Selecting Words — Part 1 MCQs with Explanations

Fate smiles on those who untiringly grapple with stark realities of life. In this context, the preposition "on" is used to indicate the favorable disposition of fate towards individuals who face life's challenges with determination.

The miser gazed avidly at the pile of gold coins in front of him. In this context, the word "avidly" suggests intense eagerness or enthusiasm, emphasizing the miser's keen and eager gaze directed towards the gold coins.

Catching the earlier train will give us the chance to do some shopping. Here, "chance" implies an opportunity or possibility to engage in shopping if the earlier train is caught.

Option A: group While "group" is a general term for a collection of individuals, it is not specifically used to refer to cows. It can apply to various types of collections. Option B: herd This is the correct option. "Herd" specifically refers to a group of cows or other grazing animals. Option C: swarm "Swarm" typically refers to a large group of insects or small animals that move together, not cows. Option D: flock "Flock" is used for a group of birds, such as chickens or ducks, but not specifically for cows. In conclusion, the correct answer is Option B: herd , as it is the appropriate term for a group of cows in the field.

The grapes are now ripe enough to be picked. In this context, "ripe" specifically refers to fruits being fully developed and ready to be harvested, making it the most suitable choice among the options provided. When grapes reach this stage of ripeness, they have attained the optimal balance of flavor, sweetness, and juiciness, making them ideal for consumption or processing into various products such as wine. Therefore, "ripe" accurately describes the readiness of the grapes for harvesting.

Success in this examination depends on hard work alone. In this context, the preposition "on" is used to indicate the basis or foundation upon which success in the examination relies. It suggests that hard work is the key determinant or factor contributing to success. Therefore, "on" is the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

My uncle decided to take me and my sister to the market. In this sentence, "me" is the correct pronoun to use as the object of the verb "take." "Me" is the objective form of the pronoun, which is used when the pronoun is the object of the verb or a preposition. Therefore, "me" is the appropriate choice to complete the sentence grammatically.

If you smuggle goods into the country, they may be confiscated by the customs authority. In this context, "confiscated" means seized or taken away by authority due to illegal smuggling activities. When goods are confiscated, they are forcibly taken away from the smuggler by the customs authority as a penalty for violating customs laws. Therefore, "confiscated" is the most suitable term to complete the sentence.

The phrase "Man does not live by ...... alone" is an idiomatic expression that implies that life requires more than just a single thing. The most common and traditional completion of this phrase is: "Man does not live by bread alone." This expression emphasizes that life's necessities go beyond physical sustenance and food. It implies that people also need intellectual, emotional, and spiritual fulfillment in addition to basic sustenance. Therefore, the correct answer is: Option B: bread

Piyush behaves strangely at times and, therefore, nobody gets along with him. In this context, "gets along with" means to have a harmonious or friendly relationship with someone. The phrase indicates that because of Piyush's strange behavior, others find it difficult to establish a rapport or bond with him. Therefore, "along" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea that nobody can develop a smooth relationship with Piyush due to his peculiar actions.

Rohan and Rohit are twin brothers, but they do not look alike . In this context, "alike" means similar in appearance. The sentence suggests that despite being twin brothers, Rohan and Rohit do not share a similar physical appearance. Therefore, "alike" is the most suitable choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea that they lack resemblance in their looks despite their familial relationship.

To err is human ; to forgive divine. This famous quote suggests that making mistakes is a characteristic of being human, emphasizing the fallibility of human nature. The phrase "to err is human" acknowledges that making errors or mistakes is a natural aspect of being human, highlighting our imperfections and limitations. Therefore, "human" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea that making mistakes is a common trait among people.

The ruling party will have to put its own house in order. In this context, the phrase "put its own house in order" means to resolve internal issues or conflicts within the ruling party and establish proper organization and discipline. The preposition "in" is used to indicate the location or state of being, conveying the idea of arranging or organizing the party's affairs internally. Therefore, "in" is the most suitable choice to complete the sentence.

Restoration of old paintings is a job for experts. In this context, "restoration" refers to the process of repairing or renovating old paintings to bring them back to their original condition. It involves careful and skilled work to preserve the artwork's integrity and historical value. Therefore, "restoration" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, indicating the specific task being described.

During Diwali the shops are crowded with people. In this context, "crowded" indicates a large number of people present in the shops, suggesting that the shops are filled with customers or visitors. "Crowded" specifically conveys the idea of a space being densely packed with individuals. Therefore, "crowded" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, accurately describing the situation during Diwali.

The paths of glory lead but to the grave. In this context, the word "but" is used to convey a contrast or contradiction. The phrase suggests that despite the pursuit of glory or fame in life, ultimately, everyone meets the same fate - death. Therefore, "but" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality despite any achievements or successes in life.

The telephone was ringing several times before I answered it. In this context, the past continuous tense "was ringing" is used to describe an ongoing action that was happening in the past at the time when another action (answering the telephone) occurred. Therefore, "was ringing" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, indicating the continuous action of the telephone ringing before it was answered.

He passed the examination in the first class because he had worked hard for it . In this context, the past perfect tense "had worked hard" is used to indicate that the action of working hard occurred before another past action (passing the examination). This implies that his hard work was completed before he achieved success in the examination. Therefore, "had worked hard for it" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, conveying the sequence of events correctly.

Jawaharlal spent his childhood at Anand Bhawan. In this context, the preposition "at" is used to indicate a specific location or place where Jawaharlal spent his childhood, which is Anand Bhawan. Therefore, "at" is the most suitable choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the relationship between Jawaharlal and the place where he spent his childhood.

To understand the sentence, it is important to recognize that it talks about the necessity of belief or confidence in the sincerity of the other side for negotiations to be successful. Among the options provided, the word that best fits this context is faith . So, the sentence should read: "If negotiations are to prove fruitful, there must not only be sincerity on each side, but there must also be faith in the sincerity of the other side."

It seems that Prashant will not be selected for the post. In this context, "seems" is used to express an impression or opinion based on available evidence or observation. The sentence suggests that there is an indication or likelihood that Prashant will not be selected for the post. Therefore, "seems" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea of an inferred likelihood or probability.

I haven't seen you for a week. In this context, "for" is the correct preposition to indicate the duration of time during which the speaker hasn't seen the person addressed. It implies that the speaker has not encountered the person in question for the past week. Therefore, "for" is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence, conveying the duration of time involved.

I listened, but I had no idea what he was talking about. The verb "talking" is the most appropriate choice in this context as it fits naturally with the preposition "about" . "Saying" and "telling" do not pair well with "about" in this sentence structure. "Discussing" implies a mutual exchange of ideas, which is not indicated here.

The phrase "met with an accident" is the correct and commonly used expression to describe an incident involving a vehicle. The verb "met" in this context means to come into contact with or experience something, which is appropriate when referring to an accident. Option A: hit – This verb is not suitable here as it implies a direct strike, which changes the meaning of the sentence. Option B: drove – This verb simply refers to operating a vehicle and does not imply an accident. Option C: crashed – While this could imply an accident, it is more direct and dramatic than the intended phrasing. Option D: met – This is the best option as it correctly completes the sentence: "The car in which the minister was traveling met with an accident."

The non-cooperative attitude of the members can only spoil the image of the society. In this context, "spoil" is the most appropriate verb to use as it indicates the negative impact the non-cooperative attitude of the members will have on the image of the society. "Spoil" means to impair or ruin something, which accurately conveys the idea that the members' behavior will have a detrimental effect on the society's image. Therefore, "spoil" is the correct choice to complete the sentence.

Sonika is quite intelligent but rather lazy . In this context, "lazy" is the most appropriate adjective to describe Sonika's characteristic in contrast to her intelligence. "Lazy" means unwilling to work or use energy, which contrasts with being intelligent. Therefore, "lazy" is the correct choice to complete the sentence.

He insists in wearing the old-fashioned coat in spite of his wife's disapproval. In this context, "insists" is the most suitable verb to describe the man's determination to wear the old-fashioned coat despite his wife's disapproval. "Insists" implies a firm and unwavering commitment to a particular course of action, which aligns with the man's behavior in the sentence. Therefore, "insists" is the correct choice to complete the sentence.

She put in a brief appearance at the end of the party. In this context, "put in" means to make or contribute an appearance or effort, especially for a short period. The sentence suggests that she briefly appeared at the end of the party. Therefore, "put in" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea of her making a short appearance.

This, partly, explains how the Mehta family has been able to keep up its lavish lifestyle in recent times, despite the fact that all its assets have been destroyed . In this context, "keep up" means to maintain or sustain, while "destroyed" indicates the state of the assets. Therefore, "keep up" and "destroyed" are the correct choices to complete the sentence, conveying the idea that the Mehta family has managed to maintain its lifestyle despite the loss of its

The machine is difficult to build but easy to maintain. In this context, "but" is used to contrast two contrasting statements. It connects the difficulty in building the machine with the ease of maintaining it, emphasizing the difference between the two tasks. Therefore, "but" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, conveying the intended contrast between building and maintaining the machine.

If you work beyond your capacity, you will naturally feel tired . In this context, "tired" is the most appropriate adjective to describe the feeling one would experience after working beyond their capacity. "Tired" means feeling a need for rest or sleep due to exertion or fatigue. Therefore, "tired" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the expected outcome of working beyond one's capacity.

If you persist in telling lies to me, I shall sue you for slander. In this context, "persist" means to continue firmly in an action or course of action despite difficulty or opposition. "Slander" refers to the action of making false and damaging statements about someone. Therefore, "for" is the correct preposition to use after "sue" to indicate the reason for taking legal action, which is the act of slander.

His father-in-law set him up in business. In this context, "set" means to establish or arrange, especially in relation to a business endeavor. Therefore, "set" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea that his father-in-law helped him establish his business.

A few works of reference are valuable as Encyclopedia, Britannica. In this context, "a few" is used to indicate a small number of something. It suggests that while there may not be many works of reference that are valuable, there are still some, such as the Encyclopedia Britannica. Therefore, "a few" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the intended meaning.

This book is quite similar to the one I read last week . In this context, "to" is the correct preposition to use when comparing similarities between two things. The sentence suggests that the book being referred to is similar to another book that the speaker read last week. Therefore, "to the one I read last week" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the comparison being made.

If our friends are not able to take us in their car, we must make alternative arrangements to go to the airport. In this context, "alternative" means substitute or backup. The sentence suggests that if the initial plan of having friends take the speaker to the airport falls through, they must make other arrangements. Therefore, "alternative" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea of having a backup plan in case the original plan fails.

Let's break down the clues in the sentence: 1. " A crescendo of metallic thuds ": This tells us about the sound. It's the sound of metal hitting metal, getting louder and louder. 2. " iron-smiths ": These are people whose job is to work with iron or other metals, usually by heating them and shaping them. 3. " pieces of metals ": This is the material the iron-smiths are working on. So, we need a word that describes the action an iron-smith performs on metal that creates "metallic thuds." Let's look at the options: Option A: flattening "Flattening" means making something flat. While an iron-smith might make metal flat, "flattening" describes the result of the action, not the action itself that creates the "thuds." The sound comes from the *hitting*, not from the state of being flat. So, this isn't the best fit for the verb that causes the sound. Option B: striking "Striking" means to hit something forcefully . Iron-smiths do hit metal forcefully to shape it, and this action definitely causes "metallic thuds." This is a good general word for hitting. Option C: hammering "Hammering" means to hit something repeatedly with a hammer . Iron-smiths are known for using hammers to shape metal. This word perfectly describes the action of repeatedly hitting metal, which produces exactly the kind of "crescendo of metallic thuds" mentioned in the sentence. It fits the profession (iron-smiths) and the sound described perfectly. This is a very strong and specific option. Option D: thrashing "Thrashing" means to hit someone or something repeatedly and violently , often in a wild or uncontrolled way. While it involves hitting, "thrashing" doesn't usually describe the skilled and deliberate work of an iron-smith shaping metal. It sounds too violent or random for the context of craftsmanship. Why Option C is the best answer: While "striking" (Option B) is generally correct, "hammering" (Option C) is more precise and accurate for what an iron-smith does. They use a hammer to work on metal, and the sound of "metallic thuds" is exactly what you would hear from the action of hammering. It's the most natural and professional term for this situation. Therefore, the iron-smiths were hammering the pieces of metals.

I haven't eaten an apple for a long while. In this context, "for" is the correct preposition to use to indicate the duration of time during which the action of not eating an apple has occurred. "For" is commonly used with expressions of time to specify the duration of an action or event. Therefore, "for" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the duration of time during which the speaker has not eaten an apple.

The parliament invested the new organization with judicial authority. In this context, "with" is the correct preposition to indicate the granting or conferring of authority or power upon something or someone. "With" is commonly used in this context to express the idea of providing or endowing something with a particular quality or ability. Therefore, "with" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the action of investing the new organization with judicial authority.

In this context, "lay off" means to terminate the employment of workers due to a lack of work or economic reasons. The sentence suggests that because of the power cut affecting production in the factories, they are being compelled to reduce their workforce by terminating employees. Therefore, "lay off" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the action of forced unemployment due to the power cut.