English Test for IBPS PO Prelims Exam set – 14

Directions (1-5): In each of the question given below a phrase/idiom is given in bold which is then followed by five options which try to decipher its meaning as used in the sentence. Choose the option which gives the meaning of the phrase/idiom most appropriately in the context of the given sentence.

1. To be competitive, they paid low wages and (cut corners) on health and safety.
   insistent
   skimp
   obdurate
   rigid
   lenient
   Option B
   ‘Cut corners’ means to do something perfunctorily so as to save time or money. Therefore, the word ‘skimp’ is perfectly depicting the meaning of the given idiom.
   Insistent means insisting on or demanding something; not allowing refusal.
   Obdurate means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
   Rigid means unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible.
   Lenient means of a punishment or person in authority more merciful or tolerant than expected
   
    



2. They stopped inviting him to the gatherings, and he really (got bent out of shape) about it.
   plumpness
   pile
   nefarious
   subjugate
   livid
   Option
   The idiom ‘to get bent out of shape’ means to take offense; to become angry, agitated or upset. Therefore, the word ‘livid is providing an absolute meaning of the idiom given in bold. ‘Livid means furiously angry
   Plumpness means the quality of having a full rounded shape.
   Pile means a heap of things laid or lying one on top of another.
   Nefarious means (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal.
   Subjugate means bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
   
    



3. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, which merges Facebook’s privacy problem with its politics problem, is in some ways (a perfect storm).
   disastrous situation
   powerful thunder
   contagious
   embracing event
   retribution
   Option A
   ‘A perfect storm’ means an especially bad situation caused by a combination of unfavourable circumstances.
   Powerful thunder means a strong climatic thunder
   Contagious means (of a disease) spread from one person or organism to another, typically by direct contact.
   Embracing event means a willful accepted event
   Retribution means punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.
   
    



4. Assessing the problems of the neighborhood grocery by examining a giant supermarket is (comparing apples and oranges).
   resplendent
   exquisite
   surpassed
   unparalleled
   renowned
   Option D
   ‘Comparing oranges and apples’ means something which is both the same and different simultaneously depending on your point of view.
   Resplendent means attractive and impressive through being richly colourful or sumptuous.
   Exquisite means extremely beautiful and delicate.
   Surpassed means exceed; be greater than.
   Renowned means known or talked about by many people; famous.
   
    



5. I got to the airport a few minutes late and missed the plane (by the skin of my teeth).
   scantily
   gradually
   narrowly
   recently
   deliberately
   Option
   ‘By the skin of my teeth’ means ‘by a very narrow margin; only just.
   Scantily means in a way that is small or insufficient in quantity or amount.
   Gradually means in a gradual way; slowly; by degrees.
   Recently means at a recent time; not long ago.
   Deliberately means consciously and intentionally; on purpose.
   
    


Direction (6-10): Rearrange the following sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.


6. (A) The yield on German government bonds reached their highest level in 18 months, while that on the 10- year U.S. Treasury bonds reached its highest level in eight weeks.
   (B) Notably, the minutes of the European Central Bank’s June meeting indicated that the bank might walk back on its commitment to expand its €60 billion bond purchase programme.
   (C) The Bank of England and the Bank of Canada have shown signs of hawkishness.
   (D) Bond markets around the globe showed signs of weakness last week, with major central banks hinting at a possible end to years of ultra-loose monetary policy.
   (E) The U.S. Federal Reserve has already hiked rates this year, and warned of the risks posed by low rates.
   (F) Results of the auction of 30-year French government bonds were the immediate trigger behind the rout as it pointed to a drop in excess demand; the bid-to-cover ratio dropped to 1.5 from 1.93 in January.
   
   Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement?
   A
   B
   F
   E
   C
   Option D
   The correct sequence of sentences after rearrangement is DAFBEC.
   
    



7. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement?
   A
   D
   B
   E
   F
   Option E
   
   
    



8. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
   B
   F
   D
   C
   E
   Option C
   
   
    



9. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement?
   F
   E
   A
   B
   C
   Option C
   
   
    



10. Which of the following should be the LAST sentence after rearrangement?
    D
    A
    B
    C
    E
    Option D