SOLVED PAPER 2024 (CDS) (II) (English)

Total Questions: 120

11. The country's politics ..... complex, with more than ten parties competing for power.

Correct Answer: (c) is
Solution:The correct answer is 'is' In this sentence, 'politics' is treated as a singular noun, so the verb should be 'is.' In some contexts, 'politics' can be treated as a singular noun, especially when referring to the field or study of politics. For example, 'Politics is a challenging subject.'

12. The job advertisement stipulates that the applicant ..... three years' experience.

Correct Answer: (d) must have
Solution:The most appropriate choice to fill in the blank is 'must have' This is because the verb 'stipulates' requires the subjunctive mood, which uses the base form of the verb 'must have' in this context.

13. Newspapers have reported heavy flooding in the coastal areas. The damage ..... to be extensive.

Correct Answer: (d) is expected
Solution:'Is expected' is the correct answer because it uses the passive voice to indicate that the expectation is a general belief or prediction.

14. The local bank was robbed by a group of men, ..... were armed.

Correct Answer: (a) four of whom
Solution:'Four of whom' is the correct answer because 'whom' is used as the object of the preposition 'of,' and it correctly refers back to 'a group of men.

15. The country ..... several economic changes in the past two decades.

Correct Answer: (a) underwent
Solution:'Underwent' is the correct answer because 'underwent' is the simple past tense of 'undergo,' which is appropriate for describing actions that have been completed in the past.

16. (Questions 16-20) Given below are some idioms/phrases followed by four alternative meanings to each. Choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d), which is the most appropriate meaning.

A watched pot never boils

Correct Answer: (d) Desperate anticipation makes time drag on
Solution:The most appropriate meaning for the idiom 'A watched pot never boils' is 'Desperate anticipation makes time drag on'. This idiom means that when you are eagerly waiting for something to happen, it seems to take much longer than it actually does.

17. Look to your laurels

Correct Answer: (a) To make an extra effort to secure one's position
Solution:The most appropriate meaning for the idiom 'Look to your laurels' is 'To make an extra effort to secure one's position'. This phrase means to be vigilant and continue working hard to maintain your achievements and not be outdone by others.

18. Play devil's advocate

Correct Answer: (d) To pretend to be against an idea in order to discuss it more carefully
Solution:The most appropriate meaning for the idiom 'Play devil's advocate' is 'To pretend to be against an idea in order to discuss it more carefully.' This means to argue against a position or idea for the sake of debate, even if you don't necessarily disagree with it, to explore the issue more thoroughly.

19. Be in the same boat

Correct Answer: (b) To be in the same unpleasant situation
Solution:The most appropriate meaning for the idiom 'Be in the same boat' is 'To be in the same unpleasant situation'. This idiom means to share the same difficult or unfortunate circumstances as someone else.

20. Tilt at windmills

Correct Answer: (d) To waste time dealing with enemies and problems that do not exist
Solution:The most appropriate meaning for the idiom 'Tilt at windmills' is 'To waste time dealing with enemies and problems that do not exist'. This phrase means to fight imaginary enemies or to pursue futile or non-existent goals, often based on a misunderstanding of the situation.