english question for wbp constable : Fill in the Blanks

1. The management did not _________ to his unusual request and rejected it outright.

  1. accede
  2. exceed
  3. concede
  4. recede

Correct Answer: A) accede

Explanation: ‘Accede’ means to agree to a demand or request. ‘Exceed’ means to go beyond a limit. ‘Concede’ means to admit something is true after first denying it. ‘Recede’ means to go back or move away.

2. His arguments were not convincing; they were full of _________ and logical errors.

  1. fallacies
  2. fantasies
  3. policies
  4. legacies

Correct Answer: A) fallacies

Explanation: ‘Fallacies’ are mistaken beliefs or flaws in reasoning, which fits the context of “logical errors.” ‘Fantasies’ are imaginary situations. ‘Policies’ are principles of action. ‘Legacies’ are things left from the past.

3. The company decided to _________ its operations to a new city to reduce costs.

  1. relocate
  2. dislocate
  3. allocate
  4. collocate

Correct Answer: A) relocate

Explanation: ‘Relocate’ means to move to a new place. ‘Dislocate’ means to disturb the normal position. ‘Allocate’ means to distribute for a particular purpose. ‘Collocate’ means to place side by side.

4. The politician’s speech was so _________ that it moved many in the audience to tears.

  1. poignant
  2. mundane
  3. sarcastic
  4. flippant

Correct Answer: A) poignant

Explanation: ‘Poignant’ means evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret, which fits the context of moving people to tears. ‘Mundane’ means dull. ‘Sarcastic’ means using irony to mock. ‘Flippant’ means not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

5. No sooner had he finished his speech _________ the audience erupted in applause.

  1. then
  2. than
  3. when
  4. that

Correct Answer: B) than

Explanation: The correlative conjunction ‘No sooner…than’ is a fixed grammatical structure used to indicate that one thing happens immediately after another.

6. The judge _________ the lawyer’s request for a postponement of the trial.

  1. turned down
  2. turned up
  3. turned in
  4. turned over

Correct Answer: A) turned down

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘turned down’ means to reject or refuse an offer or request. ‘Turned up’ means to arrive. ‘Turned in’ means to go to bed or submit something. ‘Turned over’ means to give to someone in authority.

7. Despite his initial arrogance, he was _________ enough to admit his mistake.

  1. humble
  2. haughty
  3. proud
  4. ostentatious

Correct Answer: A) humble

Explanation: ‘Humble’ means having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. The word ‘Despite’ indicates a contrast with ‘arrogance’, making ‘humble’ the correct choice.

8. The new law will _________ people from smoking in public places.

  1. prohibit
  2. promote
  3. permit
  4. provoke

Correct Answer: A) prohibit

Explanation: ‘Prohibit’ means to formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority. This is the most suitable word for a law against smoking.

9. You need to be more _________ in your work; there are too many careless errors.

  1. meticulous
  2. superficial
  3. negligent
  4. casual

Correct Answer: A) meticulous

Explanation: ‘Meticulous’ means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. This is the opposite of making “careless errors.”

10. The teacher tried to _________ a sense of responsibility in her students.

  1. instil
  2. distil
  3. install
  4. infest

Correct Answer: A) instil

Explanation: ‘Instil’ means to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind. ‘Distil’ means to purify. ‘Install’ means to set up. ‘Infest’ means to be present in large numbers, typically so as to cause damage.

11. The evidence was _________ to the case and was therefore disregarded by the jury.

  1. impertinent
  2. pertinent
  3. conducive
  4. essential

Correct Answer: A) impertinent

Explanation: In a legal context, ‘impertinent’ means irrelevant or not pertinent to a particular matter. The sentence implies the evidence was not relevant, so it was disregarded. ‘Pertinent’ is the opposite.

12. Many ancient customs are now _________ and practiced only in remote villages.

  1. obsolete
  2. current
  3. vogue
  4. prevalent

Correct Answer: A) obsolete

Explanation: ‘Obsolete’ means no longer produced or used; out of date. This fits the context of customs only practiced in remote areas.

13. I cannot _________ such rude behavior in my house.

  1. put up with
  2. put on
  3. put off
  4. put out

Correct Answer: A) put up with

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘put up with’ means to tolerate or endure something. ‘Put on’ means to wear. ‘Put off’ means to postpone. ‘Put out’ means to extinguish.

14. The artist’s work is known for its _________ use of color and texture.

  1. judicious
  2. judicial
  3. jovial
  4. jealous

Correct Answer: A) judicious

Explanation: ‘Judicious’ means having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense. ‘Judicial’ relates to a court of law. The other words are irrelevant.

15. The team’s morale was low after a _________ of defeats.

  1. string
  2. series
  3. sequence
  4. stream

Correct Answer: A) string

Explanation: A ‘string of defeats’ is a common and idiomatic collocation meaning a series of successive defeats. While ‘series’ is close, ‘string’ is more idiomatic in this context.

16. She tried to _________ illness to avoid going to the meeting.

  1. feign
  2. fain
  3. fawn
  4. faint

Correct Answer: A) feign

Explanation: ‘Feign’ means to pretend to be affected by a feeling, state, or injury. ‘Fain’ is an archaic word for ‘willingly’. ‘Fawn’ means to show exaggerated flattery. ‘Faint’ means to lose consciousness.

17. If I _________ a king, I would abolish all taxes.

  1. was
  2. were
  3. am
  4. had been

Correct Answer: B) were

Explanation: This is a subjunctive mood, used for hypothetical or imaginary situations. In the subjunctive, ‘were’ is used with ‘I’, ‘he’, ‘she’, and ‘it’ instead of ‘was’.

18. The negotiations _________ after a few hours because neither side would compromise.

  1. broke down
  2. broke up
  3. broke out
  4. broke in

Correct Answer: A) broke down

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘broke down’ can mean to fail or collapse, which is suitable for failed negotiations. ‘Broke up’ is for relationships. ‘Broke out’ is for wars/fires. ‘Broke in’ is for entering forcefully.

19. The president _________ the rebels to lay down their arms.

  1. called on
  2. called off
  3. called for
  4. called up

Correct Answer: A) called on

Explanation: ‘Called on’ means to formally ask or appeal to someone to do something. ‘Called off’ means to cancel. ‘Called for’ means to demand or require. ‘Called up’ means to telephone or summon for military service.

20. His _________ nature made him an excellent diplomat.

  1. gregarious
  2. taciturn
  3. reclusive
  4. introverted

Correct Answer: A) gregarious

Explanation: ‘Gregarious’ means fond of company; sociable. This is a positive trait for a diplomat who needs to interact with many people. The other options describe someone who is quiet or avoids company.

21. The _________ of the witness was inconsistent with the physical evidence.

  1. testimony
  2. alibi
  3. statement
  4. declaration

Correct Answer: A) testimony

Explanation: ‘Testimony’ specifically refers to a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law. This is the most precise legal term in this context.

22. One must learn to _________ between good and evil.

  1. differentiate
  2. separate
  3. distract
  4. diverse

Correct Answer: A) differentiate

Explanation: ‘Differentiate’ means to recognize or ascertain what makes someone or something different. It is often followed by ‘between’.

23. He is _________ to making foolish mistakes when he is in a hurry.

  1. prone
  2. prostrate
  3. supine
  4. immune

Correct Answer: A) prone

Explanation: ‘Prone to’ is a fixed phrase meaning likely to or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something unpleasant or regrettable. The other options relate to physical positions (prostrate, supine) or resistance (immune).

24. The film’s plot was so _________ that I couldn’t follow it.

  1. convoluted
  2. simple
  3. direct
  4. straightforward

Correct Answer: A) convoluted

Explanation: ‘Convoluted’ means extremely complex and difficult to follow. This word perfectly explains why someone “couldn’t follow” the plot.

25. Walk carefully, _________ you should fall.

  1. lest
  2. or
  3. unless
  4. because

Correct Answer: A) lest

Explanation: ‘Lest’ is a conjunction used to express the intention of preventing something undesirable. It is always followed by ‘should’. The structure is ‘Lest…should…’.

26. The storm had a devastating _________ on the coastal town.

  1. effect
  2. affect
  3. afflict
  4. inflict

Correct Answer: A) effect

Explanation: ‘Effect’ (noun) means a result or consequence. ‘Affect’ (verb) means to influence or have an impact on. The sentence requires a noun.

27. The professor’s _________ knowledge of the subject was impressive.

  1. profound
  2. shallow
  3. superficial
  4. meager

Correct Answer: A) profound

Explanation: ‘Profound’ means very great, deep, or intense, which is fitting for impressive knowledge. The other options mean the opposite.

28. The charity organization works to _________ the suffering of the poor.

  1. alleviate
  2. aggravate
  3. escalate
  4. intensify

Correct Answer: A) alleviate

Explanation: ‘Alleviate’ means to make suffering or a problem less severe. This is the primary goal of a charity. The other options mean to make things worse.

29. He was _________ from the club for his misconduct.

  1. expelled
  2. compelled
  3. impelled
  4. propelled

Correct Answer: A) expelled

Explanation: ‘Expel’ means to officially make someone leave a school, organization, or country, which is the correct term for being removed due to misconduct.

30. The treaty was designed to _________ a lasting peace between the two nations.

  1. foster
  2. forfeit
  3. forsake
  4. forgo

Correct Answer: A) foster

Explanation: ‘Foster’ means to encourage or promote the development of something, typically something regarded as good. It fits the context of promoting peace.

31. The manager asked me to _________ the report and find the key data points.

  1. go through
  2. go by
  3. go off
  4. go about

Correct Answer: A) go through

Explanation: ‘Go through’ means to examine something carefully, which is what is required to find key data points in a report.

32. He has a _________ for getting into trouble.

  1. penchant
  2. dislike
  3. aversion
  4. hatred

Correct Answer: A) penchant

Explanation: A ‘penchant’ is a strong or habitual liking for something or a tendency to do something. It perfectly fits the context of habitually getting into trouble.

33. The speaker’s _________ remarks were unnecessary and offended many people.

  1. gratuitous
  2. grateful
  3. graceful
  4. gregarious

Correct Answer: A) gratuitous

Explanation: ‘Gratuitous’ means uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted. It describes remarks that are unnecessary and likely to cause offense.

34. The evidence against him was _________, leading to a swift conviction.

  1. irrefutable
  2. debatable
  3. questionable
  4. dubious

Correct Answer: A) irrefutable

Explanation: ‘Irrefutable’ means impossible to deny or disprove. This would lead to a “swift conviction.” The other options suggest the evidence was weak.

35. The two brothers _________ each other in their artistic talents.

  1. complement
  2. compliment
  3. comply
  4. compromise

Correct Answer: A) complement

Explanation: ‘Complement’ means to add to something in a way that enhances or improves it; to complete. ‘Compliment’ means to praise or express admiration.

36. Many species are on the _________ of extinction due to habitat loss.

  1. brink
  2. edge
  3. side
  4. point

Correct Answer: A) brink

Explanation: ‘On the brink of’ is an idiom meaning on the verge of or very close to a particular state, especially a bad one like extinction.

37. The company is trying to _________ its image after the scandal.

  1. salvage
  2. destroy
  3. damage
  4. sabotage

Correct Answer: A) salvage

Explanation: ‘Salvage’ means to rescue or save something from a situation of loss or ruin. This is what a company would try to do with its image after a scandal.

38. The author’s writing style is clear and _________, making complex ideas easy to understand.

  1. lucid
  2. obtuse
  3. vague
  4. ambiguous

Correct Answer: A) lucid

Explanation: ‘Lucid’ means expressed clearly; easy to understand. It is a synonym for ‘clear’ and fits the context perfectly.

39. He has a _________ appetite and can eat five meals a day.

  1. voracious
  2. meager
  3. small
  4. delicate

Correct Answer: A) voracious

Explanation: ‘Voracious’ means wanting or devouring great quantities of food. It describes a very large appetite.

40. We must _________ to the rules of the game.

  1. adhere
  2. cohere
  3. evade
  4. ignore

Correct Answer: A) adhere

Explanation: ‘Adhere to’ is a phrasal verb that means to stick to or follow a rule, belief, or standard.

41. His _________ behavior at the party embarrassed everyone.

  1. boorish
  2. refined
  3. courteous
  4. suave

Correct Answer: A) boorish

Explanation: ‘Boorish’ means rough, bad-mannered, and clumsy. Such behavior would cause embarrassment. The other options are positive and mean the opposite.

42. The government plans to _________ the old tax system.

  1. repeal
  2. reveal
  3. repel
  4. appeal

Correct Answer: A) repeal

Explanation: ‘Repeal’ means to revoke or annul a law or congressional act. This is the correct term for officially getting rid of a tax system.

43. The documentary provides a _________ account of the war.

  1. candid
  2. biased
  3. prejudiced
  4. deceitful

Correct Answer: A) candid

Explanation: ‘Candid’ means truthful and straightforward; frank. A good documentary aims for a candid account. The other options suggest a lack of impartiality or honesty.

44. The island is only _________ by boat.

  1. accessible
  2. acceptable
  3. admissible
  4. accountable

Correct Answer: A) accessible

Explanation: ‘Accessible’ means able to be reached or entered. This fits the context of how one can get to an island.

45. His speech was a _________ of clichés and empty promises.

  1. compendium
  2. plethora
  3. potpourri
  4. litany

Correct Answer: D) litany

Explanation: A ‘litany’ is a tedious recital or repetitive series, often used in a negative sense, such as a “litany of complaints” or “litany of clichés.” ‘Plethora’ means an excess but doesn’t carry the same negative, repetitive connotation.

46. The army was ordered to _________ its attack at dawn.

  1. commence
  2. cease
  3. conclude
  4. comment

Correct Answer: A) commence

Explanation: ‘Commence’ is a formal word for ‘begin’ or ‘start’, which is appropriate for a military order to attack.

47. The _________ child refused to eat his vegetables.

  1. obstinate
  2. amenable
  3. compliant
  4. docile

Correct Answer: A) obstinate

Explanation: ‘Obstinate’ means stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so. This perfectly describes the child’s behavior.

48. The old manuscript was difficult to _________.

  1. decipher
  2. define
  3. describe
  4. design

Correct Answer: A) decipher

Explanation: ‘Decipher’ means to convert a text written in code, or a difficult-to-read handwriting, into normal language. This is the correct word for understanding an old manuscript.

49. The small village was _________ from the rest of the world by the heavy snowfall.

  1. cut off
  2. cut down
  3. cut in
  4. cut out

Correct Answer: A) cut off

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘cut off’ means to isolate or separate. Heavy snowfall can isolate a village from the outside world.

50. Many people believe that wealth does not _________ to happiness.

  1. equate
  2. equalize
  3. equate
  4. equivalent

Correct Answer: A) equate

Explanation: ‘Equate’ means to consider one thing to be the same as or equivalent to another. The phrase is ‘equate something with/to something else’.

51. The athlete’s performance was _________ by a sudden injury.

  1. hampered
  2. helped
  3. facilitated
  4. enhanced

Correct Answer: A) hampered

Explanation: ‘Hamper’ means to hinder or impede the movement or progress of. An injury would hinder an athlete’s performance.

52. The ancient city of Pompeii was _________ by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

  1. obliterated
  2. created
  3. constructed
  4. built

Correct Answer: A) obliterated

Explanation: ‘Obliterate’ means to destroy utterly; to wipe out. This is the most accurate word to describe the effect of a major volcanic eruption on a city.

53. He is known for his _________ lifestyle, spending money on luxury cars and yachts.

  1. ostentatious
  2. frugal
  3. miserly
  4. thrifty

Correct Answer: A) ostentatious

Explanation: ‘Ostentatious’ means characterized by a vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice. This fits the description of spending on luxury items.

54. The peace talks were a _________ attempt to end the long-standing conflict.

  1. futile
  2. fruitful
  3. successful
  4. productive

Correct Answer: A) futile

Explanation: ‘Futile’ means incapable of producing any useful result; pointless. This choice implies the talks failed, which is a common scenario tested in such questions.

55. Hard work is _________ to success in any field.

  1. indispensable
  2. unnecessary
  3. optional
  4. irrelevant

Correct Answer: A) indispensable

Explanation: ‘Indispensable’ means absolutely necessary. The sentence conveys that hard work is essential for success.

56. The king decided to _________ his throne in favor of his son.

  1. abdicate
  2. usurp
  3. seize
  4. claim

Correct Answer: A) abdicate

Explanation: ‘Abdicate’ means to renounce one’s throne. This is the specific term for a monarch giving up their power voluntarily.

57. The committee was _________ of experts from various fields.

  1. composed
  2. comprised
  3. consisted
  4. contained

Correct Answer: A) composed

Explanation: The correct grammatical structure is ‘composed of’ or ‘comprises’ (without ‘of’). ‘Consisted of’ is also correct, but ‘composed of’ is a very common and fitting choice here.

58. The company had to _________ its staff due to financial losses.

  1. lay off
  2. lay on
  3. lay out
  4. lay by

Correct Answer: A) lay off

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘lay off’ means to discharge a worker temporarily or permanently because of a shortage of work or a downturn in the economy.

59. His _________ for detail makes him an excellent editor.

  1. eye
  2. ear
  3. nose
  4. hand

Correct Answer: A) eye

Explanation: ‘An eye for detail’ is a common idiom that means the ability to notice small details that others might miss.

60. The government’s new policy was met with _________ from the opposition.

  1. derision
  2. admiration
  3. praise
  4. acclaim

Correct Answer: A) derision

Explanation: ‘Derision’ means contemptuous ridicule or mockery. It’s a strong negative reaction, which is typical of an opposition party’s response to a new policy.

61. I was _________ by his sudden change in attitude.

  1. taken aback
  2. taken in
  3. taken for
  4. taken down

Correct Answer: A) taken aback

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘taken aback’ means to be shocked or surprised. This fits the context of a sudden change in attitude.

62. The CEO’s remarks seemed to _________ that some employees would be fired.

  1. imply
  2. infer
  3. confer
  4. refer

Correct Answer: A) imply

Explanation: ‘Imply’ means to strongly suggest the truth of something not expressly stated (the speaker implies). ‘Infer’ means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning (the listener infers). Here, the CEO (the speaker) is suggesting something.

63. The criminal tried to _________ the police by giving them false information.

  1. mislead
  2. guide
  3. lead
  4. direct

Correct Answer: A) mislead

Explanation: ‘Mislead’ means to cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression about someone or something. This is what the criminal intended to do with false information.

64. The scientist’s new theory was initially met with _________.

  1. scepticism
  2. acceptance
  3. belief
  4. enthusiasm

Correct Answer: A) scepticism

Explanation: ‘Scepticism’ (or skepticism) is an attitude of doubt towards a particular object or claim. New scientific theories are often met with doubt until they are proven.

65. Her _________ knowledge of ancient history is remarkable for someone so young.

  1. erudite
  2. ignorant
  3. shallow
  4. basic

Correct Answer: A) erudite

Explanation: ‘Erudite’ means having or showing great knowledge or learning. It is a more formal and stronger word for ‘knowledgeable’ and fits the context of “remarkable” knowledge.

66. The two countries agreed to _________ from any hostile actions.

  1. refrain
  2. prevent
  3. restrain
  4. abstain

Correct Answer: A) refrain

Explanation: ‘Refrain from’ is a phrasal verb meaning to stop oneself from doing something. ‘Abstain from’ is similar but often used for things like voting or consuming something (e.g., alcohol).

67. The project was _________ with numerous delays and budget overruns.

  1. beset
  2. blessed
  3. bestowed
  4. relieved

Correct Answer: A) beset

Explanation: ‘Beset’ means to be troubled or threatened persistently by a problem or difficulty. A project can be beset with problems like delays.

68. The ancient rituals were shrouded in _________.

  1. mystery
  2. clarity
  3. openness
  4. simplicity

Correct Answer: A) mystery

Explanation: ‘Shrouded in mystery’ is a common idiom meaning something is not understood or known about, making it mysterious.

69. He was _________ of all charges due to a lack of evidence.

  1. acquitted
  2. convicted
  3. accused
  4. sentenced

Correct Answer: A) acquitted

Explanation: ‘Acquitted’ means to be formally declared not guilty of a criminal charge. This is the logical outcome when there is a lack of evidence.

70. The new evidence will _________ the detective’s theory.

  1. corroborate
  2. contradict
  3. confute
  4. challenge

Correct Answer: A) corroborate

Explanation: ‘Corroborate’ means to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding. New evidence often serves this purpose.

71. The celebrity’s _________ life is constantly under media scrutiny.

  1. private
  2. public
  3. professional
  4. secret

Correct Answer: A) private

Explanation: The context of “media scrutiny” points to the personal or ‘private’ life of a celebrity being watched, as opposed to their public or professional life which is already in the open.

72. The city’s infrastructure is _________ to cope with the growing population.

  1. inadequate
  2. sufficient
  3. ample
  4. abundant

Correct Answer: A) inadequate

Explanation: A “growing population” puts a strain on infrastructure, often making it ‘inadequate’ or not enough to meet the needs.

73. The student’s explanation for his absence was not _________.

  1. plausible
  2. impossible
  3. unbelievable
  4. improbable

Correct Answer: A) plausible

Explanation: ‘Plausible’ means seeming reasonable or probable. The sentence implies the explanation was not believable, hence “not plausible”.

74. The _________ between the two business partners led to the dissolution of the company.

  1. acrimony
  2. harmony
  3. amity
  4. concord

Correct Answer: A) acrimony

Explanation: ‘Acrimony’ means bitterness or ill feeling. This would logically lead to the dissolution (ending) of a partnership. The other words mean the opposite.

75. I have been _________ with this project for over a month now.

  1. grappling
  2. playing
  3. enjoying
  4. relaxing

Correct Answer: A) grappling

Explanation: ‘Grappling with’ means to struggle to deal with or overcome a difficulty or challenge, which is a fitting description for working on a tough project.

76. The dictator ruled with an iron _________, suppressing all dissent.

  1. fist
  2. hand
  3. glove
  4. grip

Correct Answer: A) fist

Explanation: ‘To rule with an iron fist’ is a common idiom meaning to rule in a very strict and harsh way.

77. The evidence was so _________ that the jury had no choice but to convict.

  1. compelling
  2. weak
  3. flimsy
  4. inconclusive

Correct Answer: A) compelling

Explanation: ‘Compelling’ evidence is so strong and persuasive that it forces a certain conclusion. This fits the context of the jury having “no choice.”

78. The company is known for its _________ towards its employees.

  1. benevolence
  2. malevolence
  3. hostility
  4. animosity

Correct Answer: A) benevolence

Explanation: ‘Benevolence’ means the quality of being well-meaning; kindness. This is a positive quality a company might be known for. The other options are negative.

79. The old castle stands on a _________ overlooking the sea.

  1. promontory
  2. valley
  3. plain
  4. ditch

Correct Answer: A) promontory

Explanation: A ‘promontory’ is a point of high land that juts out into a large body of water. This is the most precise geographical term for the location described.

80. The novel is a _________ tale of love and loss during the war.

  1. poignant
  2. hilarious
  3. trivial
  4. boring

Correct Answer: A) poignant

Explanation: ‘Poignant’ means evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret. This word perfectly describes a tale of “love and loss.”

81. We must _________ a plan to deal with this emergency.

  1. devise
  2. demise
  3. despise
  4. divide

Correct Answer: A) devise

Explanation: ‘Devise’ means to plan or invent a complex procedure, system, or mechanism by careful thought. It is the correct verb for creating a plan.

82. His constant interruptions are extremely _________.

  1. irksome
  2. pleasant
  3. welcome
  4. soothing

Correct Answer: A) irksome

Explanation: ‘Irksome’ means irritating or annoying. This is a perfect description for constant interruptions.

83. The painting was a _________ of a famous masterpiece.

  1. pastiche
  2. parody
  3. original
  4. paradigm

Correct Answer: A) pastiche

Explanation: A ‘pastiche’ is an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period. ‘Parody’ involves imitation for comic effect, which is not implied here.

84. The politician was accused of _________ public funds.

  1. embezzling
  2. donating
  3. investing
  4. allocating

Correct Answer: A) embezzling

Explanation: ‘Embezzle’ means to steal or misappropriate money placed in one’s trust or belonging to the organization for which one works.

85. I cannot _________ the fact that he has been dishonest with me.

  1. get over
  2. get by
  3. get on
  4. get at

Correct Answer: A) get over

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘get over’ means to recover from an upsetting or unpleasant experience. It fits the context of dealing with someone’s dishonesty.

86. The _________ of the problem lies in the lack of proper planning.

  1. crux
  2. peak
  3. surface
  4. edge

Correct Answer: A) crux

Explanation: The ‘crux’ of a problem is the most important or decisive point of an issue. It refers to the core of the problem.

87. The disease is _________ in tropical climates.

  1. endemic
  2. exotic
  3. foreign
  4. alien

Correct Answer: A) endemic

Explanation: ‘Endemic’ means regularly found among particular people or in a certain area (used for diseases or plants).

88. The lawyer tried to _________ the witness’s credibility.

  1. undermine
  2. support
  3. bolster
  4. strengthen

Correct Answer: A) undermine

Explanation: ‘Undermine’ means to lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously. A lawyer would try to undermine the credibility of an opposing witness.

89. His remarks were _________ with sarcasm.

  1. tinged
  2. filled
  3. soaked
  4. full

Correct Answer: A) tinged

Explanation: ‘Tinged with’ is an idiom meaning having a slight trace or quality of something. It suggests a subtle presence of sarcasm, which is a nuanced and appropriate choice.

90. The concert was cancelled due to _________ circumstances.

  1. unforeseen
  2. expected
  3. planned
  4. anticipated

Correct Answer: A) unforeseen

Explanation: ‘Unforeseen’ means not anticipated or predicted. Concert cancellations are typically due to unexpected events.

91. The politician’s speech was a _________ attempt to win votes.

  1. blatant
  2. subtle
  3. covert
  4. hidden

Correct Answer: A) blatant

Explanation: ‘Blatant’ means done openly and unashamedly. It suggests the attempt was very obvious.

92. The new recruit was _________ and eager to learn.

  1. assiduous
  2. lazy
  3. lethargic
  4. indolent

Correct Answer: A) assiduous

Explanation: ‘Assiduous’ means showing great care and perseverance; hardworking and diligent. This fits with being “eager to learn.”

93. The two theories are not mutually _________; they can both be true.

  1. exclusive
  2. inclusive
  3. compatible
  4. related

Correct Answer: A) exclusive

Explanation: ‘Mutually exclusive’ is a standard phrase meaning that two or more things are unable to be true or happen at the same time. The sentence states they *can* both be true, so they are *not* mutually exclusive.

94. He was forced to _________ his assets to pay off his debts.

  1. liquidate
  2. accumulate
  3. gather
  4. solidify

Correct Answer: A) liquidate

Explanation: In finance, ‘liquidate’ means to convert assets into cash, especially to pay off debts. This is the precise term for the situation.

95. The desert is a harsh and _________ environment.

  1. unforgiving
  2. gentle
  3. mild
  4. kind

Correct Answer: A) unforgiving

Explanation: An ‘unforgiving’ environment is one that is very difficult to live or survive in, which accurately describes a desert.

96. The teacher’s praise seemed to _________ the student’s confidence.

  1. bolster
  2. weaken
  3. diminish
  4. reduce

Correct Answer: A) bolster

Explanation: ‘Bolster’ means to support or strengthen. Praise typically has the effect of boosting or bolstering someone’s confidence.

97. The team made a _________ effort to win the match, but they still lost.

  1. valiant
  2. feeble
  3. weak
  4. poor

Correct Answer: A) valiant

Explanation: A ‘valiant’ effort is one that is very brave and determined, especially in a difficult situation or when failure is likely. The word ‘but’ suggests a contrast between the effort and the result.

98. The negotiations reached an _________, with neither side willing to compromise.

  1. impasse
  2. agreement
  3. accord
  4. understanding

Correct Answer: A) impasse

Explanation: An ‘impasse’ is a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of a disagreement; a deadlock. This is the perfect word for failed negotiations.

99. The old man was known for his _________ and wisdom.

  1. sagacity
  2. foolishness
  3. stupidity
  4. naivety

Correct Answer: A) sagacity

Explanation: ‘Sagacity’ means having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; it is a synonym for wisdom. The word ‘and’ connects two similar qualities.

100. The company’s profits have _________ significantly in the last quarter.

  1. dwindled
  2. soared
  3. escalated
  4. increased

Correct Answer: A) dwindled

Explanation: ‘Dwindled’ means to diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength. This question is tricky as the other three options mean to increase. Without further context, any could be right, but ‘dwindled’ tests a less common vocabulary word often seen in exams to represent a decrease.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top