WBCS Preliminary Exam Solved Question Paper 2020

1. Use the right preposition

He deals —— cosmetic goods.
(A) of (B) with (C) in (D) on
2. Which complex form is correct for the following sentence ?
“Everyone is happy during Christmas celebration”
(A) When Christmas celebrations occur everyone is happy.
(B) During Christmas celebration everyone is happy.
(C) Everyone during Christmas celebration is happy.
(D) Happy is everyone when Christmas celebration occur.
3. Select the correct option :
I need a —— note.
(A) Five hundred rupees (B) Five hundred rupee (C) Five hundreds rupees (D) Five hundreds
rupee
4. It is nine o clock in Darjeeling in the morning and ——
(A) there is snow (B) It is snowing (C) It snows (D) It snowed
5. The idiomatic expression ‘pull yourself together’ ——
(A) Drag oneself (B) help one (C) get angry (D) calm down by oneself
6. Use the correct expression :
I —— the patient will die.
(A) hope (B) think (C) see (D) am afraid
7. We —— our dinner last night.
(A) have taken (B) took (C) had taken (D) take
8. Never —— upon the marginalized. Fill in with the right phrasal verb
(A) look over (B) look down (C) look through (D) look into
9. The word ‘Genocide’ means
(A) Racial Killing (B) Murder (C) Suicide (D) Slaughter
10. What is the time —— your watch ?
(A) by (B) in (C) with (D) on
11. Select the correct option :
I was sure I —— meet him.
(A) would (B) will (C) shall (D) should
12. 'Impassioned' means
(A) Ardent (B) Dispassionate (C) Passionless (D) Unemotional
13. Find the appropriate synonym for the word 'Climacti'.
(A) Culminating (B) Climatic (C) Temperate (D) Atmospheric
14. Choose the correct indirect statement.
He said, “Grass is green.”
(A) He told that grass is green
(B) He told that grass was green
(C) He told that grass had been green
(D) He told that grass will always be green
15. Correct passive form of the following sentence 'Orange tastes sour' is :
(A) Orange is tested sour.
(B) Orange is sour after testing.
(C) Orange is sour when tested.
(D) Orange is tested as sour.
16. Babies ____ when they are hungry.
(A) cries (B) cried (C) are crying (D) cry
17. The word ‘Analogous’ means
(A) analytical (B) artificial (C) comparable (D) aural
18. Tick the correct option :
_____ are still tortured in remote villages.
(A) Daughter-in-laws (B) Daughters-in-Laws (C) Daughters-in-law (D) Daughter-in-law
19. Add a suitable prefix to ‘Embark’.
(A) Disembark (B) Unembark (C) Imembark (D) Inembark
20. He cannot cope ____ this pressure.
(A) up (B) with (C) in (D) for
21. Convert the given sentence into an interrogative sentence and see below for the correct option :
“Honesty is the best policy”
(A) is honesty the best policy ?
(B) is not honesty the best policy ?
(C) Is honesty not the best policy ?
(D) Why is honesty the best policy?
22. The correct antonym of ‘Lecherous’ is
(A) Passionate (B) Dirty (C) Nasty (D) Chaste
23. Use the appropriate preposition in the sentence :
We sat ____ the shade of the tree.
(A) Under (B) below (C) in (D) Through
24. He will reach home _____ at evening
(A) lately (B) late (C) later (D) latest
25. He solved the _____ problem.
(A) hardly (B) hard (C) hardier (D) Hardist

WBCS Preliminary Exam Solved Question Paper 2019

1. The word 'beleaguered' means

(A) Belittled (B) Benefitted (C) Troubled (D) Irritated
2. Find the appropriate synonym of the word 'Indefatigable'.
(A) Tireless (B) Indomitable (C) Unhappy (D) Incompatible
3. The detective suddenly —— a useful clue. Fill in with the right phrasal verb.
(A) gave in (B) came across (C) fill up (D) fell down
4. The tranquillity and sanctity of the place soothed us. Replace the underlined word with a suitable word.
(A) Security (B) Holines (C) Equanimity (D) Placidity
5. Correct the following sentence and choose the right answer: We had gone to the movies last night.
(A) We had had gone to the movies last night.
(B) We went to the movies last night.
(C) We should have gone to the movies last night.
(D) We have gone to the movies last night.
6. Select the right answer: My watch is five minutes —— .
(A) slow (B) lately (C) past (D) late
7. Fill in with suitable conjunction: He advanced —— he could.
(A) until (B) while (C) as far as (D) as
8. Select the correct answer to fill in the blank : I am sure I —— him before.
(A) have met (B) met (C) had met (D) will meet
9. Fill in with the right option: I —— him for a long time.
(A) have known (B) knew (C) had known (D) should have known
10. Which is the correct form of the given sentence: They discussed about the matter.
(A) They had discussed about the matter.
(B) They should have discussed about the matter.
(C) They discussed the matter.
(D) The given sentence is correct.
11. Change the voice of the verb and select the correct answer: 'The script is being written.'
 (A) The script will have to be written.
(B) Write the script.
(C) They are writing the script.
(D) They have been writing the script.
12. The idiomatic expression 'see eye to eye' means
(A) agree with someone. (B) to remain neutral. (C) to take over (something). (D) to enjoy the best of both.
13. Ornithology is the study of
(A) Fish (B) Coins (C) Relics (D) Birds
14. Ram made the most —— his resources. Choose the correct preposition.
(A) at (B) of (C) from (D) with
15. The word necrophilia means
(A) Love for insects (B) Love for children (C) Cultivation of knowledge (D) Fascination with dead
bodies
16: Convert the given sentence into an interrogative sentence: I will meet you at the train station.
(A) When will you meet me ?
(B) How will you meet me ?
(C) Where will you meet me ?
(D) Can't you meet me ?
17. She wanted to go on vacation, so she saved money. Convert this to a simple sentence.
(A) As she wanted to go on vacation she saved money.
(B) She saved money for vacation.
(C) She wanted to go on vacation and saved her money.
(D) Although she saved her money, she wanted to go on vacation.
18. Convert the given sentence into a simple sentence:
Pancakes are delicious but not without syrup.
(A) Pancakes are delicious when served with syrup.
(B) Pancakes are delicious only with syrup.
(C) If served with syrup, pancakes are delicious.
(D) None of the above
19. Add a suitable prefix to form the opposite of the word 'Balance'.
(A) Nonbalance (B) Unbalance (C) Disbalance (D) Imbalance
20. Fill in with the appropriate word : The jury —— divided in their opinion.
(A) were (B) was (C) have been (D) have
21. Fill in the blank with the suitable option : Let's meet —— next week.
(A) sometimes (B) sometime (C) some time (D) some times
22. Choose the right option to rewrite the sentence :
No sooner —— the sun risen than the fog disappeared.
(A) did (B) has (C) had (D) was
23. He says he has invented a time machine, which is clearly a load of cobblers.
(A) Genuine (B) Great (C) Nonsense (D) Significant
24. He. Entered the hall in the —— part of the show. Which is the right answer ?
(A) Latter (B) Later (C) Late (D) Lately
25. He preferred classical music —— popular numbers. Choose the correct preposition.
(A) from (B) of (C) over (D) to

WBCS Preliminary Exam Solved Question Paper 2018

1. Fill in the blank with the correct word : ____ his humiliation, he attended the function.
(A) Inspite (B) Not withstanding (C) Nevertheless (D) As of
2. “Call up” means :
(A) recollect (B) anticipate (C) befriend (D) invite
3. Use a suitable Auxiliary Verb to fill in the blank space : In all probability it ____ rain tonight
(A) will (B) can (C) may (D) ought
4. Fill in the blank with the correct word : She had better ____ the room
(A) entered (B) requested (C) moved (D) called
5. Fill in the blank with the appropriate Phrasal verb : The girl ____ her mother
(A) takes after (B) call in (C) puts off (D) puts by
6. Fill in the blank with the appropriate word: She liked the ____ plan better
(A) latter (B) later (C) fast (D) early
7. Fill in the blank with the correct word : A ____ bow was seen in the sky.
(A) multicoloured (B) shooting (C) staring (D) melodious
8. “A bolt from the blue” means
(A) sudden disaster (B) in trouble (C) blessing from above (D) to remain neutral
9. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below : Classic ____
(A) of the first or highest quality (B) a long list (C) loose, flowing robe (D) sanctified
10. Insert a correct Participle in the blank space : ____ about dinner, John ran the whole way home
(A) Having finished (B) Excited (C) Had been excited (D) Hungry
11. Fill in the blank with the correct Phrasal Verb : The teacher will ____ a new chapter tomorrow.
(A) take over (B) take up (C) take down (D) take off
12. Insert the correct Adverbial Phrase in the blank space :
Only ____ is there a rumble in the sky
(A) occasionally (B) swiftly (C) quite (D) merrily
13. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word underlined below :
Mary’s patience and serenity won the admiration of all who saw her
(A) holiness (B) placidity (C) agitation (D) equanimity
14. Marble may be used with
(A) Painting (B) Music (C) Rocks (D) Sculpture
15. Insert the appropriate Prepositions in the sentence :
He has a preference _____ tea _____ coffee
(A) over, for (B) for, to (C) for, over (D) to, over
16. Insert the proper preposition the sentence It is 9’o clock ____ my watch
(A) by (B) in (C) at (D) into
17. ‘Regret’ may be expressed by the following interjection :
(A) Alas! (B) Hush! (C) Bravo! (D) Hurrah!
18. Fill in the blank with the appropriate infinitive : ____ is human
(A) To laugh (B) To err (C) To read (D) To save
19. One who considers the happiness and well being of others first is an
(A) Atheist (B) Altruist (C) Alchemist (D) Aesthete
20. Fill in the blank with the correct word :
An Ophthalmologist is a person who deals with ____
(A) heart (B) eyes (C) glands (D) lungs
21. Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition :
She was running short _____ time.
(A) at (B) of (C) with (D) for
22. An Ornithologist deals with :
(A) Insects (B) Birds (C) Eyes (D) Heart
23. An indefatigable person remains
(A) untired (B) unhappy (C) unrelentful (D) unsocial
24. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below : He stood in hot water
(A) in trouble or disgrace (B) met with an accident (C) stepped into boiling water (D) was angry
25. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below
We didn’t really want that particular hotel, but it was a case of Hobson’s Choice.
(A) state of dilemma (B) taking what is available or nothing at all (C) teacher’s choice (D)
economical
WBCS Preliminary Exam Solved Question Paper 2017
1. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word underlined below :
The darkness covered the whole countryside.
(A) Silence (B) Stillness (C) Light (D) Noise
2. There was no _____ in the rain. (Insert correct phrasal verb)
(A) let up (B) let in (C) let off (D) let go
3. Insert correct word in the blank space :
Finish your task in a ______ mariner.
(A) swift (B) competent (C) silent (D) lazy
4. Insert proper preposition in the sentence.
He was waiting ____ the train.
(A) in (B) at (C) for (D) with
5. 'At daggers drawn' means
(A) Friendly (B) On bad terms with (C) Acquainted (D) Unknown
6. Use suitable auxiliary verb to fill in the blank space :
You _____ catch the train at once.
(A) will (B) can (C) shall (D) must
7. Fill in the space with an infinitive :
It is easy _____ but hard to finish.
(A) to end (B) to fall (C) to lose (D) to begin
8. Fill in the blank with the correct word :
_____ he was late, he come home by nine.
(A) Even (B) Although (C) Because (D) Despite
9. Fill in the blank with the correct word :
The river was _______ the bank.
(A) overflowing (B) dry (C) full (D) deep
10. Fill in the blank with the correct word :
A _____ jewel was in the locker.
(A) browning (B) filling (C) shining (D) moving
11. 'Made up his mind' means
(A) Remembered (B) Resolved (C) Forgot (D) Lost
12. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below :
He is a dark horse.
 (A) Silent (B) secretive (C) Dangerous (D) Possessing a secret ability
13. Sorrow may be expressed by the following interjections :
(A) Hurrah ! (B) Bravo ! (C) Oh ! (D) Alas !
14. An illness that is likely to be fatal is
(A) Mortal (B) Serious (C) Slight (D) Temporary
15. An orthopaedist deals with
(A) Eyes (B) Lungs (C) Bones (D) Childbirth
16. An Epicurean is one who
(A) Endures (B) Suffers (C) Enjoys pleasure (D) Loves
17. Fill in the blank with the correct word given below :
He wanted to ________ out.
(A) want (B) ask (C) call (D) order
18. Fill in the blank with the correct word given below :
He saved her ________ certain death.
(A) from (B) with (C) of (D) in
19. Fill in, with relative pronoun, the blank space below :
The man _______ briefcase was lost, reported to the police.
(A) that (B) whose (C) which (D) whom
20. Insert proper words in the sentence :
Here is the man _____ you asked _____ .
(A) whom, about (B) that, for (C) for, from (D) this, for
21. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below :
Everything was at sixes and sevens.
(A) Disordered (B) Lost (C) Found (D) Sold
22. 'Cinema' may be used with
(A) Cooking (B) Selling (C) Sleeping (D) Theater
23. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below :
A la mode
(A) Fashionable (B) Cheap (C) Expensive (D) Convenient
24. Put in a correct participle in the blank space :
The car was _______ down the slope.
(A) rolling (B) breaking (C) lost (D) having arrived
25. Choose the word appropriate in meaning to the word underlined below :
The listeners were delighted by the music concert.
(A) Surprised (B) Saddened (C) Angered (D) Excited
WBCS Preliminary Examination Solved Question Paper 2016

1. The expression 'to take stock of ' means :

(A) To question (B) To argue (C) To survey (D) To manipulate
2. 'Mellifluous' means :
(A) Sweet-sounding (B) Cacophonic (C) Loud (D) Irritating
3. Fill in the blanks with a suitable word :
This is the ____ Post Office to my house.
(A) Farthest (B) Next (C) Nearest (D) Closest
4. Put in a correct participle in the blanks space.
The sea ____ , we went for sail.
(A) Being rough (B) Disturbed (C) Being kind (D) Being smooth
5. Fill in the blanks with relative pronoun :
He is here, _____ is fortunate.
(A) Who (B) Whose (C) Which (D) That
6. Edmund Burke had a wonderful gift of the gap.
Gift of the gap means :
(A) Intelligence (B) Humanity (C) Eloquence (D) Goodness
7. In a moment of hurry, the files have been -------- by Hamilton. (Insert correct phrasal verb)
(A) Cast about (B) Cast out (C) Cast up (D) Cast aside
8. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate participle.
Weather _____ , there will be a garden party at Government House tomorrow.
(A) Allowing (B) Permitting (C) Happening (D) Favourable
9. Fill in the blank with a suitable word :
I can't walk any______
(A) Farther (B) Further C) Distance (D) Far
10. Fill in the blank with appropriate participle.
The _____ door awakened the dog.
(A) Creaking (B) Old (C) New (D) Waving
11. Insert proper preposition in the sentence.
I prevailed _____ him to join our group.
(A) On (B) Upon (C) Beside (D) Along with
12. 'Surprise' may be expressed by the following interjection :
 (A) Hush ! (B) Alas ! (C) Ha ! (D) Bravo !
13. An ophthalmologist deals with :
(A) Kidney (B) Liver (C) Eyes (D) Heart
14. Use suitable auxiliary verb to fill in the blank space :
She ____ sit for hours listening to the wireless.
(A) Will (B) Would (C) Can (D) Could
15. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.
The crew were _____ the ship for a month.
(A) On board (B) Aboard (C) On (D) Off
16. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word underlined below :
People responded to the leader's speech with shouts of ecstasy.
(A) Despondency (B) Despair (C) Disagreement (D) Displeasure
17. Fill in the blank with an infinitive :
_____ is worth ambition.
(A) To borrow (B) To reign (C) To repent (D) To cry
18. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below :
Quintessential.
(A) Most typical example (B) Most wanted thing (C) Most popular (D) Most utilized
19. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below :
There's no love lost between them.
(A) Avoid (B) Not on good terms (C) Challenge (D) Quarrel
20. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below :
The belief in witchcraft is losing ground.
(A) Becoming less acceptable (B) Becoming popular (C) Becoming powerful (D) Losing
principle
21. Memorabilia refers to :
(A) Memorable things
(B) Memories of war
(C) Memories of objects collected because of their links with people or events.
(D) Memories of the past
22. Choose an expression similar in meaning to the underlined word ;
A misanthrope is a person who
(A) Dislikes women (B) Dislikes other people (C) Dislikes children (D) Dislikes nature
23. Fill in the blank with the correct word of expression :
He talked to his horse ____ the horse could understand his grief.
 (A) As though (B) With a feeling that (C) Feeling that (D) Assuming
24. Choose an expression similar in meaning to the word underlined below :
Imbroglio
(A) Cacophony (B) Confession (C) A confused situation (D) Candid admission
25. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word underlined below :
The appearance of the stranger was forbidding.
(A) Warm (B) Kind (C) Friendly (D) Amiable

WBCS Preliminary Examination Question Paper 2015

1. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word underlined below :
The silence of the children was sinister.
(A) Catnap (B) Cacophony (C) Coarse (D) Cruelty
2. There was a ——— on the midnight train. (Insert correct phrasal verb)
(A) Hold up (D) Hold in (C) Hold (D) Hold out
3. Insert correct adverb phrase in the blank space :
Do this in a short time, in a ——— manner.
(A) Former (B) Swift (C) Brave (D) Unwise
4. Insert proper preposition in the sentence :
He hinted ——— some loss treasure.
(A) of (B) for (C) with (D) at
5. 'Hand and glove' means
(A) Arrogance (B) Enemy (C) Maintain a distance (D) Intimate terms
6. Use suitable auxiliary verb to fill in the blank space: Mother says you ——— to go to the market at once.
(A) have (B) are (C) shall (D) will
7. Fill in the space with an Infinitive :——— fault is easy
(A) to begin (B) to bury (C) to read (D) to find
8. Fill in the blank with the correct word : ——— his illness, he attended the function.
(A) Inspire (B) Due (C) as of (D) despite
9. Fill in the blank with the correct word :
The stream was ——— by the waterfall.
(A) fed (B) Fed up (C) Filled (D) Fulled
10. Fill in the blank with the correct word :
A ——— star was seen in the sky.
(A) Strengthening (B) Shooting (C) Shunting (D) Staring
11. 'Puts one in mind' means
(A) Resolved (B) Decided (C) Reminds (D) Received
12. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below :
No one dare call in question his honesty.
(A) Honesty of purpose (B) Test (C) Flatter (D) Challange
13. 'Approval' may be expressed by the following Interjection :
(A) Ha ! (B) Hush ! (C) Bravo ! (D) Hurrah !
14. A person on the verge of death of an illness is :
(A) Seriously ill (B) Terminally ill (C) Sporadically ill (D) None of the above
15. An endocrinologist deals with :
(A) Teeth (B) Glands (C) Epidemics (D) Heart
16. A stoic person can :
(A) Entice (B) Endure (C) Excite (D) Enable
17. Fill in the blank with the correct word :You had better ——— permission.
(A) Want (B) Ask (C) Call (D) Order
18. Fill in with relative pronoun the blank space below :
Who ——— saw her did not pity her ?
(A) What (B) Which (C) That (D) Such
19. Fill in with relative pronoun the blank space below :
The sun, ——— rays give life to the earth, was regarded by the ancients as a god.
(A) That (B) Whose (C) Which (D) Whom
20. Insert proper preposition in the sentence :
Here is the watch ——— you asked ——— .
(A) which, for (B) that, for (C) for, from (D) this, for
21. Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below.
The singer was not in voice .
(A) Lost voice (B) To sing well (C) Had a cough (D) Sang well
22. 'Book' may be used with
(A) Trousers (B) Insects (C) Ticket (D) Painting
23. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below :
Genre
(A) A grand tour (B) A specific category (C) A chauffeur (D) A long list
24. Put in a correct Participle in the blank space Mary ——— , we were freed from anxiety.
(A) Having arrived (B) Rolling (C) Tattered (D) Being arrived
25. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the word underlined below :The crowd felt stupefied by the
lecture.
(A) Engulfed (B) Entertained (C) Enthused (D) Encouraged

WBCS Preliminary Exam-2014

1. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below :
Tour de force.
(A) Masterpiece (B) Grand Tour (C) Long Tour (D) Art and Culture
2. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below :
Insipid
(A) Foolish (B) Exciting (C) Dull (D) Sensible
3. Fill in the blank with correct phrasal verb from the options provided below :
They decided to ——— his number in the yellow pages.
(A) Look into (B) Look at (C) Look up (D) Look onto
4. Select the correct synonym of the following word from the alternatives provided:
Lucid
(A) Opaque (B) Solid (C) Clear (D) Hazy
5. Select the correct meaning of the underlined idiom from the alternatives provided:
I gave him a piece of my mind.
(A) Expressed love (B) Fell in love (C) Expressed anguish (D) Trusted him
6. Select the correct meaning of the underlined idiom from the alternatives provided:
He has the gift of the gab.
(A) A talent for speaking (B) A good voice (C) A logical bent of mind (D) Talking nonsense
7. Fill in the blank:
The last ——— will be performed by members of the family only.
(A) Wright (B) Right (C) Rite (D) Write
8. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct meaning from the options provided:
A person of outgoing nature is known as a/an ———.
(A) Stoic (B) Extrovert (C) Megalomaniac (D) Philanthropist
9. Select the correct meaning of the underlined idiom from the alternatives provided:
She is a little under the weather today.
(A) Feeling unwell (B) In sync with the weather (C) Feeling excited (D) Feeling sad
10. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct meaning from the options provided:
A person suffering from an uncontrollable desire to steal is known as a/an ———.
(A) Kleptomaniac (B) Necromaniac (C) Necrophobic (D) Introvert
11. Select the correct synonym of the following word from the alternatives provided:
Inadvertent
(A) Adversity (B) Intentional (C) Unintentional (D) Advanced
12. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below:
Incognito
(A) Candid (B) Impromptu (C) Opposed (D) Disguised
13. Select the correct synonym of the following word from the alternatives provided:
Embezzle
(A) Steal (B) Steel (C) Honesty (D) Dazzle
14. Fill in the blank:
He would always ——— the police.
(A) Elude (B) lllude (C) Allude (D) Delude
15. Insert the correct phrasal verb from the options provided to make meaningful sentence:
I will ——— to my job until May.
(A) hold up (B) hold on (C) hold in (D) hold
16. Fill in the blank:
You should ——— her case as a precedent.
(A) Site (B) Cite (C) Sight (D) Side
17. Fill in the blalik with correct phrasal verb from the options provided below:
The boss simply could not ——— his inefficiency any more.
(A) Put off (B) Put up with (C) Put down (D) Put across
18. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition :
He is ——— the phone right now.
(A) At (B) In (C) On (D) To
19. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the one underlined below:
His point was lost amid the cacophony
(A) Music (B) Discordance (C) Silence (D) Crowd
20. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the one underlined below:
The possibility of failure was imminent.
(A) Remote (B) Inherent (C) Immediate (D) Perenial
21. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition :
He held his breath ——— several minutes.
(A) On (B) Of (C) For (D) From
22. Choose the word opposite in meaning to the one underlined below:
There is abundant scope for improvement.
(A) Ample (B) Scarce (C) Copious (D) Eternal
23. The word 'Pride' is also used to describe a group of
(A) Tigers (B) Elephants (C) Lions (D) Hyenas
24. 'Cricket' is also a kind of a/an
(A) Bird (B) Insect (C) Food (D) Flower
25. A 'Page' also means
(A) A sweet dish (B) A chauffeur (C) A book (D) A servant

WBCS Preliminary Examination -2013

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition :

1. I was alarmed —— the news of my brother's illness.
(A) In (B) At (C) Or (D) On
2. Select the pair in the following options, which is set in opposition :
(A) Erroneous — Faulty (B) Reticent — Silent (C) Vilify— Slander (D) None of the above
3. 'To see red' means
(A) To begin to understand (B) To be mad with anger (C) A narrow escape (D) Smart and
clean
4. Eruption means outbreak, irruption means
(A) Bursting in (B) Equal (C) Disease (D) Evil
5. Fill in the Blanks :
The street is not properly ——
(A) Illumed (B) Illumined (C) Illuminated (D) Enlightened
6. The opposite of 'remote' is
(A) High (B) Less (C) Far (D) Near
7. He is such a good Samaritan. It means
(A) He is very clever (B) He is a fool (C) Someone who tries to help people (D) He is a bad man
8. 'Deciduous' trees are
(A) Trees that lose the leaves annually (B) Trees that are big (C) Trees that are short (D) Trees
that are scattered
Instruction for Question Nos. 9 to 12. Use appropriate words to fill in the blanks :
9. The —— structure of Tajmahal makes it one of the wonders of the world.
(A) Magnanimous (B) Mediocre (C) Mighty (D) Majestic
10. He was penniless when the bank failed and declared himself ——
 (A) Insipid (B) Insolent (C) Innocent (D) Insolvent
11. The child proved himself —— by his behaviour and was expelled from the school.
(A) Ill-brend (B) Ill-advised (G) Ill-treated (D) Illogical
12. A —— makes no difference between man and man in spreading his love.
(A) Philander (B) Philistine (C) Philosopher (D) Philanthropist
Instruction for Question Nos. 13 & 14. Choose the correct alternatives from the options to fill in the
blanks:
13. They 'laughed down' the man means that they —— the man.
(A) Confined (B) Laughed with (C) Ridiculed and belittled (D) Punished
14. 'Crocodile tears' means ——.
(A) Expression of sorrow (B) Tears of animals (C) False tears (D) Painful Expression
Choose the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word :
15. <u>Transparency</u> is needed in dealing with a matter of public interest.
(A) Haziness (B) Trauma (C) Turbulence (D) Transition
Identify the correct word from the options given to make the sentence meaningful:
16. The banquet-hail —— decorated to celebrate the occasion.
(A) Slovenly (B) Simply (C) Lavishly (D) Poorly
17. People who do not settle down, speak the Romany language, are called.
(A) Truant (B) Vagabond (C) Gypsy (D) Wanderer
18. A preparation for killing insects is.
(A) Parasite (B) Insecticide (C) Humus (D) Rodent
19. Fill In the blank :
He came of his own ——
(A) Impulse (B) Instinct (C) Accord (D) indifference
20. Replace the underlined word by any of the options given below:
It was <u>queer</u> to see his behaviour.
(A) Natural (B) Odd (C) Probable (D) Convincing
21. 'We are superior to every body else' is the apt utterance of a/an—
(A) Egoist (B) Pacifist (C) Anarchist (D) Chauvinist
Instruction for Question Nos. 22 & 23.
Choose the word closest to the meaning of the underlined words:
22. The Patient needed an <u>anodyne</u> for his strained nerves.
(A) Alcohol (B) Opium (C) Medicine (D) Painkilling ball
23. The news came like a <u>bolt from the blue</u>.
(A) Windfall (B) Thunderbolt (C) Sudden and unexpected (D) Shock
Insert appropriate phrasal verb in the blank below to make the sentence meaningful:
24. His friend —— his word much to his despair.
(A) Went back on (B) Went away from (C) Went with (D) Went in
25. An omnivorous creature is one who
(A) Eats both plants and animals (B) Omnipresent (C) Omniscient (D) Eats nothing

WBCS Preliminary Examination -2012

Direction for Question Nos. 1 and 2
Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition:
1. I have no desire —— fame.
(A) Of (B) For (C) In (D) To
2. There is an exception —— every rule.
(A) To (B) For (C) In (D) Up
3. 'Hold fire' means
(A) To delay doing something (B) Catch Fire (C) Prevent fire (D) Magnify
4. Select the pair in the following options which is set in opposition:
(A) Liquid - Solid (B) Enough - Adequate (C) Entice - Lure (D) Excess - Surplus
5. A 'soliloquy means
(A) Speaking to others (B) Speaking to oneself (C) Speaking in whispers (D) Speaking to a
friend
6. To take up the gauntlet means
(A) To accept the challenge (B) To refuse (C) To appreciate (D) To move
7. 'Thespian art' refers to
(A) The art of tragedy (B) The art of history (C) The art of story telling (D) Tribal art
8. 'Cacography means
(A) Bad spelling (B) Good spelling (C) Incorrect spelling (D) None of this above
9. The meat of dear is called
(A) Mutton (B) Vension (C) Spoor (D) Tendil
10. 'Astronomy' means study of the
(A) Moon (B) Stars (C) Sky (D) Sun
11. Regicide means
(A) Murder of a father (B) Murder of a king (C) Murder of brother (D) Murder of a sister
12. 'Aural' means
(A) Relating to the ear (B) Relating to the eye (C) Relating to the air (D) Relating to the water
13. Fill in the blanks with the following pairs:
I am going to Chennai —— Monday —— tour
(A) On, of (B) On, with (C) In, with (D) Of, on
14. Tortuous means
(A) Torture (B) Turn (C) Full of twists and turns (D) Torturous
15. Replace the underlined part of the sentence by any one of the four alternatives given below:
He changed his job and was <u>out of frying pan o fire</u>.
(A) Happy with the job (B) Misfit (C) In a condition from bad to worse (D) Lucky in the choice
16. He sympathized —— him in his bereavement.
(A) In (B) For (C) With (D) By
17. He succeeded by dint —— his hard labor.
(A) Of (B) BY (C) For (D) Because
Choose the correct alternatives of the underlined words
18. He tried by all means, <u>by hook or by crook</u> to win the case.
(A) By any means fair or foul (B) By money (C) By Man power (D) By muscle power
19. She is proficient in music but weak
(A) In study (B) At lessons (C) With study (D) On study
20. A manicurist takes care of
(A) Foot (B) Ear (C) Nails (D) Mind
21. Lachrymose nature means
(A) Lethargic (B) Prone to anger (C) Prone to tear (D) Energetic
22. A gourmet loves
(A) Fashion (B) Action (C) Food (D) Films
23. A clever man sweeps his family scandals under the
(A) Ground (B) Floor (C) Carpet (D) Grave-stone
24. Hike in oil price may mar the future of the trade world.
(A) Harness (B) Help (C) Better (D) Worsen
25. A pugilist is a
(A) Boxer (B) Swimmer (C) Athlete (D) Weight-lifter

WBCS Preliminary Examination-2011

Instruction for Q. Nos. 1- 5
Choose the correct alternatives from the options to fill in the blanks :
1. He 'made light, of his friend's warning means he ———
 A. Lit a fire B. Showed the light C. Took seriously D. Treated lightly.
2. His observation were 'beside the point' means that his observations were ——— .
A. Written in point form B. Written beside his points C. Not relevant D. Not heard by others.
3. The boys were 'kept in' after school means that the boys were ———
A. Caned B. Punished C. Confined D. Rewarded.
4. In spite of all his brag he had 'to eat humble pie' means that he had to ———
A. Apologize B. Surrender C. Leave D. Eat his food.
5. 'A wild-goose chase' means ———
A. To go hunting B.Togo on a foolish, fruitless search C. To chase wild geese D. To protect.
Instruction for Q, Nos, 6-10
Use appropriate words to fill in the blanks.
6. The ——— fumes of vechicles pollute the air.
A. Noxious B. Nutritious C. Nourishing D. Notorious.
7. The ——— structure dwarfed all the surrounding buildings.
A. Impossible B. Imposing C. Implacable D. Important.
8. The ——— of the farmland was enough to sustain the small family
A. Yoke B. Yeast C. Yard D. Yield.
9. Her ——— ways captivated many young men.
A. Wintry B. Weird C. Weansome D. Winsome.
10. The thieves ——— through the cupboards searching for valuable articles.
A. Ran B. Ruptured C. Rummaged D. Rustled
Instruction for Q. Nos. 11 & 12
Choose the word opposite in meaning to the underlined words:
11. The hubbub in the cities makes one tired and irritable.
A. Roar B. Quiet C. Disorder D. Disturbance
12. Chaos reigned suppreme at the football match.
A. Order B. Confusion C. Anarchy D. Luck.
Instruction for Q. Nos. 13 & 14
Insert the appropriate phrasal verbs in the blanks below to make sentence meaningful :
13. We should ——— for a rainy day.
A. Put down B. Put into C. Put something by D. Put things off
14. The thief ——— with the ornaments.
A. Made away B. Made out C. Made off D. Made up.
Instruction for Q.Nos. 15 & 16
Indentify the correct word from the options given to make the sentence meaningful.
15. He is so ——— nothing moves him.
A. Non-commital B. Nonchalant C. Nondescript D. Noncombatant
16. The dish was ——— with herbs.
A. Gernished B. Garlanded C. Gathered D. Gardened
Instruction for Q. Nos. 17 - 22
Choose the right word to make sentence meaningful .
17. A dissolute person is one who is
A. Debauched B. Dishonest C. Dissimilar D. Discontent
18. A female 'administrator' will be called an
A. Administratoress B. Administress C. Administratrix D. Administer
19. Many camels together would be called a ——— of camels.
A. Team B. Troop C. String D. Pack.
20. A man catches fish as a hobby is called a/an ———
A. Fisherman B. Angler C. Hunter D. Fishmonger.
21. He came of his own ———
A. Violation B. Volition C. Volubility D. View.
22. The fruit was juicy and ———
A. Succulent B. Succinet C. Sufficient D. Subtle.
Instruction fot Q.Nos. 23-25
Choose the word closest to the meaning of the underlined words:
23. The model's clothes were so bizarre that they created quite a sensation.
A. Beautiful B. Grotesque C. Mundane D. Lugubrious.
24. The teacher gave us explicit instruction.
A. Definable B; Resolvable C. Demonstrative D. Detailed.
25. The concert was a pot-pourri of events.
A. Medley B. Lengthy C. Badly arranged D. Classical.

WBCS Preliminary Exam-2010

1. Choose the right alternative from the options given below :
Gourmet loves ———.
(A) Fashion (B) Action (C) Food (C) Films
Direction for Question Nos. 2 and 3
Fill in the blanks in the sentences choosing the most meaningful alternative from the ones supplied :
2. The ——— of the place attracts many ascetics.
(A) Quietness (B) Silence (C) Quietude (D) Soundlessness
3. The street in not properly ———— .
(A) Illumed (B)Illumined (C) Illuminated (D) Enlightened
4. Choose the right alternative from the options given :
A man with an irrationally fixed idea is called ————
(A) An eccentric (B) A maniac (C) A manikin (D) A phobic
Direction for Question Nos. 5 to 7
Fill in the blank with the correct alternative from the ones supplied :
5. A man in the charge of farming and nurturing animals is called ————.
(A) A ploughman (B) A farmer (C) Affirm-manager (D) A husbands man
6. Lachrymose nature means ———— .
(A) Lethargic (B) Prone to anger (C) Prone to tear (D) Energetic
7. The man who follows his nose actually follows his ———— .
(A) Passion (B) Rationality (C) Instinct (D) Memory
8. Choose the correct alternative from the ones supplied :
Detect where the adjective "public" is used in a derogatory sense :
(A) Public house (B) Public Woman (C) Public servant (D) Public speech
9. Choose the right word from the alternative to complete the sentence idiomatically :
A clever man sweeps his family scandals under the ——— .
(A) Ground (B) Floor (C) Capet (D) Grave-stone
10. Fill in the blank with correct word to make the sentence meaningful :
It is usual nowadays to blow one's own ———— to impress others.
(A) Horn (B) Trumpet (C) Drum (D) Band
Direction for Question Nos. 11 and 12
Select the pair in the following options which is set in opposition :
11. (A) Doggish — Canine (B) Manly — Virile
(C) Divine — Infernal (D) Earthly — Terrestrial
12. (A) Pedant —— Pedagogic (B) Humid —— Arid
(C) Erroneous —— Faulty (D) Horrible —— Horrendous
Direction for Questions Nos. 13 and 14
Choose the word from the list which is nearest in meaning to the underlined part of the sentence :
13. Hike in oil price may mar the future of the trade world .
(A) Harness (B) Help (C) Better (D) Worsen
14. The separation from a lover fills one's mind with blues.
 (A) sadness (B) Romanticism (C) Nostalgia (D) Colorfulness
15. Choose the correct alternative from the options to fill in the blanks:
' In the time of danger, we should try to take the bull by the horns ' means "In the time of danger we
should try to ——— "
(A) Surmount it (B) Face the situation boldly (C) Overcome it ( D) Control ourselves
16. 'We are superior to everybody else' is the apt utterance of a / an
(A) egoist (B) pacifist (C) anarchist (D) chauvinist
17. " To give a dog a bad name " means
(A) it is very difficult to destroy the reputation of a loyal person
(B) it is very difficult it lose a bad reputation
(C) it is very difficult to earn a good reputation in a bad company
(D) it is very difficult to both be loyal and do something that jeopardizes self-reputation.
18. The prospect of her marriage is remote .
The opposite of 'remote', in this sentence, would be
(A) high (B) less (C) far (D) near
19. Fill in the blank with the right word :
A lame duck organization is one which needs ___________.
(A) authority (B) staff (C) power (D) support
20. A manicurist takes care of
(A) foot (B) ear (C) nails (D) mind
21. A duck is a bird, but to duck is
(A) to feel shy (B) to refuse (C) to abandon (D) to avoid
22. Insert the appropriate phrasal verb in the blank below and make the sentence meaningful :
This evidence ———— with what one already knows.
(A) ties in (B) sets in (C) gives in (D) goes down
23. The specialist who handles problems in the human body related to bones is a / an
(A) Orthodontist (B) Osteopath (C) podiatrist (D) Oncologist
24. Baptism of fire means
(A) a fire fighting act (B) a bad beginning in the first job
(C) a difficult introduction to an experience (D) a religious experience
25. A pugilist is a
(A) boxer (B) swimmer (C) athlete (D) weight-lifter

WBCS Prelims-2009 Question Paper

Direction for Question Nos. 1 to 5
From the given options choose the words nearest in meaning to those underlined in the sentences:
1. The children were very vivacious in the play ground.
(A) smiling (B) sportive (C) lively / full of life (D) joyful
2. After a prolonged suffering he passed away.
(A) went away (B) left (C) expired (D) yielded
3. The musician has a very sonorous voice.
(A) Loud (B) Shrill (C) Harsh (D) Full and deep
4. In the new place he had to earn by the sweat of his brow.
(A) Very hard work (B) Frown of his brow (C) Seriously (D) Idly
5. After much effort he could tide over the crisis.
(A) Overcome (B) Win over (C) Defeat (D) Enjoy
Direction for Question Nos. 6 & 7
Choose the correct prepositions to fill in the blanks:
6. A gentleman should be true _________his words.
(A) from (B) to (C) in (D) on
7. The father was vexed _______ the son.
(A) with (B) about (C) to (D) in
Direction for Question Nos. 8 & 9
Choose the appropriate words from the given options to suit the meaning of the following most nearly.
8. A fourteen-lined poem is called a
(A) sonnet (B) epilogue (C) composition (D) lyric
9. One who hates mankind is called
(A) Man-hater (B) Cannibal (C) Demon (D) Misanthropist
10. Choose the correct meaning of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
Poles apart
(A) Very distant (B) Separate (C) Totally different in views (D) Very difficult
Direction for Question Nos. 11 & 12
Choose the correct items from the given options:
11. The art of cultivating and managing gardens is called
(A) Horticulture (B) Gardening (C) Botany (D) Geology
12. Love for the whole world is called
(A) Patriotism (B) Generousness (C) Philanthropy (D) Nobility
13. From the given options choose the most appropriate word to fill up the gap in the following sentence:
The mother_______ the child
 (A) Deserted (B) Hated (C) Ran away (D) Abandoned
Direction for Question Nos. 14 & 15
Choose the most appropriate single word from the options given, as substitute for the underlined parts of the
sentences.
14. People who look at the stars in the sky are pursuing a wonderful vocation.
(A) Astrologers (B) Astronomers (C) Geophysicists (D) Geologists
15. People who were present in the hall to listen to the lecture were undisciplined.
(A) Crowd (B) Mob (C) Audience (D) Ruffians
16. Choose the correct item from the given options:
A Government by divine guidance is called
(A) Theocracy (B) Episcopacy (C) Oligarchy (D) Aristocracy
17. Choose the opposite of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
To go to the dogs.
(A) To turn over a new leaf (B) To oil one’s own machine (C) be off one’s head (D) To breathe
one’s last
18. From the options choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to those underlined in the following
sentence:
The high-handed ways of the manager made him an enemy of the people.
(A) Submissive and’ friendly (B) Ignorant (C) Angry (D) Impatient
19. Complete the sentence by choosing appropriate word from the given options:
Tagore’s birthday was _______ with songs and recitation
(A) completed (B) maintained (C) celebrated (D) enjoyed
20. Choose the correct meaning of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
“A bolt from the blue —
(A) a drop from the sky (B) an unexpected shock (C) thunderbolt (D) a blue sky
21. Choose the correct item from the given options:
A disease affecting many persons at the same time and place is called
(A) epidemic (B) infection (C) sickness (D) death
22. From the given options choose the most appropriate word to fill up the gap in’ the following sentence:
1 had_______ something wrong as soon as I reached the spot.
(A) understood (B) realised (C) guessed (D) smelt
Direction for Question Nos. 23 & 24
Choose the most appropriate single word from the options given, as substitute for the underlined parts of the
sentences.
23. I met a person in the meeting whose appearance did not reflect his mind.
(A) Was deceptive (B) was convincing (C) was faithful (D) was honest
24. A collection of poems came out to felicitate the poet.
(A) Guide book (B) Collection (C) Compilation (D) An Anthology
25. Choose the correct item from the given options:
A person who makes his journey on foot is called a
(A) Pedestrian (B) Walker (C) Rambler (D) Wanderer

WBCS Preliminary Exam-2008

Highlighted option is the answer of the question
Direction for Question Nos. 1 to 3
Choose the word from the list which is nearest in meaning to the underlined parts of the sentences:
1. He pierced the balloon with a pin.
(A) Stabbed (B) Pricked (C) Penetrated (D) Burst
2. The mother hummed softly as she rocked the baby to sleep.
(A) Chanted (B) Crooned (C) Intoned (D) Whispered
3. His letter fuelled my doubts.
(A) Ended (B) Increased (C) Caused (D) Reaffirmed
Direction for Question Nos. 4 to 7
Choose the correct alternative from the options to fill in the blanks:
4. 'To come to the fore' means to become__________.
(A) prominent (B) aggressive (C) weak (D) aware
5. On one's toes' signifies _______
(A) Concentration (B) courtesy (C) Punctuality (D) alertness
6. 'To make headway' is to ____________.
(A) Make progress (B) make little progress (C) to progress towards collision (D)to proceed to
travel
7. ‘Waiting with bated breath’ is to ________.
(A) Feel very excited
(B) Feel breathlessness
(C) Waiting for the dentist with the complaint of bad breath
(D) Waiting to take revenge
8. ‘Replace the underlined words with most appropriate phrasal verbs:
After a promising start his career soon came to an end in a disappointing way.
(A) Roughed out (B) Fizzled out (C)Flaked Out (D) Rounded off
9. Choose the correct meaning of the underlined portion:
 She has been sitting on the books taken from the library for a month.
(A) Doing nothing with the books
(B) Reading the books carefully
(C) Reading the books only
(D) keeping the books as a mark of protest
Direction for Question Nos. 10 to 12 Select the pair among the following which is set in opposition
10. (A) Gay: Animated (B) Full: Replete (C) Surmise: Fact (D) Generation: Age
11. (A) Wanton : Restrained (B) Sardonic : Bitter (C) Bright : Refulgent (D) Fetch : Bring
12. (A) Macabre : Earic (B) Abortive : Successful (C) Secret : Covert (D) Mock : Rally
Direction for Question Nos. 13 and 14
Fill in the blanks with the correct word to make the idioi complete or meaningful:
13. The young politician's speech was full of blood and ------
(A) Sweat (B) Blade (C) Dagger (D) Thunder
14. He held out an olive branch to his -------
(A) Enemy (B) Friend (C) Pet (D) Forefathers
Direction for Question Nos. 15 and 16
Choose the right word from the alternatives to complete each sentence and give it an idiomatic turn:
15. To be very bust is tube as busy as a
(A) Squirrel (B) Bee (C) Duck (D) Mouse
16. Someone having a weak memory is said to have a mind/memory like a
(A) Sieve (B) Soap (D) Screw (D) Stream
Direction for Question Nos. 17 to 20
Choose the right alternative from the options given :
17. A market where old and used goods are sold is cried a
(A) Grey market (B) Share market (C) Black market (D) Flea market
18. An interpreter is involved with the task of
(A) Inscription (B) Transcription (C) Translation (D) Transformation
19. One who moves from one place to go to live or work in anode is called a migrant But a vagrant is a
person
(A) without a valid passport
(B) who goes to live in exile
(C) without a settled home or regular work
(D) who asks for political asylum
20. A homophone for the word 'whole' will be
(A) Hole (B) Roll (C) Wholesome (D) Whale
21. Fill in the blanks choosing the right word/alternative:
A barber shaves _____ a gardener .
(A) Binds (B) Reaps (C) Gleans (D) Prunes
Direction for Question Nos. 22 to 25
Choose the right alternative:
22. A soporific speech would tend to
(A) Put one to sleep (B) Stimulate action (C)Appeal primarily to emotions (D) be
incomprehensible
23. The idiosyncrasies of a professor must not include
(A) Eccentricities (B) Flaws (C) Oddities (D) Typicalities
24. In a Hobson's choice situation one
(A) Must accept what is offered as there is no alternative
(B) Can freely choose from many alternatives
(C) Must choose only in consultation with other members of the group he/she belongs to
(D) Can do any of the above
25. A fly-by-night company.
(A) Operates only at night (B) Sends cargo by plane only
(C) Is interested only in making quick profits (D) Operates from no fixed place

WBCS Preliminary Exam- 2007

1. Political crime against one’s own country is called
(A) Treachery (B) Treason (C) Sedition (D) Terrorism
2. A drawback usually observed in women is called
(A) Womanly (B) Womanish (C) Female (D) Feminine
3. The trees which shed all their leaves at a particular time of the year called
(A) Evergreen (B) Coniferous (C) Deciduous (D) Savanna
4. Choose the correct item:
Dance is an art form, but to dance attendance is to
(A) Take part in group dance attendance
(B) Entertain by dancing
(C) Be subservient
(D) Be flattering
5. Our gateman is a man of enormous size.
(A) Healthy (B) Tall C) Gigantic (D) Big
6. The receptionist of the hotel greeted us with the pink of courtesy.
(A) Very sweetly (B) With seriousness (C) Warmly (D) Respectfully
7. Choose of the opposite of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
To have other fish to fry
(A) To play the second fiddle
(B) To do the Yeoman’s Service
(C) To oil one’s own machine
(D) To cut the coat according to one’s cloth
8. The concluding part of a literary work is called
(A) Epigraph (B) Epitaph (C) Conclusion (D) Epilogue
9. One who knows all is called
(A) Scholarly (B) Omniscient (C) Learned (D) Erudite
10. The beautiful lady compared ---------- the moon by the poet.
(A) with (B) to (C) of (D) like
11. Competitors -------- the globe took part in the game.
(A) from (B) over (C) around (D)across
12. The senior officer was angry -------- the subordinates
(A) upon (B) on (C) with (D) against
13. Shylock nurtured a deep-rooted hatred --- Antonio.
(A) for (B) to (C) against (D) about
14. A government of the richest class is called
(A) Monarchy (B) Aristocracy (C) Plutocracy (D) Oligarchy
15. A person out to destroy the government is known as
(A) a terrorist (B) an anarchist (C) a militant (D) an extremist
16. From the given options choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the sentence:
After one week’s continuous fever, the relatives of the patient became-----about the mode of treatment.
(A) Suspicious (B) doubtful (C) apprehensive (D) inquisitive
17. We all ------------ an unknown danger before us.
(A) Foresaw (B) predicted (C) anticipated (D) apprehended
18. This method is not wrong ; but there may be a more ------------- method then this.
(A) suitable (B) effective (C) effectual (D) working
19. Complete the sentence by choosing appropriate word from the given option.
(A) observed (B) enjoyed (C) celebrated (D) performed
20. Choose the correct meaning of the following idiomatic expression from the option given.
At daggers drawn
 (A) Hostile to other (B) Violent to other (C) Dangerous for other (D) Violently opposed to each other
21. From the options choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to those underlined in the following
sentence :
The 19th century was the hey-day of the renaissance in Bangla.
(A) Days of decline (B) peak-point (C) period of stagnation (D) Time of up-rise
22. After much resistance the robbers gave in to the police.
(A) Arrested (B) Apologized (C) Yielded (D) Defeated
23. Man dose not live by bread alone.
(A) Food (B) Sustenance (C) Material prosperity (D) Good health
24. People who believe anything told to them are not dependable.
(A) Faithful (B) Credible (C) All-believing (D) Credulous
25. The two men coming from the same country booked the same hotel in the neighboring state.
(A) Immigrants (B) Compatriots (C) Comrades (D) Refugees

WBCS Prelims Exam 2006

Direction for Question Nos.1 to 4

Select the right word to complete the following sentences:
1. To make use of marks like commas or full stops is to
(a) Deviate (b) Vary (c) Regulate (d) Punctuate
2. When the author gives a name which is not his real one the book is said to be written under a
(a) Fiction (b) Falsehood (c) Pseudonym (d) Mistake
3. To conduct talks with a party with the aim of setting an issue is to
(a) Negotiate (b) Confer (c) Consult (d) Advise
4. A child who has lost both his parents is known as.
(a) Unlucky (b) A foundling (c) An orphan (d) A street-child
Direction for Question Nos. 5 and 6
Tick the exact opposite of each word given below:
5. Humility
(a) Rudeness (b) Vainly (c) Pride (d) Arrogance
6. Extravagance
(a) Rudeness (b)Vanity (c) Pride (d) Arrogance
Direction for Question Nos.7 to 9
From the list which follow choose the correct meanings of the underlined part of the sentences given below :
7. Please put on record my objections to this step.
 (a) Put in writing (b) Do not forget (c) Play on a record-player (d) Send them to the proper
authorities
8. The truant boy promised to turn over a new leaf.
(a) Turn to nature (b) Start a new and better life (c) Move away from the place (d) Change for
the worse
9. The man was willing to undertake the work for a consideration.
(a) Out of sympathy (b) Against payment (c) Only for a brief period (d) On certain terms
Direction for Question Nos.10 to 11
From the accompanying list choose a single word describing each of the following as closely as possible:
10. A dwelling in which soldiers live.
(a) Camp (b) Barracks (c) Tents (d) Cottage
11. A seller of cakes
(a) Baker (b) Salesman (c) Cake-seller (d) Confectioner
Direction for Question Nos.12 to 13
Choose the word closest in meaning to that which is underlined:
12. The boy was reprimanded by his father.
(a) Abused (b) Beaten (c) Admired (d) Rebuked
13. With great cunning the clerk forged the important document.
(a) Wickedness (b) Intelligence (c) Craftiness (d) Skill.
Direction for Question Nos. 14 and 15
Choose the right word from the accompanying list to fill in the blanks:
14. To regret is to be ---------- .
(a) Sad (b) Sorrowful (c) Tragic (d) Sorry
15. To bungle is to ----------- .
(a) Confuse (b) Blunder (c) Mistake (d)Erase
Direction for Question Nos. 16 and 17
Choose the right word From the option given :
16. An author who writes the story of another person's life is known as
(a) Historian (b) Chronicler (c) Biographer (d) Diarist
17. A collection of assorted poems or other writings is known
(a) A case book (b) An Anthology (c) A Journal (d) Reviews
Direction for Question Nos. 18 and 19
Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate works chosen from the options given :
18. A piece of writing done by hand is called a ----------- .
a) Script (b)Copy (c) Manuscript (d) Essay
19. When an animal sleeps through the winter it is--------- .
(a) Ruminating (b) Hibernating (c) Gravitating (d) Radiating
Direction for Questions Nos. 20 and 21
From the option given, choose a single word in place of the underlined portions:
20. Part of the examination should be conducted by word of mouth.
(a) Orally (b) Intelligently (c) Confidentially (d) Literally
21. My friend was apt to act suddenly without thinking.
(a) Courageously (b) Excitedly (c)Thoughtlessly (d) Impulsively
Direction for Question Nos. 22 and 23
Replace the underlined portions of each sentence by a single word chosen from the options given:
22. The people of the country rebelled against the oppressive and cruel ruler.
(a) Director (b) Tyrant (c) Demagogue (d) Emperor
23. The man who passed himself off as another was finally caught by the alert young detective.
(a) Wrong-doer (b) Cheat (c) Impostor (d) Traitor
Direction for Question Nos. 24 and 25
Complete the following sentence with words chosen from the option given:
24. The waves that tumble on to the beach are called.
(a) Tumblers (b) Breakers (c) Currents (d) Roaders
25. The opposite of help is
(a) Halt (b) Helpless (c) Hindrance (d) Stop

More Exercise WBCS WEBSITE

Questions on English Composition will cover Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Vocabulary test,
Phrasal Verbs, the same words bearing more than one meaning, use of appropriate and qualifying
words etc
1. A gourmet loves ———.
(A) Fashion (B) Action (C) Food (C) Films
2. The ——— of the place attracts many ascetics.
(A) Quietness (B) Silebce (C) Quietude (D) Soundlessness
3. The street in not properly ———— .
(A) Illumed (B)Illumind (C) Illuminated (D) Enlightened
4. A man with an irrationally fixed idea is called ————
(A) An eccentric (B) A maniac (C) A manikin (D) A phobic
5. A man in the charge of farming and nurturing animals is called ————.
(A) A ploughman (B) A farmer (C) Afirm-manager (D) A husbands man
6. Lachrymose nature means ———— .
(A) Lethargic (B) Prone to anger (C) Prone to tear (D) Energetic
7. The man who follows his nose actually follows his ———— .
(A) Passion (B) Rationality (C) Instinct (D) Memory
8. Detect where the adjective “public” is used in a derogatory sense :
(A) Public house (B) Public Woman (C) Public servant (D) Public speech
9. A clever man sweeps his family scandals under the ——— .
(A) Ground (B) Floor (C) Capet (D) Grave-stone
10. It is usual nowadays to blow one’s own ———— to impress others.
(A) Horn (B) Trumpet (C) Drum (D) Band
Select the pair in the following options which is set in opposition :
11. (A) Doggish — Canine (B) Manly — Virile
(C) Divine — Infernal (D) Earthly — Terrestrial
Select the pair in the following options which is set in opposition:
12. (A) Pedant —— Pedagogic (B) Humid —— Arid
(C) Erroneous —— Faulty (D) Horrible —— Horrendous
Choose the word from the list which is nearest in meaning to the underlined part of the sentence :
13. Hike in oil price may mar the future of the trade world .
(A) Harness (B) Help (C) Better (D) Worsen
Choose the word from the list which is nearest in meaning to the underlined part of the sentence :
14. The separation from a lover fills one’s mind with blues.
(A) sadness (B) Romanticism (C) Nostalgia (D) Colorfulness
15. ’ In the time of danger, we should try to take the bull by the horns ‘ means “In the time of danger we
should try to ——— “
(A) Surmount it (B) Face the situation boldly (C) Overcome it ( D) Control ourselves
16. ‘We are superior to everybody else’ is the apt utterance of a / an
(A) egoist (B) pacifist (C) anarchist (D) chauvinist
17. ” To give a dog a bad name “ means
(A) it is very difficult to destroy the reputation of a loyal person
(B) it is very difficult it loses a bad reputation
(C) it is very difficult to earn a good reputation in a bad company
(D) it is very difficult to both be loyal and do something that jeopardizes self-reputation.
18. The prospect of her marriage is remote.
The opposite of ‘remote’, in this sentence, would be
(A) high (B) less (C) far (D) near
19. Fill in the blank with the right word :
A lame duck organization is one which needs ___________.
(A) authority (B) staff (C) power (D) support
20. A manicurist takes care of
(A) foot (B) ear (C) nails (D) mind
21. A duck is a bird, but to duck is
(A) to feel shy (B) to refuse (C) to abandon (D) to avoid
22. Insert the appropriate phrasal verb in the blank below and make the sentence meaningful:
This evidence ———— with what one already knows.
(A) ties in (B) sets in (C) gives in (D) goes down
23. The specialist who handles problems in the human body related to bones is a / an
(A) Orthodontist (B) Osteopath (C) podiatrist (D) Oncologist
24. Baptism of fire means
(A) a fire fighting act (B) a bad beginning in the first job
(C) a diffcult intorduction to an experience (D) a religious experience
25. A pugilist is a
(A) boxer (B) swimmer (C) athlete (D) weight-lifter
From the given options choose the words nearest in meaning to those underlined in the sentences:
26. The children were very vivacious in the play ground.
(A) smiling (B) sportive (C) lively / full of life (D) joyful
From the given options choose the words nearest in meaning to those underlined in the sentences:
27. After a prolonged suffering he passed away.
(A) went away (B) left (C) expired (D) yielded
From the given options choose the words nearest in meaning to those underlined in the sentences:
28. The musician has a very sonorous voice.
(A) Loud (B) Shrill (C) Harsh (D) Full and deep
From the given options choose the words nearest in meaning to those underlined in the sentences:
29. In the new place he had to earn by the sweat of his brow.
(A) Very hard work (B) Frown of his brow (C) Seriously (D) Idly
From the given options choose the words nearest in meaning to those underlined in the sentences:
30. After much effort he could tide over the crisis.
(A) Overcome (B) Win over (C) Defeat (D) Enjoy
Choose the correct prepositions to fill in the blanks:
31. A gentleman should be true _________his words.
(A) from (B) to (C) in (D) on
Choose the correct prepositions to fill in the blanks:
32. The father was vexed _______ the son.
(A) with (B) about (C) to (D) in
Choose the appropriate words from the given options to suit the meaning of the following most nearly.
33. A fourteen-lined poem is called a
(A) sonnet (B) epilogue (C) composition (D) lyric
Choose the appropriate words from the given options to suit the meaning of the following most nearly.
34. One who hates mankind is called
(A) Man-hater (B) Cannibal (C) Demon (D) Misanthropist
35. Choose the correct meaning of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
Poles apart
(A) Very distant (B) Separate (C) Totally different in views (D) Very difficult
Choose the correct items from the given options:
36. The art of cultivating and managing gardens is called
(A) Horticulture (B) Gardening (C) Botany (D) Geology
Choose the correct items from the given options:
37. Love for the whole world is called
(A) Patriotism (B) Generousness (C) Philanthropy (D) Nobility
38. From the given options choose the most appropriate word to fill up the gap in the following sentence:
The mother_______ the child
(A) Deserted (B) Hated (C) Ran away (D) Abandoned
Choose the most appropriate single word from the options given, as substitute for the underlined parts of
the sentences.
39. People who look at the stars in the sky are pursuing a wonderful vocation.
(A) Astrologers (B) Astronomers (C) Geophysicists (D) Geologists
Choose the most appropriate single word from the options given, as substitute for the underlined parts of
the sentences.
40. People who were present in the hall to listen to the lecture were undisciplined.
(A) Crowd (B) Mob (C) Audience (D) Ruffians
41. Choose the correct item from the given options:
A Government by divine guidance is called
(A) Theocracy (B) Episcopacy (C) Oligarchy (D) Aristocracy
42. Choose the opposite of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
To go to the dogs.
(A) To turn over a new leaf (B) To oil one’s own machine (C) be off one’s head (D) To breathe
one’s last
43. From the options choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to those underlined in the
following sentence:
The high-handed ways of the manager made him an enemy of the people.
(A) Submissive and’ friendly (B) Ignorant (C) Angry (D) Impatient
44. Complete the sentence by choosing appropriate word from the given options:
Tagore’s birthday was _______ with songs and recitation
(A) completed (B) maintained (C) celebrated (D) enjoyed
45. Choose the correct meaning of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
“A bolt from the blue —
(A) a drop from the sky (B) an unexpected shock (C) thunderbolt (D) a blue sky
46. Choose the correct item from the given options:
A disease affecting many persons at the same time and place is called
(A) epidemic (B) infection (C) sickness (D) death
47. From the given options choose the most appropriate word to fill up the gap in’ the following sentence:
1 had_______ something wrong as soon as I reached the spot.
(A) understood (B) realised (C) guessed (D) smelt
Choose the most appropriate single word from the options given, as substitute for the underlined parts of
the sentences.
48. I met a person in the meeting whose appearance did not reflect his mind.
(A) Was deceptive (B) was convincing (C) was faithful (D) was honest
Choose the most appropriate single word from the options given, as substitute for the underlined parts of
the sentences.
49. A collection of poems came out to felicitate the poet.
(A) Guide book (B) Collection (C) Compilation (D) An Anthology
50. Choose the correct item from the given options:
A person who makes his journey on foot is called a
(A) Pedestrian (B) Walker (C) Rambler (D) Wanderer
Choose the word from the list which is nearest in meaning to the underlined parts of the sentences:
51. He pierced the balloon with a pin.
(A) Stabbed (B) Pricked (C) Penetrated (D) Burst
Choose the word from the list which is nearest in meaning to the underlined parts of the sentences:
52. The mother hummed softly as she rocked the baby to sleep.
(A) Chanted (B) Crooned (C) Intoned (D) Whispered
Choose the word from the list which is nearest in meaning to the underlined parts of the sentences:
53. His letter fuelled my doubts.
(A) Ended (B) Increased (C) Caused (D) Reaffirmed
Choose the correct alternative from the options to fill in the blanks:
54. ‘To come to the fore’ means to become__________.
(A) prominent (B) aggressive (C) weak (D) aware
Choose the correct alternative from the options to fill in the blanks:
55. On one’s toes’ signifies _______
(A) Concentration (B) courtesy (C) Punctuality (D) alertness
Choose the correct alternative from the options to fill in the blanks:
56. ‘To make headway’ is to ____________.
(A) Make progress (B) make little progress (C) to progress towards collision (D)to proceed
to travel
Choose the correct alternative from the options to fill in the blanks:
57. ‘Waiting with bated breath’ is to ________.
(A) Feel very excited (B) Feel breathlessness (C) Waiting for the dentist with the complait of bad
breath (D) Waiting to take revenge
58. ‘Replace the underlined words with most appropriate phrasal verbs:
After a promising start his career soon came to an end in a disappointing way.
(A) Roughed out (B) Fizzled out (C)Flaked Out (D) Rounded off
59. Choose the correct meaning of the underlined portion:
She has been sitting on the books taken from the library for a month.
(A)Doing nothing with the books (B)Reading the books carefully (C)Reading the books
only (D)keeping the books as a mark of protest
Select the pair among the following which is set in opposition
60. (A) Gay: Animated (B) Full: Replete (C) Surmise: Fact (D) Generation: Age
Select the pair among the following which is set in opposition
61. (A) Wanton : Restrained (B) Sardonic : Bitter (C) Bright : Refulgent (D) Fetch : Bring
Select the pair among the following which is set in opposition
62. (A) Macabre : Earic (B) Abortive : Successful (C) Secret : Covert (D) Mock : Rally
Fill in the blanks with the correct word to make the idioi complete or meaningful:
63. The young politician’s speech was full of blood and ––
(A) Sweat (B) Blade (C) Dagger (D) Thunder
Fill in the blanks with the correct word to make the idioi complete or meaningful:
64. He held out an olive branch to his ––-
(A) Enemy (B) Friend (C) Pet (D) Forefathers
Choose the right word from the alternatives to complete each sentence and give it an idiomatic turn:
65. To be very bust is tobe as busy as a
(A) Squirrel (B) Bee (C) Duck (D) Mouse
Choose the right word from the alternatives to complete each sentence and give it an idiomatic turn:
66. Someone having a weak memory is said to have a mind/memory like a
(A) Sieve (B) Soap (D) Screw (D) Stream
Choose the right alternative from the options given :
67. A market where old and used goods are sold is caiied a
(A) Grey market (B) Share market (C) Black market (D) Flea market
Choose the right alternative from the options given :
68. An interpreter is involved with the task of
(A) Inscription (B) Transcription (C) Translation (D) Transformation
Choose the right alternative from the options given :
69. One who moves from one place to go to live or work in anoti is called a migrant But a vagrant is
a person
(A) without a valid passport (B) who goes to live in exile (C) without a settled home or regular
work (D) who asks for political asylum
Choose the right alternative from the options given :
70. A homophone for the word ‘whole’ will be
(A) Hole (B) Roll (C) Wholesome (D) Whale
71. Fill in the blanks choosing the right word/alternative:
A barber shaves _____ a gardener .
(A) Binds (B) Reaps (C) Gleans (D) Prunes
Choose the right alternative:
72. A soporific speech would tend to
(A) Put one to sleep (B) Stimulate action (C)Appeal primarily to emotions (D) be
incomprehensible
Choose the right alternative:
73. The idiosyncrasies of a professor must not include
(A) Eccentricities (B) Flaws (C) Oddities (D) Typicalities
Choose the right alternative:
74. In a Hobson’s choice situation one
(A) Must accept what is offered as there is no alternative
(B) Can freely choose from many alternatives
(C) Must choose only in consultation with other members of the group he/she belongs to
(D) Can do any of the above
Choose the right alternative:
75. A fly-by-night company.
(A) Operates only at night (B) Sends cargo by plane only
 (C) Is interested only in making quick profits (D) Operates from no fixed place
76. Political crime against one’s own country is called
(A) Treachery (B) Treason (C) Sedition (D) Terrorism
77. A drawback usually observed in women is called
(A) Womanly (B) Womanish (C) Female (D) Feminine
78. The trees which shed all their leaves at a particular time of the year called
(A) Evergreen (B) Coniferous (C) Deciduous (D) Savanna
79. Choose the correct item:
Dance is an art form, but to dance attendance is to
(A) Take part in group dance attendance
(B) Entertain by dancing
(C) Be subservient
(D) Be flattering
80. Our gateman is a man of enormous size.
(A) Healthy (B) Tall C) Gigantic (D) Big
81. The receptionist of the hotel greeted us with the pink of courtesy.
(A) Very sweetly (B) With seriousness (C) Warmly (D) Respectfully
82. Choose of the opposite of the following idiomatic expression from the options given:
To have other fish to fry
(A) To play the second fiddle
(B) To do the Yeoman’s Service
(C) To oil one’s own machine
(D) To cut the coat according to one’s cloth
83. The concluding part of a literary work is called
(A) Epigraph (B) Epitaph (C) Conclusion (D) Epilogue
84. One who knows all is called
(A) Scholarly (B) Omniscient (C) Learned (D) Erudite
85. The beautiful lady compared –––- the moon by the poet.
(A) with (B) to (C) of (D) like
86. Competitors ––— the globe took part in the game.
(A) from (B) over (C) around (D)across
87. The senior officer was angry ––— the sobordinates
(A) upon (B) on (C) with (D) against
88. Shylock nurtured a deep-rooted hatred – Antonio.
(A) for (B) to (C) against (D) about
89. A government of the richest class is called
(A) Monarchy (B) Aristocracy (C) Plutocracy (D) Oligarchy
90. A person out to destroy the government is known as
(A) a terrorist (B) an anarchist (C) a militant (D) an extremist
91. From the given options choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the sentence:
After one week’s continuous fever, the relatives of the patient became–—about the mode of treatment.
(A) Suspicious (B) doubtful (C) apprehensive (D) inquisitive
92. We all –––– an unknown danger before us.
(A) Foresaw (B) predicted (C) anticipated (D) apprehended
93. This method is not wrong ; but there may be a more ––––- method then this.
(A) suitable (B) effective (C) effectual (D) working
94. Complete the sentence by choosing appropriate word from the given option.
(A) observed (B) enjoyed (C) celebrated (D) performed
95. Choose the correct meaning of the following idiomatic expression from the option given.
At daggers drawn
(A) Hostile to other (B) Violent to other (C) Dangerous for other (D) Violently opposed to
each other
96. From the options choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to those underlined in the following
sentence :
The 19th century was the hey-day of the renaissance in Bangal.
(A) Days of decline (B) peak-point (C) period of stagnation (D) Time of up-rise
97. After much resistance the robbers gave in to the police.
(A) Arrested (B) Apologized (C) Yielded (D) Defeated
98. Man dose not live by bread alone.
(A) Food (B) Sustenance (C) Material prosperity (D) Good health
99. People who believe anything told to them are not dependable.
(A) Faithful (B) Credible (C) All-believing (D) Credulous
100. The two men coming from the same country booked the same hotel in the nighbouring state.
(A) Immigrants (B) Compatriots (C) Comrades (D) Refugees
101. To make use of marks like commas or full stops is to
(a) Deviate (b) Vary (c) Regulate (d) Punctuate
102. When the author gives a name which is not his real one the book is said to be written under a
(a) Fiction (b) Falsehood (c) Pseudonym (d) Mistake
103. To conduct talks with a party with the aim of setting an issue is to
(a) Negotiate (b) Confer (c) Consult (d) Advise
104. A child who has lost both his parents is known as.
(a) Unlucky (b) A foundling (c) An orphan (d) A street-child
Tick the exact opposite of each word given below:
105. Humility
(a) Rudeness (b) Vanily (c) Pride (d) Arrogance
Tick the exact opposite of each word given below:
106. Extravagance
(a) Rudness (b)Vanity (c) Pride (d) Arrogance
From the list which follow choose the correct meanings of the underlined part of the sentences given below :
107. Please put on record my objections to this step.
(a) Put in writing (b) Do not forget (c) Play on a record-player (d) Send them to the proper authorities
From the list which follow choose the correct meanings of the underlined part of the sentences given below :
108. The truant boy promised to turn over a new leaf.
(a) Turn to nature (b) Start a new and better life (c) Move away from the place (d) Change for
the worse
From the list which follow choose the correct meanings of the underlined part of the sentences given below :
109. The man was willing to undertake the work for a consideration.
(a) Out of sympathy (b) Against payment (c) Only for a brief period (d) On certain terms
From the accompanying list choose a single word describing each of the following as closely as possible:
110. A dwelling in which soldiers live.
(a) Camp (b) Barracks (c) Tents (d) Cottage
From the accompanying list choose a single word describing each of the following as closely as possible:
111. A seller of cakes
(a) Baker (b) Salesman (c) Cake-seller (d) Confectioner
Choose the word closest in meaning to that which is underlined:
112. The boy was reprimanded by his father.
(a) Abused (b) Beaten (c) Admired (d) Rebuked
Choose the word closest in meaning to that which is underlined:
113. With great cunning the clerk forged the important document.
(a) Wickedness (b) Intellingence (c) Craftiness (d) Skill.
Choose the right word from the accompanying list to fill in the blanks:
114. To regret is to be ---------- .
(a) Sad (b) Sorrowful (c) Tragic (d) Sorry
Choose the right word from the accompanying list to fill in the blanks:
115. To bungle is to ----------- .
 (a) Confuse (b) Blunder (c) Mistake (d)Erase
Choose the right word From the option given :
116. An author who writes the story of another person's life is kown as
(a) Historian (b) Chronicler (c) Biographer (d) Diarist
Choose the right word From the option given :
117. A collection of assorted poems or other writings is known
(a) A case book (b) An Anthology (c) A Journal (d) Reviews
Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate works chosen from the options given :
118. A piece of writing done by hand is called a ----------- .
a) Script (b)Copy (c) Manuscript (d) Essay
Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate works chosen from the options given :
119. When an animal sleeps through the winter it is--------- .
(a) Ruminating (b) Hibernating (c) Gravitating (d) Radiating
From the option given, choose a single word in place of the underlined portions:
120. Part of the examination should be conducted by word of mouth.
(a) Orally (b) Intelligently (c) Confidentially (d) Literally
From the option given, choose a single word in place of the underlined portions:
121. My friend was apt to act suddenly without thinking.
(a) Courageously (b) Excitedly (c)Thoughtlessly (d) Impulsively
Replace the underlined portions of each sentence by a single word chosen from the options given:
122. The people of the country rebelled against the oppressive and cruel ruler.
(a) Director (b) Tyrant (c) Demagogue (d) Emperor
Replace the underlined portions of each sentence by a single word chosen from the options given:
123. The man who passed himself off as another was finaly caught by the alert young detective.
(a) Wrong-doer (b) Cheat (c) Impostor (d) Traitor
Complete the following sentence with words chosen from the option given:
124. The waves that tumble on to the beach are called.
(a) Tumblers (b) Breakers (c) Currents (d) Roarers
Complete the following sentence with words chosen from the option given:
125. The opposite of help is
(a) Halt (b) Helpless (c) Hindrance (d) Stop

Collection by Sumon k. Sarkar