N
WIN ING
TATA McGRAW-HILL’S
WE
SERIES
EDG E
QUIZ
Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited
NEW DELHI
McGraw-Hill Offices
New Delhi New York St Louis San Francisco Auckland Bogotá Caracas
Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Mexico City Milan Montreal
San Juan Santiago Singapore Sydney Tokyo Toronto
WORD POWER-QUIZ
W
D
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OR
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DP
PO
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WE
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CONTENTS
1.
THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT ............................................................................................4
2.
A YOUNG MAN IN A HURRY ........................................................................................ 14
3.
THE BULLER-PODINGTON COMPACT ........................................................................ 26
4.
THE COWARD ................................................................................................................. 44
5.
THE TELL-TALE HEART ................................................................................................ 56
6.
WIFE ................................................................................................................................. 63
7.
VICTOR ............................................................................................................................ 71
8.
THE MORIBUND ............................................................................................................. 79
9.
THE DIAMOND NECKLACE .......................................................................................... 87
10. DOCTOR HEIDEGGER’S EXPERIMENT ....................................................................... 96
11. A QUEER NIGHT IN PARIS .......................................................................................... 107
12. THE WATKINSON EVENING ...................................................................................... 117
13. THE GIFT OF THE MAGI ............................................................................................. 131
14. FIRST LOVE .................................................................................................................. 138
15. A PILGRIM ..................................................................................................................... 146
16. THE WRECK ................................................................................................................. 161
17. FEATHERTOP ................................................................................................................ 172
18. THE GREAT STONE FACE .......................................................................................... 190
19. FRIENDS ........................................................................................................................ 208
20. IN EACH OTHER’S SHOES .......................................................................................... 219
21. OUR RUNAWAY KITE ................................................................................................. 235
22. BEYOND THE BAYOU ................................................................................................. 240
23. THE OWL’S EAR ........................................................................................................... 246
24. AN UNCONVENTIONAL CONFIDENCE .................................................................... 258
25. THE BAT AND BELFRY INN ....................................................................................... 266
26. THE OUTRAGE - A TRUE STORY .............................................................................. 282
27. THE MAN WITH THE GOOD FACE............................................................................. 296
28. THE FOUR-FIFTEEN EXPRESS ................................................................................... 313
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
29. ELDER BROWN'S BACKSLIDE ................................................................................... 341
30. A TERRIBLY STRANGE BED ...................................................................................... 360
31. THE PHILOSOPHER IN THE APPLE ORCHARD ........................................................ 374
32. THE SILVER MINE ....................................................................................................... 381
33. THE PIPE ........................................................................................................................ 394
34. THE MANUSCRIPT....................................................................................................... 415
35. CAPTAIN VENENO'S PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE .................................................... 425
36. COLONEL STARBOTTLE FOR THE PLAINTIFF ....................................................... 431
37. THE GOLDEN INGOT ................................................................................................... 457
38. THE COUNTRY OF THE BLIND .................................................................................. 469
39. THE DUPLICITY OF HARGRAVES ............................................................................. 488
40. HOW THE WIDOW WON THE DEACON.................................................................... 500
41. THE SHOT ...................................................................................................................... 507
42. A PROBLEM IN COMMUNICATION .......................................................................... 520
43. WHY THOMAS WAS DISCHARGED ........................................................................... 537
44. FATHER AND SON ....................................................................................................... 553
45. THE HAUNTED ORCHARD ......................................................................................... 560
46. THE ANGEL OF THE ODD........................................................................................... 565
3
WORD POWER-QUIZ
1. THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT
1. THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT
I. Text Completion
1. The (i) ____________ portrait of Monalisa, painted hundreds of years ago, is still a point of
discussion at various art forums. Many theories have been put forward to explain the secret behind
her (ii) ____________ smile.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
enthusiastic
(D) slight
(B)
enigmatic
(E)
vociferous
(C)
sardonic
(F)
bovine
Ans: enigmatic and slight
2. People were (i) ________by the indifferent attitude of the health department even after a/an (ii) _____
of malaria cases were reported in the county. The (iii) _________citizens resorted to a demonstration
outside the health department's office.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
muted
(D) caricature
(G) elaborated
(B)
appealed
(E)
slew
(H) extrapolated
(C)
appalled
(F)
chain
(I)
exasperated
Ans: appalled, slew and exasperated
3. As the residents of the Downtown Street felt the (i) _________ they ran out of their homes and stood
out in the open. They stood as (ii) _______ spectators as their houses and several other buildings
crumbled into a heap of dust. Though the (iii) __________ did not result into any loss of life, the loss
of property was massive.
4
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
tremors
(D) acute
(G) frenzy
(B)
meters
(E)
mute
(H) irony
(C)
cracks
(F)
grouse
(I)
calamity
Ans: tremors, mute and calamity
4. I noticed a (i) _________ crowd near my house. When I went closer to the crowd, I could hear (ii)
_________ voices of parents of two kids. Apparently, a (iii) _________ played by a kid had gone
horribly wrong and it had resulted into a broken toe-nail for the other kid. This had given rise to
a verbal argument between the parents of the two kids.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
sardonic
(D) sportive
(G) prank
(B)
insipid
(E)
querulous
(H) gratitude
(C)
raucous
(F)
skeptical
(I)
aptitude
Ans: raucous, querulous and prank
5. The mass media (e.g. television, movies etc.) plays a significant role in influencing the people’s
thought process and their behavior. Therefore, the censor board should carefully (i) ___________the
content to be shown through the mass media channels. There are so many examples of misguiding
and obscene programs surprisingly (ii) ___________by the censor board as ‘fit for general
viewership’.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
interpret
(D) attested
(B)
scrutinize
(E)
approached
(C)
impute
(F)
adhered
Ans: scrutinize and attested
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. In early 2007, the property prices had skyrocketed due to the buying (i) __________. A few wise
people (ii) __________ from investing into property as they thought that the unrealistically high
property prices were not sustainable and the ‘property bubble’ might burst anytime.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
irony
(D) bargained
(B)
frenzy
(E)
refrained
(C)
hilarity
(F)
smirked
Ans: frenzy and refrained
7. The (i) ___________chattering of Yogini accompanied by the constant (ii) ___________of cows
grazing nearby caused me a severe headache.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
incoherent
(D) braying
(B)
pleasant
(E)
barking
(C)
deft
(F)
mooing
Ans: incoherent and mooing
8. One day the kids accidentally switched on the TV channel that shows the live broadcast of the
parliamentary affairs. They were quite amused to see our (i) ___________political leaders. They (ii)
___________at their hilarious parliamentary ‘activities’ that included throwing chairs, tearing apart
documents, shouting slogans and accusing each other of misdeeds.
6
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
vociferous
(D) elaborated
(B)
brave
(E)
chuckled
(C)
swift
(F)
scrutinized
Ans: vociferous and chuckled
9. The unassuming professor looked at his (i)
____________with
His (ii)
own
(i) ____________amusement.
with amusement.
His (ii)
____________nature was reflected in his gesture of rewarding the student who made it.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
miniature
(D) sportive
(B)
caricature
(E)
querulous
(C)
charade
(F)
elaborate
Ans: caricature and sportive
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The _________ conversation with her colleagues had left her panting for breath, as she was laughing
incessantly.
A. droll
B. frenzied
C. amusing
D. dull
E. enigmatic
F. boring
Ans: A and C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. The _____________caused by bad administration had forced the masses to revolt and overthrow the
current government.
A. composition
B. tremor
C. affliction
D. irony
E. distress
F. shivering
Ans: C and E
3. The employees ___________ at each other after listening to the usual, incoherent instructions from
their manager, as there was nothing significant in them.
A. appalled
B. smirked
C. groused
D. snickered
E. adorned
F. haggled
Ans: B and D
4. The kid’s ________ maneuver of the football impressed the coach and he selected the kid as his
disciple…what followed after that is a history!
A. awkward
B. deft
C. unhurried
D. raucous
E. clumsy
F. adroit
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and F
5. The _________ of that funny incidence on the eve of the New Year still brings giggles to me.
A. joviality
B. boredom
C. recreation
D. edutainment
E. hilarity
F. monotony
Ans: A and E
6. The unexpected visit by Tom Cruise to their school left the students simply_________. They had
never dreamt of seeing their superhero in person!
A. stultified
B. exasperated
C. awestruck
D. dumbfounded
E. annoyed
F. greeted
Ans: C and D
III. Synonyms
1. Exasperate
A. alleviate
B. elevate
C. excite
D. infuriate
E. chuckle
Ans: D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Grouse
A. douse
B. grumble
C. snore
D. attest
E. appall
Ans: B
3. Affliction
A. malfunction
B. malnutrition
C. attack
D. hardship
E. enigma
Ans: D
4. Scrutinize
A. canvas
B. appear
C. audit
D. criticize
E. acclaim
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Stultify
A. agree
B. ratify
C. stratify
D. illustrate
E. cripple
Ans: E
6. Deft
A. dexterous
B. ambiguous
C. analytical
D. awkward
E. uncensored
Ans: A
7. Attest
A. enact
B. create
C. approach
D. approve
E. invoke
Ans: D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Smirk
A. avoid
B. grin
C. sigh
D. relieve
E. regret
Ans: B
9. Sportiveness
A. incoherence
B. skillfulness
C. playfulness
D. seriousness
E. attestation
Ans: C
10. Inchoate
A. rigorous
B. undeveloped
C. different
D. sportive
E. arrogant
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Acute
A. delightful
B. accurate
C. beautiful
D. small
E. severe
Ans: E
13
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. A YOUNG MAN IN A HURRY
2. A YOUNG MAN IN A HURRY
I. Text Completion
1. Self-(i) ___________ is essential for one's improvement. As one gains maturity with experience, one
realizes the (ii) _________ committed in the past. Even if it is (iii) __________ to rue about them, it
is important not to repeat them in the future.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
exhilaration
(D) commitments
(G) futile
(B)
retrospection
(E)
blunders
(H) upright
(C)
emancipation
(F)
sacrifices
(I)
agile
Ans: retrospection, blunders and futile
2. Alan, Jack and Betty (i) ___________ into the sea for surfing. All the three were amateur surfers and
could not gauge the intensity of the (ii) ___________ waves. Very soon the group got scattered and
they fell off their surf boards. Hearing their (iii) _______ calls for help, coast guards rushed and
rescued them.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
rendered
(D) behemoth
(G) rare
(B)
ventured
(E)
obscure
(H) frenetic
(C)
careened
(F)
cordial
(I)
implied
Ans: ventured, behemoth and frenetic
3. Susan was transferred to the accounts department from the marketing department. She knew that she
could not do the (i) _________ job of writing accounts for a long time. She thought she would be
more suitable for a public relations manager’s job, where she could interact with many people, instead
of sitting and working with her calculator. Her polite (ii) _________ went unheeded by the
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
management. The only (iii) _________ of hope for her was her scheduled one-on-one meeting with
the CEO where she planned to raise this issue.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
monotonous
(D) tribulation
(G) glimmer
(B)
susceptible
(E)
flourish
(H) fancy
(C)
interesting
(F)
demurs
(I)
snicker
Ans: monotonous, demurs and glimmer
4. After listening to John’s (i) _________ remarks, it was impossible for Sarah to (ii) _______her
emotions. She (iii) _________ with grief and she didn’t know how to respond to him.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
befuddling
(D) check
(G) shivered
(B)
hilarious
(E)
absolve
(H) quivered
(C)
vindictive
(F)
flourish
(I)
flickered
Ans: vindictive, check and quivered
5. The plaintiff’s lawyer could see the brazen arrogance and malice in the eyes of the defendant. This
strengthened the determination of the plaintiff’s lawyer to seek justice for the plaintiff. The plaintiff’s
lawyer did not have enough evidence to prove the defendant guilty. However, he (i)
(ii) ___________the
defendant with a battery of questions during the course of the interrogation and made the defendant
inadvertently admit to the crime in front of the jury.
Blank (i)
(A) amused
(B) embarrassed
(C) befuddled
15
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: befuddled
6. People (i) __________ the venue of the meeting as they were (ii) __________ with the prospect of
listening to their popular leader. But soon their excitement turned into (iii) _______________ as the
leader could not arrive at the venue on time and only reached there after three hours.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
approached
(D) empowered
(G) coincidence
(B)
revived
(E)
exhilarated
(H) tribulation
(C)
thronged
(F)
appeased
(I)
frustration
Ans: thronged, exhilarated and frustration
7. She was all happy and chirpy when she started the walkathon competition early in the morning. But
as she progressed, the day grew quite hot and her lips were (i) __________ and her countenance
turned (ii) __________. But she, being an iron-willed lady, was (iii) __________ as usual and finally
succeeded in finishing the competition at the fifth spot.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
dehydrated
(D) sophomoric
(G) relentless
(B)
glossy
(E)
winsome
(H) uninhibited
(C)
snickered
(F)
haggard
(I)
unfledged
Ans: dehydrated, haggard and relentless
8. The (i) ___________ of customers had forced the service provider to introspect the processes
followed by them. After rigorous investigation and some fine tuning, the service provider was able to
bring the service back on track. In order to (ii) __________ the angry customers, the service provider
waived the subscription fee for the month.
16
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
indication
(D) appeal
(B)
implication
(E)
appease
(C)
indignation
(F)
empathize
Ans: indignation and appease
9. The streets look indeed beautiful in the night when they are (i) ___________ by street lights. By the
way, recently I have been observing a weird phenomenon. Whenever I pass below a street light, it
gets switched off automatically. I do not know whether it is a mere (ii) ___________ or there is
something more in it. Once the same thing happened when I was talking an evening walk with John.
When he noticed this, he (iii) ___________, “My Goodness! Are you a human or an alien?”
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
illustrated
(D) coincidence
(G) excited
(B)
illuminated
(E)
countenance
(H) examined
(C)
elucidated
(F)
conscience
(I)
exclaimed
Ans: illuminated, coincidence and exclaimed
10. King Harry played a key role in putting an end to all the (i) ___________ in the region. Under his
able leadership, the otherwise (ii) ___________ colonies made a historical pact to co-exist peacefully.
King Harry’s son has taken one step forward in further encouraging a/an (iii) ___________
environment in the region.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
hostility
(D) picturesque
(G) reckless
(B)
friendship
(E)
friendly
(H) cordial
(C)
civility
(F)
belligerent
(I)
17
infantile
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: hostility, belligerent and cordial
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Kangaroo’s standing posture is generally not __________. This posture allows it to balance its own
weight and its baby's weight (who is in the pouch) and take giant leaps.
A. inimitable
B. vertical
C. upright
D. usual
E. acute
F. preferable
Ans: B and C
2. The policy makers of the society should frame policies that would __________ peace and harmony in
the society.
A. impede
B. induce
C. identify
D. imbibe
E. inflict
F. encourage
Ans: B and F
3. The monarch ____________ the throne in a state of crisis. However after taking the reins in his hands,
hand,
he initiated many welfare measures that significantly improved the economy of the state.
18
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. acceded
B. assented
C. drowned
D. inflicted
E. amused
F. amazed
Ans: A and B
4. Mary knew one thing for sure: she could never ____________ Chris for his reckless behavior that left
her with a fractured arm.
A. forget
B. forgive
C. remember
D. absolve
E. solicit
F. overlook
Ans: B and D
5. Before winning the reality TV show he was literally a ‘nobody’ residing in some ____________
corner of the city.
A. unheard of
B. infantile
C. obscure
D. slight
E. bright
F. episodic
Ans: A and C
19
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. He was a very jovial person and always had a smiling ____________.
A. countenance
B. altitude
C. mood
D. psychology
E. visage
F. acuity
Ans: A and E
7. Mr. Brown was a very strict teacher. His _________glance was enough to intimidate even the
naughtiest of the students.
A. dour
B. cordial
C. stern
D. victorious
E. furtive
F. friendly
Ans: A and C
8. The poor African nation ____________ aid from the UNO to provide basic amenities for its citizens.
A. argued
B. solicited
C. requested
D. endangered
E. snickered
F. bickered
Ans: B and C
20
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. The collision with an iceberg had damaged the ship on its lower portion and had also caused some
cracks to appear at the base. They had to ____________ the ship on one side to fix these problems.
A. repair
B. careen
C. tilt
D. mend
E. wrench
F. twist
Ans: B and C
10. The history is testimony to the ____________ of innocent people at the hands of ruthless and
tyrannical rulers like President Hassan.
A. tribulations
B. celebrations
C. unrest
D. fighting
E. instability
F. sufferings
Ans: A and F
III. Synonyms
1. Purse
A. bag
B. episode
C. bolt
D. treasury
E. secret
21
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A
2. Snicker
A. avoid
B. assert
C. fancy
D. mock
E. stimulate
Ans: D
3. Animate
A. rouse
B. manipulate
C. meditate
D. mediate
E. bargain
Ans: A
4. Conscience
A. tribulation
B. precision
C. submission
D. consideration
E. moral sense
Ans: E
22
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Balm
A. coincidence
B. adhesive
C. ointment
D. qualm
E. fatalism
Ans: C
6. Millennium
A. syllogism
B. anniversary
C. century
D. millenary
E. doctrine
Ans: D
7. Furtive
A. open
B. stealthy
C. sophomoric
D. futile
E. unreserved
Ans: B
23
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Rue
A. ruin
B. tune
C. regret
D. renew
E. elucidate
Ans: C
9. Venture
A. risk
B. flinch
C. predict
D. gamble
E. suspect
Ans: A
10. Solace
A. pace
B. mood
C. indignation
D. syllogism
E. relief
Ans: E
24
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Validate
A. falter
B. induce
C. brocade
D. authenticate
E. engage
Ans: D
12. Acuity
A. sharpness
B. indolence
C. validation
D. peace
E. risk
Ans: A
25
WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. THE BULLER-PODINGTON COMPACT
3. THE BULLER-PODINGTON COMPACT
I. Text Completion
1. The factory management’s efforts for reaching a/an (i) ________ solution for the problem did not
quell the anger of the workers. The police also could not control the agitating factory workers. The
flames of protest could only be (ii) ___________ when the factory management unconditionally
agreed to all the demands of the protesting workers.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
advisable
(D) diluted
(B)
amicable
(E)
reduced
(C)
durable
(F)
doused
Ans: amicable and doused
2. Coming from an urban background, I was amazed at the (i) __________ ways of the country side. I
was mesmerized by the view of shepherds rambling around with their herds of sheep, widespread
pastoral lands and the serene lake. I tried to capture this (ii) __________ of scenery in my camera as
much as possible. The best part of my experience was (iii) __________ along the lakeside.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
inadequate
(D) scarcity
(G) sauntering
(B)
bucolic
(E)
diversity
(H) tottering
(C)
inept
(F)
casualty
(I)
prevailing
Ans: bucolic, diversity and sauntering
3. The princess got out of the plane waving her hand, while her (i) ____________ was carried behind
her in trolleys. Because of her arrival, there was a heavy security in place and the other passengers of
the plane were not allowed to get out of the plane for a long time. This inconvenience led to (ii)
26
WORD POWER-QUIZ
________ among the passengers. When the princess came out of the airport, the TV reporters went
(iii) ________ and jostled to grab footage of the princess.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
paraphernalia
(D) phobia
(G) verbose
(B)
apparition
(E) chagrin
(H) intimidated
(C)
vehemence
(F) jubilation
(I) berserk
Ans: paraphernalia, chagrin and berserk
4. (i) __________ at the culinary skills, Susan managed to start her own restaurant after 10 years of
experience as a chef at The Daffodil restaurant. Her willingness to do something on her own provided
the (ii) __________ for this move. She faced a lot of hurdles in setting-up and running the restaurant,
but
no
obstacle
could
(iii)
Blank (i)
__________
Blank (ii)
her
indomitable
spirit.
Blank (iii)
(A)
Adept
(D) investment
(G) repress
(B)
Amused
(E)
impetus
(H) motivate
(C)
Ghastly
(F)
insurance
(I)
evoke
Ans: Adept, impetus and repress
5. Joanna wanted to refurbish her house. It was a gigantic task, therefore she (i) __________ the job
between herself and her spouse. But her husband was a/an (ii) __________ and he used to bungle
every task assigned to him. As a/an (iii) __________, the refurbishment work took six months as
against the originally planned two months.
27
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
diverted
(D) lout
(G) imputation
(B)
bifurcated
(E)
gentleman
(H) aversion
(C)
followed
(F)
actor
(I)
denouement
Ans: bifurcated, lout and denouement
6. When we sat chatting in the balcony of Depp’s house, his wife was in the kitchen cooking dinner for
us. The aroma of the food (i) __________ through the air and enhanced our appetites. When the food
was served, I ate the delicious food to the fullest. Once our appetite was (ii) __________, we played a
game of cards.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
wafted
(D) rewarded
(B)
grafted
(E)
thwarted
(C)
simulated
(F)
sated
Ans: wafted and sated
7. The anti-government protests have been on the rise recently in the state. So far the government has
adopted a soft strategy of organizing talks amongst all the stakeholders. This strategy is not working
out and political experts believe that the government will very soon adopt a (i) __________ strategy
and
will
resort
to
the
use
of
force
Blank (i)
to
Blank (ii)
(A)
flexible
(D) quell
(B)
rigid
(E)
encourage
(C)
dull
(F)
distend
Ans: rigid and quell
28
(ii)
__________the
protests.
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. A criminal investigator needs to have an exceptional (i) __________of mind. He needs to take into
account the (ii) __________of the crime and (iii) __________what could have been the motive of the
criminal in committing the crime.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
verbosity
(D) context
(G) haggle
(B)
acuity
(E)
compact
(H) impede
(C)
willfulness
(F)
casualty
(I)
surmise
Ans: acuity, context and surmise
9. I am tired of the (i) __________problems of my car. When I need to go really fast I (ii)
__________the car, but sometimes it gives jerks. Sometimes when I put the brakes, the AC gets
automatically switched off. When I take a left turn, the horn stops working for a while. If this
continues to happen, I am scared that very soon I will be a (iii) __________of some serious accident.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
erratic
(D) accelerate
(G) hilarity
(B)
comprehensive
(E)
undulate
(H) civility
(C)
autonomous
(F)
decelerate
(I)
casualty
Ans: erratic, accelerate and casualty
10. In a (i) __________ power plant, the prime mover is steam driven. A fuel (e.g. coal, natural gas, fuel
oil etc.) is burnt to generate the heat that converts water into steam. This steam spins a steam turbine
that drives an electrical generator. Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the price of natural
gas. This price increase may (ii) ________ some natural gas based power plants to consider shifting
to coal based power generation.
29
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
nuclear
(D) prompt
(B)
hydro
(E)
impede
(C)
thermal
(F)
extol
Ans: thermal and prompt
11. The recent burst of the real estate bubble has resulted in an oversupply of vacant (i) __________. A
property buyer can command a very attractive price now with a little bit of (ii) __________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
premises
(D) caulking
(B)
lakes
(E)
haggling
(C)
schools
(F)
intimidation
Ans: premises and haggling
12. Jack is indeed a weird musician. He composes music only for sleep deprived people. Once his (i)
_____ music starts, it (ii) _______ people into sleep.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
somnolent
(D) buffets
(B)
herbivorous
(E)
wakes
(C)
verbose
(F)
lulls
Ans: somnolent and lulls
13. It is in the wider interest of the society that the practitioners of a profession adhere to their
professional ethics. A merchant must subscribe to the (i) _______ ethic of offering fair and honest
30
WORD POWER-QUIZ
service to the buyer. A doctor is (ii) _______ to the professional ethics code as described by the
Medical Association.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
mercantile
(D) responsible
(B)
infantile
(E)
beholden
(C)
legal
(F)
indifferent
Ans: mercantile and beholden
14. I respectfully (i) _______ my hat to the lady who was the first to revolt against the authoritarian
government. She fought the fierce battle with (ii) _______ and sacrificed her life for the liberty of her
own people.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
toss
(D) enthusiasm
(B)
cross
(E)
vehemence
(C)
doff
(F)
bliss
Ans: doff and vehemence
15. The yacht owners must be very careful where they (i) _______ their yachts so that they do not (ii)
_______ the movement of commercial vessels out of the port. The yacht owners must understand that
even a couple of hours of delay in the movement of commercial ships can result into losses
amounting to thousands of dollars.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
fly
(D) facilitate
(B)
anchor
(E)
impede
(C)
caulk
(F)
discern
31
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: anchor and impede
16. The young Alexander was groomed under the (i) _______ of the legendary warrior Maximus.
Maximus groomed him not only in archery and horse riding but also in leadership skills. Alexander
displayed exemplary leadership skills when he (ii) _______ the troops to thwart a surprise attack by
the enemy.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
A
hostage
(D) rallied
B
phobia
(E)
hurried
C
tutelage
(F)
careened
Ans: tutelage and rallied
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Before buying a product, the consumers must be __________ of every feature of the product and
every single term of the support agreement.
A. collateral
B. cognizant
C. confused
D. aware
E. skeptical
F. controversial
Ans: B and D
32
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. The citizens of the nation gave a __________ farewell to the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.
A. thumping
B. verbose
C. tearful
D. wordy
E. lachrymose
F. prompt
Ans: C and E
3. It is obvious that we cannot use a measuring tape to calculate distances between stars. The speed at
which light travels in space is an important parameter in estimating the __________ of a star to our
solar system.
A. intensity
B. vehemence
C. proximity
D. closeness
E. accuracy
F. time
Ans: C and D
4. The drunkard __________ across the street obstructing the movement of traffic, therefore the police
arrested him.
A. looked
B. tottered
C. imputed
D. staggered
E. interpreted
F. extolled
33
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
5. Kids do not realize the ghastly consequences of their __________. Therefore the caretakers are
required to be watchful of their activities.
A. escapades
B. singing
C. tasks
D. projects
E. risks
F. pranks
Ans: A and F
6. The archaeologists carry out excavations to __________ artifacts and structures that help us in
understanding more about the ancient civilizations.
A. tender
B. resume
C. unearth
D. disinter
E. enlarge
F. imbibe
Ans: C and D
7. Though the hills are surrounded by the sea with saline water, there is a __________ embedded in the
hills which holds fresh water.
34
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. trough
B. hollow depression
C. pasture
D. shaft
E. vertigo
F. skiff
Ans: A and B
8. The accountant had been swindling the company of millions of rupees for over five years. However,
the owner did not have even a/an __________ of the situation.
A. advertisement
B. appreciation
C. inkling
D. enquiry
E. influence
F. vague idea
Ans: C and F
9. The actress invested a lot of effort in perfecting her attire; but she completely forgot to comb her hair.
Therefore when she arrived at the party, all the people were astonished to see her __________ look.
A. bedraggled
B. untidy
C. charming
D. appealing
E. indifferent
F. girlish
Ans: A and B
35
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. The shooter must have been an insane person. Otherwise how can one explain the way in which he
ran __________ in the crowd, shooting people at random?
A. amuck
B. ironically
C. hilariously
D. inevitably
E. verbosely
F. demoniacally
Ans: A and F
11. We visited the haunted house yesterday night. Exactly at the midnight, we were scared to see a
ghastly figure asking us for a matchbox. He was not a human being for sure, because he was
transparent and we could see through him. He must be a/an _________.
A. apparition
B. animal
C. angel
D. ghost
E. watchman
F. man
Ans: A and D
12. France achieved a ‘never seen before’ success at the recently concluded sports event by bagging a/an
________ 100 gold medals.
A. ordinary
B. paltry
C. record
D. unprecedented
E. mysterious
F. comprehensive
36
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and D
13. When we locked ourselves inside a small room in the haunted house, the wind ________the door
repeatedly as if powered by some demonic spirit. The ‘thud’ sounds scared the hell out of us!
A. painted
B. blanched
C. refurbished
D. severed
E. battered
F. buffeted
Ans: E and F
14. Constant exposure to extreme weather can cause a roof to start leaking. However, there are many
ways to ______ the roof.
A. seal
B. clean
C. attest
D. wipe
E. caulk
F. stultify
Ans: A and E
15. It was a fantastic display of tricks by the magician. In one of the tricks, the magician gave a girl a
magical ________ to drink. You won’t believe that after drinking it she became invisible!
37
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. portion
B. fruit
C. potion
D. dilettante
E. hue
F. mixture
Ans: C and F
III. Synonyms
1. Intimidate
A. reduce
B. blanch
C. frighten
D. evoke
E. envy
Ans: C
2. Distend
A. unearth
B. believe
C. accept
D. swell
E. decrease
Ans: D
38
WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Extol
A. extort
B. surmise
C. exempt
D. insult
E. praise
Ans: E
4. Escapade
A. expertise
B. adventure
C. escapism
D. cascade
E. accumulation
Ans: B
5. Malignant
A. generous
B. cooperative
C. cancerous
D. soothing
E. magnificent
Ans: C
39
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Impute
A. induce
B. improve
C. simulate
D. emulate
E. blame
Ans: E
7. Aversion
A. liking
B. misunderstanding
C. confusion
D. dislike
E. vertigo
Ans: D
8. Debris
A. welt
B. demon
C. solace
D. monotony
E. trash
Ans: E
40
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Autonomous
A. dependent
B. uncertain
C. self-governing
D. promising
E. mechanical
Ans: C
10. Queer
A. quiet
B. strange
C. ordinary
D. sportive
E. sufficient
Ans: B
11. Horde
A. banner
B. group
C. cloud
D. thwart
E. building
Ans: B
41
WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. Vertigo
A. steadiness
B. expertise
C. catcall
D. buoyancy
E. dizziness
Ans: E
13. Phlegmatic
A. equestrian
B. compact
C. sick
D. nautical
E. calm
Ans: E
14. Qualm
A. misgiving
B. gruel
C. carat
D. bliss
E. calm
Ans: A
42
WORD POWER-QUIZ
15. Dilettante
A. officer
B. farmer
C. amateur
D. trader
E. citizen
Ans: C
43
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. THE COWARD
4. THE COWARD
I. Text Completion
1. He led his army in the four wars of 1830s with great strength and (i) _______. In spite of all the
adversities, his army kept on fighting for the just cause and finally succeeded in totally (ii) _______
the enemy.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
timidity
(D) marking
(B)
valor
(E)
convincing
(C)
nervousness
(F)
extirpating
Ans: valor and extirpating
2. As there were (i) __________rains since last week and the river (ii) ___________, the villagers grew
concerned about the levee’s strength which was protecting the village from flooding. They feared the
levee would give up under the force of the water if the rains continue
cotinued for
for another
another day and they would
be (iii) _________to take refuge on the nearby hill.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
torrential
(D) swelled
(G) droned
(B)
potential
(E)
seeped
(H) compelled
(C)
sequential
(F)
soaked
(I)
resolved
Ans: torrential, swelled and compelled
3. The wounded soldier had an indomitable spirit. He first tried to (i) _______ the flow of blood from
his wounds so that he could resume the fight with new vigor. When the flow of blood could not be
stopped, he simply ignored the wounds and continued to fight. His wounds had already severely
hampered his (ii) _________; but the brave soldier did not give up till his last breath.
44
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
tamper
(D) mobility
(B)
relieve
(E)
anxiety
(C)
stanch
(F)
civility
Ans: stanch and mobility
4. In the drama, William has played the (i) _______ character of Casper to perfection. As the detestable
facets of Casper’s personality are unfolded in front of you through William’s fine performance, you
feel like slapping the ‘villainous’ Casper. As compared to William’s performance, Julia’s portrayal of
Maria is quite uninspiring and (ii) _______.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
loathsome
(D) colorful
(B)
honest
(E)
drab
(C)
likable
(F)
taut
Ans: loathsome and drab
5. We lost all the communication with the ship when the heavy rains did not lessen in intensity even
after two days of (i) ___________. The next day we found the (ii) __________ of the ship at the
shore; that tells rest of the story.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
onslaught
(D) saddle
(B)
dripping
(E)
dregs
(C)
weaning
(F)
flotsam
Ans: onslaught and flotsam
45
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The people of this region have been worshipping this river for thousands of years as the (i)
_________ source of prosperity. 80% of the population of the region is directly or indirectly
dependent for their livelihood on this river. But the recent ecological changes imply that the river will
diminish gradually to eventually become just a small stream over the next 20 years. Now you can
gauge the (ii) _________ of the problem.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
perennial
(D) hilarity
(B)
erratic
(E)
triviality
(C)
transient
(F)
enormity
Ans: perennial and enormity
7. She was a/an (i) _________ young lady. She first used to zero in on her target – a rich and single
man, age no bar. The target was quite easily (ii) _________ by her beauty and charm. After that it
was not a big deal for her to enter the target’s house and run away with valuables worth thousands of
dollars.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
astute
(D) advised
(B)
innocent
(E)
repelled
(C)
naïve
(F)
enamored
Ans: astute and enamored
8. ABC is a new militant group that is spreading its roots across the nation. Intelligence reports suggest
that more and more unemployed young citizens are (i) _________ militant activism by becoming
members of this group. One can imagine the (ii) _________ consequences of this for the nation. The
government needs to take stern action to render all such militant groups (iii) _________.
46
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
embracing
(D) peaceful
(G) wily
(B)
rejecting
(E)
direful
(H) fertile
(C)
jostling
(F)
gainful
(I)
impotent
Ans: embracing, direful and impotent
9. It was a (i) _________ moment when Wilson assumed the presidency. In a short period of time after
assuming the presidency, he undertook an initiative to bring all the parties together to pass a historical
(ii) _________ to resolve the conflict. Finally the peace process had gathered some momentum in the
nation. But his abrupt assassination (iii) _________ all the progress made on the peace front and the
nation was once again on the brink of falling into a state of anarchy.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
portentous
(D) clarification
(G) fostered
(B)
trifle
(E)
resolution
(H) nullified
(C)
defunct
(F)
exaltation
(I)
accelerated
Ans: portentous, resolution and nullified
10. I loved to spend hours together by the (i) _________ lake. The peacefulness of that place imparted me
the strength to forget all the bad things in the past and to (ii) _________ my life on a positive note.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
serene
(D) jostle
(B)
bustling
(E)
mark
(C)
checkered
(F)
resume
Ans: serene and resume
47
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. One day we noticed hundreds of dead fish and turtles on the bank of the river that flows through our
town. Further investigations revealed that a chemicals factory had recently dumped cyanide (i)
_________ into the river. The residents protested a lot seeking punishment for the culprits. But the
(ii) _________ factory owner bribed some local politicians and suppressed the matter.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
dregs
(D) indifferent
(B)
treks
(E)
wily
(C)
throngs
(F)
sincere
Ans: dregs and wily
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Even if he was a manager, his boss always assigned him tasks suitable for a clerk. He felt _______
because of this biased behavior.
A. piqued
B. escalated
C. elevated
D. offended
E. sanctioned
F. assigned
Ans: A and D
2. Mr. Hadley was 72 years old. But he was ______ enough to climb the hill in just 30 minutes.
48
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. maladroit
B. hardy
C. clumsy
D. sturdy
E. cunning
F. wily
Ans: B and D
3. The parents left the child with their friends for a couple of days as they had to leave the town to attend
a conference. When they were away, the child was _______ for them.
A. drifting
B. yielding
C. thwarting
D. pining
E. craving
F. imagining
Ans: D and E
4. Trying to _______ her ‘glamorous doll’ image, the actress started choosing roles in which there was a
scope for demonstrating her acting skills.
A. slough
B. reform
C. shed
D. remorse
E. modify
F. rejuvenate
Ans: A and C
5. A dog is a man’s true friend. It will _______ guard its master’s house till its last breath.
49
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. gracefully
B. greedily
C. decently
D. dutifully
E. clumsily
F. loyally
Ans: D and F
6. Christina exclaimed, “I can cook everything – Chinese, Continental and Indian dishes. My
__________ skills are impeccable!”
A. speaking
B. nautical
C. cooking
D. drawing
E. quizzing
F. culinary
Ans: C and F
7. The star players need to learn not to get __________ by the weight of expectations of the fans.
A. surprised
B. daunted
C. marked
D. knitted
E. undulated
F. overwhelmed
Ans: B and F
50
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. One year back, nobody could have predicted the _________ of economic uncertainty that we are in
today.
A. tempest
B. serenity
C. tumult
D. penumbra
E. canter
F. stock
Ans: A and C
9. After our little spat I did not maintain any ill feeling in my mind about John. But he has always
________ a spiteful feeling about me in his mind.
A. harbored
B. held
C. forgotten
D. forgiven
E. furnished
F. marked
Ans: A and B
10. The President gravely declared in the press conference, “This is no mere border_________; this is a
war.”
A. levee
B. flotsam
C. skirmish
D. clash
E. bash
F. mirage
51
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and D
11. The artist was quite __________; nobody could predict what he would fancy to do the next moment.
A. naughty
B. arrogant
C. quirky
D. simple
E. intelligent
F. whimsical
Ans: C and F
III. Synonyms
1. Amorphous
A. defined
B. clear
C. nondescript
D. dutiful
E. impromptu
Ans: C
2. Forsake
A. frighten
B. regret
C. forgive
D. desert
E. dig
Ans: D
52
WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Endurance
A. impatience
B. admiration
C. submission
D. injury
E. stamina
Ans: E
4. Headstrong
A. obstinate
B. innate
C. absolute
D. defunct
E. docile
Ans: A
5. Degradation
A. debasement
B. renovation
C. recruitment
D. categorization
E. generalization
Ans: A
53
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Devious
A. developing
B. deceitful
C. diverting
D. dreaming
E. dreadful
Ans: B
7. Muse
A. extradite
B. ponder
C. excavate
D. exemplify
E. mend
Ans: B
8. Prattle
A. blink
B. pique
C. blabber
D. reflect
E. bang
Ans: C
54
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Somber
A. hungry
B. stupid
C. gloomy
D. hardy
E. typical
Ans: C
10. Jostle
A. swell
B. extirpate
C. endure
D. precipitate
E. manhandle
Ans: E
11. Emanate
A. originate
B. extrapolate
C. grouse
D. chuckle
E. dumbfound
Ans: A
55
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. THE TELL-TALE HEART
5. THE TELL-TALE HEART
I. Text Completion
1. Harry was indeed nervous as he moved (i) ________ across the corridor. But all his anxiety turned
the news
of his
course.
into (ii) _______ as he got
learned
that he
gotadmission
the news in
of the
his desired
admission
in the desired course.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
calmly
(D) affliction
(B)
restively
(E)
ecstasy
(C)
suavely
(F)
obsession
Ans: restively and ecstasy
2. Earth’s atmosphere protects the planet from being bombarded by (i) _________ bodies like
meteorites. Through friction, the earth’s atmosphere reduces a meteor into a (ii) _______ ball of fire.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
outlandish
(D) luminous
(B)
celestial
(E)
prurient
(C)
ostentatious
(F)
vibrant
Ans: celestial and luminous
3. A few ‘so called’ experts published a report saying that the seismic movements would cause the
coastal town to go completely under water in the next two years. Further investigations revealed that
the report was completely baseless and (i) ________. However, this news was enough to fill the
hearts of people with (ii) __________.
56
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
preposterous
(D) excitement
(B)
scientific
(E)
enjoyment
(C)
figurative
(F)
trepidation
Ans: preposterous and trepidation
4. Alex commented in the media that the (i) _______ that ‘light is a stream of tiny particles’ was true.
David felt that more extensive research was required to confirm it. Therefore, he (ii) _________ from
making any comment on it till his research was complete.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
supposition
(D) grated
(B)
veneer
(E)
pulsated
(C)
trepidation
(F)
refrained
Ans: supposition and refrained
5. The investigating authorities suspected the involvement of the servant of the house in the theft and
murder case. He was very much supportive to the authorities in their investigations and was confident
in answering all their questions. However, the authorities found out that his background was quite (i)
__________ and he had been booked for a couple of petty crimes previously. They were finally able
to make him reveal the truth of his involvement in the crime. The (ii) __________servant confessed
to the crime without any emotion and said that he would repeat the crime once set free.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
flexible
(D) repentant
(B)
dubious
(E)
impenitent
(C)
good
(F)
redundant
57
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: dubious and impenitent
6. The entire assembly erupted into illimitable joy with a (i) _______energy when the President
concluded his speech by announcing that their country was now ‘a free nation.’ The people were quite
happy that the dominance of the (ii) _______ruler over their country was now over. That meant that
no iniquitous force would be able to (iii) _______ the voice of innocent civilians.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
gloomy
(D) just
(G) encourage
(B)
pulsating
(E)
checkered
(H) mark
(C)
nefarious
(F)
tyrannical
(I)
stifle
Ans: pulsating, tyrannical and stifle
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. ____________ with the unusual behavior of the gadget, Maria decided to put it into the dustbin.
A. Blabbered
B. Vexed
C. Attested
D. Annoyed
E. Amused
F. Endured
Ans: B and D
2. The lethargic cat sleeps cozily in the corner near the fire for long hours during the _______ days of
winter.
58
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. frigid
B. vulnerable
C. violent
D. long
E. cold
F. friendly
Ans: A and E
3. The tyranny of the military ruler came to an end when he was influenced by the preaching of a
_______ saint.
A. trivial
B. perplexed
C. hallowed
D. impenitent
E. nefarious
F. holy
Ans: C and F
4. The _______ painter painted our house very well in just one day.
A. clumsy
B. dexterous
C. jocular
D. lethargic
E. dubious
F. skillful
Ans: B and F
5. In spite of his repeated requests to let him free, the _____________ witch showed no mercy and
transformed him into a rat.
59
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. wicked
B. motherly
C. innocent
D. wary
E. pleasant
F. nefarious
Ans: A and F
6. When the annual exams were over, little Johny happily dumped the now ________ textbooks into his
messy cabinet.
A. iniquitous
B. distant
C. unneeded
D. hardy
E. redundant
F. buoyant
Ans: C and E
III. Synonyms
1. Snivel
A. battle
B. shuffle
C. sniffle
D. embark
E. swivel
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Illimitable
A. measureless
B. unavoidable
C. unprecedented
D. understandable
E. impenitent
Ans: A
3. Verity
A. fiction
B. surprise
C. ecstasy
D. truth
E. obsession
Ans: D
4. Hypocritical
A. defunct
B. wizened
C. insincere
D. humorous
E. individualistic
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Lethargic
A. sluggish
B. dehydrated
C. pastoral
D. disturbed
E. diluted
Ans: A
6. Trivial
A. criminal
B. petty
C. dirty
D. critical
E. crucial
Ans: B
7. Plaintive
A. mournful
B. moody
C. prudent
D. iniquitous
E. nefarious
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. WIFE
6. WIFE
I. Text Completion
1. (i) _____________ excessive pressure on a child to perform well in academics may have an adverse
impact on his personality. The child may develop a/an (ii) ___________ towards studies. Parents
need to (iii) ________ the interest of their kids in studies by adopting more innovative means.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
Exerting
(D) courtesy
(G) kindle
(B)
Exempting
(E)
apathy
(H) plait
(C)
Kindling
(F)
fortitude
(I)
dote
Ans: Exerting, apathy and kindle
2. The spokesperson had to face a (i) ________ of questions about the controversial issue from the
reporters as he entered the press-conference. But he is a (ii) _______ speaker and he handled the
onslaught of questions very well. His answers and the reasoning behind them sounded quite
intelligible instead of sounding (iii) ________ as hoped by the opposing party.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
plumage
(D) placid
(G) gibberish
(B)
felicity
(E)
vapid
(H) suave
(C)
barrage
(F)
facile
(I)
sensible
Ans: barrage, facile and gibberish
3. Though Alice’s guide was (i) _________ about the success of the research project, Alice was quite
confident about the project. She managed to convince her guide to let her continue with the
experiments and she carried out the experiments with determination and persistence. Finally, the
research project was successful and the outcome of the experiments confirmed Alice’s hypothesis.
After that Alice’s (ii) _________ knew no bounds.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
grotesque
(D) felicity
(B)
skeptical
(E)
grief
(C)
convinced
(F)
tactility
Ans: skeptical and felicity
4. We started the business on a very high note and it flourished in the first couple of years. But now it is
headed towards bankruptcy and one doesn’t need to be too (i) __________ to notice this. Alas, our
(ii) __________ is/are now over.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
dumb
(D) heydays
(B)
perceptive
(E)
indigence
(C)
indifferent
(F)
welt
Ans: perceptive and heydays
5. That guy spent a whopping USD 500M for building his house! Only a/an (i) _________can indulge
into such an activity. It is such an irony that in our country a few rich people live in such (ii)
_______________ and tens of millions of others live in (iii) ____________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
idiosyncratic
(D) indigence
(G) indigence
(B)
sybarite
(E)
opulence
(H) seclusion
(C)
miser
(F)
inebriation
(I)
Ans: sybarite, opulence and indigence
64
opulence
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The (i) ____________ man smelled strongly of alcohol. He was particularly angry at me because I
was chuckling at him. He did not say anything to me; but he just (ii) ______ at me. I returned his
angry gaze with more chuckles.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
inebriated
(D) smiled
(B)
sober
(E)
glowered
(C)
pristine
(F)
sniveled
Ans: inebriated and glowered
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Though Richard was a/an ___________ initially, he turned into an uxorious husband after meeting his
lady love.
A. misogynist
B. lunatic
C. cynic
D. woman-hater
E. sybarite
F. altruist
Ans: A and D
2. John hit David one punch in the mouth. David ___________ with two punches.
A. clapped
B. retaliated
C. smiled
D. glared
E. hit back
F. bickered
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and E
3. After her husband’s death, she supported the house with her needle. She led a very simple life and
always wore __________ clothes.
A. placid
B. homespun
C. intrepid
D. colorful
E. ordinary
F. lavish
Ans: B and E
4. The ________ man ran away from the mental hospital and killed his brother’s friend.
A. lunatic
B. sensible
C. poor
D. dormant
E. insane
F. doting
Ans: A and E
5. The oil-spill is an issue of grave concern because hundreds of sailors depend entirely on the sea for
their ____________.
66
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. swimming
B. singing
C. subsistence
D. penury
E. livelihood
F. adversity
Ans: C and E
6. Tina was a party animal. She felt suffocated living a life of _____________ in the meditation camp.
A. prosperity
B. adversity
C. seclusion
D. isolation
E. din
F. affluence
Ans: C and D
7. This virus is quite dangerous because once it enters the human body it can lay ______ for a long time.
Then suddenly it becomes active and then you can observe the symptoms of the disease.
A. active
B. inactive
C. wary
D. overwrought
E. nefarious
F. dormant
Ans: B and F
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Intrepid
A. skeptical
B. shrewd
C. affected
D. fearless
E. pretentious
Ans: D
2. Vapid
A. excited
B. variant
C. insipid
D. accidental
E. unknown
Ans: C
3. Gainsay
A. crown
B. profit
C. contradict
D. call
E. crib
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Fortitude
A. construction
B. fortune
C. courage
D. etiquette
E. mockery
Ans: C
5. Forego
A. renounce
B. accept
C. grab
D. compete
E. forget
Ans: A
6. Repine
A. praise
B. complain
C. dare
D. glare
E. prostrate
Ans: B
69
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Belie
A. establish
B. drone
C. daunt
D. contradict
E. prove
Ans: D
70
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. VICTOR
7. VICTOR
I. Text Completion
1. The annual conference of quantum physics is a unique event in itself as it is the confluence of the (i)
___________ in this field. However, the (ii) _______used in the conference makes it impossible for a
common man to follow the discussions. Someone should simplify these (iii) _______ theories so that
a common man can understand them with ease.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
hypocrites
(D)
light
(G)
recondite
(B)
misanthropes
(E)
jargon
(H)
mannered
(C)
intelligentsia
(F)
gibberish
(I)
intrepid
Ans: intelligentsia, jargon and recondite
2. The plaintiff’s lawyer played the recorded telephonic conversation in the court. The conversation was
full of offensive words. Therefore, at a lot of places a ‘beep’ sound was inserted to replace the (i)
________. As expected, the defendant’s lawyer (ii) ________ the tapes as baseless, manipulated and
having no forensic value. The judge agreed with the argument of the defendant’s lawyer. The
plaintiff’s lawyer was definitely not happy with this and (iii) __________ against the judge’s opinion.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
expletives
(D)
accepted
(G) remonstrated
(B)
punctuations
(E)
revolted
(H) demonstrated
(C)
syllogisms
(F)
dismissed
(I)
orchestrated
Ans: expletives, dismissed and remonstrated
3. The monk radiated great (i) __________ towards all. The villagers found great solace in listening to
his preaching every evening after the day’s (ii) _________. The monk, through his preaching,
encouraged harmony and peacefulness and discouraged animosity and (iii) _________.
71
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
indifference
(D)
drudgery
(G)
remorse
(B)
compassion
(E)
opulence
(H)
wrangling
(C)
hatred
(F)
subsistence
(I)
nonviolence
Ans: compassion, drudgery and wrangling
4. The (i) ________ wife of the murdered merchant preferred to be in solitude and refused to talk to the
investigating detectives for around a month. Her unwillingness to cooperate (ii) __________ a
suspicion in the minds of the detectives. One day they barged into her house to ask questions, but she
simply sat (iii) ___________ beside her late husband’s photo. She neither uttered a single word nor
exhibited any emotion. She did not even blink her eyes.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
dolorous
(D)
browsed
(G)
idle
(B)
severed
(E)
roused
(H)
astute
(C)
uxorious
(F)
doused
(I)
inanimate
Ans: dolorous, roused and inanimate
5. The score was 5-0. The Manchester United (MU) had (i) __________ defeated Liverpool in the
finals. The merry-making of the (ii) __________ MU fans knew no bounds.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
hesitantly
(D)
conclusive
(B)
conclusively
(E)
jubilant
(C)
jubilantly
(F)
indigent
Ans: conclusively and jubilant
72
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. I lost heavily in the stock market crash. To tell you the truth, just one day before the crash happened, I
had a (i) ________ of the crash. But I did not take any action. Anyways, there is no point in (ii)
_________ over it now.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
premonition
(D)
fretting
(B)
perdition
(E)
alluding
(C)
remorse
(F)
doting
Ans: premonition and fretting
7. The company received a letter from a large client complaining about the quality of the product. It was
(i) _________ to the CEO of the company. The CEO took a serious note of the complaint and directed
the production department to respond to it without (ii) _________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
remonstrated
(D)
intervening
(B)
growled
(E)
dawdling
(C)
addressed
(F)
refraining
Ans: addressed and dawdling
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Unable to control the ___________ of the violent beast, the zoo officials tranquilized it and captured
it.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. inkling
B. agony
C. friendliness
D. wrath
E. allusion
F. fury
Ans: D and F
2. The attendant who was accidentally hit by the football fell on the ground and ________ in pain.
A. smiled
B. winced
C. reverberated
D. droned
E. grimaced
F. quenched
Ans: B and E
3. John _________ to stop the clashes between the two warring groups; but unfortunately he was killed
on the spot.
A. intervened
B. intertwined
C. introduced
D. stepped in
E. resumed
F. reversed
Ans: A and D
74
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Once upon a time, the town was a French colony. Even today you can see the _______ of the colonial
past in the form of French schools, many metro stations having French names and French nameplates
on many shops and restaurants.
A. traces
B. allusions
C. effigies
D. suppositions
E. vestiges
F. mirage
Ans: A and E
5. The lady tried a lot to convince her child not to insist on buying the chocolates. But the
____________ kid would not give up on his demands.
A. obstinate
B. belligerent
C. insipid
D. inchoate
E. obdurate
F. elaborate
Ans: A and E
6. You have to be very careful while talking to Linda. A mere _______ to the tragic incident pushes her
into an abyss of grief. It will take some more time for her to forget the tragic mishap.
A. announcement
B. passing reference
C. barrage
D. proclamation
E. premonition
F. allusion
75
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and F
7. Farshid is an outright liar. I can assure you that there is not even a/an________ of truth in what he
says.
A. lot
B. stock
C. iota
D. bit
E. store
F. plenty
Ans: C and D
III. Synonyms
1. Preeminent
A. previous
B. leading
C. trailing
D. substitute
E. pretentious
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Titter
A. struggle
B. grumble
C. giggle
D. precipitate
E. smother
Ans: C
3. Scoff
A. sniff
B. cough
C. fill
D. jeer
E. doff
Ans: D
4. Askance
A. sideways
B. forcefully
C. truthfully
D. directly
E. vapidly
Ans: A
77
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Archive
A. complain
B. suggest
C. record
D. write
E. wrap
Ans: C
6. Devout
A. obdurate
B. jubilant
C. heartfelt
D. humorous
E. inanimate
Ans: C
7. Mannered
A. genuine
B. indifferent
C. affected
D. infantile
E. winsome
Ans: C
78
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. THE MORIBUND
8. THE MORIBUND
I. Text Completion
1. As usual the baker was busy making pastries. When he was (i) _________ the dough, he heard the
shocking news on the radio. Then he started (ii) __________ about the sorry state of affairs in the
country. He was so lost in thoughts that when the pastries were ready, he forgot to (iii) ______ them
with icing and red cherries.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
dawdling
(D)
coining
(G)
tarnish
(B)
kneading
(E)
regaling
(H)
varnish
(C)
slapping
(F)
cogitating
(I)
garnish
Ans: kneading, cogitating and garnish
2. The swarthy sprinter was (i) ________ since the beginning of the race. Gradually he started falling
behind the other competitors by huge distances. At one point, all the other competitors overtook him;
this implies he was lagging behind them by one complete lap. Still he never (ii) _______. He kept on
running persistently in his own sluggish way and he finished last in the race. When he completed the
race, the entire stadium stood up and clapped for him. The (iii) ________ sprinter cheerfully bowed to
them and waved his hand.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
prompt
(D)
resigned
(G)
recondite
(B)
tardy
(E)
acceded
(H)
inanimate
(C)
blazing
(F)
remonstrated
(I)
debonair
Ans: tardy, resigned and debonair
79
WORD POWER-QUIZ
3.
I was reading a book on wild life and I came to know that bats are not blind. I exclaimed
to Wei, “Hey, the phrase ‘blind as a bat’ is indeed not an appropriate one. Do you know who (i)
_______ this phrase?”
He replied chuckling, “Not me! May be Sarah.”
I said, “Shut up! Do you know they live much longer than the mammals of their size? Do
you know the reason behind their (ii) ________?”
He replied, “May be they fake their age!”
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
coined
(D) prosperity
(B)
joined
(E) longevity
(C)
coiled
(F) suavity
Ans: coined and longevity
4. It was a very old house in ruins. When I visited the house, I tried to turn the door knob to open it. But
the (i) ______ door gave way under the slight force of my push and collapsed. When I entered the
house, I saw the floor (ii) _______ with sunrays entering through the porous roof. I saw a (iii) ______
man standing in a dark corner of the room. His dark complexion had made it almost impossible for
me to notice his presence in the first place.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
sturdy
(D)
sprinkled
(G)
swarthy
(B)
rickety
(E)
stippled
(H)
fair
(C)
salubrious
(F)
opalescent
(I)
white
Ans: rickety, stippled and swarthy
5. I joined the boisterous (i) ________ of the villagers. We sang, we danced and we drank lots of wine.
After that we (ii) _______ the best Continental food. It was their way of celebrating and of thanking
the (iii) _______ for a fantastic crop season.
80
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
agitation
(D)
savored
(G)
Providence
(B)
torrent
(E)
riled
(H)
Perdition
(C)
regalement
(F)
roused
(I)
Trepidation
Ans: regalement, savored and Providence
6. Things can change very fast in life. What misery the (i) ________ fate can bring to a person! Look at
Monica, she was all (ii) _________ and chirpy just six months back. And now after that one
unfortunate moment, she is all pale and (iii) _________ looking.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
capricious
(D)
miserable
(G)
morbid
(B)
solicitous
(E)
quiescent
(H)
healthy
(C)
unvarying
(F)
salubrious
(I)
jubilant
Ans: capricious, salubrious and morbid
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The farmers in the drought-hit area were ___________ when they saw dark clouds in the sky. But
their excitement was over as soon as the clouds were whiffed away by the gust of wind.
A. enraptured
B. delighted
C. pervaded
D. dismissed
E. addressed
F. brindled
Ans: A and B
81
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. In order to ________ the agitated people of his voting district, the mayor granted huge funds for the
revival of the rail terminus. This move by the mayor caused huge burden on the treasury.
A. annoy
B. forego
C. kindle
D. upset
E. mollify
F. appease
Ans: E and F
3. Just for the sake of having some fun, the king sentenced a soldier to 100 lashes. The king burst into
a/an ____________ after he saw the terrified expression on the soldier's face.
A. guffaw
B. hearty laughter
C. felicity
D. empathy
E. epithet
F. compassion
Ans: A and B
4. Jane said, “I know meditation is very simple. Just inhale and __________ many times. That’s it!”
A. breathe in
B. exhale
C. release
D. exclaim
E. let go
F. breathe out
Ans: B and F
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. The ring that we observe around the Saturn consists of icy rocks that are nothing but the __________
of a smashed icy moon.
A. epithets
B. pendants
C. effigies
D. lecterns
E. leftovers
F. remnants
Ans: E and F
6. What you see as a bustling and a flourishing town today was once rubble of dust due to the incessant
bombings by the enemy in 1956. The story of the ______ of this town is quite inspiring!
A. serenity
B. resurrection
C. quiescence
D. rebirth
E. drudgery
F. wrangling
Ans: B and D
7. Omar is _______ in the glory of his success today. He has worked very hard over the last 15 years to
deserve this prosperity and fame.
A. basking
B. riling
C. pervading
D. permeating
E. barking
F. reveling
83
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and F
III. Synonyms
1. Tenacity
A. persistence
B. appreciation
C. tendency
D. triumph
E. adulation
Ans: A
2. Effusion
A. effervescence
B. evolution
C. effectiveness
D. extortion
E. outpouring
Ans: E
3. Lugubrious
A. sober
B. gloomy
C. similar
D. healthy
E. cheerful
Ans: B
84
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Nip
A. pinch
B. drip
C. stipple
D. growl
E. resign
Ans: A
5. Moribund
A. unknown
B. dying
C. grinning
D. enthusiastic
E. exhilarated
Ans: B
6. Rile
A.fly
B. allow
C. knead
D. please
E. annoy
Ans: E
85
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Chaff
A. wheat
B. wood
C. wrath
D. husk
E. rice
Ans: D
86
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. THE DIAMOND NECKLACE
9. THE DIAMOND NECKLACE
I. Text Completion
1. Jane wondered why Ben had brought her for dinner to that (i) ______ restaurant. It seemed to be full
of goons who drank, smoked, played cards and made noise. She felt (ii) ______ in the cigarette
smoke. Her patience reached its limits when a (iii) ________ woman started flirting with Ben.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
wonderful
(D)
enamored
(G)
dutiful
(B)
salubrious
(E)
suffocated
(H)
decent
(C)
sleazy
(F)
serene
(I)
coquettish
Ans: sleazy, suffocated and coquettish
2. The soldier broke the (i) _________ by raising the issue of famine directly with the King. Actually,
he should have first communicated his grouse to the lieutenant who would have communicated the
same to the minister. If the minister had found it appropriate, he would have discussed it in the Royal
Council meeting. If the Royal Council had found it appropriate, it would have duly discussed the
matter with the King. But the soldier did not trust these middlemen. He thought somebody had to
urgently communicate the (ii) ________ of the poor people to the King.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
empathy
(D)
finery
(B)
caprice
(E)
plight
(C)
protocol
(F)
laxity
Ans: protocol and plight
3. The sudden heavy rain in the midst of the (i) __________ heat was indeed an example of the (ii)
________ of the unpredictable nature. The rains provided respite to the common man from the
oppressive heat; but for the crops of the unfortunate farmers it proved (iii) _________.
87
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
stippling
(D)
finery
(G)
detrimental
(B)
sweltering
(E)
caprice
(H)
lugubrious
(C)
invigorating
(F)
privation
(I)
remonstrative
Ans: sweltering, caprice and detrimental
4. The court has passed quite (i) _________ remarks on the (ii) ________ of the city administration in
maintaining cleanliness in public places. I am not sure if it will make any difference to the careless
attitude of the corrupt city administrators. The condition of the public places in the city will continue
to remain pathetic.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
derisive
(D)
vigilance
(B)
praiseworthy
(E)
laxity
(C)
ligneous
(F)
discipline
Ans: derisive and laxity
5. The IPO of the company received a very poor response from the market. The (i) _______ response
was due to the pessimistic rumors that a global recession was (ii) _________ round the corner. The
investors, apprehensive of a global slowdown, wanted to wait and watch how the things would unfold
in near future.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
overwhelming
(D)
looming
(B)
subdued
(E)
cogitating
(C)
decrepit
(F)
riling
88
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: subdued and looming
6. David has lost all his wealth because of the capricious fate. Even if he is in a/an (i) __________ state
now, we are still very (ii) ___________ friends. One’s ‘financial status’ cannot create a chasm in our
friendship.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
impoverished
(D)
distant
(B)
affluent
(E)
intimate
(C)
quiescent
(F)
propitious
Ans: impoverished and intimate
7. Corruption is a big (i) _______ for our country. If there was no corruption in our country, we would
have been at least a century ahead in terms of development.
Blank (i)
(A)
bane
(B)
fiasco
(C)
boon
Ans: bane
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The recent match-fixing allegations have ________ the image of the national team and of the game as
a whole.
89
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. glorified
B. castigated
C. rebuked
D. tarnished
E. hyped
F. sullied
Ans: D and F
2. The _______ parents of the boy who had topped the University examination hugged him. It was
indeed a moment of celebrations for them.
A. overjoyed
B. depressed
C. disappointed
D. elated
E. morose
F. desolate
Ans: A and D
3. Yanlai’s comments had hurt the pride of Yoan. Therefore, Yoan asked Yanlai to apologize to him
publicly for his ___________ remarks.
A. impertinent
B. appropriate
C. sallow
D. fitting
E. salubrious
F. impolite
Ans: A and F
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Last year thousands of people lost their lives due to the tsunami. I just hope the ______ does not
strike the town again.
A. compassion
B. protocol
C. effusion
D. calamity
E. laxity
F. catastrophe
Ans: D and F
5. Because of the poor planning and coordination by the organizing committee, the mega event turned
out to be a ___________. It was quite an embarrassing moment for the organizers.
A. regalement
B. success
C. remnant
D. disaster
E. sensation
F. fiasco
Ans: D and F
6. After the disappointing defeat, the faces of the team members were covered with ___________. Then
the coach gave an inspirational talk to cheer them up.
A. cheerfulness
B. moroseness
C. empathy
D. sullenness
E. eloquence
F. exuberance
Ans: B and D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. We visited the historical fort with a lot of enthusiasm; but we were disappointed to see the
________condition of the fort. Almost everything was in shambles. The state government had
definitely ignored the maintenance of the place.
A. facile
B. hearty
C. colorful
D. placid
E. dilapidated
F. decrepit
Ans: E and F
8. His __________ complexion suggested he was quite sick.
A. glowing
B. sallow
C. devout
D. recondite
E. pallid
F. salubrious
Ans: B and E
III. Synonyms
1. Ramification
A. amalgamation
B. agitation
C. representation
D. implication
E. affliction
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D
2. Amalgamate
A. stagnate
B. frustrate
C. chortle
D. mix
E. impoverish
Ans: D
3. Larceny
A. finery
B. privation
C. degradation
D. gruel
E. theft
Ans: E
4. Abject
A. trivial
B. miserable
C. scornful
D. detrimental
E. derisive
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Ravage
A. plunder
B. scream
C. rile
D. waste
E. ruin
Ans: A
6. Terse
A. curt
B. tense
C. frightful
D. finicky
E. vapid
Ans: A
7. Mimicry
A. hypothesis
B. jargon
C. drudgery
D. imitation
E. genus
Ans: D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Odious
A. inflexible
B. attractive
C. hateful
D. subordinate
E. rigid
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. DOCTOR HEIDEGGER’S EXPERIMENT
10. DOCTOR HEIDEGGER’S EXPERIMENT
I. Text Completion
1. The (i) ______________ sense in the design of the bungalow reflected the good taste as well as
extravagance of the landlord. The (ii) __________ furniture and an array of pricey antiques made the
place unique.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
aesthetic
(D)
phlegmatic
(B)
naïve
(E)
plain
(C)
subdued
(F)
ornate
Ans: aesthetic and ornate
2. Because of our corrupt politicians, the state’s future seems (i) _________ today. In pursuit of their (ii)
_______ agenda of making as much money as possible when in power, these corrupt politicians have
conveniently chosen to ignore the state’s welfare.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
bright
(D)
noble
(B)
bleak
(E)
eccentric
(C)
infamous
(F)
brazen
Ans: bleak and brazen
3. This is the (i) _______ of a cheerful girl at the prime of her youth. This (ii) ______ girl was a student
at Princeton. One day she fell in love with her classmate. But the problem was that the boy’s family
belonged to the local (iii) _______ and the girl was the daughter of a poor potter. This class difference
had rendered their marriage impossible.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
delirium
(D)
frolicsome
(G)
caste
(B)
anecdote
(E)
solemn
(H)
protocol
(C)
effervescence
(F)
derisive
(I)
gentry
Ans: anecdote, frolicsome and gentry
4. I read that (i) ________ book of 4000 pages. It was full of complex and cryptic text. At the end of my
reading exercise, I realized that I had not (ii) _________ anything from the book. Therefore, I started
reading the book once again.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
thin
(D)
assimilated
(B)
ponderous
(E)
forgotten
(C)
skinny
(F)
diffused
Ans: ponderous and assimilated
5. Whatever ‘latest’ styles of clothing you see in (i) ______ today are not entirely new. Most of them are
(ii) ________ to the styles of old times like the 1930s.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
delusion
(D)
reversions
(B)
vogue
(E)
determinations
(C)
rogue
(F)
stupefactions
Ans: vogue and reversions
6. I was mesmerized by her (i) __________ beauty. I failed to understand whether she was a reality or
a/an (ii) _______.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
ugly
(D)
verity
(B)
grotesque
(E)
illusion
(C)
bewitching
(F)
brevity
Ans: bewitching and illusion
7. His problem solving skills were excellent. While (i) _______ with an unforeseen problem, he never
wasted time dealing with superficial issues. He directly attacked the (ii) ______ of the problem and
always found an optimum solution.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
looming
(D)
covering
(B)
grappling
(E)
ingenuity
(C)
goading
(F)
kernel
Ans: grappling and kernel
8. I was quite confident of my initial diagnosis. The medical tests further (i) _________ it. He was
suffering from a mental disorder. The disorder is marked by weird (ii) ________. In his case, he kept
on suspecting that the Dutch Queen wanted to get him killed.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
contradicted
(D)
ravages
(B)
affirmed
(E)
deletions
(C)
exulted
(F)
delusions
Ans: affirmed and delusions
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. I committed a big mistake that made my mother extremely upset with me. She (i) ________ me
severely for my mistake. But I knew that her anger was (ii) ______. After some time she would be
nice to me. After all she loved me so much.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
chided
(D)
permanent
(B)
coddled
(E)
enduring
(C)
puzzled
(F)
transient
Ans: chided and transient
10. I was madly in love with her and she had a vague idea about it. I wanted to express my love to her in
words. When her eyes met with my mischievous eyes full of intent, her face (i) _______ with pink.
She said to me, “Charlie, stop (ii) ______ with me.”
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
refused
(D)
effacing
(B)
suffused
(E)
bemoaning
(C)
diffused
(F)
flirting
Ans: suffused and flirting
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. _________ on the support of his family, Peter could take the risk of leaving his lucrative job and
taking up a low paying job which involved a greater scope for innovation.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. Betraying
B. Inclining
C. Reckoning
D. Accumulating
E. Counting
F. Bestowing
Ans: C and E
2. The _________ old man had no strength to confront the goons; therefore he gave all his valuables to
them so that they would not harm him.
A. frail
B. complaisant
C. infirm
D. eccentric
E. ponderous
F. brazen
Ans: A and C
3. He looks so innocent. His _______does not give any idea about his crookedness.
A. foliage
B. tendency
C. chicanery
D. face
E. visage
F. propensity
Ans: D and E
4. Those five years of her life were indeed turbulent and tragic. She wanted to avoid _________
recollections of that period.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. cheerful
B. flitting
C. woeful
D. mournful
E. bland
F. jovial
Ans: C and D
5. In his inebriated state, he abused his parents and his grandfather. The next day he apologized to them
for his __________.
A. decorousness
B. effervescence
C. indecency
D. decency
E. impropriety
F. rejuvenation
Ans: C and E
6. The goalkeeper _______ in cleanly collecting the ball. That slight mistake was sufficient for the
forward player of the opposition team to score a goal.
A. humbled
B. fumbled
C. lavished
D. wasted
E. bungled
F. simpered
Ans: B and E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. The medical student was quite nervous to conduct his first autopsy. He started with ______ hands, but
after some time he gained his confidence.
A. steady
B. balanced
C. terse
D. tremulous
E. shaky
F. sallow
Ans: D and E
8. The kids continued with their raucous behavior the whole afternoon and disturbed the entire
neighborhood until a/an ___________voice called, “Stop it!”
A. doting
B. placid
C. wallowing
D. remorseful
E. irritable
F. petulant
Ans: E and F
9. When Mr. Broadbridge was asked for his opinion on the derogatory remarks by the old senator, he
replied, “Oh, he is an old fellow in his _________. At that age sometimes you fail to articulate what
you really want to say. Therefore I choose to ignore his remarks.”
A. youth
B. senility
C. fiasco
D. dotage
E. epithet
F. appellation
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
10. You need to always live in the ‘present’. If you keep on __________ your past failures or worrying
about the future developments, you go nowhere in life.
A. celebrating
B. lamenting
C. bemoaning
D. lavishing
E. wasting
F. rejuvenating
Ans: B and C
III. Synonyms
1. Betray
A. portray
B. expose
C. derail
D. contemplate
E. deceive
Ans: E
2. Accost
A. adjust
B. approach
C. accrue
D. incline
E. withhold
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B
3. Quaff
A. engulf
B. grapple
C. swindle
D. imbibe
E. surround
Ans: D
4. Mirth
A. plight
B. approximation
C. illusion
D. myth
E. merriment
Ans: E
5. Ephemeral
A. euphoric
B. transient
C. numerical
D. empirical
E. frivolous
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Repulse
A. repel
B. cogitate
C. postpone
D. ravage
E. sully
Ans: A
7. Chicanery
A. mimicry
B. infirmity
C. trickery
D. victory
E. mockery
Ans: C
8. Mendicant
A. pastor
B. beggar
C. chef
D. merchant
E. thief
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Forbear
A. igonre
B. force
C. castigate
D. loom
E. refrain
Ans: E
10. Aromatic
A. colorful
B. fragrant
C. romantic
D. enigmatic
E. gigantic
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. A QUEER NIGHT IN PARIS
11. A QUEER NIGHT IN PARIS
I. Text Completion
1. Collecting customer feedback is extremely important for an organization’s growth. From the feedback
data, an organization can (i) _______ important insights about customer perception towards its
products or services. It is especially important for an organization to seriously look at the feedback of
the (ii) __________ customers and understand the reasons behind their dissatisfaction.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
diffuse
(D)
disgruntled
(B)
glean
(E)
pompous
(C)
intrude
(F)
pleased
Ans: glean and disgruntled
2. People loved the actor for his onscreen (i) _______. They especially loved the stylish manner in
which he wore his cowboy hat and handled his pistol. They also loved him for his acting skills. When
he enacted an emotional scene on the screen, you could often see a (ii) ________ of tears flowing
from the eyes of the audience.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
panache
(D)
drought
(B)
foliage
(E)
deluge
(C)
anecdote
(F)
dotage
Ans: panache and deluge
3. The mischievous students noticed a (i) _______ on the face of the Principal. It was expected that he
would display his displeasure at their mischief. But they were (ii) ________ to the fact that the angry
Principal was planning to expel them from the school.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
smile
(D)
oblivious
(B)
grimace
(E)
dispassionate
(C)
vortex
(F)
obvious
Ans: grimace and oblivious
4. It was a Halloween party in which only a few select luminaries from the film industry were invited.
But somehow John managed to (i) _________ into the party by wearing a mask of a Dracula.
Blank (i)
(A)
intrude
(B)
mortify
(C)
restrain
Ans: intrude
5. It was a/an (i) _________ storm. Everyone on the boat thought that they would not survive the storm.
But it was indeed a miracle that they survived. A large and stable ship appeared out of nowhere as if
through some (ii) __________ intervention and saved their lives.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
ominous
(D)
divine
(B)
gaudy
(E)
antique
(C)
pleasant
(F)
tremulous
Ans: ominous and divine
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Bettina could not hold her feelings at that point in time and she (i) ________ to her boss whatever
came to her mind. The boss seemed surprised. A (ii) __________ had never before talked to him like
that.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
blurted out
(D)
bard
(B)
culminated
(E)
virtuoso
(C)
restrained
(F)
subordinate
Ans: blurted out and subordinate
7. The Prime Minister hid his corrupt schemes under the guise of (i) _________ projects for nationbuilding. The state controlled (ii) ________ media left no stone unturned to communicate the
magnanimity of his ambitious projects to the people.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
trivial
(D)
servile
(B)
grandiose
(E)
tempestuous
(C)
ephemeral
(F)
tremulous
Ans: grandiose and servile
8. He was a saintly figure. He was indifferent to both accusations and (i) ________. He never felt proud
because of the (ii) ________ paid by people.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
accolades
(D)
agglomeration
(B)
jollity
(E)
obeisance
(C)
vortex
(F)
victuals
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: accolades and obeisance
9. The dance program was (i) __________ and exhilarating. The (ii) ________ had correctly captured
the upbeat soul of the music and manifested it through the dance steps.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
vivacious
(D)
teacher
(B)
boring
(E)
mendicant
(C)
tremulous
(F)
choreographer
Ans: vivacious and choreographer
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Maria was __________ by nature. Therefore she faced no difficulty in making friends at the new
workplace.
A. conniving
B. conservative
C. convivial
D. pompous
E. friendly
F. divine
Ans: C and E
2. The dense fumes coming out of a container in the chemistry lab __________ the attendant and he
started vomiting.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. delighted
B. annoyed
C. nauseated
D. encouraged
E. sickened
F. amused
Ans: C and E
3. The rowdy inebriated passenger was ________ by the cabin crew while the plane was in the air.
When the plane landed he was handed over to police.
A. mortified
B. handcuffed
C. abased
D. restrained
E. culminated
F. degraded
Ans: B and D
4. Her years of hard work and persistent training _________ in a glorious moment when she won the
Olympic gold medal.
A. forbore
B. culminated
C. affirmed
D. reckoned
E. concluded
F. confirmed
Ans: B and E
111
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. The parents felt ___________ when the Principal of their son’s school told them about the
mischievous behavior of their son and specifically pointed out flaws in his upbringing.
A. surprised
B. mortified
C. humiliated
D. pleased
E. annoyed
F. thrilled
Ans: B and C
6. I was extremely disappointed to see the animals kept in ________ conditions in the zoo. The entire
zoo was stinking and it seemed as if the cages of the animals were not cleaned for months.
A. hygienic
B. filthy
C. petulant
D. squalid
E. buxom
F. sterile
Ans: B and D
7. A survey of the students’ eatery reflected that more than 80% of the students disliked its _______.
A. victuals
B. food
C. renditions
D. prestige
E. foliage
F. mirth
Ans: A and B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. It seems that humans are not the only ones suffering from obesity in the USA. A recent survey of pet
animals in the USA revealed that 60% of all pet cats and 70% of all pet dogs in the USA are
________.
A. sleazy
B. fat
C. subdued
D. intimate
E. corpulent
F. friendly
Ans: B and E
9. The politician was specifically unhappy with the opposition party’s inclination towards liberalizing
the economy. Therefore he vehemently ___________ against the opposition party’s stance in his
speech.
A. complained
B. supported
C. accosted
D. railed
E. simpered
F. sustained
Ans: A and D
III. Synonyms
1. Ignite
A. agitate
B. strike
C. light
D. storm
E. enlighten
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C
2. Malaise
A. gratitude
B. altitude
C. latitude
D. lassitude
E. delirium
Ans: D
3. Cadaver
A. crime
B. corpse
C. penury
D. nausea
E. vortex
Ans: B
4. Revel
A. protest
B. recruit
C. disgruntle
D. relish
E. renew
Ans: D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Daub
A. suppress
B. dominate
C. smear
D. spot
E. free
Ans: C
6. Tumult
A. revolt
B. turmoil
C. taper
D. accolade
E. panache
Ans: B
7. Allure
A. imitate
B. pretend
C. pick
D. attract
E. prolong
Ans: D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Abase
A. belittle
B. glorify
C. ignore
D. settle
E. determine
Ans: A
9. Chary
A. tedious
B. cautious
C. black
D. careless
E. hungry
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. THE WATKINSON EVENING
12. THE WATKINSON EVENING
I. Text Completion
1. The Brigadier had a (i) ________________ personality. He was well-built, tall and handsome. The
medals on his uniform stood testimony to his (ii) ____________ and added to his charm.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
loathsome
(D)
impoliteness
(B)
prepossessing
(E)
prodigy
(C)
meddling
(F)
chivalry
Ans: prepossessing and chivalry
2. Hundreds of people were celebrating the (i) ______ in the ground when the accident occurred. A
small fire broke out in one corner and that (ii) _________ a stampede in the crowd. Around fifty
people lost their lives in the stampede. When I reached the accident site late in the evening, it was
dark and (iii) __________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
ovation
(D)
provoked
(G)
tacit
(B)
fête
(E)
cajoled
(H)
lustrous
(C)
demeanor
(F)
confounded
(I)
murky
Ans: fête, provoked and murky
3. People were extremely unhappy at the King’s order to acquire farmlands to build a dam. They (i)
_______ the King to (ii) _______ the order. But the King did not change his decision.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
discussed
(D)
revoke
(B)
entreated
(E)
devise
(C)
assented
(F)
discount
Ans: entreated and revoke
4. He thought that he had (i) _________ a brilliant scheme to dupe the investors. But one smart investor
smelt something foul and lodged a complaint with the regulatory authorities. This complaint finally
(ii) _________ all his malicious plans and he was sent to jail.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
gleaned
(D)
confounded
(B)
allured
(E)
grappled
(C)
devised
(F)
bemoaned
Ans: devised and confounded
5. Yesterday George won the prestigious chess championship by defeating several grandmasters. The
fact that he is just 12 years old is quite praiseworthy. The media has showered (i) __________ on the
achievements of this (ii) _______.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
encomiums
(D)
progeny
(B)
nuptials
(E)
faculty
(C)
exhortations
(F)
prodigy
Ans: encomiums and prodigy
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The chief minister claims that he did not give his (i) ________ to the land appropriation scam. But
you cannot (ii) ________the fact that a scam of such a large magnitude would not have been possible
without the chief minister’s cognizance.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
demeanor
(D)
discount
(B)
assent
(E)
supplicate
(C)
disquietude
(F)
epitomize
Ans: assent and discount
7. You call me a (i) ___________ but can you honestly say that you are morally less unprincipled? I
think you are also equally (ii) ___________ of proper judgment.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
buffoon
(D)
full
(B)
reprobate
(E)
devoid
(C)
hireling
(F)
voluble
Ans: reprobate and devoid
8. “Jenifer, I think you have lost your visual (i) _____________. Can’t you see that large and (ii)
__________ star? It is right there just above the moon, shining brightly.”
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
clamor
(D)
lustrous
(B)
faculty
(E)
vaunted
(C)
timbre
(F)
conscientious
Ans: faculty and lustrous
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. It was a disappointing game to watch for the French football fans. The (i) ________ defense of the
French team could not (ii) _________the assault by the Spanish forwards and it conceded five goals.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
heinous
(D)
cajole
(B)
vaunted
(E)
reiterate
(C)
disgruntled
(F)
withstand
Ans: vaunted and withstand
10. The king entertained the guests for ten days and nights with an unceasing round of (i) ________. The
festivities concluded with a grand, sumptuous and bountiful (ii) __________ in the royal dining room
on the eleventh day.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
mystery
(D)
reversion
(B)
jollity
(E)
ingenuity
(C)
repartee
(F)
repast
Ans: jollity and repast
11. The resolution (i) __________ the need for the citizens to reduce wastage of water. It also (ii)
________ the citizens to start harvesting rainwater to avoid future problems.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
reiterates
(D)
exhorts
(B)
remembers
(E)
allures
(C)
whines
(F)
restrains
Ans: reiterates and exhorts
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. She exclaimed, “You must understand that earning USD 80 per week and spending USD 100 per
week is not a (i) ___________ behavior.”
Blank 1
(A)
rational
(B)
rotational
(C)
regional
Ans: rational
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. After the new law to protect consumer rights came into action, the customer __________ were
addressed more efficiently.
A. percussions
B. complaints
C. grievances
D. panegyrics
E. eulogies
F. collations
Ans: B and C
2. After their dinner was over at the restaurant, Jack told Jill that he had forgotten his wallet. Jill
exclaimed, “Oh Jack, stop making such __________ excuses.”
A. bright
B. commonplace
C. rigorous
D. restive
E. meticulous
F. trite
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and F
3. He showed me one more of his pessimistic paintings. I wondered why that painter was always
drawing such ________ paintings.
A. great
B. rosy
C. glowing
D. saturnine
E. gloomy
F. small
Ans: D and E
4. When the President’s corruption scandal came to light, there was a/an ________ by opposition parties
for his resignation.
A. clamor
B. outcry
C. applause
D. percussion
E. quietude
F. ovation
Ans: A and B
5. In __________ of the court order to vacate the dilapidated building immediately, the tenants
continued to stay in the same building risking their own lives.
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A. compliance
B. tirade
C. defiance
D. novelty
E. disobedience
F. agreement
Ans: C and E
6. I remember the last time when I travelled with Julie. For the entire eight hours of the journey, the
__________ girl tirelessly kept on talking on every possible topic in the world.
A. shy
B. voluble
C. benevolent
D. transparent
E. verbose
F. flamboyant
Ans: B and E
7. People want ______ and straight talk. They are tired of voluble politicians making long speeches
without ever touching the heart of the subject.
A. delicate
B. candid
C. frank
D. beneficent
E. benign
F. frail
Ans: B and C
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8. Because of the tarnished image of the scandalous politicians, the youth have started regarding politics
with _____________. This is the reason they have refrained from voting in the recent elections.
A. compliance
B. prestige
C. disdain
D. contempt
E. obeisance
F. tumult
Ans: C and D
9. She changed the interiors of her house every 5-6 months to make it consistent with the latest fashion.
Her guests could not resist complementing her for her ______ taste.
A. modish
B. classy
C. outdated
D. reputed
E. unprepossessing
F. outmoded
Ans: A and B
10. The uncertainty about the interest rate policy of the central bank has increased the __________ of the
home buyers.
A. impropriety
B. vortex
C. disquietude
D. anxiety
E. delusion
F. protocol
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Ans: C and D
11. He was loved by all because of his cheerful, relaxed and frank ___________.
A. demeanor
B. finery
C. ingenuity
D. manner
E. moroseness
F. laxity
Ans: A and D
12. The King had no ________ to whom he could hand over the reins of the kingdom. Therefore he
decided to hand over the crown to the head of the military.
A. progeny
B. friend
C. foe
D. longevity
E. descendant
F. enemy
Ans: A and E
13. The _______lady never disappointed any charitable organization that approached her for donations.
A. stingy
B. ostentatious
C. beautiful
D. pert
E. generous
F. benevolent
Ans: E and F
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14. The actor was known for his _______ lifestyle. The toys he owned included seven luxury cars, two
luxury yachts, one private jet and three villas in the Europe.
A. charismatic
B. flamboyant
C. ostentatious
D. benevolent
E. dull
F. charitable
Ans: B and C
III. Synonyms
1. Abomination
A. resistance
B. judgment
C. regard
D. hatred
E. assumption
Ans: D
2. Collation
A. completion
B. alignment
C. remuneration
D. renovation
E. snack
Ans: E
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3. Termination
A. conclusion
B. inclusion
C. temptation
D. configuration
E. remuneration
Ans: A
4. Poise
A. perpetuity
B. complexity
C. composure
D. compliance
E. convergence
Ans: C
5. Nether
A. callow
B. lower
C. naïve
D. tedious
E. benign
Ans: B
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6. Profligate
A. modish
B. romantic
C. rapt
D. spendthrift
E. splendid
Ans: D
7. Rococo
A. tedious
B. defiant
C. ornate
D. heinous
E. candid
Ans: C
8. Rapt
A. convivial
B. ominous
C. benign
D. benevolent
E. ecstatic
Ans: E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Embellish
A. beautify
B. rectify
C. classify
D. ramify
E. meddle
Ans: A
10. Rectify
A. rejuvenate
B. enervate
C. provoke
D. devise
E. correct
Ans: E
11. Urbane
A. bucolic
B. polished
C. impolite
D. religious
E. morbid
Ans: B
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12. Perpetual
A. unusual
B. temporary
C. uninterrupted
D. unlike
E. unique
Ans: C
13. Pert
A. appropriate
B. weak
C. intrepid
D. dormant
E. impertinent
Ans: E
14. Tedious
A. wearisome
B. simple
C. thunderous
D. voluble
E. torrid
Ans: A
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13. THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
13. THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
I. Text Completion
1. Rudy is from a super rich family. At the sign of the slightest (i) _______ or cough, Rudy’s father
takes him to a plush hospital that charges a/an (ii) ____________ fees.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
parsimony
(D)
mediocre
(B)
sniffle
(E)
beatific
(C)
baffle
(F)
exorbitant
Ans: sniffle and exorbitant
2. Bill had built the company through years of (i) ___________ efforts. After years of hard work, he
expected a little stability in his life. However that was not bound to happen. Suddenly the market
crashed and his company incurred huge losses. The finances of the company were in a state of (ii)
_______.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
undemanding
(D)
order
(B)
languid
(E)
disarray
(C)
laborious
(F)
compliance
Ans: laborious and disarray
3. The principal handed over a severe punishment to the two (i) _______ students. The two students
vehemently denied their involvement in the mischief. But so many people had seen them doing the
mischief that their involvement was as good as a (ii) _______ fact.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
unruly
(D)
uncertain
(B)
obedient
(E)
patent
(C)
inquisitive
(F)
potential
Ans: unruly and patent
4. So (i) ________! The heads of the religious parties (ii) _____________ the riots that claimed 34 lives.
We thought all the religions preached non-violence and tolerance. Then why is it so?
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
nice
(D)
instigated
(B)
pathetic
(E)
squandered
(C)
beatific
(F)
consoled
Ans: pathetic and instigated
5. The procession was inching ahead with great vigor. The beautiful dancers in beautiful dresses and
with their heads (i) _______ with nice ornaments were dancing in a rhythm. The people were
watching the procession with great interest and they were clapping and cheering. But the exhausted
police who were maintaining law and order were watching the procession with (ii) ____________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
disheveled
(D)
disinterest
(B)
adorned
(E)
enthusiasm
(C)
confounded
(F)
choreography
Ans: adorned and disinterest
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Before starting with chemotherapy, the doctor explained to the patient and his relatives about the
_________ side effects of the therapy.
A. potential
B. inquisitive
C. mediocre
D. possible
E. benign
F. vaunted
Ans: A and D
2. We were astonished to see the _____________ of the gymnast. I just cannot explain in words how
swift he was in his movements!
A. indolence
B. nimbleness
C. lethargy
D. appearance
E. disquietude
F. agility
Ans: B and F
3. The hordes from across the border harassed the villagers with repeated attacks. The villagers
approached the King to request him to take measures to stop these ___________.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. nuptials
B. processions
C. pillages
D. plunders
E. renditions
F. eccentricities
Ans: C and D
4. I was pleasantly surprised when the __________ trader offered me an interest free loan for my
education expenses. He was not at all known for his generosity.
A. generous
B. stingy
C. parsimonious
D. sedulous
E. prepossessing
F. brusque
Ans: B and C
5. I did not understand why the critics appreciated that painting so much and called it a masterpiece. As
far as my own judgment is concerned, I thought it was a pretty ________ painting.
A. mediocre
B. ordinary
C. magnificent
D. weird
E. inquisitive
F. coveted
Ans: A and B
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6. Constructing the entire games village as per international standards within just one year was a/an
___________ task; but with proper planning and discipline the organizing committee completed it
successfully well within the deadline.
A. simple
B. subdued
C. sallow
D. mammoth
E. enormous
F. sonorous
Ans: D and E
III. Synonyms
1. Cavalier
A. communist
B. inferior
C. careful
D. arrogant
E. independent
Ans: D
2. Pluck
A. drip
B. prick
C. grip
D. fume
E. pull
Ans: E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Nondescript
A. unexplainable
B. unintended
C. ordinary
D. temporary
E. disqualified
Ans: C
4. Travail
A. trail
B. travel
C. tremor
D. exertion
E. execution
Ans: D
5. Chronicle
A. hypothesis
B. narrative
C. compassion
D. supposition
E. verity
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Inquisitive
A. curious
B. rococo
C. rapt
D. trite
E. benevolent
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. FIRST LOVE
14. FIRST LOVE
I. Text Completion
1. When John was getting the excavation work done for the foundation of his house, one of the
construction workers hit upon a few pieces of art and craft. He called a few archaeologists and
showed them the pieces. Further exploration and analysis established that they had (i) _________ the
ruins of an ancient city. The ruins provided (ii) ________ information to the archaeologists about the
ancient civilization. The ruins helped them a lot in learning several new aspects about the ‘dark
period’ of the civilization about which no details were available before.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
dallied
(D)
meager
(B)
unearthed
(E)
voluminous
(C)
dilated
(F)
tepid
Ans: unearthed and voluminous
2. The police (i) ________________ the entire house of the millionaire as they had information that the
self-indulgent man was in possession of narcotic substances. The (ii) _______ man did not cooperate
at all with the police in their search. Instead he sat on a sofa in his living room hurling abuses towards
the policemen. (iii) ________ to his uncooperative and abusive behavior, the policemen continued
quietly with their duty.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
rummaged
(D)
peevish
(G)
Injurious
(B)
cleaned
(E)
sedulous
(H)
Injudicious
(C)
meandered
(F)
affable
(I)
Indifferent
Ans: rummaged, peevish and Indifferent
3. Monica was a (i) __________ lady with deep reverence towards the God. But her son Richard did not
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
believe in the existence of the God. Monica often (ii) _______ Richard for the irreverence exhibited
by him towards the God.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
pious
(D)
subsided
(B)
genuine
(E)
dallied
(C)
audacious
(F)
reprimanded
Ans: pious and reprimanded
4. The enquiry committee found ample evidence to prove that the governor had (i) __________ all the
rules in allocating the government land to the fraudulent company. The fact that the land was
originally proposed to be used for building homes for senior freedom fighters, was even more (ii)
________. Such brazen display of corrupt practices is making the common man even more
demoralized and he has lost trust in the political system in this country.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
respected
(D)
dallying
(B)
violated
(E)
articulating
(C)
bereaved
(F)
galling
Ans: violated and galling
5. After Yanlai’s repeated requests for a meeting with Mr. Garrette were (i) ____________ by Mr.
Garrette’s secretary, Yanlai was extremely angry. One day he directly barged into Mr. Garrette’s
cabin. Mr. Garrette was at first surprised to see Yanlai (ii) ________ with anger. However, he calmly
asked Yanlai to take a seat and discussed the matter at length with him.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
rebuffed
(D)
phlegmatic
(B)
reprimanded
(E)
livid
(C)
subsided
(F)
sedulous
Ans: rebuffed and livid
6. Jack was a/an (i) __________ student. He was very good at studies, sports and playing piano. He was
a good speaker also. He could (ii) __________ complex thoughts and concepts with conciseness and
clarity.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
average
(D)
articulate
(B)
languishing
(E)
dilate
(C)
precocious
(F)
braid
Ans: precocious and articulate
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The hostage drama at the bank lasted for around 10 hours. When all the negotiation tactics failed, the
commandos introduced N2O gas through the AC duct. Within minutes of introducing the gas into the
room, the captors fell _______ on the ground and the commandos captured them without wasting any
time.
A. affable
B. unconscious
C. mediocre
D. nondescript
E. insensible
F. cavalier
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and E
2. The monument is indeed an archaeological marvel. Its ______architecture stands testimony to the
affluence of the time when it was built.
A. awful
B. appalling
C. appealing
D. splendid
E. resplendent
F. haughty
Ans: D and E
3. The current legal framework is just not adequate to curb the growing cyber crimes. The government
needs to take measures for the overhaul of the __________ laws and regulations written way back in
1956.
A. antiquated
B. archaic
C. modern
D. tepid
E. cupid
F. contemporary
Ans: A and B
4. The riverside garden was a favorite spot for the college going boys and girls. They _______ there in
the picturesque surroundings till late in the evenings.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. hung around
B. resisted
C. deigned
D. braided
E. epitomized
F. dallied
Ans: A and F
5. The _______ articles written by Bob spitted venom against the Great Eastern Shipping Company’s
environment policy. It was no surprise then that the company slapped a defamation law suit against
him.
A. admiring
B. contemptuous
C. intricate
D. disdainful
E. complex
F. sympathetic
Ans: B and D
6. When the counsel read out the charge sheet against John in the court, the jury was shocked to listen to
the ________ details of his heinous crimes.
A. haughty
B. opaque
C. lurid
D. graphic
E. ashen
F. petulant
Ans: C and D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. 60 years after attaining independence, the country’s economy is still reliant upon the agriculture
sector that is heavily exposed to the _____________ of the weather.
A. improprieties
B. dotage
C. suffusion
D. delusions
E. vagaries
F. whims
Ans: E and F
III. Synonyms
1. Flaccid
A. agile
B. limp
C. factual
D. fictional
E. suggestive
Ans: B
2. Spasmodic
A. sporadic
B. reliable
C. regular
D. authentic
E. euphoric
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Solicitude
A. concern
B. loneliness
C. profanation
D. rebuff
E. amusement
Ans: A
4. Chronic
A. voluminous
B. habitual
C. silly
D. haughty
E. precocious
Ans: B
5. Cow
A. please
B. frighten
C. accost
D. flirt
E. castigate
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Tepid
A. enthusiastic
B. patent
C. lurid
D. lukewarm
E. fervent
Ans: D
7. Fermentation
A. agitation
B. chronicle
C. affliction
D. representation
E. supposition
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
15. A PILGRIM
15. A PILGRIM
I. Text Completion
1. The movie was a complete waste of my time. The storyline was (i) ______. The jokes as well as the
action scenes were (ii) ___________. The movie was without any novelty factor. In fact it was
without any soul.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
great
(D)
hackneyed
(B)
puerile
(E)
amusing
(C)
mature
(F)
novel
Ans: puerile and hackneyed
2. The city faces a grave problem of the homeless people. A couple of months back the city authorities
banished the (i) ___________ and took every measure to (ii) _______ them from returning to the city;
but they still keep on coming back to the city.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
puritans
(D)
dissuade
(B)
vagrants
(E)
encourage
(C)
obelisks
(F)
disfigure
Ans: vagrants and dissuade
3. It was a (i) ___________ love triangle. Initially Rani’s parents lodged a complaint with the police that
Sujith had abducted Rani. When the police found out Sujith and Rani, Rani (ii) ______that she had
married Sujith on her own will. Meanwhile, Sukanya claimed that she was already married to Sujith
and they had not divorced.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
knotty
(D)
glowered
(B)
transparent
(E)
asserted
(C)
pious
(F)
retaliated
Ans: knotty and asserted
4. Yesterday I read a (i) ___________ story of a British man who died of thirst after he was lost in the
(ii) _____ of tunnels that he had build inside his house.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
bizarre
(D)
mace
(B)
mediocre
(E)
knoll
(C)
bountiful
(F)
labyrinth
Ans: bizarre and labyrinth
5. I was shocked when Robert told me that he had travelled with Tracy the day before and for the entire
duration of the journey Tracy had not uttered a single word. I had known Tracy to be quite (i)
___________ and therefore it was impossible for me to (ii) _______ up her image when she was not
talking.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
loquacious
(D)
domicile
(B)
introvert
(E)
conjure
(C)
gullible
(F)
traverse
Ans: loquacious and conjure
6. When I first met him, he came across as a/an (i) __________ and introvert person. He preferred to
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
remain alone in his room away from any social interaction. When I spent more time with him, I came
to know of the reasons behind his (ii) ______________ in interacting with others.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
bold
(D)
apprehension
(B)
aggressive
(E)
fondness
(C)
timid
(F)
zeal
Ans: timid and apprehension
7. In her heydays, the actress was loved by one and all. Her enchanting beauty, her (i) _______ skin, her
melodious voice and her long silky hair won her the appellation of ‘The Beauty Queen of the USA’.
But slowly she started growing old and her glory faded. Her eyes had deeply sunken and her cheeks
were hollowed giving her a (ii) ___________ look.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
refulgent
(D)
refulgent
(B)
cadaverous
(E)
cadaverous
(C)
salutary
(F)
salutary
Ans: refulgent and cadaverous
8. In the recent Olympics, the country failed to win even a single medal. After this (i) ___________ at
the Olympics, it is (ii) ________ for the Sports Ministry to overhaul the entire process for identifying
and nurturing talent across the country.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
debacle
(D)
diabolic
(B)
sojourn
(E)
scurvy
(C)
reciprocity
(F)
imperative
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: debacle and imperative
9. (i) ________ adversely affects an individual’s health in many ways. Life expectancy of overweight
people is lower than that of people with weight within the normal range. We need to undertake a
campaign to increase awareness about health (ii) __________ of being overweight.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
Obesity
(D)
icons
(B)
Paucity
(E)
benefits
(C)
Slenderness
(F)
hazards
Ans: Obesity and hazards
10. The lakeside was a picturesque and tranquil place. I used to sit there for hours together (i)
__________in the (ii) ___________ beauty of the surrounding nature.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
jabbed
(D)
senile
(B)
halted
(E)
sublime
(C)
engrossed
(F)
nebulous
Ans: engrossed and sublime
11. As a child, John developed a fascination towards observing and learning more about the fishes. He
further nurtured his (i) _____________ passion through formal education in (ii) _____________.
Today he is an Assistant Professor in Aquaculture at the Michigan University.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
jovial
(D)
Eulogy
(B)
mercantile
(E)
Ichthyology
(C)
piscatorial
(F)
Herpetology
Ans: piscatorial and Ichthyology
12. David had an enviable start to his sporting career. Within a short period of time, he was made the
captain of the national team. But suddenly his form slumped and no signs of the revival of his form
were visible. The selectors then (i) __________ ousted him from the national team. It is quite rare for
a captain to be ousted from the team.
Blank 1
(A)
unceremoniously
(B)
ceremoniously
(C)
acutely
Ans: unceremoniously
13. When the pop singer won the Academy Award, the (i) _____________ fans wrote (ii) _______ in his
praise.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
nebulous
(D)
paeans
(B)
zealous
(E)
novels
(C)
insipid
(F)
dictums
Ans: zealous and paeans
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. It was extremely difficult to handle the emotionally __________ witness in the court. The witness
would very often break down hindering the proceedings.
A. stable
B. labile
C. unstable
D. exultant
E. elated
F. unwavering
Ans: B and C
2. The ___________ of the situation can be understood with the fact that nearly two-third of the
population is living under the poverty line.
A. gravity
B. seriousness
C. comity
D. absurdity
E. vanity
F. amity
Ans: A and B
3. The global economy has still not fully recovered from the financial crisis. The _______ of Ireland
default still looms round the corner.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. spectrum
B. specter
C. sound
D. apparition
E. dictum
F. sojourn
Ans: B and D
4. The queen looked glorious as she entered the hall. Her ________ was threaded with gold and her
crown was studded with rubies.
A. saddle
B. levee
C. raiment
D. dress
E. mirage
F. opulence
Ans: C and D
5. The Middle East has ___________ oil and gas reserves that drive the economy. But going forward the
Middle East has to focus on innovative education projects.
A. handful
B. abundant
C. wonderful
D. diabolic
E. devilish
F. bountiful
Ans: B and F
6. The automobile company’s growth in two-wheeler sales has ________ since July 2007. The company
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
needs to devise a fresh strategy to capture the lost market share in this segment.
A. receded
B. ebbed
C. quailed
D. traversed
E. domiciled
F. primped
Ans: A and B
7. The kitten __________ in a corner after a sudden attack by street dogs. But it regained its composure
and climbed a tall wall rapidly.
A. jabbed
B. bereaved
C. quailed
D. deigned
E. reprimanded
F. cowered
Ans: C and F
8. Her ______ for reuniting with her children kept her alive in adverse conditions in the freezing waters
for two days.
A. vagary
B. whim
C. metaphor
D. yearning
E. parsimony
F. yen
Ans: D and F
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. The fraud by a clerk provided a ________ lesson to the top management to tighten the financial
control across the organization.
A. useless
B. unwarranted
C. valuable
D. salutary
E. hypothetical
F. adverse
Ans: C and D
10. We halted in a hotel on the way and waited for the storm to __________ so that we could resume our
journey.
A. aggravate
B. abate
C. subside
D. intensify
E. forbear
F. reckon
Ans: B and C
11. The intelligence agency unearthed a _______ plot by some military officials to overturn the ruling
government in the country.
A. loyal
B. treacherous
C. magnificent
D. perfidious
E. senile
F. garrulous
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
12. We were delighted to visit the garden where we feasted on __________ ripe mangoes.
A. dry
B. juicy
C. luscious
D. wry
E. earthy
F. florid
Ans: B and C
13. I visit my countryside house once a year to relax in the _________ of the pastoral land.
A. uproar
B. pandemonium
C. stillness
D. xenophobia
E. tranquility
F. temper
Ans: C and E
14. When Alfred started writing the novel he had just a few ________ thoughts about the plot and the
characters. As he progressed through his writing, his thoughts became more crystallized.
A. nebulous
B. vague
C. precise
D. tepid
E. lukewarm
F. clear-cut
155
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and B
III. Synonyms
1. Gait
A. entrance
B. happiness
C. bait
D. strike
E. bearing
Ans: E
2. Dirge
A. urge
B. merger
C. lament
D. compulsion
E. discovery
Ans: C
3. Macabre
A. decorous
B. gruesome
C. blunt
D. callow
E. zealous
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Suppress
A. express
B. struggle
C. stifle
D. address
E. witness
Ans: C
5. Affected
A. senile
B. yielding
C. loquacious
D. pretentious
E. garrulous
Ans: D
6. Yielding
A. submissive
B. perfidious
C. tranquil
D. wry
E. sodden
Ans: A
157
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Sodden
A. refulgent
B. enigmatic
C. hackneyed
D. nebulous
E. soaked
Ans: E
8. Satiate
A. reside
B. traverse
C. quench
D. dissuade
E. ebb
Ans: C
9. Jab
A. hunch
B. punch
C. knoll
D. obelisk
E. agitation
Ans: B
158
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Emissary
A. wanderer
B. teacher
C. trader
D. priest
E. messenger
Ans: E
11. Vainglorious
A. humble
B. self-important
C. oblivious
D. decorous
E. flaccid
Ans: B
12. Domicile
A. spoil
B. adorn
C. reside
D. crave
E. rule
Ans: C
159
WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Primp
A. meander
B. devour
C. mix
D. drink
E. groom
Ans: E
14. Knoll
A. hillock
B. house
C. church
D. school
E. progeny
Ans: A
160
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. THE WRECK
16. THE WRECK
I. Text Completion
1. The captain of the (i) __________ rushed to reach to his team in exigency. He had discovered water
rushing into the ship after it had hit an iceberg. The ship was heavily loaded with cargo. The captain
asked his crew to (ii) ___________ some of the cargo so that the ship could stabilize.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
galleon
(D)
penetrate
(B)
courier
(E)
load
(C)
country
(F)
jettison
Ans: galleon and jettison
2. The survivors of the air crash were wandering in the desert unable to figure a way out. In the (i)
______ land devoid of food and water they were exhausted and emaciated. They prayed to the God
for (ii) ___________them from this hapless situation.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
arid
(D)
salvaging
(B)
abundant
(E)
targeting
(C)
fertile
(F)
dispelling
Ans: arid and salvaging
3. The reporters were able to talk to a survivor of the tsunami who recounted the sequence of events just
before the (i) ________ waves struck the tiny island. He was devastated as the (ii) ___________ had
claimed the lives of all his family members.
161
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
titanic
(D)
quietude
(B)
minor
(E)
catastrophe
(C)
playful
(F)
anguish
Ans: titanic and catastrophe
4. The religious leader in his speech full of (i) ________ spitted venom against the followers of other
religions. He urged the followers of his religion to wage a war against the so-called oppressive
behavior of the followers of other religions. His exhortations are detrimental to the peace and
harmony in the society. Such (ii) _________ elements must be severely punished by law.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
apathy
(D)
fulsome
(B)
fanaticism
(E)
turbid
(C)
quietude
(F)
sinister
Ans: fanaticism and sinister
5. After their defeat in the finals, the team members looked _____________. The (ii) ________ coach
was almost in tears. He had passionately trained and motivated the team to march their way through
to the finals.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
cheerful
(D)
excited
(B)
downcasted
(E)
evanescent
(C)
interminable
(F)
staid
Ans: downcasted and staid
162
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. In the pre-election political debate Mr. Robinson was very aggressive and made some (i) __________
personal remarks against Mr. Cohen. But Mr. Cohen maintained his (ii) ___________ and handled
the situation very well by sticking to the points relevant to his party’s political agenda.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
insidious
(D)
exigency
(B)
flattering
(E)
magnitude
(C)
salutary
(F)
composure
Ans: insidious and composure
7. Today all of us have (i) ______________ of a better lifestyle. We toil day and night to fulfill our
ambitions. Some of us succeed while some of us do not succeed. Some of the people who fail cannot
cope with the failure and become (ii) __________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
aspirations
(D)
optimistic
(B)
legacies
(E)
despondent
(C)
consternations
(F)
garrulous
Ans: aspirations and despondent
8. I could feel her mental (i) __________. It is quite difficult to remain (ii) __________ from the
sufferings of your friends.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
exigency
(D)
puerile
(B)
anguish
(E)
hapless
(C)
labyrinth
(F)
detached
163
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: anguish and detached
9. The workers were deeply hurt by the (i) _______ behavior of the factory owner. They went on a
strike in protest of this humiliation. In due course of time, the owner offered a (ii) ______ apology.
But one could still sense traces of haughtiness in his manners.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
polite
(D)
fulsome
(B)
arrogant
(E)
synchronous
(C)
potent
(F)
perverse
Ans: arrogant and fulsome
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. In order to interact closely with the citizens, the leader __________ his own safety and broke the
security cordon around him and entered the crowd.
A. jeopardized
B. bolstered
C. endangered
D. cowered
E. quailed
F. augmented
Ans: A and C
164
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. The ___________ rain in the area for the last two days has filled the lake.
A. uninterrupted
B. intermittent
C. hapless
D. craven
E. yielding
F. incessant
Ans: A and F
3. Several ministers were involved in the multimillion-dollar scam. Considering the ______ of the crime
the Supreme Court directed the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) to investigate the case.
A. legacy
B. enormity
C. chronicle
D. deluge
E. panache
F. magnitude
Ans: B and F
4. The analyst did a poor job of _____ the underlying trends in the industry. You expect a much better
research work from analysts.
A. plumbing
B. meddling
C. investigating
D. cowering
E. hovering
F. ceding
Ans: A and C
165
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Sitting for twenty hours in the flight was quite tiresome. I was really relieved at the announcement of
the descent of the flight that would finally conclude what seemed to be a/an ______________
journey.
A. short
B. angular
C. interminable
D. fascinating
E. endless
F. absorbing
Ans: C and E
6. The Environment Minister stated in his speech that preventing extinction of tigers is a matter of
utmost __________ for the nation.
A. leniency
B. exigency
C. imprudence
D. laxity
E. apprehension
F. urgency
Ans: B and F
7. The activist leader mentioned in his speech that he was surprised at the _________ of the masses in
the wake of the brazen theft of poor people’s money by the politicians. He urged the masses to raise
their voice in protest of such blatant corruption.
166
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. calmness
B. imprudence
C. quietude
D. legacy
E. turmoil
F. debacle
Ans: A and C
8. The recent match-fixing scandals have brought into light the ________ side of the gentleman’s game
– Cricket.
A. hearty
B. seamy
C. novel
D. wholesome
E. unpleasant
F. inscrutable
Ans: B and E
9. She is an animal activist. She leads the campaigns that highlight the plight of ______ animals
butchered ruthlessly for making of leather goods.
A. ill fated
B. hapless
C. scurvy
D. angular
E. rotund
F. earthy
Ans: A and B
167
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. The gas emitted from the chimney of the factory is ten times more _______ than Carbon Monoxide.
A. potent
B. turbid
C. tranquil
D. poisonous
E. sodden
F. insensible
Ans: A and D
III. Synonyms
1. Amplify
A. simplify
B. simulate
C. malign
D. magnify
E. dictate
Ans: D
2. Gust
A. visitor
B. guts
C. surge
D. power
E. character
Ans: C
168
WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Maudlin
A. lachrymose
B. meddlesome
C. stagnant
D. sinister
E. smattering
Ans: A
4. Turgid
A. sturdy
B. puffy
C. slender
D. incessant
E. imprudent
Ans: B
5. Stagnant
A. stooping
B. effervescent
C. sluggish
D. layered
E. deep
Ans: C
6. Smattering
A. seamy
B. scattering
169
WORD POWER-QUIZ
C. sweltering
D. superficial
E. hypothetical
Ans: D
7. Penetrate
A. inculcate
B. immunize
C. irritate
D. infiltrate
E. perpetrate
Ans: D
8. Conspire
A. inspire
B. perspire
C. cultivate
D. mitigate
E. plot
Ans: E
9. Dispel
A. drive away
B. degrade
C. attract
D. castigate
E. alienate
170
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A
10. Derelict
A. dilapidated
B. bold
C. insidious
D. potent
E. direct
Ans: A
171
WORD POWER-QUIZ
17. FEATHERTOP
17. FEATHERTOP
I. Text Completion
1. The municipal officers are responsible for the (i) __________ condition of the public infrastructure in
our town. These officers (ii) __________ their responsibilities and simply ignore people’s complaints
and suggestions for the betterment of the public infrastructure. If everybody started doing their duty
responsibly, this town will be a heaven on earth.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
appealing
(D)
dabble
(B)
lamentable
(E)
accept
(C)
presentable
(F)
shirk
Ans: lamentable and shirk
2. The general started his (i) _______ address to his soldiers, “My dear brave soldiers, give (ii) _______
to me. Today at the sunrise the enemy has dared to venture into our territory, we are going to make
sure one thing that the enemy is not going to see the sunrise tomorrow. Let us all unite and kill each
and every person who dared to desecrate our holy land.”
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
hortatory
(D)
greed
(B)
pessimistic
(E)
heed
(C)
jocose
(F)
need
Ans: hortatory and heed
3. There are (i) ___________ sweet shops in Bangalore…almost one shop at every corner. But the (ii)
__________ fact is that none of these is ISO certified. I wonder how a customer can trust these shops
for maintaining uniform quality standards.
172
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
few
(D)
notable
(B)
plentiful
(E)
unsubstantial
(C)
gruesome
(F)
tenuous
Ans: plentiful and notable
4. In his editorial article the (i) ______ editor used every possible harsh word in the dictionary to
criticize the sorry state of politics in our country. He went on to state that if all corrupt politicians are
not executed, the dream of a/an (ii) __________ society would never be fulfilled.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
ruthless
(D)
equitable
(B)
merciful
(E)
biased
(C)
torpid
(F)
exotic
Ans: ruthless and equitable
5. Our superstitions are very strange. If you dream of a cat hanging upside down from a tree it (i)
____________ a heavy financial loss. But there is no need to get (ii) _________ by this. If you feed
cow milk to nine cats, this impending calamity can be averted.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
reminds
(D)
vindicated
(B)
betokens
(E)
protruded
(C)
comports
(F)
intimidated
Ans: betokens and intimidated
173
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The King along with his (i) ________ entered the city after their historical victory. The soldiers were
(ii) ________ their swords and dancing to the rhythm of the drum.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
retinue
(D)
thriving
(B)
miscreants
(E)
warranting
(C)
charlatans
(F)
brandishing
Ans: retinue and brandishing
7. The (i) _______ magician mesmerized the audience with his (ii) __________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
awry
(D)
troth
(B)
artful
(E)
legerdemain
(C)
artless
(F)
semblance
Ans: artful and legerdemain
8. The lawn turns vibrant green and the flowers (i) _______ after the steady rain (ii) __________ the
dry soil
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
thrive
(D)
depletes
(B)
ensue
(E)
confines
(C)
deteriorate
(F)
replenishes
Ans: thrive and replenishes
174
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Residents of a (i) __________ will not understand the beauty of life in a remote village. While
relationships in a city are (ii) _______ at the most, the relationships in a village are genuine and
sincere.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
village
(D)
superficial
(B)
metropolis
(E)
deep
(C)
community
(F)
sagacious
Ans: metropolis and superficial
10. You will face hardships every day of your life. You must (i) __________ these hardships every day
of your life to emerge an ultimate winner. If you have an unwavering faith in yourself, no quake can
jolt you and no flame can (ii) _______ you.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
bounce
(D)
scorch
(B)
surmount
(E)
tease
(C)
avoid
(F)
dabble
Ans: surmount and scorch
11. He (i) ________ in writing tragic plays for years with little success. One day he casually wrote a (ii)
________ play and his producer friend happened to flip through it. Rest all is history. Today he is the
most sought after script writer for comedies.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
dabbled
(D)
shrewd
(B)
contrived
(E)
jocose
(C)
accrued
(F)
grim
175
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: dabbled and jocose
12. I sincerely express my (i) ______ with the newly formulated welfare policy of the government. I
agree that the policy has been devised after much deliberation by the able and (ii) _______ ministers,
but I have my own reservations against the policy and I must express them.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
consent
(D)
sagacious
(B)
dissent
(E)
imprudent
(C)
artifice
(F)
itinerant
Ans: dissent and sagacious
13. The defendant’s garrulous lawyer argued for a long time in the court. But it was obvious that all his
talk was a mere (i) __________ and the evidence he had produced to defend his client was (ii)
____________. The case seemed as good as lost for him.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
whisper
(D)
unsubstantial
(B)
babble
(E)
significant
(C)
legend
(F)
docile
Ans: babble and unsubstantial
14. A/an “(i) ________ food vending establishment" means a food vending business serving food or
drink from any establishment or (ii) ___________ without fixed location.
176
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
immobile
(D)
conveyance
(B)
itinerant
(E)
juncture
(C)
heterogeneous
(F)
accoutrement
Ans: itinerant and conveyance
15. It was not an accident; the (i) ______ lady had in fact got her husband killed. But she (ii) _______
herself in the most grievous manner at public appearances to gain public sympathy.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
innocent
(D)
comported
(B)
shrewd
(E)
hid
(C)
docile
(F)
ensued
Ans: shrewd and comported
16. Generally they need two security personnel at the farm, one to walk the (i) _________ of the farm and
the other to monitor the CCTV footage on the screens. But because of staffing (ii) _________ a single
guard has to do both the tasks.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
juncture
(D)
constraints
(B)
perimeter
(E)
entities
(C)
phenomenon
(F)
freedom
Ans: perimeter and constraints
177
WORD POWER-QUIZ
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Rita felt insecure as her husband started spending more time at the office. She suspected that he was
having an affair with his __________ personal assistant.
A. ugly
B. comely
C. tenuous
D. charming
E. vaporous
F. threadbare
Ans: B and D
2. After three ___________ attempts, the police finally succeeded in nabbing the gangster.
A. craven
B. unsuccessful
C. victorious
D. heterogeneous
E. abortive
F. torpid
Ans: B and E
3. Steffi could not stand the ___________ footage of the site of the train accident in which 137 people
were killed. Therefore she switched off the TV.
A. gruesome
B. shocking
C. occult
D. interesting
E. pusillanimous
F. timid
178
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and B
4. A domesticated camel is generally __________ but can get aggressive sometimes if teased beyond its
tolerance levels.
A. illusive
B. docile
C. galvanic
D. awry
E. submissive
F. skewed
Ans: B and E
5. The accountant __________ a malicious plan to create a rift between the two promoters of the family
business. But the plan failed because of the alertness of the assistant of one of the promoters.
A. coerced
B. accrued
C. confined
D. contrived
E. lingered
F. engineered
Ans: D and F
6. It is not an easy task to impose evacuation in the areas as we need the tenants’ _________ before we
can evacuate them to temporary shelters.
179
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. acquiescence
B. consent
C. decent
D. constraint
E. disagreement
F. gesticulation
Ans: A and B
7. As she had a _______ feeling after alighting from the roller coaster, Christina vowed never to take a
roller coaster ride again in her life.
A. tenuous
B. vaporous
C. dizzy
D. stagnant
E. arid
F. giddy
Ans: C and F
8. The __________ of the principal’s message to all of us on the convocation day is, ‘never give up in
life.’
A. respect
B. pith
C. essence
D. benison
E. reverence
F. blessing
Ans: B and C
180
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. This quarter marks an end to a/an ________ year of negative growth, hiring freeze and layoffs.
A. fantastic
B. torpid
C. optimistic
D. sluggish
E. heterogeneous
F. ethereal
Ans: B and D
10. The world has never been the same for the sports star after the _______ revelation by his wife of his
domestic violence.
A. galvanic
B. praiseworthy
C. incessant
D. shocking
E. garrulous
F. haughty
Ans: A and D
11. After being set a meager target by the Pakistan team in the cricket match, the Australian team played
like champions and chased the target with _________ ease.
A. difficult
B. consummate
C. fervent
D. discrete
E. complete
F. distinct
Ans: B and E
181
WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. Three years on and recovery is still ________. Over the intervening years, policy makers and
investors continue to worry about the health of the US economy.
A. unfaltering
B. unruly
C. illusive
D. illusory
E. candid
F. realistic
Ans: C and D
13. The modern woman does not want to be _______ within the four walls of her house. She wants to
live a free and independent life.
A. confined
B. liberated
C. imprisoned
D. protruded
E. hovered
F. cowered
Ans: A and C
14. He surprised everybody by resigning from the job when his career was at the __________ of success
and starting a social venture.
A. base
B. acme
C. reverberation
D. pinnacle
E. echo
F. phenomenon
182
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
15. Neda was still in a state of shock. She gave us a/an ______ account of the incident from which we
could make out nothing.
A. clear
B. tenuous
C. vague
D. occult
E. imperious
F. lucid
Ans: B and C
16. Shahid looked in a/an__________ form as he smashed seven sixes to register the fastest century in
international cricket.
A. imperious
B. domineering
C. docile
D. submissive
E. titanic
F. downcast
Ans: A and B
17. The old witch practiced the __________ science of necromancy.
A. commonplace
B. practical
C. despondent
D. seamy
E. occult
F. esoteric
183
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: E and F
III. Synonyms
1. Divest
A. designate
B. derive
C. revive
D. invest
E. deprive
Ans: E
2. Warble
A. babble
B. dabble
C. validate
D. chirrup
E. cower
Ans: D
3. Stoke
A. fuel
B. regret
C. render
D. drown
E. stroke
Ans: A
184
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Stolid
A. annoying
B. impassive
C. abundant
D. irritating
E. solid
Ans: B
5. Manifest
A. incorporate
B. intimidate
C. indicate
D. reveal
E. divest
Ans: D
6. Vindicate
A. thwart
B. justify
C. abuse
D. accuse
E. allow
Ans: B
185
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Pacify
A. dictate
B. understate
C. appease
D. accrue
E. expand
Ans: C
8. Insinuate
A. instigate
B. mitigate
C. identify
D. imply
E. cultivate
Ans: D
9. Guileful
A. decent
B. dreadful
C. deceitful
D. beautiful
E. innocent
Ans: C
186
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Puissant
A. powerful
B. perfect
C. pungent
D. pleasant
E. peaceful
Ans: A
11. Sordid
A. hortatory
B. hostile
C. servile
D. superficial
E. squalid
Ans: E
12. Subtle
A. obvious
B. slight
C. alternative
D. threadbare
E. shrewd
Ans: B
187
WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Incongruous
A. abrupt
B. absurd
C. collective
D. minute
E. illegal
Ans: B
14. Enumerate
A. iterate
B. itemize
C. reach
D. read
E. lead
Ans: B
15. Benison
A. blessing
B. artifice
C. interim
D. equanimity
E. patrician
Ans: A
188
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Reverence
A. respect
B. preference
C. hatred
D. difference
E. clearance
Ans: A
17. Delude
A. conclude
B. incorporate
C. warrant
D. deceive
E. ensue
Ans: D
189
WORD POWER-QUIZ
18. THE GREAT STONE FACE
18. THE GREAT STONE FACE
I. Text Completion
1. The religious old lady perceived the cat entering the house in the morning as a good omen and (i)
___________ that it was going to be a favorable day for her business. (ii) _______________ to such
daily ‘predictions’ her son just smirked and ignored it.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
presaged
(D)
Defaced
(B)
transmuted
(E)
Inured
(C)
venerated
(F)
Indulged
Ans: presaged and Inured
2. The farmer was (i) ______________ after the incessant heavy rains almost converted his fields into
water bodies. The farmer (ii) _____________the rain gods to show some mercy towards him.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
unobtrusive
(D)
amassed
(B)
disconsolate
(E)
discredited
(C)
responsive
(F)
beseeched
Ans: disconsolate and beseeched
3. The pleasant weather of the town even at the peak of the summer can be attributed to its (i)
___________ surroundings. However increasing deforestation in the region is a matter of great
concern. Therefore the environmentalists have (ii) ____________ the government to take measures to
stop deforestation.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
verdant
(D)
presaged
(B)
pensive
(E)
implored
(C)
germane
(F)
defaced
Ans: verdant and implored
4. Irrational (i) ___________ of the retail investors has raised the benchmark stock market indices to
historically high levels. It is a/an (ii) _____________ fact that such high valuations are not
sustainable in long term and we may see a correction in the market soon.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
exuberance
(D)
palatial
(B)
pessimism
(E)
sylvan
(C)
parity
(F)
ineluctable
Ans: exuberance and ineluctable
5. The people gathered around the saint every evening to listen to his (i) _______ thoughts about how to
attain happiness in life. He told them that if they wanted their dreams to come to a/an (ii) ________,
they must toil hard day and night.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
profound
(D)
hubbub
(B)
superficial
(E)
fruition
(C)
wanton
(F)
anarchy
Ans: profound and fruition
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. By dint of his hard work and sharp business acumen, he (i) _________ huge amount of wealth. He
built a (ii) ______ house that had nine bedrooms and a huge dining hall.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
amassed
(D)
miserable
(B)
conceived
(E)
palatial
(C)
contended
(F)
truculent
Ans: amassed and palatial
7. It is a/an (i) _________ fact that inbound (ii) _________ is the biggest issue faced by Mumbai today.
If Mumbai’s population keeps on growing at this high rate, the public infrastructure will eventually
crumble.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
crinkled
(D)
condiments
(B)
irrefutable
(E)
counterpart
(C)
transcendent
(F)
migration
Ans: irrefutable and migration
8. The (i) _________ lawyer was passionate about his job. He (ii) _________ on an average 17 hours a
day. Even if his billing was the highest in the office, the top management suggested him to slow down
to avoid a burnout.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
industrious
(D)
logged
(B)
lazy
(E)
doddered
(C)
gory
(F)
dwindled
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: industrious and logged
9. The lady stood (i) ________ for a while not able to decide which of the two designer bags to buy. The
first one belonged to a/an (ii) ___________ brand, well-known for its good quality products while the
brand of the second one was relatively unknown. But she liked the design of the second bag much
more than that of the first.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
irresolute
(D)
obscure
(B)
determined
(E)
prominent
(C)
oblique
(F)
ignoble
Ans: irresolute and prominent
10. When you meet him, you will understand why people pay deep (i) __________ to him. In spite of
being a highly successful industrialist, he has a/an (ii) ______________ character. One must (iii)
__________ his simplicity in thinking and living.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
veneration
(D)
sylvan
(G) repose
(B)
transmutation
(E)
contagious
(H) emulate
(C)
contention
(F)
unassuming
(I)
bestow
Ans: veneration, unassuming and emulate
11. The orator was delighted to stand in front of an inquisitive and (i) _________ crowd. Encouraged by
the interest shown by the crowd, he delivered his speech with even more (ii) ______ than usual.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
gorgeous
(D)
tapestry
(B)
responsive
(E)
ardor
(C)
latent
(F)
relic
Ans: responsive and ardor
12. I must (i) __________ the fact that he is quite punctual. Whenever we have a meeting, he arrives (ii)
_________ at the pre-decided time.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
acknowledge
(D)
obliquely
(B)
imbue
(E)
guilefully
(C)
indulge
(F)
precisely
Ans: acknowledge and precisely
13. John tried to impress the sage by (i) __________ his riches. But John’s material possessions meant
nothing to the (ii) __________ sage.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
contriving
(D)
shrewd
(B)
flaunting
(E)
artful
(C)
thriving
(F)
unworldly
Ans: flaunting and unworldly
14. My poem is a (i) __________to late KK. He was a man with (ii) ________ talents. He was an
exceptional actor, singer and music director. Hats off to him.
194
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
rivulet
(D)
multiform
(B)
augury
(E)
sinuous
(C)
tribute
(F)
doleful
Ans: tribute and multiform
15. The merchant was sitting alone in his room in a (i) ___________ mood. He had incurred huge losses
in his business and was now worried about his (ii) _________ finances.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
pensive
(D)
flourishing
(B)
variegated
(E)
dwindling
(C)
insensible
(F)
pedantic
Ans: pensive and dwindling
16. The country is in a state of (i) ________ for over a year now. Only God knows how long this (ii)
_________ situation will prevail. In the absence of stability, there is no future for our children in this
country.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
grandeur
(D)
chaotic
(B)
spontaneity
(E)
unobtrusive
(C)
anarchy
(F)
reverend
Ans: anarchy and chaotic
17. The Himalayas is the place where you can witness the (i) __________ beauty of the nature. When
you stand in front of those (ii) ________ and at the same time humble mountains, you realize how
195
WORD POWER-QUIZ
meaningless your feelings about your own greatness are.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
timid
(D)
lofty
(B)
august
(E)
insignificant
(C)
puerile
(F)
ostentatious
Ans: august and lofty
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. As Pierre was a foreigner I advised him to be careful while shopping because the _________
shopkeepers charge exorbitant prices to the foreigners.
A. smattering
B. comely
C. shrewd
D. canny
E. ignoble
F. threadbare
Ans: C and D
2. The aviation minister visited the _______ relatives of the victims of the plane accident to console
them.
A. doleful
B. enraptured
C. hewn
D. mediocre
E. average
F. sorrowful
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and F
3. After the big telecom scandal came to light and the involvement of the telecom minister in the scam
became clear, a lot of people (who were his friends) refused to acknowledge their association with the
___________ telecom minister.
A. disgraced
B. doddered
C. conceived
D. discredited
E. riled
F. mollified
Ans: A and D
4. The market is flooded with a __________ of new gadgets - from smart phones, to tablets, to set-top
boxes, to video game consoles.
A. perimeter
B. clangor
C. bevy
D. eulogy
E. denizen
F. multitude
Ans: C and F
5. On weekends, I prefer the calmness of lakeside to the__________ of the commercial mall.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. quietude
B. tranquility
C. grandeur
D. acerbity
E. hubbub
F. clamor
Ans: E and F
6. Brian is quite a flirtatious person. Once James jokingly remarked that Brian has a ________ heart, at
any point in time it can accommodate the love of four girls.
A. capacious
B. cramped
C. roomy
D. sylvan
E. wily
F. serene
Ans: A and C
7. We had to travel just 30 kilometers to reach to the picnic spot. But because of the _______ road it
took us 2 hours to reach there by car.
A. indelible
B. iniquitous
C. winding
D. sinful
E. sinuous
F. morbid
Ans: C and E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. The ______ of Manhattan are habituated to a fast paced life.
A. epaulets
B. citizens
C. potentates
D. cavalcades
E. denizens
F. philanthropists
Ans: B and E
9. The towering ___________ of BK Commercial Complex is a landmark in the city.
A. cavalcade
B. edifice
C. rivulet
D. structure
E. precipice
F. talon
Ans: B and D
10. He did not want to lead the life of a common man. He wanted to achieve something ________ in his
life. Something for which future generations will remember him.
A. transcendent
B. ridiculous
C. magnificent
D. gory
E. truculent
F. contagious
Ans: A and C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. The skincare expert told Betty that the dead skin makes the face look __________ as if a tissue paper
is layered on the top of it.
A. gorgeous
B. crinkled
C. straight
D. wrinkled
E. detrimental
F. harmful
Ans: B and D
12. The ___________ ruler harassed his subjects for twenty years before a revolt by a faction of soldiers
overturned his rule.
A. just
B. righteous
C. truculent
D. inanimate
E. cruel
F. sallow
Ans: C and E
13. After the team’s disgraceful defeat in the qualifiers, the mood in the locker room was ____________.
A. upbeat
B. opaque
C. sylvan
D. melancholy
E. sad
F. gaudy
Ans: D and E
200
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. I was surprised at the _________ in her speech when she addressed Linda. I had never seen her using
such harsh language before.
A. acerbity
B. nicety
C. bitterness
D. comeliness
E. peculiarity
F. inquisitiveness
Ans: A and C
15. I proposed the idea of camping on the beachside for our picnic and everybody _________. Before
that we had rarely taken any decision with such unanimity and with so much ease.
A. disagreed
B. commented
C. accorded
D. agreed
E. ignored
F. laughed
Ans: C and D
16. Richard’s writing is always ____________ with special sensitivity towards the social disparity.
A. bestowed
B. imbued
C. reposed
D. ebbed
E. permeated
F. doomed
Ans: B and E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
17. We need to tailor the current education system to establish a process to identify _____ talents in
children.
A. blatant
B. facile
C. obvious
D. latent
E. hidden
F. patent
Ans: D and E
III. Synonyms
1. Purport
A. effusion
B. invention
C. purpose
D. ardor
E. tribute
Ans: C
2. Charisma
A. charm
B. bevy
C. emulation
D. chagrin
E. collusion
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Discourse
A. dislike
B. speech
C. deliberation
D. travel
E. encouragement
Ans: B
4. Germane
A. foreign
B. accurate
C. arrogant
D. relevant
E. evasive
Ans: D
5. Deface
A. blend
B. disfigure
C. hew
D. remove
E. scrub
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Turmoil
A. acerbity
B. rostrum
C. tremor
D. tenure
E. agitation
Ans: E
7. Effuse
A. pour out
B. refuse
C. degenerate
D. integrate
E. dilute
Ans: A
8. Supernumerary
A. industrious
B. unworldly
C. surplus
D. calculative
E. mathematical
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Brook
A. doom
B. stream
C. parity
D. exuberance
E. fruition
Ans: B
10. Spawn
A. pull
B. recognize
C. bring
D. generate
E. guide
Ans: D
11. Consonant
A. harmonious
B. continuous
C. collective
D. corroborative
E. irresolute
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. Stanza
A. rhythm
B. sage
C. verse
D. drawing
E. psyche
Ans: C
13. Ignoble
A. admirable
B. dishonorable
C. unknown
D. occult
E. noble
Ans: B
14. Plaudit
A. audit
B. color
C. hatred
D. applause
E. harangue
Ans: D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
15. Talon
A. claw
B. clangor
C. eye
D. nail
E. finger
Ans: A
16. Forebear
A. successor
B. progeny
C. wood
D. grove
E. ancestor
Ans: E
17. Cavalcade
A. recession
B. procession
C. depression
D. permission
E. intermission
Ans: B
207
WORD POWER-QUIZ
19. FRIENDS
19. FRIENDS
I. Text Completion
1. The soldiers carried out search operation in the (i) _________ conditions at the high altitude as they
had information that there was a huge (ii) ________ of arms and ammunitions of the rebels. Fighting
the (iii) _________ winter chill the soldiers successfully completed the mission.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
astute
(D)
cache
(G)
pragmatic
(B)
astringent
(E)
poseur
(H)
vulnerable
(C)
amiable
(F)
parley
(I)
formidable
Ans: astringent, cache and formidable
2. While on a (i) ________________ patrol, the police found a distraught teenager lying on the road.
His drivel was incomprehensible to them. Therefore they brought him to the police station and the (ii)
________ on his face left the police confused. However after further interrogation, the police grew
leery that the boy was playing a prank, they (iii) ___________ him for that.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
rudimentary
(D)
vacuity
(G)
reminded
(B)
perfunctory
(E)
equanimity
(H)
released
(C)
prodigal
(F)
verve
(I)
rebuked
Ans: perfunctory, vacuity and rebuked
3. The trainee engineer, who was (i) __________ in his duties, increased the flow of steam to the boiler.
The boiler got heated to such an extent that it was on the verge of a blast and the trainee was unable to
(ii) ______ the operating parameters to the normal range. Soon the chief engineer got into action and
averted a major disaster. The trainee engineer was later (iii) _______ for this misdeed.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
quaint
(D)
orient
(G)
excoriated
(B)
remiss
(E)
hinder
(H)
praised
(C)
destitute
(F)
revert
(I)
tendered
Ans: remiss, revert and excoriated
4. The recent elections were marred by (i) __________ frauds in the voting process. Such shameless
display of power brings disgrace to the democracy. The law enforcement authorities just sit idly as if
they have developed (ii) _________ and cannot see anything happening around.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
finicky
(D)
cataracts
(B)
blatant
(E)
aspersions
(C)
pertinent
(F)
gambols
Ans: blatant and cataracts
5. It was a/an (i) _________ journey for Julien. After all, driving through the (ii) _________ road for
over six hours to reach to the peak of the mountain is not an easy task. He was completely exhausted
at the end of the journey.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
trouble-free
(D)
immaculate
(B)
sinewy
(E)
tortuous
(C)
exacting
(F)
ostensible
Ans: exacting and tortuous
209
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The King wanted to undertake new welfare measures for his subjects. The minister thought that it was
not (i) _______ to undertake those measures at that point in time as they would cause huge burden on
the exchequer. He attempted to (ii) ________ with the King on this subject, but the King simply
ignored his viewpoint.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
pragmatic
(D)
agree
(B)
authoritative
(E)
expostulate
(C)
repugnant
(F)
surrogate
Ans: pragmatic and expostulate
7. After a/an (i) _______ over his involvement in the match-fixing scam, the coach (ii) _________ his
resignation and welcomed an independent enquiry in the matter.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
furor
(D)
admonished
(B)
vignette
(E)
anteceded
(C)
endearment
(F)
tendered
Ans: furor and tendered
8. I know the (i) ________ ways of Hassan. When he gets some money, he spends it recklessly. And
when the debt becomes (ii) _________, he approaches me for financial help.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
forlorn
(D)
unwieldy
(B)
hale
(E)
finicky
(C)
prodigal
(F)
Lilliputian
210
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: prodigal and unwieldy
9. When the principal (i) __________ her severely even though she had not committed any mistake,
Stacy was quite dejected. She walked back to her room in the hostel and sat (ii) ________ on the bed.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
admonished
(D)
leery
(B)
condescended
(E)
forlorn
(C)
warranted
(F)
cheerful
Ans: admonished and forlorn
10. Tom had told the analyst to prepare a report on global trends in steel consumption. The analyst
handed over a thick report to Tom which was nothing but a dump of a lot of information, half of
which was not even (i) __________ to the topic. Tom then realized that the analyst was a/an (ii)
_______ and he fired him.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
vulnerable
(D)
counterpart
(B)
inevitable
(E)
drivel
(C)
pertinent
(F)
oaf
Ans: pertinent and oaf
211
WORD POWER-QUIZ
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. As a tall man sitting in front of him was __________ his view of the magic show, the boy decided to
stand on the chair.
A. hindering
B. assigning
C. tendering
D. attenuating
E. reverting
F. obstructing
Ans: A and F
2. Sadly the national football team lacks the _______ that is needed to win such a competitive
tournament.
A. pulchritude
B. verve
C. compunction
D. cerebration
E. vigor
F. repugnance
Ans: B and E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Key responsibility of the hotel manager was to make sure that the hotel looked ________ all the time.
A. immaculate
B. messy
C. didactic
D. instructive
E. forlorn
F. spotless
Ans: A and F
4. A patient who is recovering from a kidney transplant is ___________ to an infection as his immunity
power becomes low during the treatment.
A. susceptible
B. attentive
C. inevitable
D. vulnerable
E. distraught
F. authoritative
Ans: A and D
5. The speaker underscored the importance of creating a/an ______ atmosphere for workers to keep
them motivated to discharge their duties at their best.
A. hostile
B. unfriendly
C. sinewy
D. amiable
E. ostensible
F. congenial
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D and F
6. Sometimes our politicians tend to forget that they are also _____________ to the law like a common
man and indulge in all kinds of illegal activities.
A. repugnant
B. amenable
C. ignoble
D. prominent
E. answerable
F. palatial
Ans: B and E
7. Marwarid is unhappy with her married life. Her husband gets too _______ about very small things
and picks up quarrels with her.
A. excited
B. fussy
C. hale
D. finicky
E. healthy
F. contagious
Ans: B and D
8. The family of the murdered bride was too _______ to speak to the press.
A. tacit
B. distraught
C. voluble
D. distressed
E. defiant
F. ostensible
214
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
9. The __________ reasons for the dismissals vary, and include allegations of sexual harassment, failure
to have an appropriate degree and incompetency at work.
A. ostensible
B. apparent
C. desolate
D. eminent
E. sallow
F. odious
Ans: A and B
III. Synonyms
1. Attenuate
A. listen
B. diminish
C. devise
D. dictate
E. illuminate
Ans: B
2. Indomitable
A. docile
B. unusual
C. uninterrupted
D. unyielding
E. surrogate
215
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D
3. Amiable
A. friendly
B. timid
C. ostentatious
D. awkward
E. malleable
Ans: A
4. Destitute
A. disparate
B. hysterical
C. distinguished
D. impoverished
E. lucky
Ans: D
5. Orient
A. transmute
B. familiarize
C. formalize
D. recuperate
E. condescend
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Dogmatic
A. inflexible
B. obvious
C. pragmatic
D. pertinent
E. attentive
Ans: A
7. Recuperate
A. revolve
B. relish
C. reside
D. recover
E. recreate
Ans: D
8. Annotate
A. accept
B. argue
C. comment
D. align
E. malign
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Rigor
A. aspersion
B. severity
C. cerebration
D. compunction
E. pedagogy
Ans: B
10. Surrogate
A. agile
B. substitute
C. exorbitant
D. chaste
E. unruly
Ans: B
218
WORD POWER-QUIZ
20. IN EACH OTHER’S SHOES
20. IN EACH OTHER’S SHOES
I. Text Completion
1. The process to get the corrupt police officer (i) __________had been initiated by a bunch of civilians.
They (ii) ___________ collected evidence of his misdeeds and submitted it to higher officials. The
corrupt police officer was then (iii) __________ from his duties.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
nettled
(D)
surreptitiously
(G)
boosted
(B)
deposed
(E)
nonchalantly
(H)
ousted
(C)
criticized
(F)
scantily
(I)
rejoined
Ans: deposed, surreptitiously and ousted
2. The (i) ____________ rainfall this year has caused worry among the farmers. The indifference of the
authorities to address the issues of the farmers in the drought like situation has further frustrated the
farmers. The farmers’ union has warned that the farmers may (ii) ______ off their anger through
statewide protests.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
scanty
(D)
commiserate
(B)
adequate
(E)
gratify
(C)
portly
(F)
vent
Ans: scanty and vent
3. The security guard did not allow the (i) _______ job seeker into the plush office. Next day the job
seeker revisited the office dressed in a (ii) _________ white shirt. In (iii) __________ to his earlier
behavior the security guard saluted the job seeker.
219
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
mangy
(D)
spruce
(G)
sanction
(B)
spruce
(E)
mangy
(H)
fervor
(C)
palatable
(F)
artless
(I)
antithesis
Ans: mangy, spruce and antithesis
4. Linda is gradually recovering from her typhoid. She still looks thin and (i) _______. She is admitted
in a public hospital. When I went to visit her, I was shocked to see the dilapidated condition of the
hospital. We need to do something to (ii) __________ the condition of our public infrastructure.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
prim
(D)
gratify
(B)
shoddy
(E)
rejoin
(C)
pallid
(F)
ameliorate
Ans: pallid and ameliorate
5. Meena comes everyday to my desk to (i) ______ with me as I was not promoted last month. It is ok
to show sympathy to someone once or twice. But everyday? Her behavior now (ii) _______ me.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
gratify
(D)
nettles
(B)
commiserate
(E)
settles
(C)
reproach
(F)
procures
Ans: commiserate and nettles
6. If you exhibit (i) ________ pride and arrogance, God will send somebody to teach you the lesson of
(ii) _________.
220
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
quizzical
(D)
fervor
(B)
palatable
(E)
humility
(C)
overbearing
(F)
pugnacity
Ans: overbearing and humility
7. If someone appreciates friendly humor, it is not necessary that he will also appreciate (i) _______as it
is more (ii) ____________ than friendly humor.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
kismet
(D)
assiduous
(B)
sarcasm
(E)
ruddy
(C)
usury
(F)
corrosive
Ans: sarcasm and corrosive
8. The court acquitted the criminal because of insufficient evidence. The investigation done by the
police was not up to the mark. Therefore it (i) _______ the police for their (ii) ________
investigation.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
bequeathed
(D)
febrile
(B)
reproached
(E)
sporadic
(C)
sallied
(F)
shoddy
Ans: reproached and shoddy
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. What do desperate people do when they are beleaguered, harassed and (i) _______ by a powerful
oppressor? They appeal for help for justice.
Blank (i)
(A)
subjugated
(B)
retorted
(C)
recurred
Ans: subjugated
10. He is a (i) _______ Manchester United fan. He does not stop praising them even after a (ii) _______
performance by the club.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
sundry
(D)
pedestrian
(B)
provisional
(E)
unwonted
(C)
veritable
(F)
impermeable
Ans: veritable and pedestrian
11. His ex-girlfriend is a very (i) ______ subject for him. He always has tears in his eyes when someone
mentions her name in front of him. He blames his (ii) ___________ for their not being able to be
together in life. He feels that no one can erase what’s written in one’s fate.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
touchy
(D)
retinue
(B)
specious
(E)
kismet
(C)
fortuitous
(F)
retribution
Ans: touchy and kismet
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. There was a lot of (i) _____________ in the financial statements of the company. But the CFO (ii)
__________ his involvement in them and blamed it on the accountant.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
serendipities
(D)
disclaimed
(B)
inconsistencies
(E)
rejoined
(C)
volitions
(F)
abutted
Ans: inconsistencies and disclaimed
13. The apartment owners suffered a lot in the rainy season because of water leakage as the roofs of their
apartments were not (i) _____________ to water. They were extremely agitated and held protests in
front of the builder’s office. They were placated only after the builder personally gave them a/an (ii)
________ that he will fix all the leakage problems within four days.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
permeable
(D)
assurance
(B)
unwonted
(E)
reverie
(C)
impermeable
(F)
conjecture
Ans: impermeable and assurance
14. With increasing (i) __________ in the society, selling luxury products and services is a/an (ii)
___________ business and a lot of multi-nationals are entering into this business.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
affluence
(D)
errant
(B)
ambience
(E)
lucid
(C)
figment
(F)
lucrative
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: affluence and lucrative
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The _____________ of his mother when he announced with enthusiasm that he stood first in the class
discouraged the ten year old boy.
A. nonchalance
B. volition
C. assurance
D. antithesis
E. inconsistency
F. indifference
Ans: A and F
2. Their _________ house and mangy clothes point to their impoverished condition.
A. dirty
B. palatial
C. dingy
D. grand
E. adventitious
F. lucid
Ans: A and C
3. The ethnic wear exhibition had a great variety of clothes, some of which were ________ while some
were quite commonplace.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. definitive
B. assiduous
C. exotic
D. ominous
E. unfriendly
F. unfamiliar
Ans: C and F
4. The motivating speech of the orator was ________ in Peter’s mind even after he left the auditorium.
The speech triggered a transformation of his personality.
A. appearing
B. communicating
C. confronting
D. overbearing
E. resonating
F. echoing
Ans: E and F
5. The author’s ability to present complex ideas in _______ language is one of the book's great
strengths.
A. difficult
B. lucid
C. obscure
D. simple
E. absurd
F. factitious
Ans: B and D
225
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The salesman said, “Your baby will simply love this new baby food. It is not only easy to digest but
also __________.”
A. loathsome
B. tasty
C. omnifarious
D. prim
E. repugnant
F. palatable
Ans: B and F
7. Since the issuance of degree certificates by the university generally takes three to four months of
time, our school issued ___________ degree certificates to us. We used those in the meantime as a
proof of our graduation in our job interviews.
A. permanent
B. promotional
C. multifarious
D. sporadic
E. temporary
F. provisional
Ans: E and F
8. The city police have added stink bombs to their arsenal. These bombs have highly ___________
smell that can disperse the crowds quickly.
A. pleasant
B. intolerable
C. prodigious
D. obnoxious
E. sporadic
F. assiduous
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
9. As the Christmas is just a week ahead, the preparations are in full swing to celebrate the festival with
great ________.
A. disparity
B. fervor
C. enthusiasm
D. connoisseur
E. reverie
F. serendipity
Ans: B and C
10. The court has directed all the chemicals factories in the city and in the _____________ suburbs to
stop dumping toxic effluents into the river.
A. abutting
B. gratifying
C. adjoining
D. initiating
E. inferring
F. rejoining
Ans: A and C
11. The original movie was great. The remake is __________. If you want to torture yourself for two and
half hours, you should go and watch the remake.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. fantastic
B. stodgy
C. dull
D. sundry
E. quizzical
F. extraordinary
Ans: B and C
12. When the teacher finished explaining the concept, he understood from the ________ expression on
the students’ faces that they had not understood anything.
A. quizzical
B. prim
C. perplexed
D. sporadic
E. specious
F. ruddy
Ans: A and C
13. It can be ___________ from the polygraph and the narco test that the accused person was not
involved in the crime.
A. attributed
B. inferred
C. concluded
D. recurred
E. procured
F. retorted
Ans: B and C
228
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. I am quite impressed by Kate’s dressing sense. She always looks ________ and proper.
A. shoddy
B. fat
C. sloppy
D. prim
E. prudish
F. factitious
Ans: D and E
III. Synonyms
1. Abstain
A. attend
B. attenuate
C. agree
D. refrain
E. damage
Ans: D
2. Petty
A. pretty
B. trivial
C. poetic
D. major
E. hungry
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Exude
A. excel
B. exhume
C. enclose
D. enlighten
E. radiate
Ans: E
4. Smolder
A. burn
B. shrink
C. shrivel
D. swelter
E. swivel
Ans: A
5. Robust
A. scruffy
B. forceful
C. strict
D. sticky
E. stingy
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Construe
A. chew
B. convey
C. convert
D. clog
E. interpret
Ans: E
7. Penance
A. panache
B. patience
C. self-punishment
D. reluctance
E. fervor
Ans: C
8. Asylum
A. emotion
B. sanctuary
C. memory
D. acquaintance
E. addiction
Ans: B
231
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Portly
A. stout
B. sportive
C. movable
D. manageable
E. tall
Ans: A
10. Uncouth
A. untouched
B. coarse
C. hoarse
D. hidden
E. unveil
Ans: B
11. Redress
A. change
B. retain
C. remedy
D. disclaim
E. initiate
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. Momentous
A. logical
B. important
C. improper
D. liable
E. impulsive
Ans: B
13. Thrifty
A. swift
B. ready
C. witty
D. economical
E. improper
Ans: D
14. Reverie
A. sanction
B. usury
C. daydream
D. volition
E. scheme
Ans: C
233
WORD POWER-QUIZ
15. Gingerly
A. artlessly
B. cautiously
C. definitely
D. bawdily
E. sporadically
Ans: B
234
WORD POWER-QUIZ
21. OUR RUNAWAY KITE
21. OUR RUNAWAY KITE
I. Text Completion
1. Colonel Baert was a/an (i) ________ military genius. He knew exactly how to (ii) __________ his
troops to overturn the attack by the Germans.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
infallible
(D)
hurtle
(B)
impartial
(E)
marshal
(C)
incommodious
(F)
gawk
Ans: infallible and marshal
2. We noticed a fire on the seventh floor of the commercial tower. Within moments sirens (i) ________
from the Fire Brigades as they raced to the spot to douse the fire.
Blank (i)
(A)
blared
(B)
wafted
(C)
incensed
Ans: blared
3. The farmers in general are agitated about the government’s new policy of opening up the agriculture
sector. Yesterday one (i) __________ farmer hurled a shoe at the Prime Minister at a press
conference.
235
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
(A)
incensed
(B)
tentative
(C)
unwarranted
Ans: incensed
4. It is imperative to sack the minister so that a/an (i) __________ enquiry can be carried out in the land
scam. If the minister is not sacked, he would use his position of power to influence the investigation.
Blank (i)
(A)
reparable
(B)
biased
(C)
impartial
Ans: impartial
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. It is shocking to see the _______ publicity received by the recent spat between two celebrities in the
reality show Big Brother. I think the media needs to be reminded of the important role it needs to play
in the upliftment of our society.
A. unnecessary
B. viscous
C. hazy
D. unwarranted
E. maternal
F. potent
Ans: A and D
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. The secretary has informed us that the CEO has a _________ plan to visit the factory in the third
week of July. But she can confirm the exact date of the CEO’s visit only on 12th July.
A. provisional
B. leery
C. inexorable
D. repugnant
E. tentative
F. authoritative
Ans: A and E
3. The police reported that two men got into a/an ________ over some minor issue yesterday evening
and that resulted into the death of one of the persons. The police have still not arrested the murderer.
A. conjecture
B. figment
C. argument
D. tryst
E. altercation
F. narrative
Ans: C and E
4. The storyline of the movie is a little ________. But anyways you do not expect a comedy movie to
have a highly logical storyline. The movie serves its purpose of keeping you in a state of rapture for
two hours.
A. thrifty
B. nonchalant
C. absurd
D. inane
E. prodigious
F. touchy
237
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and D
5. When Henry Ford launched his first car, people __________ at the magical buggy running without
any horse in astonishment.
A. wafted
B. gawked
C. floated
D. gaped
E. culminated
F. blurted
Ans: B and D
III. Synonyms
1. Buccaneer
A. dissection
B. pirate
C. holster
D. scabbard
E. tryst
Ans: B
2. Viscous
A. sticky
B. interesting
C. disturbing
D. gullible
E. hazardous
238
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A
3. Tryst
A. dissection
B. propinquity
C. rendezvous
D. fervor
E. sanction
Ans: C
4. Natty
A. reparable
B. neat
C. comatose
D. voluble
E. tacit
Ans: B
5. Hazy
A. lucid
B. unclear
C. awry
D. galvanic
E. maternal
Ans: B
239
WORD POWER-QUIZ
22. BEYOND THE BAYOU
22. BEYOND THE BAYOU
I. Text Completion
1. On that (i) _________ night, the tourist bus was (ii) ___________ by the dacoits. Ten innocent people
died in the attack.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
luxuriant
(D)
waylaid
(B)
mellifluous
(E)
actuated
(C)
baleful
(F)
impaled
Ans: baleful and waylaid
2. After a motivating speech by the young Congress leader, the grass-root party workers are (i)
_________ in the election campaign. I just hope their (ii) __________ sustains till the end of the
campaign.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
adulated
(D)
zephyr
(B)
actuated
(E)
crescent
(C)
donned
(F)
zest
Ans: actuated and zest
3. After a long wait Ben noticed the prey coming in his direction. He remained hidden in the bushes and
(i) __________ the prey when it came in the (ii) ________ range.
240
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
assailed
(D)
lunar
(B)
concocted
(E)
melee
(C)
bragged
(F)
runic
Ans: assailed and melee
4. When the door opened with a creaking noise, we entered the (i) ________ ambience of that old
dilapidated house. There we noticed a creepy figure standing in a remote dark corner.
Blank (i)
A stygian
(A)
(B)
B distilling
C pleasant
(C)
Ans: stygian
5. There is no (i) _________ of tigers in the dense forest; but whether you will be able to spot a tiger or
not is (ii) ___________ upon your luck.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
dearth
(D)
adamant
(B)
mania
(E)
contingent
(C)
solace
(F)
magniloquent
Ans: dearth and contingent
6. In the bravery awards function, the Prime Minister in his speech was full of (i) _________ for the (ii)
_________ eight year old boy who saved two of his friends from drowning.
241
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
smirks
(D)
venturesome
(B)
adulations
(E)
timid
(C)
afflictions
(F)
adamant
Ans: adulations and venturesome
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The analyst has mentioned in her report that the demand-supply scenario for oil _________ high oil
prices going forward.
A. portends
B. brags
C. concocts
D. foretells
E. distills
F. dissembles
Ans: A and D
2. Even though the deposed minister ____________ his disappointment by maintaining a smiling face at
the press conference, everybody knew that he was utterly disappointed.
A. extirpated
B. endured
C. jostled
D. prattled
E. disguised
F. dissembled
Ans: E and F
242
WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. In spite of several requests by the ticket collector, the _________ senator refused to vacate the seat
that he had occupied without any reservation in the first class compartment of the train.
A. docile
B. adamant
C. seasoned
D. magniloquent
E. obstinate
F. meek
Ans: B and E
4. Two months after the conclusion of the soccer world cup, the soccer ______ refuses to tame down.
A. mania
B. craze
C. repartee
D. deluge
E. Puritanism
F. indifference
Ans: A and B
III. Synonyms
1. Culvert
A. convert
B. advert
C. gutter
D. icon
E. gadfly
Ans: C
243
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Impale
A. expel
B. pierce
C. repel
D. propel
E. compel
Ans: B
3. Succulent
A. transparent
B. conversant
C. luminous
D. juicy
E. plaintive
Ans: D
4. Distill
A. purify
B. contaminate
C. draw
D. waft
E. draft
Ans: A
244
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Seasoned
A. occasional
B. temporary
C. veteran
D. novice
E. seasonal
Ans: C
6. Brag
A. capture
B. roast
C. host
D. boast
E. rupture
Ans: D
245
WORD POWER-QUIZ
23. THE OWL’S EAR
23. THE OWL’S EAR
I. Text Completion
1. After witnessing blatant indiscipline by the students in the annual cultural festival, the generally (i)
__________ Director of the school was (ii) __________ with anger.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
equable
(D)
scaling
(B)
mundane
(E)
avowing
(C)
colossal
(F)
seething
Ans: equable and seething
2. I can say with (i) _______ that there is something (ii) __________ with Monica now a days. Before
she used to chirrup like a bird all day but now she does not speak a single word.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
anthem
(D)
amiss
(B)
certitude
(E)
altruistic
(C)
anomaly
(F)
dulcet
Ans: certitude and amiss
3. I collected my urine and blood test reports from the (i) __________ and submitted them to the doctor.
After looking at the reports, the doctor assured me that there was nothing to worry about my health
and everything was normal.
246
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
(A)
archaeologist
(B)
pathologist
(C)
physiologist
Ans: pathologist
4. The police apprehended the (i) ____________ who had pelted stones at the procession and beat them
so harshly with heavy sticks that they were (ii) _______________ in pain.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
pendants
(D)
delineating
(B)
clarions
(E)
transcribing
(C)
malefactors
(F)
writhing
Ans: malefactors and writhing
5. After a fierce war that lasted for three months, the enemy forces finally (i) ____________. Even
though we won the war, 54 of our brave soldiers attained (ii) _____________ in the war. The names
of those 54 brave soldiers who laid their lives for the country are inscribed on the war memorial.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
surpassed
(D)
freedom
(B)
reaped
(E)
martyrdom
(C)
capitulated
(F)
wisdom
Ans: capitulated and martyrdom
6. The movie (i) __________ the stark realities in the life of a prostitute. It is (ii) ________ of the
Director to make such a grim movie; generally he makes very light comedy movies.
247
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
scales
(D)
minuscule
(B)
avows
(E)
atypical
(C)
delineates
(F)
usual
Ans: delineates and atypical
7. I met Valerie after a gap of five years. She looked quite (i) _____ and weak. I was surprised to find
her in such a miserable condition. I assumed something unfortunate must have happened to her in the
interim period. On my insistence she (ii) ________ the whole story of her misfortune and misery to
me.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
frail
(D)
rejected
(B)
ruddy
(E)
reverted
(C)
seasoned
(F)
recounted
Ans: frail and recounted
8. The great scientist was the first one to (i) _____________ study all the halogens. He was also the first
one to highlight the (ii) _____________ properties of Fluorine as compared to other halogens. He
carefully noted down all the physical and chemical properties in which Fluorine is different from
other halogens.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
methodically
(D)
impetuous
(B)
clumsily
(E)
anomalous
(C)
whimsically
(F)
spectral
248
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: methodically and anomalous
9. It was a pleasant morning by the lakeside. The water of the lake was so (i) _________ that she could
observe beautiful fish at the bottom of the lake. Suddenly she observed a bat flying by. She was
surprised to see a bat in the daytime as bats are (ii) _______ animals and they generally sleep
somewhere in the woods during the daytime.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
limpid
(D)
jaundiced
(B)
acoustic
(E)
nocturnal
(C)
bilious
(F)
ancestral
Ans: limpid and nocturnal
10. I (i) _________ you, O God, to forgive me for my stupid mistakes. I vow to give up all my greed and
selfishness and walk on the path of (ii) _________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
impale
(D)
altruism
(B)
surpass
(E)
avarice
(C)
adjure
(F)
self-centeredness
Ans: adjure and altruism
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. _________ is a term used to describe a condition with one or more symptoms including a feeling of
fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal and burning in the stomach. A person
suffering from it may also feel nauseated.
249
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. Headache
B. Dyspepsia
C. Malaise
D. Indigestion
E. Hallucination
F. Rickety
Ans: B and D
2. The water supplies for the ancient town came from a centrally located _________. It was 40 feet
deep, 160 feet long and 50 feet broad.
A. cistern
B. umbrage
C. reservoir
D. fissure
E. fiasco
F. metaphor
Ans: A and C
3. Recently the consumer durables companies have started selling their products through a new _____ :
the microfinance executives.
A. interloper
B. ancestor
C. sustenance
D. conduit
E. channel
F. myriad
Ans: D and E
250
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Katherine is tired of handling the __________ tasks in the laboratory as a lab assistant. She feels she
is now experienced enough to become the lab in-charge.
A. dulcet
B. mundane
C. awry
D. routine
E. imperious
F. agile
Ans: B and D
5. The company chose to ignore the emerging digital camera technology and continued to focus on its
traditional camera business. This proved to be a _______ strategic mistake and the company was shut
down within three years of the launch of digital cameras by its competitors.
A. routine
B. colossal
C. huge
D. funny
E. comestible
F. glazed
Ans: B and C
6. After he cast aspersions on the police, Omar was charged with using "________ and impertinent
language" and he was sentenced to three months in jail.
A. polite
B. humble
C. insolent
D. rude
E. respectful
F. funereal
251
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and D
7. The veteran player took _______ at the allegations that he was not a team-player and had always
played for personal records.
A. adulation
B. tribute
C. plenitude
D. venison
E. umbrage
F. offense
Ans: E and F
8. The star player sustained minor bruises after a spectator suddenly ran into the field when the game
was on and gave him a push. The __________ was later arrested by the police.
A. interloper
B. amphibian
C. alchemist
D. specter
E. intruder
F. apparition
Ans: A and E
9. The judge of the reality show ‘Master Chef’ reprimanded a contestant for making a dish that looked
good but was not ___________. He remarked. “Even dogs won’t eat it!”
252
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. edible
B. combustible
C. comestible
D. imbecile
E. contingent
F. stygian
Ans: A and C
10. Yesterday I received an e-mail from the Chairman’s secretary inviting me to attend the next
management meeting. I was surprised to see in the e-mail that a discussion on labor union issue was
not in the _______ of the meeting.
A. ambrosia
B. agenda
C. aperture
D. list of items
E. functionary
F. gnome
Ans: B and D
11. Natalia has put enough hard work in her work over the last several years. Now it is time for her to
relax and ___________ the rewards of her hard work.
A. avow
B. allege
C. harvest
D. arraign
E. reap
F. transcribe
Ans: C and E
253
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Aquiline
A. straight
B. hooked
C. weird
D. absurd
E. jumbled
Ans: B
2. Arraign
A. abuse
B. address
C. abscond
D. accuse
E. alter
Ans: D
3. Bilious
A. tragic
B. allergic
C. nostalgic
D. pragmatic
E. irritable
Ans: E
254
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Gnome
A. monster
B. gentleman
C. dwarf
D. monarch
E. villain
Ans: C
5. Glazed
A. concentric
B. acoustic
C. rustic
D. glossy
E. impetuous
Ans: D
6. Jaundiced
A. cynical
B. comical
C. appreciative
D. didactic
E. inevitable
Ans: A
255
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Cathartic
A. attractive
B. carcinogenic
C. purgative
D. mellifluous
E. acoustic
Ans: C
8. Nicety
A. fissure
B. aperture
C. anthem
D. detail
E. clarion
Ans: D
9. Imbecile
A. stupid
B. intelligent
C. smart
D. innocent
E. dirty
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Surpass
A. run
B. daub
C. exceed
D. preach
E. teach
Ans: C
11. Aperture
A. ghost
B. name
C. sound
D. light
E. orifice
Ans: E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
24. AN UNCONVENTIONAL CONFIDENCE
24. AN UNCONVENTIONAL CONFIDENCE
I. Text Completion
1. Rooney’s comeback to the England team from an injury lay-off has further (i) ________ the spirits of
the England team that (ii) ________ to win the World Cup this time.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
weakened
(D)
averts
(B)
bolstered
(E)
reneges
(C)
enervated
(F)
aspires
Ans: bolstered and aspires
2. It was a long and tiring journey full of (i) ________ through the lifeless terrains of Alabama until
David woke up from his sleep and amused us with his (ii) __________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
ennui
(D)
trepidation
(B)
duration
(E)
badinage
(C)
clientele
(F)
suavity
Ans: ennui and badinage
3. He is quite unlike other CEOs who are generally arrogant and very boring people. He is in fact quite
(i) ____________. But that does not mean that he is (ii) _______. When it comes to putting forward
his viewpoints, he is quite aggressive.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
personable
(D)
meek
(B)
musty
(E)
adamant
(C)
poignant
(F)
stygian
Ans: personable and meek
4. I was surprised to see Jeffrey sporting a smart (i) _______ because before I had always seen him
having (ii) _______ hair as if he could not afford to buy a comb.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
colander
(D)
disheveled
(B)
coiffure
(E)
neat
(C)
prolixity
(F)
dynamic
Ans: coiffure and disheveled
5. The little children were really enjoying the festivities with a (i) _________ in the large garden. But
suddenly there was a loud sound of a blast. After that they got scared and started running (ii)
_________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
clime
(D)
pell-mell
(B)
ennui
(E)
ironically
(C)
gusto
(F)
jovially
Ans: gusto and pell-mell
6. Even though they were not great tennis players in the singles category, they formed a formidable pair
in the doubles category. This is because they (i) ___________ each other very well.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank 1
(A)
complemented
(B)
adjusted
(C)
reconciled
Ans: complemented
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Looking for ______ bliss? Head for the mega matchmaking event being held in the town hall. We are
sure you will find just the ‘right’ life-partner for you.
A. conjugal
B. innate
C. cherubic
D. insensible
E. marital
F. parsimonious
Ans: A and E
2. The tragic accident that claimed 67 lives could have been ________ if the theatre management had
taken adequate fire-fighting measures.
A. reverted
B. avoided
C. averted
D. provided
E. guided
F. endorsed
Ans: B and C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Great leaders are born with a/an__________ ability to motivate and influence people. Nobody teaches
them how to do it.
A. extinct
B. innate
C. mauve
D. inborn
E. candor
F. prolixity
Ans: B and D
4. The audience was ____________ by the enchanting musical fountain show. The spectators almost
forgot to breathe till the wonderful show was over.
A. doddered
B. dwindled
C. sullied
D. tarnished
E. mesmerized
F. captivated
Ans: E and F
5. The people ___________ the memory of the tyrannical ruler who subjected an entire generation of
people to extreme hardship and torture.
A. relished
B. abhorred
C. reconciled
D. settled
E. execrated
F. reneged
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and E
6. The cola giant has recalled thousands of cold drink bottles after a few customers complained of
_________ odor emanating from the cold drink.
A. fresh
B. stale
C. cherubic
D. angelic
E. musty
F. fallow
Ans: B and E
7. The recent measures announced by the government to address the issue of the migration are
___________. They are never going to work. In fact they will make the situation even worse.
A. impractical
B. quixotic
C. comprehensive
D. worldly
E. wonderful
F. inclusive
Ans: A and B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Peerless
A. alone
B. absurd
C. critical
D. matchless
E. dead
Ans: D
2. Quirk
A. cork
B. idea
C. notion
D. pinnacle
E. eccentricity
Ans: E
3. Poignant
A. emotional
B. salubrious
C. challenging
D. difficult
E. invisible
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Stalwart
A. funny
B. robust
C. old
D. feminine
E. feline
Ans: B
5. Hyperbole
A. degradation
B. torrent
C. exaggeration
D. tempest
E. resolution
Ans: C
6. Candor
A. affection
B. splendor
C. blunder
D. tenderness
E. frankness
Ans: E
264
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Prolixity
A. proximity
B. verbosity
C. celebrity
D. viscosity
E. ability
Ans: B
265
WORD POWER-QUIZ
25. THE BAT AND BELFRY INN
25. THE BAT AND BELFRY INN
I. Text Completion
1. The music director had used a tune in a song without a/an (i) ___________ permission from its
creator. When the creator of the tune came to know of this, he filed a lawsuit against the music
director for copyright (ii) ____________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
explicit
(D)
imprudence
(B)
zany
(E)
adjustment
(C)
provincial
(F)
infringement
Ans: explicit and infringement
2. The parents in the chat show (i) __________ about the (ii) ________ of vendors by the roadside that
sell adult content to children. They vociferously demanded a strict action by the police against such
vendors.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
excited
(D)
regimen
(B)
fulminated
(E)
scarcity
(C)
adverted
(F)
profusion
Ans: fulminated and profusion
3. After settling down in a lodge in the coastal touristic town, I (i) ___________ around the town. I was
surprised to see the (ii) ____________ liquor bars in the town. You could find one liquor bar every
twenty feet. Probably there was more liquor in the town than there was water in the sea!
266
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
congealed
(D)
ubiquitous
(B)
ambled
(E)
crotchety
(C)
interrogated
(F)
striated
Ans: ambled and ubiquitous
4. He is (i) ____________ the best batsman in the world. When the other batsmen were making a/an (ii)
_________ attempt at survival on the bouncy pitch, he was playing his shots fluently.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
testily
(D)
swift
(B)
indubitably
(E)
adept
(C)
execrably
(F)
ungainly
Ans: indubitably and ungainly
5. The latest form of cheque (i) __________ is the refund scam. The hoaxers place an order for some
goods with a firm. Then they deposit a forged cheque for an amount much more than that quoted by
the seller. Then they (ii) ________ the seller in refunding the differential between the deposited
amount and the quoted amount. After a week, the forged cheque bounces and the seller learns that he
has been cheated. But by that time it is too late.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
fraud
(D)
peptonize
(B)
spat
(E)
inveigle
(C)
tempo
(F)
decipher
267
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: fraud and inveigle
6. Because of the global recessionary fears, the stock markets (i) _______________. But the young
trader was not (ii) ______________. He kept on buying stocks at cheap valuations.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
masticated
(D)
perturbed
(B)
petrified
(E)
rhapsodized
(C)
plummeted
(F)
appraised
Ans: plummeted and perturbed
7. Engaging in a (i) _______ with the muscular WWF fighter proved very expensive for him….the next
day he was lying on a hospital bed with his body completely (ii) _______ in bandages.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
apotheosis
(D)
swathed
(B)
hiatus
(E)
misapprehended
(C)
spat
(F)
condoned
Ans: spat and swathed
8. The (i) _________ shoeshine boy had a weird way of (ii) __________ the shoes. He used to keep a
shoe on a tiny massage table that he had with him and then polish it using the Thai massage
techniques.
268
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
zany
(D)
burning
(B)
sincere
(E)
bolting
(C)
exemplary
(F)
burnishing
Ans: zany and burnishing
9. The (i) _______ man who had run away from a mental hospital entered Bill’s house. Bill kept him
engaged in a chat and secretly informed the police about him. But the moment the man sensed that the
police were about to enter the house, he (ii) _________ from that place and was not found for more
than one month.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
striated
(D)
galvanized
(B)
deranged
(E)
bolted
(C)
acetic
(F)
improvised
Ans: deranged and bolted
10. They (i) ___________ the criminal for four hours and were finally able to make him reveal the
location of the secret documents. But when they found the secret documents, they were disappointed
as the documents were written in a cryptic language and they were not able to (ii) ________ it.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
interrogated
(D)
quash
(B)
adverted
(E)
browbeat
(C)
misapprehended
(F)
decipher
Ans: interrogated and decipher
269
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Ian was a very dominating boss. He used to scold his subordinates severely for every small reason.
Therefore nobody in the office had the (i) __________ to (ii) __________ his decisions.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
mettle
(D)
squander
(B)
tempo
(E)
blurt
(C)
metal
(F)
controvert
Ans: mettle and controvert
12. Please stay away from him as he is an anti-social element. He is a man who will bully and (i)
_______ you until you're so (ii) ________ that you don't know what to do or where to go.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
advert
(D)
petrified
(B)
infer
(E)
recurred
(C)
browbeat
(F)
gratified
Ans: browbeat and petrified
13. On our way to New York, we were extremely hungry after six hours of drive. Therefore we stopped
at a roadside restaurant to eat something. We ordered burgers. But the burgers that were served to us
were having (i) ___________ odor. Linda almost got sick after smelling one of those burgers. We
were extremely angry at the restaurant manager and hurled (ii) __________ at him and drove away.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
appetizing
(D)
invectives
(B)
noisome
(E)
adulations
(C)
irrepressible
(F)
paeans
270
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: noisome and invectives
14. Since the young man seemed quite motivated to work under me, I hired him even though he did not
have any prior work experience. But I told him clearly that since he was a (i) __________,I would (ii)
___________ his work on a weekly basis and his duties might be terminated if the quality of his work
was found to be unsatisfactory.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
killjoy
(D)
appraise
(B)
canker
(E)
praise
(C)
neophyte
(F)
apprise
Ans: neophyte and appraise
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. One day while I was walking in the park, I noticed a/an ________ old man who was counting the
sparrows in the park
A. eccentric
B. innate
C. crotchety
D. innocent
E. marital
F. parsimonious
Ans: A and C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. The _______ of the boyfriend of the dead girl to share his cell phone with the police, caused
suspicion in the minds of the policemen.
A. openness
B. reticence
C. badinage
D. regime
E. reluctance
F. aspiration
Ans: B and E
3. When we returned to our house from our trip to Mexico, we were shocked to see our house in
a/an__________. Some intruder had ransacked our house in our absence.
A. disorder
B. hiatus
C. shamble
D. tempo
E. chronicle
F. account
Ans: A and C
4. Diego has a/an __________ taste for clothes. Look at the clothes he is wearing - pink pajamas, orange
shirt and red shoes.
A. praiseworthy
B. terrible
C. pusillanimous
D. execrable
E. exemplary
F. potable
272
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
5. Attempting to ______ rumors that she had married her co-star, the actress categorically stated that she
was single and had no intention of getting married in near future.
A. encourage
B. daub
C. smear
D. invalidate
E. foster
F. quash
Ans: D and F
6. When Benjamin got his aching tooth fixed by the dentist, the dentist advised him that for three days
he should eat only those food items that were easy to __________.
A. masticate
B. chew
C. fret
D. repine
E. renounce
F. forego
Ans: A and B
273
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. The enemy was ________ by the unexpected attack by our soldiers. Before they could understand
what was happening and take any reactive measure, our soldiers had captured the capital.
A. flustered
B. elated
C. pardoned
D. adverted
E. condoned
F. disconcerted
Ans: A and F
8. The animal welfare society seeks a _______ and sustainable world for all the animals. That is why the
society promotes vegetarianism.
A. cruel
B. humane
C. benevolent
D. diffident
E. vindictive
F. barefaced
Ans: B and C
9. After a two year ______, the comedy actor is back with a bang to tickle your funny bone with his
pranks.
A. delusion
B. hiatus
C. impudence
D. tirade
E. poise
F. break
274
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and F
10. More than 60% of the population of India does not have access to _________ water. Making pure
water available to everybody should be the top priority of the government.
A. germane
B. sylvan
C. drinkable
D. modest
E. potable
F. truculent
Ans: C and E
11. Are you tired of the _____ city life, longing for a change and looking to do something different this
weekend? Welcome to the countryside!
A. electrifying
B. humdrum
C. boring
D. equivalent
E. inarticulate
F. tantamount
Ans: B and C
12. Even if Christopher failed in three business ventures, he was driven by a/an ______ desire to be a
successful entrepreneur and he started his fourth venture.
275
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. impertinent
B. uncontainable
C. artful
D. irrepressible
E. sly
F. stolid
Ans: B and D
13. When the husband returned to home heavily drunk, the wife shouted at him, “Oh my God, I never
thought that one day you will have the ____________ to come back to home drunk like this.”
A. honesty
B. audacity
C. tempo
D. reserve
E. reticence
F. impudence
Ans: B and F
III. Synonyms
1. Congeal
A. indicate
B. freeze
C. advert
D. condone
E. pardon
Ans: B
276
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Flora
A. tigers
B. birds
C. fish
D. animals
E. vegetation
Ans: E
3. Galvanize
A. stimulate
B. burn
C. elect
D. understand
E. explain
Ans: A
4. Requisite
A. intimate
B. necessary
C. respectful
D. uncertain
E. obscure
Ans: B
277
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Intimate
A. question
B. answer
C. respect
D. imply
E. close
Ans: D
6. Striated
A. weak
B. striped
C. fair
D. tired
E. dull
Ans: B
7. Tempo
A. rhythm
B. face
C. stone
D. diamond
E. psychopath
Ans: A
278
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Regime
A. food
B. friend
C. government
D. wife
E. neighbor
Ans: C
9. Canker
A. harvest
B. clapper
C. menagerie
D. cancer
E. circlet
Ans: D
10. Testy
A. genuine
B. sweet
C. beautiful
D. irritable
E. innocent
Ans: D
279
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Innocuous
A. spiteful
B. hollow
C. hard
D. harmless
E. soft
Ans: D
12. Notorious
A. livid
B. illustrious
C. infamous
D. tepid
E. indifferent
Ans: C
13. Discombobulation
A. respect
B. attack
C. defense
D. dryness
E. confusion
Ans: E
280
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. Menagerie
A. farm
B. villa
C. zoo
D. calamity
E. privation
Ans: C
281
WORD POWER-QUIZ
26. THE OUTRAGE - A TRUE STORY
26. THE OUTRAGE - A TRUE STORY
I. Text Completion
1. A star was initially considered to be an (i) ___________ object in the space. However as we learnt
more things in astrophysics, this assumption changed. A star that does not emit any light and can only
be detected by its gravity pull is called as a black hole. Any object which comes in the vicinity of a
black hole cannot escape its gravity; the power of its pull is (ii) _____________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
incandescent
(D) iniquitous
(B)
inchoate
(E) immovable
(C)
indelible
(F) insurmountable
Ans: incandescent and insurmountable
2. The (i) ___________ goalkeeper was swift in fathoming the trajectory of the approaching ball and
fending off the attacks by the opposition striker all the time.
Blank (i)
(A)
stoic
(B)
clueless
(C)
adroit
Ans: adroit
3. In order to (i) __________ his aspirations of becoming super rich, the budding magician acquired
new (ii)___________ that nobody could imitate. His (iii) _________ and commitment made him a
very famous and wealthy magician.
282
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
subside
(D) sleights
(G) prolixity
(B)
quench
(E)
entities
(H) lethargy
(C)
suppress
(F)
talons
(I) diligence
Ans: quench, sleights and diligence
4. The ambitious businessman could not satisfy his aspirations with the (i) _______ money he made out
of his business. His ambition (ii) _______ into sinful greed and he started cheating his customers.
Soon he made huge profits, but his (iii) _____ did not sustain for a long time and he was arrested on
the charges of cheating.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
queer
(D) degenerated
(G) repast
(B)
tout
(E)
belied
(H) ruse
(C)
meager
(F)
inebriated
(I) audacity
Ans: meager, degenerated and ruse
5. After multiple rejections, Charles developed an (i) ___________ towards being interviewed for a job.
This (ii) _________ made him dependent on his brother for survival. Charles’s weird behavior
brought (iii) _______ to his wife, who was embarrassed to be dependent on Charles’s brother.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
abomination
(D) convulsion
(G) alacrity
(B)
admonition
(E)
revulsion
(H) ambiguity
(C)
aberration
(F)
conviction
(I) ignominy
Ans: abomination, revulsion and ignominy
283
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. To ease themselves from (i) ____________ troubles, the farmers used to borrow money from local
money lenders at very high interest rate. They were not aware of the option of borrowing money from
a financial institution and hence were subjected to (ii) _____________ at the hands of greedy money
lenders.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) monetary
(D) exemption
(B) momentary
(E) exploitation
(C) salutary
(F) expedition
Ans: monetary and exploitation
7. Amanda spent her childhood in (i)_______ conditions in abject poverty. She (ii)_________ her father
who was an alcoholic. She hated that fact that he ran away from all his responsibilities and was not
even (iii)_________ about it.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
ethereal
(D) abhorred
(G) penitent
(B)
adverse
(E)
dawdled
(H) corpulent
(C)
prodigious
(F)
endorsed
(I) benevolent
Ans: adverse, abhorred and penitent
8. Under the (i) _____________ to complete that complex project on time, Sam had put all his energy
into it. However for speedy execution of the project, he required several approvals from the relevant
authorities. But the organization was so bureaucratic that his requests for approvals were always in a
state of (ii)_________. This uncertainty hugely impacted the schedule of the project.
284
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
obligation
(D) indignity
(B)
aspiration
(E)
penury
(C)
volition
(F)
limbo
Ans: obligation and limbo
9. A group of tribal people came together to fight against the unfair treatment meted out to them by the
(i) _________ upper class people. The people coming from the upper class (ii) _________ the
resources of the forest and got the labor work done at dirt cheap rates from the tribal people. The
leader of the tribal group made a plan to stop this exploitation and all his (iii) __________ agreed
with his plan.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
languid
(D) exploited
(G) barrages
(B)
bourgeois
(E)
exasperated
(H) comrades
(C)
inveterate
(F)
rued
(I) pendants
Ans: bourgeois, exploited and comrades
10. To avoid sharing their ancestral property with his younger brother, George conspired to (i)
___________ his brother for committing a fraud in their business. George managed to (ii) _______
some documents to prove that his brother was the culprit. Unaware of George’s (iii) __________
intentions, his younger brother guilelessly walked into the trap.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
incriminate
(D) defame
(G) prudent
(B)
discriminate
(E)
entice
(H) devout
(C)
abominate
(F)
fabricate
(I) toxic
285
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: incriminate, fabricate and toxic
11. During the press conference the politician (i) __________ the questions on a recent controversy
involving him. He forthrightly mentioned that the (ii) ________ of the matter was that his opponents
wanted to (iii) _______ him by fabricating such controversies.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
invaded
(D) gist
(G) garnish
(B)
diluted
(E)
gust
(H) defame
(C)
evaded
(F)
sleight
(I) bask
Ans: evaded, gist and defame
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The _____________ shown by the architect in his previous assignment encouraged the builder to
collaborate with him again.
A. sportiveness
B. premonition
C. industriousness
D. coincidence
E. deviation
F. diligence
Ans: C and F
2. With years of experience, the executive acquired the __________ required for quickly spotting the
mistakes and inconsistencies in any proposal, which helped him to take quick decisions.
286
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. acumen
B. denouement
C. moroseness
D. expertise
E. conclusion
F. confusion
Ans: A and D
3. King Harry took deep interest in art. Under his __________, various art forms flourished and artists
from faraway places migrated to his kingdom.
A. obligation
B. patronage
C. digression
D. mirage
E. sponsorship
F. conviction
Ans: B and E
4. The ________ proximity of the asteroid's trajectory with the earth's orbit has caused deep concern
amongst the global scientific and political leaders.
A. minatory
B. promontory
C. bountiful
D. willful
E. baleful
F. hortatory
Ans: A and E
287
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. David’s sinful behavior has brought _________ to his family. I am sure that even his future
generations will suffer under the pressure of the disrepute he has brought to his family name.
A. ignominy
B. larceny
C. progeny
D. discredit
E. plaudit
F. parsimony
Ans: A and D
6. Sam waited at the gate of the mansion to kidnap a resident of the mansion and _______ money from
his family.
A. exasperate
B. extort
C. cogitate
D. extrapolate
E. coerce
F. extol
Ans: B and E
7. The _______ guest stopped eating only after he discovered that there was nothing more left to serve
him.
A. nefarious
B. overbearing
C. preposterous
D. voracious
E. loquacious
F. devouring
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D and F
8. It was a/an _______ that the team of a modish lady and an untidy man won the title of the perfect
couple.
A. paraphernalia
B. paradox
C. compliance
D. trigger
E. irony
F. resolution
Ans: B and E
9. After encountering an apparition, Jason was so scared that he was completely _________ in his
speech.
A. incoherent
B. innocuous
C. inarticulate
D. desolate
E. indubitable
F. notorious
Ans: A and C
10. The ___________ residents of the colony requested the government to withdraw the demanding and
unreasonable water taxes.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. suppliant
B. transparent
C. ostentatious
D. superficial
E. benevolent
F. entreating
Ans: A and F
11. The ___________ image of the President could not be tarnished by the slander against him by the
local news paper.
A. irreproachable
B. ungainly
C. execrable
D. immaculate
E. unbridled
F. inevitable
Ans: A and D
III. Synonyms
1. Ruse
A. Rue
B. Artless
C. Artifice
D. Rustic
E. Drudgery
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Acumen
A. Accuracy
B. Insight
C. Indulgence
D. Sleight
E. Repertoire
Ans: B
3. Immobile
A. Detached
B. Poignant
C. Stolid
D. Static
E. Maudlin
Ans: D
4. Formality
A. Ceremony
B. Jollity
C. Tactility
D. Parsimony
E. Gentility
Ans: A
291
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Debilitate
A. Articulate
B. Instigate
C. Accelerate
D. Enervate
E. Deprecate
Ans: D
6. Soporific
A. Beatific
B. Truculent
C. Overbearing
D. Harrowing
E. Somnolent
Ans: E
7. Discordant
A. Redundant
B. Incongruous
C. Verdant
D. Contagious
E. Surreptitious
Ans: B
292
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Unambiguous
A. Unfaltering
B. Unruly
C. Explicit
D. Unbridled
E. Tacit
Ans: C
9. Parasite
A. Provision
B. Fomenter
C. Incident
D. Blood-sucker
E. Precedent
Ans: D
10. Arbitrary
A. Unambiguous
B. Unreasonable
C. Unimpeachable
D. Unfeigned
E. Unfledged
Ans: B
293
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Digression
A. Demolition
B. Premonition
C. Privation
D. Resolution
E. Deviation
Ans: E
12. Refute
A. Divert
B. Comprise
C. Adjust
D. Disprove
E. Refuse
Ans: D
13. Spry
A. Agile
B. Lethargic
C. Unreasonable
D. Quarrelsome
E. Confusing
Ans: A
294
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. Aplomb
A. Insurance
B. Assurance
C. Dissonance
D. Resonance
E. Entrance
Ans: B
15. Contempt
A. Collision
B. Disgrace
C. Accomplice
D. Rebound
E. Demand
Ans: B
295
WORD POWER-QUIZ
27. THE MAN WITH THE GOOD FACE
27. THE MAN WITH THE GOOD FACE
I. Text Completion
1. The meteorology department did not take any measurements of the seismic activity under the sea. As
a result of this flawed approach, they could not predict an undersea earthquake that resulted into a
tsunami. Coastal areas were (i) _________ under huge waves and there was a (ii) __________ loss of
life and assets.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) amended
(D) smattering
(B) incubated
(E) gargantuan
(C) inundated
(F) superficial
Ans: inundated and gargantuan
2. The wall painting depicts the scene of the weekly bazaar of an era with which nobody of the current
generation is familiar. For someone with (i)_______ interests, the painting is a great resource to
understand the clothing preferences of the people of various strata of the society in that period.
Blank (ii)
(A) demented
(B) mordant
(C) sartorial
Ans: sartorial
3. The impulsive disputant would not hesitate to enter into a (i) ________ on the street if he was in his
hometown. However, as currently he was not in his (ii) __________ the disputant stayed calm in spite
of few (iii) ________ comments against him from a few miscreants.
296
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
guise
(D) bastion
(G) insouciant
(B)
fracas
(E)
fervor
(H) generous
(C)
shuffle
(F)
sanctuary
(I) mordant
Ans: fracas, bastion and mordant
4. The veracity of the news about the incursion of a stranger into the Governor’s residence was (i)
_________. Though this incident was making news in the media, the security agencies (ii) _________
the occurrence of any such incident. The security agencies (iii) ______ the media for spreading such
false and baseless rumors.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
indeterminate
(D) disguised
(G) reconsidered
(B)
instant
(E)
disavowed
(H) reproved
(C)
insane
(F)
disputed
(I) reverted
Ans: indeterminate, disavowed and reproved
5. Popularly known to be a/an (i) ______________, Tom always wanted to be an outgoing person. In his
diary he mentions that he always wanted to build a good rapport with people around, but he would
yield to the (ii) ____________ that he might be laughed at.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
introvert
(D) misgiving
(B)
gibberish
(E)
imprecation
(C)
lunatic
(F)
resurrection
Ans: introvert and misgiving
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Richard had kept the details of his two bank accounts (i)________ to himself. While checking the
balance in these secret bank accounts, Richard did not notice Tim coming into his cabin. As Tim
patted on the Richard’s back he (ii) ____________ in shock.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
concerted
(D) resurged
(B)
privy
(E)
swerved
(C)
nugatory
(F)
imploded
Ans: privy and swerved
7. As a student John was a/an (i) ____________ boy. His friends used to tease him for his slowness.
However the (ii) ____________ responsibilities of the professional life transformed him into a smart,
agile and responsible person. His friends were pleasantly surprised to notice this (iii)___________ in
his personality.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) sluggish
(D) caustic
(G)
ramification
(B) introvert
(E) riveting
(H)
rationalization
(C) expansive
(F)
(I)
metamorphosis
embossing
Ans: sluggish, riveting and metamorphosis
8. The (i) __________ had a neutral accent; it was difficult to determine his mother tongue. His
expertise in (ii) ___________languages had impressed everyone at the workplace.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) polyglot
(D) tangible
(B) fiend
(E) manifold
(C) mendicant
(F) complacent
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: polyglot and manifold
9. It was an exciting boxing match. The stronger (i)_________tried very hard to overpower his
opponent. But his (ii)____________ opponent did not give up and stood up on his feet every time he
fell down.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
socialist
(D) infinitesimal
(B)
pugilist
(E) incredulous
(C)
feminist
(F) indefatigable
Ans: pugilist and indefatigable
10. In order to (i) ___________ the interest accumulated on the loan, the money-lender devised a new
method. This method would fetch him hefty profits if his borrowers accepted it. But the borrowers
realized the trap and rejected the implementation of the new method. The money-lender was (ii)
___________ that his trick did not work.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) compute
(D) discounted
(B) transcribe
(E) disarrayed
(C) inveigle
(F) disheartened
Ans: compute and disheartened
11. I could not find enough time to go through Frank’s proposal in detail. However I had a
(i)____________ glance at it and I noticed that he had listed direct cost saving of USD 3B as one of
the (ii) _________ benefits of the project. I found this number to be very high. However, I more or
less tend to agree with the other intangible benefits like improvement in employee morale listed there.
299
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) foolhardy
(D) tangible
(B) cantankerous
(E) ethereal
(C) cursory
(F) cryptic
Ans: cursory and tangible
12. I felt really sad when Greg (i)____________ to his injuries after a road accident. Even though he was
my boss, we enjoyed a
good (ii)________ and enjoyed working with each other.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) enhanced
(D) rapport
(B) lionized
(E) support
(C) succumbed
(F) panorama
Ans: succumbed and rapport
13. I (i)_________ the crooks that have cheated helpless widows through this financial scam. These
crooks deserve the severest possible punishment. Nowadays it is very difficult to trust anybody in
financial matters. I doubt whether there is any genuine (ii) _________ left in this country.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) adore
(D) probity
(B) despise
(E) mobility
(C) disguise
(F) absurdity
Ans: despise and probity
300
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. The whole town knew John to be a (i)_________. Even though he was very rich, he was often seen in
the market haggling over every single penny he paid. Therefore the town was surprised when John
offered a hefty (ii)__________ aid to the flood victims.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) advisor
(D) raspy
(B) miser
(E) ineffable
(C) psychiatrist
(F) pecuniary
Ans: miser and pecuniary
15. The social activist has vehemently mentioned in his speech that the government must give up its
(i)__________ outlook and address the issue of casteism through a holistic approach. He says that we
cannot continue to live in a society where the aspirations of people from lower class are (ii)
_________ not because of their lack of merit but because of their birth.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) particular
(D) smothered
(B) parochial
(E) blundered
(C) saccharine
(F) fulfilled
Ans: parochial and smothered
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The fisherman had a tough time in balancing his boat as the weather was rough and his boat was
being constantly ____________ by the turbulent waves of the sea.
301
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. pounded
B. despised
C. endorsed
D. averted
E. pummeled
F. compounded
Ans: A and E
2. I was ____________ to cast my votes so that the honest candidate would win in the election and take
some steps to address the key issues faced by our town.
A. rebelled
B. impelled
C. dispelled
D. driven
E. repelled
F. labeled
Ans: B and D
3. While giving his farewell speech at the school, George stood speechless for a while as he was
searching for more _____________words to express his gratitude towards his school.
A. opposite
B. apposite
C. penitent
D. incoherent
E. appropriate
F. complacent
Ans: B and E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. As soon as the army started distributing the food packets in the flood rehabilitation camp, a
____________ sparked amongst the starving flood victims.
A. chuckle
B. baffle
C. scuffle
D. swerve
E. fumble
F. brawl
Ans: C and F
5. The theatrical performance of the artist ____________ the audience and they gave a standing ovation
to him.
A. enthralled
B. disheartened
C. enraptured
D. respired
E. enlarged
F. decanted
Ans: A and C
6. The bartender skillfully ____________ the Champaign from the bottle into our glasses.
A. determined
B. simpered
C. effaced
D. decanted
E. grappled
F. poured
Ans: D and F
303
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. After explaining all the choices which the aspirant could make, the counselor left the final choice of
course to the ____________ of the aspirant.
A. disquisition
B. exploitation
C. discretion
D. munificence
E. coincidence
F. prudence
Ans: C and F
8. Tom picked the ____________ car from the pre-owned car showroom, repaired it, painted it and
added it to his prized collection of vintage cars.
A. outmoded
B. caustic
C. antique
D. ulterior
E. apposite
F. gargantuan
Ans: A and C
9. The unshakeable figure of Dravid ______ Australia’s charge for a historic victory at SCG on
Thursday. The Australian captain said in the post match ceremony that if the Indian side was without
Dravid, winning the match would have been like a cakewalk for them.
A. repelled
B. deterred
C. attracted
D. misguided
E. whistled
F. compounded
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and B
10. The five friends enjoyed having a ________ brunch every Sunday in The Paul. The food at The Paul
was so tasty that they literally used to smack their fingers.
A. disgusting
B. pleasant
C. lank
D. ulterior
E. savory
F. arbitrary
Ans: B and E
11. In spite of repeated requests by other passengers for not climbing on the train, the _______ man
climbed on the train and died immediately because of electrocution. It seems that he had somehow
escaped from a mental asylum a day before this incident.
A. sane
B. demented
C. handsome
D. lewd
E. crazy
F. brave
Ans: B and E
12. As such I am quite __________ of his assertion that the pop singer died of a drug overdose and he
was alone in the room when he died. The preliminary evidence clearly suggests the presence of one
more person in the room at the time of the pop singer’s death.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. supportive
B. foolhardy
C. incredulous
D. skeptical
E. grateful
F. hapless
Ans: C and D
13. The CIA has developed an extensive algorithm to decrypt the __________ messages of the enemy
intercepted by it over the network.
A. raspy
B. secret
C. guileless
D. penitent
E. cryptic
F. supple
Ans: B and E
14. After the government launched the statewide road safety drive, a rush of motorists ______ over the
weekend to get their pollution control certificates and to get their taillights, indicators and reflectors
checked.
A. respired
B. hurried
C. bantered
D. tantalized
E. lionized
F. scurried
Ans: B and F
306
WORD POWER-QUIZ
15. He steadfastly _______ to one poll when the flood waters swept through the town and that is how
survived.
A. cleaved
B. clung
C. imagined
D. bantered
E. lionized
F. tantalized
Ans: A and B
III. Synonyms
1. Emboss
A. Scuffle
B. Embrace
C. Embark
D. Embellish
E. Reprimand
Ans: D
2. Callous
A. Insensitive
B. Incongruous
C. Independent
D. Indelible
E. Intimidate
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Squabble
A. Dabble
B. Babble
C. Flicker
D. Bicker
E. Snicker
Ans: D
4. Complacent
A. Comestible
B. Compliment
C. Smug
D. Comprehensive
E. Consummate
Ans: C
5. Infinitesimal
A. Infantile
B. Jaunty
C. Infirm
D. Minute
E. Inanimate
Ans: D
308
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Infraction
A. Infringement
B. Inkling
C. Incarnation
D. Indignation
E. Fracas
Ans: A
7. Imprecation
A. Profanation
B. Termination
C. Cursing
D. Wrangling
E. Misgiving
Ans: C
8. Cavil
A. Catcall
A. Catcall
B. Complain
B. Complain
C. Comply
C. Cavalcade
D.D.Cancel
Compassion
Compliance
E.E.Consider
Ans: B
309
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. Cantankerous
A. Docile
B. Dangerous
C. Ill-tempered
D. Divine
E. Canine
Ans: C
10. Incapacitate
A. Disable
B. Die
C. Imprison
D. Swim
E. Respire
Ans: A
11. Pretext
A. Appeal
B. Composition
C. Excuse
D. Excitement
E. Exertion
Ans: C
310
WORD POWER-QUIZ
12. Raspy
A. Pink
B. Visible
C. Harsh
D. Edible
E. Memorable
Ans: C
13. Epic
A. Small
B. Lewd
C. Laconic
D. Ineffable
E. Heroic
Ans: E
14. Laconic
A. Lengthy
B. Lethargic
C. Villainous
D. Terse
E. Sweet
Ans: D
311
WORD POWER-QUIZ
15. Fell
A. Cruel
B. Comic
C. Sharp
D. Sweet
E. Romantic
Ans: A
312
WORD POWER-QUIZ
28. THE FOUR-FIFTEEN EXPRESS
28. THE FOUR-FIFTEEN EXPRESS
I. Text Completion
1. After the security guard discovered the presence of the thief, the thief tried to hide behind the
fireplace. The security guard informed the police and (i) __________ out the thief. The thief was
arrested by the police and was (ii) __________. The court will decide the duration of imprisonment
for his (iii) __________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
resuscitated
(D) incarcerated
(G) barrage
(B)
beguiled
(E)
scotched
(H) penury
(C)
ferreted
(F)
embezzled
(I) felony
Ans: ferreted, incarcerated and felony
2. The (i) __________ in the infrastructure development between the outskirts and the city center was a
cause of concern for the authorities. The city center had a state of the art infrastructure but on the
outskirts even the basic amenities were lacking. It was (ii) __________ that there was negligence on
behalf of the authorities in developing the outskirts. Therefore the authorities offered a tax break as a
(iii)___________ to the people residing on the outskirts.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
indignation
(D) fallacious
(G) degradation
(B)
impunity
(E)
indisputable
(H) restitution
(C)
imbalance
(F)
inevitable
(I) renovation
Ans: imbalance, indisputable and restitution
3. Though the trader made (i) ______________decisions while buying and selling shares in the market,
he could not book profits for himself because of a slight oversight. Now he tries to be more (ii)
___________ about the trends in the volatile market.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
studied
(D) vigilant
(B)
volatile
(E) incisive
(C)
tertiary
(F) indolent
Ans: studied and vigilant
4. Although the first two stages of the mission were successful, it failed at the (i) __________ stage.
After a detailed analysis of the failure, the scientists found out that the design of the fuel tank was not
in (ii)_________ with the master design document of the rocket launcher. They are trying to identify
the root cause behind the observed (iii)___________ between the two designs.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
partial
(D) enormity
(G) disquisitions
(B)
stentorian
(E)
deformity
(H) discrepancies
(C)
tertiary
(F)
conformity
(I) restitutions
Ans: tertiary, conformity and discrepancies
5. The (i) __________ by the rival country to destabilize the peace and harmony of our country did not
materialize. The (ii) __________ in the court by the captured spy made the motives of the rival
country public.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
machinations
(D) disposition
(B)
vivisections
(E)
deposition
(C)
incentives
(F)
demonstration
Ans: machinations and deposition
314
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. After being severely (i) __________ by his authoritative father, Denise decided to leave his home for
good. He woke up late in the night and (ii) __________ towards the door to open it. However when
he heard the (iii) __________ voice of his father he turned back sharply.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) cajoled
(D) skulked
(G) insolvent
(B)
(E)
clamored
(H) magisterial
(F)
extradited
(I) meek
upbraided
(C) feigned
Ans: upbraided, skulked and magisterial
7. Harry asked his agent to book his tickets for his little (i)__________ to the countryside. As per his
calculations, it should have taken approximately four hours to go to the planned destination; but the
(ii) __________ sent to him by the agent showed that the travel time was eight hours.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) joint
(D) agenda
(B) jaunt
(E) scheme
(C) jollity
(F) itinerary
Ans: jaunt and itinerary
8. While (i)__________ the reasons behind the fire, the fire engineer blamed the faulty electric circuit of
the building for the fire. He said that the tripping system installed was not of high quality and the
electrical wires used were sub-standard. This ultimately resulted into a (ii) __________ in the
building.
315
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
expatiating
(D) conflagration
(B)
balking
(E) convenience
(C)
flagging
(F) girth
Ans: expatiating and conflagration
9. The servant’s (i)__________ prompted him to steal precious things from his master's bungalow. Even
though his master trusted him blindly, the servant did not even have a feeling of guilt while
(ii)_________ the trust of his master.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
avarice
(D) expatiating
(B)
caprice
(E) breaching
(C)
philanthropy
(F) burying
Ans: avarice and breaching
10. Tina bought a French dictionary as she was determined to speak (i)_________ French. Initially she
was finding it difficult to speak even a single sentence correctly but with constant hard work she
could speak French effortlessly within just six months. Her determination to learn the language is (ii)
__________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
untenable
(D) vernal
(B)
indisputable
(E)
comparable
(C)
fluent
(F)
laudable
Ans: fluent and laudable
316
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. As all the circumstantial evidences were pointing towards the involvement of the suspect in the crime,
the judge refused to (i) ________ the suspect. The judge however suggested that he might consider
granting (ii) ________ to the suspect if he accepted the crime and revealed the names of the other
people involved in the crime.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) levitate
(D) affinity
(B) resuscitate
(E) rectitude
(C) exonerate
(F) impunity
Ans: exonerate and impunity
12. As the country was going through the (i)______ of a civil war, the citizens started leaving their
country in search of a refuge. They loved their country and were deeply (ii) ______ to leave their
homeland. However they were determined to come back as soon as the conditions became (iii)
______ for their safe stay in the country.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
jaunt
(D) embezzled
(G) conducive
(B)
ordeal
(E)
flustered
(H) lucrative
(C)
serendipity
(F)
unraveled
(I) tentative
Ans: ordeal, flustered conducive
13. The fashion designer (i)____________ the new exciting designs for the summer. The color
combinations and fabric were (ii) ___________ selected to make the dresses look elegant and trendy.
The designs were so wonderful that they got sold like hot cakes.
317
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
prioritized
(D) morbidly
(B)
yielded
(E)
meticulously
(C)
unraveled
(F)
fallaciously
Ans: unraveled and meticulously
14. As a child Leonardo (i)___________ great talent in art. He was the only member with a liking for art
in the family of lawyers and doctors. It seemed as if he was born in that family by (ii)__________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
flayed
(D) nuance
(B)
fabricated
(E) histrionics
(C)
evinced
(F) mischance
Ans: evinced and mischance
15. The (i) ____________ master treated his servants like slaves. He would make them work like
donkeys and offered them (ii) __________ in return. In spite of such ill treatment, the servants were
working there as they did not have any other (iii) __________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
benign
(D) pittance
(G) discourse
(B)
honorable
(E)
incentive
(H) remorse
(C)
atrocious
(F)
clemency
(I) recourse
Ans: atrocious, pittance and recourse
16. The culprit made a (i) __________ attempt at defending himself by claiming that he was not in the
city when the burglary took place. His (ii) __________ and self-contradictory stories did not come to
his rescue and he was punished for the crime.
318
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) culpable
(D) fluent
(B) nugatory
(E) studied
(C) incisive
(F) fictitious
Ans: nugatory and fictitious
17. John pleaded for (i) ___________ in the court of law for his ignorance. Though he had (ii)
__________ followed all the clauses and sub-clauses of the law, he had ignored a (iii) _________ due
to his carelessness. As a result of this, he was tried in the court and fined.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
deliberation
(D) maliciously
(G) itinerary
(B)
declaration
(E)
continuously
(H) driver
(C)
clemency
(F)
scrupulously
(I) rider
Ans: clemency, scrupulously and rider
18. Refusing to release the funds for digging of wells as promised, the minister suggested the farmers that
he would (i) __________ the nearby canal that would supply abundant water for irrigation. The (ii)
__________ proposition by the minister was acceptable to the farmers in the region. It was only after
three months that they discovered that the claims made by the minister were (iii) __________ as no
work had commenced on the canal.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
levitate
(D) equine
(G) enigmatic
(B)
evince
(E)
cogent
(H) fallacious
(C)
resuscitate
(F)
intractable
(I) untenable
319
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: resuscitate, cogent and fallacious
19. A victory in the World Boxing Championship has been (i)______ for Mike for three years now. He is
dying to set his record at the championship straight this year. His coach has devised a game plan for
him and has assured him that if he (ii) _____ to the game plan, he will definitely win the
championship.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
elusive
(D) adheres
(B)
selective
(E)
deviates
(C)
informative
(F)
desires
Ans: elusive and adheres
20. When the police officer stopped a truck going in a zigzag fashion on the highway, he suspected that
the driver might have consumed alcohol. When the officer asked the driver to provide his driving
license, he noticed that the driver was slow and (i) _________ in his actions. As a breathe analyzer
was not available, the police officer subjected him to other tests to check if he had consumed alcohol.
After the tests the officer concluded that the driver had developed a/an (ii)_________ of judgment as
a result of consuming alcohol.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
swift
(D) resentment
(B)
deliberate
(E) advancement
(C)
partial
(F) impairment
Ans: deliberate and impairment
320
WORD POWER-QUIZ
21. The Chief Minister has assured the media that he will soon form an inquiry committee to (i)
___________ the facts in the scandal allegations. He also said that as soon as the committee submits
the report to him, an ‘(ii)__________ action’ will be taken to nab the culprits.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
underestimate
(D) irrelevant
(B)
ascribe
(E) inadequate
(C)
ascertain
(F) expeditious
Ans: ascertain and expeditious
22. Richard has (i)____________ his employer of millions of dollars and is now (ii)______________.
Probably he is enjoying his ‘newly acquired wealth’ in some remote island in the Bahamas.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
arrested
(D) absconding
(B)
swindled
(E) aggressive
(C)
levitated
(F) adhesive
Ans: swindled and absconding
23. The CEO first refused to believe that the CFO was involved in any financial irregularity. But when
the investigating agency produced (i)_________ evidence in front of him, the CEO finally
(ii)___________ with the investigating agency and advised them to arrest the CFO.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
meager
(D) concurred
(B)
mundane
(E) contradicted
(C)
copious
(F) invested
321
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: copious and concurred
24. The opposition party members lodged a false complaint with the police against Vivian and because of
this Vivian was (i)________ by the police. When his supporters went to the police station to meet
him, he told them that he had complete faith in the judiciary and believed that he would be released
very soon as the immoral opposition party members had neither reason nor (ii)____________ on their
side.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
averted
(D) rectitude
(B)
arrested
(E) query
(C)
avoided
(F) affidavit
Ans: arrested and rectitude
25. The hotels in Vegas have excellent (i)______________ like swimming pool, gym, tennis court and
indoor club. Some hotels even offer (ii)_______ transport services in the city. Imagine you can roam
around
for
the
whole
day
without
Blank (i)
paying
anything
extra
for
that!
Blank (ii)
(A)
discrepancies
(D) gratis
(B)
disturbances
(E) vulnerable
(C)
amenities
(F) culpable
Ans: amenities and gratis
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Under the fear that a massive tsunami may strike the coast again, there has been a mass
____________ of people staying in the low lying areas near the sea shore.
322
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. papyrus
B. fusillade
C. lassitude
D. exodus
E. misadventure
F. departure
Ans: D and F
2. The runway of the airport was short hence there was not much ___________ for the pilot to ensure a
smooth touchdown.
A. fleece
B. melee
C. invective
D. leeway
E. incentive
F. scope
Ans: D and F
3. The government’s decision to fix a ceiling on the air ticket prices could have a potentially
__________ effect on the profitability of the airline companies.
A. detrimental
B. copious
C. vigilant
D. laudable
E. deleterious
F. punitive
Ans: A and E
4. Even though everything sounds calm and easygoing in the team after the intervention of the coach,
there are still undertones of hostility and _________ in the team.
323
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. lineament
B. deposition
C. resentment
D. lassitude
E. bitterness
F. fortitude
Ans: C and E
5. The _________ remarks of the egotist manager have upset his subordinates and hence they have quit
their jobs.
A. wily
B. distant
C. bizarre
D. surly
E. meek
F. arrogant
Ans: D and F
6. To _________ the rumors of his death the anarchist made a public appearance at the rally.
A. wrench
B. refurbish
C. scotch
D. surmise
E. suppress
F. flinch
Ans: C and E
7. _________ by everyone in the house, Maria grew up to become an excessively possessive girl.
324
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. Kindled
B. Mollycoddled
C. Dawdled
D. Levitated
E. Beguiled
F. Pampered
Ans: B and F
8. Though his friends insisted on him having vodka, the teetotaler was __________ about not
consuming alcohol.
A. adamant
B. errant
C. intractable
D. poignant
E. fictitious
F. laudable
Ans: A and C
9. The oculist suspected that the patient was suffering from astigmatism; to _________ his opinion he
suggested some tests for the patient.
A. levitate
B. substantiate
C. subside
D. extrapolate
E. validate
F. meditate
Ans: B and E
325
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. The _________ of Jane and Jany were identical as they were twins.
A. lineaments
B. machinations
C. hirelings
D. features
E. recourses
F. comeliness
Ans: A and D
11. There is hardly any scope for industrial investments in the region because of its __________
resources.
A. restive
B. haughty
C. sparse
D. knotty
E. scanty
F. perverse
Ans: C and E
12. I was present at the border in the previous war. I could see a __________ of missiles being fired from
both the sides in the darkness of the night.
A. medley
B. vortex
C. accolade
D. fusillade
E. parley
F. volley
Ans: D and F
326
WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. The police got the information about the ___________ operation of the militants through an old
informer. It was startling to see that without even getting noticed by anybody they had hatched a plan
that would have caused an enormous damage.
A. covert
B. exotic
C. pert
D. seemly
E. thrifty
F. secret
Ans: A and F
14. After the communal riots, the police imposed a ___________ curfew in the city. This implied that
nobody
was
allowed
to
come
out
of
the
house
between
6
PM
and
6
AM.
A. partial
B. limited
C. vigorous
D. exciting
E. listless
F. execrable
Ans: A and B
15. The police also urged the religious leaders not to ________communal hatred by making venomous
remarks in their speeches.
A. provide
B. proscribe
C. abandon
D. abide
E. provoke
F. incite
327
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: E and F
16. When the thieves pointed a gun at the __________apartment owner, he quietly handed over the keys
of the locker to them. In fact he was so scared that he fainted, making the job easier for the thieves.
A. glorious
B. valiant
C. credulous
D. timorous
E. fearless
F. fearful
Ans: D and F
17. When the police found out a mass grave of murdered children, they undertook a massive manhunt to
find out the culprits behind this _____________ crime.
A. grisly
B. punitive
C. cynical
D. volatile
E. laudable
F. ghastly
Ans: A and F
328
WORD POWER-QUIZ
18. Holding the Food Minister __________ for the rising food prices, the opposition party members have
demanded his resignation.
A. ignorant
B. culpable
C. osseous
D. blameworthy
E. ebullient
F. innocent
Ans: B and D
19. I struggled with the chains that shackled me for around one hour but in vain. Then the _________ set
in and my strength began to flag. I don’t remember when I fell asleep then.
A. lassitude
B. pantomime
C. exhaustion
D. misadventure
E. pandemonium
F. complicity
Ans: A and C
20. The otherwise badly dressed supporting actress was looking strikingly ____________ at the awards
function. It seemed as if she had found out a better dress designer for her!
A. unkempt
B. roseate
C. curious
D. dapper
E. elegant
F. intractable
329
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D and E
21. The employees’ union announced a strike in the company. The top management of the company
made a proposal with several employee welfare measures to the leader of the employees’ union, but
the _________________ leader refused to give in and decided to continue with the strike.
A. elegant
B. effective
C. intractable
D. cynical
E. stubborn
F. unerring
Ans: C and E
22. A person was hacked to death in broad daylight in the bazaar yesterday. A lot of people saw the crime
happening but they had no guts to try to stop the assailants. When the police questioned the people
about the crime everybody ____________ ignorance.
A. executed
B. rebutted
C. faked
D. disproved
E. maligned
F. feigned
Ans: C and F
23. Bangladesh had set a paltry target of 156 runs in front of England in the cricket match yesterday.
When England began their chase in an aggressive manner, you could see that the Bangladesh players
were already demoralized; their shoulders ___________ and their tactics were unimaginative.
330
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. froze
B. flagged
C. rose
D. ached
E. drooped
F. oscillated
Ans: B and E
24. Yesterday a gruesome murder took place in broad daylight in Ilford. When the reporters visited the
locality today they noticed that the shops were closed and the fear was ___________ in the area.
A. unsavory
B. ovoid
C. palpable
D. obvious
E. equine
F. valid
Ans: C and D
25. You should not visit that place often. It is a seedy locality full of criminals and other
___________types.
A. unsavory
B. nasty
C. palpable
D. obvious
E. vernal
F. valid
Ans: A and B
331
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Importunate
A. Inchoate
B. Impotent
C. Impertinent
D. Persistent
E. Perfunctory
Ans: D
2. Clandestine
A. Recondite
B. Concealed
C. Conclusive
D. Conscientious
E. Contemptuous
Ans: B
3. Engaging
A. Embezzling
B. Unkempt
C. Testy
D. Personable
E. Poignant
Ans: D
332
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Inept
A. Incompetent
B. Incommodious
C. Ineffable
D. Inevitable
E. Pristine
Ans: A
5. Denigrate
A. Deface
B. Efface
C. Dissipate
D. Defame
E. Abominate
Ans: D
6. Beguile
A. Rile
B. Domicile
C. Reconcile
D. Intrude
E. Delude
Ans: E
333
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Retain
A. Suppress
B. Preserve
C. Presage
D. Supplicate
E. Revert
Ans: B
8. Cumbersome
A. Frolicsome
B. Winsome
C. Loathsome
D. Burdensome
E. Fulsome
Ans: D
9. Rankle
A. Chuckle
B. Enthrall
C. Callous
D. Allege
E. Annoy
Ans: E
334
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Cordon
A. Surrogate
B. Don
C. Condone
D. Surround
E. Surmount
Ans: D
11. Extradite
A. Extort
B. Deprecate
C. Deport
D. Extrapolate
E. Depose
Ans: C
12. Girth
A. Circumference
B. Projectile
C. Molecule
D. Paragon
E. Pantomime
Ans: A
335
WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Halcyon
A. Equine
B. Seemly
C. Peaceful
D. Concerted
E. Impending
Ans: C
14. Ebullient
A. Ovoid
B. Verbose
C. Stentorian
D. Valid
E. Cheerful
Ans: E
15. Roseate
A. Obvious
B. Alternate
C. Advisory
D. Optimistic
E. Aggressive
Ans: D
336
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Verbiage
A. Assertion
B. Concert
C. Wordiness
D. Validity
E. Astigmatism
Ans: C
17. Purge
A. Purify
B. Neglect
C. Place
D. Emit
E. Digest
Ans: A
18. Decompose
A. Execute
B. Rot
C. Admire
D. Convince
E. Count
Ans: B
337
WORD POWER-QUIZ
19. Cringe
A. Complain
B. Exclaim
C. Deviate
D. Recoil
E. Deserve
Ans: D
20. Indolence
A. Incarnation
B. Incursion
C. Lethargy
D. Mutability
E. Ratiocination
Ans: C
21. Lexicon
A. Dictionary
B. Book
C. Information
D. Language
E. Puzzle
Ans: A
338
WORD POWER-QUIZ
22. Laudable
A. Praiseworthy
B. Spurious
C. Grand
D. Vulgar
E. Versatile
Ans: A
23. Malign
A. Design
B. Defame
C. Define
D. Desert
E. Delete
Ans: B
24. Nuance
A. Importance
B. Criticism
C. Shell
D. Shelter
E. Shade
Ans: E
339
WORD POWER-QUIZ
25. Cleft
A. Theft
B. Crack
C. Trigger
D. Circle
E. Group
Ans: B
26. Untenable
A. Exhausted
B. Expansive
C. Expensive
D. Indefensible
E. Wonderful
Ans: D
340
WORD POWER-QUIZ
29. ELDER BROWN'S BACKSLIDE
29. ELDER BROWN'S BACKSLIDE
I. Text Completion
1. Betty’s mother could not stop laughing at her husband’s acts of (i) __________ intended to pacify
their daughter. The (ii) __________ act of her husband was indeed very funny. All the efforts by
Betty's father to appease Betty (iii) __________ when Betty burst into laughter.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
adage
(D) demure
(G) fructified
(B)
buffoonery
(E)
similar
(H) fluttered
(C)
contusion
(F)
simian
(I) tethered
Ans: buffoonery, simian and fructified
2. Tim slapped his brother Tom as Tom was abusing him. Tom reacted to the slap with a few blows.
Their fighting continued until both of them were (i) __________. Both of them woke up in the
morning with body ache and (ii) __________. The (iii) __________ brothers however could not
recollect why they fought as they were drunk the previous night.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
effete
(D) niceties
(G) recalcitrant
(B)
hypochondriac
(E)
contusions
(H) reprehensible
(C)
rejuvenated
(F)
histrionics
(I) groggy
Ans: effete, contusions and groggy
3. A leopard has escaped from the forest and has started lingering around the village in the night. He has
already (i)__________ five sheep and one cow. To (ii)_________ any loss of human life, the villagers
have set up five traps around the village and have also informed the forest officials about the leopard.
341
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
manipulated
(D) gouge
(B)
mauled
(E)
convulse
(C)
slurred
(F)
forestall
Ans: mauled and forestall
4. The murderer confessed his crime in the court and pleaded for (i) __________. He said that his crime
was not premeditated but he had committed it in a (ii) __________of rage. The judge however did not
pardon him as he felt that his (iii) __________ did not deserve any leniency.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
longevity
(D) charisma
(G) transgression
(B)
amnesty
(E)
paroxysm
(H) digression
(C)
ingenuity
(F)
kismet
(I) deliberation
Ans: amnesty, paroxysm and transgression
5. Diana was once an (i) __________ consumer of sweets as she was extremely fond of them. However
her current (ii) _______ from sweets surprises people who know her well. She explains it by saying
that she had to get rid of her (iii) __________ as she was on the verge of becoming a diabetic.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
untrammeled
(D) impudence
(G) addiction
(B)
unjustified
(E)
indulgence
(H) abduction
(C)
unruly
(F)
abstinence
(I) retrospection
Ans: untrammeled, abstinence and addiction
342
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. After winning the million dollar lottery, David’s conscience was (i)___________. He was no more
the simple next door guy. He got into all the wrong habits like drinking alcohol and gambling. He
(ii)_______ away all his newly found wealth within a span of just four months.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
arrayed
(D) scrutinized
(B)
slurred
(E)
frittered
(C)
muddled
(F)
revoked
Ans: muddled and frittered
7. The nanny was very patient to tolerate the (i) __________ of the kids. She would run behind the kids
all the day to keep a close watch on them. However at the end of the (ii)________day she used to be
totally exhausted.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
tantrums
(D) dutiful
(B)
diatribes
(E) grueling
(C)
dolts
(F) outlandish
Ans: tantrums and grueling
8. The activist provided evidence of atrocities committed by the security forces on the (i) _________
class. The revelations were (ii) __________ for the President and he strongly condemned the behavior
of security forces. However the (iii) ___________ President wanted to listen to the explanation by the
security forces before taking any concrete action.
343
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
plebian
(D) sweltering
(G) evenhanded
(B)
nomadic
(E)
prepossessing
(H) nonchalant
(C)
linguistic
(F)
abashing
(I) factitious
Ans: plebian, abashing and evenhanded
9. This year we witnessed double of the average rainfall in the region. The weak crop was a result of this
(i) _______ high rainfall. The (ii) _______ weather further impacted the store houses where the
grains started rotting because of humidity. All these factors put together have led to (iii) _________
food supplies this year.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
anomalously
(D) mangy
(G) exiguous
(B)
tremulously
(E)
stodgy
(H) extravagant
(C)
nebulously
(F)
muggy
(I) specious
Ans: anomalously, muggy and exiguous
10. Over the years the old lady had developed some (i) _________ habits regarding her diet. When she
relocated to her son's house, she could not find the food ingredients that she was habituated to
consume. Hence she reduced her diet and as a result she started losing weight very fast. Her family
became worried about her (ii)______________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) classified
(D) servitude
(B) rectified
(E) emaciation
(C) ossified
(F) emancipation
Ans: ossified and emaciation
344
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. The police (i) ___________the hide out of the terrorists in order to capture them. A grueling fight
erupted during which four out of the five terrorists escaped. The police had almost nabbed the fifth
terrorist but he (ii) __________ himself. He was a suicide bomber.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) besieged
(D)
detonated
(B) bewildered
(E)
censured
(C) forestalled
(F)
convulsed
Ans: besieged and detonated
12. Rhonda saw only (i) _________ men and women in immaculate formal dresses at the party. As she
was more of a casual type of person, she found the party (ii) ___________formal for her.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
preened
(D) unwittingly
(B)
ensued
(E) cloyingly
(C)
censured
(F) portly
Ans: preened and cloyingly
13. I was shocked to read in the newspapers that a six year old boy was made to run around the football
ground ten times for coming late to school by five minutes. Such severe punishment for such a minor
mistake is (i)_____________. What the principal did to the school boy is definitely
(ii)________________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
astute
(D) innocent
(B)
asinine
(E) exiguous
(C)
advisable
(F) reprehensible
345
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: asinine and reprehensible
14. James met with an accident while he was driving his car in an inebriated state. After he recovered
from his injuries he said with a (i)____________ heart, “I (ii)____________ alcohol.”
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
contrite
(D) gouge
(B)
baroque
(E) slur
(C)
limber
(F) abjure
Ans: contrite and abjure
15. Today’s audience has become very choosy about which movies to watch. Therefore it has become of
(i)_____________ importance for the movie makers to cut out all the (ii)_________ and bring a fresh
perspective to movie making.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
nugatory
(D) cliché
(B)
paramount
(E) mystery
(C)
imbecile
(F) novelty
Ans: paramount and cliché
16. Except for a/an (i)_______________ few (who look like sorrowful Dobermans) I find all the police
officers in the city always in (ii)_________ spirits in spite of the huge work pressures that they have.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) articulate
(D) doleful
(B) aberrant
(E) puny
(C) artistic
(F) blithe
346
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: aberrant and blithe
17. The talented and sincere captain has every right to feel (i)___________ by the dismal performance of
his team. Exhibition of indiscipline on and off the field is another issue faced by his team. The captain
has recommended to the selection committee that two (ii) _______________ players should be
expelled from the team for their indiscipline.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) gouged
(D) earnest
(B) affronted
(E) gregarious
(C) delighted
(F) recalcitrant
Ans: affronted and recalcitrant
I. Sentence Equivalence
1. After completing the __________ check of the premises the guard sat down on his chair to take a
short nap as usual.
A. perfunctory
B. impolitic
C. nugatory
D. grueling
E. quotidian
F. minatory
Ans: A and E
2. While Jane was jogging, her ankle got twisted badly. She was in severe pain because of that.
Therefore she took a/an ____________ in the night so that she could at least get a sound sleep.
347
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. anodyne
B. antibiotic
C. pain killer
D. lotion
E. shard
F. phlegm
Ans: A and C
3. Last year the Miss India lost to the Miss Venezuela in the finals of the Miss World. This year the
Miss India has befittingly defeated the Miss Venezuela in the finals to claim the much coveted
________.
A. facet
B. diadem
C. bugaboo
D. crown
E. mite
F. potpourri
Ans: B and D
4. Maria believed that the __________ of life lies in having a loving and caring husband hence she tried
to never disappoint her husband.
A. fortitude
B. assertion
C. beatitude
D. ovation
E. disquietude
F. exaltation
Ans: C and F
348
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. The captain was ____________ by the bad performance of his team which had followed two
consecutive wins in the tournament. He said in the post match presentation, “I don’t know where it
came from…”
A. levitated
B. bewildered
C. advised
D. bemused
E. energized
F. effused
Ans: B and D
6. The stadium management requested the government to ensure cleanliness in the __________ of the
stadium.
A. environs
B. archives
C. seclusions
D. surroundings
E. warrens
F. quays
Ans: A and D
7. Roberts’s lower limb was _______ from the body in an unfortunate train accident.
A. affixed
B. faltered
C. tethered
D. sundered
E. sauntered
F. severed
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D and F
8. As they walked into the ancient caves they got entangled in the __________ present all over the
place.
A. potpourri
B. gossamers
C. kernels
D. draughts
E. cobwebs
F. raiment
Ans: B and E
9. The skyscrapers have deep and strong foundation to ____________ their enormous weight.
A. dissuade
B. embezzle
C. buttress
D. surrender
E. sunder
F. support
Ans: C and F
10. I think it was very ___________ of Tim to blame his manager for the mistakes done by him. How
could he blame someone else for the shortcomings in his own work?
A. bawdy
B. impolitic
C. ruddy
D. pallid
E. imprudent
F. militant
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and E
11. The teenager kneeled down to _____________ his angry girl-friend.
A. deprecate
B. whine
C. abate
D. propitiate
E. deign
F. mollify
Ans: D and F
12. The term ‘customer delight’ is quite often ____________ about in today’s world. But how many
people really know the true essence of the term?
A. bandied
B. articulated
C. talked
D. traversed
E. quailed
F. suppressed
Ans: A and C
13. The furious crowd hurled __________ upon the bank for cheating them and taking away their hard
earned money.
A. imprecations
B. exertions
C. maledictions
D. ovations
E. opulence
F. consternations
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and C
14. The __________ party came to an end when the police arrived after some neighbors complained of
the noise and unruly behavior of the people who were partying.
A. unwitting
B. bacchanalian
C. grueling
D. sanguine
E. punitive
F. wild
Ans: B and F
15. He has inherited a loss making business ___________ with debt from his father. He will need to
spend his entire life to turn the business around.
A. affronted
B. disheartened
C. scurried
D. burdened
E. succumbed
F. encumbered
Ans: D and F
16. The suave wealth manager duped several of his _____________ clients by promising above market
returns on their investments.
A. caring
B. unsuspecting
C. recalcitrant
D. unwitting
E. unruly
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
F. curious
Ans: B and D
17. To prevent the issuance of fake degree certificates, the University has decided to issue degree
certificates with photographs of the candidates _________ on them.
A. affixed
B. fastened
C. divided
D. sundered
E. manipulated
F. severed
Ans: A and B
18. The beverage maker has been ____________ for the second time in 12 months for “misleading”
health claims made about its health drinks.
A. slurred
B. censured
C. mumbled
D. affronted
E. reprimanded
F. rendered
Ans: B and E
353
WORD POWER-QUIZ
II. Synonyms
1. Potpourri
A. Potion
B. Denouement
C. Assortment
D. Potentate
E. Lineament
Ans: C
2. Practicable
A. Illimitable
B. Feasible
C. Venerable
D. Affable
E. Inscrutable
Ans: B
3. Argot
A. Egotist
B. Agitation
C. Jargon
D. Restitution
E. Paragon
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Friction
A. Dissent
B. Discretion
C. Disavowal
D. Disarray
E. Abrasion
Ans: E
5. Nomad
A. Subaltern
B. Dolt
C. Savant
D. Wanderer
E. Lout
Ans: D
6. Ineffectual
A. Perpetual
B. Unwarranted
C. Futile
D. Mercantile
E. Volatile
Ans: C
355
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Facet
A. Specter
B. Aspect
C. Aspiration
D. Aspersion
E. Mite
Ans: B
8. Tether
A. Wither
B. Decipher
C. Smother
D. Prostrate
E. Strap
Ans: E
9. Dupe
A. Recuperate
B. Snivel
C. Deceive
D. Deprecate
E. Precipitate
Ans: C
356
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Savant
A. Ecclesiastic
B. Dilettante
C. Dolt
D. Pundit
E. Don
Ans: D
11. Quibble
A. Wince
B. Scribble
C. Dabble
D. Incense
E. Cavil
Ans: E
12. Demure
A. Modest
B. Buoyant
C. Malignant
D. Impudent
E. Restive
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Quip
A. Fanaticism
B. Profanation
C. Endorsement
D. Witticism
E. Infringement
Ans: D
14. Servitude
A. Lassitude
B. Slavery
C. Conviction
D. Rectitude
E. Benediction
Ans: B
15. Optimistic
A. Impolitic
B. Hostile
C. Sanguine
D. Pristine
E. Equine
Ans: C
358
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Ingrain
A. Restrain
B. Bedizen
C. Induce
D. Refrain
E. Embed
Ans: E
17. Solitude
A. Grandeur
B. Seclusion
C. Plenitude
D. Limbo
E. Degeneracy
Ans: B
18. Limber
A. Slothful
B. Agile
C. Absurd
D. Arid
E. Greedy
Ans: B
359
WORD POWER-QUIZ
30. A TERRIBLY STRANGE BED
30. A TERRIBLY STRANGE BED
I. Text Completion
1. The (i) __________ after sitting through the boring classical music program for three hours
disappeared when the boys saw the sumptuous food arranged on the dining table. The (ii) _________
boys pounced onto it. The (iii) _________ with which the food on the table disappeared showed their
hunger.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
shimmer
(D) precarious
(G) insipidity
(B)
probity
(E)
ravenous
(H) serenity
(C)
languor
(F)
cacophonous
(I) celerity
Ans: languor, ravenous and celerity
2. After the massively successful event Hardy threw a big party. Looking at the (i) ________ at the
party, Hardy's servant also (ii) _________ a few glasses of wine stealthily that night.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) probity
(D) swilled
(B) eccentricity
(E) thrilled
(C) euphoria
(F) relinquished
Ans: euphoria and swilled
3. Albert witnessed a gory accident that claimed seven lives. (i) ________ by the incident, Albert could
not sleep for the whole night. As a result his spirits were in (ii) ________ at work. Albert had to
consult a doctor to overcome his (iii) ________ trauma to avoid any further ill-effects on his health
and on his work.
360
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
Glazed
(D) problem
(G) insalubrious
(B)
Traumatized
(E)
doldrums
(H) condign
(C)
Striated
(F)
anxiety
(I) garish
Ans: Traumatized, doldrums and insalubrious
4. Before (i) _________ the welcome note, the organizer (ii) _________ each and every rule to the
participants. He wanted to make the participants aware of the consequences of any kind of (iii)
_________ during the contest.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
desiccating
(D) deprecated
(G) histrionics
(B)
prescribing
(E)
dispelled
(H) misdemeanor
(C)
perorating
(F)
enunciated
(I) serendipity
Ans: perorating, enunciated and misdemeanor
5. Bob started writing short stories as an (i) ___________ after his retirement. He was surprised to see
the excellent response to his stories. When asked by a reporter about the reason for his success, he
told her, “Life is (ii)___________ with many pleasant surprises and this one is one of those pleasant
surprises!”
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
assertion
(D) fraught
(B)
avocation
(E)
unheeded
(C)
aspiration
(F)
insular
Ans: avocation and fraught
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The efforts of the finance minister to revive the economy are (i) ___________. Being an economist
himself he is aware of the (ii) ___________ of having a robust fiscal policy in place and he has left no
stone unturned to ensure just that.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
redoubtable
(D) import
(B)
strident
(E)
delusion
(C)
conciliatory
(F)
mirth
Ans: redoubtable and import
7. The helpline number of the space agency was continuously ringing with queries about the impending
danger of an asteroid hitting the earth. The space agency held a press conference to clarify on these
speculations. In the press conference the agency made it clear that there was a foolproof mechanism
in place to accurately (i) ________ the proximity of an asteroid with the earth and if the situation
demanded an action, the defense forces across the globe were ready for it. After this press conference,
the helpline number of the space agency (ii)_________ ringing.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) estimate
(D) precluded
(B) whet
(E) ceased
(C) carouse
(F) spawned
Ans: estimate and ceased
8. When Charles took over the reins of the company, there was a serious shortfall of money and a vast
(i)______ of debt. Through his (ii)____________ efforts he turned around the company in just a
couple of years.
362
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) trifle
(D) lackadaisical
(B) plight
(E) dogged
(C) surfeit
(F) impassive
Ans: surfeit and dogged
9. It is said that animals, especially dogs, have a (i) __________ about earthquakes. Diana, survivor of
an earthquake, recollected that her otherwise friendly and obedient pet started behaving in a/an
(ii)____________ manner two days before the earthquake struck.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
presentiment
(D) authentic
(B)
resentment
(E) eccentric
(C)
invitation
(F) rejuvenated
Ans: presentiment and eccentric
10. Ben was the richest man in the town. One day while he was walking through the market, the roadside
beggars (i) _______________ him to drop a coin or two for them, but he (ii)______________ moved
ahead as if he hadn’t even noticed the beggars.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
compressed
(D) impassively
(B)
importuned
(E) flagrantly
(C)
caroused
(F) absolutely
Ans: importuned and impassively
363
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Zenith and Microwatch entered into a(i) ______________ to threaten the dominant market position of
Guava Technologies Ltd.. However Guava was so swift in its business moves that they could not
(ii)__________ Guava from its number one position.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
collusion
(D) indicate
(B)
cadence
(E) perpetrate
(C)
replica
(F) dislodge
Ans: collusion and dislodge
12. The robbers’ plan to loot the bank was (i)_________ by a/an (ii)_______________ action by the
security guard. When the robbers entered the bank, the security guard was dozing on his chair and
accidently his nose hit the trigger of his gun and a shot was fired. As the shot was fired, the robbers
got scared and fled.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
compressed
(D) unscathed
(B)
perpetrated
(E) inadvertent
(C)
foiled
(F) censorious
Ans: foiled and inadvertent
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Life imprisonment is indeed a ______________ punishment for the CEO who embezzled millions of
dollars of shareholder wealth.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. yielding
B. garish
C. suitable
D. benign
E. odious
F. condign
Ans: C and F
2. When a small asteroid ____________ into the earth's atmosphere, it is burnt down because of the heat
generated due to its friction with the earth’s atmosphere.
A. impinges
B. lingers
C. congeals
D. encroaches
E. implodes
F. reproaches
Ans: A and D
3. Having no credit history does not necessarily ___________ anyone from availing a bank loan.
A. delude
B. preclude
C. presage
D. forego
E. prohibit
F. preserve
Ans: B and E
4. In spite of snow storms, the _________ spirit of the mountaineers was not dampened. After a brief
break they resumed their journey towards the peak.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. guileless
B. dauntless
C. insipid
D. odious
E. intrepid
F. hapless
Ans: B and E
5. Being an entrepreneur is not easy. You must keep in mind that you will face formidable and almost
__________ difficulties on your way to success. You need to have that drive and conviction to
surmount all the difficulties.
A. insensible
B. susceptible
C. insurmountable
D. amicable
E. insuperable
F. illimitable
Ans: C and E
6. The tourists were _______ after roaming in the desert for one hour; they swilled water from their cans
as soon as they returned to their camp.
A. vulnerable
B. parched
C. unscathed
D. animated
E. dehydrated
F. impassive
Ans: B and E
366
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Critics have been ___________ about the young author who has just been nominated for the booker
prize.
A. raving
B. aping
C. deprecating
D. Abashing
E. muddling
F. gushing
Ans: A and F
8. The CEO of the company ____________ that he was aware of the fraud and has concealed the truth
from the public.
A. conceived
B. accrued
C. conceded
D. compromised
E. admitted
F. caroused
Ans: C and E
9. My heart still __________ with fear whenever I think of the ghost we saw in the old castle.
A. hovers
B. triggers
C. terminates
D. palpitates
E. thrives
F. quivers
Ans: D and F
367
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. The President should ___________ no more in making a decision about the seven mercy petitions
pending with him for one year now.
A. adhere
B. tarry
C. scurry
D. rile
E. disinter
F. delay
Ans: B and F
11. Technology is a __________ thing. On one hand it brings people closer and on the other hand it
alienates them.
A. queer
B. uncensored
C. gamely
D. monotonous
E. uncanny
F. insuperable
Ans: A and E
12. The jury was unanimous in its decision to award the harshest possible sentence to the accused so that
in future nobody could think of committing such a/an __________ crime again.
A. odious
B. loathsome
C. unwitting
D. jagged
E. authentic
F. problematic
368
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and B
III. Synonyms
1. Bent
A. Resolved
B. Diverted
C. Transformed
D. Impaired
E. Ceased
Ans: A
2. Mock
A. Dismiss
B. Mimic
C. Compromise
D. Migrate
E. Ruminate
Ans: B
3. Corrode
A. Incapacitate
B. Quell
C. Deteriorate
D. Implode
E. Conclude
Ans: C
369
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Relinquish
A. Anchor
B. Cleave
C. Rail
D. Reap
E. Release
Ans: E
5. Tenacious
A. Penitent
B. Persistent
C. Stentorian
D. Impotent
E. Prim
Ans: B
6. Surveillance
A. Beauty
B. Seclusion
C. Supervision
D. Delusion
E. Reversion
Ans: C
370
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Conciliatory
A. Nugatory
B. Contemptuous
C. Incommodious
D. Minatory
E. Pacifying
Ans: E
8. Strident
A. Vociferous
B. Despondent
C. Prudent
D. Cantankerous
E. Transcendent
Ans: A
9. Interpolate
A. Extrapolate
B. Extradite
C. Intervene
D. Interpose
E. Induce
Ans: D
371
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Receptive
A. Punitive
B. Vindictive
C. Amenable
D. Reparable
E. Equable
Ans: C
11. Sheaf
A. Boil
B. Coil
C. Blast
D. Burden
E. Bundle
Ans: E
12. Frivolous
A. Lighthearted
B. Disturbing
C. Engaging
D. Hard
E. Solemn
Ans: A
372
WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Mete
A. Administer
B. Discuss
C. Develop
D. Dissect
E. Drag
Ans: A
373
WORD POWER-QUIZ
31. THE PHILOSOPHER IN THE APPLE ORCHARD
31. THE PHILOSOPHER IN THE APPLE ORCHARD
I. Text Completion
1. The scientist's literary work was a (i) ________ on metaphysics. His (ii) _______ made the
complicated subject understandable to common man. The (iii) _______ explanation of the
complicated aspects of metaphysics was very appealing.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
treatise
(D) prank
(G) simplistic
(B)
retreat
(E)
scenario
(H) irksome
(C)
treat
(F)
opus
(I) abstruse
Ans: treatise, opus and simplistic
2. After divulging the details of corruption in the flood relief fund, the news paper now intends to (i)
________ the names of the influential people behind the scam. Before publishing the entire story, the
news paper management asked for police security for their staff and office, in order to (ii)
__________ any attacks on them.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
disrupt
(D) obviate
(B)
dispute
(E) incorporate
(C)
disclose
(F) implement
Ans: disclose and obviate
3. (i) ________ the impropriety of his own conduct the manager apologized to his employees. He
promised to (ii) ___________ his negative attitude and to appreciate the employees’ honest work.
374
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (iii)
(A)
Exploring
(D) shun
(B)
Deploring
(E) stun
(C)
Appreciating
(F) stem
Ans: Deploring and shun
4. Peter’s (i) _____________ that alcohol was the root cause of crime in the society has prompted him
to discourage people from consuming it. He was (ii) ______ to any form of alcohol and also was
harsh about his friends' (iii) _________ towards it.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) supposition
(D) averse
(G) congruence
(B)
proposition
(E)
diverse
(H) animosity
(C) convulsion
(F)
converse
(I) proclivity
Ans: supposition, averse and proclivity
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Though Sam was a doctor by profession he had a ____________ for astronomy, therefore he
voluntarily studied it.
A. penchant
B. penumbra
C. pendant
D. longevity
E. gravity
F. fondness
Ans: A and F
375
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. In the current ____________ of water scarcity, every drop of water is supposed to be judiciously
used.
A. scenario
B. momentum
C. iota
D. conviction
E. context
F. conveyance
Ans: A and E
3. After interrogating the suspect for hours, it _________ to the police that the suspect was a deaf
person.
A. conspired
B. transpired
C. respired
D. concealed
E. appeared
F. perspired
Ans: B and E
4. The solution proposed by the economist to end the poverty seemed little _________. It was very
difficult to understand how he would get so many stakeholders to work together.
A. unerring
B. intractable
C. abstruse
D. partial
E. complex
F. universal
376
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and E
5. The bee which was lingering in the room was making very _________ buzzing sound.
A. awesome
B. irksome
C. languishing
D. smattering
E. vexing
F. winsome
Ans: B and E
6. That breed of the dogs is highly ________; each female dog is capable of giving birth to twelve
puppies at the same time. Generally a female dog from that breed delivers the puppies thrice a year.
A. honest
B. fertile
C. voluble
D. fecund
E. dutiful
F. fruitful
Ans: B and D
377
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Carp
A. Careen
B. Grouse
C. Incarcerate
D. Rouse
E. Carouse
Ans: B
2. Incontrovertible
A. Incongruous
B. Irksome
C. Undeniable
D. Uninhibited
E. Unprecedented
Ans: C
3. Modicum
A. Figment
B. Endearment
C. Acumen
D. Fragment
E. Condiment
Ans: D
378
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Postulate
A. Undulate
B. Subsume
C. Assume
D. Assimilate
E. Resume
Ans: C
5. Jibe
A. Divest
B. Thrive
C. Imbibe
D. Preen
E. Agree
Ans: E
6. Congruence
A. Agreement
B. Connivance
C. Indolence
D. Vehemence
E. Munificence
Ans: A
379
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Demean
A. Deliberate
B. Deleterious
C. Debase
D. Decompose
E. Deprecate.
Ans: C
380
WORD POWER-QUIZ
32. THE SILVER MINE
32. THE SILVER MINE
I. Text Completion
1. Nick is known to be an (i) ___________ boss among his subordinates. He often gets angry at little (ii)
__________ of his employees and therefore the employees are habituated to ignore his unreasonable
anger.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
irascible
(D) incognitos
(B)
irresistible
(E)
ensconces
(C)
ignorant
(F)
peccadilloes
Ans: irascible and peccadilloes
2. The champion was not willing to share the stage with his (i) ___________ at a social gathering. He
was afraid that their (ii) ___________ could unnecessarily spoil the festive mood at the gathering.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
apostate
(D) temerity
(B)
luminary
(E)
paucity
(C)
adversary
(F)
enmity
Ans: adversary and enmity
3. Because of his extravagant habits it was (i) _________ that Kevin would face a serious financial
crunch. However no one expected that he would turn into a/an (ii) ________ so soon. The once rich
person now roams like a poor man on the streets in (iii) ___________ clothes.
381
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
imminent
(D) espionage
(G) tatty
(B)
irrelevant
(E)
lunatic
(H) natty
(C)
incessant
(F)
pauper
(I) ascetic
Ans: imminent, pauper and tatty
4. There was a (i) _______ of food supplies in the kingdom because of the flood. The king consulted his
ministers and in their meeting it was decided by (ii) ______________ to approach the neighboring
kingdoms for help. The neighboring kingdoms did not deny the help and assured the king that they
would unconditionally send the help for the flood affected people.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
paucity
(D) parsonage
(B)
temerity
(E)
peccadillo
(C)
tragedy
(F)
consensus
Ans: paucity and consensus
5. After working for years in the (i) ________ of mineralogy, Lara has gained significant expertise in
the field. Her recent discovery of a (ii) ________ of precious metals deposited beneath the crust of the
volcanic plateau has brought her instant recognition. She is now working on identifying (iii)
________ ways to extract those metals.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
balm
(D) lode
(G) convertible
(B)
qualm
(E)
abode
(H) feasible
(C)
realm
(F)
credence
(I) interminable
382
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: realm, lode and feasible
6. The (i) ________ commander was known for the boldness in his attacking strategies. He was capable
of efficiently (ii) ______ his troops. However his profession had (iii) _________ his attachment to his
family.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
brawny
(D) emulating
(G) conversed
(B)
timid
(E)
enjoining
(H) quarantined
(C)
tranquil
(F)
rejoining
(I) curtailed
Ans: brawny, enjoining and curtailed
7. A musical concert was organized to pay (i) __________ to the martyrs of the war. Fathima played a
composition at the (ii)_________ of the concert. It was so touching that it brought tears in the eyes of
the audience. Fathima again returned to the stage for the finale. It was again very touching.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) homage
(D) brevity
(B) privilege
(E) prelude
(C) badinage
(F)
lassitude
Ans: homage and prelude
8. Once a/an(i) __________, Mike now is a firm believer in the God. He was in a/an (ii) ________
condition when the priest met him. The priest gave him shelter in the church house and offered him a
job of a gardener so that he could earn his livelihood. Mike believes that all these events were not just
by (iii) _________ but they were arranged by the graceful God.
383
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
adversary
(D) impecunious
(G) momentum
(B)
potentate
(E)
sanctimonious
(H) conceit
(C)
apostate
(F)
unceremonious
(I) fluke
Ans: apostate, impecunious and fluke
9. The publisher rejected Susan’s literary work saying that it was very (i) __________ and he wanted to
publish something refreshing. Susan felt (ii) __________ after listening to the remarks of the
publisher.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) acerbic
(D) crestfallen
(B) mosaic
(E) tempted
(C) prosaic
(F) putative
Ans: prosaic and crestfallen
10. Trying to curtail the arguments between the (i) ___________ children, the parents asked them to stay
in their own rooms. After (ii) _____________ the kids for some time, the parents thought that the
kids would not fight when they would see each other again.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
regal
(D) quarantining
(B)
well-behaved
(E)
ensconcing
(C)
disputatious
(F)
aggrandizing
Ans: disputatious and quarantining
384
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. As the genteel orator was delivering his speech from the (i) _____________, he was interrupted by a
few (ii) _________ people in the audience who were not in agreement with his opinions and were
keen to enter into an argument with him. They even passed some (iii)_________ remarks against him.
Unperturbed by their behavior, the orator politely urged them to let him finish his speech and then he
would address their concerns.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
warren
(D) malcontent
(G) acerbic
(B)
ford
(E)
preeminent
(H) ostentatious
(C)
podium
(F)
prolonged
(I) conscientious
Ans: podium, malcontent and acerbic
12. In their drunken (i) ____________, the revelers broke a lot of furniture at the bar. The bar owner
(ii)____________ huge costs to restore the bar to its original condition.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
espionage
(D) incurred
(B)
disclosure
(E) denoted
(C)
orgy
(F) devoted
Ans: orgy and incurred
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. In an attempt to improve efficiencies, a few companies are promoting a flat organization structure
with minimum _________.
385
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. matriarchies
B. pranks
C. anarchies
D. hierarchies
E. autocracies
F. ranks
Ans: D and F
2. The vacations of the soldiers deployed on the borders were ________ in light of the intrusion
attempts by the enemy across the border.
A. incurred
B. curtailed
C. procured
D. slapped
E. slashed
F. slackened
Ans: B and E
3. After working in the _________ of revenue minister for 5 years, the politician decided to retire from
politics as his health was not cooperating with him.
A. capacity
B. felicity
C. affliction
D. espionage
E. position
F. probity
Ans: A and E
386
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Frazer was angry with Susan as he had asked for a _____ report but she had submitted a voluminous
report of 250 pages to him.
A. filthy
B. pithy
C. elaborate
D. raspy
E. brief
F. genteel
Ans: B and E
5. It was indeed a powerful bike. You could increase its ________ from 0 kmph to 120 kmph within just
three seconds.
A. validity
B. probity
C. velocity
D. heed
E. speed
F. enmity
Ans: C and E
6. The King left his family and gave up his empire to lead a/an _________ life.
A. enigmatic
B. ascetic
C. frantic
D. abstinent
E. preeminent
F. impertinent
Ans: B and D
387
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. As the mountaineers reached the __________ of the mountain, they started feeling uncomfortable due
to the lack of oxygen there.
A. peccadillo
B. consensus
C. seclusion
D. apex
E. alcove
F. peak
Ans: D and F
8. A lot of people believe that a ________ will hit the earth and the life on the earth will come to an end.
A. cataclysm
B. catastrophe
C. brevity
D. boon
E. credence
F. peak
Ans: A and B
9. A military official was caught while trying to sell sensitive security information to the enemy. The
___________ was sentenced to death by the court.
A. traitor
B. tribunal
C. chalice
D. intellect
E. autocrat
F. defector
Ans: A and F
388
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Nicolas is an intelligent and articulate person. The most impressive part about him is the clarity and
___________ with which he can communicate complex ideas.
A. inequity
B. brevity
C. ethos
D. temerity
E. conciseness
F. irksomeness
Ans: B and E
11. The whole village refrained from climbing the ghostly hill in the night. Only Raman had the
____________ to do so.
A. timidity
B. inequity
C. temerity
D. audacity
E. acknowledgement
F. apprehensiveness
Ans: C and D
12. The _________ political leader urged the populace to revolt against the ruling establishment.
A. docile
B. dissident
C. tractable
D. rebellious
E. passive
F. particular
Ans: B and D
389
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Aggrandize
A. Bedizen
B. Nullify
C. Enhance
D. Rhapsodize
E. Stultify
Ans: C
2. Apprise
A. Comprise
B. Fructify
C. Ossify
D. Notify
E. Mollify
Ans: D
3. Conceit
A. Vanity
B. Spontaneity
C. Surfeit
D. Pugnacity
E. Propinquity
Ans: A
390
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Disseminate
A. Abominate
B. Traverse
C. Indeterminate
D. Detonate
E. Disperse
Ans: E
5. Manacle
A. Ordain
B. Ascertain
C. Restrain
D. Disdain
E. Abstain
Ans: C
6. Quarry
A. Tarry
B. Inundate
C. Scurry
D. Oscillate
E. Excavate
Ans: E
391
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Precursor
A. Predecessor
B. Premises
C. Premonition
D. Precipice
E. Pretext
Ans: A
8. Retrograde
A. Pervade
B. Deteriorate
C. Brocade
D. Dissuade
E. Evade
Ans: B
9. Stoic
A. Toxic
B. Laconic
C. Impassive
D. Epic
E. Maculated
Ans: C
392
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Inequity
A. Adjustment
B. Acceptance
C. Equality
D. Injustice
E. Irritation
Ans: D
11. Credence
A. Prudence
B. Guidance
C. Noise
D. Pollution
E. Acceptance
Ans: E
12. Prate
A. Rant
B. Protract
C. Allocate
D. Abnegate
E. Grate
Ans: A
393
WORD POWER-QUIZ
33. THE PIPE
33. THE PIPE
I. Text Completion
1. The (i) _________ visited the patient in the ward where he was recovering after his heart surgery. The
patient complained of discomfort in the chest region. The doctor checked the rate at which the (ii)
_________ of the surgery were healing and advised the patient to take rest.
Blank (i)
Blank (iii)
(A)
misogamist
(G) symptoms
(B)
cardiologist
(H) sutures
(C)
ventriloquist
(I) fissures
Ans: cardiologist and sutures
2. A psychologist was assisting an alcoholic in his (i) ________. Suffering from acute mood swings, the
alcoholic desperately wanted to take small amount of alcohol. The psychologist told him that such
mood swings were occurring as a/an (ii) ______________ of giving up alcohol and the frequency of
their occurrence would reduce gradually over time.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
rehabilitation
(D) suppression
(B)
renovation
(E)
excursion
(C)
debilitation
(F)
repercussion
Ans: rehabilitation and repercussion
3. A (i) ____________ in the zoological park attacked the veterinary doctor and escaped out of the
enclosure. The veterinary doctor was immediately treated with a/an (ii) _______ which prevented the
spread of venom in his body. The snake was captured after ten hours of search operation.
394
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
succor
(D) antidote
(B)
viper
(E)
balm
(C)
wiper
(F)
poison
Ans: viper and antidote
4. A lot of experienced climbers were participating in the rock climbing competition and Richard was
just a beginner. (i) _________ for the top spot in the competition was never going to be easy for
Richard. He did not give up and (ii) _________ to the peak and reached very late as compared to
other climbers. As he was a beginner he was (iii) _________ by the time he reached the top.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
Vying
(D) clapped
(G) listless
(B)
Apprising
(E)
clamped
(H) guileless
(C)
Contorting
(F)
clambered
(I) effortless
Ans: vying, clambered and listless
5. (i) _______ by the sudden demise of her teacher, the student couldn’t (ii) ________ her emotions. In
the (iii) __________ she quietly prayed for her teacher’s soul to rest in peace.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
Scrupled
(D) speculate
(G) obsequies
(B)
Jarred
(E)
stipulate
(H) wizardries
(C)
Hoodwinked
(F)
verbalize
(I) abeyance
Ans: Jarred, verbalize and obsequies
395
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Few party members of the ruling party (i) _______ to the opposition party as the opposition party
offered them election tickets in the coming elections. However this ‘seemingly unethical movement
of members’ has not received a/an (ii) _______ from the election commission yet.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) defected
(D) upshot
(B) affected
(E)
approbation
(C) infected
(F)
suspicion
Ans: defected and approbation
7. As a result of his habit of keeping the room in a/an (i) __________ state, Tom could not find clean
clothes to wear for the office. Looking at his (ii) _________ appearance the security guard did not
allow him into the office, under a supposition that he was a stranger.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) vicious
(D) egregious
(B) fastidious
(E)
elegant
(C) disheveled
(F)
dilatory
Ans: disheveled and egregious
8. After the sailor accidentally fell from the ship, he swam behind the ship as long as the ship was
visible. After some time the ship vanished from his eyesight, but he still continued to swim. Because
of his excellent (i) _________ skills he managed to reach to the shore in a few hours. One must
appreciate his courage and (ii)___________.
396
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) rendition
(D) stamina
(B) retribution
(E) patina
(C) natation
(F) timidity
Ans: natation and stamina
9. Unaware that the lady was a (i) _________ the police officer was engaged in a conversation with her.
There was a (ii) _________ between the lady and the thieves who intended rob a bank. As the police
officer was engrossed in talking to the lady, he could not avert the (iii) _________ incident of the
robbery.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
harbinger
(D) nexus
(G) ambiguous
(B)
charlatan
(E)
papyrus
(H) untoward
(C)
decoy
(F)
hiatus
(I) unlikely
Ans: decoy, nexus and untoward
10. Jane’s husband (i) _________ about the food she had prepared for lunch. Jane was quite upset at this
and she stopped talking to her husband. Her husband noticed that she seemed (ii)__________ in her
resolve of not speaking to him. Finally he took her out for a wonderful candle light dinner to (iii)
___________ out a word of affection from her.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) averted
(D) steadfast
(G) dawdle
(B)
jarred
(E) blowhard
(H) cradle
(C) gibed
(F) unilateral
(I) wheedle
Ans: gibed, steadfast and wheedle
397
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Since the (i) _________ of the company, the management has been (ii) _________ about the policy of
providing the best customer service. Though this policy is aimed at keeping the customers happy, the
(iii) _________ intent is to spread a positive word of mouth about the company which would
ultimately result in increased business.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
intuition
(D) revealing
(G) underlying
(B)
perception
(E)
rebelling
(H) fastidious
(C)
inception
(F)
belaboring
(I) steadfast
Ans: inception, belaboring and underlying
12. After trimming the screen presence of the lead actor from a whopping 32 minutes to mere 6 minutes
in the movie, the director used the (i) __________ “(ii) __________” to justify such a small role of
the lead actor.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) euphemism
(D) cameo
(B) plagiarism
(E)
gambit
(C) virility
(F)
requisite
Ans: euphemism and cameo
13. The caretaker of the teenager was a (i) __________ and gave emphasis on strict discipline and
tidiness. In contrast the teenager was a (ii) _________ wearing shabby clothes and having disheveled
hair. Initially the teenager was (iii) ________________ towards the caretaker but slowly he started
obeying her orders.
398
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
lout
(D) sloven
(G) monotonous
(B)
dilettante
(E)
atheist
(H) contagious
(C)
martinet
(F)
lunatic
(I) contumacious
Ans: martinet, sloven and contumacious
14. Sam’s (i) __________ excuses were ignored by his friends who were going to the terrace of the sky
scraper to have a look at the new helipad. While all of Sam's friends were enjoying the view from the
(ii) ________, Sam was feeling (iii) __________. His friends understood the reason for his excuses
and took him to a medical center before he started vomiting.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) fickle
(D)
cliff
(G) emetic
(B)
(E)
vintage point
(H) pathetic
(F)
vantage point
(I) hypocritical
askew
(C) unilateral
Ans: fickle, vantage point and emetic
15. After noticing dead fish floating on the water of the pond, the swimmer suspected that the water of
the pond might be polluted and refrained from swimming in it. Many swimmers had earlier
complained of (i) ______ smell of the pond water. The water of the pond was sent for lab testing to
assess the (ii) _________ of these claims.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) arid
(D) scarcity
(B) florid
(E) veracity
(C) acrid
(F) paucity
Ans: acrid and veracity
399
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Being a foodie, the journalist tried to persuade his editor to approve the food show conceptualized by
him. The editor was in no mood to take a (i) ___________decision just because the journalist insisted
on it. He studied all the (ii) ______________ details of the proposal and accepted it after a week.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
convergent
(D) listless
(B)
precipitant
(E)
minute
(C)
blatant
(F)
egregious
Ans: precipitant and minute
17. The new environmental regulations (i)____________ strict effluent treatment norms for the chemical
industry. I would say that even if the regulations were not in place, it is of (ii)_______ importance for
the chemical industry to have state of the art effluent treatment plants just out of social responsibility.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) navigate
(D) vital
(B) scruple
(E)
minor
(C) stipulate
(F)
blowhard
Ans: stipulate and vital
18. Nambia has announced a ___________ ceasefire against the enemy country. Apparently the enemy
country has no plans to stop its attacks across the border and it plans to cause further damage to
Nambia’s military bases. Then what does Nambia gain by this announcement? It seems like a
________ by Nambia to gain international sympathy and military support to counter the enemy
forces.
400
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) trilateral
(D) gambit
(B) multinational
(E)
wizardry
(C) unilateral
(F)
ambit
Ans: unilateral and gambit
19. Only a _________ creature feels pain. But if the creature gets an injury after getting
______________, it does not feel any pain.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) scintillating
(D) opiated
(B) sentient
(E) slept
(C) dilatory
(F) rehabilitated
Ans: sentient and opiated
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Indian cricket team needed a break after they were ______ by England in the first test match. India
had never faced such a humiliating defeat in past several years.
A. pulverized
B. superseded
C. wangled
D. defected
E. crushed
F. negated
Ans: A and E
401
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Unable to get answers to all his questions, the Chairman kept the decision on that issue in
____________ till more information was made available to him.
A. cognizance
B. abeyance
C. apprehension
D. summation
E. suspension
F. obeisance
Ans: B and E
3. The chameleon has a unique capability to __________ the predator by changing its color according to
the surroundings.
A. opiate
B. hoodwink
C. interrogate
D. prevaricate
E. contort
F. fool
Ans: B and F
4. This workshop aims at building basic financial modeling skills of the participants and at the same
time making them more conversant with the __________ of the financial services industry.
A. terminologies
B. amenities
C. topologies
D. jargons
E. riders
F. differences
402
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and D
5. The paintings in the school exhibition were perhaps selected to __________ the curiosity of the
students in modern art.
A. stipulate
B. titillate
C. grouse
D. carouse
E. calculate
F. rouse
Ans: B and F
6. During their custody, they were forced to inhale ____________ fumes. Because of this some of the
inmates contracted cancer and lung diseases.
A. noxious
B. capricious
C. harmful
D. contumacious
E. salubrious
F. bountiful
Ans: A and C
7. In the poultry farm the eggs are ____________ artificially.
A. pulverized
B. wheedled
C. incubated
D. stipulated
E. hatched
F. rehabilitated
403
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and E
8. The chef is well-known for his gratifying ____________ chicken curry.
A. noxious
B. leery
C. unctuous
D. vicious
E. vital
F. buttery
Ans: C and F
9. The decisions taken by the husband were accepted by the family without any protest as his wife was a
____________ person.
A. objective
B. submissive
C. pejorative
D. docile
E. insatiable
F. indelible
Ans: B and D
10. The _________ used for coloring of the ceramic tiles was made of lead oxide and ammonia.
A. patina
B. venom
C. sutures
D. pigment
E. shard
F. color
404
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D and F
11. A shot that could help drug addicts break the ______ habit has been developed by the UK
researchers.
A. healthy
B. vicious
C. benign
D. viscid
E. malicious
F. extant
Ans: B and E
12. It is a/an ___________ time for one to invest in the real estate sector as the property prices are at their
historical low and are likely to rise sharply in near future as the economy improves.
A. opportune
B. appropriate
C. obstinate
D. tumid
E. pungent
F. ventral
Ans: A and B
13. The flood water was flowing so forcefully that the houses were reduced to a pile of splintered timber
and ________ iron rods.
405
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. straight
B. contorted
C. twisted
D. tumid
E. insensate
F. pernicious
Ans: B and C
14. When some unknown hazardous gas leaked from the chemicals factory, the people from the
neighboring areas started complaining of _____________ . Ten people were hospitalized with
symptoms of dehydration.
A. pleasure
B. influx
C. virility
D. nausea
E. ethos
F. queasiness
Ans: D and F
15. The people who got cheated after investing in the ponzi scheme should have used some common
sense before making the investment decision. The kind of returns that were promised in the scheme
were possible only through some ___________ and not through any rational investment strategy.
A. truism
B. repercussion
C. magic
D. wizardry
E. dross
F. elegy
Ans: C and D
406
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Over the years, _______ access to the building has led to equipment theft and the shattering of firstfloor windows. Now the administration has decided to allow only the valid pass holders to enter the
building.
A. unfettered
B. strict
C. free
D. askew
E. dilatory
F. calculated
Ans: A and C
17. Whenever some unrest occurs in Bangladesh, India has to handle a heavy ___________ of illegal
immigrants from Bangladesh.
A. influx
B. assistance
C. largess
D. inflow
E. precision
F. decision
Ans: A and D
18. Yesterday a drunken man attempted to ______ his wife with a bedsheet. The lady somehow escaped
and managed to call the police before falling unconscious on the ground. You could see black and
blue marks of the assault on her neck area.
407
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. scruple
B. throttle
C. negate
D. invert
E. expiate
F. strangle
Ans: B and F
19. Investigators who were investigating the _____ smell originating from a deserted house, finally found
the partially decomposed body of a woman in the bedroom of that house.
A. pungent
B. gaudy
C. animated
D. gullible
E. scintillating
F. acrid
Ans: A and F
III. Synonyms
1. Convolute
A. Distend
B. Totter
C. Distill
D. Twist
E. Bristle
Ans: D
408
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Atone
A. Drone
B. Expiate
C. Condone
D. Propitiate
E. Expatiate
Ans: B
3. Misconstrue
A. Misinterpret
B. Surmise
C. Commiserate
D. Dislodge
E. Mediate
Ans: A
4. Accentuate
A. Pulverize
B. Scrutinize
C. Aggrandize
D. Emphasize
E. Verbalize
Ans: D
409
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Farcical
A. Fallacious
B. Fictitious
C. Frivolous
D. Quizzical
E. Ridiculous
Ans: E
6. Garbled
A. Colorful
B. Vaunted
C. Distorted
D. Bedraggled
E. Brindled
Ans: C
7. Supersede
A. Survive
B. Efface
C. Grimace
D. Embrace
E. Displace
Ans: E
410
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Prevaricate
A. Prevail
B. Evoke
C. Flail
D. Evade
E. Severe
Ans: D
9. Fastidious
A. Laborious
B. Singular
C. Particular
D. Precocious
E. Deleterious
Ans: C
10. Extricate
A. Fabricate
B. Disentangle
C. Wangle
D. Deprecate
E. Haggle
Ans: B
411
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Assuage
A. Ravage
B. Migrate
C. Rummage
D. Alleviate
E. Emulate
Ans: D
12. Artisan
A. Draftsman
B. Policeman
C. Lawyer
D. Thief
E. Craftsman
Ans: E
13. Ribald
A. Beautiful
B. Melodious
C. Vulgar
D. Obscure
E. Accurate
Ans: C
412
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. Duplicity
A. Honesty
B. Aggressiveness
C. Innocence
D. Deception
E. Parsimony
Ans: D
15. Gullible
A. Notorious
B. Noble
C. Unknown
D. Naïve
E. Shrewd
Ans: D
16. Tumid
A. Swollen
B. Colorful
C. Healthy
D. Heavy
E. Light
Ans: A
413
WORD POWER-QUIZ
17. Rehabilitate
A. Prepare
B. Cancel
C. Wander
D. Navigate
E. Recover
Ans: E
18. Virile
A. Timid
B. Manly
C. Tumid
D. Musical
E. Volatile
Ans: B
19. Viscid
A. Extant
B. Gluey
C. Ordinary
D. Witty
E. Expensive
Ans: B
414
WORD POWER-QUIZ
34. THE MANUSCRIPT
34. THE MANUSCRIPT
I. Text Completion
1. Individuals who have a (i) _________ towards allergies should avoid the allergy causing agents. Any
(ii) _________ in carefully identifying and avoiding the allergy causing agents may result into serious
health problems.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
predisposition
(D) negligence
(B)
affliction
(E)
indigence
(C)
supposition
(F)
opulence
Ans: predisposition and negligence
2. The (i) _________ between Bob and John did not last very long after they started working on an
assignment together. Though they started to work together with great enthusiasm, each of them
wanted
to
(ii)
_________
Blank (i)
the
other.
Blank (ii)
(A)
amity
(D) forego
(B)
integrity
(E)
outright
(C)
unity
(F)
outwit
Ans: amity and outwit
3. In spite of his (i) _________ love for Ananya, Rohan was hopeful that one day she would realize how
deep his love for her was. However after waiting for almost five years, Rohan (ii) _________
accepted the fact that Ananya was not really interested in him.
415
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
unkempt
(D) begrudgingly
(B)
ungainly
(E) precisely
(C)
unrequited
(F) consequently
Ans: unrequited and begrudgingly
4. George had to pay a heavy price for his (i) ____________. In his public speeches he openly criticized
well established religious practices. Fearing that George would become a source of wide spread
unrest in the country, the authorities have (ii) __________ him of his fundamental right of expressing
his opinions in public.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
conventionalism
(D) despoiled
(B)
exigency
(E) impugned
(C)
heterodoxy
(F) outwitted
Ans: heterodoxy and despoiled
5. The author has brilliantly (i) __________the character of the orphan child in her book. Her depiction
of his two (ii)________ qualities: ‘ambitiousness and integrity’ is wonderful. Though the child was
constantly (iii) _____ by the society, he never gave up his earnest attempts to earn himself a decent
and honorable life.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
indicated
(D) random
(G) harried
(B)
indicted
(E) distinctive
(H) adored
(C)
indited
(F) derivative
(I)
Ans: indited, distinctive and harried
416
touted
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Due to the (i) _____________ arrangements made by the organizers for the event, the image of the
company has definitely been tarnished. The management of the company has clearly stated their
apprehension that the damage done to the company’s brand image might be (ii)_________ and they
have held the organizers solely responsible for it and sued them. If the management wins the case, the
organizers would become (iii)__________ to pay a hefty sum to the company.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) slapdash
(D) provisional
(G) liable
(B)
(E) reparable
(H) inscrutable
(F) immutable
(I) gullible
consummate
(C) lugubrious
Ans: slapdash, immutable and liable
7. Suspecting her husband’s (i) ____________, Susan rummaged through her husband’s cupboard. She
found some letters indicating her husband's infidelity. Looking at them she was (ii) ____________
and she felt as if she was about to faint; but she wanted to discuss the matter with her husband before
coming to any conclusion.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
compliance
(D) sapped
(B)
exposition
(E) sordid
(C)
integrity
(F) ethereal
Ans: integrity and sapped
8. The (i) _________ writing style adopted in the training manual makes it a very effective tool to train
an apprentice in the skills necessary for the job of software testing. It can be considered as a
comprehensive guide for any (ii) _________ in this domain.
417
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
distinctive
(D) sentinel
(B)
pellucid
(E)
vagrant
(C)
inscrutable
(F)
novice
Ans: pellucid and novice
9. The recent introduction of the $3000 car has caused ripples in the auto industry. Although the car is
very cheap it is decently spacious. In fact it is as (i) _____________ as any other hatchback car
currently in the market.
Blank (i)
(A) commodious
(B) voluminous
(C) cramped
Ans: commodious
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The miserable performance of the CSK team has _______ many of its local supporters. They have
now started supporting the KEP team.
A. activated
B. estimated
C. burnished
D. alienated
E. congealed
F. rankled
Ans: D and F
418
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. In spite of several allegations of corruption against him, the bureaucrat did not hesitate to _______ his
achievements.
A. tout
B. shout
C. tolerate
D. flaunt
E. embrace
F. flag
Ans: A and D
3. The banks are doubtful about the ___________ of the loans if the customers have unreliable credit
history and no concrete proof of owning an immovable asset.
A. readability
B. hilarity
C. infidelity
D. retrievability
E. mutability
F. recoverability
Ans: D and F
4. Remembering the times of their school days, the alumni became ___________.
A. nostalgic
B. yielding
C. sentimental
D. lethargic
E. fundamental
F. vital
Ans: A and C
419
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. The movie is definitely the worst directed movie of this year. At several instances, you notice the
_________ attempts by the director to impart a classy touch to the movie.
A. maladroit
B. clumsy
C. dutiful
D. resentful
E. facile
F. bountiful
Ans: A and B
6. The sad fact is that the journalists have also started accepting bribes to either publicize or suppress a
matter. This has ________the quality of journalism in our country.
A. eroded
B. appended
C. belabored
D. stipulated
E. improvised
F. deteriorated
Ans: A and F
7. When it rains, the otherwise agile people feel like __________ sitting at home just enjoying steaming
tea and hot snacks.
A. slothfully
B. indolently
C. randomly
D. abruptly
E. loyally
F. absurdly
420
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and B
8. We had a fantastic time together yesterday. The weather was great and John was in a/an ________
mood. He cracked many hilarious jokes yesterday.
A. cheerful
B. somber
C. inordinate
D. jocund
E. accommodating
F. dismal
Ans: A and D
9. I did not like the movie at all. I fail to understand why there was such a/an ___________ amount of
hype about this movie.
A. excessive
B. crabbed
C. inordinate
D. limited
E. circumspect
F. esoteric
Ans: A and C
421
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Exposition
A. Exhilaration
B. Exploitation
C. Explanation
D. Exertion
E. Exaltation
Ans: C
2. Irreverent
A. Willful
B. Dispassionate
C. Dutiful
D. Disinterested
E. Disrespectful
Ans: E
3. Impugn
A. Charge
B. Deign
C. Scrutinize
D. Energize
E. Arraign
Ans: A
422
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Disband
A. Bandy
B. Dissolve
C. Absolve
D. Resolve
E. Disdain
Ans: B
5. Animosity
A. Proximity
B. Enormity
C. Suavity
D. Enmity
E. Verity
Ans: D
6. Infidelity
A. Disregard
B. Disturbance
C. Turbulence
D. Danger
E. Disloyalty
Ans: E
423
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Kudos
A. Perspiration
B. Hesitation
C. Acclaim
D. Aspiration
E. Depletion
Ans: C
8. Circumspect
A. Cautious
B. Difficult
C. Docile
D. Mobile
E. Pejorative
Ans: A
9. Probe
A. Disinclination
B. Negation
C. Rehabilitation
D. Investigation
E. Summation
Ans: D
424
WORD POWER-QUIZ
35. CAPTAIN VENENO'S PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE
35. CAPTAIN VENENO'S PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE
I. Text Completion
1. The court did not grant divorce to the belligerent man stating that he would first have to agree to pay
Rs. 40,000/- per month as a/an (i) _________ to his wife and then only the court would dissolve the
(ii) _________ relationship between them.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
alimony
(D) satirical
(B)
larceny
(E)
offensive
(C)
testimony
(F)
connubial
Ans: alimony and connubial
2. As the right hand of the factory worker was severely damaged in an accident at the workplace, it had
to be (i) ___________. The worker was depressed after this (ii) ___________ loss. Realizing his
plight the factory management decided to retain him as an employee in a role that did not require any
physical effort.
Blank (i)
Blank (iii)
(A)
implicated
(D) translucent
(B)
amputated
(E) irretrievable
(C)
spliced
(F) impuissant
Ans: amputated and irretrievable
3. The entire cast of the play was dressed in (i) ___________ outfits with the pattern of a chessboard.
The play was a (ii) ___________ representation of the playoffs in politics conveyed through the game
of chess. In the play a subtle (iii) ___________ towards politicians was evident.
425
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
tessellated
(D) implausible
(G) asperity
(B)
titillated
(E)
vertical
(H) austerity
(C)
tinged
(F)
satirical
(I) suavity
Ans: tessellated, satirical and asperity
4. 2010 was definitely a year marked by a (i)__________ of anti-Chinese demonstrations. There were
countless demonstrations against buying Chinese products all across the country. Even six year old
kids were seen shouting slogans on the streets with banners of “(ii)_________ Chinese Products” in
their hands. What does a six year old know about imports and exports?
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
vanguard
(D) Boycott
(B)
thrall
(E) Temporize
(C)
spate
(F) Gouge
Ans: spate and Boycott
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. In an attempt to ___________ the reputation of the restaurant, the rivals posted negative comments
about it on the social networking website.
A. besmirch
B. bewitch
C. beget
D. saturate
E. boycott
F. taint
426
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and F
2. You must appreciate Linda for her good parenting of her kids. Her kids are very studious, quiet and
___________. They respect elders.
A. tractable
B. lout
C. retrievable
D. obedient
E. obstinate
F. verbose
Ans: A and D
3. People with sedentary jobs and senior citizens with decreased activity can lose muscle tone and
develop significant muscle __________. Therefore it is very important to ensure an active lifestyle to
avoid any damage to our muscles.
A. physiology
B. atrophy
C. duration
D. deterioration
E. aggregation
F. patronage
Ans: B and D
4. It seems ___________ that we represent the only advanced civilizations in the universe. Simple back
of the envelop calculations suggest that there should be at least one more civilization in the universe
that is more advanced than ours.
427
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. implausible
B. unlikely
C. plausible
D. adorable
E. commendable
F. deplorable
Ans: A and B
III. Synonyms
1. Saturate
A. Stanch
B. Dehydrate
C. Drench
D. Frustrate
E. Blanch
Ans: C
2. Boycott
A. Rehabilitate
B. Repress
C. Refurbish
D. Reject
E. Resume
Ans: D
428
WORD POWER-QUIZ
3. Beget
A. Buffet
B. Betray
C. Fret
D. Produce
E. Prompt
Ans: D
4. Fundamental
A. Volatile
B. Difficult
C. Reliable
D. Basic
E. Relaxing
Ans: D
5. Anathema
A. Curse
B. Euphemism
C. Ignorance
D. Incantation
E. Quintessence
Ans: A
429
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Incantation
A. Demand
B. Design
C. Designation
D. Charm
E. Alarm
Ans: D
430
WORD POWER-QUIZ
36. COLONEL STARBOTTLE FOR THE PLAINTIFF
36. COLONEL STARBOTTLE FOR THE PLAINTIFF
I. Text Completion
1. Jerome, a noted (i) _______, was very excited and anxious about his latest play. However his play
failed to evoke much interest in the audience as it lacked a smooth flow. The scenes in the play
seemed (ii) _______ and the audience was unable to relate to them. The play also did not receive as
much (iii) ___________ from critics as anticipated by Jerome.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) thespian
(D) pensive
(G) acclamation
(B)
gruff
(E)
mellifluous
(H) indignation
(C) anthropoid
(F)
disjointed
(I) tribulation
Ans: thespian, disjointed and acclamation
2. The magistrate (i) __________ the marital bond of the couple after acknowledging that there was an
irreconcilable difference of opinion between them. Neither the husband nor the wife was ready to (ii)
________ inflated ego and continue with their marital relationship.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) attained
(D) eschew
(B) accepted
(E) surpass
(C) annulled
(F)
resume
Ans: annulled and eschew
3. Solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the moon (i) _________ the sun. During the solar
eclipse a direct (ii) _____________ of the human eye to the sun rays can damage the retina and may
result into permanent blindness. Hence it is (iii) ____________ to observe the eclipse without proper
UV filters.
431
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
deludes
(D) composure
(G) infelicitous
(B)
includes
(E)
exposure
(H) portentous
(C)
occludes
(F)
imposition
(I) momentous
Ans: occludes, exposure and infelicitous
4. The teacher insisted that her students should avoid making a (i) ________ copy of the textbook while
answering the questions. She was of the opinion that the students would learn more effectively if they
(ii) __________ the answers in their own words. This would also inculcate a (iii) ________ for
writing among the students.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) bolt
(D) paraphrase
(G) flair
(B)
(E)
desecrate
(H) compliance
(F)
underscore
(I) poise
amuck
(C) verbatim
Ans: verbatim, paraphrase and flair
5. The orthodox religious leaders insist that the (i) __________ of our thousands of years old civilization
hold good still today. Therefore they (ii) __________ these to form the core of the code of conduct of
the society today. The moderate leaders however do not agree with this and they believe that their
relevance to the current form of society is (iii) ________________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) stanzas
(D) amalgamate
(G) insubstantial
(B)
(E)
advocate
(H) integral
(F)
allocate
(I) provisional
credos
(C) citadels
Ans: credos, advocate and insubstantial
432
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. There was a minor bomb blast at the main junction of roads. The police arrived immediately and
barricaded the site so that the (i) ____________ evidence of the blast could be gathered. The
barricades caused a major traffic jam as the junction was a (ii) ____________ point of two major
roads of the city. Though it was required of the police to barricade roads in such a scenario, the
situation could have been handled with more (iii) ____________ to avoid the chaos.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) baleful
(D) confluence
(G) distinction
(B)
forensic
(E)
coincidence
(H) legitimacy
(C) intrinsic
(F)
providence
(I) efficacy
Ans: forensic, confluence and efficacy
7. The youth in the country are fed up with the prevalent (i) _________ in the country. Though there is a
democracy in the country, it is the same set of leaders and their children who assume the key decision
making positions. Therefore the youth have organized a (ii) ________ of all the college students
interested in politics to discuss how a change could be (iii) _________ in the current political
scenario.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
oligarchy
(D) rendezvous
(G) engendered
(B)
monarchy
(E)
larder
(H) endured
(C)
patriarchy
(F)
revelry
(I) enamored
Ans: oligarchy, rendezvous and engendered
8. Recently all the mobile companies have been directed to adhere to a standard protocol for encoding
and decoding the data on their network. This directive has invited (i) ___________ from various
service providers. Their concern is that this kind of regulations may make their networks vulnerable
to security attacks.
433
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
(A) endorsement
(B) retraction
(C) stricture
Ans: stricture
9. The priest’s rivals intended to (i) ____________ his image with allegations of sexual misconduct. The
allegations of (ii) _________ behavior by the priest were proved to be false through the police
investigation. The police severely reprimanded the priest’s rivals and warned them to (iii)__________
their malicious activities immediately.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) chide
(D) infectious
(G) stem
(B)
defile
(E) licentious
(H) resume
(C) deign
(F) legitimate
(I) mollify
Ans: defile, licentious and stem
10. The vintner was happy when he tasted the first (i) ________ of wine produced from his vineyard. His
(ii)________efforts
to
produce
tasty
Blank (i)
wine
had
Blank (ii)
(A)
clarion
(D) varying
(B)
falcon
(E)
painstaking
(C)
flagon
(F)
scathing
Ans: flagon and painstaking
434
borne
great
results.
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Tom suffered a lot in his professional life because of his habit of postponing the things. Therefore
Tom decided to stop (i) ________ the things and to take immediate action on any important issue.
Blank (i)
(A) retrospecting
(B) procrastinating
(C) tribulation
Ans: procrastinating
12. The father (i) ________ his son for his amoral behavior and denied him any share in his property. The
agitated son went on to file a (ii) ___________ in the court against his father claiming his rights on
his father’s property.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) berated
(D) indignation
(B) reverberated
(E) affliction
(C) rejuvenated
(F) litigation
Ans: berated and litigation
13. Sara built a holiday home almost at the (i) _______ of a hill station with an intention to keep herself
(ii) _____ from the city’s hectic life. She would break away from her busy city life at least once a
month to unwind herself in the remote hill top home.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) quagmire
(D) aloof
(B) pith
(E) abstract
(C) zenith
(F)
Ans: zenith and aloof
435
bellicose
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. The narrator was a (i) _________ before he was spotted by a director. The director noticed that the
narrator's voice was very flexible and that he could (ii) _________ it to suit any character. Now the
narrator is a favorite among various other directors as a voice dubbing artist for cartoon characters.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) cynosure
(D) modulate
(B) waif
(E) reiterate
(C) nonentity
(F) instigate
Ans nonentity and modulate
15. The designer took a painstaking effort in making the bridal outfit attractive at the same time not too
showy. The bridal outfit had a balanced use of (i) ____________ and trappings on it without making
it look (ii) ____________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) carriers
(D) omniscient
(B) bangles
(E) pretentious
(C) spangles
(F) exceptional
Ans: spangles and pretentious
16. Even though the plot of the book was good, the narration of the story was pathetic. The manuscript
was full of (i) ___________ words and phrases. It needed a lot of rework and therefore the editor (ii)
________ the publication of the book.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
converse
(D) scuttled
(B)
extraneous
(E)
defrocked
(C)
iridescent
(F)
deferred
436
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: extraneous and deferred
17. He was an author of an exceptional caliber. He used to write stories that were wonderfully
(i)________ of the pastoral life. No other author has ever matched his ability to depict the niceties of
the personalities of the rural people. He also led a simple life free from any controversies. He
refrained from any activities that attracted (ii) ___________ public attention.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) evocative
(D) interminable
(B) abortive
(E) inscrutable
(C) attentive
(F) gratuitous
Ans: evocative and gratuitous
18. After almost facing a bankruptcy, Smith has decided to observe (i) __________. He has now resolved
to (ii) ____________ the habit of wasteful spending.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
contingent
(D) abduct
(B)
continence
(E) abdicate
(C)
prescience
(F) arouse
Ans: continence and abdicate
19. As the government did not adhere to its pre-electoral promises, there was widespread anger among
the masses against the government. Their anger was further (i) _________ by the imposition of a new
tax code. After several protests across the country, the government had to (ii) _____________ the
new tax code.
437
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) inflated
(D) retract
(B) intimated
(E) contract
(C) exempted
(F) subtract
Ans: inflated and retract
20. In recognition of the (i) _______ performance by the players in the latest Commonwealth games, the
Prime Minister presented them with (ii) _______. He congratulated the (iii) _______ for their
splendid performance and urged them to aim for Olympic medals.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
stellar
(D) mementos
(G) prodigies
(B)
angular
(E)
novelties
(H) bohemians
(C)
culpable
(F)
clarions
(I) champions
Ans: stellar, mementos and champions
21. The comedian exhibited a (i) __________ for bringing forth serious issues through funny anecdotes.
His satire on the education system was very (ii) ____________ to today’s scenario. It aptly
highlighted the shortcomings of our so called (iii) __________ education system.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
flair
(D) arrogant
(G) impeccable
(B)
flare
(E)
conversant
(H) undeniable
(C)
flavor
(F)
relevant
(I) infelicitous
Ans: flair, relevant and impeccable
438
WORD POWER-QUIZ
22. The employees of the company were waiting with _________ breath for any news about the rumors
of acquisition of their company by a larger competitor. However all the queries to their top
management regarding this issue did not ______ any response.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
berated
(D) elicit
(B)
bated
(E) refer
(C)
foul
(F) embed
Ans: bated and elicit
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. It is a well-made regional movie that captures the essence of the Punjab region through visuals, music
and the __________ language.
A. imperial
B. collateral
C. colloquial
D. reverend
E. everyday
F. transient
Ans: C and E
2. The girl in the ______ outfit was the cynosure of all eyes in the market. A couple of people even
made a lewd passing remark at her.
439
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. raspy
B. skimpy
C. osseous
D. expeditious
E. scanty
F. meticulous
Ans: B and E
3. Prof. Wayne has had the ___________ of being awarded the Nobel Prize twice for his outstanding
work in the field of biological sciences.
A. distinction
B. abomination
C. honor
D. collation
E. facade
F. arcade
Ans: A and C
4. While _____________ through the crowd, Peter fumbled upon a stone and got hurt.
A. plumbing
B. scuttling
C. wangling
D. scurrying
E. adhering
F. enciphering
Ans: B and D
440
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. As the lion ___________ in the circus ring, the kids in the gallery cheered and clapped.
A. espoused
B. eschewed
C. strutted
D. berated
E. transfigured
F. paraded
Ans: C and F
6. John was often _____________ by his classmates because of his short stature.
A. belittled
B. rehabilitated
C. inflated
D. prevaricated
E. allocated
F. disparaged
Ans: A and F
7. The _____________ story told by the narrator left the audience feeling depressed.
A. hermitic
B. balmy
C. pessimistic
D. septic
E. tumid
F. gloomy
Ans: C and F
441
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Scientists have successfully invented an artificial kidney that could _____________ almost all the
functions of an actual kidney.
A. simulate
B. revert
C. perpetuate
D. incubate
E. perform
F. navigate
Ans: A and E
9. The criminal received a/an _______________ from the court as his shrewd lawyer was able to point
out a few inconsistencies in the charge sheet and in the testimonies of the witnesses.
A. precinct
B. acquittal
C. parody
D. acclamation
E. exoneration
F. opprobrium
Ans: B and E
10. His claim that light travels in the wave form is quite _______ to the prevailing belief that light is a
stream of particles.
A. berserk
B. commodious
C. converse
D. convivial
E. contrary
F. conscientious
442
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and E
11. Tom is in the__________ of wasting money over useless things. Someone has to advise him to
observe continence.
A. wont
B. context
C. contempt
D. tenet
E. levity
F. habit
Ans: A and F
12. The recent controversies about the micro finance institutions (MFIs) have fostered a climate of
__________ towards them. A few months back MFIs were looked at as a powerful instrument to
alleviate poverty in the country but now a mere mention of the term MFI evokes feelings of hatred in
the minds of the people.
A. liking
B. boon
C. antipathy
D. aversion
E. blessing
F. penchant
Ans: C and D
13. The popular actress has been _________ about her plans to get married this year. Her ‘golden
reserve’ has given rise to may speculations in the media.
443
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. taciturn
B. silent
C. angry
D. voluble
E. blushing
F. gushing
Ans: A and B
14. The great leaders of the history have gone through a lot of hardships to _______ the society in
positive ways. When one wants to bring about even a small change in the society one has to face a lot
of resistance.
A. transfigure
B. transfer
C. transform
D. trouble
E. target
F. terminate
Ans: A and C
15. Richard was criticized severely for his _________ and tasteless comments on the relationship
between Jane and Bob. However, Jane and Bob did not pay any particular attention to his frivolous
remarks.
A. whimsical
B. lethargic
C. allergic
D. magnetic
E. flippant
F. facetious
Ans: E and F
444
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. There is nothing new in the storyline of the movie. Period. Despite a/an ________ storyline, the film
has entertainment value and a decent presentation.
A. injurious
B. banal
C. novel
D. predictable
E. innovative
F. fictional
Ans: B and D
17. Even though James could not go through the entire report in detail, he carefully went through its
________ and thought that the key findings of the report were quite insightful.
A. summary
B. appendix
C. story
D. news
E. author
F. synopsis
Ans: A and F
18. Tatiana told the audience that the duty to vote was________ and everybody must obey it from the
bottom of the heart.
A. useless
B. sacrosanct
C. sacred
D. banal
E. fugitive
F. futile
445
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and C
19. The people were extremely delighted to watch the circus. They were particularly impressed by the
breathtaking display of acrobatic abilities by the _______performers.
A. cursive
B. retentive
C. humid
D. lithe
E. agile
F. dissolute
Ans: D and E
20. Michael wonderfully explained the five ______ from the book of successful entrepreneurs: vision,
flexibility, perseverance, discipline and frugality.
A. tendencies
B. pages
C. instances
D. tenets
E. principles
F. solecisms
Ans: D and E
21. That's interesting since the distrust between the two countries is such that it is rare to see such
_______ views originating from them on this particular issue of the disputed land.
446
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. inane
B. rave
C. original
D. harmonious
E. immature
F. concordant
Ans: D and F
22. Andrew’s unsporting behavior on the field was _______ from all corners of the society. After all
Cricket was supposed to be a gentleman’s game.
A. condemned
B. apprised
C. reprobated
D. praised
E. procrastinated
F. consecrated
Ans: A and C
23. Many public health _________ organizations are funded by pharmaceuticals companies. Then how
can you believe in their credibility?
A. asperity
B. advocacy
C. gustation
D. venue
E. pathos
F. encouragement
Ans: B and F
447
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Transfigure
A. Transform
B. Transpire
C. Debilitate
D. Dissipate
E. Transcribe
Ans: A
2. Renowned
A. Forgotten
B. Well-known
C. Impertinent
D. Weird
E. Impending
Ans: B
3. Espouse
A. Effuse
B. Champion
C. Diffuse
D. Lionize
E. Suffuse
Ans: B
448
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Intransigence
A. Inception
B. Inversion
C. Inflexibility
D. Integrity
E. Infidelity
Ans: C
5. Elicit
A. Reduce
B. Revolve
C. Evoke
D. Stoke
E. Protrude
Ans: C
6. Sumptuous
A. Incredible
B. Osseous
C. Peevish
D. Expeditious
E. Lavish
Ans: E
449
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Humid
A. Damp
B. Ample
C. Tumid
D. Adamant
E. Timid
Ans: A
8. Cite
A. Incite
B. Denote
C. Indite
D. Quote
E. Dote
Ans: D
9. Insubstantial
A. Insignificant
B. Inanimate
C. Intimate
D. Impertinent
E. Ingenuous
Ans: A
450
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Abstract
A. Farcical
B. Satirical
C. Intangible
D. Ironical
E. Whimsical
Ans: C
11. Behoove
A. Belie
B. Forbear
C. Imbibe
D. Betray
E. Befit
Ans: E
12. Embed
A. Bedizen
B. Implant
C. Enjoin
D. Incur
E. Incubate
Ans: B
451
WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Compensate
A. Compute
B. Mollify
C. Exonerate
D. Atone
E. Drone
Ans: D
14. Citadel
A. Bastion
B. Panoply
C. Frugality
D. Medium
E. Excerpt
Ans: A
15. Forswear
A. Forget
B. Ignore
C. Imagine
D. Worship
E. Disavow
Ans: E
452
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Bellicose
A. Fat
B. Tumid
C. Turbid
D. Belligerent
E. Tangential
Ans: D
17. Sequester
A. Engender
B. Encipher
C. Isolate
D. Underscore
E. Consecrate
Ans: C
18. Nemesis
A. Bishop
B. Interlocutor
C. Arch-rival
D. Trader
E. Intellect
Ans: C
453
WORD POWER-QUIZ
19. Levity
A. Gravity
B. Indifference
C. Intensity
D. Disparagement
E. Frivolity
Ans: E
20. Excerpt
A. Extract
B. Lunge
C. Defeatism
D. Reprobation
E. Finale
Ans: A
21. Repudiate
A. Receive
B. Educate
C. Excite
D. Renounce
E. Explain
Ans: D
454
WORD POWER-QUIZ
22. Raconteur
A. Actor
B. Narrator
C. Driver
D. Author
E. Comedian
Ans: B
23. Modulate
A. Adapt
B. Advise
C. Assure
D. Ascertain
E. Ascribe
Ans: A
24. Vulpine
A. Innocent
B. Beautiful
C. Thin
D. Clever
E. Dumb
Ans: D
455
WORD POWER-QUIZ
25. Desecrate
A. Devise
B. Profane
C. Invest
D. Burn
E. Polish
Ans: B
456
WORD POWER-QUIZ
37. THE GOLDEN INGOT
37. THE GOLDEN INGOT
I. Text Completion
1. During the rainy season the weather in the coastal city was cloudy and (i) ______. To dry his washed
clothes, John had kept them hanging for three days on a rope in the backyard but they were still wet
after three days. In fact they were (ii)__________ badly and you could see some fungal growth on
them.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
dank
(D) jarring
(B)
idyllic
(E)
leaking
(C)
balmy
(F)
reeking
Ans: dank and reeking
2. The chef in the restaurant was injured in a kitchen (i) ____________. His hand was (ii) _________ as
a large flame suddenly emanated from the stove. As a first aid a (iii) ________ was applied on his
hand and then he was rushed to a hospital for further treatment.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
mishap
(D) seared
(G) nutrient
(B)
misconduct
(E) transfigured
(H) phlegm
(C)
mistake
(F) inflated
(I)
poultice
Ans: mishap, seared and poultice
3. The (i) ________ team leader had anticipated an increased work load on his team when the new
project was taken up. Therefore he had carefully divided the work amongst his team members to
ensure a good work-life balance for his team. Though he was considerate in allocating the workload
to his team members, he would never show any (ii) ________ if an agreed deadline was not met.
457
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
foresighted
(D) leniency
(B)
hindmost
(E) exigency
(C)
niggardly
(F) diplomacy
Ans: foresighted and leniency
4. The (i) ________ from the insurance company came to the ill-fated site of the fire accident. He had a
(ii) ________ to assess the damage caused due to the fire and to submit a report to the insurance
company. He informed the (iii) ________ that the report would be submitted within two days and the
compensation would be provided in a week.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
assayer
(D) mandate
(G) contemporary
(B)
betrayer
(E)
proclivity
(H) beneficiary
(C)
poseur
(F)
capacity
(I) functionary
Ans: assayer, mandate and beneficiary
5. Though he did not bring any business to the company, the marketing executive was prompt in getting
his expenses (i)__________. His superior soon found that the executive did not improve on his (ii)
________ presentation of the products. The presentation was not good enough to (iii) ________ the
clients to buy their products.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
reimbursed
(D) lackluster
(G) probe
(B)
recounted
(E)
virulent
(H) prod
(C)
reaped
(F)
noxious
(I) avert
Ans: reimbursed, lackluster and prod
458
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. In an attempt to (i) ________ the disappointment of its investors, the company decided to offer
additional shares to them. However many of the investors wanted to be (ii) ________ by cash. Paying
the investors by cash would have been terribly (iii) ________ for the company.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) scruple
(D) reinvested
(G) onerous
(B)
(E)
reimbursed
(H) sonorous
(F)
stipulated
(I) ominous
gouge
(C) mitigate
Ans: mitigate, reimbursed and onerous
7. After learning that the President and the Prime Minister were visiting the town, Sam (i) ________ that
the main airport road would be blocked for a long duration to let their convoy pass through. Therefore
he
took
a/an
(ii)
________
route
so
that
Blank (i)
he
could
reach
the
airport
on
time.
Blank (ii)
(A) improvised
(D) ancillary
(B) prognosticated
(E) dowdy
(C) prompted
(F)
hybrid
Ans: prognosticated and ancillary
8. The latest regional song was a (i) ________ composition which had the elements of both traditional
and contemporary music. However a majority of traditional composers passed (ii)_________
comments against the composition as they could not appreciate the dilution of traditional music with
contemporary music.
459
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (iii)
(A) hybrid
(D) pertinacious
(B) ancillary
(E) hermetic
(C) niggardly
(F) trenchant
Ans: hybrid and trenchant
9. After the fall of the (i) ________ rule, the royal family had to flee the country. Their once (ii)
________ palaces are now in a (iii) ________ state; hence the democratic government has taken over
the management of the palaces and will very soon convert them into museums.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
imperial
(D) lustrous
(G) dissipated
(B)
trenchant
(E)
sensuous
(H) diluted
(C)
mercenary
(F)
conscious
(I) dilapidated
Ans: imperial, lustrous and dilapidated
10. The police arrested a (i)_________ who deceived women by claiming that he had a magic solution
that could convert silver into gold. His (ii)_________ were finally exposed when he tried to cheat a
Chemistry professor with the same claims.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) hovel
(D) bluffs
(B) quack
(E) pallets
(C) libertine
(F) hoards
Ans: quack and bluffs
460
WORD POWER-QUIZ
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The ministry of health has detected __________ of arsenic in the beef meat imported from Argentina.
Hence it has suspended the import of meat from Argentina for next three months.
A. deposits
B. hue
C. residue
D. gruel
E. pallet
F. hoard
Ans: A and C
2. Angry over their team’s dismal performance, the furious fans got involved in a/an ___________ with
the fans of the opposite team. This led to a big commotion in the stadium and ultimately the police
had to intervene.
A. volition
B. embroilment
C. humility
D. kismet
E. brawl
F. contract
Ans: B and E
3. Generally an equipment supplier will not _________ a customer if the customer does not use the
equipment as per the specifications/scope of use provided by the equipment supplier.
461
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. decry
B. execute
C. indemnify
D. arrest
E. compensate
F. concur
Ans: C and E
4. Because of the ___________ attachments John decided to stay with his parents even after his
marriage.
A. filial
B. perennial
C. celestial
D. trivial
E. jovial
F. familial
Ans: A and F
5. The health minister did not pay any heed to the lies and _____________ of the tobacco companies
who claimed that second hand smoking was not hazardous to health.
A. subterfuges
B. jocundities
C. stratagems
D. animosities
E. acclamations
F. intuitions
Ans: A and C
462
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The hostile behavior of the diplomats has caused ___________ damage to the relationship between
the two countries. Now only a war can resolve the dispute between the two countries.
A. irresolute
B. irrelevant
C. irreverent
D. irrevocable
E. ungainly
F. irremediable
Ans: D and F
7. Even though the CEO has refused to draw any salary in the wake of the financial crisis, the Board has
said that it will make sure that the CEO gets a salary that is_____________ to his performance.
A. commensurate
B. proportionate
C. inadequate
D. drastic
E. dowdy
F. euphonious
Ans: A and B
8. Impure drinking water is a major source of health problems in children. It is a pity that only 8%
population in our country has an access to ______ drinking water.
A. understated
B. emancipated
C. uncontaminated
D. pure
E. derogatory
F. niggardly
463
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and D
9. When a _____________ dressed man tried to enter the club, the security guard stopped him at the
entrance itself and explained to him that his dress was not as per the dress code of the club.
A. dowdily
B. calmly
C. virulently
D. shabbily
E. retentively
F. cursively
Ans: A and D
10. The President ____________ the mindless attacks on innocent civilians. He particularly expressed his
grief over the death of ten children in the recent attack.
A. extolled
B. exaggerated
C. decried
D. exclaimed
E. extricated
F. condemned
Ans: C and F
464
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Inopportune
A. Inevitable
B. Unfaltering
C. Iniquitous
D. Untimely
E. Intrepid
Ans: D
2. Invocation
A. Supposition
B. Supplication
C. Avocation
D. Imprecation
E. Ramification
Ans: B
3. Outstrip
A. Outwit
B. Outdo
C. Tout
D. Flout
E. Oust
Ans: B
465
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Pertinacious
A. Pernicious
B. Pervasive
C. Persistent
D. Perennial
E. Perceptive
Ans: C
5. Skinflint
A. Niggard
B. Plaintiff
C. Champion
D. Vintner
E. Stickler
Ans: A
6. Uniform
A. Universal
B. Consistent
C. Multiform
D. Unilateral
E. Munificence
Ans: B
466
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Foster
A. Endure
B. Bolster
C. Nurture
D. Banter
E. Conjure
Ans: C
8. Incorrigible
A. Irrefutable
B. Inveterate
C. Irresponsible
D. Ineradicable
E. Irrepressible
Ans: D
9. Mountebank
A. Ingrate
B. Libertine
C. Feminist
D. Athlete
E. Charlatan
Ans: E
467
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Rancor
A. Rumor
B. Anchor
C. Malice
D. Dint
E. Piety
Ans: C
11. Execrate
A. Curse
B. Exhume
C. Excite
D. Exclude
E. Exemplify
Ans: A
12. Assuage
A. Appeal
B. Append
C. Alter
D. Appease
E. Advise
Ans: D
468
WORD POWER-QUIZ
38. THE COUNTRY OF THE BLIND
38. THE COUNTRY OF THE BLIND
I. Text Completion
1. As the Nile River flows through Egypt, it takes a variety of forms. At some places it takes the form of
a shimmering (i) ______, at some places it (ii) ________ with energy and some other places it drifts
silently.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
cascade
(D) integrates
(B)
barricade
(E) blusters
(C)
accolade
(F) inveighs
Ans: cascade and blusters
2. After noticing a long (i) ________ of people waiting outside the main entrance of the auditorium,
Adam (ii) __________ towards the special entrance from where only the staff and family members of
the performers could enter. The guard at the special entrance (iii) _____________ Adam from
entering into the auditorium from that entrance.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
collage
(D) indicted
(G) interdicted
(B)
bulwark
(E)
veered
(H) introspected
(C)
queue
(F)
leered
(I) intimidated
Ans: queue, veered and interdicted
3. Though supporting the military uprising was against its (i) _________, the opposition party used it to
come to power. This act of the opposition party leadership failed to (ii) _________ support from its
own party workers and they deserted the party. The (iii) ________ party workers publicly criticized
the party leaders for their greed for power.
469
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
theologies
(D) bolster
(G) devious
(B)
ideologies
(E)
muster
(H) tedious
(C)
chronologies
(F)
decipher
(I) mutinous
Ans: ideology, muster and mutinous
4. The Big Bang Theory is a theory proposed to explain the (i) _________ of the universe. Although this
theory so far has provided the most (ii) _______ explanation, there are other contending theories to
explain the beginning of universe.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
nemesis
(D) plausible
(B)
synopsis
(E)
audible
(C)
genesis
(F)
inevitable
Ans: genesis and plausible
5. The group which started as a small (i) _______ to help the downtrodden tribes has now grown into a
large organization. However the ideology of the group has mutated with the (ii) __________ of a new
leadership in the group. The new leaders do not hesitate to use violent ways to fight for the cause.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
coterie
(D) egoism
(B)
battery
(E)
invocation
(C)
nonentity
(F)
advent
Ans: coterie and advent
470
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. When the company was in a/an (i) _________ stage it hardly had any cash. But after (ii)________ for
initial few months it got into its groove and started generating positive cash flows and there was some
respite for the founders.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
paranoid
(D) exorcising
(B)
embryonic
(E) floundering
(C)
cardinal
(F) interdicting
Ans: embryonic and floundering
7. The critics (i) ____________ the scholar for his unconventional opinions. The scholar was unmoved
by the scathing remarks by the critics. This (ii) ________ attitude of the scholar further irritated his
critics.
Blank (i)
Blank (iii)
(A)
reviled
(D) inert
(B)
revealed
(E) veracious
(C)
replenished
(F) raucous
Ans: reviled and inert
8. The fledgling singer was scared to go onto the stage and sing. Her stage fear was the greatest (i)
________ for her to become successful. After a few conscious attempts she was able to (ii) ________
her fear and then she went on to become a famous singer.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) endearment
(D) inscribe
(B) impediment
(E) circumspect
(C) accoutrement
(F) circumvent
471
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: impediment and circumvent
9. The rock climbers took it as a challenge to scale the (i) ________ of the rocky cliff. After they
reached the (ii) ________ they had a cheerful celebration. From the top the gorge appeared (iii)
________ but this could not dampen their spirits.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
longevity
(D) vertex
(G) dilapidated
(B)
gravity
(E) cortex
(H) disturbed
(C)
acclivity
(F) vortex
(I)
abysmal
Ans: acclivity, vertex and abysmal
10. The trekkers found a rare variety of (i) __________ rocks during their trek. These rocks were formed
hundreds of years ago in a volcanic eruption. They consulted a geologist to (ii) __________ the age
of these rocks.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
igneous
(D) induce
(B)
odious
(E) deduce
(C)
ingenuous
(F) flounder
Ans: igneous and deduce
11. The bridge could not bear the impact of the flood water and was badly damaged. This further (i)
_________ the transportation of goods to the other side of the river. The (ii) ________ river just
seemed in no mood of showing any mercy towards human beings.
472
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) marred
(D) febrile
(B) matched
(E) feeble
(C) fluctuated
(F) feral
Ans: marred and feral
12. The cost of laying down the foundation of a building can (i)____________ depending on the method
used. In the areas prone to earthquakes, additional (ii)________ work may be required.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) adapt
(D) seismic
(B) fluctuate
(E) cognitive
(C) enfranchise
(F) noncommittal
Ans: fluctuate and seismic
13. At least forty policemen have lost their lives in attacks by the (i) ___________ over the last six
months. The Home Ministry has committed a (ii)_______ error in estimating the capabilities of these
rebellion groups. It had just issued a directive to the police force to combat these groups without
making sure that they were well equipped for the combat.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) laggards
(D) cardinal
(B) insurgents
(E) corporeal
(C) skinflints
(F) coy
Ans: insurgents and cardinal
473
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. This book is an excellent resource to know more about the religious beliefs and social
(i)___________ during the Roman (ii)___________. It also provides you with information about
social hierarchies that existed during the Roman Empire.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) introspection
(D) avalanche
(B) mores
(E) regeneration
(C) invocation
(F) ascendancy
Ans: mores and ascendancy
15. When John refused to visit the Church every Sunday for prayers, Bob (i)___________ remarked that
John was the most profane and (ii)______ person on earth.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) obtusely
(D) impious
(B) acidulously
(E) veracious
(C) haphazardly
(F) cognitive
Ans: acidulously and impious
16. The state of Alabama has been considered a/an (i)________ in infrastructure development. Therefore
the state government has undertaken a massive infrastructure development project. It has floated a
tender for it and several leading infrastructure companies are in the (ii)_________ for this project.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) agrarian
(D) introspection
(B) laggard
(E) fray
(C) ethnic
(F) betrothal
474
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: laggard and fray
17. Thousands of students have passed the 10th class exam this year in India. But when you will go and
have a chat with them, you will realize that many of them understood and learned nothing during their
school years and remain __________ today.
Blank (i)
(A) pied
(B) obtuse
(C) fitful
Ans: obtuse
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The product development team had to bear the ____________ of the false promises made by the
marketing team to the client.
A. brunt
B. gorge
C. pallet
D. hovel
E. collage
F. impact
Ans: A and F
2. In the match against India, the South African cricket team had built its own ________ by keeping
excess grass on the pitch. The pitch conditions proved to me more detrimental to the South African
batsmen than the Indian batsmen.
475
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. maxim
B. coup d'etat
C. sepulcher
D. fray
E. ideology
F. tomb
Ans: C and F
3. To ________ the scanty food supplies from within the country the government will have to import
food grains from foreign countries.
A. interdict
B. augment
C. converge
D. supplement
E. revile
F. instigate
Ans: B and D
4. The funds from the venture capitalist acted as a __________ for accelerating the sluggish growth of
the company.
A. carrion
B. sepulcher
C. catalyst
D. impediment
E. stimulus
F. lumen
Ans: C and E
476
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. The ___________ debate between the inmates of the house transformed the house into a battle field.
A. cosmic
B. acrimonious
C. benign
D. belligerent
E. torrid
F. seismic
Ans: B and D
6. The ______________ surrounding the saint represents the energy of his wisdom.
A. coterie
B. egoism
C. residue
D. aureole
E. hoard
F. radiance
Ans: D and F
7. The laborers ___________ against the unreasonable obligations imposed by the factory management
upon them.
A. emulated
B. inveighed
C. initiated
D. disclaimed
E. remonstrated
F. recuperated
Ans: B and E
477
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Frank was one of the ___________ scientists who got short listed for the prestigious young scientist
award.
A. fledgling
B. paranoid
C. churlish
D. promising
E. acidulous
F. endemic
Ans: A and D
9. Though the _________ was filled with food grains, the region had a weak public distribution system
which resulted in the rotting of the grain.
A. granary
B. ford
C. achieve
D. sanctuary
E. warren
F. storehouse
Ans: A and F
10. The rainfall continued throughout the day, becoming _______________ by the evening. We hoped it
would completely stop sometime very soon.
A. plausible
B. exotic
C. intermittent
D. acoustic
E. cathartic
F. sporadic
478
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and F
11. The college administration staff used to behave very rudely with the students. Therefore the agitated
students launched protests against the __________ attitude of the college administration.
A. modish
B. churlish
C. igneous
D. sluggish
E. peevish
F. ethnic
Ans: B and E
12. Einstein was _________ with immense intelligence and wisdom.
A. blustered
B. endued
C. veered
D. bestowed
E. deduced
F. listed
Ans: B and D
13. The ____________ attempts by the terrorists to infiltrate our borders have continued over the last five
years, but our vigilant and brave soldiers have ensured that the terrorists do not succeed in their
malicious intent.
479
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. fitful
B. recumbent
C. maverick
D. cognitive
E. intermittent
F. canine
Ans: A and E
14. The opposition team launched many threatening attacks on the Southern Warrior team’s goalpost, but
the Warrior’s defense remained __________.
A. recumbent
B. antediluvian
C. paranoid
D. impregnable
E. invulnerable
F. haphazard
Ans: D and E
15. Least bothered about the traffic regulations, many of the commuters park their vehicles in a ______
manner, hampering smooth movement on major roads.
A. ancillary
B. niggardly
C. haphazard
D. disorganized
E. derogatory
F. onerous
Ans: C and D
480
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Brandon and his _________ wife Linda are attempting to put their differences aside and reconcile for
the sake of their children.
A. estranged
B. separated
C. mitigated
D. emancipated
E. deranged
F. redoubtable
Ans: A and B
17. The England coach was __________ in the press conference yesterday when he was asked about the
future of their star player Arnold. Though Arnold is a superstar player, his form has recently
witnessed a slump.
A. noncommittal
B. formidable
C. voluble
D. evasive
E. dedicated
F. trenchant
Ans: A and D
18. The police officers suspected that Russel’s account was less than ___________ as they found blood
stains on his clothes. Therefore they arrested him.
A. exaggerated
B. inconsequential
C. veracious
D. true
E. aimless
F. saline
481
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and D
III. Synonyms
1. Versatile
A. Multifarious
B. Mercantile
C. Multitalented
D. Monotonous
E. Multilingual
Ans: C
2. Insubordinate
A. Disobedient
B. Insuperable
C. Incontrovertible
D. Disinterested
E. Disconsolate
Ans: A
3. Replete
A. Scintillating
B. Décolleté
C. Abounding
D. Discrete
E. Accommodating
Ans: C
482
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Viable
A. Indelible
B. Practical
C. Amicable
D. Whimsical
E. Hypocritical
Ans: B
5. Torrid
A. Lurid
B. Ardent
C. Arid
D. Florid
E. Diffident
Ans: B
6. Respite
A. Sybarite
B. Libretto
C. Breather
D. Breach
E. Requisite
Ans: C
483
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Virtual
A. Virulent
B. Implicit
C. Explicit
D. Nebulous
E. Refulgent
Ans: B
8. Aggression
A. Arrogance
B. Repercussion
C. Obtrusion
D. Virility
E. Hostility
Ans: E
9. Converge
A. Ignite
B. Indite
C. Incite
D. Cite
E. Unite
Ans: E
484
WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Rakish
A. Jaunty
B. Paranoid
C. Colorless
D. Huge
E. Irresponsible
Ans: A
11. Antediluvian
A. Vivacious
B. Elementary
C. Eternal
D. Ethereal
E. Antiquated
Ans: E
12. Hirsute
A. Foolhardy
B. Funny
C. Vivid
D. Hairy
E. Vital
Ans: D
485
WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Husband
A. Advise
B. Conserve
C. Avoid
D. Abuse
E. Convert
Ans: B
14. Putrid
A. Rosy
B. Restless
C. Riveting
D. Rotten
E. Rakish
Ans: D
15. Maverick
A. Coy
B. Satirical
C. Froward
D. Nonconformist
E. Bully
Ans: D
486
WORD POWER-QUIZ
16. Deadpan
A. Immaculate
B. Expressionless
C. Horrible
D. Edible
E. Demanding
Ans: B
17. Distrait
A. Disastrous
B. Distracted
C. Deliberate
D. Droll
E. Demanding
Ans: B
18. Corporeal
A. Mental
B. Cognitive
C. Physical
D. Desultory
E. Canine
Ans: C
487
WORD POWER-QUIZ
39. THE DUPLICITY OF HARGRAVES
39. THE DUPLICITY OF HARGRAVES
I. Text Completion
1. After a series of (i) ____________ reports about police officials looting cars on the highway, the
police chief (ii) _________ the responsibility of resolving this issue to a group of capable officers.
These officers investigated the matter swiftly and arrested the (iii) _________ cops who were in fact
notorious criminals posing as police officers.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
unceremonious
(D) ascribed
(G) unfeigned
(B)
sanctimonious
(E)
described
(H) veritable
(C)
calumnious
(F)
subscribed
(I) bogus
Ans: calumnious, ascribed and bogus
2. People facing the issue of hair fall are being (i) __________ by the misleading TV advertisements
that make unrealistic claims of stopping the hair fall within just five days.
Blank (i)
(A) bilked
(B) sulked
(C) placated
Ans: bilked
3. The factory workers were happy to receive their (i) ________ for the month along with the (ii)
_______ of previous 6 months. The factory was not in a good financial condition for quite some time
and therefore the management could not pay the complete salary to the workers. The workers
however remained (iii) _________ to the company during this crisis.
488
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
emoluments
(D) requitals
(G) allegiant
(B)
denouements
(E)
accolades
(H) diligent
(C)
endearments
(F)
arrears
(I) incessant
Ans: emoluments, arrears and allegiant
4. It is a pathetic movie. Its (i)____________ of the era of 1930s is a mere (ii) _________ of the golden
old times. It fails to evoke the true essence of that period.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
correlation
(D) credulity
(B)
depiction
(E) apogee
(C)
extenuation
(F) travesty
Ans: depiction and travesty
5. The tech critics were (i)__________ of the technology company which launched a very lackluster
product after making (ii)____________ claims.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
economical
(D) stilted
(B)
asymmetric
(E) unabridged
(C)
hypercritical
(F) avuncular
Ans: hypercritical and stilted
6. He worked ceaselessly for three years to transform the eroded areas into (i)_______ land by using
ancient (ii)___________ agriculture techniques.
489
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
avid
(D) indigenous
(B)
arable
(E) anonymous
(C)
partisan
(F) discursive
Ans: arable and indigenous
7. Our society needs to mature now. We should stop (i) __________ gay and lesbian couples and
(ii)__________ them to a subordinate stratum of our society.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
adapting
(D) relegating
(B)
stigmatizing
(E) expurgating
(C)
circumventing
(F) obfuscating
Ans: stigmatizing and relegating
8. The storyline of the movie is highly (i)__________. It drifts between the past and the present and it
beautifully depicts the contrast in the definition of love between the two times.
Blank (i)
(A)
derogatory
(B)
discursive
(C)
auspicious
Ans: discursive
490
WORD POWER-QUIZ
9. It is good to be proud of you culture and at the same time be open to embrace what is new. But it is
not good to have a/an (i)___________ sense of pride in culture and to refuse to appreciate what is
new.
Blank (i)
(A)
overweening
(B)
auspicious
(C)
anonymous
Ans: overweening
10. Ramsung has taken an entirely novel approach for designing TVs. Unlike the traditional TVs,
Ramsung has designed them in a/an _____________ fashion. The left half of the TV is curvy while
the right half of the TV is angular.
Blank (i)
(A)
asymmetric
(B)
pontifical
(C)
supererogatory
Ans: asymmetric
491
WORD POWER-QUIZ
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. To make the hilly landscape cultivable, the farmers had to take up the ___________ task of leveling
the entire area.
A. arduous
B. pious
C. formidable
D. precocious
E. affable
F. notable
Ans: A and C
2. To __________ the angry employees the employer had to introduce a lot of employee safety and
welfare measures.
A. provoke
B. protect
C. placate
D. prod
E. belittle
F. pacify
Ans: C and F
3. The employees were ________ as their salary was overdue for six months.
A. bolstered
B. intimidated
C. festered
D. insinuated
E. enthralled
F. galled
492
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and F
4. Robert is a/an ________ book reader and he is always on the look-out for new books to read.
A. abstract
B. avid
C. witty
D. passionate
E. sportive
F. superfluous
Ans: B and D
5. A memorial was commissioned in the city to ________ the martyrs of the war.
A. commemorate
B. hoodwink
C. amalgamate
D. substantiated
E. honor
F. scrutinize
Ans: A and E
6. Because of his ________ spending during his good times, Doyle had to borrow money from his
friends during his difficult time.
A. stilted
B. calumnious
C. improvident
D. rakish
E. reckless
F. niggardly
493
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C and E
7. The couple had decent earnings, but they preferred to spend a/an ______________ life. They wanted
to save some money that would be handy in future in case of any financial hardships.
A. auspicious
B. economical
C. thrifty
D. tendentious
E. pontifical
F. belated
Ans: B and C
8. The _______ of the problem is the absence of a single platform to reconcile the data from the two
departments. This has caused a great difficulty in the two departments working together.
A. abbreviation
B. roster
C. latitude
D. crux
E. credulity
F. core
Ans: D and F
9. The stock market witnessed a/an _____________ start to the New Year with an increase of 500 in the
benchmark index. We hope that the same positive trend will continue going forward.
494
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. promising
B. anonymous
C. partisan
D. auspicious
E. tendentious
F. elysian
Ans: A and D
10. The ________ of the newly formed political group is increasing in the state and it is expected to do
well in the coming assembly elections.
A. influence
B. doubt
C. clout
D. stereotype
E. latitude
F. expenditure
Ans: A and C
III. Synonyms
1. Broach
A. Induce
B. Introduce
C. Betray
D. Deduce
E. Breach
Ans: B
495
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Deter
A. Assuage
B. Detonate
C. Discourage
D. Engage
E. Determine
Ans: C
3. Arable
A. Affable
B. Inscrutable
C. Cultivable
D. Notable
E. Equitable
Ans: C
4.
Prune
A. Incriminate
B. Trim
C. Grimace
D. Reprimand
E. Primp
Ans: B
496
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Equilibrium
A. Requital
B. Inequity
C. Expertise
D. Treatise
E. Balance
Ans: E
6. Depraved
A. Voluptuous
B. Belated
C. Unabridged
D. Unfeigned
E. Corrupt
Ans: E
7. Replicate
A. Repress
B. Refurbish
C. Endure
D. Resume
E. Reproduce
Ans: E
497
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Sophisticated
A. Refined
B. Elated
C. Vaunted
D. Coveted
E. Demented
Ans: A
9. Disapprobation
A. Commotion
B. Condemnation
C. Compassion
D. Compensation
E. Composure
Ans: B
10. Apogee
A. Summit
B. Refectory
C. Abbreviation
D. Caption
E. Credulity
Ans: A
498
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Roster
A. Confusion
B. Husband
C. Abbreviation
D. List
E. Resilience
Ans: D
499
WORD POWER-QUIZ
40. HOW THE WIDOW WON THE DEACON
40. HOW THE WIDOW WON THE DEACON
I. Text Completion
1. The management tried to (i) ________ the weak unit by investing the profit from the strong unit into
it. However the weak unit still did not flourish. A board meeting was (ii) ________ to discuss the
issue of (iii) ___________ both the units thereby consolidating the business.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
nurture
(D) convened
(G) splurging
(B)
venture
(E)
conveyed
(H) merging
(C)
enrapture
(F)
converted
(I) propounding
Ans: nurture, convened and merging
2. Due to heavy rains the (i) ________ river was posing a serious threat to the low lying areas on the
river bank. To add to the woes the supply of the aid to these areas was already (ii) _________ due to
the heavy rains.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
bellowing
(D) pampered
(B)
billowing
(E)
relegated
(C)
mellowing
(F)
hampered
Ans: billowing and hampered
3. Used to excessive (i) __________ at home, the little girl found it difficult to adapt to the new
atmosphere at the boarding school. Understanding her restlessness the warden tried to pacify her
saying that her homesickness was (ii) _____ and she would soon start liking the place.
500
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
coddling
(D) hortatory
(B)
wrangling
(E)
perfunctory
(C)
nurturing
(F)
transitory
Ans: coddling and transitory
4. After noticing a group of (i)__________bears near the pond through his binoculars, the tourist
insisted on the driver taking him closer to the pond. The driver however (ii) ________ on the tourist’s
proposition saying that it was best advisable for them to stay away from the (iii) ____________ of
such beasts as they might be unpredictably dangerous.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
sloth
(D) allayed
(G) clique
(B)
slump
(E)
annoyed
(H) trick
(C)
sump
(F)
animadverted
(I) clime
Ans: sloth, animadverted and clique
5. The industry will go through a phase of (i)_________ as scale will become increasingly important to
maintain profitability going forward. Therefore the small companies will have to set aside their
(ii)____________ and be prepared to get acquired by large companies.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
reprisal
(D) hubris
(B)
appellation
(E) application
(C)
consolidation
(F) clout
Ans: consolidation and hubris
501
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The issue of agricultural subsidies is a/an (i)_______________ one. Sometime the politicians
announce unwarranted subsidies to gain some political mileage; but these subsidies lead to a/an
(ii)_______ financial condition for the state.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
contentious
(D) avid
(B)
mendacious
(E) precarious
(C)
sadistic
(F) allegiant
Ans: contentious and precarious
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. In the Physics exam the students faced a tough question that asked them to calculate the
____________ force required to take an aircraft to the take off speed.
A. propulsive
B. corrosive
C. incisive
D. impassive
E. submissive
F. driving
Ans: A and F
2. The ____________ of coming up with an explanation for the failed mission lies with the project
leader.
502
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. onus
B. genus
C. obligation
D. terminus
E. mutability
F. retrievability
Ans: A and C
3. In spite of the unfortunate incident that crippled the city yesterday, the __________Mumbai is back
on its feet today and its business as usual today.
A. bloated
B. thematic
C. resilient
D. illimitable
E. inscrutable
F. buoyant
Ans: C and F
4. The expenditure figures are __________ to such an extent that anybody with a basic understanding of
the business will laugh at those.
A. halted
B. bloated
C. braided
D. inflated
E. instigated
F. discounted
Ans: B and D
503
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. The rumors of major policy changes by the central bank have increased the ____________ of the
investors.
A. hierarchy
B. paucity
C. skittishness
D. consensus
E. ladder
F. restlessness
Ans: C and F
6. The ____ given to the penguins at the zoo included fish, shrimps and eggs.
A. diadem
B. facet
C. gossamer
D. replica
E. food
F. provender
Ans: E and F
III. Synonyms
1. Wispy
A. Deleterious
B. Thin
C. Raspy
D. Indelible
E. Skimpy
Ans: B
504
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Catapult
A. List
B. Corrode
C. Impinge
D. Shoot
E. Carp
Ans: D
3. Annihilate
A. Enunciate
B. Postulate
C. Effectuate
D. Obviate
E. Eradicate
Ans: E
4. Slither
A. Slur
B. Dislodge
C. Slide
D. Wither
E. Smother
Ans: C
505
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Unison
A. Negligence
B. Harmony
C. Pathos
D. Mayhem
E. Hardship
Ans: B
6. Propound
A. Propose
B. Oppose
C. Assist
D. Spread
E. Cheat
Ans: A
7. Mendacious
A. Belligerent
B. Frightening
C. Intelligent
D. Untruthful
E. Athletic
Ans: D
506
WORD POWER-QUIZ
41. THE SHOT
41. THE SHOT
I. Text Completion
1. Clothes with delicate embroidery on them (i) ___________ great care while washing and storing.
Annie has a (ii) ____________ of gowns with a lot of fine embroidery on them. She has employed a
(iii) ___________ to do the job for her.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
entrust
(D) squire
(G) luxuriant
(B)
entail
(E)
gamut
(H) pedestrian
(C)
engrave
(F)
consort
(I) proletarian
Ans: entail, gamut and proletarian
2. The (i) _________ between the boxers of the two groups is part of an annual event. Though the fight
for victory is expected to be fierce, the referee has been instructed to stop the match if it turns (ii)
__________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
dual
(D) mercenary
(B)
duel
(E) sanguinary
(C)
gruel
(F) culinary
Ans: duel and sanguinary
3. Ronald, who was alleged of using (i) _________ language during the match, got a/an (ii) _________
when the jury investigating the allegations found no clear evidence of misbehavior and hence cleared
him of the charges.
507
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) illusive
(D) stamina
(B) abusive
(E) reprieve
(C) pensive
(F) obsequy
Ans: abusive and reprieve
4. It was (i) ___________ to the employees of the company that their CEO be replaced before he
completed the tenure as he was quite popular with the employees. The management had abruptly
decided to replace him after a derogatory article was published in a local (ii) _________. This was
however a (iii) ______________ act of the CEO’s rivals within the company.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
irrefutable
(D) gazette
(G) disconsolate
(B)
unavoidable
(E)
gadget
(H) distinguished
(C)
unpalatable
(F)
synopsis
(I) disingenuous
Ans: unpalatable, gazette and disingenuous
5. The (i) ____________ from the traditional billing system to the computerized billing system is
prevalent among various retail outlets these days. This change provides the outlets with a/an (ii)
__________ method of accurately managing their inventory and accounts. Unlike the traditional
manual system, the computerized system is (iii) __________ and robust.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
transgression
(D) subjective
(G) inerrant
(B)
transcription
(E)
constrained
(H) illegitimate
(C)
transition
(F)
optimum
(I) indigenous
Ans: transition, optimum and inerrant
508
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. Because of his (i) ______________, Adam became the successor of his father's empire. His younger
brothers willingly accepted to work under his leadership. According to the (ii) _________ of history,
Adam was a very generous ruler. In fact Adam was the first member of his (iii)___________to have
donated huge sums of money for the construction of prayer houses for all the religions.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) conjecture
(D) annals
(G) tutelage
(B)
entourage
(E)
victuals
(H) lineage
(C) primogeniture
(F)
reverie
(I) mileage
Ans: primogeniture, annals and lineage
7. The dissatisfaction of the army regarding their emoluments (i) _______ a probable revolt in the army.
The country would fall into deep crisis if such a/an (ii) __________ happened. The military head
communicated the (iii) _______ feelings of the soldiers to the King so that he could take appropriate
action.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
loaded
(D) instigation
(G) benign
(B)
boded
(E)
insurrection
(H) vitriolic
(C)
waded
(F)
diminution
(I) metabolic
Ans: boded, insurrection and vitriolic
8. The military commander of the dethroned king tried to (i) _________ the injustice done to his master.
His master was (ii) _________ by his brother through deceitful means. (iii) ___________ to what was
done to his master the commander also orchestrated a rebellion against the current ruler.
509
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
ensue
(D) supplanted
(G) Transitory
(B)
avenge
(E)
supplicated
(H) Compatible
(C)
rally
(F)
supplemented
(I) Analogous
Ans: avenge, supplanted and Analogous
9. Rele is the most (i)________ goal scorer in the history of football. In a career that spanned from 1954
until 1977, he scored more than 1000 goals. No doubt he has won a (ii)_______________ of awards
and accolades for this feat.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
sedate
(D) genre
(B)
fractious
(E) plethora
(C)
prolific
(F)
gamut
Ans: prolific and plethora
10. After the recent riots the leading news paper wrote in a (i)___________ tone that the (ii)
___________ and often bitter religious politics in our country is always looking for ways to make our
country bleed so that it could benefit in one way or the other from it.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) caustic
(D) jocular
(B) compatible
(E) fractious
(C) valedictory
(F) conversant
Ans: caustic and fractious
510
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. The project of launching a satellite is very complex with a lot of (i)___________ risks. If these risks
are left (ii)_____________, then your project is bound to be doomed.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) static
(D) unmitigated
(B) inherent
(E) subjective
(C) plenary
(F) perforated
Ans: inherent and unmitigated
12. If you (i)____________ deep into what all scams took place in George’s (ii)__________ as the Chief
Minister, your head will spin looking at the magnitude of frauds he and his cronies have committed.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) beleaguer
(D) colloquy
(B) delve
(E) tenure
(C) hibernate
(F) wake
Ans: delve and tenure
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The defense department declared the mission to be successful after the test missile accurately hit the
target by following the ______________programmed in the system.
A. trajectory
B. promontory
C. refectory
D. girth
E. path
F. throe
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and E
2. Being an innate __________, George failed to save decent money for his future needs.
A. sanguinary
B. spendthrift
C. valedictory
D. squanderer
E. sedate
F. vitriolic
Ans: B and D
3. Post economic liberalization there has been an increased __________ of wealth in the society. The
poor have become poorer and the rich have become richer.
A. parity
B. disparity
C. posterity
D. celerity
E. alacrity
F. inequity
Ans: B and F
4. The apparently insane criminal defended the murder in the court by claiming that he heard voices in
his head and he took them as _________ messages from the CIA to kill the person.
A. subliminal
B. hibernal
C. hidden
D. rational
E. prolific
F. inherent
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and C
5. In spite of several urges by its owner to clear the road, the _____________ buffalo did not move an
inch from her position at the middle of the road where she was sitting coolly.
A. perfunctory
B. promontory
C. refractory
D. baleful
E. wonderful
F. obstinate
Ans: C and F
6. After a spectacular win of their team, the drunken __________ of the fans began as they moved
shirtless on the street hailing their victorious team.
A. antics
B. psychotics
C. sophistries
D. skeptics
E. buffooneries
F. beneficiaries
Ans: A and E
7. The candidates are advised to select an appropriate career path so that there is a minimum
__________ between their aspirations and their capabilities.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. disjunction
B. premonition
C. perdition
D. disconnect
E. appreciation
F. cerebration
Ans: A and D
8. “What came first-chicken or egg?” is a big ___________ that nobody could solve so far.
A. excess
B. plethora
C. filigree
D. odyssey
E. puzzle
F. conundrum
Ans: E and F
9. The business tycoon categorically stated that the ________ and insulting allegations against him of
bribing politicians were completely false.
A. spiteful
B. malicious
C. casual
D. static
E. subjective
F. stationary
Ans: A and B
10. 80% of IT managers in the USA expect the IT budgets to decline or in the best possible case remain
_______over the next year. This is a bad news for the IT outsourcing industry.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. mobile
B. static
C. stagnant
D. agile
E. rife
F. perforated
Ans: B and C
11. Fortunately the interviewer asked me my opinion on the issue of imposing a ban on usage of plastic
carry bags. Being a chemical engineer myself, I was quite __________ with all the facets of the issue
and that’s why we could have a good discussion about it.
A. deviated
B. invalidated
C. riddled
D. warranted
E. acquainted
F. conversant
Ans: E and F
12. ______________ by creditors demanding their money back, John fled the country.
A. Beleaguered
B. Betrayed
C. Reimbursed
D. Indemnified
E. Mitigated
F. Harassed
Ans: A and F
515
WORD POWER-QUIZ
III. Synonyms
1. Foreshadow
A. Premeditate
B. Deprecate
C. Presage
D. Preclude
E. Prevaricate
Ans: C
2. Sedate
A. Inordinate
B. Economical
C. Commensurate
D. Calm
E. Calumnious
Ans: D
3. Promiscuous
A. Prominent
B. Wanton
C. Indigenous
D. Raucous
E. Viscous
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Sententious
A. Pithy
B. Swarthy
C. Factitious
D. Earthy
E. Expeditious
Ans: A
5. Protuberance
A. Trance
B. Exuberance
C. Bulge
D. Assurance
E. Brunt
Ans: C
6. Ramshackle
A. Crinkled
B. Dilapidated
C. Fickle
D. Dilatory
E. Prosaic
Ans: B
517
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Facilitate
A. Assist
B. Annotate
C. Resuscitate
D. Simplistic
E. Vital
Ans: A
8. Diminution
A. Promotion
B. Distinction
C. Redolence
D. Sanction
E. Reduction
Ans: E
9. Renovate
A. Renew
B. Destroy
C. Disturb
D. Regenerate
E. Reduce
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
10. Superannuated
A. Fashionable
B. Outmoded
C. Colorful
D. Wet
E. Heavy
Ans: B
11. Missile
A. Pet
B. Epigram
C. Sheath
D. Projectile
E. Arbitrator
Ans: D
12. Rife
A. Ambidextrous
B. Jocular
C. Abundant
D. Perforated
E. Subjective
Ans: C
519
WORD POWER-QUIZ
42. A PROBLEM IN COMMUNICATION
42. A PROBLEM IN COMMUNICATION
I. Text Completion
1. Though the candidate was academically (i) ________, he did not have the relevant work experience
for the job. Hence the interviewers offered the candidate a/an (ii) ________ instead of a full time job.
They thought that this would help the candidate to (iii) _________ himself towards the domain and
also to get useful hands-on experience.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) quantified
(D) courtship
(G) entreat
(B)
qualified
(E)
indentureship
(H) proscribe
(C) rescinded
(F)
appellation
(I) orient
Ans: qualified, indentureship and orient
2. The tyrannical ruler was a religious (i) ___________ and he compelled his citizens to convert to his
religion. He promoted religious events to increase the (ii) __________ of his religion. He also
authored a/an (iii) _________________ account on the religion which he practiced.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
bohemian
(D) evasiveness
(G) hypocritical
(B)
sentinel
(E) pervasiveness
(H) eulogistic
(C)
chauvinist
(F) animadversion
(I)
erudite
Ans: chauvinist, pervasiveness and eulogistic
3. Confident about his military might the king issued a/an (i) ____________to the neighboring ruler to
admit defeat and consequently he sent his general for (ii) ______________ of the border to check the
military preparedness of the enemy. The king asked his (iii) _______________ to be ready for the
attack.
520
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
ultimatum
(D) reminiscence
(G) armada
(B)
dictum
(E)
renaissance
(H) llama
(C)
arboretum
(F)
reconnaissance
(I) hireling
Ans: ultimatum, reconnaissance and armada
4. After learning that his (i) _____________ had accumulated the riches by deceiving naïve villagers,
Sam decided to give away all his inherited wealth to the needy people. According to Sam (ii)
_____________
innocent
people
Blank (i)
was
a
sin.
Blank (ii)
(A)
conspirator
(D) cozening
(B)
auditor
(E)
rescinding
(C)
progenitor
(F)
prohibiting
Ans: progenitor and cozening
5. The (i) ____________ of the steel factory, where men and machine worked together in complete
harmony, was quite impressive. Though it started as a small steel workshop, due to the hard work of
its employees its fortunes (ii) ____________and it went on to become a large scale steel factory.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) fiasco
(D) taxed
(B) microcosm
(E) waxed
(C) fanaticism
(F)
Ans: microcosm and waxed
521
perplexed
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The (i) _________ of crimes, especially during the late night hours, prompted the police to take an
immediate action to curb it. The police (ii) ____________ people from moving in groups after midnight and also doubled the frequency of night patrol. A few days after taking these measures, the
crime rate started (iii) ______________ and gradually crimes after the evening hours became unheard
of.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
proliferation
(D) delayed
(G) wading
(B)
infiltration
(E)
rescinded
(H) waning
(C)
constitution
(F)
prohibited
(I) whining
Ans: proliferation, prohibited and waning
7. The lazy young professional dreamed of landing into a job that was a (i) _______. But he landed into
a job that required him to work for at least fifteen hours per day. The (ii)____________ of surviving
in this competitive and demanding job affected his health adversely and he became very thin.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
sinecure
(D) impetus
(B)
microcosm
(E)
incubus
(C)
duress
(F)
hiatus
Ans: sinecure and incubus
8. Because of vehement protests by the opposition party members in the Parliament, the Parliament
could not function normally for over a week. The stubborn opposition party members were alleging
that the corruption was shamelessly flourishing under the (i) _______ of the government. Finally the
Prime Minster had to intervene to break the Parliament (ii)_________.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) aegis
(D) application
(B) foray
(E) pandemic
(C) reconnaissance
(F) impasse
Ans: aegis and impasse
9. The (i) ___________ was home to rare flora from remote corners of the world. (ii) ____________
botanists from all over the world carried out their research there.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
arboretum
(D) Erudite
(B)
atrium
(E) Agile
(C)
lobby
(F)
Nominal
Ans: arboretum and Erudite
10. The town was known for its (i) _________ harmony where people from various religious
backgrounds lived together happily. There was no (ii) __________ there based on color, race etc.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
communal
(D) incrimination
(B)
symmetrical
(E)
discrimination
(C)
nominal
(F)
termination
Ans: communal and discrimination
11. The book intended to (i)______________ explain all the key messages of the doctrine. The author (ii)
_________ all the relevant information related to the doctrine and presented it very clearly and
523
WORD POWER-QUIZ
logically.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
perspicuously
(D) concatenated
(B)
pragmatically
(E)
converted
(C)
symmetrically
(F)
collated
Ans: perspicuously and collated
12. The Kush government welcomes feedback and criticism from all corners of the society. It has
consistently thrown its doors open to (i)________ opinions and views from various sources, the
opposition (ii)__________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
omnipotent
(D) inclusive
(B)
divergent
(E) apolitical
(C)
lackadaisical
(F) idolatrous
Ans: divergent and inclusive
13. Fossil fuels like oil and coal are considered (i)________ resources because they exist in limited
quantities and are produced over the course of millions of years through natural processes that cannot
be controlled by humans. Therefore importance of biofuels is increasing. Biofuels are environment
friendly as well. The greenhouse gas emission related with biofuels is (ii)___________ when
compared to the corresponding emissions from fossil fuels.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
finite
(D) obvious
(B)
brittle
(E) negligible
(C)
idolatrous
(F) astronomical
524
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: finite and negligible
14. Ian was very much aware of the (i)_____________ of passing any (ii) _____________ remark against
the tyrannical dictator. In spite of that he did not hesitate in spitting vile against the dictator in his
speech.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
disparities
(D) scurrilous
(B)
affiliations
(E) symmetrical
(C)
implications
(F) pragmatic
Ans: implications and scurrilous
15. Couples view (i)______ as an alternative to marriage, they feel that on (ii) ________ grounds it is
much more flexible and convenient than marriage.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
cohabitation
(D) symmetrical
(B)
hieroglyphic
(E) pragmatic
(C)
proselyte
(F) ambiguous
Ans: cohabitation and pragmatic
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. The gravitational force of the earth is ________________. It holds the car to the road, it holds the
driver to the car seat and it also holds the moon close to the earth.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. omnipresent
B. ominous
C. all-pervading
D. industrious
E. lackadaisical
F. vague
Ans: A and C
2. It seemed quite _____________ to launch the conference with a speech from Mr. Brown, the most
authoritative expert on the theme of the conference.
A. mandatory
B. unequivocal
C. apropos
D. pivotal
E. communal
F. fitting
Ans: C and F
3. The people thought that the increase in the income tax rate by a whopping 10% was a __________
measure by the government to reduce the fiscal deficit. They launched nationwide protests against
these measures.
A. wonderful
B. draconian
C. tangential
D. symmetrical
E. severe
F. perspicuous
Ans: B and E
526
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. In spite of several conspiracies against the ruling regime, the rebels completely failed to challenge the
____________________ of the ruling regime.
A. sinecure
B. preponderance
C. heresy
D. dominance
E. stint
F. impasse
Ans: B and D
5. The army completely __________ the capital city of the enemy country by bombarding missiles.
A. concatenated
B. razed
C. compiled
D. chaffed
E. collated
F. demolished
Ans: B and F
6. A grasshopper ____________itself so effectively that it is next to impossible to notice it in green
surroundings.
A. blunders
B. buries
C. camouflages
D. resolves
E. conceals
F. exalts
Ans: C and E
527
WORD POWER-QUIZ
7. Looking at the gigantic eggs of the dinosaur, Rachel __________ in astonishment.
A. gaped
B. flouted
C. retained
D. gawked
E. rankled
F. compiled
Ans: A and D
8. Till 1995 Infolink was a very small IT services company. But after 1995 it aggressively grabbed very
large Y2K projects and that explains its _____________ rise as a dominant IT player in the late
nineties.
A. tangential
B. imperialistic
C. meteoric
D. materialistic
E. methodical
F. spectacular
Ans: C and F
9. The star player moved back to the Manchester United club after the club offered to pay him a/an
____________ amount of money.
A. imminent
B. astronomical
C. farcical
D. massive
E. satirical
F. cursive
528
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
10. To maintain his dominance over the country, the dictator ___________ the powers of everyone else
in the political sphere of the country.
A. succumbed
B. circumscribed
C. adhered
D. restricted
E. deliberated
F. levitated
Ans: B and D
11. The king became a ___________ ruler when his son became the military head. His son became the
sole authority to approve all the major decisions in the state.
A. titanic
B. titular
C. presumptuous
D. draconian
E. idolatrous
F. nominal
Ans: B and F
12. For a long period, Toogle was not present in the mobile operating system space. But early this year
Toogle’s acquisition of Anbroib marked its __________ into the world of mobile operating system.
A. foray
B. cession
C. implication
D. invasion
E. aversion
529
WORD POWER-QUIZ
F. interstice
Ans: A and D
13. The company had a very strict dress code. It was ___________ for all the employees to wear business
formals every day.
A. olfactory
B. nugatory
C. mandatory
D. receptive
E. imperative
F. impassive
Ans: C and E
14. Our government has become a mere puppet in the hands of the PSA. If the PSA sneezes, our
___________ government rushes to it with a handkerchief in its hands.
A. pliable
B. tractable
C. brittle
D. negligible
E. lackadaisical
F. perspicacious
Ans: A and B
15. The police are on the lookout for the religious Guru who ____________ hundreds of his devotees of
thousands of rupees.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. mulcted
B. swindled
C. pored
D. emended
E. concatenated
F. beautified
Ans: A and B
16. The notorious criminal claimed in the court that his confession of the murder given to the police was
obtained by the police under _______ and hence should not be held valid in the court.
A. duress
B. perk
C. cession
D. juggernaut
E. cubicle
F. force
Ans: A and F
III. Synonyms
1. Pinnacle
A. Debacle
B. Reconnaissance
C. Acme
D. Chronicle
E. Cleft
Ans: C
531
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Rescind
A. Induce
B. Indulge
C. Revoke
D. Instigate
E. Stigmatize
Ans: C
3. Exculpate
A. Dissipate
B. Extirpate
C. Placate
D. Vindicate
E. Emancipate
Ans: D
4. Proscribe
A. Transcribe
B. Discern
C. Ascribe
D. Disinter
E. Disallow
Ans: E
532
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Descry
A. Discern
B. Suppress
C. Decry
D. Descry
E. Condescend
Ans: A
6. Contravene
A. Indicate
B. Oppose
C. Intimidate
D. Repose
E. Wean
Ans: B
7. Compile
A. Beguile
B. Gather
C. Tether
D. Reconcile
E. Slither
Ans: B
533
WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Codify
A. Scoff
B. Classify
C. Cogitate
D. Coin
E. Compromise
Ans: B
9. Presumptuous
A. Conscientious
B. Facetious
C. Audacious
D. Propitious
E. Surreptitious
Ans: C
10. Paradigm
A. Equity
B. Decimation
C. Heresy
D. Perk
E. Model
Ans: E
534
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Lackadaisical
A. Demotic
B. Decadent
C. Beautiful
D. Languid
E. Hearty
Ans: D
12. Decadent
A. Finite
B. Pivotal
C. Corrupt
D. Pragmatic
E. Congruent
Ans: C
13. Congruent
A. Horrible
B. Harmonizing
C. Horrendous
D. Pragmatic
E. Pivotal
Ans: B
535
WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. Chaff
A. Banter
B. Fauna
C. Propeller
D. Hieroglyphic
E. Implication
Ans: A
15. Pivotal
A. Negligible
B. Cold
C. Sharp
D. Malleable
E. Vital
Ans: E
16. Emend
A. Correct
B. Cultivate
C. Cook
D. Disturb
E. Deviate
Ans: A
536
WORD POWER-QUIZ
43. WHY THOMAS WAS DISCHARGED
43. WHY THOMAS WAS DISCHARGED
I. Text Completion
1. Scientific theory suggests that a/an (i) ____________ hit the earth millions of years ago. As a result
of this impact dinosaurs were (ii) __________ from the planet. Present day lizards and reptiles are
believed to have the same (iii) ______________ as that of dinosaurs.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
asteroid
(D) coagulated
(G) genealogy
(B)
bugaboo
(E)
insinuated
(H) chronology
(C)
missile
(F)
obliterated
(I) oncology
Ans: asteroid, obliterated and genealogy
2. The (i) ___________ feature of the new economic policy is the promotion of inclusive growth.
Industries especially in the (ii) ___________ are encouraged as it may lead to the development of
remote and less developed parts of the country. The policy also (iii) _____________ several
incentives like subsidies and tax holidays for industries in such parts of the country.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
eclectic
(D) asylum
(G) encompasses
(B)
salient
(E)
sanctuary
(H) decelerates
(C)
prurient
(F)
hinterland
(I) derives
Ans: salient, hinterland and encompasses
3. The (i) _________ professor grew over confident due to his achievements and recognition. When
asked to present his research at a conference the professor did not bother to prepare and delivered the
talk (ii) ______________. Due to the lack of preparation the presentation appeared (iii) __________
and irrelevant.
537
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
disconsolate
(D) enthusiastically
(G) rarefied
(B)
laureate
(E)
extemporaneously (H) brackish
(C)
innate
(F)
explicitly
(I) staccato
Ans: laureate, extemporaneously and staccato
4. There was a (i) ________ within the medical fraternity about the benefits of the new drug in the
market. This new drug was alleged to introduce an unusual type of (ii) ________ substance in the
blood. The accumulation of this substance in the lungs could lead to chronic (iii) ________
complications.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
penance
(D) indivisible
(G) abdominal
(B)
benevolence
(E)
indissoluble
(H) cardiac
(C)
dissonance
(F)
homogeneous
(I) pulmonary
Ans: dissonance, indissoluble and pulmonary
5. The opening ceremony of world championship exemplified (i) __________ cultures from different
parts of the world. Towards the end of the opening ceremony, the (ii) _________ stadium was
illuminated with spectacular laser shows and fireworks.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
acetic
(D) elliptical
(B)
enigmatic
(E) methodical
(C)
eclectic
(F) graphical
Ans: eclectic and elliptical
538
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The (i) ___________ in the back waters was an annual event attracting participants from different
corners of the world. The participants would come to the location of the race a few days in advance so
that they could (ii) _______________ themselves to the local conditions.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
regatta
(D) accredit
(B)
espionage
(E)
accompany
(C)
inception
(F)
acclimate
Ans: regatta and acclimate
7. Gold is the most popular metal for making ornaments as it is chemically stable, bright, attractive and
(i) _________ in nature. Although it can be shaped easily, gold cannot be used in its pure form for
ornaments because of its (ii) __________. Hence generally a/an (iii) _________ of gold mixed with
copper is used to make ornaments.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
malleable
(D) publicity
(G) alloy
(B)
active
(E)
elasticity
(H) ally
(C)
contraband
(F)
plasticity
(I) archetype
Ans: malleable, plasticity and alloy
8. The business (i) __________ was tired of the rat race of the materialistic world and hence he decided
to retire from his business responsibilities. He advised his successors that rivalry and misery are
inevitable (ii) ____________ to worldly success and that one should be very careful while making
business decisions. He left his business and became a (iii) ___________ seeking nirvana and peace of
mind.
539
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank 3
(A)
lunatic
(D) novelties
(G) recluse
(B)
magnet
(E) cubicles
(H) bohemian
(C)
magnate
(F) concomitants
(I)
prude
Ans: magnate, concomitants and recluse
9. The enforcement of the new trade law has clipped the wings of the traders involved in trading of (i)
__________ goods. These greedy traders are left with no other (ii) __________ but to refrain from
indulging in trading of such banned goods.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) perspicuous
(D) option
(B) mandatory
(E) duration
(C) contraband
(F) contention
Ans: contraband and option
10. The (i) ____________ at the hill station was a favorite place for music enthusiasts to learn music. The
training program was (ii) _____________ so innovatively that the students did not find it tiring to
practice music even for more than eight hours a day.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
observatory
(D) conflated
(B)
conservatory
(E) exacerbated
(C)
orthography
(F) implemented
Ans: conservatory and implemented
540
WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. The relation between the two superstars was already strained. The matter was further (i)_______
when one of the stars made (ii)________________ remarks against the other star in a party attended
by the luminaries of the industry.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) exacerbated
(D) vituperative
(B) loitered
(E) mawkish
(C) coagulated
(F) innovative
Ans: exacerbated and vituperative
12. When the doctor administered (i)_____________ to the patient before the regular plastic surgery, the
patient’s heart started beating in a/an (ii)____________ fashion and the patient died within a couple
of minutes. The doctor could not understand the reason behind the erratic behavior of the patient’s
heart. Later it came to light that the patient was suffering from a cardiac condition which he did not
disclose to the doctor before the surgery.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) anesthesia
(D) extrovert
(B) temperance
(E) rarefied
(C) orthography
(F) arrhythmic
Ans: anesthesia and arrhythmic
13. It is difficult to precisely describe the status of our economy. It is (i) ___________between recession
and recovery. The government has already tried out all the known schemes to stabilize the economy.
Now there is a need for exploring some (ii)___________ ways to address this issue.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) matriculating
(D) innovative
(B) vacillating
(E) fawning
(C) pinioning
(F) insular
Ans: vacillating and innovative
14. The location of BIEC is (i) _________ for the organization of such a large international exhibition as
it is (ii)__________ from the entertainment, shopping and commercial hubs of the city and the state
capital.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) monolithic
(D) accessible
(B) innovative
(E) fawning
(C) expedient
(F) extrovert
Ans: expedient and accessible
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. A _______________ of flora is found in the rain forests as the land is quite fertile and the climate is
conducive for the growth of trees.
A. multiplicity
B. tenacity
C. veracity
D. virility
E. integrity
F. variety
Ans: A and F
542
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. The departing CEO was paid hefty __________ package by the company.
A. severance
B. ablution
C. rejuvenation
D. separation
E. regatta
F. dissonance
Ans: A and D
3. The proximity of the asteroid to the earth resulted in a lot of speculations and predictions about its
effect on the __________ life.
A. temporal
B. terrestrial
C. meteoric
D. earthly
E. lunar
F. tangential
Ans: B and D
4. While addressing the press conference the agitated CEO told the reporters not to _________ the issue
of the recent management reshuffle with the issue of corporate governance as these two issues were
completely unrelated.
A. resign
B. garnish
C. intervene
D. conflate
E. bask
F. merge
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: D and F
5. If the river fish are introduced into the sea, they immediately die as they are not attuned to survive in
the ____________ sea water.
A. malleable
B. sedentary
C. brackish
D. brittle
E. saline
F. mawkish
Ans: C and E
6. Today’s ____________ lifestyle has given rise to many health related problem such as spondylitis,
obesity etc.
A. terrestrial
B. sedentary
C. homogeneous
D. pulmonary
E. parallel
F. inactive
Ans: B and F
7. The __________ attitude of the patient towards her diet has worsened her health.
A. slipshod
B. innovative
C. careless
D. fawning
E. vacillating
F. staccato
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: A and C
8. The board has also directed schools to involve teachers of other schools in evaluation of exam papers,
to avoid ________.
A. indentation
B. partiality
C. preponderance
D. equanimity
E. equity
F. favoritism
Ans: B and F
9. The selection of the final five vendors was based on a rigorous evaluation of over 50 vendors on
several _________ like expertise, team profile, financial stability and cost structure.
A. parameters
B. entree
C. paraphernalia
D. jaunt
E. paradox
F. aspects
Ans: A and F
10. This particular chemical test does not give proper results if the there is any moisture content in the
compound. Therefore the compound needs to be properly ____________ before carrying out the test.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. coagulated
B. loitered
C. beautified
D. concatenated
E. dehydrated
F. desiccated
Ans: E and F
11. He was born in a very poor family. After his graduation he somehow managed to find the job of a
shop floor worker. Starting from there, he achieved a meteoric rise till he reached _______ heights on
the corporate ladder when he became the CEO of the company.
A. piquant
B. rarefied
C. esoteric
D. insular
E. homogenous
F. mawkish
Ans: B and C
12. It may sound _________ or foolish to non-dog lovers, but I must say that there is no other creature on
the earth that is as honest, humble, innocent and loyal as a dog.
A. insular
B. parallel
C. analogous
D. monolithic
E. over-sentimental
F. mawkish
Ans: E and F
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
13. Roberto repented ignoring the true love of Maria and running after the _______ beauty of Jasmine.
A. historical
B. fleeting
C. symmetrical
D. unequivocal
E. omnipotent
F. fugitive
Ans: B and F
14. In today’s world once you become a celebrity, the media and your __________ fans jostle to keep
track of every detail of your personal life.
A. parallel
B. piquant
C. fawning
D. homogenous
E. sycophantic
F. blasé
Ans: C and E
III. Synonyms
1. Contention
A. Contempt
B. Revelry
C. Rivalry
D. Sophistry
E. Granary
Ans: C
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Slipshod
A. Culinary
B. Paltry
C. Chary
D. Tawdry
E. Careless
Ans: E
3. Germinate
A. Tout
B. Flout
C. Sprout
D. Outwit
E. Outstrip
Ans: C
4. Hone
A. Affix
B. Hover
C. Behoove
D. Drone
E. Improve
Ans: E
548
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Bombardment
A. Regatta
B. Transgression
C. Attack
D. Collusion
E. Propulsion
Ans: C
6. Derivative
A. Derived
B. Derisive
C. Illusive
D. Responsive
E. Depraved
Ans: A
7. Permeate
A. Grouse
B. Diffuse
C. Summon
D. Nauseate
E. Erase
Ans: B
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
8. Decelerate
A. Hurtle
B. Diminish
C. Slow down
D. Subjugate
E. Delineate
Ans: C
9. Beset
A. Retaliate
B. Berate
C. Flounder
D. Beleaguer
E. Beget
Ans: D
10. Piquant
A. Tangy
B. Insular
C. Parallel
D. Colorful
E. Tangential
Ans: A
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
11. Carnage
A. Insurrection
B. Diminution
C. Lineage
D. Vivacity
E. Massacre
Ans: E
12. Blasé
A. Uptight
B. Careful
C. Horrible
D. Nonchalant
E. Beautiful
Ans: D
13. Pinion
A. Refuse
B. Release
C. Revise
D. Revolve
E. Restrain
Ans: E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
14. Extrovert
A. Introvert
B. Reclusive
C. Rebellion
D. Ramshackle
E. Outgoing
Ans: E
15. Reprise
A. Repetition
B. Reduction
C. Refraction
D. Rejection
E. Reminder
Ans: A
16. Insular
A. Impressive
B. Arid
C. Agile
D. Isolated
E. Novel
Ans: D
552
WORD POWER-QUIZ
44. FATHER AND SON
44. FATHER AND SON
I. Text Completion
1. The city has witnessed a surge of burglary and thefts in the recent times and ironically the
perpetrators of these (i) _________ crimes are still roaming free. The (ii) _________ delay by the law
enforcing agencies to arrest these criminals has resulted in a huge public unrest.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
inconsequential
(D) indomitable
(B)
existential
(E) ineluctable
(C)
pestilential
(F) unconscionable
Ans: pestilential and unconscionable
2. With growing (i) _________ trade between Australia and South Africa, the sea route between the two
countries has (ii) _________ attention of the leading global shipping companies.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
meteoric
(D) consigned
(B)
maritime
(E) garnered
(C)
apolitical
(F) niggled
Ans: maritime and garnered
3. The (i) _________ mentor followed a rigorous methodology to train his mentees. Known for his
rough but affable manner, the mentor would make his mentees proficient by subjecting them to his
(ii) ___________ techniques. But sometimes the rigor of his techniques would demoralize a mentee;
in that case he had to (iii) ____________ from his standard course and use a soft approach to
motivate the mentee.
553
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A) stuff
(D) contingent
(G) niggle
(B)
bluff
(E)
stringent
(H) converge
(C) blunt
(F)
refulgent
(I) deflect
Ans: bluff, stringent and deflect
4. (i) __________by the noise of the drilling machine, Paul was unable to concentrate on his studies. He
was so upset by the noise that he had to use a few meditation techniques to ______ himself; but still
he could not concentrate on his studies. Therefore he had to put earplugs into his ears; but they were
of no use. (iii) ____________ he decided to go out and talk to the drilling machine owner if he could
stop his work for a few hours.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
Blank (iii)
(A)
Phased
(D) ally
(G) Ultimately
(B)
Razed
(E)
array
(H) Unconscionably
(C)
Fazed
(F)
allay
(I) Implicitly
Ans: Fazed, allay and Ultimately
5. After being accidentally (i) ________ inside the house for one week, Susan was freed by a stranger
who was passing by the house. When Susan came out, she looked terribly (ii) _______ as there
wasn’t enough food to eat in the house in which she was locked up.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
deflected
(D) qualified
(B)
immured
(E)
mawkish
(C)
garnered
(F)
anemic
Ans: immured and anemic
554
WORD POWER-QUIZ
6. The civic authorities want to establish a playground in the place of the graveyard. Therefore they have
started (i)___________ the bodies so that they could be re-buried in a new location identified for the
graveyard. After this work is over, they will (ii) __________ the complete structure of the graveyard.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) condoling
(D) demolish
(B) exhuming
(E) defray
(C) liquidating
(F) dissimulate
Ans: exhuming and demolish
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Joseph often quoted a popular _________ at the start of his speech to grab the attention of the
audience.
A. aphorism
B. paroxysm
C. cataclysm
D. plagiarism
E. collage
F. adage
Ans: A and F
2. The company has successfully launched so many innovative products thanks to the vision and
________ attitude of its management team.
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. multilingual
B. enterprising
C. impending
D. creative
E. pessimistic
F. ancillary
Ans: B and D
3. Zidane received more praise than ____________ for his headbutting during the soccer world cup.
A. detraction
B. retrospection
C. conviction
D. potion
E. apparition
F. deprecation
Ans: A and F
4. People thought that after going through a near death experience in his trip to Congo, he would
altogether stop taking up such adventurous trips. But on the contrary that experience has only
____________ his appetite for more adventurous trips.
A. consigned
B. niggled
C. immured
D. whetted
E. coagulated
F. enhanced
Ans: D and F
556
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Don’t be ___________ by your own pessimistic thoughts. Aim for the high and put in all your efforts
to reach there.
A. liquidated
B. constrained
C. consigned
D. lapped
E. shackled
F. predetermined
Ans: B and E
6. In the welcome speech, the principal sternly warned the new students that the college administration
would not ________ any indiscipline in the college.
A. countenance
B. tolerate
C. alloy
D. desiccate
E. dehydrate
F. permeate
Ans: A and B
III. Synonyms
1. Irremediable
A. Inevitable
B. Illimitable
C. Incurable
D. Inscrutable
E. Interminable
557
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: C
2. Niggle
A. Dwindle
B. Trifle
C. Nettle
D. Warble
E. Hurtle
Ans: B
3. Remuneration
A. Reward
B. Bard
C. Hazard
D. Shard
E. Canard
Ans: A
4. Implicit
A. Active
B. Inherent
C. Definite
D. Explicit
E. Glacial
Ans: B
558
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Mentor
A. Misnomer
B. Oracle
C. Phoenix
D. Welter
E. Coach
Ans: E
6. Welter
A. Barb
B. Confusion
C. Abbreviation
D. Roster
E. Clout
Ans: B
7. Glacial
A. Difficult
B. Hot
C. Invisible
D. Heavy
E. Unfriendly
Ans: E
559
WORD POWER-QUIZ
45. THE HAUNTED ORCHARD
45. THE HAUNTED ORCHARD
I. Text Completion
1. The epic was interesting but the narrative was too long to be made into a single movie. Therefore the
director planned to make a (i) _________ of the movies. For him, this was a better option than (ii)
_________ the narrative of the wonderful epic to fit into one single movie.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
trilogy
(D) truncating
(B)
cosmology
(E)
supplicating
(C)
analogy
(F)
bifurcating
Ans: trilogy and truncating
2. The (i) _________ and vague talk by the Professor did not help the students in understanding the
complex concept. They wished the Professor could bring some clarity and crispiness in his (ii)
_________.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
rigorous
(D) sniffle
(B)
spontaneous
(E)
waffle
(C)
circuitous
(F)
scuffle
Ans: circuitous and waffle
3. The (i) _________ boy was caught by the principal for playing a silly prank during the class. The
principal asked him to come to his office. Boy's heart (ii) _________ with anxiety as he entered the
principals' office.
560
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
modish
(D) palpitated
(B)
sluggish
(E)
precipitated
(C)
waggish
(F)
agitated
Ans: waggish and palpitated
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Dilbert is ___________ cartoon character known for his satirical office quips.
A. sluggish
B. waggish
C. outlandish
D. modish
E. jaunty
F. peevish
Ans: B and E
2. Climate changes can best be explained by a map or _______ information.
A. spatial
B. glacial
C. spacial
D. superficial
E. provincial
F. beneficial
Ans: A and C
3. If you go to the market to by a pager device, you won’t get it as it has become ____________;
nobody uses it now.
561
WORD POWER-QUIZ
A. obsolete
B. outdated
C. special
D. risky
E. crazy
F. vulnerable
Ans: A and B
4. He had a ____________ mind. He could never focus on achieving one single important thing in his
life. His definition of success and priorities in life always kept on changing.
A. vicarious
B. villainous
C. varied
D. mercurial
E. vulnerable
F. fickle
Ans: D and F
III. Synonyms
1. Inalienable
A. Irresolute
B. Deplorable
C. Unassailable
D. Insatiable
E. Dissolute
Ans: C
562
WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. Secrete
A. Decelerate
B. Congeal
C. Surmount
D. Conceal
E. Convert
Ans: D
3. Jaded
A. Mannered
B. Unfettered
C. Inured
D. Uncensored
E. Tired
Ans: E
4. Rend
A. Split
B. Stick
C. Solve
D. Sing
E. Sew
Ans: A
563
WORD POWER-QUIZ
5. Somatic
A. Silly
B. Idiotic
C. Physical
D. Melodious
E. Unreliable
Ans: C
564
WORD POWER-QUIZ
46. THE ANGEL OF THE ODD
46. THE ANGEL OF THE ODD
I. Text Completion
1. The school management’s efforts to generate funds through corporate sponsorship were (i)
_________ by some agitated parents. The parents claimed that any corporate advertisement inside the
school campus would adversely affect the sanctity of the school as an institution to gain knowledge.
Though the sole intention of the management was to generate the much required funds for the
school’s ailing infrastructure, this (ii) _________ unfortunately debased its reputation.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
stymied
(D) depiction
(B)
stammered
(E) prediction
(C)
staggered
(F) predicament
Ans: stymied and predicament
2. Gracebook has officially ____________ the myth that it is going to shut down on March 15, 2011. In
its official press release, Gracebook claimed that the news is a complete ___________ perpetuated
over the weekend and it will try to zero in on the source of this news.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
debunked
(D) impasse
(B)
destroyed
(E)
anecdote
(C)
contravened
(F)
hoax
Ans: debunked and hoax
3. Jane’s umbrella acted as a (i) ________ for her from the fury of the scorching sun of the midsummer.
Otherwise her beautiful hair would have been (ii) __________ under such intense heat.
565
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A)
fender
(D) parried
(B)
colander
(E)
puckered
(C)
blunder
(F)
singed
Ans: fender and singed
4. Tina was in great trouble because of constant (i)____________ by the (ii)__________ who were
staying in an apartment next to hers. She went to the police station to lodge a complaint against the
goons; but the police refused to cooperate with her.
Blank (i)
Blank (ii)
(A) acrophobia
(D) ruffians
(B) harassment
(E) actuaries
(C) bombardment
(F) satellites
Ans: harassment and ruffians
II. Sentence Equivalence
1. Deeply moved by the __________ remarks of the opposition, the innocent minister offered to submit
his resignation.
A. illusive
B. pensive
C. abrasive
D. thrifty
E. nasty
F. petty
Ans: C and E
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WORD POWER-QUIZ
2. The vendor accidentally ______________ the information of his key customers from his computer. It
was indeed a big loss for him. He called one engineer to check if he could somehow retrieve that data.
A. deleted
B. assuaged
C. derived
D. erased
E. implemented
F. synchronized
Ans: A and D
3. But when I took a spoonful in my mouth, my cheeks ___________ in horror. The soup was full of
salt!
A. wandered
B. glowed
C. puckered
D. rambled
E. wondered
F. furrowed
Ans: C and F
4. The office stair cases are made sufficiently wide so that rapid ______________ of the employees can
be made possible during an emergency.
A. piazza
B. egress
C. slag
D. escape
E. dinghy
F. magnate
567
WORD POWER-QUIZ
Ans: B and D
III. Synonyms
1. Chasten
A. Discipline
B. Delineate
C. Incline
D. Augment
E. Circumvent
Ans: A
2. Denounce
A. Convene
B. Condemn
C. Contravene
D. Concatenate
E. Conflate
Ans: B
3. Parry
A. Deflect
B. Reflect
C. Conflict
D. Neglect
E. Eject
Ans: A
568
WORD POWER-QUIZ
4. Filch
A. Count
B. Fill
C. Wander
D. Imagine
E. Steal
Ans: E
5. Peregrination
A. Rubble
B. Slag
C. Falsification
D. Journey
E. Disturbance
Ans: D
6. Disparate
A. Frustrated
B. Unrelated
C. Tired
D. Content
E. Hidden
Ans: B
569