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HPSC 2023 — English Language Questions with Answers

All 8 English Language previous-year questions from HPSC 2023, 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 reducing it to one-third of its length and assign a suitable title: "If we wish to maintain democracy, not nearly in form, but also in fact, what must we do? The first thing, in my judgement, we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives. It means we must abandon the bloody methods of revolution. It means that we must abandon the method of civil disobedience, non-cooperation and Satyagraha. ... [passage continues, approx. 486 words, on constitutional methods, the Grammar of Anarchy, the dangers of Bhakti or hero-worship in politics, and the relationship between liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life]"

2. Q2.Comprehension

   Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Do not reproduce sentences as it is found in the passage unless you are asked to. [Passage on senior citizens and memory loss, citing Sir Norman Wisdom, Mark Twain and Dr M S Swaminathan, and ways to keep the mind alert and active.] Questions: (a) Which phrase in the first paragraph suggests that memory loss doesn't necessarily mean complete loss of ability to remember anything or a permanent state? [1] (b) The writer says 'not many are so gifted.' To whom does the word 'so' here point to- Sir Norman Wisdom, Dr M S Swaminathan or Mark Twain? [1] (c) The writer believes that video games slowly cause memory loss. (TRUE/FALSE) [1] (d) The writer seems to be in favour of complete ban on use of alcoholic drinks. (TRUE/FALSE) [1] (e) Whose humorous words does the writer cite to convince us that even listing two or three points would be hard for the elders? [1] (f) Scientific/medical term for the loss of memory is - Amnesia/Dementia/Euthanasia/Eurasia (Select the right word) [1] (g) Of the remarks that the writer cites, which one 'warns' us that even if you feel you do remember things, it could be unreliable? (Reproduce the sentence) [2] (h) Does the writer say that forgetfulness affects everybody without exception? Give reasons to prove your point. [2] (i) Which sentence in the passage gives you a hint that the writer prefers traditional games to ones with modern gadgets? (Underline the relevant word/words after reproducing the sentence from the passage) [2] (j) To which age group does the writer belong? Support your answer by citing the words from the passage. [2] (k) The writer talks about additional ways in excess of those dozen tips for dealing with forgetfulness. Which are they? [2] (l) Which are those dozen tips that the writer suggests to surmount the problem of forgetfulness? Make a full list of them. Write them one below the other and number them. [4]

3. Q3.Grammar

   Rewrite the following sentences as directed: (a) I like reading novels more than watching TV. (Use 'prefer' to indicate your liking) (b) The chief guest arrives at 4 o'clock... (Add a question tag) (c) Pass on that water bottle. (Convert this into a polite request in question form) (d) The officer had written a letter directly to the Managing Director. (Convert the sentence into Passive Voice) (e) 'Are you coming here for the first time?' asked the lady her friend. (Convert it into Indirect Speech)

4. Q4.Vocabulary

   Mention one-word substitutes to the following: (a) Picture of somebody or something stressing certain features drawn to amuse or to ridicule (b) An imaginary name assumed by the writer for disguise (c) Literary theft practised by borrowing words or ideas from other writers (d) paper or book written with hand (and not in print) (e) A hater of mankind

5. Q5.Idioms and Phrases

   Use the following idioms/phrases in sentences to bring out their meanings: (a) in accordance with (b) a fish out of water (c) leave no stone unturned (d) to throw some light on (e) pay back in one's own coin

6. Q6.Grammar

   Fill in the blanks with a suitable form of words provided below: democracy, brave, interact, optimistic, unfortunate. (a) ____ my grandparents were not alive to tell me stories while I was growing up. (b) Reading a good book is like ____ with a brilliant mind. (c) ____ alone is not enough. 'Discretion', they say, 'is the best part of valour.' (d) A healthy society functions on ____ values. (e) What we need in times of hardship is ____.

7. Q7.Grammar

   Correct the following sentences: (a) He had left a large number of money when he died. (b) None of the brothers have shown any interest in saving the property. (c) Does your son go to the school, now that he is 6 years old? (d) I do not know who I can trust. (e) However fastly you run, you will not be able to overtake a train.

8. Q8.Vocabulary

   Fill in the blanks with antonyms of the word underlined in the sentences below: (a) Sorry, I remember the arrival time of the flight, but not its ____. (b) While all my friends discouraged me, my parents ____ me to appear for Civil Service Exam. (c) The ancestors of the family were always known for noble acts, but what this person has done is surely ____. (d) What with these reckless medical practitioners around, sometimes you feel ____ is worse than the disease. (e) The vertical lines in the diagram indicate food grains output of the country, while ____ lines indicate the financial year.