A poem of mourning for a person or an object is called
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Correct answer: (B) An Elegy
Explanation
An elegy is a poem of mourning for a person or thing, unlike an ode (praise) or a madrigal (a love song).
BPSC TRE · Topic-wise previous year questions
English Previous Year Questions (page 3)
752 English questions asked in BPSC TRE previous year papers, each with the correct answer and explanation. Read them free on UTpaper, or attempt the full papers as timed online tests.
- 752 questions
- 10 topics
- Official answer key
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Practise by topic
“The Sea of Faith/Was once, too, at the full, and round earth’s shore/Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled.” Who wrote these lines ?
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Correct answer: (C) Matthew Arnold
Explanation
These lines are from Matthew Arnold's 'Dover Beach'.
Which English poet wrote the following lines ?
“Break, break, break/On my cold gray stones, O Sea!/ And I would that my tongue could utter/The thoughts that arise in me.”
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Correct answer: (C) Lord Alfred Tennyson
Explanation
'Break, Break, Break' is a lyric by Alfred Lord Tennyson, written in memory of Arthur Hallam.
In which novel do we find the characters of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy ?
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Correct answer: (C) Pride and Prejudice
Explanation
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are the leading characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Which Indian novelist created the character of Raju the guide ?
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Correct answer: (B) R. K. Narayan
Explanation
Raju the guide is the hero of R. K. Narayan's The Guide.
“On His Blindness” was written by
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Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
'On His Blindness' is a sonnet by John Milton, who is not among options A-C, so the answer is 'None of the above'.
Which figure of speech is also known as bathos ?
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Correct answer: (A) Anticlimax
Explanation
Bathos, a sudden drop from the lofty to the trivial, is also called anticlimax.
In which Shakespearean play do we find the character of Caliban ?
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Correct answer: (B) The Tempest
Explanation
Caliban is the island creature in Shakespeare's The Tempest.
Which critic used the term “negative capability” ?
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Correct answer: (C) John Keats
Explanation
John Keats coined 'negative capability' in a letter of 1817.
The lines “It is a tale told by an idiot/ Full of sound and fury signifying nothing” are taken from the play
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Correct answer: (A) Macbeth
Explanation
Macbeth speaks these lines in Act V on hearing of his wife's death.
Which American novelist created the characters of Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway ?
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Correct answer: (A) F. Scott Fitzgerald
Explanation
Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway are characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
What is the prosodic meter used in the following line ?
“The Curfew tolls the knell of parting day.”
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Correct answer: (A) Iambic pentameter
Explanation
'The curfew tolls the knell of parting day' (Gray's Elegy) has ten syllables in five iambic feet, so it is iambic pentameter.
Who created the idea of the “Touchstone Method” as an aspect of literary criticism ?
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Correct answer: (C) Matthew Arnold
Explanation
The 'touchstone method' of judging poetry by comparing it with great lines was proposed by Matthew Arnold.
Which English Romantic poet wrote the following lines ?
“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan/ A pleasant pleasure dome decree”.
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Correct answer: (A) S. T. Coleridge
Explanation
These lines open Coleridge's 'Kubla Khan'.
Directions (Q. Nos. 106 – 110): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The Taj Mahal has become one of the world’s best known monuments. This domed white marble structure is situated on a high plinth at the southern end of four-quartered garden, evoking the gardens of paradise, enclosed within walls measuring 305 by 549 meters. Outside the walls, in an area known as Mumtazabad, were living quarters for attendants, markets, serais and other structures built by local merchants and nobles. The tomb complex and other imperial structures of Mumtazabad were maintained by the income of thirty villages given specifically for tomb’s support. The name Taj Mahal is unknown in Mughal chronicles, but it is used by contemporary Europeans in India, suggesting that this was the tomb’s popular name. In contemporary texts it is generally called simply the Illuminated Tomb (Rauza-i-Munawara). Mumtaz Mahal died shortly after delivering her fourteenth child in 1631. The Mughal court was then residing in Burhanpur. Her remains were temporarily buried by the grief-stricken emperor in a spacious garden known as Zainabad on the bank of the river Tapti. Six months later her body was transported to Agra where it was inferred in land chosen for the mausoleum. This land, situated, South of the Mughal city on the bank of the Jamuna, had belonged to the Kachhwaha rajas since the times of Raja Man Singh and was purchased from the then current Raja, Jai Singh. Although contemporary chronicles indicate Jai Singh’s willing cooperation in this exchange, extant imperial commands indicate that the final price was not settled until almost two years after the mausoleum’s commencement. Jai Singh’s further cooperation was insured by imperial orders issued between 1632 and 1634 demanding that he provide stone masons and carts to transport marble from the mines from Makrana, within his ‘ancestral domain’, to Agra where both the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan’s additions to the Agra fort were constructed concurrently. Work on the mausoleum was commenced early in 1632. Inscriptional evidence indicates much of tomb was completed by 1636. By 1643, when Shah Jahan most lavishly celebrated the ‘Urs ceremony for Mumtaz Mahal’, the entire complex was virtually complete.
Point out the true statement from the following :
I. Marble was not used for the construction of the Taj Mahal.
II. The name of the Taj Mahal is also Rauza-i-Munawara.
III. The Taj Mahal was completed by the time of the Urs ceremony for Mumtaz Mahal was held.
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Correct answer: (D) More than one of the above
Explanation
Statement I is false (marble was used). II is true (the tomb is called Rauza-i-Munawara) and III is true (it was virtually complete by the 1643 Urs), so more than one statement is correct.
Directions (Q. Nos. 106 – 110): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The Taj Mahal has become one of the world’s best known monuments. This domed white marble structure is situated on a high plinth at the southern end of four-quartered garden, evoking the gardens of paradise, enclosed within walls measuring 305 by 549 meters. Outside the walls, in an area known as Mumtazabad, were living quarters for attendants, markets, serais and other structures built by local merchants and nobles. The tomb complex and other imperial structures of Mumtazabad were maintained by the income of thirty villages given specifically for tomb’s support. The name Taj Mahal is unknown in Mughal chronicles, but it is used by contemporary Europeans in India, suggesting that this was the tomb’s popular name. In contemporary texts it is generally called simply the Illuminated Tomb (Rauza-i-Munawara). Mumtaz Mahal died shortly after delivering her fourteenth child in 1631. The Mughal court was then residing in Burhanpur. Her remains were temporarily buried by the grief-stricken emperor in a spacious garden known as Zainabad on the bank of the river Tapti. Six months later her body was transported to Agra where it was inferred in land chosen for the mausoleum. This land, situated, South of the Mughal city on the bank of the Jamuna, had belonged to the Kachhwaha rajas since the times of Raja Man Singh and was purchased from the then current Raja, Jai Singh. Although contemporary chronicles indicate Jai Singh’s willing cooperation in this exchange, extant imperial commands indicate that the final price was not settled until almost two years after the mausoleum’s commencement. Jai Singh’s further cooperation was insured by imperial orders issued between 1632 and 1634 demanding that he provide stone masons and carts to transport marble from the mines from Makrana, within his ‘ancestral domain’, to Agra where both the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan’s additions to the Agra fort were constructed concurrently. Work on the mausoleum was commenced early in 1632. Inscriptional evidence indicates much of tomb was completed by 1636. By 1643, when Shah Jahan most lavishly celebrated the ‘Urs ceremony for Mumtaz Mahal’, the entire complex was virtually complete.
In the contemporary texts the Taj Mahal is known as
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Correct answer: (C) Rauza-i-Munawara
Explanation
The passage says that in contemporary texts the tomb is generally called the Illuminated Tomb (Rauza-i-Munawara).
Directions (Q. Nos. 106 – 110): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The Taj Mahal has become one of the world’s best known monuments. This domed white marble structure is situated on a high plinth at the southern end of four-quartered garden, evoking the gardens of paradise, enclosed within walls measuring 305 by 549 meters. Outside the walls, in an area known as Mumtazabad, were living quarters for attendants, markets, serais and other structures built by local merchants and nobles. The tomb complex and other imperial structures of Mumtazabad were maintained by the income of thirty villages given specifically for tomb’s support. The name Taj Mahal is unknown in Mughal chronicles, but it is used by contemporary Europeans in India, suggesting that this was the tomb’s popular name. In contemporary texts it is generally called simply the Illuminated Tomb (Rauza-i-Munawara). Mumtaz Mahal died shortly after delivering her fourteenth child in 1631. The Mughal court was then residing in Burhanpur. Her remains were temporarily buried by the grief-stricken emperor in a spacious garden known as Zainabad on the bank of the river Tapti. Six months later her body was transported to Agra where it was inferred in land chosen for the mausoleum. This land, situated, South of the Mughal city on the bank of the Jamuna, had belonged to the Kachhwaha rajas since the times of Raja Man Singh and was purchased from the then current Raja, Jai Singh. Although contemporary chronicles indicate Jai Singh’s willing cooperation in this exchange, extant imperial commands indicate that the final price was not settled until almost two years after the mausoleum’s commencement. Jai Singh’s further cooperation was insured by imperial orders issued between 1632 and 1634 demanding that he provide stone masons and carts to transport marble from the mines from Makrana, within his ‘ancestral domain’, to Agra where both the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan’s additions to the Agra fort were constructed concurrently. Work on the mausoleum was commenced early in 1632. Inscriptional evidence indicates much of tomb was completed by 1636. By 1643, when Shah Jahan most lavishly celebrated the ‘Urs ceremony for Mumtaz Mahal’, the entire complex was virtually complete.
The construction of the Taj Mahal was completed between the period
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Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
The passage gives work starting in 1632 and the complex virtually complete by 1643, which matches none of the listed periods.
Directions (Q. Nos. 106 – 110): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The Taj Mahal has become one of the world’s best known monuments. This domed white marble structure is situated on a high plinth at the southern end of four-quartered garden, evoking the gardens of paradise, enclosed within walls measuring 305 by 549 meters. Outside the walls, in an area known as Mumtazabad, were living quarters for attendants, markets, serais and other structures built by local merchants and nobles. The tomb complex and other imperial structures of Mumtazabad were maintained by the income of thirty villages given specifically for tomb’s support. The name Taj Mahal is unknown in Mughal chronicles, but it is used by contemporary Europeans in India, suggesting that this was the tomb’s popular name. In contemporary texts it is generally called simply the Illuminated Tomb (Rauza-i-Munawara). Mumtaz Mahal died shortly after delivering her fourteenth child in 1631. The Mughal court was then residing in Burhanpur. Her remains were temporarily buried by the grief-stricken emperor in a spacious garden known as Zainabad on the bank of the river Tapti. Six months later her body was transported to Agra where it was inferred in land chosen for the mausoleum. This land, situated, South of the Mughal city on the bank of the Jamuna, had belonged to the Kachhwaha rajas since the times of Raja Man Singh and was purchased from the then current Raja, Jai Singh. Although contemporary chronicles indicate Jai Singh’s willing cooperation in this exchange, extant imperial commands indicate that the final price was not settled until almost two years after the mausoleum’s commencement. Jai Singh’s further cooperation was insured by imperial orders issued between 1632 and 1634 demanding that he provide stone masons and carts to transport marble from the mines from Makrana, within his ‘ancestral domain’, to Agra where both the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan’s additions to the Agra fort were constructed concurrently. Work on the mausoleum was commenced early in 1632. Inscriptional evidence indicates much of tomb was completed by 1636. By 1643, when Shah Jahan most lavishly celebrated the ‘Urs ceremony for Mumtaz Mahal’, the entire complex was virtually complete.
Marble stone used for the construction of the Taj Mahal was brought from the ancestral domain of Raja Jai Singh. The name of the place where mines of marble were located is
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Correct answer: (A) Makrana
Explanation
Marble was carried from the mines at Makrana in Jai Singh's ancestral domain.
Directions (Q. Nos. 106 – 110): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The Taj Mahal has become one of the world’s best known monuments. This domed white marble structure is situated on a high plinth at the southern end of four-quartered garden, evoking the gardens of paradise, enclosed within walls measuring 305 by 549 meters. Outside the walls, in an area known as Mumtazabad, were living quarters for attendants, markets, serais and other structures built by local merchants and nobles. The tomb complex and other imperial structures of Mumtazabad were maintained by the income of thirty villages given specifically for tomb’s support. The name Taj Mahal is unknown in Mughal chronicles, but it is used by contemporary Europeans in India, suggesting that this was the tomb’s popular name. In contemporary texts it is generally called simply the Illuminated Tomb (Rauza-i-Munawara). Mumtaz Mahal died shortly after delivering her fourteenth child in 1631. The Mughal court was then residing in Burhanpur. Her remains were temporarily buried by the grief-stricken emperor in a spacious garden known as Zainabad on the bank of the river Tapti. Six months later her body was transported to Agra where it was inferred in land chosen for the mausoleum. This land, situated, South of the Mughal city on the bank of the Jamuna, had belonged to the Kachhwaha rajas since the times of Raja Man Singh and was purchased from the then current Raja, Jai Singh. Although contemporary chronicles indicate Jai Singh’s willing cooperation in this exchange, extant imperial commands indicate that the final price was not settled until almost two years after the mausoleum’s commencement. Jai Singh’s further cooperation was insured by imperial orders issued between 1632 and 1634 demanding that he provide stone masons and carts to transport marble from the mines from Makrana, within his ‘ancestral domain’, to Agra where both the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan’s additions to the Agra fort were constructed concurrently. Work on the mausoleum was commenced early in 1632. Inscriptional evidence indicates much of tomb was completed by 1636. By 1643, when Shah Jahan most lavishly celebrated the ‘Urs ceremony for Mumtaz Mahal’, the entire complex was virtually complete.
The remains of Mumtaz Mahal were initially buried in
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Correct answer: (C) Zainabad
Explanation
Mumtaz Mahal was first buried in a garden called Zainabad on the Tapti at Burhanpur.
Directions (Q. Nos. 111 – 115): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The popular view of towns and cities in developing countries of the urbanisation process is that the emergence of such cities connotes environmental degradation, generation of slums and squatters, urban, poverty, unemployment, crimes, lawlessness, traffic chaos etc. But what is the reality ? Given the unprecedented increase in urban population over the last 50 years from 30 million in 1950 to 2 billion in 2000 in developing countries, the wonder really is how well the world has coped and not how badly. In general the urban quality of life has improved in terms of availability of water and sanitation, power, health and education, communication and transport. By way of illustration, a large number of urban residents have been provided with improved water in urban areas in Asia’s largest countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Philippines. Despite that, the access to improved water in terms of percentage of total urban population seems to have declined during the last decade of 20th century, though in absolute numbers, millions of additional urbanites have been provided improved services. These countries have made significant progress in provision of sanitation services too, together, providing for an additional population of more than 293 million citizens within a decade (1990-2000). These improvements must be viewed against the backdrop of rapidly increasing urban population, fiscal crunch and strained human resources and efficient and quality-oriented public management.
The reality of urbanisation is reflected in
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Correct answer: (B) the growth of the population in cities
Explanation
The author says the reality is the great growth in city population that the world has coped with well.
Directions (Q. Nos. 111 – 115): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The popular view of towns and cities in developing countries of the urbanisation process is that the emergence of such cities connotes environmental degradation, generation of slums and squatters, urban, poverty, unemployment, crimes, lawlessness, traffic chaos etc. But what is the reality ? Given the unprecedented increase in urban population over the last 50 years from 30 million in 1950 to 2 billion in 2000 in developing countries, the wonder really is how well the world has coped and not how badly. In general the urban quality of life has improved in terms of availability of water and sanitation, power, health and education, communication and transport. By way of illustration, a large number of urban residents have been provided with improved water in urban areas in Asia’s largest countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Philippines. Despite that, the access to improved water in terms of percentage of total urban population seems to have declined during the last decade of 20th century, though in absolute numbers, millions of additional urbanites have been provided improved services. These countries have made significant progress in provision of sanitation services too, together, providing for an additional population of more than 293 million citizens within a decade (1990-2000). These improvements must be viewed against the backdrop of rapidly increasing urban population, fiscal crunch and strained human resources and efficient and quality-oriented public management.
The popular view about the process of urbanisation in developing countries is
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Correct answer: (A) negative
Explanation
The popular view is that urbanisation brings degradation, slums and chaos, i.e. a negative view.
Directions (Q. Nos. 111 – 115): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The popular view of towns and cities in developing countries of the urbanisation process is that the emergence of such cities connotes environmental degradation, generation of slums and squatters, urban, poverty, unemployment, crimes, lawlessness, traffic chaos etc. But what is the reality ? Given the unprecedented increase in urban population over the last 50 years from 30 million in 1950 to 2 billion in 2000 in developing countries, the wonder really is how well the world has coped and not how badly. In general the urban quality of life has improved in terms of availability of water and sanitation, power, health and education, communication and transport. By way of illustration, a large number of urban residents have been provided with improved water in urban areas in Asia’s largest countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Philippines. Despite that, the access to improved water in terms of percentage of total urban population seems to have declined during the last decade of 20th century, though in absolute numbers, millions of additional urbanites have been provided improved services. These countries have made significant progress in provision of sanitation services too, together, providing for an additional population of more than 293 million citizens within a decade (1990-2000). These improvements must be viewed against the backdrop of rapidly increasing urban population, fiscal crunch and strained human resources and efficient and quality-oriented public management.
The author in this passage has tried to focus on
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Correct answer: (B) urbanisation and its challenges
Explanation
The passage discusses urbanisation in developing countries, its challenges and its progress.
Directions (Q. Nos. 111 – 115): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The popular view of towns and cities in developing countries of the urbanisation process is that the emergence of such cities connotes environmental degradation, generation of slums and squatters, urban, poverty, unemployment, crimes, lawlessness, traffic chaos etc. But what is the reality ? Given the unprecedented increase in urban population over the last 50 years from 30 million in 1950 to 2 billion in 2000 in developing countries, the wonder really is how well the world has coped and not how badly. In general the urban quality of life has improved in terms of availability of water and sanitation, power, health and education, communication and transport. By way of illustration, a large number of urban residents have been provided with improved water in urban areas in Asia’s largest countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Philippines. Despite that, the access to improved water in terms of percentage of total urban population seems to have declined during the last decade of 20th century, though in absolute numbers, millions of additional urbanites have been provided improved services. These countries have made significant progress in provision of sanitation services too, together, providing for an additional population of more than 293 million citizens within a decade (1990-2000). These improvements must be viewed against the backdrop of rapidly increasing urban population, fiscal crunch and strained human resources and efficient and quality-oriented public management.
The average annual increase in the number of urbanites in developing countries, from AD 1950 to 2000 was close to
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Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
Urban population rose from 30 million to 2 billion in 50 years, about 39 million a year, which matches none of the options.
Directions (Q. Nos. 111 – 115): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
The popular view of towns and cities in developing countries of the urbanisation process is that the emergence of such cities connotes environmental degradation, generation of slums and squatters, urban, poverty, unemployment, crimes, lawlessness, traffic chaos etc. But what is the reality ? Given the unprecedented increase in urban population over the last 50 years from 30 million in 1950 to 2 billion in 2000 in developing countries, the wonder really is how well the world has coped and not how badly. In general the urban quality of life has improved in terms of availability of water and sanitation, power, health and education, communication and transport. By way of illustration, a large number of urban residents have been provided with improved water in urban areas in Asia’s largest countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Philippines. Despite that, the access to improved water in terms of percentage of total urban population seems to have declined during the last decade of 20th century, though in absolute numbers, millions of additional urbanites have been provided improved services. These countries have made significant progress in provision of sanitation services too, together, providing for an additional population of more than 293 million citizens within a decade (1990-2000). These improvements must be viewed against the backdrop of rapidly increasing urban population, fiscal crunch and strained human resources and efficient and quality-oriented public management.
Which one of the following is not considered as an indicator of urban quality of life ?
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Correct answer: (C) Clean air
Explanation
The passage names water, sanitation, power, health, education, communication and transport as indicators, but not clean air.
Directions (Q. Nos. 116 – 120): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
Storytelling is not in our genes. Neither is it an evolutionary history. It is the essence of what makes us human. Human beings progress by telling stories. One event can result in a great variety of stories being told about it. Sometimes, those stories differ greatly. Which stories are picked up and repeated and which ones are dropped and forgotten often determines how we progress. Our history, knowledge and understanding are all the collections of the few stories that survive. This includes the stories that we tell each other about the future. And how the future will turn out depends partly, possibly largely, on which stories we collectively choose to believe. Some stories are designed to spread fear and concern. This is because some storytellers feel that there is a need to raise some tensions. Some stories are frightening, they are like totemic warnings. Fail to act now and we are all doomed. Then, there are stories that indicate that all will be fine so long as we leave everything up to a few especially able adults. Currently, this trend is being led by those who call themselves ‘rational optimists’. They tend to claim that it is human nature to compete and succeed and also to profit at the expense of others. The rational optimists however, do not realise, how humanity progressed overtime through amiable social networks and how large groups work in less selfishness and in the process accommodate rich and poor, high and low alike. This aspect in storytelling is considered by the ‘Practical Possibilities’, who sit between those who say all is fine and cheerful and be individualistic in your approach to a successful future and those who ordain pessimism and fear that we are doomed.
Storytelling is
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Correct answer: (D) More than one of the above
Explanation
The passage says storytelling is not in our genes and is the essence of what makes us human, so options A and C both hold.
Directions (Q. Nos. 116 – 120): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
Storytelling is not in our genes. Neither is it an evolutionary history. It is the essence of what makes us human. Human beings progress by telling stories. One event can result in a great variety of stories being told about it. Sometimes, those stories differ greatly. Which stories are picked up and repeated and which ones are dropped and forgotten often determines how we progress. Our history, knowledge and understanding are all the collections of the few stories that survive. This includes the stories that we tell each other about the future. And how the future will turn out depends partly, possibly largely, on which stories we collectively choose to believe. Some stories are designed to spread fear and concern. This is because some storytellers feel that there is a need to raise some tensions. Some stories are frightening, they are like totemic warnings. Fail to act now and we are all doomed. Then, there are stories that indicate that all will be fine so long as we leave everything up to a few especially able adults. Currently, this trend is being led by those who call themselves ‘rational optimists’. They tend to claim that it is human nature to compete and succeed and also to profit at the expense of others. The rational optimists however, do not realise, how humanity progressed overtime through amiable social networks and how large groups work in less selfishness and in the process accommodate rich and poor, high and low alike. This aspect in storytelling is considered by the ‘Practical Possibilities’, who sit between those who say all is fine and cheerful and be individualistic in your approach to a successful future and those who ordain pessimism and fear that we are doomed.
Humans become less selfish when
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Correct answer: (B) they work in large groups
Explanation
The passage says large groups work with less selfishness, i.e. people are less selfish when they work in large groups.
Directions (Q. Nos. 116 – 120): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
Storytelling is not in our genes. Neither is it an evolutionary history. It is the essence of what makes us human. Human beings progress by telling stories. One event can result in a great variety of stories being told about it. Sometimes, those stories differ greatly. Which stories are picked up and repeated and which ones are dropped and forgotten often determines how we progress. Our history, knowledge and understanding are all the collections of the few stories that survive. This includes the stories that we tell each other about the future. And how the future will turn out depends partly, possibly largely, on which stories we collectively choose to believe. Some stories are designed to spread fear and concern. This is because some storytellers feel that there is a need to raise some tensions. Some stories are frightening, they are like totemic warnings. Fail to act now and we are all doomed. Then, there are stories that indicate that all will be fine so long as we leave everything up to a few especially able adults. Currently, this trend is being led by those who call themselves ‘rational optimists’. They tend to claim that it is human nature to compete and succeed and also to profit at the expense of others. The rational optimists however, do not realise, how humanity progressed overtime through amiable social networks and how large groups work in less selfishness and in the process accommodate rich and poor, high and low alike. This aspect in storytelling is considered by the ‘Practical Possibilities’, who sit between those who say all is fine and cheerful and be individualistic in your approach to a successful future and those who ordain pessimism and fear that we are doomed.
Rational optimists
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Correct answer: (C) think that the welfare of man should be left only to a few able adults
Explanation
Rational optimists believe all will be fine if everything is left to a few especially able adults.
Directions (Q. Nos. 116 – 120): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
Storytelling is not in our genes. Neither is it an evolutionary history. It is the essence of what makes us human. Human beings progress by telling stories. One event can result in a great variety of stories being told about it. Sometimes, those stories differ greatly. Which stories are picked up and repeated and which ones are dropped and forgotten often determines how we progress. Our history, knowledge and understanding are all the collections of the few stories that survive. This includes the stories that we tell each other about the future. And how the future will turn out depends partly, possibly largely, on which stories we collectively choose to believe. Some stories are designed to spread fear and concern. This is because some storytellers feel that there is a need to raise some tensions. Some stories are frightening, they are like totemic warnings. Fail to act now and we are all doomed. Then, there are stories that indicate that all will be fine so long as we leave everything up to a few especially able adults. Currently, this trend is being led by those who call themselves ‘rational optimists’. They tend to claim that it is human nature to compete and succeed and also to profit at the expense of others. The rational optimists however, do not realise, how humanity progressed overtime through amiable social networks and how large groups work in less selfishness and in the process accommodate rich and poor, high and low alike. This aspect in storytelling is considered by the ‘Practical Possibilities’, who sit between those who say all is fine and cheerful and be individualistic in your approach to a successful future and those who ordain pessimism and fear that we are doomed.
Our knowledge is a collection of
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Correct answer: (C) a few stories that survive
Explanation
The passage says our knowledge is the collection of the few stories that survive.
Directions (Q. Nos. 116 – 120): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
Storytelling is not in our genes. Neither is it an evolutionary history. It is the essence of what makes us human. Human beings progress by telling stories. One event can result in a great variety of stories being told about it. Sometimes, those stories differ greatly. Which stories are picked up and repeated and which ones are dropped and forgotten often determines how we progress. Our history, knowledge and understanding are all the collections of the few stories that survive. This includes the stories that we tell each other about the future. And how the future will turn out depends partly, possibly largely, on which stories we collectively choose to believe. Some stories are designed to spread fear and concern. This is because some storytellers feel that there is a need to raise some tensions. Some stories are frightening, they are like totemic warnings. Fail to act now and we are all doomed. Then, there are stories that indicate that all will be fine so long as we leave everything up to a few especially able adults. Currently, this trend is being led by those who call themselves ‘rational optimists’. They tend to claim that it is human nature to compete and succeed and also to profit at the expense of others. The rational optimists however, do not realise, how humanity progressed overtime through amiable social networks and how large groups work in less selfishness and in the process accommodate rich and poor, high and low alike. This aspect in storytelling is considered by the ‘Practical Possibilities’, who sit between those who say all is fine and cheerful and be individualistic in your approach to a successful future and those who ordain pessimism and fear that we are doomed.
How the future will turn out to be, depends upon the stories ...
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Correct answer: (B) We collectively choose to believe in
Explanation
The passage says the future depends on which stories we collectively choose to believe.
Directions (Q. Nos. 121 – 125): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
One of the findings of the research into successful leadership is the fact that respect is always a two-way street. No matter how powerful you are, no matter what your experience, skills, and accomplishments, you will not be respected by others if you consistently treat them disrespectfully. Friendliness-that is, treating others politely and showing interest in them is a way of showing your respect for other people in return they respect you. If as a manager you are respected, preventive maintenance strategy will be accepted as a sincere attempt to resolve problems rather than mean spirited attempt to cause problems. As important as friendliness is, I want to make sure you are no mislead into believing that friendliness will replace or correct poor management. I have seen effective managers who did not use this friendliness element but could have been more effective if they did use it. I have seen very friendly managers who were ineffective because they were not doing effective management things. In other words, managers who intervene effectively in a friendly way are always more effective than managers who intervene effectively in a non-friendly way. Maintaining a friendly relationship is another part of maintaining work performance. It is helps you avoid having people try to hurt you because they do not like you. It might save your life.
The author feels only friendliness can replace or correct poor management.
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Correct answer: (A) The statement is false
Explanation
The author warns that friendliness will not replace or correct poor management, so the statement is false.
Directions (Q. Nos. 121 – 125): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
One of the findings of the research into successful leadership is the fact that respect is always a two-way street. No matter how powerful you are, no matter what your experience, skills, and accomplishments, you will not be respected by others if you consistently treat them disrespectfully. Friendliness-that is, treating others politely and showing interest in them is a way of showing your respect for other people in return they respect you. If as a manager you are respected, preventive maintenance strategy will be accepted as a sincere attempt to resolve problems rather than mean spirited attempt to cause problems. As important as friendliness is, I want to make sure you are no mislead into believing that friendliness will replace or correct poor management. I have seen effective managers who did not use this friendliness element but could have been more effective if they did use it. I have seen very friendly managers who were ineffective because they were not doing effective management things. In other words, managers who intervene effectively in a friendly way are always more effective than managers who intervene effectively in a non-friendly way. Maintaining a friendly relationship is another part of maintaining work performance. It is helps you avoid having people try to hurt you because they do not like you. It might save your life.
The author feels that respect is
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Correct answer: (C) a two way street
Explanation
The passage begins by saying that respect is always a two-way street.
Directions (Q. Nos. 121 – 125): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
One of the findings of the research into successful leadership is the fact that respect is always a two-way street. No matter how powerful you are, no matter what your experience, skills, and accomplishments, you will not be respected by others if you consistently treat them disrespectfully. Friendliness-that is, treating others politely and showing interest in them is a way of showing your respect for other people in return they respect you. If as a manager you are respected, preventive maintenance strategy will be accepted as a sincere attempt to resolve problems rather than mean spirited attempt to cause problems. As important as friendliness is, I want to make sure you are no mislead into believing that friendliness will replace or correct poor management. I have seen effective managers who did not use this friendliness element but could have been more effective if they did use it. I have seen very friendly managers who were ineffective because they were not doing effective management things. In other words, managers who intervene effectively in a friendly way are always more effective than managers who intervene effectively in a non-friendly way. Maintaining a friendly relationship is another part of maintaining work performance. It is helps you avoid having people try to hurt you because they do not like you. It might save your life.
The passage suggests that people try to hurt you when
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Correct answer: (A) When they do not like you
Explanation
The author says friendliness helps avoid people trying to hurt you because they do not like you.
Directions (Q. Nos. 121 – 125): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
One of the findings of the research into successful leadership is the fact that respect is always a two-way street. No matter how powerful you are, no matter what your experience, skills, and accomplishments, you will not be respected by others if you consistently treat them disrespectfully. Friendliness-that is, treating others politely and showing interest in them is a way of showing your respect for other people in return they respect you. If as a manager you are respected, preventive maintenance strategy will be accepted as a sincere attempt to resolve problems rather than mean spirited attempt to cause problems. As important as friendliness is, I want to make sure you are no mislead into believing that friendliness will replace or correct poor management. I have seen effective managers who did not use this friendliness element but could have been more effective if they did use it. I have seen very friendly managers who were ineffective because they were not doing effective management things. In other words, managers who intervene effectively in a friendly way are always more effective than managers who intervene effectively in a non-friendly way. Maintaining a friendly relationship is another part of maintaining work performance. It is helps you avoid having people try to hurt you because they do not like you. It might save your life.
When will preventive maintenance strategy be accepted ?
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Correct answer: (D) More than one of the above
Explanation
Preventive maintenance is accepted if the manager is respected and it is seen as a sincere attempt to solve problems, so options A and B both hold.
Directions (Q. Nos. 121 – 125): Read the passage below and answer the following questions.
One of the findings of the research into successful leadership is the fact that respect is always a two-way street. No matter how powerful you are, no matter what your experience, skills, and accomplishments, you will not be respected by others if you consistently treat them disrespectfully. Friendliness-that is, treating others politely and showing interest in them is a way of showing your respect for other people in return they respect you. If as a manager you are respected, preventive maintenance strategy will be accepted as a sincere attempt to resolve problems rather than mean spirited attempt to cause problems. As important as friendliness is, I want to make sure you are no mislead into believing that friendliness will replace or correct poor management. I have seen effective managers who did not use this friendliness element but could have been more effective if they did use it. I have seen very friendly managers who were ineffective because they were not doing effective management things. In other words, managers who intervene effectively in a friendly way are always more effective than managers who intervene effectively in a non-friendly way. Maintaining a friendly relationship is another part of maintaining work performance. It is helps you avoid having people try to hurt you because they do not like you. It might save your life.
The author feels that a good manager
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Correct answer: (A) Combines friendliness with other strategies of management
Explanation
The author wants managers to combine friendliness with effective management, not to rely on friendliness alone.
Directions (Q. Nos. 126 – 130): In these questions, look at the underlined part of the given sentence. Below the sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If any of substitutions; (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, choose that substitution as your response. If more than one the substitutions improve the sentence, choose (d). If none of the suggestions improve the sentence choose (e).
You must carry on my order (underlined: carry on)
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Correct answer: (A) Carry out
Explanation
'Carry out an order' means to execute it; 'carry on' is wrong here.
Directions (Q. Nos. 126 – 130): In these questions, look at the underlined part of the given sentence. Below the sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If any of substitutions; (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, choose that substitution as your response. If more than one the substitutions improve the sentence, choose (d). If none of the suggestions improve the sentence choose (e).
The poor villagers have waited in the bitter cold for more than four hours now. (underlined: have waited)
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Correct answer: (C) have been waiting
Explanation
With 'for more than four hours now' and a plural subject, the present perfect continuous 'have been waiting' is right.
Directions (Q. Nos. 126 – 130): In these questions, look at the underlined part of the given sentence. Below the sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If any of substitutions; (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, choose that substitution as your response. If more than one the substitutions improve the sentence, choose (d). If none of the suggestions improve the sentence choose (e).
He was extremely unhappy because of the inordinately delay. (underlined: inordinately delay)
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Correct answer: (C) the inordinate delay
Explanation
The adjective 'inordinate' is needed before the noun 'delay'.
Directions (Q. Nos. 126 – 130): In these questions, look at the underlined part of the given sentence. Below the sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If any of substitutions; (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, choose that substitution as your response. If more than one the substitutions improve the sentence, choose (d). If none of the suggestions improve the sentence choose (e).
The two thieves sold the loot to a merchant. (underlined: sold the loot)
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Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
The sentence is already correct (simple past 'sold'); none of the substitutions improves it.
Directions (Q. Nos. 126 – 130): In these questions, look at the underlined part of the given sentence. Below the sentence are given three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If any of substitutions; (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, choose that substitution as your response. If more than one the substitutions improve the sentence, choose (d). If none of the suggestions improve the sentence choose (e).
Newton wanted to know why did the apple fall to the ground. (underlined: know why did the apple fall)
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Correct answer: (A) Know why the apple fell
Explanation
In reported speech the question becomes a statement, so 'know why the apple fell' is correct.
Directions (Q. Nos. 131 – 135): Indicate the correct meaning of the following idioms from the options given :
To leave no stone unturned
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Correct answer: (A) To try one’s utmost
Explanation
'To leave no stone unturned' means to try one's utmost.
Directions (Q. Nos. 131 – 135): Indicate the correct meaning of the following idioms from the options given :
To smell a rat
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Correct answer: (C) To suspect a trick or deceit
Explanation
'To smell a rat' means to suspect a trick or deceit.
Directions (Q. Nos. 131 – 135): Indicate the correct meaning of the following idioms from the options given :
Sitting on the fence
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Correct answer: (C) Between two opinions
Explanation
'Sitting on the fence' means being undecided between two opinions.
Directions (Q. Nos. 131 – 135): Indicate the correct meaning of the following idioms from the options given :
To wash dirty linen in public
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Correct answer: (B) To quarrel openly
Explanation
'To wash dirty linen in public' means to quarrel openly over private matters.
Directions (Q. Nos. 131 – 135): Indicate the correct meaning of the following idioms from the options given :
Between the devil and the deep sea
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Correct answer: (C) In a dilemma
Explanation
'Between the devil and the deep sea' means being in a dilemma.
Directions (Q. Nos. 136 – 140): In the following questions, choose the correct preposition from the given alternatives.
I am proud ________ the way in which my students have performed.
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Correct answer: (E) None of the above
Explanation
'Proud of' is the correct preposition; none of in, by or to fits.
Directions (Q. Nos. 136 – 140): In the following questions, choose the correct preposition from the given alternatives.
The train was travelling from Howrah __________ New Delhi.
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Correct answer: (B) to
Explanation
'From Howrah to New Delhi' is the correct pairing.
Directions (Q. Nos. 136 – 140): In the following questions, choose the correct preposition from the given alternatives.
Beware _____ pickpockets in crowded trains.
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Correct answer: (C) of
Explanation
We say 'beware of'.
Directions (Q. Nos. 136 – 140): In the following questions, choose the correct preposition from the given alternatives.
Raju killed the snake ________ a stick.
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Correct answer: (C) with
Explanation
'With a stick' shows the instrument used.
Directions (Q. Nos. 136 – 140): In the following questions, choose the correct preposition from the given alternatives.
The doctor had asked him to abstain ___________sweets because he had diabetes.
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Correct answer: (B) from
Explanation
We say 'abstain from'.
Directions (Q. Nos. 141 – 145): In this section each sentence consists of a word or a phrase which is underlined. Select the word of phrase which is closely opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase :
The general did not divulge the secret. (underlined: divulge)
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Correct answer: (C) conceal
Explanation
'Divulge' means to reveal, so its opposite is 'conceal'.
How to use these BPSC TRE English questions
Every question here was asked in a real BPSC TRE paper; the paper and shift are shown on the card, and the number opens the question on its own page. Try each one before tapping Show answer, then attempt the full BPSC TRE papers as timed tests to check your speed under exam conditions.