English Language Section Analysis: SBI PO Prelims (August 4, 2025)
Our in-depth analysis of the SBI PO Prelims Exam on August 4, 2025, reveals the English Language section presented a balanced challenge. A significant portion of the paper was dedicated to Reading Comprehension (RC). This RC, along with other question types like Cloze Test , tested candidates’ grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and nuanced comprehension. Successfully navigating this section required not just quick reading but also a deep understanding of the text’s central arguments on sustainable growth and societal well-being. This detailed SBI PO Prelims 2025 exam analysis (SBI Prelims Exam Analysis) offers solved problems that directly address the concepts and question patterns seen in this specific shift.
For those with upcoming SBI PO Prelims exams, pay close attention to the English Language section. The August 4, 2025 shift demonstrated a moderate difficulty. Expect a significant Reading Comprehension (RC) passage; this shift’s RC focused on “National Strength through Human Capital Investment (Education & Healthcare)”, emphasizing how nations diversify economies beyond natural resources. Be prepared for Cloze Test and Error Detection questions, which will heavily test your grammar and contextual understanding. Focus on efficient time management and a solid grasp of core English concepts. Don’t just read the RC, understand its underlying message!
English was the easiest of the three sections, with questions from Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, and Phrase Replacement. There were no surprises in this section, and most candidates found it scoring.SBI PO Prelims English Analysis (Aug 4, 2025): Solved Questions
Topic: Reading Comprehension
Directions (1-8): Read the following passage and answer the given questions.
The strength of a nation is often measured not only by its economic output but by the stability, resilience, and well-being of its people. Economic growth stems from a combination of natural resources, infrastructure, governance, and, most critically, investments in human capital. Countries that prioritize education and healthcare lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.
A glaring truth in today’s global economy is that wealth alone cannot secure sustainable growth. Natural resource-rich nations may enjoy short-term revenue surges, but without strong institutions and a skilled, healthy workforce, such progress risks becoming fragile. Education equips individuals with the skills needed for innovation, adaptability, and competitiveness. Healthcare, in turn, ensures that citizens can contribute productively over the long term, reducing absenteeism and lowering the economic burden of disease.
For example, some resource-dependent nations have taken steps to diversify their economies by ________________ revenue into schools, training centers, hospitals, and public health programs. Angola, in recent years, has made efforts to invest in education and healthcare to reduce its dependency on oil exports. By enhancing human capital, it aims to strengthen productivity and attract investment in sectors beyond its primary industries. While challenges remain, such measures show the potential for transforming short-term gains into lasting national strength.
However, the global economic environment remains uncertain. Trade disruptions, fluctuating commodity prices, and geopolitical tensions can stall development plans, even in countries with ambitious social investment strategies. A grim example is when external shocks force governments to cut back on essential public spending, undermining years of progress in education and health sectors. The capacity to withstand such shocks depends heavily on diversified economies and robust fiscal planning.
National strength, therefore, is not built overnight. It requires consistent policies, transparent governance, and the vision to balance immediate economic needs with long-term development goals. By fostering a population that is educated, healthy, and capable of innovation, nations can ensure resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
In conclusion, economic growth flourishes when it rests on a solid social foundation. Investments in human capital—through education and healthcare—are not only moral imperatives but strategic economic decisions. Whether resource-rich or resource-poor, nations that prioritize these areas strengthen their position in the world and secure prosperity for future generations.
Q16. According to the passage, what is a key limitation of relying solely on natural resource wealth?
(a) It encourages overproduction and causes consistent price hikes in international markets.
(b) It results in the neglect of rural populations who rely on agriculture.
(c) It provides short-term gains but fails to build institutional and human capital strength.
(d) It reduces the need for governance reforms and hinders diplomatic relations.
(e) It ensures that countries focus excessively on education and ignore industrial growth.
Ans (c)
sol 1. The passage clearly states:
“Natural resource-rich nations may enjoy short-term revenue surges, but without strong institutions and a skilled, healthy workforce, such progress risks becoming fragile.”
This directly points to (c) — that resource wealth brings short-term gains but fails to build long-term national strength if not supported by institutional development and human capital investment.
- (a) talks about market prices, which is not mentioned.
- (b) and (d) are unrelated to the context discussed.
- (e) contradicts the passage; it promotes education, not warns against it.
Thus, the correct and most supported answer is: (c)
Also Check – SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, 04 August – All Shift
Q2. Which of the following is a primary benefit of investing in healthcare, as described in the passage?
(a) Reducing population size through better family planning and urban migration.
(b) Ensuring long-term productivity by lowering disease burden and absenteeism.
(c) Increasing competitiveness in manufacturing exports and international tourism.
(d) Redirecting public funding from education to disease surveillance.
(e) Achieving better diplomatic ties through global medical collaborations.
Ans (b)
sol 2. The passage clearly states:
“Healthcare, in turn, ensures that citizens can contribute productively over the long term, reducing absenteeism and lowering the economic burden of disease.”
This directly supports option (b) — the benefit of healthcare lies in boosting productivity and reducing absenteeism, both of which are essential for sustainable economic growth.
- (a) is not mentioned and introduces unrelated demographic aspects.
- (c) is irrelevant to the healthcare context discussed.
- (d) misrepresents the idea; there’s no mention of cutting funds from education.
- (e) adds a diplomatic angle that the passage never touches on.
Thus, the correct answer is: (b)
Bottom of Form
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to national strength as per the passage?
(A) Investment in human capital such as education and healthcare.
(B) Strong governance that ensures consistent and transparent policy-making.
(C) High dependence on a single export-oriented sector for economic growth.
(a) Only A
(b) Both B and C
(c) Only C
(d) Both A and B
(e) All A, B, C
Ans (c)
sol 3. Statement A is mentioned positively: The passage emphasizes that investment in education and healthcare (human capital) is foundational for long-term prosperity.
Statement B is also supported: The passage says that national strength requires “consistent policies, transparent governance.”
Statement C is NOT a contributing factor. In fact, the passage warns against “high dependence on a single export-oriented sector,” stating it leads to fragile progress.
Thus, only C does not contribute to national strength as per the passage.
Q4. Identify the correct statements based on the passage:
(A) Angola has been attempting to reduce dependence on oil by investing in people.
(B) Global uncertainties make social investment in education and health risky and unwise.
(C) Healthcare and education play both moral and economic roles in national development.
(a) Only A
(b) A and C
(c) B and C
(d) A and B
(e) All A, B, C
Ans (b)
sol 4.
- Statement A is correct. The passage says:
“Angola, in recent years, has made efforts to invest in education and healthcare to reduce its dependency on oil exports.”
- Statement B is incorrect. The passage discusses global uncertainties such as trade disruptions and price fluctuations, but it does not claim that social investment is risky or unwise. In fact, it emphasizes that investment in education and healthcare is a strategic, long-term decision.
- Statement C is correct. The concluding paragraph explicitly states:
“Investments in human capital—through education and healthcare—are not only moral imperatives but strategic economic decisions.”
So, only A and C are correct.
Correct answer: (b)
Q5. Choose the most appropriate synonym for the word “glaring” as used in the passage.
(a) Obvious
(b) Hidden
(c) Subtle
(d) Dismissible
(e) Moderate
Ans (a)
sol 5. In the context of the passage, the word “glaring” refers to something that is extremely clear, unmistakable, or difficult to ignore. The phrase “a glaring truth” implies a truth that is undeniably obvious.
- (a) Obvious – Correct. It means something that is clearly visible or easy to understand.
Hindi Meaning: स्पष्ट, ज़ाहिर - (b) Hidden – Incorrect. It means concealed or not visible, which is the opposite of glaring.
- (c) Subtle – Incorrect. It refers to something delicate or not immediately noticeable.
- (d) Dismissible – Incorrect. It means something that can be disregarded, not related to visibility or obviousness.
- (e) Moderate – Incorrect. It refers to something average or not extreme, and is unrelated to the intended meaning of “glaring.”
Correct answer: (a) Obvious
Q6. Choose the most appropriate synonym for the word “stall” as used in the passage.
(a) Delay
(b) Promote
(c) Encourage
(d) Finalize
(e) Guarantee
Ans (a)
sol 6. In the passage, the word “stall” means to slow down or bring to a halt temporarily. It refers to hindering or delaying development plans due to external factors like trade disruptions.
- (a) Delay – Correct. It means to cause something to happen later than expected.
Hindi Meaning: विलंब करना / टालना - (b) Promote – Incorrect. It means to support or advance, which is the opposite of “stall.”
- (c) Encourage – Incorrect. It suggests motivation or support, not interruption.
- (d) Finalize – Incorrect. It means to complete or conclude, which contrasts with “stall.”
- (e) Guarantee – Incorrect. It means to assure or make certain, which is unrelated to delaying.
Correct answer: (a) Delay
Q7. Choose the most suitable word for the given filler.
(a) hoarding
(b) diverting
(c) exhausting
(d) concealing
(e) channeling
Ans (e)
sol 7. The sentence discusses countries intentionally directing their resource revenues into constructive sectors like education and healthcare. The correct word must reflect this purposeful allocation.
- (e) channeling – Correct. It means directing something toward a specific use or purpose.
Hindi Meaning: प्रवाहित करना / दिशा देना - (a) hoarding – Incorrect. Means accumulating and storing, usually selfishly.
- (b) diverting – Partially correct in some contexts, but often implies changing course away from the intended or ideal direction.
- (c) exhausting – Incorrect. Refers to using up completely.
- (d) concealing – Incorrect. Means hiding, which is not relevant to investment or public spending.
Correct answer: (e) channeling
Q8. Choose the most appropriate antonym for the word “grim” as used in the passage.
(a) Harsh
(b) Bright
(c) Serious
(d) Gloomy
(e) Bleak
Ans (b)
sol 8. In the context of the passage, “grim” describes a situation that is disturbing, depressing, or bleak — a negative, serious condition where progress is hindered. So, the correct antonym would express positivity or hopefulness.
- (b) Bright – Correct. It refers to something hopeful, cheerful, or promising, which is the opposite of “grim.”
Hindi Meaning: उज्ज्वल / आशाजनक - (a) Harsh – Incorrect. It’s similar in tone to “grim,” not opposite.
- (c) Serious – Incorrect. “Grim” is often serious in nature, so this is a synonym.
- (d) Gloomy – Incorrect. This is also a synonym for “grim.”
- (e) Bleak – Incorrect. Another synonym indicating hopelessness or negativity.
Correct answer: (b) Bright
Cloze Test
Directions (1-6): In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been denoted by a letter. For each blank, five options are given. Choose the most appropriate word from the options that fits the blank appropriately.
The controlled use of fire represents one of humanity’s most ______ (A) technological breakthroughs. Anthropologists believe our ancestors first ______ (B) fire naturally caused by lightning strikes or volcanic activity. This accidental discovery eventually led to the ______ (C) of techniques for creating and maintaining flames.
Early humans likely noticed how wildfires ______ (D) their environment, both frightening and fascinating them. The first intentional use of fire for warmth and protection marked a ______ (E) moment in human evolution. Over millennia, our ancestors developed increasingly sophisticated methods to ______ (F) this powerful element, fundamentally changing the course of civilization.
Q1. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (A).
(a) trivial
(b) seminal
(c) negligible
(d) redundant
(e) derivative
Ans (b)
sol1.
The word that can be filled in the blank is ‘seminal’ to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• ‘Seminal’ means highly influential or original; having a strong influence on later developments (प्रभावशाली / प्रेरणादायक).
• As per the context, the use of fire was a major turning point in human progress, hence “seminal” fits well.
Meanings of other given words and why they are incorrect:
• Trivial – unimportant (तुच्छ)
• Negligible – too small to be considered (नगण्य)
• Redundant – unnecessary or superfluous (अनावश्यक)
• Derivative – imitative or not original (अनुकृति)
• Thus, none of these conveys the ground-breaking importance intended here.
Q2. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (B).
(a) extinguished
(b) harnessed
(c) squandered
(d) circumvented
(e) deprecated
Ans (b)
sol2. The word that can be filled in the blank is ‘harnessed’ to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• ‘Harnessed’ means to control and make use of (something, especially a resource) (नियंत्रण में लेकर उपयोग करना).
• As per the context, early humans used or controlled naturally occurring fire, making “harnessed” the best fit.
Meanings of other given words and why they are incorrect:
• Extinguished – put out (a fire) (बुझाना)
• Squandered – wasted (बर्बाद करना)
• Circumvented – avoided cleverly (चालाकी से बचना)
• Deprecated – expressed disapproval (निंदा करना)
• Thus, only “harnessed” aligns with the idea of making productive use of fire.
Q3. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (C).
(a) dissolution
(b) revocation
(c) culmination
(d) prohibition
(e) inception
Ans (e)
sol3. The word that can be filled in the blank is ‘inception’ to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• ‘Inception’ means the beginning or start of something (आरंभ / प्रारंभ).
• The sentence talks about the start of fire-using techniques — “inception” is ideal.
Meanings of other given words and why they are incorrect:
• Dissolution – ending or termination (समापन)
• Culmination – final stage or peak (परिणति)
• Prohibition – ban or restriction (प्रतिबंध)
• Revocation – cancellation (रद्द करना)
• All others refer to ending or restricting — not starting, hence incorrect.
Q4. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (D).
(a) pacified
(b) transmute
(c) stabilized
(d) sterilized
(e) obliterated
Ans (e)
sol4. The word that can be filled in the blank is ‘obliterated’ to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• ‘Obliterated’ means destroyed completely (समूल नष्ट करना).
• As wildfires are known for destruction, this word fits both contextually and descriptively.
Meanings of other given words and why they are incorrect:
• Pacified – calmed (शांत करना) – opposite meaning.
• Transmute – changed in form (रूपांतरण) – too soft a term.
• Stabilized – made stable (स्थिर करना) – doesn’t suit “wildfire”.
• Sterilized – made free from germs (कीटाणु मुक्त करना) – not relevant here.
• Thus, only “obliterated” captures the destructive power of wildfires.
Q5. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (E).
(a) perfunctory
(b) pivotal
(c) arbitrary
(d) nominal
(e) sporadic
Ans (b)
sol5. The word that can be filled in the blank is ‘pivotal’ to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• ‘Pivotal’ means critically important or central (केंद्रीय / निर्णायक).
• Using fire intentionally is a major evolutionary event, hence “pivotal” fits.
Meanings of other given words and why they are incorrect:
• Perfunctory – done with little interest (ऊपरी तौर पर किया गया)
• Arbitrary – random (मनमाना)
• Nominal – in name only, not significant (नाममात्र का)
• Sporadic – scattered or irregular (छिटपुट)
• These words fail to express the significance implied in the sentence.
Q6. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (F).
(a) manipulate
(b) suppress
(c) relinquish
(d) contaminate
(e) dismantle
Ans (a)
sol6. The word that can be filled in the blank is ‘manipulate’ to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct.
• ‘Manipulate’ means to skillfully control or handle (चतुराई से नियंत्रण करना).
• Here, it implies controlling fire for warmth, cooking, etc., so it fits perfectly.
Meanings of other given words and why they are incorrect:
• Suppress – to restrain (दबाना) – doesn’t suit productive use.
• Relinquish – to give up (त्यागना) – contradictory.
• Contaminate – to pollute (प्रदूषित करना) – irrelevant.
• Dismantle – to take apart (विखंडित करना) – illogical in this context.
• Only “manipulate” conveys the idea of effective, purposeful use of fire.
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SBI PO Exam Analysis 2025: देखें 04 अगस्...
