SOLVED PAPER 2020 (CDS) (I) (English)

71. (Questions 71-80) Each item in this section consists of sentences with an underlined word followed by four words or group of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Early medieval period was not a combination of urban and rural civilisation. It was not a period of urban decay as claimed by some.

(a) survival
(b) waste away
(c) decomposition
(d) spoil

Correct Answer: (a) survival

Solution:The word decay means ‘to decompose or die’. From the given options, ‘survival’ meaning to continue to live is its antonym.

72. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

He speaks eloquently and can pull crowds.

(a) confusingly
(b) expressively
(c) powerfully
(d) fluently

Correct Answer: (a) confusingly

Solution:The word eloquently means ‘fluently or persuasively’. From the given options, ‘confusingly’ is its antonym.

73. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Everyone has to fight the inertia in the system.

(a) sluggishness
(b) indolence
(c) activity
(d) torpor

Correct Answer: (c) activity

Solution:The word inertia means ‘lazy or inactive’. From the given options, ‘inactivity’ is its antonym.

74. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

There is a need to promote philanthropy in education.

(a) charity
(b) benevolence
(c) nastiness
(d) likeliness

Correct Answer: (c) nastiness

Solution:The word philanthropy means ‘the desire to promote the welfare of others’. From the given options, ‘nastiness’ is its antonym.

75. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

What we lack in the current times is compassion.

(a) empathy
(b) carefulness
(c) indifference
(d) hardship

Correct Answer: (c) indifference

Solution:The word compassion means ‘kindness’. From the given options, ‘indifference’ is its antonym.

76. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Tempestuous behaviour would not yield much in any place.

(a) relaxed
(b) passionate
(c) intense
(d) windy

Correct Answer: (c) intense

Solution:The word tempestuous means ‘characterised by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion’. From the given options, ‘relaxed’ is its antonym.

77. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Wooing everyone over an issue for support will not serve much purpose.

(a) discouraging
(c) pursuing
(d) persuading
(b) encouraging

Correct Answer: (a) discouraging

Solution:The word wooing means ‘seek the favour’ or ‘support’. From the given options, ‘discouraging’ its antonym.

78. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

The highest award was bestowed upon her for her yeoman service.

(a) conferred
(b) withdrawn
(c) imparted
(d) imbibed

Correct Answer: (b) withdrawn

Solution:The word bestowed means ‘to give’. From the given options, ‘withdrawn’ is its antonym.

79. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

One feels elated when someone praises one’s work.

(a) feels good
(b) excited
(c) depressed
(d) sober

Correct Answer: (c) depressed

Solution:The word elated means ‘happy and joyful’. From the given options, ‘depressed’ meaning ‘sorrowful and sad’ is its antonym.

80. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

All business activities need not result in profit-making. There is a need to be charitable.

(a) lenient
(b) malevolent
(c) unforeseen
(d) gracious

Correct Answer: (b) malevolent

Solution:The word charitable means ‘to assist or help someone in need’. From the given options, ‘malevolent’ meaning ‘a wish to do something bad or evil’ is its antonym.