantage from the start, and he had
(b) matches
(c) opportunities
this young rival set off against him.
GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 491

2015 (I)
PASSAGE 3
After having slept for an hour, Bond decided to go out into the city and try to find his contact. After changing his
suit, he carefully locked his room and stepped out of the hotel. No one was around. But he had walked only for a
few minutes when it suddenly
32. (a) felt to him that he was being 33. (a) followed by someone. There was really no 34. (a) reason for it except
(b) occurred (b) shot (b) cause
(c) happened (c) looked (c) evidence
a very slight 35. (a) weight of footsteps. He was now walking 36. (a) from the main street, which was crowded
(b) sound (b) down
(c) hurting (c) over
37. (a) with people. He became extremely aware of the danger of people threatening him.
(b) by
(c) in

ANSWERS
Sentence Completion Exercise
Set 1 - Single Sentence Completion
1 c 2 d 3 b 4 d 5 d 6 d 7 b 8 c 9 b 10 d
11 b 12 d 13 c 14 a 15 d 16 a 17 c 18 b 19 c 20 b
21 c 22 a 23 b 24 c 25 c 26 c 27 d 28 d 29 d 30 b
31 c 32 c 33 a 34 a 35 a 36 c 37 b 38 d 39 d 40 c
41 d 42 b 43 d 44 d 45 b 46 d 47 c 48 a 49 a 50 a
51 b 52 d 53 d 54 b 55 d 56 b 57 d 58 b 59 d 60 d
61 c 62 d 63 a 64 b 65 b 66 c 67 a 68 c 69 c 70 c
71 b 72 d 73 b 74 b 75 d 76 a 77 a 78 d 79 b 80 b
81 d 82 a 83 a

Set 2 - Sentence Completion in Passage

1 b 2 a 3 c 4 a 5 a 6 a 7 c 8 b 9 b 10 a
11 b 12 a 13 c 14 a 15 c 16 b 17 c 18 a 19 b 20 c
21 b 22 c 23 d 24 a 25 c 26 c 27 d 28 b 29 a 30 d
31 d 32 d 33 d 34 d 35 d 36 d 37 d 38 a 39 b 40 d
41 a 42 a 43 b 44 c 45 d 46 b 47 b 48 a 49 d 50 b
51 a 52 c 53 b 54 a 55 d 56 b 57 d 58 a 59 d 60 a
61 c 62 b

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)

Set 1 - Single Sentence Completion
1 d 2 d 3 c 4 d 5 c 6 a 7 c 8 c 9 c 10 d
11 b 12 b 13 a 14 a 15 c 16 d 17 c 18 b 19 b 20 c
21 b 22 c 23 c 24 d 25 a 26 b 27 a 28 d 29 b 30 b
31 a 32 b 33 d 34 b 35 c 36 c 37 d 38 c 39 c 40 a
41 c 42 c 43 d 44 c 45 b 46 c 47 c 48 a

Set 2 - Sentence Completion in Passage

1 a 2 a 3 a 4 c 5 b 6 b 7 c 8 c 9 b 10 c
11 a 12 b 13 b 14 c 15 a 16 b 17 a 18 b 19 c 20 b
21 a 22 c 23 a 24 a 25 b 26 a 27 c 28 c 29 a 30 a
31 c 32 b 33 a 34 c 35 b 36 b 37 a
07
JUMBLED SENTENCES
AND PARAGRAPHS
Generally, 10 to 15 questions based on jumbled sentences and paragraphs are asked in NDA/NA exam.
In these questions, the candidate has to rearrange the jumbled words or phrases to make a meaningful
sentence or paragraph.

Ordering of words/sentences is a necessary and indispensable part of the NDA examination. The candidates are
required to place these words or sentences in a proper sequence. This test may have several words, phrases or
sentences in a jumbled up manner.
In some questions, first and the last sentences of the paragraph are given and the rest are jumbled. The candidate
is needed to place the middle sentences in a proper sequence. However, in simple questions, you have to
rearrange the words and phrases so that a relevant and meaningful sentence is obtained. The sentences should
form a coherent order in a logical sequence.

Arranging the Sentence in Correct Order

The correct sequence is formed when all the sentences are organically linked. A sort of cause-effect relationship is
also implicit in such exercises because a sentence will follow another only when the former leads to the latter.
Thus, taking into consideration this aspect, sentences can be easily sequenced.
Sound knowledge of language, helping verbs and conjunctions enables a candidate to solve these questions easily.

Tips for Attempting Questions

• Frame the sentences logically to get a meaningful order.
• Rearrangement of sentences should be grammatically correct.
• Use simple and linear approach to frame the sentence to obtain a logical meaning.
GENERAL ENGLISH Jumbled Sentences and Paragraphs 493

Types of Questions TYPE 2

Usually two types of questions are asked in the Reordering of sentences to form a
exam meaningful paragraph
In this type, the initial and final part of the paragraph is given
TYPE 1 and labelled as S1 and S6. The rest of the paragraph is broken
Reordering of words to form a into 4 parts (labelled as P, Q, R and S) and given in a jumbled
meaningful sentence form.
In this type, the initial part of the sentence is The candidate needs to arrange the jumbled parts (P, Q, R and S)
given as a hint. The rest of the sentence is in a way that the resultant paragraph is coherent and
divided into a number of phrases (labelled as P, meaningful.
Q, R, S) and given in a jumbled form. Some examples are given below of this type
The candidate has to rearrange the jumbled parts Directions (Q. Nos. 3 and 4) In the questions given below, each
of the sentence to form a meaningful sentence. passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentences
are given in the beginning. The middle four sentences in each
The initial part of the sentence serves as a hint
have been removed and jumbled up. These are labelled as P, Q,
for arranging the given phrases into a sentence.
R and S. Find out the proper order of the four sentences.
Some examples are given below of this type 3. S1 : She said on the phone that she would report for duty
next day.
Directions (Q. Nos. 1 and 2) In the questions
given below, there is a sentence of which some S6 : Eventually we reported to the police.
parts have been jumbled up. Rearrange these parts P : We waited for few days then we decided to go to her
which are labelled as P, Q, R and S to produce a place.
correct sentence. Choose the proper sequence Q : But she did not.
among the alternatives. R : We found it locked.
1. P : himself S : Even after that we waited for her for quite a few days.
Q : a child The proper sequence should be
R : can usually feed (a) PRSQ (b) QPSR (c) QPRS (d) SQPR
S : by the age of six months Explanation The correct sequence is QPRS [option (c)] i.e.
The correct sequence should be She said on the phone that she would report for duty next day.
(a) QPRS (b) SRQP But she did not. We waited for few days then we decided to go
(c) PQRS (d) QRPS to her place. We found it locked. Even after that we waited for
Explanation The correct sequence is QRPS [option her for quite a few days, eventually we reported to the police.
(d)] i.e. A child can usually feed himself by the 4. S1 : Throughout history, man has used energy from the
age of six months. Sun.
2. The boy S6 : This energy comes from inside atoms.
P : in the competition P : Today, when we burn wood or use electric current, we
Q : who was wearing spectacles are drawing energy.
Q : However, we now have a new supply of energy.
R : won many prizes
R : All our ordinary life depends on Sun.
S : held in our college
S : This has come from the Sun.
The correct sequence should be
The proper sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) RPSQ
(a) SQPR (b) RQPS (c) QSRP (d) PSRQ
(c) QRPS (d) QPSR
Explanation The correct sequence is PSRQ [option (d)] i.e.
Explanation The correct sequence is QRPS
[option (c)] i.e. The boy who was wearing Throughout history, man has used energy from the Sun. Today,
spectacles won many prizes in the competition when we burn wood or use electric current, we are drawing
energy. This has come from the Sun. All our ordinary life
held in our college.
depends on Sun. However, we now have a new supply of
energy, this energy come from inside atoms.
494 NDA/NA Pathfinder

REARRANGEMENT EXERCISE
SET 1 REARRANGE THE JUMBLED SENTENCES
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-51) In the given questions, there is a sentence of which some parts have been jumbled up. Rearrange
these parts which are labelled as P, Q, R and S to produce the correct sentence. Choose the among the alternatives.

1. Little 6. Education is 11. I saw that

P : that he had been let down P : of the proper sense of P : but seeing my host in this
Q : stood by all these years responsibilities mood
R : did he realise Q : the first need Q : I deemed it proper to take
S : by a colleague whom he had leave
R : in a citizen
R : as I had frequently done
The proper sequence should be S : for the development before
(a) RPSQ (b) RSQP The proper sequence should be S : it had been my intention to
(c) QSRP (d) QSPR (a) SQPR (b) QSRP pass the night there
2. There was (c) QSPR (d) PQRS The proper sequence should be
P : needed for its everyday life 7. It was (a) QPSR (b) QRPS
Q : a time when each family P : in keeping with my mood (c) SPQR (d) SRPQ
R : for itself most of the things Q : a soft summer evening 12. It was to be
it R : as I walked sedately P : before their school
S : actually produced S : in the direction of new examination
The proper sequence should be house Q : which was due to start
(a) QRSP (b) RQPS R : the last expedition
The proper sequence should be
(c) RSPQ (d) QSRP (a) SRPQ (b) QRPS S : in a month
3. Then (c) QPRS (d) SQPR The proper sequence should be
P : it struck me (a) SRQP (b) RQSP
8. With her body
(c) RPQS (d) SPRQ
Q : of course P : dragging her unwilling feet
R : suitable it was 13. They felt safer
Q : weak and infirm
S : how eminently P : to watch the mountain
R : doubled with age
Q : of more than five miles
The proper sequence should be S : she persisted in her mission
(a) SPQR (b) QSRP
R : as they settled down
The proper sequence should be S : from a distance
(c) PSRQ (d) QPSR (a) PQRS (b) QPRS
The proper sequence should be
4. The grocer (c) RQPS (d) SRPQ
(a) RPSQ (b) RSQP
P : did not listen to the 9. When he (c) PQSR (d) PRSQ
protests of customer P : did not know 14. If you need help
Q : who was in the habit of Q : he was nervous and
weighing less P : promptly and politely
R : heard the hue and cry at Q : ask for attendants
R : whom he had cheated midnight
R : to help our customers
S : with great audacity S : what to do
S : who have instructions
The proper sequence should be The proper sequence should be The proper sequence should be
(a) PRSQ (b) QSPR (a) RQPS (b) QSPR (a) SQPR (b) QPSR
(c) QPRS (d) PQSR (c) SQPR (d) PQRS (c) QSRP (d) SQRP
5. Though he dialled frequently 10. A French woman 15. He was so kind and generous
P : on telephone P : committed suicide that
Q : my brother could not Q : where she had put up P : he not only
contact me R : who had come to Kolkata Q : made others do so
R : and had left no information S : by jumping from the balcony R : but also
S : as I had gone out of office of the hotel S : helped them himself
The proper sequence should be The proper sequence should be The proper sequence should be
(a) QPRS (b) SQRP (a) PRQS (b) QSRP (a) PSRQ (b) SPQR
(c) QPSR (d) SPQR (c) RPSQ (d) SRQP (c) PRSQ (d) QPRS
GENERAL ENGLISH Jumbled Sentences and Paragraphs 495

16. Work is the one thing 22. P : as the President entered the R : who lived in that house
P : and without it hall S : that the Earth is flat
Q : that is necessary Q : from his seat The correct sequence should be
R : to keep the world going R : to greet him (a) PQRS (b) PQSR
S : everyone got up (c) PRQS (d) SPQR
S : we should all die
The correct sequence should be 29. In the Middle Ages,
The proper sequence should be
(a) QPSR (b) RPQS (a) RQPS (b) QPRS P : there was little progress
(c) SRPQ (d) QRPS (c) PSQR (d) SQRP Q : either intellectual or social
17. I read an advertisement that 23. P : he took shelter R : with the result that
said Q : near the lake S : teaching became the
P : posh, air-conditioned R : when there was a heavy exclusive prerogative of the
downpour church
Q : gentleman of taste
R : are available for S : under the large mango tree The correct sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) SRPQ
S : fully furnished rooms The correct sequence should be
(c) PRSQ (d) QPRS
The proper sequence should be (a) PRQS (b) PSRQ
(c) RSPQ (d) RPSQ 30. A scientist has shown that,
(a) PQRS (b) PSRQ
(c) PSQR (d) SRPQ 24. Our educationalists are P : when anyone holds
P : to teach children Q : a burning cigarette
18. It has been established that
Q : too often anxious R : near their leaves
P : Einstein was
R : without any utility S : plants react with fear
Q : although a great scientist
R : weak in arithmetic S : so many languages The correct sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) QRSP
S : right from his school days The correct sequence should be
(c) SPQR (d) PQSR
(a) PQRS (b) QRSP
The proper sequence should be
(c) SRQP (d) QPSR 31. P : because the driver lost
(a) SRPQ (b) QPRS
control
(c) QPSR (d) RQPS 25. P : the rain did not prevent
Q : and hit a lamp post
19. I was Q : from being played
R : the bus fell into a ditch
P : and stay for few days in R : to finish
S : at a turning
Delhi S : the match
Q : when my father told me The correct sequence should be
The correct sequence should be
(a) RQPS (b) RPSQ
R : very excited (a) PQRS (b) PSQR
(c) PQSR (d) SPRQ
S : that I could go with him (c) PSRQ (d) SQPR
32. P : we want every country
The proper sequence should be 26. It has been like
Q : or a foreign policy
(a) PQRS (b) RQSP P : inheriting some money
(c) QRSP (d) SPQR R : to have a population policy
Q : and afterwards
S : as it has an economic
20. All such students R : marrying for love
policy
P : get success S : through the wife
The correct sequence should be
Q : who are honest and The correct sequence should be (a) PQRS (b) QRSP
hard-working (a) RQPS (b) PSQR (c) PRSQ (d) RQPS
R : and recognition (c) SPQR (d) PQSR
33. The teacher
S : in every walk of life 27. His mother
P : and the pupils continued
The proper sequence should be P : when he was hungry likewise with their
(a) SPRQ (b) PRQS Q : last evening repetition
(c) QPRS (d) PSRQ R : could not feed Q : read the sentence again
21. P : they marched S : the baby R : the pupils knew the
Q : for a while under a tree The correct sequence should be sentence by heart
R : after they had rested (a) RSPQ (b) PQRS S : until the teacher thought
S : on to their journey (c) SPQR (d) QPRS The correct sequence should be
The correct sequence should be 28. P : whenever he heard the (a) PQSR
(a) SRQP (b) PSRQ question, the old man (b) PSRQ
(c) QRPS (d) RQPS Q : answered (c) QPSR
(d) QSRP
496 NDA/NA Pathfinder

34. For dropping kilos 40. P : by bandits The correct sequence should be
P : it is safe to cut your fat Q : were driving through a (a) PQRS (b) RQPS
intake desert area (c) QPRS (d) SPQR
Q : and maintaining weight loss R : a man and his daughter 46. The man
R : to 20% of your calories S : when they were held up P : when he was
S : even further The correct sequence should be Q : in the office last evening
The correct sequence should be (a) SPRQ (b) RQSP R : could not finish
(a) PRQS (b) QSPR (c) SRPQ (d) PQRS S : all his work
(c) SPRQ (d) QPRS 41. Our finest contemporary The correct sequence should be
35. His uncle achievement (a) PQRS (b) QRSP
P : after he joined P : and toil (c) RQPS (d) RSPQ
Q : did not send Q : in the provision of higher 47. The people decided
education
R : the college P : they were going
R : is our unprecedented
S : money for his expenses expenditure of wealth Q : how much
The correct sequence should be S : for all R : to spend
(a) QRSP (b) RSQP S : on the construction of the
The correct sequence should be
(c) QSPR (d) SRPQ school building
(a) PQRS (b) RQPS
36. Language is (c) RPQS (d) PRQS The correct sequence should be
P : to the other person (a) QPRS (b) PQRS
42. It seemed to him like (c) PRQS (d) SQPR
Q : communicating P : seeing one’s reflection
R : only a means of Q : an endless quest
48. P : the man said that those
workers
S : one’s thoughts and emotions R : two mirrors
Q : would be given a raise
The correct sequence should be S : while standing between
R : who did not go on
(a) PQSR (b) RQSP The correct sequence should be
(c) QRSP (d) SPQR S : strike last month
(a) PRSQ (b) SPQR
37. Whenever I see the model (c) RSPQ (d) QPSR The correct sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) PRSQ
P : who started it 43. P : a series of shocks is known (c) QPRS (d) RSPQ
Q : is the face of the man as earthquake
Q : which can be recognised 49. P : I think the members
R : of our factory
through seismic waves Q : are basically in agreement
S : what comes to my mind
R : that result from sudden R : of the group
The correct sequence should be Earth movements or S : on the following points
(a) SRQP (b) RSQP tremors
(c) QPRS (d) PQRS The correct sequence should be
S : causing widespread
destruction of life and (a) RQPS (b) SQRP
38. P : I bought from your shop
property (c) PRQS (d) PQSR
Q : a week ago
The correct sequence should be 50. While it was true that
R : to send the books
(a) PQRS (b) RPQS P : I had
S : you have not cared
(c) RSPQ (d) RQSP Q : to invest in industry
The correct sequence should be
44. P : in this world R : some lands and houses
(a) QPSR (b) QPRS
(c) SRPQ (d) PQSR Q : a man has S : I did not have ready cash
39. P : at the door that he would R : it is possible that the best The correct sequence should be
have the door broken open friend (a) PQRS (b) PRSQ
S : may turn against him (c) SQPR (d) QPRS
Q : the guard shouted
R : if the persons inside did not The correct sequence should be 51. P : but for your help
heed his call (a) QPRS (b) PQRS Q : to finish this work
S : at the top of his voice (c) RQPS (d) QRSP R : it would not have been
45. We are doing possible
The correct sequence should be
(a) SPRQ P : to the people S : in time
(b) QSPR Q : to give relief The correct sequence should be
(c) PRSQ R : all we can (a) PRQS (b) SPQR
(d) PQRS (c) RPQS (d) PQRS
S : but more funds are needed
GENERAL ENGLISH Jumbled Sentences and Paragraphs 497

SET 2 REARRANGE THE JUMBLED PARAGRAPHS

Directions (Q. Nos. 52-90) In the 54. S1 : A force exists between P : It is by no means a
questions given below, each passage everybody in the universe. biological evolution, but it
consists of six sentences. The first and is a cultural one.
S6 : The greater the mass, the
the sixth sentences are given in the greater is the Earth’s force Q : His imagination, his
beginning. The middle four sentences of attraction on it. We can reason, his emotional
in each have been removed and call this force of attraction subtlety and toughness,
jumbled up. These are labelled as P, as gravity. make it possible for him
Q, R and S. Find out the proper P : Normally, it is very small not to accept the
order of the four sentences. but when the one of the environment but to change.
52. S1 : Since the sixties, there has bodies is a planet like R : And that series of
been an increasing interest Earth, the force is inventions by which man
in neurophysiology which considerable. from age by age has
deals with the neural bases Q : It has been investigated by re-shaped his environment
of mental activity and many scientists including is a different kind of
behaviour. Galileo and Newton. evolution.
S6 : So far, the journal has R : Everything on or near the S : Among the multitude of
published the mixture of surface of the Earth is animals which scamper,
articles including reports attracted by the mass of burrow, swim around us
and investigations. Earth. he is the only one who is
P: It has format which is very S : This gravitational force not locked into his
similar to that of brain depends on the mass of the environment.
and language, a sister bodies involved. The proper sequence should be
journal. The proper sequence should be (a) QPRS (b) SRQP
Q: Since then, a number of (a) PRQS (b) PRSQ (c) QRSP (d) SQRP
journals devoted entirely to (c) QSRP d) QSPR
this area of research have 57. S1 : Growing up means not
55. S1: Metals are today being only getting larger, but
appeared.
replaced by polymers in also using our sense and
R: Before the 1960’s, when many applications. our brain is to become
this was the concern of a more aware of things
S6 : Many Indian institutes of
small number of around us.
science and technology run
investigators, research
special programmes on S6 : In other words, we must
articles were scattered in
polymer science. develop and use our ability
various neurological
journals. P : Above all, they are cheaper to reason because the
and easier to process destruction or the
S: Brain and cognition is one preservation of the places
making them a viable
such journal. in which we live depends
alternative to metals.
The proper sequence should be Q : Polymers are essentially a on us.
(a) RQSP (b) QRSP long chains of hydrocarbon P : Not only does he have a
(c) QSPR (d) RSPQ molecules. memory but he is able to
53. S1: She said on the phone that R : Today, polymers as strong think and reason.
she would report for duty as metals have been Q : In this, man differs from
next day. developed. all other animals.
S6 : Eventually, we reported to S : These have replaced the R : Before we spray our
the police. traditional chromium- roadside plants or turn
plated metallic bumpers in sewage into our rivers, we
P: We waited for few days
cars. should pause to think what
then we decided to go to
her place. The proper sequence should be the results of our action are
(a) QRSP (b) RSQP likely to do.
Q: But she did not. (c) RQSP (d) QRPS S : This is to say, he is able to
R: We found it locked.
56. S1 : Biological evolution has plan what he is going to do
S: Even after that we waited not fitted man to any in the light of his
for her for quite a few specific environment. experience before he does
days. it.
S6 : That brilliant sequence of
The proper sequence should be cultural peaks can most The proper sequence should be
(a) PRSQ (b) QPSR appropriately be termed (a) QRSP (b) SPQR
(c) QPRS (d) SQPR the ascent of man. (c) SPRQ (d) QPSR
498 NDA/NA Pathfinder

58. S1 : All the land was covered Q : But he forgot that what S : In Gandhiji’s view,
by the ocean. could be achieved by force secularism stands for equal
under the communist respect for all religions.
S6 : The God moulded the first
dictatorship of Russia was The proper sequence should be
people out of clay
according to his own image not possible under the (a) SQPR (b) PSQR
and mind. democratic set-up of India. (c) QSPR (d) PRSQ
P: The leading God fought the R : He took the idea from
Russia where Five Year 63. S1 : A ceiling on urban
monster, killed it and property.
chopped its body into two Plans transformed a very
halves. backward country into a S6 : Since their value would
top power of the world. exceed the ceiling fixed by
Q: A terrible monster
S : No free government can the government.
prevented the Gods from
separating the land from call for compulsory P : no mill-owner could own
the water. sacrifice and suffering from factories or mills or plants
R: The God made the sky out the whole people. Q : and mass circulation
of the upper part of the The proper sequence should be papers
body and ornamented it (a) PSQR (b) SRQP R : would mean that
with stars. (c) QPRS (d) RQSP S : no press magnate could
S: The God created the Earth 61. S1 : What are the causes of our own printing presses
from the lower part, grew chronic food shortage? The proper sequence should be
plants on it and populated (a) QSRP (b) RPSQ
it with animals. S6 : This unprecedented growth
can drag us to the doors of (c) SRPQ (d) QPSR
The proper sequence should be starvation very soon. 64. S1 : This weather-vane often
(a) PQRS (b) PQSR tops a church spire, tower
P : To feed for these growing
(c) QPSR (d) QPRS or high building.
new millions is desperate
59. S1 : Payment for imports and task. S6 : The weather-vane can,
exports is made through a Q : Every year, we add more however give us some
system called foreign than a crore of persons to indication of other.
exchange. our population. P: They are only wind-vanes.
S6 : Another time, it may be R : Despite stupendous efforts Q: Neither alone can tell us
worth eight pesos. by our government, the what the weather will be.
P : The value of the money of population is growing R: They are designed to point
one country in relation to unabated. to direction from which the
the money of other S : The chief cause is the wind is coming.
countries is agreed upon. population explosion. S: Just as the barometer only
Q : These rates of exchange The proper sequence should be tells us the pressure of air,
vary from time to time. (a) QRSP (b) SQPR the weather-vane tells us
R : For instance, an American (c) QPRS (d) PSQR the direction of wind.
dollar or a British pound
62. S1 : There is difference between The proper sequence should be
sterling is worth certain
Gandhiji’s concept of (a) PQRS (b) PSRQ
amounts in the money of
secularism and that of (c) PRSQ (d) SPQR
other countries.
Nehru’s. 65. S1 : Most of the universities in
S : Sometimes, a United
States dollar is worth S6 : Instead of doing any good, the country are now facing
12 pesos in Mexico. such secularism can do financial crisis.
harm instead of good. S6 : The government should
The proper sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) QPRS P: Nehru’s idea of secularism realise this before it is too
(c) PRQS (d) RPQS was equal indifference to late.
all religions and bothering P: Cost benefit yardstick thus
60. S1 : Jawaharlal Nehru was the about none of them. should not be applied in
greatest plan-enthusiast. Q: According to Gandhiji, all the case of universities.
S6 : Nehru himself became the religions are equally true Q: The current state of affairs
Chairman of the and each scripture is cannot be allowed to
commission. worthy of respect. continue for long.
P : Under Nehru’s advice, the R: Such secularism which R: Universities cannot be
pre-independent Congress means the rejection of all equated with commercial
set-up National Planning religions is contrary to our enterprises.
Commission in 1938. culture and tradition.
GENERAL ENGLISH Jumbled Sentences and Paragraphs 499

S : Proper development of P : One day just as he sat S : He didn’t descent from the
universities and colleges down to dine, the cat top, he seemed to emerge
must be ensured. rushed into the room. from the masses of India.
The proper sequence should be Q : One plate was for himself The proper sequence should be
(a) QRPS (b) QSPR and other was for his cat. (a) QSRP (b) SRQP
(c) QRSP (d) QPRS R : She dropped a mouse into (c) RSQP (d) PRSQ
66. S1 : I keep on flapping my big her own plate and another 71. S1 : Ants eat worms, centipedes
ears all day. into her master’s plate. and spiders.
S6 : Am I not a smart, S : He used to give the cat a S6 : Some jump, and some give
intelligent elephant? piece of meat from his own out a pungent repellent
plate. substance.
P: They also fear that I will
flip them all away. The proper sequence should be P : They are usually much
Q: But children wonder why I (a) QSPR (b) PSRQ quicker than the ant itself.
flap them so. (c) QRSP (d) RPQS Q : Nevertheless, these
R: I flap them so to make 69. S1 : The study of speech animals do not make easy
sure they are safely there disorders due to brain game for ants.
on either side of my head. injury suggests that R : Besides, they have an
S: But I know what I am patients can think without extraordinary number of
doing. having adequate control ways of escaping.
over their language. S : They also eat larvae and
The proper sequence should be
S6 : How they manage to do insect adults such as flies,
(a) SRQP (b) QPSR
this we do not know. moths and spring tails.
(c) QPRS (d) PSRQ
P: But they succeed in The proper sequence should be
67. S1 : A father having offered to playing games of chess. (a) SQPR (b) SPRQ
take the baby out in a Q: Some patients, for example (c) SRPQ (d) SRQP
perambulator, was tempted fail to find the names of
by the sunny morning to 72. S1 : The future beckons to us.
objects presented to them.
slip into a pub for a glass S6 : There is no resting for
of beer. R: They can even use the
anyone of us till we
concepts needed for chess
S6 : She waited for him, redeem our pledge in full.
playing, though they are
anticipating the white face unable to express many of P : Infact we have hard work
and quivering lips which the concepts in ordinary ahead.
would soon appear with language. Q : Where do we go and what
the news that the baby shall be our endeavour?
had been stolen. S: They even find it difficult
to interpret long written R : We shall also have to fight
P: Indignant at her husband’s notices. and end poverty, ignorance
behaviour, she decided to and disease.
teach him a lesson. The proper sequence should be
(a) PSQR (b) RPSQ S : It will be to bring freedom
Q: She wheeled away the and opportunity to the
pram. (c) QSPR (d) SRPQ
common man.
R: A little later, his wife came 70. S1 : And then Gandhi came.
The proper sequence should be
by, where to her horror, S6 : Political freedom took new
(a) PSRQ (b) QPSR
she discovered her sleeping shape and then acquired a
(c) QSRP (d) SRPQ
baby. new content.
S: Leaving the pram outside, P : Get off the backs of these 73. S1 : Once upon a time an ant
he disappeared inside the peasants and workers, he lived on the bank of a
river.
bar. told us, all you who live by
their exploitation. S6 : She was touched.
The proper sequence should be
Q : He was like a powerful P: The dove saw the ant
(a) SRPQ (b) RQPS
current of fresh air, like a struggling in water in a
(c) SPQR (d) PQSR helpless condition.
beam of light, like a
68. S1 : A gentleman who lived whirlwind that upset many Q: All its efforts to come up
alone always had two things. are failed.
plates placed on the table R: One day, it suddenly
at dinner time. R : He spoke their language
slipped into water.
and constantly drew their
S6 : In this way, the cat attention to their appalling S: A dove lived in the tree on
showed her gratitude to conditions. the bank not far from the
her master. spot.
500 NDA/NA Pathfinder

The proper sequence should be The proper sequence should be 79. S1 : American private lies may
(a) RQSP (b) QRPS (a) RPQS (b) RQSP seem shallow.
(c) SRPQ (d) PQRS (c) RSPQ (d) RPSQ
S6 : This would not happen in
74. S1 : It is regrettable that there 77. S1 : A noise started above their China, he said.
is widespread corruption in heads. P : Students would walk away
the country at all levels. S6 : Nearly 200 lives were lost with books they had not
S6 : This is indeed a tragedy of on the fateful day. paid for.
great magnitude. P : But people did not take it Q : A Chinese journalist
P: So there is hardly seriously. commented on a curious
anything that the institution the library.
Q : That was to show everyone
government can do about it R : Their public morality,
now. that there was something
wrong. however, impressed
Q: And there are graft and visitors.
other malpractices too. R : It was a dangerous thing
to do. S : But in general, they
R: The impression that returned them.
corruption is universal S : For, within minutes the
ship began to sink. The proper sequence should be
phenomenon persists and
the people not cooperate in (a) PSQR (b) QPSR
The proper sequence should be (c) RQPS (d) RPSQ
checking this evil. (a) PQSR (b) PRQS
S: Recently, several offenders (c) QPRS (d) QPSR 80. S1 : For sometime in his youth,
were brought to book, but Abraham Lincoln was
they were not given 78. S1 : The cooperative system of manager for a shop.
deterrent punishment. doing business is a good
S6 : Never before Lincoln had
way of encouraging
The proper sequence should be so much time for reading
ordinary workers to work
(a) QSRP (b) SQRP as had then.
hard.
(c) RSQP (d) PQSR P: Then a chance customer
S6 : The main object is to
75. S1 : Smoke oozed up between would come.
maintain the interest of
the planks. every member of the Q: Young Lincoln’s way to
S6 : Most people bore the shock society and to ensure that keeping shop was entirely
bravely. the members participate unlike anyone else’s.
P : Passengers were told to be actively in the projects of R: Lincoln would jump up and
ready to quit the ship. society. attend to his needs and
Q : The rising gale fanned the P: If the society is to be well then revert to his reading.
smouldering fire. run, it is necessary to S: He used to lay full length
R : Everyone now knew there prevent insincere officials on the counter of the shop
was fire on board. being elected to the eagerly reading a book.
S : Flames broke out here and committee which is The proper sequence should be
there. responsible for the running (a) SRQP (b) QSPR
of business. (c) SQRP (d) QPSR
The proper sequence should be
(a) SRQP (b) QPSR
Q: They get this from
81. S1 : Manisha went shopping
(c) RSPQ (d) QSRP
experienced and
one morning.
professional workers who
76. S1 : It was a dark moonless are not only familiar with S6 : She drove home with an
night. the cooperative system, but empty basket.
S6 : They all seemed to him to also with efficient method P : Disappointed she turned
be poor and ordinary mere of doing business. around and returned to the
childish words. R: To a large extent, many parking lot.
P : He turned over the pages, cooperative societies need Q : She got out and walked to
reading passages here and advice and guidance. the nearest shop.
there. S: The capital necessary to R : She drove her car into the
Q : He heard them on the start a business venture is parking lot and stopped.
floor. obtained by the workers S : It was there that she
R : The poet took down his contributions. realised that she’d
books of poems from his The proper sequence should be forgotten her purse at
shelves. (a) SQPR home.
S : Some of them contained (b) PQSR The proper sequence should be
his earliest writings which (c) SRQP (a) RSQP (b) RQSP
he had almost forgotten. (d) PSRQ (c) PQRS (d) QPRS
GENERAL ENGLISH Jumbled Sentences and Paragraphs 501

P : One of these is undue

82. S1 : Several sub-cities have 85. S1 : As a dramatist,
absorption in the past.
been planned around Rabindranath was not
capital. what might be called a Q : One’s thought must be
success. directed to the future and
S6 : Hopefully, the housing to things about which
problem will not be as S6 : Therefore, drama forms the there is something to be
acute at present after essential part of the done.
these sub-cities are built. traditional Indian culture.
R : Psychologically, there are
P: Dwarka is the first among P: His dramas were moulded two dangers to be guarded
them. on the lines of the against in old age.
Q: They are expected to traditional Indian village
S : It does not do good to live
alleviate the problem of dramas than the dramas of in memories, in regrets for
housing. modern world. the good old days or in
Q: His plays were more a sadness about friend who
R: It is coming up in the
catalogue of ideas than a are dead.
South-West of capital.
vehicle of the expression of
S: It will cater to over one The proper sequence should be
action.
million people when (a) QSRP (b) RPQS
R: Actually, the drama has (c) RPSQ (d) QPRS
completed. always been the life of
The proper sequence should be Indian people, as it deals 88. S1 : We speak today of
(a) QPRS (b) PRSQ with legends of Gods and self-determination in
(c) PQRS (d) QRSP Goddesses. politics.
S: Although in his short S6 : Cultural subjection is
83. S1 : Your letter was big relief. ordinarily of an
stories and novels, he was
S6 : But don’t forget to bring unconscious character and
able to create living and
chocolate for Garima. it implies slavery from the
well-defined characters, he
P : How did your exams go? very start.
did not seem to be able to
Q : After your result, you must do so in dramas. P: So long as one is conscious
come here for a week. of a restraint, it is possible
The proper sequence should be to resist it or to near it as
R : You hadn’t written for over (a) SRQP (b) QPSR a necessary evil and to
a month. (c) QSPR (d) RSQP keep free in spirit.
S : I am sure you will come Q: Slavery begins when one
out with flying colours.
86. S1 : The Hound of Baskervilles
was feared by the people of ceases to feel that restraint
The proper sequence should be the area. and it depends on if the
(a) PSRQ (b) QRPS S6 : The Hound of Baskervilles evil is accepted as good.
(c) RPSQ (d) PSQP remains an unsolved R: There is, however, a
mystery. subtler domination
84. S1 : While crossing a busy
exercised in the sphere of
road, we should obey the P: Some people spoke of
ideas by one culture to
policeman on duty. seeing a huge, shadowy
another.
S6 : We should never run while form of a hound at
midnight on the moor. S: Political subjection
crossing the road. primarily means restraint
P: We should always cross Q: But they spoke of it in on the outer life of people.
the road at the zebra tones of horror.
R: Nobody had actually seen The proper sequence should be
crossing.
the hound. (a) SPRQ (b) RSQP
Q: We must look to the signal (c) SPQR (d) RSPQ
lights and cross the road S: This shadowy form did not
only when the road is reveal any details about 89. S1 : The city is almost a slum
clear. the animal. and stinks most of time.
R: If there are no signal The proper sequence should be S6 : But some visitors came
lights at the crossing, we (a) SPQR (b) SPRQ away with the
should look to the right, (c) PSRQ (d) PQRS unforgettable sight of
then to left and again the young labours scantily
right before crossing the 87. S1 : The art of growing old is clad.
road. one which the passage of
time has forced upon my P : The slush on the road did
S: If the road is not clear we not deter them.
attention.
should wait. Q : The occasional slips and
S6 : This is not always easy
The proper sequence should be falls were considered a
one’s own past is gradually
(a) PSRQ (b) PQRS small price to pay for the
increasing weight. trip.
(c) RQSP (d) QRPS
502 NDA/NA Pathfinder

R : They were excited, 90. S1 : Politeness is not a quality Q : A man of another country
fascinated by the sight of will not to do so.
possessed by only one
fresh snow on the roads. R : It is a quality to be found
nation or race.
S : Even so, it looked beautiful among all people and
S6 : In any case, we should not nations in every corner of
to tourists of various mock at others habits. the Earth.
categories. P : One may observe that a S : Obviously, each person
The proper sequence should be man of one nation will follows the custom of his
(a) RQPS remove his hat or fold his particular country.
(b) QPRS hands by way of greetings
The proper sequence should be
(c) RSQP when he meets someone he
(a) RPQS (b) RPSQ
(d) SPQR knows.
(c) PRQS (d) QPRS

QUESTIONS FROM
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016)
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-28) In the The correct sequence should be 8. P : he would like to see some
questions given below, there is a (a) SQPR (b) RQSP changes
sentence of which some parts have (c) PQSR (d) QPSR Q : but as a junior lecturer
been jumbled up. Rearrange these 4. P : there is only one way R : he does not cut much ice
parts which are labelled as P, Q, R Q : the world can be S : in the curriculum
and S to produce the correct R : in which The correct sequence should be
sentence. Choose the among the
S : made safe from the war (a) PQRS (b) QPSR
alternatives. (c) QRPS (d) PSQR
The correct sequence should be
(a) RQSP (b) PRQS 9. P : he simply starves
2012 (I) (c) PQSR (d) SPRQ Q : even when there are good
1. P : even when 5. P : the conspiracy crops,
Q : are well informed Q : got wind of R : but if the crops fail
R : people engaged in a R : the Government S : he lives from hand to mouth
conversation The correct sequence should be
S : against the king’s life
S : their conversation may be (a) SQRP (b) PQRS
dull The correct sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) RQPS (c) SRQP (d) SPQR
The correct sequence should be (c) PSQR (d) SPQR 10. P : providence had helped me
(a) QSPR (b) PRQS
6. P : to death penalty is that Q : to retain my true identity and
(c) SRQP (d) SQRP
Q : in preventing the crime R : changed the course of my life
2. P : a pressure cooker S : in the process
R : the important objection
Q : fits tightly on the top
S : it has not succeeded The correct sequence should be
R : consists of a very strong (a) PSQR (b) PQSR
vessel The correct sequence should be
(c) RSQP (d) PRQS
S : made of an aluminium alloy (a) PRSQ (b) PSRQ
with a lid that (c) RPSQ (d) QSPR
The correct sequence should be 7. P : choice carefully
2012 (II)
(a) PRSQ (b) RSPQ 11. P : he had
Q : when you want
(c) QSPR (d) PQSR Q : no to him
R : make your
3. P : is to convince your reader R : such a winning smile
S : a graphic representation
Q : the aim of an for your data, S : that I could not say
argumentative essay
The correct sequence should be The correct sequence should be
R : you have taken on a subject (a) QPRS (b) RPQS
(a) QRSP (b) SRQP
is right (c) SPQR (d) PRSQ
(c) PRQS (d) QSRP
S : that the position
GENERAL ENGLISH Jumbled Sentences and Paragraphs 503

12. P : he nodded The correct sequence should be 25. Every experience in life makes
Q : he understood (a) PQRS (b) RSPQ P : on some of the cells
R : as though (c) SRQP (d) PRQS Q : or other nerve centres
S : everything 19. After having got up from bed R : of the brain
The correct sequence should be P : the Magistrate S : an impression
(a) PRQS (b) PSQR Q : to bring coffee The correct sequence should be
(c) QRSP (d) SPRQ R : ordered the attendant (a) SPRQ (b) QRSP
(c) RSPQ (d) PSQR
13. P : the child burned down S : immediately
Q : the house 26. You’ll
The correct sequence should be
R : by playing (a) PQRS (b) SPQR P : know how to do it
S : with matches (c) SPRQ (d) PRQS Q : have to
The correct sequence should be R : because she does not
20. P : to resolve it
(a) RSPQ (b) QSPR S : help her
Q : than
(c) RPSQ (d) QPSR The correct sequence should be
R : it is easier (a) QSPR (b) SRPQ
14. P : in his innocence S : to talk about a problem (c) QPRS (d) QSRP
Q : I believed
The correct sequence should be 27. P : would you like to come
R : of the charge
(a) RPQS (b) QPRS Q : on Saturday
S : and aquittal
(c) PQSR (d) RSQP R : at the International House
The correct sequence should be
21. P : to my client S : to a concert
(a) SQRP (b) QPSR
(c) PRSQ (d) RPQS Q : that I speak The correct sequence should be
R : immediately (a) PQRS (b) PSQR
15. My little sister (c) RSPQ (d) PQSR
P : in school S : it is important
The correct sequence should be 28. It is
Q : instead of reading books
(a) SRQP (b) SQPR P : to be admitted
R : who was quite intelligent
(c) SPQR (d) PSQR Q : not necessary that to be
S : played with dolls
admitted
The correct sequence should be 22. You had better
R : to an engineering college
(a) PRSQ (b) RSPQ P : of getting a good response
S : you qualify an entrance
(c) QPSR (d) PRQS Q : so that examination
16. P : for having stood first R : we will be sure The correct sequence should be
Q : last year S : work hard (a) SRQP (b) QSPR
R : at the BA examination The correct sequence should be (c) QRPS (d) SRPQ
S : he was awarded gold medal (a) RSQP (b) SQRP
The correct sequence should be (c) SQPR (d) RPQS Directions (Q. Nos. 29-34) In the
questions given below, each passage
(a) PQRS (b) SPRQ
consists of six sentences. The first and
(c) PRQS (d) SRQP 2013 (II) the sixth sentences are given in the
17. We are proud that 23. P : she beginning. The middle four sentences
P : as our chief guest Q : and neither have I in each have been removed and
Q : our Mayor R : the assignment yet jumbled up. These are labelled as P,
S : hasn’t finished
Q, R and S. Find out the proper order
R : is a former student of this
The correct sequence should be
of the four sentences.
college
S : who is presiding over (a) QRSP (b) QPSR
today’s function (c) PQSR (d) PSRQ 2015 (I)
The correct sequence should be 24. P : himself 29. S1 : At the roadside, the driver
(a) PQRS (b) QPSR Q : a child will be asked to blow
(c) PQSR (d) QSPR R : can usually feed through a small glass tube
S : by the age of six months into a plastic bag.
18. At the end of the morning
exercise, The correct sequence should be S6 : The driver will be asked to
(a) QPRS
go to the police station.
P : the soldiers
(b) SRQP P : and if the colour change
Q : to get ready to leave does not reach the line, the
(c) PQRS
R : were asked driver cannot be punished
(d) QRPS
S : for an unknown destination under the new law
504 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Q : Inside the tube are 32. S1 : The machines that drive The proper sequence should be
chemically treated crystals modern civilisation derive (a) PQRS (b) PQSR
which change colour if the (c) RPQS (d) PRQS
their power from coal and
driver has alcohol on his
oil.
breath
S6 : Nuclear energy may also Directions (Q. Nos. 35-40) In the
R : but if the colour change
be effectively used in this questions given below, there is a
does reach the line then
the test has proved respect. sentence of which some parts have
positive P: but they are not been jumbled up. Rearrange these parts
S : if the colour change goes inexhaustible which are labelled as P, Q, R and S to
beyond a certain line Q: these sources may not be produce the correct sentence. Choose
marked on the tube, this exhausted very soon the among the alternatives.
indicates that the driver is R: a time may come when
probably over the specified some other sources have 2015 (II)
limit to be tapped and utilised
The proper sequence should be 35. His uncle
(a) PSQR (b) SQRP S: power may, of course, be P : for success in life,
(c) RPSQ (d) QSPR obtained in future from Q : always advised his son,
forests, water, wind and
30. S1 : Hope springs eternally in R : who was a self-made man
withered vegetables
the heart of man. S : to depend on his own efforts
S6 : This is the central idea of The proper sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) QPRS The proper sequence should be
the poem. (a) SQPR (b) RQSP
(c) SRQP (d) SPQR
P : but hope is everlasting (c) PRSQ (d) QPSR
Q : love, friendship and youth 33. S1 : The body can never stop.
36. The doctor
perish S6 : It comes from food.
P : did not like the behaviour of
R : it is nursed by the P : to support this endless
glorious elements of the patients
activity, the body needs
nature Q : who was very competent in
all the fuel for action
S : man derives hope from his profession
Q : sometimes, it is more
nature in his gallant R : when they talked at length
struggle after some noble active than at other times,
S : about their problems
ideal but it is always moving
R : even in the deepest sleep, The proper sequence should be
The proper sequence should be (a) RPSQ (b) SRPQ
(a) QPRS (b) SRQP
we must breathe
(c) QPRS (d) PRQS
(c) RSQP (d) QPSR S : the fuel must come from
somewhere 37. P : from leadership in culture
31. S1 : Mr Sherlock Holmes and Q : in military situations and in
Dr Watson were spending a The proper sequence should be
(a) PQRS (b) PRQS
face-to-face small groups
weekend in a University
town. (c) QRPS (d) SRQP R : leadership has wide range of
expressions
S6 : It was clear that 34. S1 : American idealism is
something very unusual essentially a belief in the S : to leadership in politics
happened. idea of progress. The proper sequence should be
P: one evening, they received S6 : This sense they have (a) RSQP (b) PQRS
a visit from an inherited from the (c) RPSQ (d) SQRP
acquaintance, Mr Hilton English. 38. He sat
Soames
P: therefore, he believes that, P : glancing occasionally
Q: on that occasion, he was because of human effort,
in a state of great Q : peering through the window
the future will be better
agitation R : at the figure of the old
than the past
R: they were staying in woman
furnished rooms, close to Q: but if Americans are
S : until he was chilled with the
the library usually optimistic, they
cold
are not wholly unrealistic
S: Mr Soames was a tall, thin The proper sequence should be
man of a nervous and R: the Americans tends to
view history as a record of (a) PSRQ
excitable nature
human achievement (b) QRPS
The proper sequence should be (c) SPRQ
(a) PRSQ (b) RPSQ S: they have some common
(d) PRSQ
(c) PQRS (d) RPQS sense practicality
GENERAL ENGLISH Jumbled Sentences and Paragraphs 505

39. After the earthquake tremors, the TV showed a 40. Everyone

haggard man P : acknowledges
P : shaking his fist at the sky Q : when he considers the case calmly
Q : clambering over the ruins R : who knows you
R : and collapsing with a howl of revolt S : that you have been wronged
S : of his house and factory The proper sequence should be
The proper sequence should be (a) RSQP
(a) SRQP (b) QSPR (b) RPSQ
(c) PQRS (d) RPSQ (c) PQRS
(d) QRPS

ANSWERS
Rearrangement Exercise
1 a 2 d 3 d 4 c 5 c 6 c 7 c 8 c 9 a 10 c
11 d 12 c 13 a 14 c 15 a 16 d 17 b 18 b 19 b 20 c
21 b 22 c 23 d 24 d 25 b 26 a 27 a 28 c 29 b 30 c
31 c 32 c 33 c 34 b 35 c 36 b 37 b 38 c 39 b 40 b
41 c 42 d 43 a 44 c 45 b 46 d 47 a 48 b 49 c 50 c
51 c 52 a 53 c 54 d 55 a 56 c 57 d 58 d 59 c 60 d
61 b 62 a 63 b 64 d 65 a 66 b 67 a 68 a 69 c 70 b
71 a 72 c 73 a 74 a 75 a 76 d 77 c 78 a 79 b 80 b
81 b 82 a 83 c 84 d 85 c 86 c 87 c 88 c 89 d 90 b

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)

1 b 2 a 3 d 4 b 5 b 6 c 7 d 8 d 9 a 10 b
11 d 12 a 13 a 14 b 15 b 16 b 17 d 18 d 19 d 20 d
21 b 22 b 23 d 24 d 25 a 26 d 27 b 28 b 29 d 30 c
31 b 32 b 33 c 34 c 35 b 36 c 37 c 38 c 39 b 40 b
08
506 NDA/NA Pathfinder

COMPREHENSION

Around 6 to 10 questions based on Comprehension are asked in NDA exam. These questions are
based on the given passages. For tips on how to attempt these questions, read the section below.

Verbal comprehension measures your ability to read and understand the written passage. Through the
comprehension exercises you are asked to answer questions about the passage.
Answers to the questions based on the reading passage should be only according to the information given in
the passage.
If you have information from your own experience and knowledge, you should not use it to answer a
question of this type. Even if you think that there is a mistake in the given paragraph, you must still answer
the question on the basis of the information given in the passage.

Tips for Attempting Comprehension

1. Skim once as rapidly as possible to determine the main idea before you look at the questions. Do not
worry about words you do not know at this stage.
2. Underline the words that you do not understand to facilitate a complete understanding of the
passage. This will enable you to solve the vocabulary questions quickly.
3. Look through the words carefully maintain the order in which the questions appear in the test
paper. Read intensively the portion relevant to the answer.
4. Concentrate on the vocabulary items and find out the meanings of the words you do not know in
the context.
Generally, options are tricky or some options are closely related. Therefore, analyse the questions
and read the options carefully before answering.
Answer strictly on the basis of the passage and avoid selecting general answers.
GENERAL ENGLISH Comprehension 507

CHECK YOUR COMPREHENSION SKILL

Directions (Q. Nos. 1-41) Read each of the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow.

PASSAGE 1 4. In this passage, the author has tried to

Modern economic theory does not differentiate (a) show that the modern economist is concerned only with
between renewable and non-renewable materials, costs
as its approach is to measure everything by means (b) underline the need for conserving natural resources
of a money price. Thus, taking various alternative (c) differentiate between the two economic philosophies
fuels like coal, oil, wood and water-power; the only (d) explain the impact of oil on the world economy
difference between them recognised by modern
economics is relative cost per equivalent unit. The
cheapest is automatically the one to be preferred,
PASSAGE 2
as to do otherwise would be irrational and As society becomes more and more affluent, people would
uneconomic. From a Buddhist point of view, of prefer to work shorter hours at their regular employment so
course, this will not do since the essential that they may enjoy longer hours of leisure during which
difference between non-renewable fuels like coal they can indulge in more congenial activities. They will not
and oil on the one hand and renewable sources like like to waste their leisure time performing routine domestic
wind-power and water-power on the other cannot chores, which tend to sap their energy. The idea of a robot
be simply overlooked. slave which would be capable of performing many of these
monotonous chores is one that will appeal to many. Already
Non-renewable goods must be used only if their robots are used in mines and factories to perform tasks
use is indispensable and then only with the which are too risky for human beings.
greatest care and highest concern for
conservation. To use them carelessly or It takes a lot of research by dedicated scientists and
extravagantly, is an act of violence and while sufficient financial backing for a model to be developed to
complete non-violence may not be possible on this perform a new task. This in turn depends on the number of
Earth, it is nonetheless a duty of man to aim at people who feel the need for a robot to perform these
the ideal of non-violence in all he does. specific tasks. The problem of designing a robot capable of
performing various routine tasks around the house is not
1. Which of the following statements is/are correct insurmountable. A domestic robot slave with its own
on the basis of information in the above computer and response mechanism and source of power,
passage? which can be programmed to perform certain specific tasks,
1. Buddhist economists totally prohibit the use of is not an impossibility.
non-renewable sources. 5. In an affluent society, people prefer to work shorter hours
2. The attitude of modern economists towards because
natural resources is uneconomic. (a) they are lazy
3. Complete non-violence is not possible. (b) they do not have the strength to work
Select the correct answer using the codes given (c) they want time to carry out other activities
below. (d) they abhor their work
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 6. Domestic chores
(c) Only 3 (d) 1 and 3 (a) are welcome by housewives
2. The Buddhist viewpoint implies (b) are too demanding
(c) lead to family discord
(a) conservation should be given the highest
(d) are too time consuming
consideration
(b) hydel projects are highly capital intensive 7. Robots are already used in mines and factories to perform
(c) oil is to be preferred since it does not produce (a) hazardous tasks
ash (b) tasks with greater efficiency than human beings
(d) money economics should govern the choice of (c) tasks which lead to economy in the operations
energy sources (d) tasks which are forbidden by the labour laws

3. Buddhist economists are not in favour of 8. Developing a robot capable of performing a new task
(a) economic development (a) is difficult for the scientists
(b) world economy being governed by oil prices (b) is impossible for the scientists
(c) using non-renewable sources indiscriminately (c) requires huge capital
(d) harnessing wind energy (d) depends on the number of people who require it
508 NDA/NA Pathfinder

PASSAGE 3 14. Which one of the following sentences shows that

death is a great leveller?
The energy crisis has been with us for a long time and
(a) All who come after you shall undergo the same fate
will be with us even longer. Whether Arab oil flows
freely or not, it is clear that the world industry cannot (b) The great and the good, the prince and the peasant,
be allowed to depend on so fragile a base. The supply the renowned and the obscure travel alike the road
which leads to the grave
of oil can be shut off at whim any time. In any case,
the oil wells will run dry in about 30 years. New (c) At the moment when you expire, thousands
sources of energy must be found and this will take throughout the world shall with you, be yielding up
time. But it is not likely to restore that sense of their breath
copious energy availability we had in the past. (d) All who have gone before you have submitted to the
stroke of death
9. In the writer’s opinion, the energy crisis
(a) is an outcome of unregulated supply of oil to
industries
PASSAGE 5
I was late bloomer and always envied those people who
(b) will subside as soon as the Arab oil begins to flow
again stood out in high school because I didn’t. I learned
early on, although, that it’s essential to set yourself
(c) is very likely to lead to the world war
apart from the group. Life is one struggle after another
(d) will remain with us for an almost indefinite period of to succeed, particularly when you’re starting out. If
time
your biodata is sitting at the bottom of a pile of junk
10. The phrase ‘so fragile a base’ refers to the mail, sometimes a distinctive approach will get you
(a) current energy crisis in the world noticed, especially if the competition is fierce.
(b) uncertainty about the flow of Arab oil Once my partner Jerry and I asked the other freelance
(c) delay in finding the new energy sources writers of a TV serial what characters they hated to
(d) drying up of the oil wells in future write for the most. Everybody said the same thing–they
11. The type of writing in the given passage could be disliked writing for the minor characters because they
called thought that writing for them wouldn’t help them to
(a) official (b) scientific get other jobs. Jerry and I decided that we would write
(c) popular (d) political scripts for the minor character because that’s what was
needed and we needed to set ourselves apart.
PASSAGE 4 In the first script, Jerry and I wrote a school-girl falls
All who have gone before you have submitted to the in love with a boy in her class. The producers loved the
stroke of death. All who come after you shall undergo story. And with that one script, Jerry and I were no
the same fate. The great and the good, the prince and longer just another comedy-writing team.
the peasant, the renowned and the obscure travel alike 15. The author is of the opinion that
the road which leads to the grave. At the moment (a) one should be part of the group
when you expire, thousands throughout the world shall (b) one should be different from others
with you, be yielding up their breath. Can that be held (c) it is important to do well in high school
to be a great calamity which is common to you with (d) one should need to the advice of the seniors
everything that lives on the Earth, which is an event
16. The author had been
as much according to the course of the nature, as it is
(a) into advertising business
that leaves shall fall in autumn or that fruit should
(b) a comedy writer
drop from the tree when it is fully ripe.
(c) a music director
12. Death is a natural phenomenon because (d) a news reader
(a) the moment you die, thousands of people all over
17. According to the author,
the world die with you
(a) one should be very meticulous in preparing his
(b) it is as natural as the fall of leaves of fruits from the
biodata
trees
(b) competition in the job-market is very fierce
(c) many people have died in the past
(c) one should follow a conservative approach in
(d) the great and the good, the prince and the peasant,
preparing his biodata
the renowned and the obscure, all die
(d) one should try to get noticed by being innovative
13. The author compares death with the fall of the ripe
fruit from a tree to show that death 18. Jerry and the author wrote scripts for the minor
(a) occurs in nature also
characters
(a) to realise their creative potential
(b) is a kind of fall from a great height
(b) to earn more money
(c) gives freedom from the ordeals of life
(c) to establish a different image
(d) occurs with the achievement of fullness
(d) because they did not have enough work
GENERAL ENGLISH Comprehension 509

PASSAGE 6 22. The phrase ‘almost inevitably’ in this passage

means
Wind-power has obvious advantage as it is
(a) without precedence
non-polluting, causes no ecological imbalance, requires
(b) unexpectedly
no throughput fuel and has extremely low gestation
(c) invariably
period. After almost a decade of sporadic growth, wind
(d) considerably
energy finally seems to be stepping out from shadows of
alternative technology into the commercial mainstream, 23. The writer is of the opinion that the bitterness of
worldwide. Even though, India now has an installed conflict has been toned down because of
base of just over 1600 MW, this is nothing compared to (a) the adversary’s courteous behaviour
countries such as Germany which meets around 20% of (b) the adversary’s diplomatic behaviour
its energy requirements from wind energy. (c) his good behaviour
(d) the writer being close to the Englishmen
Wind-power offers long-term price stability too. Not only
are generation costs of such projects low, the capital 24. The writer’s own countrymen treated him with love
expenditure is comparable to fossil fuel based stations. and regard because of
Wind-power plants have low operating and maintenance (a) a human touch in their nature
(b) his good political work
costs. Long-term economics work out to be quite
(c) his courage and generosity
favourable for the wind energy. Infact, it is being seen (d) his widespread popularity among the masses
as a solution to sustainable development. By the end of
2001, the installed wind-power was almost 25000 MW. PASSAGE 8
19. Which one of the following statements is correct? English is generally acknowledged to be the world’s
(a) Wind-power plants take a long time to get most important language. It is perhaps worth trying to
commissioned understand briefly the basis for that evaluation. There
(b) Maintenance cost of wind-power plants is high are after all thousands of languages in the world and
(c) Wind-power plants lead to violent vibrations each seems to be uniquely important to those who speak
(d) Wind-power plants require no fuel it as their native language, the language they acquired
20. Which one of the following statements is correct? at their mother’s knee. But there are some objective
(a) Installation of wind-power is resisted by standards to judge their relative importance.
environmentalists One criterion is the number of speakers of the
(b) Generation cost of wind-power plants is high language. A second is the extent to which a language
(c) Installation cost of wind-power plants is much higher is geographically dispersed : in how many continents
than of fossil fuel based plants and countries is it used or its knowledge necessary? A
(d) Wind-power is now being commercially harnessed third is its functional load : how extensive is the
range of purposes for which it is used? In particular,
21. Which one of the following statements is correct? to what extent is it the medium for highly valued
(a) In Germany, 25000 MW of electricity is generated by cultural manifestations such as science or literature?
using wind-power A fourth is the economic and political influence of the
(b) Wind-power plants offer no price stability native speakers of the language.
(c) Wind-power is economically viable on long-term basis
25. The author wants to evaluate the importance of the
(d) In America, 20% of the power requirements are met English language because it is
through wind-power
(a) the language of the Britishers
(b) studied as second language in India
PASSAGE 7 (c) the most useful language of the world
Personally, I have been very fortunate and almost (d) used in many countries
inevitably, I have received courtesy from my own 26. The speakers of every language
countrymen as well as from the English. Even my (a) consider their language as the most important
goalers and the policemen, from place to place have (b) do not like other languages
been kind to me and much of the bitterness of conflict (c) treat all the languages alike
and the sting of goal-life has been toned down because (d) want to learn English
of this human touch. It was not surprising that my own 27. The writer’s evaluation of the importance of the
countrymen should treat me so for I had gained a English language is based on
measure of notoriety and popularity among them. Even (a) general notions
for Englishmen, I was an individual and not merely one (b) linguistic assumptions
of the mass and I imagine the fact that I had received (c) subjective feelings
(d) objective criteria
my education in England, brought me nearer to them.
510 NDA/NA Pathfinder

32. A worm in a glass jar first tries to

PASSAGE 9 (a) adjust itself (b) break the jar
The spectre of unemployment is looming large on (c) move out of it (d) ignore the change
almost every graduate with a general purpose degree. 33. An animal will sit quietly in a cage after it has
This education has very little relevance to life and
(a) eaten well
therefore, the young generation is getting frustrated.
(b) struggled enough
If we look deeper into the problems of extremism and
(c) identified itself with the changed circumstances
terrorism, perhaps unemployment and frustration of
(d) given up hope of freedom
young people is one of the chief reasons for this
malaise. The most dangerous trend is the growing 34. Matter constantly changes its shape because it
violence in the human heart. The first task of every (a) is inanimate
university is to ensure that violence to each other (b) also has an urge to be free
does not become the new human culture. The (c) is moulded into different shapes by men
sociologists have a lot to contribute by analysing the (d) has not soul
thought processes of the young persons and evolving
the remedial measures. PASSAGE 11
28. The young generation is getting frustrated because If you want your mate to stop guessing about your
(a) they have taken general purpose degrees feelings and motives, you have to be prepared to reveal
(b) they remain unemployed yourself. And in order to reveal yourself, you have to
(c) they are drawn to terrorism know yourself profoundly. You can’t talk openly and
(d) there is violence around them honestly with your mate until you have tried being
29. Enormous responsibility to comprehend the honest with yourself first. Take time off to be alone. Use
problems of young generation lies with that time not simply to engage in passive meditation, but
(a) the press and TV media to carry on an active inner dialogue with yourself.
(b) our political leaders Between the person you think you are and the inner you
(c) the sociologists that operates at gut level. Communicating with yourself
(d) education administrators involves revelation, self-analysis and re-evaluation.
30. The increase in violence in our society is Change is impossible otherwise. No architect in any field
(a) a sign of revolutionary zeal will attempt to make new plans without assessing the
(b) the result of modern system of education present situation. So too, each of us can and must make
(c) the urge to surpass others in life an assessment of our own assets or liabilities.
(d) the result of frustration in life
35. Your mate shall stop guessing about your feelings when
PASSAGE 10 (a) you are honest (b) you know yourself
(c) he reveals himself to you (d) you talk openly
There is a natural tendency in every animate being
to resent restrictions. If you block the growth of a 36. You can talk openly and honestly to your mate only
plant, it will try to pierce through the blockade. If when you
you enclose a worm or fish in a glass jar, you will (a) reveal your emotions and feelings
find it restlessly moving hither and thither to find a (b) are honest with him
way out. Similarly, if you confine a bird or an animal
(c) do not engage yourself in passive meditation
in a cage or a room, you will find it gets constantly
trying to break through the cage or the room in a fit (d) are honest with yourself
of escape. Only when it gets tired or identifies itself 37. You should take time off to be alone so that
with the environment of the prison, it will sit silent. (a) you talk to yourself
Thus, the urge to be free is inborn in all animate (b) you engage yourself in passive meditation
beings. It gets suppressed only on its identification
(c) your motives and feelings are clear
with the situation. The urge to be free is also reason
present in inanimate objects but it is latent and (d) you do not change yourself
ultimately gets fulfilled. It is for this reason that 38. No architect plans without assessing the present
matter constantly changes its shape. The charge is in situation because
a way a fulfillment of that urge. (a) each of us can and must make an assessment
31. The natural tendency among the living beings is to (b) self-analysis and re-evaluation are necessary factors for
(a) submit to the circumstances him
(b) strive for freedom
(c) change is impossible otherwise
(c) place restrictions in the way of others
(d) create blockades (d) no assessment of our own assets or liabilities is
possible
GENERAL ENGLISH Comprehension 511

PASSAGE 12 40. The words that show that many people believe
meetings are important are
There is a widely held but mistaken belief that
(a) widely held
meetings are for solving the problems and making the
decisions. For a start, the number of people attending (b) collective ability
a meeting tends to be inversely proportional to their (c) number of people
collective ability to reach conclusions and make (d) solving problems
decisions. And these are the least important elements. 41. The author believes in the sanctity of holding
Instead hours are spent in side issues, playing meetings for
elaborate games with one another. (a) practical value
39. According to the author, meetings (b) transactional features
(a) are a waste of time (c) collective opinion
(b) help to solve problems (d) decision-making
(c) are a form of playing elaborate games
(d) allow decisions to be made

QUESTIONS FROM
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016)
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-29) Read each of the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow.
2012 (I) 4. Exchange of goods and services becomes
necessary because
PASSAGE 1 (a) man is a social being
Even in the most primitive societies, the great majority (b) reciprocity is the law of life
of people satisfy a large part of their material needs by (c) trade and commerce are means of progress
exchanging goods and services. Very few people indeed (d) we cannot produce everything we need for ourselves
can make for themselves everything they need—all
their food, their clothes, their housing, their tools. Ever PASSAGE 2
since men started living in communities, they have What interests many people is the possibility of finding
been satisfying their needs by means of specialisation an Earth-like planet and many science fiction stories
and exchange; increasingly each individual has have been woven around the possibility of there
concentrated on what he can do best and has produced existing a planet somewhere in the universe which is
more of the special goods or services in which he has an exact replica of the Earth. There are too many
concentrated, than he can consume himself. The variable quantities for this to be a possibility worth
surplus he has exchanged with other members of the considering. What is possible, if planetary systems are
community, acquiring in exchange the things he needs common as they seem to be, is the existence of planets
that others have produced. where the conditions are similar to conditions on the
1. According to the passage, the great majority of Earth and to which our form of life could rapidly
people can satisfy their needs today by adapt. If life had gained a foothold on such a planet, it
(a) providing things for themselves is possible that life closely paralleling our own planet
(b) exchanging goods and services could have developed.
(c) concentrating on what they can do best What sorts of conditions is necessary for life as we
(d) individual specialisation know it to develop? First of all, of course a suitable
2. Exchange of goods becomes possible only when planetary body is essential. Given this, then two vital
(a) there is no specialisation conditions must be satisfied. The temperature must be
(b) goods are produced in surplus neither too hot nor too cold, since intense heat breaks
(c) primitive societies become modern down organic molecules and severe cold prevents
(d) individuals make things for themselves activity from going on. Too much short-wave radiation
also upsets living organisms. The other prerequisite is
3. Specialisation and exchange began when men started
a suitable atmosphere sufficiently dense to give
(a) big industries
protection from radiation and meteorites and
(b) concentrating on their work
containing oxygen and water vapour in reasonable
(c) producing things for individual use
quantities.
(d) living in communities
512 NDA/NA Pathfinder

5. This passage suggests that there 2012 (II)

(a) cannot be another planet like the Earth
(b) are other planets like the Earth mentioned only in
stories
PASSAGE 4
There was a farewell ceremony on her last day at school, to
(c) may be other planets like the Earth in this universe
which my parents and I were invited. It was a touching
(d) is a planet which is exactly like the Earth
ceremony in a solemn kind of way. The City Corporation
6. The hypothesis about the possibility of planets sent a representative and so did the two main political
parallel to the Earth gets its strength from the parties. There were many speeches and my grandmother was
fact that garlanded by a girl from every class. Then the head girl, a
(a) the scientists have discovered them particular favourite of hers, unveiled the farewell present the
(b) books have been written about them
girls had bought for her by subscription. It was a large
marble model of the Taj Mahal; it had a bulb inside and
(c) the planetary system exists could be lit up like a table lamp. My grandmother made a
(d) many people have shown interest in it speech too but she couldn’t finish it properly, for she began
7. The statement, ‘If life had gained a foothold on to cry before she got to the end of it and to stop to wipe
such a planet’ means that away her tears. I turned away when she began dabbing at
(a) if there is life on the planet, it would be like ours her eyes with a huge green handkerchief and discovered, to
my surprise, that many of the girls sitting around me were
(b) if we go there, we can develop it like this Earth wiping their eyes too. I was very jealous, I remember. I had
(c) even if we try, we cannot go and live there always taken it for granted that it was my own special right
(d) it is impossible for life to develop there to love her; I did not know how to cope with the discovery
that my right had been infringed by a whole school.
PASSAGE 3 11. The farewell ceremony described in the passage is for the
‘The doctor’s coming in a minute, Inspector’, said (a) author’s mother used to teach at his/her school
Miss Smith. (b) mother of head girl teaching at her school
‘Yes, thank you for phoning, Miss Smith. It was (c) grandmother of head girl no longer teaching at her school
very kind of you ..... the lady’s name is Mrs (d) grandmother of the author who used to teach at his/her
West, you say, ....’. school
‘Yes, that’s right.’ ‘And what about Mr West’?
12. The farewell ceremony made everyone feel
‘Doctor West, Inspector.’ (a) sad
‘Oh, I see ..... Well, Doctor West, then. ‘Do you (b) unhappy
know where he is?’ (c) happy
‘Not exactly, Inspector. He never told Mrs West (d) bad
where he was going. You see, they hated each 13. Before the writer attended the ceremony, he/she had
other.’ thought
‘What do you mean?’ (a) he/she was the only child who loved his/her grandmother
‘Well, Doctor West thought that Mrs West was in (b) all the girls in the school loved his/her grandmother
love with another man and everyone knows (c) only a few girls in the school loved his/her grandmother
Doctor West went to see another woman’. (d) only the headgirl loved her grandmother
8. The conversation appears to be taking place
(a) in a street where an accident has just PASSAGE 5
occurred It is no doubt true that we cannot go through life without
(b) in a hotel where Mrs West suddenly became sorrow. There can be no sunshine without shadow, we must
ill not complain that roses have thorns but rather be grateful
(c) in Mrs West’s house where the police are that thorns bear flowers. Our existence here is so complex
enquiring into lady’s murder that we must expect much sorrow and suffering. Yet, it is
(d) in Mrs West’s house where a theft has taken certain that no man was ever discontented with the world
place the night before who did his duty in it. The world is like a looking glass; if
9. The questions the Inspector asks are you smile, it smiles; if you frown, it frowns back. Always try,
(a) inquisitive (b) foolish then, to look at the bright side of things. There are some
(c) disturbing (d) searching persons whose very presence seems like a ray of sunshine
and brightens the whole room. Life has been described as a
10. ‘You see, they hated each other.’ ‘What do you comedy to those who think and a tragedy to those who feel.
mean?’ The Inspector seems
(a) to know Doctor West’s secret 14. The author says that we cannot go through life without
(b) surprised to get the information sorrow because
(c) not to have understood Miss Smith (a) it is our fate (b) we are always discontented
(d) not impressed by Miss Smith’s information (c) life is a tragedy (d) human life is very complex
GENERAL ENGLISH Comprehension 513

15. According to the author, no man can be 20. Which one of the following civilisations did not have to face
discontented with the world if he hardships due to bad winter?
(a) is determined to be happy (a) Indian (b) Greeks
(b) is sincere in discharging his duties (c) Chinese (d) Romans
(c) has a healthy attitude to life 21. The expression ‘India, on the other hand, was blessed by a
(d) likes sunshine bounteous nature ................ ’ means
16. The expression ‘Life is a tragedy to those who (a) Indian soil is fertile
feel’ means that it is a tragedy to those who (b) India is a land of flora and fauna
(a) think about the world (c) Indian people have been rewarded more generously by
(b) believe in fate nature in proportion to their efforts
(c) do not understand the world (d) Indian soil is suited for growing a variety of crops
(d) are sensitive and emotional 22. Which trait of Indian character has been formed by the
17. The author says, “There are some persons monsoon?
whose very presence seems like a ray of (a) Fatalism (b) Sturdiness
sunshine and brightens the whole room”. The (c) Asceticism (d) Epicureanism
reason for this is that, they
(a) have the capacity to love 2014 (I)
(b) talk more of roses and less of thorns
(c) are happy and spread happiness PASSAGE 7
(d) look good and behave well In a free country, the man who reaches the position of leader is
usually one of outstanding character and ability. Moreover, it is
18. What is the author’s message in this
usually possible to foresee that he will reach such a position,
passage?
since early in life one can see his qualities of character. But
(a) Look at the bright side of things this is not always true in the case of a dictator, often he
(b) Our existence is so complex reaches his position of power through chance, very often
(c) The world is a looking glass through the unhappy state of his country. It is possible that
(d) Expect much sorrow and suffering Hitler would never have become the leader of Germany if that
country had not been driven to despair.
2013 (II) 23. In a free country, one who becomes a leader
(a) must be of outstanding character and ability
(b) must show qualities of character from an early age
PASSAGE 6 (c) is generally of a remarkable character and ability
It has often been said that the scale of natural (d) must see that his country is free from despair
phenomena in India and her total dependence 24. Hitler became a leader because
on the monsoon, have helped to form the (a) he exhibited leadership qualities
character of her people. Even today, major (b) Germany was a free country
disasters, such as flood, famine and plaque are (c) Germany was in despair
hard to check and in older times, their control (d) Germans wanted a dictator
was almost impossible. Many other ancient
25. The passage seems to suggest that
civilisations, such as those of the Greeks, (a) despair sometimes leads to dictatorship
Romans and Chinese had to contend with hard (b) Hitler was no leader
winters, which encouraged sturdiness and (c) a leader is chosen only by a free country
resourcefulness. India, on the other hand, was (d) a leader foresees his future position
blessed by a bounteous nature, who demanded
little of man in return for sustenance, but in
her terrible anger could not be appeased by any
PASSAGE 8
The dog is a very intelligent animal and it can be trained for
human effort. Hence, it has been suggested, the
many duties. Some dogs work with the police and the army as
Indian character has tended to quietism,
sentries and trackers and there are medals that are awarded
accepting fortune and misfortune alike without
to dogs for bravery in action. Other dogs act as seeing-eyes for
complaint. the blind and some breeds are specially trained for rescue
19. The author’s main argument is work among mountains and snow. Jobs like herding sheep
(a) description of natural phenomena of India and cattle and guarding homes are also done by them.
(b) unpredictability of Indian monsoon Whenever man lives and works in the Arctic Circle, in the
(c) correlation between the climate and the desert, in the jungle, in the moors or mountains, the dog is
character of the inhabitants of a region his faithful companion and help. A common mongrel may
(d) hardships caused by natural calamities possess these qualities just as much as the aristocratic
bloodhound.
514 NDA/NA Pathfinder

26. The passage tells us that dogs 28. The passage implies that
(a) can be trained to do different kinds of work (a) only dogs are faithful but not man
(b) are capable of difficult work (b) man would have felt helpless without dogs
(c) are of different types (c) the dog has certain qualities that make it man’s trustworthy
(d) alone are a great help to man companion
27. Medals are awarded to some dogs for (d) dogs can do almost anything
(a) their brave deeds 29. The phrase ‘aristocratic bloodhound’ in the passage means
(b) working with the police (a) the dog kept by wealthy people
(c) serving as sentries (b) a pedigree dog
(d) being able to perform difficult work (c) a dog fond of blood
(d) any big dog

ANSWERS
Check Your Comprehension Skill
1 c 2 a 3 c 4 b 5 c 6 b 7 a 8 d 9 d 10 b
11 d 12 b 13 d 14 b 15 b 16 b 17 d 18 c 19 d 20 d
21 c 22 c 23 a 24 d 25 c 26 a 27 d 28 b 29 c 30 d
31 b 32 c 33 c 34 b 35 d 36 d 37 a 38 c 39 c 40 a
41 c

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)

1 b 2 b 3 d 4 d 5 b 6 c 7 a 8 b 9 a 10 b
11 d 12 a 13 a 14 d 15 b 16 d 17 c 18 a 19 c 20 a
21 c 22 a 23 c 24 c 25 a 26 a 27 a 28 c 29 b
01
GENERAL SCIENCE Physics PHYSICS
517

MEASUREMENT,
MOTION AND FORCE
Generally 4 to 5 questions are asked from this chapter. These questions are mostly based on linear motion,
speed, distance, displacement and velocity. Some of the questions are asked about units of quantities. So, this
chapter is very important for examination.

PHYSICAL QUANTITIES UNIT

The quantities which can be measured directly Measurement is a process of determining how large or small a physical
or indirectly and by means of which we can quantity is as compared to a basic reference standard. This reference
describe the laws of physics are called physical standard is called the unit of the particular physical quantity. Units are
quantities. of two types
e.g. length, mass, volume etc. Physical (i) Fundamental Units The units of fundamental quantities are
quantities are of two types called fundamental or base units.
(i) Fundamental Quantities The quantities Fundamental units of some physical quantities are as follows
which do not depend upon other Name of Name of
Name of Quantities Name of Quantities
quantities for their complete definition are Units Units
known as fundamental or base quantities. Length metre Thermodynamics temperature kelvin
There are seven fundamental quantities Mass kilogram Luminous intensity candela
Length, Mass, Time, Electric current, Time second Amount of substance mole
Thermodynamic temperature, Luminous Electric current ampere
intensity, Amount of substance.
(ii) Derived Quantities The quantities which (ii) Derived Units The units of derived quantities are called derived
can be expressed in terms of the units. e.g., Let us consider the unit of speed.
fundamental quantities are called derived distance travelled
quantities. speed =
time taken
e.g., speed, volume, acceleration, force, etc. unit of distance metre
∴ Unit of Speed = = = ms −1
➨ Note Other than fundamental and derived quantities unit of time second
there are two more quantities called as supplementary
quantities. e.g., plane angle and solid angle. Thus, the unit of speed is derived from fundamental units of
length and time.
518 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Derived units of some physical quantities are as follows

S.No. Physical Quantities Derived Unit
DIMENSIONS OF PHYSICAL
1. Area metre 2(m 2 ) QUANTITY
2. Volume metre 3 (m 3 ) Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which
3. Density kg/m 3 the fundamental quantities are raised to represent the unit of
4. Potential joule/coulomb or volt that physical quantity.
mass
5. Resistance volt/ampere or ohm e.g., density = = (mass) (length) −3
volume
System of Units Thus, the dimensions of density are 1 in mass and − 3 in
length. The expression of a physical quantity in terms of its
A complete set of units which is used to measure all kinds dimensions is called its dimensional formula. e.g., the
of fundamental and derived quantities is called a system of dimensional formula of density is [ML−3 ] and that for force
units.
is [MLT −2 ].
Some of the commonly used system of units are as
follows Dimensions of fundamental quantities
(i) CGS System This is also known as Gaussian
S.No. Fundamental Quantity Dimension
system of units which uses centimetre (cm), gram
(g) and second (s) as the fundamental units of 1. Length [L]
length, mass and time, respectively. 2. Mass [M]
The unit of force in this system is dyne.
3. Time [T]
(ii) FPS System It is the British Engineering System of
units which uses foot (ft), pound (lb) and second 4. Electric current [A]
(s) as the fundamental units of length, mass and 5. Thermodynamic temperature [K]
time, respectively. The unit of force in this system 6. Luminous intensity [cd]
is poundal.
7. Amount of substance [mol]
(iii) MKS System In this system, the units of length,
mass and time are metre (m), kilogram (kg) and
second (s) respectively. The unit of force in this Dimensional formulae and SI units
system is Newton (N). of some physical quantities
(iv) International System (SI) of Units It is modernised S. Physical Quantity
and extended form of metric systems like CGS and No. with Formula
Dimensional Formula SI Units
MKS system. This system contain seven fundamental
1. Velocity = displacement/ [L] / [T] = [M 0LT −1 ] m/s
units (See previous page) and two supplementary time
units.
2. Acceleration = velocity/time [LT −1 ] / [T] = [M 0LT −2 ] m/s 2
Supplementary Units
3. Force = mass × acceleration [M][LT −2 ] = [MLT −2 ] kg- m/s 2 →
Supplementary Newton → N
S. No. Units Symbol
Quantities 4. Work = Fs cos θ [MLT −2 ][L] = [ML2T −2 ] kg-m 2 / s 2 →
1. Angle Radian red joule → J
2. Solid angle staradian sr 5. Kinetic energy =
1
mv 2 [M][LT −1 ]2 = [ML2T −2 ] joule
2
Units Used for Measuring Small Distances 6. Potential energy = mgh [M][LT −2 ] [L] = [ML2T −2 ] joule
−2
• 1 cm = 10 m
7. Torque = Fr sin θ [MLT −2 ][L] = [ML2T −2 ] N-m
• 1 mm = 10 −3 m
2 −2 2 −3
[ML T ] / [T] = [ML T ] kg-m 2 / s 3 →
• 1 micron (m) = 10 −4 cm = 10 −6 m
8. Power = work/time
J/s → watt → W
• 1 nanometre = 10 −7 cm = 10 −9 m
9. Momentum = mass × [M][LT −1 ] = [MLT −1 ] kg-m/s or N-s
• 1 angstrom (Å) = 10 −8 cm = 10 −10 m velocity
• 1 fermi = 10 −13 cm = 10 −15 m 10. Impulse = F∆t [MLT −2 ][T] = [MLT −1 ] N-s

Units Used for Measuring Large Distances 11. Angle = arc/radius [L] / [L] = [M 0L0T 0 ] radian → rad
• 1 Light year = 9.46 × 10 15 m
12. Strain = ∆L / L or ∆V [L] / [L] Dimensionless no units
• 1 Parsec = 3.08 × 10 16 m = 3.26 light year V
• 1 Astronomical units (AU) = 1.496 × 10 11 m 13. Frequency = 1/time period 1 / [T] = [M 0L0T −1 ] hertz → Hz
GENERAL SCIENCE Physics 519

S. Physical Quantity
No. with Formula
Dimensional Formula SI Units MOTION
14. Angular velocity = angle/time 1 / [T] = [M L T ] 0 0 −1
rad/s If an object is continuously changing its position with respect
to a fixed point, then the object is said to be in motion. Some
15. Moment of inertia,I = Σ mr 2
[M][L] = [ML T ]
2 2 0
kg-m 2
definitions related to motion are given below
−1 2 −1
16. Angular momentum = Iω [ML ][T ] = [ML T ]
2
kg-m 2 /s or J-s
Distance
17. Surface tension = [MLT −2 ] / [L] = [ML0T −2 ] N/m
force/length The length of the actual path travelled by an object
during motion in a given interval of time is called the
18. Spring constant, k = F / x [MLT −2 ] / [L] = [ML0T −2 ] N/m
distance travelled by the object. It is a scalar quantity,
19. Surface energy [ML2T −2 ] / [L2 ] = [ML0T −2 ] J/m 2 i.e. it does not depend on direction.
= energy/area
20. Intensity = energy [ML2T −2 ] J/m 2 -s Displacement
= [ML0T −3 ]
area × time 2
[L ] [T] → W /m 2 The shortest distance between the initial and final
2 −2 −1 positions of any object during its motion is called the
21. Planck’s constant, [ML T ] / [T ] J-s
E energy
displacement of the object. It is a vector quantity i.e. it
h= = = [ML2T −1 ] depends on direction.
ν frequency

22. Coefficient of viscosity [ML2T −2 ]

= [ML−1T −1 ]
Nm −2s or Pa-s Speed
force × distance 2
[L ] [LT ] −1
The distance travelled by the object per unit time is
=
area × velocity called the speed of the object.
Distance travelled
Speed =
Time taken
SCALAR AND VECTOR Types of speed are given below
QUANTITIES (i) Uniform Speed An object is said to be moving
with a uniform speed, if it covers equal distances
• Physical quantities which have only magnitude but no in equal intervals of time.
direction are called scalar quantities. e.g., mass, speed, (ii) Non-uniform Speed An object is said to be
volume, work, time, power, energy, etc. moving with a non-uniform or variable speed, if it
• Physical quantities which have both magnitude and covers equal distances in equal intervals of time or
direction and obey all the laws of vector algebra are called unequal distances in equal intervals of time.
vector quantities. e.g., displacement, velocity, acceleration, (iii) Average Speed The ratio of the total distance
force,momentum, torque, etc. travelled by the object to the total time taken is
called the average speed of the object.
Representation of a Vector Totaldistance travelled
Average speed =
Total time taken
Any vector r can be written as r = x$i + y$j + zk$
s1 + s 2 + s 3 +…
where, $i, $j and k$ are unit vectors along the perpendicular axes =
t1 + t 2 + t 3 +…
OX, OY and OZ, respectively. where s1 , s 2 , s 3 …… are the distances travelled by
The magnitude of vector r is given by r = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 the object with speed v1 , v 2 , v 3 … respectively.
(a) If an object travels equal distances with speeds
v1 and v 2 , then
Product of Vector Quantities 2v1v 2
average speed =
(i) Scalar product or Dot product The scalar product or v1 + v 2
dot product of two vectors A and B is defined as the
(b) If an object covers first one-third distance with
product of the magnitude of two vectors A and B and
the cosine of the angle between them. speed a, other one-third distance with speed b
and last one-third distance with speed c, then
A ⋅ B = ABcosθ 3abc
where, A is magnitude of A and B is the magnitude of B. average speed =
ab + bc + ca
(ii) Cross product or Vector product The cross product or
vector product of two vectors A and B is defined as the (iv) Instantaneous Speed When an object is travelling
product of the magnitude of vectors A and B and sine of with variable speed, then its speed at a given
the angle between them. instant of time is called as instantaneous speed of
the object.
A × B = ABsin θ n$
∆s ds
where, n$ is a unit vector perpendicular to A and B. Instantaneous speed = lim =
∆t → 0 ∆ t dt
520 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Velocity ONE-DIMENSIONAL MOTION

The time rate of change of displacement an object in a
particular direction is called the velocity of the object. If only one out of three coordinates specifying the position
Displacement of the object changes with respect to time, then the motion
Velocity = is called one-dimensional motion. It is also known as
Time taken
rectilinear or linear motion.
Types of velocity are given below
e.g. (i) Motion of a train along a straight line.
(i) Uniform Velocity If an object undergoes equal
displacements in equal intervals of time, then it is (ii) Motion of freely falling objects.
said to be moving with uniform velocity
(ii) Non-uniform Velocity If an object undergoes Equations for
unequal displacements in equal intervals of time,
then it is said to be moving with a non-uniform or One-dimensional Motion
variable velocity. Consider an object moving along a straight line path with
(iii) Average Velocity The ratio of the total velocity (u) and after time t its velocity changes to (v ), if the
displacement to the total time taken by an object is uniform acceleration is ( a ) and the distance travelled by the
called the average velocity of the object. object in time (t) is (s), then the following relations are
Total displacement obtained, which are called equations of one-dimensional
Average velocity =
Total time taken motion.
(iv) Instantaneous Velocity when an object is travelling 1
(i) v = u + at (ii) s = ut + at 2 (iii) v 2 = u 2 + 2as
with variable velocity, then its velocity at given 2
instant of time is called as instantaneous velocity. • If an object starts from rest, then u =0.
∆r dr • If an object comes to rest (i.e. it stops), then v =0.
Instantaneous velocity, v = lim =
∆ t→ 0 ∆ t dt • If an object moves with uniform velocity, then its
acceleration, a =0.
Acceleration
The time rate of change of velocity of an object is called Graphs Related to One-dimensional Motion
the acceleration of the object.
Displacement-Time Graph
Change in velocity s
Acceleration (a) = Case I When an object is at rest
Time taken Then the (s-t) graph is a straight
It is a vector quantity. line parallel to time axis. A B

Types of acceleration are given below From the graph, it is clear that
O t
with the passage of time, there is
(i) Uniform Acceleration An object is said to be
no change in the position of the
moving with uniform acceleration, if its velocity
body, it remains at point A, i.e.
changes by equal amounts in equal interval of time.
the body is stationary.
(ii) Non-Uniform Acceleration An object is said to be
moving with a non-uniform or variable acceleration,
Case II When an object is moving s
B
if its velocity changes by unequal amount in equal with zero acceleration
intervals of time. Then the (s-t ) graph is a straight
(iii) Average Acceleration If a body travels with line with positive slope and the A

uniform acceleration a1 and a2 in time t1 and t 2 , object is initially at some distance O t

respectively, then the average acceleration can be from the origin.

a t +a t From the graph, it is clear that in
written as a = 1 1 2 2 . equal intervals of time, the body
t1 + t 2
covers equal distances, so the
(iv) Instantaneous Acceleration Acceleration at any motion is uniform and graph is a
instant of time is known as instantaneous straight line.
acceleration.
∆v dv Case III When an object is moving with uniform
i.e. a = lim = positive acceleration
∆ t→ 0 ∆ t dt
Then the (s-t ) graph is a curve
• If the velocity of an object decreases with time its s B
with positive slope and the object
acceleration is negative otherwise it is positive. is initially at some distance from x
• Negative acceleration is also called retardation or the origin.
deceleration. From the graph, it is clear that in O t
• Velocity and acceleration of an object need not be zero equal intervals of time of one
simultaneously. second, the body is covering unequal distances and
GENERAL SCIENCE Physics 521

this distance goes on increasing. That means, with Acceleration-Time Graph

the passage of time, the body is covering more and
more distance in equal time i.e. the speed of the Case I If an object is moving with constant
body is increasing. Hence, the slope of graph is decreasing acceleration
positive.
A

Acceleration
Case IV When an object is moving with negative

(a)
acceleration
Then the (s-t ) graph is a curve with negative slope θ
and the object is initially at some distance from the O
B
t
Time (t)
origin. From the graph, it is clear that in equal
intervals of time of one second, the body is Then acceleration-time graph is a straight line.
covering unequal distances and this distance is The object is moving with negative acceleration
goes on decreasing. and slope of straight line which makes an angle
s
θ > 90 ° with time axis.
x
Case II If an object moving with constant
B increasing acceleration
O t
That means, with the passage of time, the body is

Acceleration
A
covering lesser and lesser distance in equal time

(a)
i.e., the speed of the body is decreasing. Hence, the
slope of the graph is negative. Slope of
θ
displacement-time graph gives average velocity. O
Time (t)
Velocity-Time Graph
Then acceleration time graph is a straight line
Case I When an object is moving with v OA. The object is moving with positive
constant velocity (zero acceleration and slope of straight line OA
A B
acceleration) makes an angle θ < 90 ° always with time axis.
Then the (v-t ) graph is a straight O t
line parallel to time axis. a=0 Equations of Motion of an Object
From the graph, it is clear that with Moving Under Gravity
the change of time, there is no change in the
velocity. Hence, the slope of the graph is zero. If an object is thrown upwards or falling downwards,then
its motion is called motion under gravity. To obtain these
Case II When an object is moving with v equations we put h (height) in place of s (distance), g
positive constant acceleration B
(acceleration due to gravity) in place of a (acceleration).
having some initial velocity u A
Then the (v-t ) graph is a straight line. For Upward Motion
O t
From the graph, it is clear that for where u ≠ 0 If an object is thrown upward, then equations of motion
equal change in time, velocity changes by equal can be written as
amount. 1
(i) v = u − gt (ii) h = ut − gt 2
Case III When an object is moving with 2
v 2 2
constant positive acceleration B (iii) v = u − 2gh
having zero initial velocity
Then the (v-t ) graph is a straight For Downward Motion
line passing through the origin. O
where u = 0
t If an object is falling freely (u =0 ) under gravity, then
From the graph, it is clear that for equations of motion can be written as
equal change in time, velocity changes by equal 1
(i) v = u + gt (ii) h = ut + gt 2
amount. 2
Case IV When an object is moving with v B (iii) v 2 = u 2 + 2gh
increasing acceleration having
zero initial velocity If an object is dropped vertically downwards with some
Then the (v-t ) graph is a curve. height and another object is projected horizontally, then
From the graph, it is clear that for
O t both the objects will reach the ground at same time.
equal change in time, the change in velocity are Velocity and acceleration of an object may be in different
unequal. That is the reason, the graph is curve directions.
shaped.
522 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Range (R) It is the distance between starting point (O)

Two-dimensional Motion and final point ( A ).
If only one out of three coordinates specifying the position u 2 sin 2θ
of the object changes with respect to time, then the motion It is given by R =
is called two-dimensional motion. e.g. g
(i) Motion of a car on a circular turn. u2
if θ = 45 ° then, R=
(ii) Motion of a billiards ball. g

Equations for Two-dimensional Motion

To deal with motion on a plane ( x y ) we have to break the CIRCULAR MOTION
motion along x and y-directions, then we will apply When an object moves circular path with a constant speed
equation of motion of one-dimension separate for x and then the motion of the object is said to be a uniform
y-axes. circular motion.

Some Terms Related with

PROJECTILE MOTION Uniform Circular Motion
When an object is thrown from horizontal making an angle (i) Angular Displacement (θ) The angle turned by an
(θ ) except 90°, then its motion under gravity is a curved object moving in a circular path from some reference
parabolic path, called trajectory and its motion is called line is called angular displacement.
projectile motion.
y ∆s
θ
O r
u u cos θ Trajectory
(parabolic)
u sin θ

h length of the arc

Angular displacement (θ) =
θ u radius of the circle
x
O u cos θ ∆s
R A =
r
The horizontal component of velocity (u cos θ ) of projectile (ii) Angular Velocity Angular velocity of an object in
is responsible for its horizontal motion and remains circular motion is defined as the time rate of change
constant and vertical component of velocity (u sin θ ) is of its angular displacement.
responsible for its vertical motion. angular displacement ∆θ
angular velocity (ω ) = =
e.g. time ∆t
• The motion of a bullet shot from the gun. If time period of uniform circular motion is T, then
• The motion of a rocket after burn-out. average angular velocity is given by
• The motion of a bomb dropped from a aeroplane etc. 2π
ω= = 2πf
Some terms related to the projectile motion are given below T
Time of flight (T ) It is the time taken by the projectile to ➨ Relation between Linear velocity and Angular velocity
cover the journey from point of projection (O) to end linear velocity = angular velocity × radius or v = ω × r
point ( A ). (iii) Angular Acceleration The time rate of change of
2u sinθ angular velocity of an object is called the angular
It is given by T = acceleration of an object. Its unit is rad/s 2 .
g
where, g is acceleration due to gravity. dω d 2θ
angular acceleration (α ) = =
dt dt 2
Maximum Height ( H ) It is the maximum height attained
(iv) Centripetal Acceleration Acceleration acting on the
by the projectile during the journey from O to A as
object undergoing uniform circular motion is called
shown in the diagram.
centripetal acceleration. It always act on the object
u 2 sin 2 θ along the radius towards the centre of the circular
It is given by H =
2g path.
It can also be expressed as v2
Centripetal acceleration ( a ) = = ω 2r
u2 r
H= (when, sin 2 θ = max = 1, i.e. θ = 90° )
2g
GENERAL SCIENCE Physics 523

(v) Centripetal Force Centripetal force is that force

which is required to move an object along the Linear Momentum
radius and towards centre. The product of mass and velocity of an object is called the
mv 2 linear momentum of the object. It is represented by p. Its
Centripetal force ( F ) = = mω 2 r .
r unit is kg-m/s. It is a vector quantity.
p = mv
➨ Note The value of resultant acceleration in non-uniform
circulation is, a = aR2 + aT2
NEWTON'S LAWS OF
FORCE MOTION
Any action which causes pull or push on an object is Newton studied the ideas of Galileo regarding the motion of
called force. There are two types of force an object. He formulated three fundamental laws that govern
(i) Balanced Forces If there are many forces acting on the motion of object. These three laws are known as
an object but resultant of all of them is zero, then Newton's laws of motion, which are as given below:
the forces are called balanced forces.
(ii) Unbalanced Forces If the resultant of all the forces Newton’s First Law of Motion
acting on an object is not zero, then the forces are Any object remains in the state of rest or in a uniform
called unbalanced forces. motion along a straight line until it is compelled to change
the state by applying an external force. This law is also
Law of Parallelogram of Forces known as law of inertia.
If two forces are acting on a point simultaneously, whose
magnitudes and directions can be shown by two adjacent
Applications of Newton's First Law of Motion
sides of parallelogram, then the magnitude and direction The following applications are based on Newton’s first law
of resultant force will be shown by the diagonal which of motion
passes through the point of intersection of those sides. (i) The passengers in a bus falls backward when it starts
Resultant of these two forces P and Q is suddenly. This is because the sudden start of the bus
brings motion to the bus as well as to our feet in
R = P 2 + Q2 + 2PQcosα contact with the floor of the bus but the rest portion of
our body opposes this motion because of inertia, so
where, α is the angle between the sides of parallelogram. they fall backwards.
B P C (ii) When a carpet or a blanket is beaten with a stick, then
the dust particles separate out from it.
R
R=P+Q
Q Q Newton’s Second Law of Motion
The second law of motion states that the rate of change of
α
β θ momentum of an object is proportional to the applied
O P A external force and takes place in the direction in which
Qsin θ external force acts.
tan β =
P + Qcos θ According to the second law of motion, force
where, β is the angle made by the resultant with P. change in momentum
F∝
time
Inertia p2 − p1 m(v − u )  v −u 
F =K =K = Kma Q t = a
The property of an object to resist any change in its state t t
of motion along a straight line or rest is called inertia. K = constant of proportionality.
There are three types of inertia Its value is one in SI and CGS system.
(i) Inertia of Rest If an object resists the change in its
state of rest, its inertia is called inertia of rest. Application of Newton's Second Law of Motion
(ii) Inertia of Motion If an object resists the change in The following applications are based on Newton's second
its state of motion, its inertia is called inertia of law of motion
motion. (i) A cricket player (or fielder) moves his hands backward
(iii) Inertia of Direction If an object resists the change on catching a fast cricket ball.
in direction of its motion, its inertia is called inertia (ii) During athletics meet, a high jumping athlete is
of direction. provided either a cushion or a heap of sand on the
ground to fall upon.
524 NDA/NA Pathfinder

Law of Conservation of Linear (iii) Propulsion of a boat in forward direction Sailor

pushes water with oar in backward direction
Momentum resulting water pushes the oar in forward direction.
• When no external force acts on a system of several
Consequently, the boat is pushed in forward
interacting particles, the total linear momentum of the direction. Force applied by oar and water are of
system is conserved. The total linear momentum is the equal magnitude but in opposite directions.
vector sum of the linear momentum of all the particles of
(iv) Rocket propulsion The propulsion of rocket is
the system.
based on the principle of action and reaction. The
• Consider an isolated system (the system on which no rapid burning of fuel produces hot gases which rush
external force acts) of n particles. Suppose the n particles out from the nozzle at the rear end at a very high
have masses m1 , m2 , m3 , …, mn and are moving with speed. The equal and opposite reaction force moves
velocities v1 , v 2 , v 3 ,…v n , respectively. the rocket upward at a great speed.
Then total linear momentum of the system is
p = m1 v1 + m2 v 2 + m3 v 3 +…+ mnv n IMPULSE
= p1 + p2 + p3 + … + pn
A large force which acts on an object for a very short
If F is the external force acting on the system, then interval of time and produces a large change in its
dp momentum is called and impulsive force.
according to Newton's second law, F =
dt
The impulse of a force acting on an object equal to the
dp product of the large force and small time interval for
For an isolated system, F = 0 or =0
dt which its acts on the object.
As the derivative of a constant is zero, so Impulse ( I ) = Force × Time
p = constant. Its unit is newton-second.
or p1 + p2 + p3 +…+ pn = constant
Thus in the absence of any external force, the total linear FRICTION
momentum of the system is constant. This is the law of Friction is a force which opposes the relative motion
conservation of linear momentum. between the two objects when one object actually moves
or tries to move over the surface of another object.
Newton's Third Law of Motion
Whenever one object exerts a force on another object, the Types of Friction
second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first There are three types of friction
object. 1. Static Friction It is an opposing force which comes
Applications of Newton's Third Law of Motion into play when one object tends to move over the
surface of another object.
Some application of Newton’s third law are as following
2. Limiting Friction The maximum static frictional
(i) Walking of a person A person is able to walk because
force which comes into play when one object just
of the Newton's third law of motion. During walking,
begins to slide over the surface of another object.
a person pushes the ground in backward direction and
in the reaction the ground also pushes the person with 3. Kinetic Friction The opposing force that comes into
equal magnitude of force but in opposite direction. play when one object actually moves over the
This enables him to move in forward direction against surface of another object.
the push. Kinetic friction is of two types
(ii) Recoil of gun When bullet is fired from a gun, the (i) Sliding Friction It comes into play when one object
bullet also pushes the gun in opposite direction with slides over the surface of another object.
equal magnitude of force. This results gunman feeling
(ii) Rolling Friction It comes into play when one
a backward push, i.e., recoil force from the butt of gun.
object rolls over the surface of another object.
GENERAL SCIENCE > Physics 525

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. 1 Fermi is equivalent to 12. Frictional force 19. A car travels the first one-third
(a) 10 −15 m (b) 10 −12 m 1. is self-adjusting force. distance at a speed of 10 km/h,
(c) 10 −13 m (d) 10 −19 m 2. is a non-conservative force. the next one-third distance at
3. is a necessary evil. 20 km/h and the last one-third
2. What is the dimension of distance at 60 km/h. Then, the
Codes
momentum?
(a) 1 and 2 average speed of the car is
(a) Impulse (b) Power
(b) 1 and 3 (a) 30 km/h (b) 24 km/h
(c) Stress (d) Pressure
(c) Only 1 (c) 18 km/h (d) None of these
3. Wb/m2 is equal to (d) All of the above
(a) dyne (b) tesla 20. A man travels along a straight
(c) watt (d) henry 13. Newton’s laws of motion do not road for the first half length with
hold good for objects a velocity u and the second half
4. The dimension of impulse is equal (a) at rest length with a velocity v. Then, the
to that of (b) moving slowly mean velocity is given by
(a) force (b) linear momentum (c) moving with high velocity u + v 2uv
(c) pressure (d) angular momentum (a) (b)
(d) moving with velocity comparable to 2 u + v
5. Dimension of impulse is velocity of light (c) uv (d) zero
(a) [ML−2T −3 ] (b) [ML−2 ]
14. If the energy E of a photon is 21. A machine is delivering constant
(c) [MLT −1 ] (d) [MLT −2 ]
equal to hν, where ν is the power to drive a body along a
6. The dimensions of coefficient of frequency and h is Planck’s straight line. What is the relation
viscosity is constant, then the dimensions of between the distance travelled by
(a) [MLT −1 ] (b) [ML−1T] Planck’s constant is the body against time?
(c) [ML−1T −1 ] (d) [ML−1 ] (a) [ML2 T −3 ] (b) [M0 L2 T −1 ] (a) s 2 ∝ t 3 (b) s 2 ∝ t −3
(c) s 3 ∝ t 2 (d) s 3 ∝ t 1/ 2
7. Average velocity of an object is (c) [ML2 T −1 ] (d) [ML2 T −2 ]
equal to the mean of its initial and 22. The displacement y (in metres) of
final velocities, if the acceleration is 15. A body goes from P to Q with a a body varies with time t (in
(a) uniform velocity of 40 ms −1 and comes seconds) as
(b) variable back from Q to P with a velocity of −2 2
(c) Both (a) and (b) 60 ms −1. Then, the average y= t + 16 t − 12
(d) None of these 3
velocity of the body during the
8. When the distance, an object whole journey is Then, the body will come to rest in
travels is directly proportional to (a) 50 ms −1 (b) 48 ms −1 (a) 16 s (b) 12 s
the length of time, it is said to (c) 45 ms −1 (d) zero (c) 8 s (d) None of these
travel with 16. The area under acceleration-time 23. A 7 kg object is subjected to two
(a) zero velocity (b) uniform velocity →
(c) constant velocity
graph represents forces F1 = (20$i + 30 $j) and
(a) velocity →
(d) constant acceleration
(b) displacement travelled F2 = (8$i + 5 $j) N. The magnitude of
9. If the displacement of an object is (c) distance travelled resulting acceleration in m/s 2 will
proportional to square of time, (d) change in velocity be
then the object moves with (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 1 (d) 5.3
(a) uniform velocity 17. When a moving bus suddenly
(b) uniform acceleration applies brakes, then the 24. A body has a mass of 50 kg. Its
(c) increasing acceleration passengers sitting in it fall in the velocity is brought down from
(d) decreasing acceleration forward direction. This can be 20 m/s to 5 m/s by a resisting force
10. Newton’s second law of motion explained by in 5 s. The magnitude of resisting
connects (a) the theory of relativity force is
(a) momentum and acceleration (b) Newton’s first law (a) 50 N (b) 150 N
(b) change of momentum and velocity (c) Newton’s second law (c) 750 N (d) 375 N
(c) rate of change of momentum and (d) Newton’s third law
25. A rifle with muzzle velocity of
external force
18. A body of mass 6 kg is rotated in 1500 m/s shoots a bullet at a small
(d) rate of change of force and
momentum circle of radius 3m with a uniform target 150 m away. How high
speed of 10 m/s, the force which above the target must the rifle be
11. Momentum has the same unit as aimed, so that bullet hits the
must act on the body to maintain
that of target?
(a) couple (b) torque the motion is
(a) 100 N (b) 200 N (a) Zero (b) 4.9 cm
(c) impulse
(c) 300 N (d) 20 N (c) 9.8 cm (d) 98 cm
(d) moment of momentum
526 NDA/NA Pathfinder

26. A mass of 2 kg is whirled in a 31. Which statement is true for to be given to the ball, so that it
circle in a horizontal plane, at an shown graph? hits directly the lowest plane from
initial speed of 5 revolutions per the top of the staircase?
min. Keeping the radius constant, (Take, g = 10 m/s 2) e 2012 (II)
the speed is increased, so that the Velocity
(a) 2 m/s (b) 1 m/s
centripetal force is four times the 1
initial value. The ratio of the final O Time (c) 2 m/s (d) m/s
2
speed to initial speed is (a) Acceleration have positive and
(a) 1 (b) 2 constant value 36. The displacement of a particle at
(c) 3 (d) 4 (b) Initial velocity of particle is negative time t is given by
c $
27. Which one of the following graphs (c) velocity of particle is constant x = ai$ + b$j + t 2k
represents uniform motion? (d) None of the above 2
32. Select the correct answer using where, a , b and c are positive
the codes given below constants. Then, the particle is
Velocity

Velocity

(a) (b) I. Density is a vector quantity e 2013 (I)

II. Value of distance is always $
(a) accelerated along k-direction
equal to displacement $
(b) decelerated along k-direction
Time Time III. The distance travelled by the $
(c) decelerated along i-direction
object per unit time is called
(d) accelerated along $i-direction
the speed.
Displacement

Displacement

(a) I and II (b) III and I 37. A force F is applied on a body

(c) (d)
(c) Only III (d) I, II and III (which moves on a straight line)
33. Select the incorrect statement for a duration of 3 s. The
using the codes given below momentum of the body changes
Time Time
I. Power is a vector quantity. from 10 g cm/s to 40 g cm/s. The
28. Which one of the following II. Acceleration is a vector magnitude of the force F is
characteristics of the particle does quantity. e 2013 (I)
the shaded area of the velocity-time III. If an object resists the change (a)10 dyne (b) 10 N
graph shown below represent? in state of rest. (c) 120 dyne (d) 12 dyne
(a) Only I (b) I, II and III
38. If an object undergoes a uniform
Velocity

(c) I and II (d) None of these

circular motion, then itse 2013 (I)
(a) acceleration remains uniform
Previous Years’ Questions
(b) velocity changes
0 Time 34. An object is in uniform circular (c) speed changes
(a) Momentum (b) Acceleration motion on a plane. Suppose that (d) velocity remains uniform
(c) Distance covered (d) Speed you measure its displacement from 39. If d denotes the distance covered
O A C B
the centre along one direction, say by a car in time t and s denotes the
29. 0 along the X-axis. Which one
meter displacement by the car during
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 among the following graphs could
the same time, then e 2013 (I)
The motion of car along a straight represent this displacement (x)?
(a) d ≤ | s| (b) d = | s|
path is shown in above figure. The e 2012 (I) (c) d ≥ | s| (d) d < | s|
car starts from O and reaches at x
point C, back to point A. The 40. An ant is moving on thin
(a) t (negligible thickness) circular
distance and the magnitude of the
displacement are respectively. wire. How many coordinates do
(a) 160 m, 40 m x you require to completely
(b) 190 m, 50 m describe the motion of the ant?
(c) 120 m, 40 m (b) t e 2013 (I)
(d) 140 m, 100 m (a) One (b) Two (c) Three (d) Zero
30. Which one among x 41. A car is moving with a uniform
B speed. However, its momentum is
the following (c)
Velocity

situation is best A changing. Then, the car

t
represented by the e 2013 (I)
O Time (t) x
velocity-time graph (a) may be on an elliptical path
u≠0 (d) (b) is moving on a straight path
shown alongside? t
(a) velocity changes by equal amount without acceleration
(b) slope of graph is zero. (c) is moving on a straight path with
(c) slope of graph is negative 35. A staircase has five steps each acceleration
(d) None of the above 10 cm high and 10 cm wide. What (d) is moving without any
is the minimum horizontal velocity acceleration