Practice high-yield English Language & Comprehension MCQs on Selecting Words — Part 2 with worked academic solutions for PPSC, FPSC, CSS, PMS, NTS.
Questions
40
Difficulty Level
Exam-Level
Target Exams
PPSC, FPSC, CSS...
Estimated Time
48 mins
Exam-Level PPSC FPSC CSS PMS NTS
Verified for Commission Syllabus • Oct 14, 2026
40
Verified Practice Questions
Interactive test mode with detailed academic worked solutions
Live Progress|0/40 answered
✓0 correct
✗0 wrong
0% score
🎉 Set complete! All 40 questions answered.
Question 1 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Man must ...... to stop pollution.
Correct Answer: Option A — act
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Man must act to stop pollution. In this context, "act" is the most appropriate verb to convey the idea of taking action to address or mitigate pollution. "Act" implies taking deliberate steps or measures to achieve a particular goal, which aligns with the intention of stopping pollution. Therefore, "act" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the necessity for proactive intervention to combat pollution.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 2 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
He was sent to the prison for his ......
Correct Answer: Option C — crime
Detailed Academic Explanation:
He was sent to the prison for his crime . In this context, "crime" refers to an illegal act or offense that is punishable by law. The sentence indicates that the individual was imprisoned as a consequence of committing a crime. Therefore, "crime" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the reason for the person's imprisonment.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 3 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The answer was written ...... blue ink.
Correct Answer: Option C — in
Detailed Academic Explanation:
The answer was written in blue ink. In this context, "in" is the correct preposition to describe the medium or substance used for writing. "In" is commonly used when specifying the material or color in which something is written or drawn. Therefore, "in" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately indicating the color of the ink used for writing.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 4 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Many ...... decisions were taken at the meeting.
Correct Answer: Option B — historic
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Many historic decisions were taken at the meeting. In this context, "historic" refers to decisions that are significant or momentous in the context of history or a particular period. "Historic" is used to describe events or decisions that have a lasting impact or are of great importance. Therefore, "historic" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, conveying the idea of decisions that hold historical significance.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 5 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Those who persist in the endeavor at long last triumph ...... the odds of life.
Correct Answer: Option A — over
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Those who persist in the endeavor at long last triumph over the odds of life. In this context, "over" is used to indicate overcoming or prevailing against challenges or obstacles. The phrase "triumph over" means to achieve victory or success despite facing difficulties. Therefore, "over" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the idea of overcoming the odds of life through persistence and determination.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 6 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
In the modern materialistic society, the only aim of people appears to be ...... money by fair means or foul.
Correct Answer: Option C — acquire
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In the modern materialistic society, the only aim of people appears to be acquire money by fair means or foul. In this context, "acquire" means to obtain or gain possession of something, in this case, money. The sentence suggests that in a materialistic society, people prioritize obtaining money, whether through honest or dishonest methods. Therefore, "acquire" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately conveying the pursuit of wealth as the primary goal in such a society.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 7 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
What is the ...... for an air letter?
Correct Answer: Option C — postage
Detailed Academic Explanation:
What is the postage for an air letter? In this context, "postage" refers to the fee paid for sending mail, including air letters. It covers the cost of processing and delivering the letter. Therefore, "postage" is the correct choice to complete the sentence, accurately indicating the specific fee required for sending an air letter.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 8 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Brothers must live in harmony. They must never fall ......
Correct Answer: Option C — apart
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In this sentence, it's important for brothers to "live in harmony," which means they should get along and not have conflicts or disagreements. The phrase "fall apart" means to stop getting along or to start having conflicts. So, the correct word to complete the sentence is "apart." This makes the sentence read, "Brothers must live in harmony. They must never fall apart ."
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 9 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
He felt no ...... as he plunged the knife into her back.
Correct Answer: Option A — qualms
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In this context, Option A: "qualms" is the correct word. It means a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about the morality or rightness of an action. The sentence suggests that the person didn't hesitate or feel any doubts about their actions, making "qualms" the most appropriate choice. The other options do not convey the same sense of moral hesitation. Option B: scruple While "scruple" is related to hesitation or doubt about the morality of an action, it doesn't fit well in the context of the sentence. "He felt no scruple" sounds less natural and is less commonly used in this context compared to "qualms." Option C: conscience "Conscience" refers to a person's inner sense of what is right and wrong, and it doesn't directly convey the absence of hesitation or doubt. Saying "He felt no conscience" wouldn't be the typical way to express that someone didn't hesitate or have doubts about their actions. Option D: morals "Morals" refers to principles of right and wrong behavior, and it doesn't directly convey the idea of hesitation or doubt. Saying "He felt no morals" would suggest something different, such as a lack of moral values, rather than the absence of hesitation or doubt. In the given sentence, "qualms" is the most appropriate choice because it specifically addresses the lack of hesitation or doubt about the morality of the action, making it the best fit in the context.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 10 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
True brevity ...... in saying only what needs to be said.
Correct Answer: Option D — resides
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In this context, the word "brevity" refers to being concise and saying only what is necessary. The word "resides" is the most suitable choice as it implies that true brevity exists or can be found in saying only what needs to be said. It conveys the idea that brevity is a quality inherent in the act of saying only the essential information.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 11 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
He is a person of sound character and ...... disposition.
Correct Answer: Option C — amiable
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In the sentence, "He is a person of sound character and ...... disposition," the word that fits appropriately to describe a positive disposition is: Option C: amiable The sentence would read: "He is a person of sound character and amiable disposition." Here's a brief explanation of the other options: Option A: beneficent means kind or charitable, but it may not be the best fit in the context of describing disposition. Option B: morous is not a recognized word in English and does not fit the sentence. Option D: amicable means friendly or peaceable, which is related to disposition but may not convey the same sense of amiability as "amiable." So, the correct answer is Option C: amiable to describe a positive disposition.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 12 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
My father ...... down for a nap.
Correct Answer: Option A — lays
Detailed Academic Explanation:
In this sentence, the correct word choice depends on the tense and subject-verb agreement. The sentence is in the simple present tense, and it describes an action that the subject (My father) is currently performing. The appropriate verb form in this context is "lies." "Lays" is the present tense of the verb "lay," but it is not the right choice here as "lay" typically refers to placing something down. "Laid" is the past tense of "lay" and is incorrect for the present tense. So, the correct option is: Option A: lays
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 13 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
He became enamored ...... her grace when he first saw her dance.
Correct Answer: Option B — of
Detailed Academic Explanation:
of is the correct answer to “He became enamored ...... her grace when he first saw her dance.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 14 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Rama was so badly injured that he needed ...... care in the hospital.
Correct Answer: Option D — intensive
Detailed Academic Explanation:
intensive is the correct answer to “Rama was so badly injured that he needed ...... care in the hospital.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 15 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
You cannot devise a method which ...... all possibility of errors.
Correct Answer: Option A — excludes
Detailed Academic Explanation:
excludes is the correct answer to “You cannot devise a method which ...... all possibility of errors.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 16 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Many areas of the city were ...... into darkness for several hours.
Correct Answer: Option B — plunged
Detailed Academic Explanation:
plunged is the correct answer to “Many areas of the city were ...... into darkness for several hours.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 17 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
I don't really know how to ...... the problem.
Correct Answer: Option A — tackle
Detailed Academic Explanation:
tackle is the correct answer to “I don't really know how to ...... the problem.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 18 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The English schemed to continue their rule in India by playing off one community ...... the other.
Correct Answer: Option C — against
Detailed Academic Explanation:
against is the correct answer to “The English schemed to continue their rule in India by playing off one community ...... the other.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 19 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The passengers were afraid, but the captain ...... them that there was no danger.
Correct Answer: Option B — assured
Detailed Academic Explanation:
assured is the correct answer to “The passengers were afraid, but the captain ...... them that there was no danger.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 20 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The family gave father a gold watch on the ...... of his fiftieth birthday.
Correct Answer: Option C — occasion
Detailed Academic Explanation:
occasion is the correct answer to “The family gave father a gold watch on the ...... of his fiftieth birthday.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 21 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The park ...... as far as the river.
Correct Answer: Option A — extends
Detailed Academic Explanation:
extends is the correct answer to “The park ...... as far as the river.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 22 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Arti pulled a long ...... when she was told that she could not go to Agra.
Correct Answer: Option C — face
Detailed Academic Explanation:
face is the correct answer to “Arti pulled a long ...... when she was told that she could not go to Agra.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 23 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Ayesha always ...... the permission of her father before going for movies.
Correct Answer: Option B — seeks
Detailed Academic Explanation:
seeks is the correct answer to “Ayesha always ...... the permission of her father before going for movies.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 24 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
You haven't had your lunch yet, ...... you?
Correct Answer: Option C — have
Detailed Academic Explanation:
have is the correct answer to “You haven't had your lunch yet, ...... you”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 25 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The manner in which bombs exploded in five trains with in a short span of time suggests that it is a part of a ......
Correct Answer: Option B — conspiracy
Detailed Academic Explanation:
conspiracy is the correct answer to “The manner in which bombs exploded in five trains with in a short span of time suggests that it is a part of a ......”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 26 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Wheat ...... carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, and dietary fibre in our daily diet.
Correct Answer: Option D — provides
Detailed Academic Explanation:
provides is the correct answer to “Wheat ...... carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, and dietary fibre in our daily diet.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 27 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The waiter hasn't brought the coffee ...... I've been here an hour already.
Correct Answer: Option C — yet
Detailed Academic Explanation:
yet is the correct answer to “The waiter hasn't brought the coffee ...... I've been here an hour already.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 28 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
In our zeal for progress we should not ...... executive with more power.
Correct Answer: Option D — arm
Detailed Academic Explanation:
arm is the correct answer to “In our zeal for progress we should not ...... executive with more power.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 29 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
You've only three months to complete the course, Don't give ...... now.
Correct Answer: Option C — up
Detailed Academic Explanation:
up is the correct answer to “You've only three months to complete the course, Don't give ...... now.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 30 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The traveler slept under the ...... shade of banyan tree.
Correct Answer: Option B — cool
Detailed Academic Explanation:
cool is the correct answer to “The traveler slept under the ...... shade of banyan tree.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 31 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
She has an aversion ...... taking even onion and garlic.
Correct Answer: Option D — to
Detailed Academic Explanation:
to is the correct answer to “She has an aversion ...... taking even onion and garlic.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 32 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
...... The arrival of the police, nobody went near the victim.
Correct Answer: Option D — Till
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Till is the correct answer to “...... The arrival of the police, nobody went near the victim.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 33 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
When I was a child, I ......to school everyday instead going by cycle.
Correct Answer: Option B — walked
Detailed Academic Explanation:
walked is the correct answer to “When I was a child, I ......to school everyday instead going by cycle.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 34 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Farida sings very well and ...... does salim.
Correct Answer: Option D — so
Detailed Academic Explanation:
so is the correct answer to “Farida sings very well and ...... does salim.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 35 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
The old Nature versus ...... debate regarding crime continues even today.
Correct Answer: Option A — Man
Detailed Academic Explanation:
Man is the correct answer to “The old Nature versus ...... debate regarding crime continues even today.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 36 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Her parents will never give their ...... to so much an unsuitable match.
Correct Answer: Option B — consent
Detailed Academic Explanation:
consent is the correct answer to “Her parents will never give their ...... to so much an unsuitable match.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 37 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
He tried to ...... himself against a horde of ruffians.
Correct Answer: Option D — defend
Detailed Academic Explanation:
defend is the correct answer to “He tried to ...... himself against a horde of ruffians.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 38 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
According to corporate circles data is pushing through the merger to create financially ...... company in the processed foods business, the group's thrust area for the 1990's
Correct Answer: Option B — powerful
Detailed Academic Explanation:
powerful is the correct answer to “According to corporate circles data is pushing through the merger to create financially ...... company in the processed foods business, the group's thrust area for the 1990's”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 39 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Indeed, all over the world, more and more people are ...... coffee.
Correct Answer: Option B — drinking
Detailed Academic Explanation:
drinking is the correct answer to “Indeed, all over the world, more and more people are ...... coffee.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
Question 40 of 40
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
★ PPSC
★ FPSC
Like any other country India has its ...... share of superstitions.
Correct Answer: Option C — fair
Detailed Academic Explanation:
fair is the correct answer to “Like any other country India has its ...... share of superstitions.”. This question is standard in competitive examination syllabi for Selecting Words.
💡Key Conceptual Anchor:Selecting Words
✓Link copied to clipboard
Continue Your Practice
Antonyms — Part 1
Master the next curriculum module with 40 exam-standard MCQs.
💡Examiner's Advisory for English Language & Comprehension
In competitive commission exams (FPSC, PPSC, KPPSC, SPSC, CSS, PMS), questions are frequently phrased with distractor options designed to catch rote learners. Whenever you answer an MCQ, read the Detailed Academic Explanation and Conceptual Anchor to understand why the remaining options are incorrect.