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HPSC 2014 — English Language Questions with Answers

All 7 English Language previous-year questions from HPSC 2014, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Precis Writing

   Make a precis of the following passage. Also assign a suitable title to it. Humans are social creatures. They crave for communication with their fellow beings. Communication started with oral interaction. Writing as a skill developed at a later stage as man took time to get mature enough to express himself/herself using the written channel of communication. Hence, writing is a skill that required growth, which comes with training, experience and practice. [passage continues]

2. Q2.Reading Comprehension

   Read the following passage carefully and answer in your own words the questions that follow: Globalisation is gradually creeping into every nook and corner of the world, but the ghost of brain drain still continues to haunt India as talented young students continue to go abroad every year for education, as well as for employment opportunities. UNESCO report in 1969, defined brain drain as "an abnormal form of scientific exchange between countries, characterized by a one-way flow in favour of the most highly developed countries." [passage continues] Questions: 1. What is brain drain? 2. Is brain drain still affecting India? 3. In what way has the definition of brain drain not changed for India? 4. Give meanings of the following words and use them in the sentences: a) hub b) haunt c) greener pastures d) recruited e) outsourcing

3. Q3.Vocabulary

   Substitute a SINGLE word for the group of words given below: a) One who believes in the existence of God b) One who plays a game for pleasure and not professionally c) One who knows many languages d) One who believes in fate e) One who looks at the bright side of things

4. Q4.Grammar & Usage

   Rewrite the sentences as directed: a) "Do you want to see the museum?" said the guide (change into indirect speech). b) You (telephone) for ages. You not (finish)? (Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense) c) If pedestrians (wear) light coloured clothes drivers (see) them much more easily. (Put the verbs in brackets into the correct forms) d) My brother was the only one who realized the danger. (Replace the underlined clause by an infinitive) e) He can drive a car (Add a suitable question tag)

5. Q5.Vocabulary

   Make sentences with the idioms and phrases given below so as to bring out their meanings: a) On the contrary b) In the long run c) To the contrary d) Crocodile tears e) A maiden speech

6. Q6.Grammar & Usage

   Correct the following sentences. a) Both of the books requires careful reading. b) Sixty minutes are enough to finish this task. c) Each of these shops are doing good business. d) A number of books is missing. e) A lot of time have been wasted. f) She is enough smart to tackle this problem. g) He is so cunning as his sister. h) He left the college latest of all. i) You and I have received your lesson. j) Whom do you think will be our next captain?

7. Q7.Grammar & Usage

   Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions. i) I am waiting ---- my friend. He will be here ---- a minute. ii) They succeeded ---- escaping ---- the burning house. iii) She made a point ---- coming late so that everyone would look ---- her. iv) It never occured ---- me to ask him ---- his identity card. v) A bird flew ---- the cuckoo's nest ---- a hurry.