General English MCQs
Topic Notes: General English
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
631
The government's decision to raise taxes was met with ______ from the public.
Answer:
derision
Rule: Logical Expectation. Raising taxes is generally an unpopular measure. Therefore, the public's reaction would likely be negative. 'Derision' means contemptuous ridicule or mockery. It signifies a strong negative reaction. Options (a) 'approbation' (approval), (b) 'acclaim' (enthusiastic praise), and (d) 'applause' are all positive reactions, which are unlikely in this context.
632
The historical evidence is ______ and open to various interpretations.
Answer:
ambiguous
Rule: Vocabulary from Definition. The phrase 'open to various interpretations' serves as the definition for the missing word. 'Ambiguous' means open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning. This is the correct choice. Options (a) 'conclusive', (c) 'definitive', and (d) 'unequivocal' are all antonyms, meaning clear and leaving no doubt.
633
The ______ child refused to eat his vegetables, despite his mother's pleas.
Answer:
obstinate
Rule: Vocabulary of Personality. A child who 'refused' to do something despite pleas is stubborn. 'Obstinate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so. This word perfectly describes the child. Options (a) 'compliant', (b) 'amenable', and (d) 'docile' are all words for being obedient and easy to persuade, which is the opposite of the child's behavior.
634
After weeks of negotiation, the two sides finally reached a ______ that was acceptable to both.
Answer:
compromise
Rule: Vocabulary of Negotiation. The phrase 'acceptable to both' indicates an agreement was made where each side gave something up. 'Compromise' is an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. This is the correct term for the outcome of a successful negotiation. Options (a) 'stalemate' and (b) 'deadlock' refer to situations where no progress can be made. Option (d) 'dispute' is the problem, not the solution.
635
The discovery of new fossils helped to ______ the theory of evolution.
Answer:
bolster
Rule: Verbs of Support/Opposition. New fossil discoveries that fit into the existing framework would support the theory of evolution. 'Bolster' means to support or strengthen. This is the correct word for evidence that reinforces a theory. Options (a) 'refute', (b) 'disprove', and (c) 'negate' are all synonyms meaning to prove something to be wrong, which is what evidence that *contradicts* a theory would do.
636
The ______ of the desert at night is both beautiful and unsettling.
Answer:
solitude
Rule: Vocabulary of Place. Deserts at night are known for their quietness and emptiness. 'Solitude' means the state or situation of being alone, often implying quiet and peace. This fits the context of a desert. Options (a) 'cacophony', (b) 'din', and (d) 'clamor' are all words for a loud, harsh, and confusing noise, which is the opposite of a desert's atmosphere.
637
He was ______ by his desire for revenge, unable to think about anything else.
Answer:
consumed
Rule: Metaphorical Verbs. Being 'unable to think about anything else' suggests a powerful, all-encompassing feeling. 'Consumed' is often used metaphorically to mean that a feeling or idea affects someone so much that they can think of nothing else. This fits perfectly. Option (a) 'liberated' means freed. Option (c) 'inspired' is positive, but 'consumed' better captures the obsessive nature. Option (d) 'deterred' means discouraged.
638
The old manuscript was written in a language so ______ that it has defied all attempts at translation.
Answer:
abstruse
Rule: Vocabulary and Consequence. The consequence is that the manuscript 'has defied all attempts at translation'. This means the language is extremely difficult to understand. 'Abstruse' means difficult to understand; obscure. This word perfectly fits the context. Options (a) 'lucid', (b) 'comprehensible', and (d) 'transparent' all mean clear or easy to understand, contradicting the stated consequence.
639
The evidence was ______ to the case and was therefore disregarded by the jury.
Answer:
extraneous
Rule: Logical Inference. If the jury 'disregarded' the evidence, it must have been irrelevant to the case. 'Extraneous' means irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with. This is the correct word. Options (a) 'pertinent', (b) 'germane', and (d) 'relevant' are all synonyms meaning related or relevant, which is the opposite of why evidence would be disregarded.
640
His ______ nature was a major drawback in his career as a salesperson, as he was too shy to approach potential customers.
Answer:
reticent
Rule: Vocabulary from Description. The description 'too shy to approach potential customers' points to a personality trait of being reserved or uncommunicative. 'Reticent' means not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily. This perfectly describes the salesperson's nature. Options (a) 'gregarious', (b) 'effusive' (expressing gratitude in a heartfelt manner), and (d) 'convivial' (friendly and lively) are all traits of a good salesperson and are the opposite of what is described.