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SCRAGeneral Ability Test
Comprehension
Directions (For the 14 items which follow)
In this section, you have three short passages. After each passage, you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read a passage and then answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.
Example 'I' and 'J' have been solved for you.
Passage (Example)
In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.
I. The author's main point is that
(a) different forms of life are found on the earth
(b) different levels of existence are possible in nature
(c) peace and security are the chief goals of all living beings
(d) even the weakest creature struggles to preserve its life
J. Which one of the following assumptions or steps is essential in developing the author's position ?
(a) All forms of life have a single overriding goal
(b) The will to survive of a creature is identified with a desire for peace
(c) All beings divided into higher and lower groups
(d) A parallel is drawn between happiness and life, and pain and death
Explanations
I. The idea which represents the author's main point is - peace and security are the chief goals of all living beings, which is response (c). So (c) is the correct answer.
J. The best assumption underlying the passage is - The will to survive of a creature is identified with a desire for peace, which is response (b). So (b) is the correct answer.
Passage I
It may seem strange then that there could possibly the any room for pleasure in such a disagreeable task. Still, for every agony there is at least one pleasure. How can one adequately describe to listeners who have never had such an experience, the satisfaction felt by the operator when he rises early and when going outdoors he is greeted by the sparkling freshness of the morning ? When he mounts to the seat of his tractor he is about to know an experience shared only by those who love fine machinery and earn a living with it. It is the satisfaction of hearing his tractor burst into action with an authoritative roar the instant he pushes the starter button. To listen to the smooth, flawless operation of machinery which he himself has tuned to perfection is to the ears of the operator as the harmonious music of an accomplished symphony orchestra is to the lover of fine music. How can one describe the sweetness which rises from the new-mown hay in the adjacent fields ?
1. The given passage deals with
(a) the inability of the writer to express himself
(b) the pleasures and pains that he has to endure (Ans)
(c) the satisfaction he felt in operating a tractor
(d) the pleasure of listening to music
Solution : "for every agony there is at least one pleasure'' represents the pleasure and pain that he has to endure while operating tractor.
2. The writer evidently
(a) considers his task disagreeable
(b) likes to wander around to get the smell of new-mown hay
(c) does not like to get up early in the mornings
(d) like to push the starter button of his machinery (Ans)
Solution : The writer evidently likes to push the starter button of his machinery.
3. The passage conveys the pleasure especially derived from
(a) farms and fields
(b) working with machinery
(c) sights and smells of early morning (Ans)
(d) harmonious music of an accomplished symphony orchestra
Solution : Third sentence of the passage conveys the pleasure especially derived from sights and smells of early morning.
4. The smooth, flawless operation of machinery in the passage refers to
(a) the writer's love of fine music
(b) the satisfaction of rising early
(c) the authoritative roar of the tractor (Ans)
(d) the sweetness of new-mown hay in the adjacent fields
Solution : The authoritative roar of the tractor.
5. According to your reading of the passage, the writer
(a) is only a visitor to the farm
(b) could be one who has come to do some work in the farm (Ans)
(c) could be one engaged in an unfamiliar task
(d) could be one looking out for the sparkling freshness of the morning
Solution : The writer could be one who has come to do some work in the farm.
Passage II
It was a pleasure for Dr. Watson to find himself once more in the untidy room of the first floor in Baker Street which had been the starting point of so many remarkable adventures. He looked round him at the scientific charts upon the wall, the acid-charred bench of chemicals, violin-case leaning in the corner, the coal-scuttle, which contained old pipes and tobacco. Finally, his eyes came round to the fresh and smiling face of Billy, the young but very wise and tactful page, who had helped a little to fill up the gap of loneliness and isolation which surrounded the saturnine figure of the great detective.
6. Dr. Watson found the room in Baker Street pleasant, because
(a) it was untidy
(b) this was the first time he had entered it
(c) it had been the starting point of many adventures
(d) he saw Billy in the room (Ans)
Solution : Last line of passage suggests that Dr. Watson found the room pleasant because he saw Billy in the room.
7. Dr. Watson looked round the room, but saw
(a) nothing of interest
(b) many unpleasant objects (Ans)
(c) many familiar objects reminding him of his friend
(d) nothing he could identify
8. From the description given of Billy, which one of the following attitudes describes Dr. Watson's reaction to him?
(a) Enmity
(b) Approval (Ans)
(c) Tolerance
(d) Disapproval
9. Dr. Watson's attitude to Billy was the result of his recognition that the young servant
(a) was known to Dr. Watson
(b) worked very hard
(c) was youthful
(d) helped to lessen the loneliness of the great detective (Ans)
10. It is clear from the passage that the room
(a) was in fact, a laboratory
(b) belonged to the great detective
(c) belonged to Dr. Watson (Ans)
(d) belonged to Billy
Passage II
History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past and kindles with pale gleams the passions of the former days. What is the worth of all this ? The only guide to a man is his conscience, the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions. It is very imprudent to walk through life without this shied, because we are so often mocked at by the failure of our hopes and upsetting of our calculations; but with this shield, however the fates may play, we march always in the ranks of honour.
11. In the given context, the best meaning of the word 'conscience' is
(a) consciousness
(b) conformity to what is right
(c) the virtue of being right
(d) the sense of right and wrong (Ans)
Solution : the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action. For example, to follow the dictates of conscience.
12. The word 'however' in the expression 'however the fates may play' may be replaced by
(a) yet
(b) by whatever means
(c) no matter how
(d) nevertheless (Ans)
Solution : however and nevertheless are synonymous.
13. The author's suggestion is that rectitude and sincerity of our actions help us ultimately
(a) to walk through life prudently (Ans)
(b) to meet the challenge of fates successfully
(c) to fulfill our hopes and calculations
(d) to be remembered as a virtuous and honourable man
Solution : Last line of the passage suggests that rectitude (rightness of principle or conduct) and sincerity help us ultimately to walk through life prudently.
14. The extract is taken from the speech of a very eminent person. The language and particularly the metaphors used seem to suggest that the writer is
(a) a religious preacher attracting his disciples to the paths of virtue (Ans)
(b) an honest businessman declaring his businessman declaring his business policy
(c) a teacher of history addressing his students about the value of history
(d) a great politician inspiring the nation with patriotism
Solution : The metaphors (hope and fate) suggest that the writer is a religious preacher attracting his disciples to the paths of virtue.
Synonyms
Directions(For the 8 items which follow)
Each of the following items consists of a sentence followed by four words or groups of words. Select the synonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
15. He MAGNETIZED the audience by his extraordinary stage performance
(a) Entertained
(b) Strongly attracted (Ans)
(c) Amused
(d) Impressed
Solution : magnetize (verb) means to exert an attracting or compelling influence upon. For example, The evangelist's oratory magnetized his listeners. Hence option (b) is correct option.
16. He is known as MISANTHROPE
(a) A person who hates mankind (Ans)
(b) A person who is charitable
(c) A person who is benevolent
(d) A person who is cruel
Solution : Misanthrope means 'a person who hates mankind'.
17. He glared at me, shook off my hand and MUTTERED, "With my 'guru' so unhappy, how dare you ask me to drive ?"
(a) Stammered
(b) Said
(c) Stumbled
(d) Mumbled (Ans)
Solution : Muttered means to utter words indistinctly or in a low tone, often as if talking to oneself; murmur or to make a low, rumbling sound. The option (d) Mumbled means to speak in a low indistinct manner. Hence, 'muttered' and 'mumbled' are synonymous.
18. He had a heart attack and all attempts to RESUSCITATE him failed.
(a) To begin again after a pause
(b) To return like for like
(c) To bring back to consciousness (Ans)
(d) To keep possession of
Solution : Resuscitate means to restore to consciousness revive. Hence, option (c) is correct.
19. He is a FEMINIST
(a) Supporter of the cause of women (Ans)
(b) Lover and admirer of woman
(c) Weak-hearted man
(d) Very handsome man
Solution : Feminist means a person who is supporter of the cause of women.
20. The United Nations ENDEAVOURS to put an end to all wars.
(a) Attempts (Ans)
(b) Deliberates
(c) Struggles
(d) Exerts
Solution : Endeavour mean to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive; to attempt; try. For example, We must constantly endeavoru if we are to succeed. He endeavours to keep things neat in his apartment. Hence, option (a) is correct.
21. The fugitive ROVED about the countryside, because he was not familiar which the area.
(a) Wandered (Ans)
(b) Took shelter
(c) Begged
(d) Searched
Solution : Rove means to wander about without definite destination; move hither and thither at random, especially over a wide area.
22. I cast a CURSORY glance over the question papers.
(a) Hurried (Ans)
(b) Timid
(c) Meaningful
(d) Inquisitive
Solution : Cursory (adjective) means going rapidly over something, without noticing details; hasty; superficial. For example, a cursory glance at a newspaper article. Hence, option (a) hurried is correct answer.
Antonyms
Directions(For the 8 items which follow)
Each of the following items consists of a sentence followed by four words or groups of words. Select the antonym of the word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context.
23. The question of funds should not be kept in mind while promoting such VIABLE projects.
(a) Impossible
(b) Impracticable
(c) Complicated
(d) Uncompromising (Ans)
Solution : Uncompromising is the correct antonym as per the context.
24. His MEANNESS is well-known.
(a) Largeness
(b) Kindness
(c) Timidity
(d) Generosity (Ans)
25. History teaches us that COLONIZATION destroys both the colonizer and the colonized.
(a) Excolonization
(b) Postcolonization
(c) Decolonization
(d) Uncolonization (Ans)
26. He was often criticised for his FRAUDULENT dealings.
(a) Bogus
(b) Honest (Ans)
(c) Frank
(d) Open
27. Excessive perspiration SAPS energy.
(a) Restores (Ans)
(b) Releases
(c) Fulfils
(d) Instils
28. He has a very HOSTILE attitude towards his wife.
(a) Funny
(b) Friendly (Ans)
(c) Rigid
(d) Kind
29. The officer did not encourage SERVILE behaviour from his subordinates.
(a) Authoritative (Ans)
(b) Unflattering
(c) Loyal
(d) Obedient
30. His death has left his wife and little children DESTITUTE.
(a) Rich
(b) Self-sufficient (Ans)
(c) Independent
(d) Happy
Rearranging Parts of A sentence
Directions (For the 8 items which follow)
In the following items, some parts of the sentence have been jumbled up. You are required to rearrange these parts which are labelled P,Q,R and S to produce the correct sentence. Choose the proper sequence and mark in your Answer Sheet accordingly.
Example 'Z' has been solved for you.
Z. Some people believe that the effect is very bad on children of cinema
P Q R S
The correct sequence should be
(a) P - S - R - Q
(b) S - P - Q - R
(c) S - R - P - Q
(d) Q - S - R - P
Explanation
The proper way of writing the sentence is "Some people believe that the effect of cinema on children is very bad". This is indicated by the sequence P - S - R - Q and so (a) is the correct answer.
31. We have come to know that the committee always to whoever came first awarded a beautiful silver medal
P Q R S
The correct sequence should be
(a) P - Q - R - S
(b) R - S - P - Q
(c) P - R - S - Q (Ans)
(d) Q - P - R - S
32. Sherlcok Holmes is charcter in fiction than any other more people perhaps known to
P Q R S
The correct sequence should be
(a) S - R - Q - P (Ans)
(b) Q - P - S - R
(c) Q - S - P - R
(d) R - S - Q - P
33. The visitor said that he saw some people who shouted, "Long live labour unity" in the street when he started from home
P Q R S
The correct sequence should be
(a) P - Q - R - S
(b) P - S - Q - R (Ans)
(c) S - P - R - Q
(d) S - R - P - Q
34. the principle shortcoming of the interpretation of culture lies in its failure to encompass the social nature of culture
P Q R
so far as theory and methodology is concerned
S
The correct sequence should be
(a) P - S - Q - R (Ans)
(b) Q - S - R - P
(c) S - R - Q - P
(d) S - Q - R - P
35. The whole project by drawing about 60000 volunteers students, youth, teachers and retired persons would be completed P Q R
from different groups such as
S
The correct sequence should be
(a) R - S - P - Q
(b) R - P - S - Q (Ans)
(c) P - S - Q - R
(d) Q - R - S - P
36. it is unity which will generate dissensions rather than disunity that is the need of the hour
P Q R S
The correct sequence should be
(a) P - Q - R - S
(b) P - S - R - Q
(c) R - Q - P - S (Ans)
(d) Q - P - R - S
37. de worming medicine suspected to have worms and were given all the animals were
P Q R S
The correct sequence should be
(a) S - P - R - Q
(b) S - Q - R - P (Ans)
(c) P - R - S - Q
(d) P - Q - R - S
38. it is obvious that an open mind is a good thing but not outside of them within certain limits
P Q R S
The correct sequence should be
(a) Q - P - S - R
(b) P - Q - S - R (Ans)
(c) R - P - Q - S
(d) P - R - Q - S
Directions (For the 15 items which follow)
In the following passage at certain points, you are given a choice of four words marked (a),(b),(c),(d). Choose the best word out of the four and indicate your choice in the Answer Sheet.
The word 'music' brings to our mind melodious sounds which may be produced either by a singer or a player of musical instruments.
39. Some people feel that music is the
(a) source
(b) essence (Ans)
(c) substance
(d) place
40. Of life. Yet others believe that music of life.
(a) elevates (Ans)
(b) brings
(c) sensitizes
(d) elongates
41. A few man to a divine state
(a) stress
(b) emphasize (Ans)
(c) insist
(d) urge
42. that music can melt stones Generally, music is
(a) explained
(b) defined (Ans)
(c) described
(d) shown
43. as the arrangement of sounds in a pleasing
(a) sequence (Ans)
(b) system
(c) order
(d) arrangement
44. Like all arts, music speaks to the
(a) feelings
(b) passions
(c) emotions (Ans)
(d) ideas
45. but the communication is accomplished by the
(a) skilful
(b) artistic (Ans)
(c) creative
(d) passionate
46. combination of sounds. Just as some colours
(a) come (Ans)
(b) go
(c) are
(d) were
47. together, and others clash, similarly, all
(a) sounds (Ans)
(b) noises
(c) cries
(d) shouts
48. are not appealing to the ear. Modern music
(a) do
(b) does (Ans)
(c) did
(d) been
49. not take note of this. It lacks the
(a) basics
(b) foundations
(c) essentials (Ans)
(d) substance
50. of harmony. Moreover, it depends heavily on electronic
(a) instruments (Ans)
(b) machines
(c) gadgets
(d) furniture
