IBPS Clerk Prelims English Quiz
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Directions
(1-5): Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow
accordingly. Some of the words have given in bold.
(1-5): Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow
accordingly. Some of the words have given in bold.
The
Dust Bowl, considered one of the greatest man-made ecological disasters, was a
period of severe dust storms that lasted nearly a decade, starting 1931, and
engulfed large parts of the US. The dust storms originated in the Great
Plains—from states like Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas. They
were so severe that they choked everything
and blocked out the sun for days. Sometimes, the storms travelled thousands of
kilometers and blotted out monuments
such as the Statue of Liberty. Citizens developed “dust pneumonia” and
experienced chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The storms damaged the soil
in around 100 million acres of land, leading to the greatest short-time
migration in the American history, with approximately 3.5 million people
abandoning their farms and fields.
Dust Bowl, considered one of the greatest man-made ecological disasters, was a
period of severe dust storms that lasted nearly a decade, starting 1931, and
engulfed large parts of the US. The dust storms originated in the Great
Plains—from states like Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas. They
were so severe that they choked everything
and blocked out the sun for days. Sometimes, the storms travelled thousands of
kilometers and blotted out monuments
such as the Statue of Liberty. Citizens developed “dust pneumonia” and
experienced chest pain and difficulty in breathing. The storms damaged the soil
in around 100 million acres of land, leading to the greatest short-time
migration in the American history, with approximately 3.5 million people
abandoning their farms and fields.
Dust
storms are an annual weather pattern in the northern region of India comprising
Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and Punjab, as also in the
Sindh region of Pakistan. But, they are normally low in intensity and accompanied by rains. In fact, people welcome dust
storms as they bring down temperatures and herald the arrival of the monsoons. But, the dust storms that have hit India
since February this year have been quantitatively and qualitatively different
from those in the past. They are high-powered storms travelling long distances
and destroying properties and agricultural fields. Since February, they have
affected as many as 16 states and killed more than 500 people. Cities like
Delhi were choked in dust for days, with air quality level reaching the
“severe” category on most days.
storms are an annual weather pattern in the northern region of India comprising
Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and Punjab, as also in the
Sindh region of Pakistan. But, they are normally low in intensity and accompanied by rains. In fact, people welcome dust
storms as they bring down temperatures and herald the arrival of the monsoons. But, the dust storms that have hit India
since February this year have been quantitatively and qualitatively different
from those in the past. They are high-powered storms travelling long distances
and destroying properties and agricultural fields. Since February, they have
affected as many as 16 states and killed more than 500 people. Cities like
Delhi were choked in dust for days, with air quality level reaching the
“severe” category on most days.
The
Dust Bowl areas of the Great Plains are largely arid and semi-arid and prone to
extended periods of drought. The US federal government encouraged settlement
and development of large-scale agriculture by giving large parcels of
grasslands to settlers. Waves of European settlers arrived at the beginning of
the 20th century and converted grasslands into agricultural fields. At the same
time, technological improvements allowed rapid mechanization of farm equipment,
especially tractors and combined harvesters, which made it possible to operate
larger parcels of land.
Dust Bowl areas of the Great Plains are largely arid and semi-arid and prone to
extended periods of drought. The US federal government encouraged settlement
and development of large-scale agriculture by giving large parcels of
grasslands to settlers. Waves of European settlers arrived at the beginning of
the 20th century and converted grasslands into agricultural fields. At the same
time, technological improvements allowed rapid mechanization of farm equipment,
especially tractors and combined harvesters, which made it possible to operate
larger parcels of land.
For
the next two decades, agricultural land grew manifold and farmers undertook
extensive deep ploughing of the topsoil with the help of tractors to plant
crops like wheat. This displaced the native, deep-rooted grasses that trapped
soil and moisture even during dry periods and high winds. Then, the drought
struck. Successive waves of drought,
which started in 1930 and ended in 1939, turned the Great Plains into bone-dry
land. As the soil was already loose due to extensive ploughing, high winds turned
them to dust and blew them away in huge clouds. Does this sound familiar? The
dust storm regions of India and Pakistan too are largely arid and semi-arid.
But they are at a lower altitude and hence less windy compared to the Great
Plains. Over the last 50 years, chemical- and water-intensive agriculture has
replaced the traditional low-input agriculture. Canal irrigation has been
overtaken by the groundwater irrigation. In addition, mechanized agriculture
has led to deeper ploughing, loosening more and more topsoil. The result has
been devastating for the soil and groundwater. In most of these areas, the soil
has been depleted and groundwater levels have fallen precipitously. On top of
the man-made ecological destruction, the natural climatic cycle along with
climate change is affecting the weather pattern of this region.
the next two decades, agricultural land grew manifold and farmers undertook
extensive deep ploughing of the topsoil with the help of tractors to plant
crops like wheat. This displaced the native, deep-rooted grasses that trapped
soil and moisture even during dry periods and high winds. Then, the drought
struck. Successive waves of drought,
which started in 1930 and ended in 1939, turned the Great Plains into bone-dry
land. As the soil was already loose due to extensive ploughing, high winds turned
them to dust and blew them away in huge clouds. Does this sound familiar? The
dust storm regions of India and Pakistan too are largely arid and semi-arid.
But they are at a lower altitude and hence less windy compared to the Great
Plains. Over the last 50 years, chemical- and water-intensive agriculture has
replaced the traditional low-input agriculture. Canal irrigation has been
overtaken by the groundwater irrigation. In addition, mechanized agriculture
has led to deeper ploughing, loosening more and more topsoil. The result has
been devastating for the soil and groundwater. In most of these areas, the soil
has been depleted and groundwater levels have fallen precipitously. On top of
the man-made ecological destruction, the natural climatic cycle along with
climate change is affecting the weather pattern of this region.
First,
this area too is prone to prolonged
drought. In fact, large parts of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and western UP have
experienced mildly dry to extremely dry conditions in the last six years. The
Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which specifies the level of dryness or
excess rains in an area, of large parts of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi has been
negative since 2012. Rajasthan, on the other hand shows a positive SPI or excess
rainfall. Second, this area is experiencing increasing temperatures. In fact,
there seems to be a strong correlation between the dust storms and the rapid
increase in temperature. Maximum temperatures across northern and western India
have been far higher than normal since April this year. Last, climate change is
affecting the pattern of Western Disturbances (WDs), leading to stronger winds
and stronger storms. WDs are storms originating in the Mediterranean region
that bring winter rain to northwestern India. But because of the warming of the
Arctic and the Tibetan Plateau, indications are that the WDs are becoming
unseasonal, frequent and stronger.
this area too is prone to prolonged
drought. In fact, large parts of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and western UP have
experienced mildly dry to extremely dry conditions in the last six years. The
Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which specifies the level of dryness or
excess rains in an area, of large parts of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi has been
negative since 2012. Rajasthan, on the other hand shows a positive SPI or excess
rainfall. Second, this area is experiencing increasing temperatures. In fact,
there seems to be a strong correlation between the dust storms and the rapid
increase in temperature. Maximum temperatures across northern and western India
have been far higher than normal since April this year. Last, climate change is
affecting the pattern of Western Disturbances (WDs), leading to stronger winds
and stronger storms. WDs are storms originating in the Mediterranean region
that bring winter rain to northwestern India. But because of the warming of the
Arctic and the Tibetan Plateau, indications are that the WDs are becoming
unseasonal, frequent and stronger.
The
Dust Bowl led the US government to initiate a large-scale land-management and
soil-conservation programme. Large-scale shelterbelt plantations, contour
ploughing, conservation agriculture and establishment of conservation areas to
keep millions of acres as grassland, helped halt wind erosion and dust storms.
It is time India too recognizes its own Dust Bowl and initiates a large-scale
ecological restoration programme to halt it. Else, we will see more intense
dust storms, and a choked Delhi would be a permanent feature.
Dust Bowl led the US government to initiate a large-scale land-management and
soil-conservation programme. Large-scale shelterbelt plantations, contour
ploughing, conservation agriculture and establishment of conservation areas to
keep millions of acres as grassland, helped halt wind erosion and dust storms.
It is time India too recognizes its own Dust Bowl and initiates a large-scale
ecological restoration programme to halt it. Else, we will see more intense
dust storms, and a choked Delhi would be a permanent feature.
Q1.Which
of the following statement is definitely false?
of the following statement is definitely false?
(a)
The storms damaged
the soil in around 100 million acres of land, leading to the greatest
short-time migration in the American history.
The storms damaged
the soil in around 100 million acres of land, leading to the greatest
short-time migration in the American history.
(b)
Over the last 50
years, traditional –low-input agriculture has replaced the chemical and water
intensive agriculture.
Over the last 50
years, traditional –low-input agriculture has replaced the chemical and water
intensive agriculture.
(c)
Citizens developed
“dust pneumonia” and experienced chest pain and difficulty in breathing due to
the Dust Bowl.
Citizens developed
“dust pneumonia” and experienced chest pain and difficulty in breathing due to
the Dust Bowl.
(d)
WDs are storms
originating in the Mediterranean region that bring winter rain to northwestern
India.
WDs are storms
originating in the Mediterranean region that bring winter rain to northwestern
India.
(e)People
welcome dust storms as they bring down temperatures and herald the arrival of
the monsoons.
welcome dust storms as they bring down temperatures and herald the arrival of
the monsoons.
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Q2.What
is/are the factor/s turning large parts of India into a Dust Bowl?
is/are the factor/s turning large parts of India into a Dust Bowl?
(a)Rising
temperatures
temperatures
(b)Changing
weather patterns
weather patterns
(c)Depleting
groundwater
groundwater
(d)Unsustainable
agriculture and deforestation
agriculture and deforestation
(e)
All of these.
All of these.
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Q3.What
is the difference between dust storm regions of India and Great Plains of US?
is the difference between dust storm regions of India and Great Plains of US?
(a)The
regions of India are less windy.
regions of India are less windy.
(b)Dust
storm regions of India are at lower altitude than that of US.
storm regions of India are at lower altitude than that of US.
(c)Dust
storm regions in India are more intense than the ones in US.
storm regions in India are more intense than the ones in US.
(d)
Both (a) and (b).
Both (a) and (b).
(e)
Both (b) and (c).
Both (b) and (c).
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Q4.What
is the main reason that has led to the devastation of soil and depletion of
groundwater?
is the main reason that has led to the devastation of soil and depletion of
groundwater?
(a)High
powered storms travelling short distances.
powered storms travelling short distances.
(b)
Deeper ploughing of soil and increased rate of using ground water source over
canal water system.
Deeper ploughing of soil and increased rate of using ground water source over
canal water system.
(c)
Because parts of Indo-Gangetic Plains were getting engulfed in a thick cloud of
dust last week.
Because parts of Indo-Gangetic Plains were getting engulfed in a thick cloud of
dust last week.
(d)
WDs are becoming
unseasonal, frequent and stronger.
WDs are becoming
unseasonal, frequent and stronger.
(e)
None of these.
None of these.
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Q5.What
does SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index) indicate?
does SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index) indicate?
(a)
Indicates the intensity of precipitation.
Indicates the intensity of precipitation.
(b)
Captures the effect of increased temperatures.
Captures the effect of increased temperatures.
(c)
Computes the amount of moisture in the air.
Computes the amount of moisture in the air.
(d)
Determines the air quality level.
Determines the air quality level.
(e)
Specifies the level of dryness or excess rains in an area.
Specifies the level of dryness or excess rains in an area.
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
Directions (6-8): Choose
the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold
as used in the passage.
the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold
as used in the passage.
Q6.Intensity
(a)Strength
(b)Surrender
(c)Dried
(d)Deserted
(e)Moderation
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Synonym
Synonym
Q7.Choked
(a)Unclogged
(b)Freed
(c)Obstructed
(d)Accomplished
(e)Unblocked
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Synonym
Synonym
Q8.
Arrival
Arrival
(a)
Approach
Approach
(b)Enhance
(c)Moisten
(d)Absorb
(e)Alter
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Synonym
Synonym
Directions (9-10): Choose
the word which is the OPPOSITE in meaning as the word printed in bold as used
in the passage.
the word which is the OPPOSITE in meaning as the word printed in bold as used
in the passage.
Q9.Successive
(a)Continuous
(b)Signal
(c)Announce
(d)Sequential
(e)Interrupted
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Antonym
Antonym
Q10.Prolonged
(a)Elongated
(b)Momentary
(c)Sustained
(d)Tedious
(e)Constant
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Antonym
Antonym
Directions (11-15):
Given below are a set of phrasal verbs and their meanings. Choose the option
that best describes the meaning of the phrasal verb given in bold in the
statements below.
Given below are a set of phrasal verbs and their meanings. Choose the option
that best describes the meaning of the phrasal verb given in bold in the
statements below.
Q11.
When I suggested it, he promptly rattled
off a dozen reasons that it wouldn’t work.
When I suggested it, he promptly rattled
off a dozen reasons that it wouldn’t work.
(a)Ignored
(b)Recite
quickly
quickly
(c)Cited
(d)Dismissed
(e)Recognized
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Idioms and phrases
Idioms and phrases
Q12.George
said, “Come on, Tim, you’d better own up
that you lost the car keys.”
said, “Come on, Tim, you’d better own up
that you lost the car keys.”
(a)Forget
(b)Claim
(c)Confess
(d)Deprecate
(e)Transfer
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Idioms and phrases
Idioms and phrases
Q13.I
promised I wouldn’t let on her about
new job.
promised I wouldn’t let on her about
new job.
(a)
Explain
Explain
(b)Suppress
(c)Adjoin
(d)Humiliate
(e)Reveal
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Idioms and phrases
Idioms and phrases
Q14.
The issue really boils down to
whether customers will be willing to pay more for the same product or not.
The issue really boils down to
whether customers will be willing to pay more for the same product or not.
(a)Protects
(b)Develops
(c)Elaborates
(d)Summarizes
(e)Extracts
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Idioms and phrases
Idioms and phrases
Q15.
For 2019, My resolution is to find a better work/life balance. I love my job
but I really felt burnt out by the
end of the year.
For 2019, My resolution is to find a better work/life balance. I love my job
but I really felt burnt out by the
end of the year.
(a)
Tired
Tired
(b)
Jumpy
Jumpy
(c)
Influential
Influential
(d)
Active
Active
(e)
Anxious
Anxious
L1Difficulty
2
2
QTags
Idioms and phrases
Idioms and phrases
SOLUTION:
S1.Ans.
(b)
(b)
Sol.
The reverse of the given statement is true. Refer to the fourth paragraph,
eighth line, it is mentioned that over the last 50 years, chemical- and
water-intensive agriculture has replaced the traditional low-input agriculture.
Hence it is a false statement. Rest all the statements hold true.
The reverse of the given statement is true. Refer to the fourth paragraph,
eighth line, it is mentioned that over the last 50 years, chemical- and
water-intensive agriculture has replaced the traditional low-input agriculture.
Hence it is a false statement. Rest all the statements hold true.
S2.Ans.
(e)
(e)
Sol.
All of the above mentioned options hold true and are deducted from whole of the
passage. The conditions of change in rising temperatures and unsustainable
agriculture and deforestation are illustrated in the second last paragraph of
the passage.” Canal irrigation has been overtaken by the groundwater
irrigation. In addition, mechanized agriculture has led to deeper ploughing,
loosening more and more topsoil. The result has been devastating for the soil
and groundwater”. This is mentioned in the fourth paragraph and proves the
point of depleting groundwater. Hence (e) is the correct option.
All of the above mentioned options hold true and are deducted from whole of the
passage. The conditions of change in rising temperatures and unsustainable
agriculture and deforestation are illustrated in the second last paragraph of
the passage.” Canal irrigation has been overtaken by the groundwater
irrigation. In addition, mechanized agriculture has led to deeper ploughing,
loosening more and more topsoil. The result has been devastating for the soil
and groundwater”. This is mentioned in the fourth paragraph and proves the
point of depleting groundwater. Hence (e) is the correct option.
S3.Ans.
(d)
(d)
Sol.
The answer is illustrated in the fourth paragraph of the passage where the
author has mentioned that the dust storm regions of India too are largely arid
and semi-arid. But they are at a lower altitude and hence less windy compared
to the Great Plains of US. “Over the last 50 years, chemical- and
water-intensive agriculture has replaced the traditional low-input agriculture.
Canal irrigation has been overtaken by the groundwater irrigation.”
The answer is illustrated in the fourth paragraph of the passage where the
author has mentioned that the dust storm regions of India too are largely arid
and semi-arid. But they are at a lower altitude and hence less windy compared
to the Great Plains of US. “Over the last 50 years, chemical- and
water-intensive agriculture has replaced the traditional low-input agriculture.
Canal irrigation has been overtaken by the groundwater irrigation.”
S4.Ans.
(b)
(b)
Sol.
Refer to the fourth paragraph, last fifth line where it is mentioned that
mechanized agriculture has led to deeper ploughing, loosening more and more
topsoil. The result has been devastating for the soil and groundwater. In most
of these areas, the soil has been depleted and groundwater levels have fallen
precipitously. Hence option (b) is the right choice.
Refer to the fourth paragraph, last fifth line where it is mentioned that
mechanized agriculture has led to deeper ploughing, loosening more and more
topsoil. The result has been devastating for the soil and groundwater. In most
of these areas, the soil has been depleted and groundwater levels have fallen
precipitously. Hence option (b) is the right choice.
S5.Ans.
(e)
(e)
Sol.
In the last paragraph of the passage the details of the Standardized Precipitation
Index (SPI) have been given which specify the level of dryness or excess rains
in an area. These have been negative in the large parts of Punjab, Delhi,
Haryana since 2012. Rajasthan, on the other hand shows a positive SPI or excess
rainfall. Thus large parts of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and western UP have
experienced mildly dry to extremely dry conditions in the last six years.
In the last paragraph of the passage the details of the Standardized Precipitation
Index (SPI) have been given which specify the level of dryness or excess rains
in an area. These have been negative in the large parts of Punjab, Delhi,
Haryana since 2012. Rajasthan, on the other hand shows a positive SPI or excess
rainfall. Thus large parts of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and western UP have
experienced mildly dry to extremely dry conditions in the last six years.
S6.Ans.
(a)
(a)
Sol.
Intensity means of extreme force,
degree, or strength.
Intensity means of extreme force,
degree, or strength.
Strength the capacity of an
object or substance to withstand great force or pressure
object or substance to withstand great force or pressure
Hence
(a) is the most appropriate answer.
(a) is the most appropriate answer.
Deserted means empty of people.
Moderation the avoidance of excess
or extremes, especially in one’s behaviour or political opinions.
or extremes, especially in one’s behaviour or political opinions.
S7.Ans.
(c)
(c)
Sol.
Option (c) is the correct choice. Choked
means fill (a space) so as to make movement difficult or impossible.
Option (c) is the correct choice. Choked
means fill (a space) so as to make movement difficult or impossible.
Obstructed means be or get in the
way of.
way of.
Unclogged means remove
accumulated matter from (a drain or other channel).
accumulated matter from (a drain or other channel).
Accomplished means highly trained or
skilled in a particular activity
skilled in a particular activity
S8.Ans.
(a)
(a)
Sol.
Arrival means the action or process
of arriving.
Arrival means the action or process
of arriving.
Approach means come near or
nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time.
nearer to (someone or something) in distance or time.
Enhanced means intensified.
Moistened means soaked.
Altered means modified.
S9.Ans.
(e)
(e)
Sol.
The correct choice is (e).
The correct choice is (e).
Successive
means following one another or following others.
means following one another or following others.
Interrupted
means stop the continuous progress of (an activity or process).
means stop the continuous progress of (an activity or process).
Sequential
means forming or following in a logical order or sequence
means forming or following in a logical order or sequence
S10.Ans.
(b)
(b)
Sol.
Prolonged means continuing for a long time or longer than usual; lengthy.
Prolonged means continuing for a long time or longer than usual; lengthy.
Momentary
means lasting for a very short time.
means lasting for a very short time.
Sustained
means continuing for an extended period or without interruption
means continuing for an extended period or without interruption
S11.Ans.
(b)
(b)
Sol.
Option (b) is the right choice. Rattled off is an idiom which means listed or
recited quickly. For example, The treasurer rattled off the list of all those
who had not paid their dues.
Option (b) is the right choice. Rattled off is an idiom which means listed or
recited quickly. For example, The treasurer rattled off the list of all those
who had not paid their dues.
Cited
means quoted.
means quoted.
Recognized
means identify (someone or something) from having encountered them before; know
again.
means identify (someone or something) from having encountered them before; know
again.
S12.Ans.
(c)
(c)
Sol.
Own up is a phrasal verb which means to confess. This idiom uses the verb own
in the sense of “acknowledge.”
Own up is a phrasal verb which means to confess. This idiom uses the verb own
in the sense of “acknowledge.”
Claim
means state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing
evidence or proof.
means state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing
evidence or proof.
Deprecate
means to regret deeply.
means to regret deeply.
S13.Ans.
(e)
(e)
Sol.
Let on means reveal information.
Let on means reveal information.
Suppress
means forcibly put an end to.
means forcibly put an end to.
Humiliate
means make (someone) feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and
pride.
means make (someone) feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and
pride.
S14.Ans.
(d)
(d)
Sol.
The phrase ‘boils down to’ means to reduce or simplify (something) to the most
basic, essential, or fundamental element(s).Or to be summarized as. For example
, “Your essay is far too long. Please try to cut out any superfluous text and
boil it down to about 10 pages .”Hence option (d) is the answer.
The phrase ‘boils down to’ means to reduce or simplify (something) to the most
basic, essential, or fundamental element(s).Or to be summarized as. For example
, “Your essay is far too long. Please try to cut out any superfluous text and
boil it down to about 10 pages .”Hence option (d) is the answer.
Protracts
means prolong.
means prolong.
Elaborates
means involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and
complicated in design and planning.
means involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and
complicated in design and planning.
Extracts
means remove or take out, especially by effort or force.
means remove or take out, especially by effort or force.
S15.Ans.
(a)
(a)
Sol.
Option (a) is the right choice. Here burnt out by the end of the year means to
become exhausted from overwork.
Option (a) is the right choice. Here burnt out by the end of the year means to
become exhausted from overwork.
Tired
means in
need of sleep or rest; weary.
means in
need of sleep or rest; weary.
Jumpy
means anxious and uneasy.
means anxious and uneasy.
Influential
means having great influence on someone or something.
means having great influence on someone or something.
Anxious
means feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an
uncertain outcome.
means feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an
uncertain outcome.
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