Competitive English Proficiency Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The idiom 'SPILL THE BEANS' means:

To reveal secret information (Correct answer)
To cook a meal
To be clumsy
To make a mess

Correct answer: To reveal secret information

'Spill the beans' means to reveal secret or private information unintentionally or indiscreetly.

Question 2: What is the ANTONYM of 'ELOQUENT'?

Fluent
Inarticulate (Correct answer)
Expressive
Articulate

Correct answer: Inarticulate

Eloquent means fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing, so 'inarticulate' is its antonym.

Question 3: What is the ANTONYM of 'METICULOUS'?

Careless (Correct answer)
Precise
Careful
Thorough

Correct answer: Careless

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail, so 'careless' is its antonym.

Question 4: The word 'EPHEMERAL' means:

Very large
Lasting forever
Short-lived or transitory (Correct answer)
Extremely complex

Correct answer: Short-lived or transitory

Ephemeral describes something that lasts for only a short time.

Question 5: In comprehension, 'CONTEXT CLUES' help you:

Count the number of words in a passage
Find the author's name
Identify grammatical errors
Understand unfamiliar words using surrounding text (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Understand unfamiliar words using surrounding text

Context clues are words and phrases near an unknown word that help the reader determine its meaning.

Question 6: What is the ANTONYM of 'TACITURN'?

Shy
Silent
Talkative (Correct answer)
Reserved

Correct answer: Talkative

Taciturn means reserved or uncommunicative in speech, so 'talkative' is its antonym.

Question 7: He is very interested ______ solving complex mathematical puzzles.

at
on
about
in (Correct answer)

Correct answer: in

"Interested in" is the correct collocation; the preposition "in" always follows "interested" when referring to a subject of attention.

Question 8: Which word correctly fills the blank? 'The committee _____ yet to reach a decision.'

were
is (Correct answer)
have
are

Correct answer: is

In American English, collective nouns like 'committee' take a singular verb, so 'is' is correct.

Question 9: Choose the SYNONYM of 'REMORSE'.

Pride
Satisfaction
Joy
Regret (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Regret

Remorse means deep regret or guilt for a wrongdoing, making 'regret' its synonym.

Question 10: Identify the rhetorical device used: 'To err is human, to forgive, divine.'

Oxymoron
Litotes
Anaphora
Antithesis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Antithesis

Antithesis places contrasting ideas in parallel structures; 'human' and 'divine' are opposites placed in parallel here.

Question 11: Which change correctly applies to 'this' and 'these' in indirect speech?

'This' becomes 'that' and 'these' becomes 'those.' (Correct answer)
Neither changes in indirect speech.
'This' stays 'this' and 'these' becomes 'those.'
'This' becomes 'the' and 'these' becomes 'them.'

Correct answer: 'This' becomes 'that' and 'these' becomes 'those.'

Demonstratives shift away from proximity: 'this' → 'that' and 'these' → 'those' in indirect speech.

Question 12: What is the ANTONYM of 'ABUNDANT'?

Plentiful
Ample
Scarce (Correct answer)
Overflowing

Correct answer: Scarce

Abundant means existing in large quantities, so its antonym is 'scarce', meaning insufficient.

Question 13: What does 'DRAWING A CONCLUSION' mean in reading comprehension?

Copying the last paragraph
Writing the end of a story
Using evidence from the passage to make a logical judgment (Correct answer)
Identifying the title of the passage

Correct answer: Using evidence from the passage to make a logical judgment

Drawing a conclusion means using information from the passage to make a reasonable judgment or decision not directly stated.

Question 14: A 'TONE' in a passage refers to:

The loudness of the writing
The author's attitude toward the subject (Correct answer)
The length of sentences
The number of paragraphs

Correct answer: The author's attitude toward the subject

Tone refers to the author's attitude or feelings toward the subject, which can be formal, sarcastic, hopeful, etc.

Question 15: The committee, along with its advisors, ______ already reached a consensus.

has (Correct answer)
were
have
are

Correct answer: has

"Along with" is a parenthetical phrase that does not change the number of the main subject; "committee" is singular, so "has" is correct.

Question 16: What does 'OSTENTATIOUS' mean?

Designed to impress; showy (Correct answer)
Modest and understated
Very quiet
Extremely simple

Correct answer: Designed to impress; showy

Ostentatious means characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; showy.

Question 17: Choose the correct meaning of 'VERBOSE'.

Brief and concise
Extremely accurate
Visually appealing
Using more words than needed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using more words than needed

Verbose means using or expressed in more words than are needed.

Question 18: Choose the SYNONYM of 'EMINENT'.

Unknown
Distinguished (Correct answer)
Ordinary
Humble

Correct answer: Distinguished

Eminent means famous and respected within a particular sphere, making 'distinguished' its synonym.

Question 19: Which sentence is in the subjunctive mood?

If she were here, she would help. (Correct answer)
If she was here, she would help.
If she will be here, she helps.
If she is here, she will help.

Correct answer: If she were here, she would help.

The subjunctive mood uses 'were' for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions, making 'If she were here' correct.

Question 20: Choose the appropriate active form for the given sentence.<br> <br> The play's conclusion caught the audience off guard.

The ending of the play surprised the audience
The ending of the play has surprised the audience (Correct answer)
The ending of the play as surprising for the audience
The audience surprised the ending of the play

Correct answer: The ending of the play has surprised the audience

The original sentence, 'The play's conclusion caught the audience off guard,' is in the simple past active voice. While a direct simple past transformation would be 'The ending of the play surprised the audience,' option D, 'The ending of the play has surprised the audience,' uses the present perfect active tense. This form is appropriate when a past action has a direct and ongoing effect or relevance in the present, emphasizing the audience's current state of surprise.

Question 21: Which sentence uses the correct form of the adjective?

She is more prettier than her sister.
She is most prettier than her sister.
She is prettier than her sister. (Correct answer)
She is the more prettier of the two.

Correct answer: She is prettier than her sister.

'Prettier' is already a comparative form, so adding 'more' is redundant and incorrect.

Question 22: What does 'BREAK THE ICE' mean?

To argue with a friend
To do or say something to relieve tension in a social situation (Correct answer)
To destroy something cold
To begin a new project

Correct answer: To do or say something to relieve tension in a social situation

'Break the ice' means to do or say something to relieve tension or awkwardness in a social situation.

Question 23: Her performance was far better ______ anyone had expected.

than (Correct answer)
to
then
from

Correct answer: than

"Than" is always used after comparative forms like "better," "faster," or "more"; "then" refers to time and is a common error.

Question 24: What does 'PASSAGE STRUCTURE' refer to?

The author's writing speed
The font and size of the text
The way the passage is organized — cause-effect, compare-contrast, etc. (Correct answer)
The number of sentences per paragraph

Correct answer: The way the passage is organized — cause-effect, compare-contrast, etc.

Passage structure refers to how information is organized, such as chronologically, by cause and effect, or by comparison.

Question 25: Identify the error in: 'Each of the boys have done their homework.'

No error
the boys
have done their homework (Correct answer)
Each of

Correct answer: have done their homework

'Each' is singular and requires a singular verb, so it should be 'has done his homework'.

Question 26: What does the idiom 'BITE THE BULLET' mean?

To endure a painful or difficult situation (Correct answer)
To eat quickly
To shoot a gun
To argue with someone

Correct answer: To endure a painful or difficult situation

'Bite the bullet' means to endure a painful or unpleasant situation that is unavoidable.

Question 27: She said, 'Hurrah! We have won the match!' — Which is the correct indirect speech?

She exclaimed that they won the match.
She said hurrah that they had won the match.
She exclaimed with joy that they had won the match. (Correct answer)
She exclaimed that they have won the match.

Correct answer: She exclaimed with joy that they had won the match.

Exclamations of joy use 'exclaimed with joy' and the tense shifts from present perfect to past perfect.

Question 28: What does 'POINT OF VIEW' in a passage mean?

The topic of the passage
The number of characters in the story
The location described in the passage
The perspective from which the author or narrator tells the story (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The perspective from which the author or narrator tells the story

Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story or passage is narrated — first person, second person, or third person.

Question 29: The term 'FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE' in a passage refers to:

Only literal descriptions
Formal or academic vocabulary
Numbers and statistics
Language that uses figures of speech like metaphors and similes, not meant literally (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Language that uses figures of speech like metaphors and similes, not meant literally

Figurative language uses expressions like metaphors, similes, and personification that are not meant to be taken literally.

Question 30: What does 'THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT' mean?

It is now up to you to take action or make a decision (Correct answer)
A sport reference
You are on a playing field
The game has ended

Correct answer: It is now up to you to take action or make a decision

'The ball is in your court' means it is now someone else's responsibility to take action.

Question 31: Select the best synonym for 'VERBOSE'.

Assertive
Vague
Wordy (Correct answer)
Concise

Correct answer: Wordy

Verbose means using more words than necessary; wordy is its closest synonym.

Question 32: Identify the error in: 'The news are shocking.'

The
are shocking (Correct answer)
No error
news

Correct answer: are shocking

'News' is an uncountable noun that takes a singular verb, so it should be 'The news is shocking.'

Question 33: Which of the following is a compound sentence?

She ran, and she was on time. (Correct answer)
She ran to the station nearby.
She ran because she was late.
Running fast, she reached the station.

Correct answer: She ran, and she was on time.

A compound sentence has two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction; 'She ran, and she was on time' fits this pattern.

Question 34: Which sentence is CORRECT?

I look forward to meeting you. (Correct answer)
I look forward to meet you.
I look forward for meeting you.
I look forward to met you.

Correct answer: I look forward to meeting you.

'Look forward to' is a phrasal verb where 'to' is a preposition, so it must be followed by a gerund (verb+ing).

Question 35: What does 'SUMMARIZING' a passage mean?

Restating the main points briefly in your own words (Correct answer)
Copying the entire passage word for word
Identifying all adjectives in the passage
Changing the ending of the story

Correct answer: Restating the main points briefly in your own words

Summarizing means condensing the passage by restating only the key points in your own words.

Question 36: It took approximately 30 minutes for the medicine to ______ effect.

give
have
make
take (Correct answer)

Correct answer: take

"Take effect" is the standard collocation meaning for something (such as medicine or a law) to begin working or producing results.

Question 37: Choose the correct meaning of 'ACRIMONY'.

Bitterness or ill feeling (Correct answer)
Calmness
Sweetness
Happiness

Correct answer: Bitterness or ill feeling

Acrimony refers to bitterness or ill feeling, especially in speech or manner.

Question 38: A 'FACT' in a passage is best described as:

An opinion shared by many people
Something that the author believes
A prediction about the future
A statement that can be verified and proven true (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A statement that can be verified and proven true

A fact is a statement that can be verified or proven to be true, unlike an opinion which reflects a personal view.

Question 39: What is the ANTONYM of 'LENIENT'?

Easygoing
Strict (Correct answer)
Permissive
Tolerant

Correct answer: Strict

Lenient means merciful or tolerant, so 'strict' is its antonym.

Question 40: What is the meaning of the word 'BENEVOLENT'?

Proud and arrogant
Generous and kind (Correct answer)
Cruel and harsh
Lazy and careless

Correct answer: Generous and kind

Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly, showing a disposition to do good.

Question 41: The new traffic law will ______ into effect starting next month.

get
go
come (Correct answer)
put

Correct answer: come

"Come into effect" is the standard collocation meaning a law or rule becomes officially active and enforceable.

Question 42: The phrase 'HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD' means:

To make a mistake
To hit someone
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem (Correct answer)
To do carpentry work

Correct answer: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem

'Hit the nail on the head' means to describe exactly what is causing a problem or to be exactly right.

Question 43: What is the meaning of 'NONCHALANT'?

Deeply worried
Very anxious
Extremely excited
Casually calm and relaxed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Casually calm and relaxed

Nonchalant means feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed.

Question 44: The authorities ______ an investigation into the financial misconduct at the firm.

launched (Correct answer)
conducted
started
ordered

Correct answer: launched

"Launch an investigation" is the standard journalistic and formal English collocation for beginning an official inquiry.

Question 45: Choose the SYNONYM of 'SERENE'.

Agitated
Anxious
Turbulent
Peaceful (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Peaceful

Serene means calm and peaceful, making 'peaceful' its closest synonym.

Question 46: The more you practice, ______ you will become at public speaking.

best
better
the best
the better (Correct answer)

Correct answer: the better

"The more...the better" is the correct correlative comparative structure; both parts require the definite article "the."

Question 47: What is the ANTONYM of 'VERBOSE'?

Repetitive
Concise (Correct answer)
Wordy
Long-winded

Correct answer: Concise

Verbose means using too many words, so 'concise' — using few words — is its antonym.

Question 48: Choose the SYNONYM of 'SPURIOUS'.

Genuine
Accurate
Reliable
Fake (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fake

Spurious means not being what it purports to be; false, so 'fake' is its synonym.

Question 49: What is the meaning of 'ALOOF'?

Friendly and warm
Not friendly or forthcoming; distant (Correct answer)
Extremely busy
Highly motivated

Correct answer: Not friendly or forthcoming; distant

Aloof means not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant in manner.

Question 50: Choose the SYNONYM of 'CANDOR'.

Deception
Frankness (Correct answer)
Reluctance
Confusion

Correct answer: Frankness

Candor means the quality of being open and honest, so 'frankness' is its synonym.

Question 51: What is an 'IMPLICIT' piece of information in a passage?

A heading or title in the passage
Information that is suggested but not directly stated (Correct answer)
Information stated directly in the text
A definition provided by the author

Correct answer: Information that is suggested but not directly stated

Implicit information is implied or suggested by the text rather than being directly and explicitly stated.

Question 52: What does 'ON THE FENCE' mean?

To be defensive
Undecided or uncommitted about something (Correct answer)
To be outdoors
To be sitting outside

Correct answer: Undecided or uncommitted about something

'On the fence' means being undecided or uncommitted about something.

Question 53: Neither the principal nor the teachers ______ informed about the upcoming holiday.

was
has been
is
were (Correct answer)

Correct answer: were

In "neither...nor" constructions, the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it; "teachers" is plural, so "were" is correct.

Question 54: ______ of the two candidates performed exceptionally well in the final round.

Every
All
Each of them
Both (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both

"Both" is used specifically for exactly two items; "all" is for three or more, and the other options alter the sentence structure.

Question 55: She said, 'I may go to the party.' — Identify the correct indirect speech.

She said that she would go to the party.
She said that she may go to the party.
She said that she might go to the party. (Correct answer)
She said that she could go to the party.

Correct answer: She said that she might go to the party.

The modal 'may' shifts to 'might' in indirect speech.

Question 56: The word 'INFER' in comprehension means:

To deduce information not explicitly stated (Correct answer)
To state something directly
To quote the author
To summarize the passage

Correct answer: To deduce information not explicitly stated

To infer means to draw a conclusion from evidence or reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

Question 57: She said to me, 'Do you know the answer?' — Which is the correct indirect form?

She asked me whether I know the answer.
She asked me whether I knew the answer. (Correct answer)
She asked me that I knew the answer.
She said to me whether I know the answer.

Correct answer: She asked me whether I knew the answer.

Yes/no questions use 'whether/if' and 'know' shifts to 'knew' in indirect speech.

Question 58: Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

It's a nice day isn't it?
It's a nice day, isn't it? (Correct answer)
Its' a nice day isn't it?
Its a nice day, isn't it?

Correct answer: It's a nice day, isn't it?

"It's" is the contraction of 'it is', and a comma is needed before the tag question 'isn't it?'.

Question 59: Select the correctly written sentence.

Between you and I, this is wrong.
Between you and myself, this is wrong.
Between I and you, this is wrong.
Between you and me, this is wrong. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Between you and me, this is wrong.

After a preposition like 'between,' use objective pronouns; 'me' is correct, not 'I' or 'myself.'

Question 60: The word 'TENACIOUS' means:

Fragile and weak
Indifferent
Forgetful
Holding firmly to something; persistent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Holding firmly to something; persistent

Tenacious means tending to keep a firm hold of something; persistent.

Question 61: What is the ANTONYM of 'ZEALOUS'?

Indifferent (Correct answer)
Enthusiastic
Dedicated
Passionate

Correct answer: Indifferent

Zealous means having or showing great energy in pursuit of a cause, so 'indifferent' is its antonym.

Question 62: Choose the correct meaning of 'LUCID'.

Very emotional
Expressed clearly; easy to understand (Correct answer)
Extremely loud
Dark and confusing

Correct answer: Expressed clearly; easy to understand

Lucid means expressed clearly; easy to understand.

Question 63: Choose the SYNONYM of 'MALICE'.

Charity
Goodwill
Kindness
Ill will (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ill will

Malice means the intention to do evil or cause harm, making 'ill will' its synonym.

Question 64: The word 'OBSOLETE' means:

Modern and current
Very effective
No longer produced or used (Correct answer)
Extremely popular

Correct answer: No longer produced or used

Obsolete describes something that is no longer produced, used, or needed.

Question 65: Identify the figure of speech in: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

Metaphor
Simile
Personification (Correct answer)
Hyperbole

Correct answer: Personification

Personification attributes a human action (whispering) to a non-human entity (the wind).

Question 66: What is a 'TOPIC SENTENCE'?

The final sentence of a paragraph
Any sentence with a proper noun
The sentence with the most details
The sentence that introduces and states the main point of a paragraph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sentence that introduces and states the main point of a paragraph

A topic sentence introduces and states the main point of a paragraph, usually appearing at the beginning.

Question 67: In comprehension, what is the 'MAIN IDEA' of a passage?

The first sentence of the passage
The central point or argument the passage conveys (Correct answer)
The last sentence of the conclusion
The title of the passage

Correct answer: The central point or argument the passage conveys

The main idea is the central point or overall message the author wants to convey throughout the passage.

Question 68: What does 'BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE' mean?

To speak too loudly
To be pursuing the wrong course of action (Correct answer)
To work outdoors
To confuse animals

Correct answer: To be pursuing the wrong course of action

'Barking up the wrong tree' means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action.

Question 69: When answering 'DETAIL' questions in comprehension, you should:

Give your personal opinion
Return to the passage and find the specific fact mentioned (Correct answer)
Focus on the passage title
Use only your prior knowledge

Correct answer: Return to the passage and find the specific fact mentioned

Detail questions require you to locate specific information stated in the passage, so always refer back to the text.

Question 70: He said, 'I could have helped if I had known.' — Which is the correct indirect form?

He said that he would have helped if he had known.
He said that he could have helped if he had known. (Correct answer)
He said that he could help if he had known.
He said that he could have helped if he knew.

Correct answer: He said that he could have helped if he had known.

Past perfect conditional structures remain unchanged in indirect speech.

Question 71: Identify the error in: 'Neither the manager nor the employees was present.'

No error
Neither the manager
nor the employees
was present (Correct answer)

Correct answer: was present

When 'neither…nor' joins a singular and plural noun, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it — 'employees' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Question 72: In comprehension, 'MAKING A PREDICTION' involves:

Summarizing what already happened
Guessing the author's name
Using clues from the text to anticipate what will happen next (Correct answer)
Changing the story's ending

Correct answer: Using clues from the text to anticipate what will happen next

Making a prediction means using evidence from the text to reasonably anticipate future events or information.

Question 73: What is the purpose of a 'SUPPORTING DETAIL' in a passage?

To provide evidence, examples, or explanation that backs up the main idea (Correct answer)
To introduce a new topic
To contradict the main idea
To state the author's personal opinion

Correct answer: To provide evidence, examples, or explanation that backs up the main idea

Supporting details provide evidence, examples, facts, or explanations that reinforce and explain the main idea.

Question 74: Choose the SYNONYM of 'DILIGENT'.

Hardworking (Correct answer)
Careless
Lazy
Reckless

Correct answer: Hardworking

Diligent means having or showing care and conscientiousness in work, so 'hardworking' is its synonym.

Question 75: In comprehension tests, 'VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT' questions ask you to:

Identify the most common word in the passage
List all words you don't understand
Translate the word into another language
Determine the meaning of a word based on how it is used in the passage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Determine the meaning of a word based on how it is used in the passage

Vocabulary in context questions require you to determine a word's meaning based on how it is used in the surrounding text.

Question 76: The phrase 'KICK THE BUCKET' means:

To play sports
To make a mistake
To die (Correct answer)
To travel somewhere

Correct answer: To die

'Kick the bucket' is a slang idiom meaning to die.

Question 77: 'CAUSE AND EFFECT' in a passage describes:

A comparison of two topics
Two unrelated events
The relationship between an event (cause) and the result it produces (effect) (Correct answer)
A list of sequential steps

Correct answer: The relationship between an event (cause) and the result it produces (effect)

Cause and effect describes how one event (the cause) produces or leads to another event (the effect).

Question 78: When a question asks for the 'AUTHOR'S PURPOSE', you should identify:

The year the passage was written
The author's favorite topic
The author's nationality
Why the author wrote the passage — to inform, persuade, or entertain (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Why the author wrote the passage — to inform, persuade, or entertain

Author's purpose refers to the reason the author wrote the piece: to inform, to persuade, to entertain, or to describe.

Question 79: He asked, 'Where does she live?' — Which is the correct indirect speech?

He asked where did she live.
He asked where does she live.
He asked where she lives.
He asked where she lived. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He asked where she lived.

In indirect speech, question word order reverts to statement order and tense shifts back.

Question 80: What does the idiom 'to bite the bullet' mean?

To eat quickly
To argue fiercely
To endure pain stoically (Correct answer)
To make a quick decision

Correct answer: To endure pain stoically

'To bite the bullet' means to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage and stoicism.

Question 81: Identify the error in: 'I had went to the market yesterday.'

went (Correct answer)
No error
I had
to the market yesterday

Correct answer: went

After 'had', the past participle 'gone' must be used, not the simple past 'went'.

Question 82: Identify the error in: 'Despite of his efforts, he failed.'

Despite of (Correct answer)
he failed
his efforts
No error

Correct answer: Despite of

'Despite' is used alone without 'of'; the correct phrase is 'Despite his efforts, he failed.'

Question 83: Which reporting verb is most appropriate for: "I promise I'll return the book," John said.

John claimed he will return the book.
John said to return the book.
John promised that he would return the book. (Correct answer)
John told that he would return the book.

Correct answer: John promised that he would return the book.

When the direct speech contains a promise, 'promised' is the most accurate reporting verb to convey intent.

Question 84: What does 'ONCE IN A BLUE MOON' mean?

During nighttime
When the sky is blue
Every month
Very rarely (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Very rarely

'Once in a blue moon' means something that happens very rarely or infrequently.

Question 85: To his crew, the captain commanded, "Stand calm."

The Captain wanted his men to stand at ease
The Captain told his men that they should stand at ease
The Captain commanded his men to stand at ease (Correct answer)
The Captain urged his men to stand at ease

Correct answer: The Captain commanded his men to stand at ease

This is an imperative sentence (a command). In reported speech, commands are typically converted using an infinitive structure ('to stand'). The reporting verb 'commanded' is retained, and 'his crew' is specified as 'his men.' The phrase 'stand calm' is interpreted as 'stand at ease,' a common military command.

Question 86: The word 'RESILIENT' most closely means:

Slow to react
Very sensitive
Able to recover quickly from difficulties (Correct answer)
Easily broken

Correct answer: Able to recover quickly from difficulties

Resilient means able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

Question 87: The phrase 'BEAT AROUND THE BUSH' means:

To avoid coming to the main point (Correct answer)
To search in the woods
To garden frequently
To work very hard

Correct answer: To avoid coming to the main point

'Beat around the bush' means to avoid talking about what is important or to delay getting to the point.

Question 88: Did the sun rise in the East, the young child asked her mother?

The little girl asked her mother if the sun rose in the East (Correct answer)
The little girl asked her mother if the sun is in the East
The little girl said to her mother that the sun rose in the East
The little girl said to her mother if the sun roses in the East

Correct answer: The little girl asked her mother if the sun rose in the East

When converting a yes/no question from direct to indirect speech, 'if' or 'whether' is used. The reporting verb 'asked' is appropriate. The simple past interrogative 'Did the sun rise' transforms into a simple past statement 'the sun rose' in indirect speech, maintaining the correct tense shift and structure. Option A correctly applies these rules.

Question 89: What does 'IMPETUOUS' mean?

Extremely kind
Acting or done quickly without thought (Correct answer)
Very slow
Careful and cautious

Correct answer: Acting or done quickly without thought

Impetuous means acting or done quickly and without thought or care.

Question 90: Identify the error in: 'She was born on 1990.'

1990
She was
born on (Correct answer)
No error

Correct answer: born on

Use 'in' with years, so it should be 'She was born in 1990.'

Question 91: She has a natural ______ for painting and creates stunning artwork effortlessly.

flair (Correct answer)
flavor
flaw
flare

Correct answer: flair

"Flair" means a natural talent or stylistic ability; "flare" refers to a burst of fire or light and is a very common spelling error.

Question 92: It was a chilly day, he told her.

He exclaimed that it was a cold day
He told her that it was a cold day
He exclaimed sorrowfully that it was a cold day
He exclaimed that it was a very cold day (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He exclaimed that it was a very cold day

In reported speech, the reporting verb can sometimes be changed to better convey the speaker's emotion or manner, such as 'exclaimed' instead of 'told' to suggest a stronger feeling. While 'chilly' means cold, 'very cold' emphasizes the degree, which aligns with an exclamation. This option interprets the tone and intensity of the original statement.

Question 93: After hours of deliberation, the board ______ a decision to merge with the smaller firm.

made (Correct answer)
did
took
reached

Correct answer: made

"Make a decision" is the standard American English collocation; decisions are "made," not "did" or "took."

Question 94: Which sentence is CORRECT?

He is senior to me. (Correct answer)
He is more senior than me.
He is the most senior than me.
He is senior than me.

Correct answer: He is senior to me.

Adjectives like 'senior', 'junior', 'superior', and 'inferior' use 'to' instead of 'than' for comparison.

Question 95: What is the meaning of 'CANDID'?

Hostile
Truthful and straightforward (Correct answer)
Confused
Secretive

Correct answer: Truthful and straightforward

Candid means truthful and straightforward, not hiding one's thoughts or feelings.

Question 96: The word 'GREGARIOUS' means:

Extremely angry
Solitary and withdrawn
Very talented
Fond of company; sociable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fond of company; sociable

Gregarious means fond of company; sociable.

Question 97: He said, 'I need not attend the meeting.' — Which is the correct indirect speech?

He said that he should not attend the meeting.
He said that he must not attend the meeting.
He said that he need not attend the meeting. (Correct answer)
He said that he did not need to attend the meeting.

Correct answer: He said that he need not attend the meeting.

'Need not' expressing absence of obligation remains unchanged in indirect speech as a modal expression.

Question 98: The word 'PRUDENT' most closely means:

Acting with care and thought for the future (Correct answer)
Cowardly
Dishonest
Reckless

Correct answer: Acting with care and thought for the future

Prudent means acting with or showing care and thought for the future.

Question 99: Choose the correct indirect form of: "Don't open the window," she said to him.

She told him not to open the window. (Correct answer)
She told him to not open the window please.
She told him don't open the window.
She said him not to open the window.

Correct answer: She told him not to open the window.

Negative imperatives in indirect speech are reported with 'told + object + not + infinitive.'

Question 100: What is the ANTONYM of 'OBSCURE'?

Hidden
Unknown
Vague
Clear (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clear

Obscure means not discovered or known about; uncertain, so 'clear' is its antonym.

Competitive English Proficiency Exam

A comprehensive English proficiency examination covering grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and verbal ability as tested in major competitive exams such as SSC, Bank PO, UPSC, and other government recruitment tests.

100

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds