Directions (1-15): In each of the question given below, a statement has been given with a blank. Some words or phrases have been given in the options following the statement. Choose the most appropriate word or phrase that could fit in the statement to make it contextually meaningful and grammatically correct.
Q1. The new restaurant in town is getting a lot of __________ due to its unique cuisine and exceptional service.
(a) criticism
(b) attention
(c) hatred
(d) indifference
(e) apathy
Q2. The athlete had to __________ her training schedule after she suffered an injury during a competition.
(a) improve
(b) maintain
(c) change
(d) repeat
(e) continue
Q3. The novel’s complex plot and richly drawn characters made it a __________ read for many readers.
(a) tedious
(b) challenging
(c) easy
(d) simple
(e) boring
Q4. The company’s __________ to customer feedback resulted in a significant improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
(a) response
(b) indifference
(c) anger
(d) frustration
(e) annoyance
Q5. The company’s ________ efforts helped them win the award for sustainability.
(a) lackadaisical
(b) ardent
(c) lugubrious
(d) surreptitious
(e) indulgent
Q6. The athlete’s ________ in training paid off when he won the championship.
(a) lethargy
(b) dedication
(c) disinterest
(d) nonchalance
(e) indifference
Q7. The teacher’s ________ tone indicated that he was unhappy with the students’ behavior.
(a) friendly
(b) stern
(c) frivolous
(d) meandering
(e) persuasive
Q8. The company’s ___________ in the market has been steadily increasing due to its innovative products and excellent customer service.
(a) reputation
(b) downfall
(c) decline
(d) slump
(e) downturn
Q9. The storm caused extensive damage to the __________, resulting in power outages and disrupted transportation.
(a) buildings
(b) landscape
(c) infrastructure
(d) wildlife
(e) community
Q10. The new art exhibit received __________ reviews from critics, praising the artist’s innovative use of color and form.
(a) negative
(b) mediocre
(c) positive
(d) ambivalent
(e) controversial
Q11. The company’s new marketing campaign was designed to __________ its brand image and appeal to a younger demographic.
(a) bolster
(b) undermine
(c) stagnate
(d) decimate
(e) vilify
Q12. The artist’s ___________ style of painting was a reflection of his inner turmoil.
(a) eclectic
(b) aggressive
(c) flamboyant
(d) austere
(e) impetuous
Q13. The athlete’s ___________ training regimen was the key to his success in the competition.
(a) lackadaisical
(b) strenuous
(c) mediocre
(d) cursory
(e) capricious
Q14. The lawyer’s __________ argument failed to convince the jury.
(a) compelling
(b) insipid
(c) coherent
(d) fallacious
(e) cogent
Q15. The student’s __________ performance in the exams surprised everyone as she had not shown any signs of improvement earlier.
(a) abysmal
(b) competent
(c) exemplary
(d) mediocre
(e) exceptional
Solutions
S1. Ans. (b)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is attention. Attention means the notice or interest given to something or someone. The sentence talks about a new restaurant in town that is attracting a lot of notice or interest because of its unique cuisine and exceptional service.
Option (a) criticism is an incorrect option as it means the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (c) hatred is an incorrect option as it means intense dislike or ill will, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) indifference is an incorrect option as it means lack of interest, concern, or sympathy, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) apathy is an incorrect option as it means lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S2. Ans. (c)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is change. Change means to make or become different. The sentence talks about an athlete who had to alter or modify her training schedule after getting injured during a competition.
Option (a) improve is an incorrect option as it means to make something better, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (b) maintain is an incorrect option as it means to keep something in good condition or preserve it, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) repeat is an incorrect option as it means to do or say something again, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) continue is an incorrect option as it means to keep doing something without stopping or interruption, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S3. Ans. (b)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is challenging.
Challenging means difficult in a way that tests one’s abilities or endurance. The sentence talks about a novel that is difficult or demanding to read because of its complex plot and richly drawn characters. Option (a) tedious is an incorrect option as it means too long, slow, or dull, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (c) easy is an incorrect option as it means not difficult or demanding, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) simple is an incorrect option as it means easily understood or done, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) boring is an incorrect option as it means not interesting or engaging, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S4. Ans. (a)
Sol.
The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is response. Response means an answer or reply to something, especially in words or actions. The sentence talks about the company’s reaction or response to customer feedback, resulting in a significant improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.
Option (b) indifference is an incorrect option as it means a lack of interest or concern, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (c) anger is an incorrect option as it means a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) frustration is an incorrect option as it means a feeling of disappointment or annoyance caused by the inability to achieve or do something, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) annoyance is an incorrect option as it means a feeling of slight anger or irritation, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S5. Ans. (b)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is ardent. Ardent means enthusiastic or passionate. The sentence talks about a company’s efforts to win an award for sustainability, so using the word ardent implies that the company was enthusiastic or passionate about their sustainability initiatives.
Option (a) lackadaisical is an incorrect option as it means lacking enthusiasm or determination, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (c) lugubrious is an incorrect option as it means looking or sounding sad or dismal, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) surreptitious is an incorrect option as it means kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) indulgent is an incorrect option as it means allowing oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S6. Ans. (b)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is dedication. Dedication means the quality of being committed to a task or purpose. The sentence talks about an athlete who was successful in winning a championship due to their hard work and commitment in training, so using the word dedication makes logical sense.
Option (a) lethargy is an incorrect option as it means a lack of energy or enthusiasm, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (c) disinterest is an incorrect option as it means a lack of interest or concern, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) nonchalance is an incorrect option as it means a feeling of casual or unconcerned, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) indifference is an incorrect option as it means a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S7. Ans. (b)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is stern. Stern means serious and unrelenting, especially in the assertion of authority and discipline. The sentence talks about a teacher who was unhappy with the students’ behavior, so using the word stern makes logical sense.
Option (a) friendly is an incorrect option as it means kind and pleasant, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (c) frivolous is an incorrect option as it means not having any serious purpose or value, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) meandering is an incorrect option as it means following a winding course, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) persuasive is an incorrect option as it means able to convince someone to do or believe something, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S8. Ans. (a)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is reputation. Reputation means the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. The sentence talks about a company that is doing well in the market due to its innovative products and excellent customer service, which would result in a good reputation. Option (b) downfall is an incorrect option as it means a sudden loss of power, status, or importance, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (c) decline is an incorrect option as it means a gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or value, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) slump is an incorrect option as it means a sudden fall or decline, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) downturn is an incorrect option as it means a decline in economic or business activity, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S9. Ans. (c)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is infrastructure. Infrastructure means the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. The sentence talks about a storm that caused extensive damage and disrupted transportation, which suggests that it damaged the underlying infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and power lines.
Option (a) buildings is an incorrect option as it is too narrow and doesn’t encompass the full range of damage caused by the storm.
Option (b) landscape is an incorrect option as it doesn’t fit the context of the sentence, as the sentence is not talking about damage to the natural environment.
Option (d) wildlife is an incorrect option as it doesn’t fit the context of the sentence, as the sentence is not talking about damage to the animal population.
Option (e) community is an incorrect option as it is too broad and doesn’t specify the specific type of damage caused by the storm.
S10. Ans. (c)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is positive. Positive means expressing approval or agreement. The sentence talks about an art exhibit that received reviews from critics, who praised the artist’s innovative use of color and form.
Option (a) negative is an incorrect option as it is the opposite of what the sentence suggests.
Option (b) mediocre is an incorrect option as it suggests that the reviews were neither good nor bad, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) ambivalent is an incorrect option as it suggests that the reviews were mixed or uncertain, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) controversial is an incorrect option as it suggests that the reviews were divisive or contentious, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S11. Ans. (a)
Sol. The most appropriate word that could fit in the blank to make the sentence contextually meaningful and grammatically correct is bolster. Bolster means to support or strengthen. The sentence talks about a company’s new marketing campaign, which was designed to improve its brand image and appeal to a younger demographic.
Option (b) undermine is an incorrect option as it means to weaken or sabotage, which is the opposite of what the sentence suggests.
Option (c) stagnate is an incorrect option as it means to remain unchanged or unprogressive, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (d) decimate is an incorrect option as it means to destroy or significantly reduce, which is too extreme and doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
Option (e) vilify is an incorrect option as it means to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence.
S12. Ans. (e)
Sol. The most appropriate word that fits the blank is impetuous, which means acting or done quickly and without thought or care. In the given sentence, the artist’s style of painting is described as a reflection of his inner turmoil, which suggests that it may have been created without much forethought.
Option (a) eclectic means selecting or choosing from various sources, which is not relevant to the context of the sentence.
Option (b) aggressive means behaving or done in a determined and forceful way, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
Option (c) flamboyant means showy or colorful, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
Option (d) austere means severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
S13. Ans. (b)
Sol. The most appropriate word that fits the blank is strenuous, which means requiring or using great exertion. In the given sentence, the athlete’s training regimen is described as the key to his success in the competition, which suggests that it was very challenging and required great exertion.
Option (a) lackadaisical means lacking enthusiasm or effort, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
Option (c) mediocre means of only moderate quality, which does not fit in the context of the sentence. Option (d) cursory means hasty and without attention to detail, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
Option (e) capricious means given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
S14. Ans. (d)
Sol. The most appropriate word that fits the blank is fallacious, which means based on a mistaken belief. In the given sentence, the lawyer’s argument failed to convince the jury, which suggests that it was based on a mistaken belief.
Option (a) compelling means evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
Option (b) insipid means lacking flavor or interest, which does not fit in the context of the sentence. Option (c) coherent means logical and consistent, which does not fit in the context of the sentence. Option (e) cogent means clear, logical, and convincing, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
S15. Ans. (e)
Sol. The most appropriate word that fits the blank is exceptional, which means unusually good. In the given sentence, the student’s performance in the exams surprised everyone as it was unusually good, despite not having shown any signs of improvement earlier.
Option (a) abysmal means extremely bad, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
Option (b) competent means having the necessary skill or ability, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
Option (c) exemplary means serving as a desirable model, which is not relevant to the context of the sentence.
Option (d) mediocre means of only average quality, which does not fit in the context of the sentence.
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