fill in the blanks mcq for competitive exams
- The agricultural power supplies were ________ to six hours a day and largely to late nights.
A. Limited
B. Rectified
C. Subscribed
D. Abolished
E. None of the above
Correct answer: A. Limited
The sentence is:
The agricultural power supplies were ________ to six hours a day and largely to late nights.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with a verb in the past participle form that means to restrict or confine within limits. The sentence describes agricultural power supplies being restricted to a specific duration (six hours) and time (late nights).
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence states that power supplies for agriculture were restricted to a certain number of hours and specific times. The word should mean “restricted” or “confined.”
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Limited – This means restricted within certain boundaries or to a small amount. It fits perfectly because the power supply was confined to six hours and late nights.
• Rectified – This means corrected or put right. It does not describe restriction.
• Subscribed – This means agreed to or signed up for. It does not fit the context of restriction.
• Abolished – This means officially ended or eliminated. It would mean no power supply at all, which contradicts the mention of six hours.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… power supplies were limited to six hours a day…
“Limited” is in the past participle form and correctly follows “were.”
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness: The sentence describes a restriction placed on power supplies, specifically reducing them to “six hours a day and largely to late nights.” “Limited” means restricted in size, amount, or extent. This perfectly captures the meaning of reducing the availability of power supplies. The context suggests a reduction or constraint, not an improvement or complete cessation.
- But the fear of a depleting water table should not be a ________ for shunning the solar pump scheme.
A. Brilliance
B. Right
C. Reason
D. Composure
E. None of the above
Correct answer: C. Reason
The sentence is:
But the fear of a depleting water table should not be a ________ for shunning the solar pump scheme.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with a noun that means a justification or cause for doing something. The sentence says that fear of a depleting water table should not be used as a justification to reject the solar pump scheme.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence argues that one concern (depleting water table) should not be used as a valid cause to abandon the scheme. The word should mean “justification” or “basis.”
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Reason – This means a cause, explanation, or justification. It fits perfectly because the sentence says the fear should not be a justification for shunning the scheme.
• Brilliance – This means exceptional intelligence or brightness. It does not fit the context.
• Right – This means a moral or legal entitlement. It does not mean justification for an action.
• Composure – This means calmness or self-control. It is unrelated.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… should not be a reason for shunning the solar pump scheme.
“Reason” is a noun and correctly completes the phrase “a reason for.”
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness: The sentence structure implies that the fear should not be a justification or basis for avoiding the solar pump scheme. “Reason” means a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event. This perfectly fits the meaning that the fear should not serve as the basis for shunning the scheme.
- This is because of high procurement costs under the scheme ________ run by the state government.
A. Presently
B. Rationally
C. Terminally
D. Warily
E. None of the above
Correct answer: A. Presently
The sentence is:
This is because of high procurement costs under the scheme ________ run by the state government.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with an adverb that describes the time frame of the scheme’s operation. The sentence refers to a scheme that is currently being run by the state government.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence explains the reason for something (high procurement costs) under a scheme. The word should indicate that the scheme is currently in operation. “Presently” means “currently” or “at the present time,” which fits perfectly.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Presently – This means at the current time or now. It fits perfectly because the scheme is being run by the state government at present.
• Rationally – This means in a logical or reasonable manner. It does not fit the context of time.
• Terminally – This means in a fatal or final way. It is unrelated.
• Warily – This means cautiously or carefully. It does not fit the context of time.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… under the scheme presently run by the state government.
“Presently” is an adverb modifying the verb phrase “run by.”
Grammar Rules:
• Adverb of Time: The sentence refers to a scheme that is currently being run by the state government, and explains a reason (“high procurement costs”) related to its current operation. “Presently” means at the present time; now. It is the most appropriate adverb to indicate that the scheme is currently in operation.
- Urging the officials to be ________ in tackling the flood situation, he said the communication networks play a major role during the time of crisis.
A. Predictive
B. Proactive
C. Detrimental
D. Curious
E. None of the above
Correct answer: B. Proactive
The sentence is:
Urging the officials to be ________ in tackling the flood situation, he said the communication networks play a major role during the time of crisis.
Role of the missing word:
The blank must be filled with an adjective that describes the kind of behavior expected from officials in dealing with the flood situation. The word should mean taking initiative and acting in advance to prevent or manage problems.
Context and logical consistency:
The sentence urges officials to take action before or during the crisis. The word should indicate that officials should be forward-looking, prepared, and active in their response. “Proactive” means taking action by causing change, not just reacting to it.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Proactive – This means taking control by causing something to happen rather than just responding. It fits perfectly because officials are being urged to actively tackle the flood situation.
• Predictive – This means forecasting or foretelling. While related to planning, it does not carry the sense of active response.
• Detrimental – This means harmful or damaging. It is the opposite of what is needed.
• Curious – This means eager to know or learn. It is unrelated to crisis management.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
Urging the officials to be proactive in tackling the flood situation…
“Proactive” is an adjective that follows “be” and is modified by the prepositional phrase “in tackling.”
Grammar Rules:
• Contextual Appropriateness: The sentence describes officials needing to effectively handle a flood situation, emphasizing the importance of communication networks during a crisis. “Proactive” means creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened. This perfectly fits the need for officials to take initiative and act decisively in a flood situation, especially when communication is key.
- A patient has the right to know all the rates charged for specific services in a hospital, hospitals should boldly ______ the cost of procedures in local and English language and patients should pay the fees agreed upon and never _______ to violence.
Column 1-(A) Disturb, (B) Display, (C) Draft
Column 2-(D) Resort, (E) Function, (F) Terminate
A. A-F, B-D
B. C-D, B-F
C. B-D
D. A-E
E. None of the above
Correct answer: C. B-D
The sentence is:
A patient has the right to know all the rates charged for specific services in a hospital, hospitals should boldly ______ the cost of procedures in local and English language and patients should pay the fees agreed upon and never _______ to violence.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a verb that means to show or make known. The second blank must be filled with a verb that means to turn to or use as a final option.
Context and logical consistency:
The first part says hospitals should boldly make the costs known, so the correct word is “display.” The second part says patients should never use violence as an option, so the correct word is “resort to.”
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Display – This means to show or make visible. It fits perfectly because hospitals should show the cost of procedures.
• Resort – This means to turn to or use something, usually as a last option. “Resort to violence” is a fixed phrase meaning to use violence as a way to achieve something.
• Disturb – Means to interrupt or interfere, not relevant.
• Draft – Means to prepare a preliminary version, not relevant.
• Function – Means to work or operate, not relevant.
• Terminate – Means to end, not relevant.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… hospitals should boldly display the cost of procedures… and patients should never resort to violence.
“Display” is a verb taking the object “the cost,” and “resort to” is a phrasal verb.
Grammar Rules:
• Verb Precision and Context (First Blank): The sentence states that hospitals should make the cost of procedures known in the local and English languages. The verb “display” (B) means to put something in a prominent place so that it can be seen. This perfectly fits the action of making costs clearly visible and accessible to patients.
• Idiomatic Phrase (Second Blank): The phrase “resort to violence” is a common idiom meaning to turn to violence as a last option or as a means of solving a problem, especially when other methods have failed or are not being used. The sentence advocates against this action, making “resort” (D) the appropriate verb.
- Taking a cue from these complaints, the National Human Rights Commission had ______ a draft of the patients’ rights charter with the Ministry and it was ______ at the 11th meeting of the National Council of Clinical Establishments.
Column 1-(A) Shared, (B) Attracted, (C) Determined
Column 2-(D) Earned, (E) Discussed, (F) Enquired
A. B-D and C-E
B. A-E and B-D
C. B-F
D. A-E
E. C-D
Correct answer: D. A-E
The sentence is:
Taking a cue from these complaints, the National Human Rights Commission had ______ a draft of the patients’ rights charter with the Ministry and it was ______ at the 11th meeting of the National Council of Clinical Establishments.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a verb in the past participle form that means to give or communicate information to someone. The second blank must be filled with a verb in the past participle form that means to talk about or examine a topic in a formal meeting.
Context and logical consistency:
The first part says the Commission gave a draft to the Ministry, so the correct word is “shared.” The second part says the draft was talked about at a meeting, so the correct word is “discussed.”
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Shared – This means to give a portion of something to others or to communicate information. It fits perfectly because the Commission gave the draft to the Ministry.
• Discussed – This means to talk about something in detail, especially in a formal setting. It fits perfectly because the draft was talked about at the meeting.
• Attracted – Means to draw interest or attention, not fitting for sharing a document.
• Determined – Means to find out or decide, not fitting for sharing.
• Earned – Means to gain through effort, not fitting for a meeting discussion.
• Enquired – Means to ask for information, not fitting for a meeting discussion.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… had shared a draft… and it was discussed at the 11th meeting…
“Shared” is in the past participle form following “had,” and “discussed” is in the past participle form following “was.”
Grammar Rules:
• Verb Precision and Context (First Blank): The phrase “had ______ a draft… with the Ministry” implies that the NHRC conveyed or provided the draft to the Ministry. “Shared” (A) means to give a portion of something to another or others, or to allow others to use, enjoy, or have something. This fits the action of submitting a draft to a ministry for consideration.
• Verb Precision and Context (Second Blank): The phrase “it was ______ at the 11th meeting” implies what happened to the draft during the meeting. “Discussed” (E) means to talk about (something) with another person or people. A draft of a charter would be the subject of discussion at a meeting.
- IIT-Bombay has been ______ India’s best university for the second year in a row, ______ a global ranking of 152 in the QS World University Rankings for 2020.
Column 1-(A) Ranked, (B) Rated, (C) Characterized
Column 2-(D) Gaining, (E) Achieving, (F) Tracking
A. B-F and C-D
B. A-E and B-D
C. A-E, B-F, C-D
D. A-F
E. None of the above
Correct answer: B. A-E and B-D
The sentence is:
IIT-Bombay has been ______ India’s best university for the second year in a row, ______ a global ranking of 152 in the QS World University Rankings for 2020.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a verb in the past participle form that means to assign a position or evaluation. The second blank must be filled with a verb in the present participle form that means to obtain or secure a particular rank.
Context and logical consistency:
The first part says IIT-Bombay has been given a position as India’s best university, so the correct words are “ranked” or “rated.” The second part says it obtained a global ranking of 152, so the correct words are “gaining” or “achieving.”
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Ranked – Means to place in a position or order. Fits “has been ranked India’s best university.”
• Rated – Means to evaluate or assign a rating. Also fits “has been rated India’s best university.”
• Characterized – Means to describe the distinctive nature of something. Does not fit the idea of being placed in a rank.
• Gaining – Means to obtain or acquire. Fits “gaining a global ranking of 152.”
• Achieving – Means to successfully reach a goal. Fits “achieving a global ranking of 152.”
• Tracking – Means to follow the course or trail of something. Does not fit the idea of obtaining a rank.
Grammar structure of the completed sentences:
• IIT-Bombay has been ranked India’s best university… achieving a global ranking of 152.
• IIT-Bombay has been rated India’s best university… gaining a global ranking of 152.
Both structures are grammatically correct and logically consistent.
Grammar Rules:
• Verb Precision and Context (First Blank): In the context of university evaluations and rankings, “Ranked” and “Rated” are both appropriate verbs to describe the process of assessing and positioning institutions. “Ranked” (A) means to assign a rank or position to (something) within a graded professional or competitive series. “Rated” (B) means to assess or regard (something) in a particular way.
• Verb Precision and Context (Second Blank): The phrase relates to the university’s performance in a global ranking. “Achieving” (E) means successfully bringing about or reaching (a desired objective or result) by effort, which fits the context of attaining a specific ranking. “Gaining” (D) implies acquiring something and can also be used for rankings, though “achieving” might be slightly more precise for a specific number. Given the choices, both “Achieving” and “Gaining” are plausible. Option B correctly identifies two sets of plausible options.
- Acute encephalitis syndrome or AES is a basket term used for ______ to various symptoms in children with clinical neurological manifestation that ______ mental confusion, disorientation, convulsion, delirium, or coma.
Column 1-(A) Referring, (B) Editing, (C) Indicating
Column 2-(D) Initiates, (E) States, (F) Includes
A. C-D
B. B-F and C-D
C. A-F
D. A-E and C-D
E. None of the above
Correct answer: C. A-F
The sentence is:
Acute encephalitis syndrome or AES is a basket term used for ______ to various symptoms in children with clinical neurological manifestation that ______ mental confusion, disorientation, convulsion, delirium, or coma.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a verb in the present participle form that means to point to or indicate. The second blank must be filled with a verb that means to contain or list as part of a group.
Context and logical consistency:
The first part says AES is a term used for indicating or referring to various symptoms. The second part says the condition includes specific symptoms like confusion, disorientation, convulsion, delirium, or coma.
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Referring – Means to mention or point to something. Fits “used for referring to various symptoms.”
• Indicating – Means to show or point out. Also fits but is not part of the correct combination.
• Editing – Means to prepare or modify text. Does not fit.
• Includes – Means to contain as part of a whole. Fits “that includes mental confusion, disorientation…”
• Initiates – Means to start or begin. Does not fit because the sentence lists symptoms, not causes.
• States – Means to express in words. Does not fit because the sentence lists symptoms, not declarations.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
Acute encephalitis syndrome or AES is a basket term used for referring to various symptoms in children with clinical neurological manifestation that includes mental confusion, disorientation, convulsion, delirium, or coma.
“Referring” is a present participle following “used for,” and “includes” is a verb agreeing with the singular subject “manifestation.”
Grammar Rules:
• Fixed Phrase: The phrase “referring to” is used to show what something relates to or is about. A “basket term” is a broad category that encompasses various related items or concepts, and it’s used for referring to those items.
• Verb Precision and Context: The second blank describes what is present within the neurological manifestation. “Includes” (F) means to have or contain (something) as part of a whole. The listed symptoms (mental confusion, disorientation, etc.) are components or characteristics of the clinical neurological manifestation.
- Litchi does not ______ any harm in well-nourished children, but only in undernourished children who had eaten litchi fruit the previous day and had gone to bed with ______ stomach.
Column 1-(A) Cause, (B) Induce, (C) Excite
Column 2-(D) Empty, (E) Urgent, (F) Vacant
A. A-E and C-D
B. A-F and B-D
C. C-D
D. A-E
E. B-F
Correct answer: B. A-F and B-D
The sentence is:
Litchi does not ______ any harm in well-nourished children, but only in undernourished children who had eaten litchi fruit the previous day and had gone to bed with ______ stomach.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a verb that means to bring about or produce a harmful effect. The second blank must be filled with an adjective that describes a stomach with no food.
Context and logical consistency:
The first part says litchi does not produce harm in well-nourished children, so the correct word is “cause” or “induce.” The second part says children went to bed with no food, so the correct word is “empty” or “vacant.”
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Cause – Means to make something happen. Fits “does not cause any harm.”
• Induce – Means to bring about or produce. Also fits “does not induce any harm.”
• Excite – Means to stimulate or arouse. Does not fit the context of harm.
• Empty – Means containing nothing. Fits “with empty stomach.”
• Vacant – Means unoccupied or empty. Also fits “with vacant stomach” in the sense of no food.
• Urgent – Means requiring immediate attention. Does not fit the context.
Grammar structure of the completed sentences:
Litchi does not cause any harm… with empty stomach.
Litchi does not induce any harm… with vacant stomach.
Both structures are grammatically correct and logically consistent.
- The protests in Guwahati were the most intense so far and some of the infrastructure being built for the _____ between PM Abe and PM Modi were _____ and burnt by the protesters.
Column 1-(A) summit, (B) precipice, (C) business
Column 2-(D) vanquished, (E) dismantled, (F) elevated
A. A-E
B. B-D
C. C-F
D. A-D
E. A-E and B-D
Correct answer: A. A-E
The sentence is:
The protests in Guwahati were the most intense so far and some of the infrastructure being built for the _____ between PM Abe and PM Modi were _____ and burnt by the protesters.
Role of the missing words:
The first blank must be filled with a noun that refers to a formal meeting or conference between leaders. The second blank must be filled with a verb in the past participle form that means to take apart or destroy.
Context and logical consistency:
The first part refers to a meeting between two Prime Ministers, so the correct word is “summit.” The second part says the infrastructure was torn down and burnt, so the correct word is “dismantled.”
Evaluation of each option based on meaning:
• Summit – Means a meeting between heads of state. Fits perfectly.
• Precipice – Means a steep cliff or dangerous situation. Does not fit.
• Business – Means trade or commerce. Does not fit the context of a bilateral meeting.
• Dismantled – Means taken apart or broken down. Fits perfectly.
• Vanquished – Means defeated. Does not fit infrastructure.
• Elevated – Means raised or lifted. Does not fit.
Grammar structure of the completed sentence:
… infrastructure being built for the summit between PM Abe and PM Modi were dismantled and burnt…
“Summit” is a noun, and “dismantled” is a past participle agreeing with “infrastructure.”