Hello and welcome to exampundit . Here is a set of English Quiz for SBI PO Mains Exam 2016.
Directions (Q. 1-15): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
The world is full of warring people: brothers, sisters, spouses, communities, nations—no one is free from this affliction. The meanings of words such as ‘brother’ or ‘spouse’ have become defunct, now referring to a mere biological/legal connection rather than the deeper relationships of love, companionship and friendship. The cause of the warring? Old rivalries, grudges, misunderstandings and conflicting value systems. The last goes to the root of it all. Many would like to believe that people are inherently deceptive, scheming, selfish or aggressive. However, this is not true. What is intrinsic to people is their value system—hierarchical structures of things they value most in their lives.
This may be money, power, adventure, security, health, career, studies, fame, the opposite sex, friends, family or even things like food, sports, dancing, partying and sometimes something much deeper, such as philanthropy, social work or God. Any one of these can take precedence over all others if it is at the top of a person’s value system. Understanding that other people don’t always share the same value systems as we do, is the first and most crucial step towards creating friendship or resolving strife. It makes it easier for us to let go more often. Too many discussions on trivial matters such as the distance from Mumbai to Delhi end up in argument and bitter exchanges. Learn to laugh and change the topic or just agree or keep quiet. Talk about subjects which interest others, not yourself, even if those subjects are truly boring. Remember, they mean a lot in the value system of the other person. Ask them how they got involved in the subject and about their experiences and opinions.
The more people you show interest in, the more friends you’ll have. But remember, do not assume that friends are primarily for helping you. That may be disastrous. That thought represents your value system. In serious matters, however, all individuals should enter a mutual, written agreement in the company of witnesses from both sides: even in dealings with one’s father, brother, sister, wife, son or best friend. Remember, they may not all subscribe to the same value system as you. Or, their value systems might change in the future. When young, many people subscribe to the value “all for one and one for all”. Later, after many thankless experiences, they furiously switch over to “every man for himself”. So, if a person refuses to enter into such a written agreement with you, make some excuse and just call off the plan. Even if it sours relations a little, it won’t sour them as much as it will years later. The master formula is: to get a friend, be a friend. But please choose your friends carefully. Their value system will determine their destiny. Associating with them may determine yours too.
1. Why is it that blood relations are also not at normal terms with each other?
(a) because everyone wants to win the race
(b) because the amity bond within family members is not stronger these days
(c) because they try to supersede each other
(d) because everyone is living with a sense of insecurity
(e) None of these
2. What would make the meanings of words such as ‘brother’ or ‘spouse’ functional?
(a) understanding these terms with a commercial purpose
(b) making all the members of a family live under one roof
(c) promoting the idea of ‘give and take’
(d) promoting caring attitude towards each other
(e) None of these
3. What has been mentioned as the root cause behind ‘warring’?
(a) difference and conflict in priority areas of people
(b) dependence on each other in the society
(c) jealousy and hatred
(d) unsatisfied ego problem of some people
(e) None of these
4. What is the most crucial step for resolving a dispute?
(a) bilateral talks
(b) going to the core of the problem
(c) It must be learnt that different persons may have different areas of priority.
(d) taking punitive action against the guilty
(e) None of these
5. Why does the author suggest to talk about subjects which interests others, not yourself?
(a) to avoid confrontation
(b) to keep the debate going on
(c) to engage other people in the discussion
(d) to win the heart of others
(e) None of these
6. Why has it been suggested that in serious matters all individuals should enter a mutual, written agreement in the company of witnesses from both sides?
(a) because it is hard to trust anyone in this world today
(b) because value systems may differ from person to person
(c) because it is better to avoid risk in such matters
(d) because in any serious issue proof is vital
(e) None of these
7. What do you make out of the expression—‘all for one and one for all’ as used in the passage?
(a) working in proximity with each other
(b) a strong family bond
(c) showing exemplary courage in dealing with tough matters
(d) sacrificing one’s goal for others
(e) None of these
8. Which of the following is false in context of the passage?
(a) Today even members of a family are not in good terms with one another.
(b) Preference areas of people may differ from one another.
(c) Conflicting value systems is the root cause behind warring.
(d) Friends are always to help you in times of trouble.
(e) None of these
9. What message does the author want to convey through this passage?
(a) The world is full of conflicts.
(b) Make friends, not enemies.
(c) Difference in priority areas generates conflicts.
(d) Nothing is permanent in this world.
(e) None of these
Directions (Q. 10-12): Choose the word which is same in meaning as the word given in bold as used in the passage.
10. AFFLICTION
(a) distress (b) disease (c) malady (d) malaise (e) hazard
11. DECEPTIVE
(a) rubbish (b) haunting (c) fearsome (d) misleading (e) selfish
12. STRIFE
(a) furore (b) conflict (c) chaos (d) mystery (e) deadlock
Directions (Q. 13-15): Choose the word which is opposite in meaning of the word given in bold as used in the passage.
13. PRECEDENCE
(a) sideline (b) subsidiary (c) backseat (d) neglect (e) boundary
14. BITTER
(a) sour (b) rewarding (c) fruitful (d) deserving (e) pleasant
15. SUBSCRIBE
(a) return (b) disagree (c) force (d) revolt (e) sell
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Team ExamPundit
