English Questions: Fill in the Blanks 136

Directions(1-10): A sentence with one blank is given, indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the word that best fits in the blank making the sentence grammatically correct and meaningful.

1. Its function is to give news and to expose malpractice or __________ dealing where it exists.
   Manifest
   Covert
   Perceptible
   Glorious
   Magnificent
   Option B
   ‘Covert’ meaning ‘not openly acknowledged or displayed’ is the apt fit for the blank.
   Manifest: clear or obvious to the eye or mind
   Perceptible: (especially of a slight movement or change of state) able to be seen or noticed
   Glorious: having, worthy of, or bringing fame or admiration
   Magnificent: extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive
   
    



2. He continued to wrest the lands from the Greeks which their _________ arms were no longer able to defend.
   explosive
   volatile
   tumultuous
   gregarious
   feeble
   Option E
   feeble means ‘lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness’
   Explosive: able or likely to shatter violently or burst apart
   Volatile: (of a substance) easily evaporated at normal temperatures
   Tumultuous: making an uproar or loud, confused noise
   Gregarious: (of a person) fond of company; sociable
   
    



3. He was not only without political or military capacity but was so __________ that he could not keep a secret.
   
   garrulous
   affable
   taciturn
   secretive
   pretentious
   Option A
   ‘garrulous’ means ‘excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters’ .
   Affable: friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to
   Taciturn: (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
   Secretive: (of a person or an organization) inclined to conceal feelings and intentions or not to disclose information
   Pretentious: attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed
   
    



4. He was ___________ enough to deliver up that minister into the hands of his enemies.
   tenacious
   tremendous
   victorious
   cowardly
   happy
   Option D
   ‘cowardly’ means ‘lacking courage’
   
    



5. The contrast is marked by the humour which seems to combine a cynical view of human folly with a deeply __________ sense of the sadness and suffering of life.
   
   hillarious
   witty
   pathetic
   jocular
   facetious
   Option C
   ‘pathetic’ means ‘arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness’
   
    



6. While teaching family law, the professor witnessed the ____________ of my students when they realised how unfair all personal laws are to women — be it Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Parsi.
   
   clutter
   dismay
   serendipity
   sanguine
   arrear
   Option B
   ‘dismay’ means Causing distress or concern.
   
    



7. Meanwhile, job creation will depend on the resurgence of industrial production, continuing growth of exports and an agricultural _________.
   
   Revival
   Inevitability
   Rearing
   Fostering
   Rehabilitation
   Option A
   
   
    



8. With the Indian cricket team’s captain striding on to the world stage as the face of country, the profile of the coach remained less visible as the ____________ of the national team.
   Alderman
   Fenman
   Layman
   Leman
   Helmsman
   Option E
   Helmsman means one who steers/guides the ship.
   
    



9. While it might be difficult to choose, “Beloved” remains one of Toni Morrison’s most __________ works, which won her the Pulitzer and a clutch of other awards.
   ephemeral
   enduring
   rendition
   waging
   stalking
   Option B
   
   
    



10. Given that the opinions climate proxies people have are so varied, it has often been questioned whether they can be used by various __________ in the field of climate change.
    stakeholders
    conglomeration
    council
    symposium
    porters
    Option A
    Stakeholder refers to a person with an interest or concern in something.