Selecting Words Questions in English

(D) The correct phrase to complete the sentence is 'an asset'.
An 'asset' refers to a person or thing that is valuable or useful to an organization or person.
Since the stenographer is described as 'very efficient',he is a valuable resource to his firm,making 'an asset' the most appropriate choice.
'$A$ boon' or 'a blessing' are generally used in a broader,often spiritual or life-changing context,whereas 'an asset' is the standard professional term for a valuable employee.

(C) The sentence discusses a 'long-term strategy'. In the context of business strategy,the phrase 'to concentrate on' means to focus or direct one's attention and resources toward a specific area. Therefore,'concentrate' is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence,as it implies focusing on core sector businesses.

(A) The most appropriate word to complete the sentence is 'mend'.
'Mend' means to repair something that is broken or damaged.
In the context of a television set,'mend' is the correct verb to describe the act of fixing it.
'Reform' is used for improving a system or behavior.
'Correct' is used for fixing errors in information or data.
'Alter' means to change something slightly.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.

(D) The sentence implies that the speaker cannot be forced or pressured into doing something against their will.
'Compel' means to force or oblige someone to do something.
Therefore,'Nobody can compel me' fits the context perfectly.
'Encourage' and 'request' do not fit the context of 'not wanting to do' something,and 'oppose' does not make sense in this grammatical structure.

(D) The word $sanguine$ means optimistic or positive,especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.
Therefore,a $sanguine$ outlook is directly associated with an $optimist$,who is a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future.
Thus,the correct option is $D$.

(A) The correct phrase is 'above suspicion'. The idiom 'above suspicion' means that someone's behavior or character is so good that no one could possibly believe they have done anything wrong. Therefore,the complete sentence is: 'His conduct is bad,and his honesty is not above suspicion.'

(C) The correct answer is $C$.
When the structure 'It is + time + since' is used,the verb following 'since' must be in the simple past tense.
Therefore,the correct form is 'saw'.

(C) The term 'amoral' means lacking a moral sense or being unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something. In the context of the sentence,if an issue is 'amoral',it implies that morality is not applicable to it. Therefore,it is logically consistent to state that it is not correct to introduce questions of morality into a debate about an 'amoral' issue. Thus,the correct option is $C$.

(A) The phrase '$take$ someone for a ride' is an English idiom that means to deceive or cheat someone.
In the given sentence,Natwarlal deceived people by using false documents.
Therefore,the correct verb form to complete the idiom is '$took$'.
Thus,the sentence becomes: 'Natwarlal took them all for a ride by producing false documents.'

(A) The correct word to complete the sentence is 'consists'.
'Brevity' refers to the quality of being concise and exact in the use of words.
The phrase 'consists in' is a standard idiomatic expression used to define the nature or essence of something.
Therefore,the sentence 'True brevity consists in saying only what needs to be said' is grammatically and semantically correct.

(D) The sentence implies that health is a vital aspect of life that should not be ignored or overlooked.
'Neglected' means to fail to care for properly,which fits perfectly in the context of health.
'Discarded' means to throw away,'despised' means to feel contempt for,and 'detested' means to dislike intensely; none of these words fit the context of maintaining health.
Therefore,the correct option is $D$.

(A) The correct word is 'shade'.
'Shade' refers to the area protected from direct sunlight,especially under a tree,which provides coolness.
'Shadow' refers to the dark shape cast on a surface by an object blocking light,which does not necessarily imply coolness or a place to lie down.
Therefore,'shade' is the most appropriate term for seeking relief from hot weather.

(D) The correct preposition to use in this sentence structure is 'of'.
When we use an adjective like 'unreasonable' followed by a person,we use the structure 'It is/was [adjective] of [person] to [verb]'.
Therefore,the complete sentence is: 'It was indeed unreasonable of him to leave this job and start a business.'

(B) The sentence describes a disagreement or a point of contention regarding the powers of the Election Commission. Among the given options,'conflict' is the most appropriate word to describe a major disagreement or dispute between two authorities. Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(A) The sentence requires a word that means to support or confirm a statement with evidence.
'Corroborate' means to confirm or give support to a statement,theory,or finding,which is the most appropriate term in a legal context.
'Avouch' means to affirm or assert,'verify' means to check the truth of something,and 'approve' means to officially agree to.
In legal proceedings,evidence or statements are 'corroborated' by witnesses or documents.
Therefore,the correct option is $A$.

(C) The sentence structure uses the pattern $too + \text{adjective} + \text{to-infinitive}$.
This construction implies a negative result, meaning he is so dull that he cannot solve this problem.
Therefore, the correct infinitive form is $to solve$.
Thus, the complete sentence is: "He is too dull to solve this problem."

(C) The correct phrase is 'most to blame'. The structure 'the person who is most to blame' is a standard idiomatic expression used to identify the individual primarily responsible for a situation or fault. The word 'most' functions as an adverb modifying the phrase 'to blame',indicating the highest degree of responsibility.

(D) The correct word is 'circuitous'.
'Circuitous' means a route that is longer than the most direct way.
Since the taxi fare was higher,it implies the driver took a longer,indirect path,which fits the definition of a 'circuitous' route.
'Circular' refers to a shape,'circumscribed' refers to geometry,and 'longest' is grammatically possible but 'circuitous' is the most precise vocabulary term for an indirect route.

(C) The correct preposition to use with the verb 'accused' is 'of'. The phrase 'accused of' is a standard collocation in English used to indicate that someone is charged with a crime or wrongdoing. Therefore,the complete sentence is: 'He was accused of stealing his aunt's necklace.'

(B) The correct word to fill in the blank is 'overweening'.
'Overweening' means excessively arrogant,presumptuous,or conceited.
In the context of the sentence,the person believes they know everything better than anyone else,which describes an 'overweening' vanity.
'Overstrung' refers to being nervous or tense.
'Overwhelming' means very great in amount or intensity.
'Overwrought' means in a state of nervous agitation or excitement.
Therefore,'overweening' is the most appropriate choice to describe excessive vanity.

(B) The correct word to complete the sentence is 'agree'.
In this context,'agree to' is the correct phrasal structure used to express consenting to perform an action.
'Accept' usually takes a direct object (e.g.,'accept the invitation').
'Comply' is followed by 'with' (e.g.,'comply with the rules').
'Concur' is followed by 'with' (e.g.,'concur with your opinion').
Therefore,'agree' is the most appropriate choice.

(B) In the context of cricket,a wicket that falls at a moment when the team is performing well and is in a strong position is described as a $crucial$ wicket. $A$ $crucial$ wicket refers to a decisive or pivotal moment in the game that significantly impacts the outcome. While $critical$ is similar,$crucial$ is the standard idiomatic collocation used in sports commentary to describe a wicket that changes the momentum of a match.

(A) The phrase 'heart leapt' is a common idiom used to express a sudden feeling of excitement,joy,or surprise. When someone sees something beautiful or desirable,such as a diamond necklace,it is natural to feel a surge of excitement. Therefore,'leapt' is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.

(D) The word 'stretch' is the most appropriate term used to describe a continuous area or expanse of land or countryside. Therefore,the correct sentence is: 'He lives near a lovely stretch of countryside.'

(C) The sentence refers to 'ambition',which is a strong desire or drive. In the context of human emotions and psychological states,'passions' is the most appropriate term to describe a driving force that is often insatiable or 'never satisfied'. Therefore,the complete sentence is: 'Ambition is one of those passions which are never satisfied.'

(C) The sentence describes a person's character and their nature or temperament.
'Amiable' means having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner,which is a common trait used to describe a person's disposition.
'Amicable' is typically used to describe relationships or agreements (e.g.,an amicable settlement) rather than a person's individual disposition.
'Beneficent' means generous or doing good,which is a character trait but less common than 'amiable' when paired with 'disposition'.
'Morous' is not a standard English word in this context.
Therefore,'amiable' is the most appropriate choice.

(B) The given sentence is a conditional sentence: 'If $I$ take a state roadways bus,$I$'ll get late'.
In question tags,if the main clause is positive,the tag is negative,and if the main clause is negative,the tag is positive.
The main clause is '$I$'ll get late' ($I$ will get late),which is positive.
Therefore,the question tag must be negative.
The subject is '$I$' and the auxiliary verb is 'will'.
The negative tag for '$I$ will' is 'won't $I$'.

(C) The correct phrase to complete the sentence is 'play a role' or 'play an important part'. In the context of the sentence,'play' is the verb that collocates with 'importance' to indicate the function or impact something has. Therefore,the sentence becomes: 'In high school,many of us never realised the importance that grammar would play in later life.'

(B) The sentence describes a business environment that is becoming more complex and unpredictable over time.
$1$. The word 'progressively' fits well with 'changing' to indicate a continuous process of becoming more unstructured.
$2$. The phrase 'increasingly demanded' is a standard collocation used to describe a growing requirement or expectation for a specific skill set (creativity and innovation) from executives.
Therefore,the correct choice is $B$.

(D) The sentence describes a situation where there is a 'dearth' (scarcity) of grass on 'arid' (dry/barren) plains.
When cattle do not have enough food to eat,they suffer from malnutrition and become thin and weak.
'Emaciated' means abnormally thin or weak,especially because of illness or a lack of food.
Therefore,'emaciated' is the most appropriate word to describe the condition of the cattle.

(C) The sentence describes an action that occurred before another past action. The woman 'came in' (past tense) and reported that the baby 'had just swallowed' (past perfect tense) a safety pin. The past perfect tense is used to indicate an action completed before a specific point in the past.

(D) The sentence discusses the search for planets as a means to find extraterrestrial life. The word 'quest' refers to a long or arduous search for something. In the context of space exploration and the search for life,'quest for extraterrestrial life' is the most idiomatic and appropriate phrase. Therefore,option $D$ is the correct choice.

(B) In the context of banking,the act of taking money out of an account is referred to as 'withdrawing' money. Therefore,the verb 'draws' is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence. The sentence becomes: 'She draws Rs $80$ out of the bank every Friday.'

(B) In diplomatic protocol,an $ambassador$ is the highest-ranking diplomat sent by one country to another. It is the standard practice for an ambassador to present their 'credentials' (official documents) to the head of state of the host country,in this case,the President of India. Therefore,the most appropriate word is $ambassador$.

(D) The correct phrasal verb is 'back out'.
'Back out' means to withdraw from a commitment,agreement,or promise.
In the context of the sentence,once an agreement is signed,it is legally binding,and the person cannot withdraw or 'back out' of it.
Therefore,the complete sentence is: 'Once he has signed the agreement,he won't be able to back out.'

(D) The sentence describes a situation where feet are trapped in mud,making them difficult to remove. The adverb 'firmly' is the most appropriate choice because it describes being held or fixed securely in place. 'Fairly','greatly',and 'widely' do not collocate well with the verb 'stuck' in the context of being trapped in mud.

(A) The sentence describes a person who does not take sides. The word 'impartial' means treating all rivals or disputants equally,which fits the context of not taking sides perfectly. While 'unbiased' and 'neutral' are similar,'impartial' is the most precise term used to describe someone who maintains fairness in a dispute or conflict.

(B) The sentence describes the climate of West Bengal.
Since the region is described as a 'very green part of the country',it implies that the area gets a significant amount of rain.
Therefore,the verb 'receives' is the most appropriate choice to complete the sentence,as it correctly describes the geographical phenomenon of rainfall in that region.
Thus,the correct option is $B$.

(B) The adjective 'inferior' is always followed by the preposition 'to' when making a comparison,not 'than'.
Therefore,the correct sentence is: 'This brand of $TV$ is quite inferior to that one.'

(C) The sentence conveys the idea that actions are more significant than words. The phrase 'what you do' is contrasted with 'what you say'. The verb 'matters' is the most appropriate choice here because it means 'to be important' or 'to have significance'. Therefore,the complete sentence is: 'It is not what you say that matters,but what you do.'

(B) The sentence uses the metaphor of a machine to describe the complexities of daily life. The phrase 'oiled and running smoothly' is idiomatic and specifically relates to the maintenance of a machine. Therefore,'machine' is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.

(D) The correct phrasal verb to use in this context is 'put out',which means to extinguish a light or a fire. Therefore,the sentence becomes: '$I$ put out the light and slept.'

(D) The correct idiomatic expression is "for all intents and purposes". This phrase means in every practical sense or effectively. Therefore,the correct preposition to complete the sentence is "for". However,since "for" is not provided in the options,we must re-evaluate the context. In some linguistic variations,"to all intents and purposes" is also a standard and widely accepted idiom. Thus,"to" is the most appropriate choice among the given options.

(D) The correct phrasal verb to use in the context of an aircraft departing from the ground is $took$ $off$.
$1$. $Took$ $away$ means to remove something.
$2$. $Took$ $up$ means to start a hobby or occupy space/time.
$3$. $Took$ $over$ means to assume control.
$4$. $Took$ $off$ means for an aircraft to leave the ground and begin flight.
Therefore,the sentence should read: 'The pilot had been warned about the storm,before he took off.'

(B) The correlative conjunction pair used with the adverb 'Hardly' is 'Hardly ... when'.
This structure indicates that one event happened immediately after another.
Therefore,the correct sentence is: 'Hardly had he arrived when it started raining.'

(A) The correct verb to complete the sentence is 'consider'.
In English grammar,the structure 'consider something to be something' is idiomatic and grammatically correct.
'Regard' would require the preposition 'as' (e.g.,'$I$ regard a car as necessary').
'Think' would require 'that' or 'of' (e.g.,'$I$ think that a car is necessary').
'Agree' does not fit the structure of the sentence.
Therefore,'$I$ consider a car to be absolutely necessary these days' is the most appropriate choice.

(B) The correct phrasal verb to use when referring to a person who buys and sells a particular type of goods is 'deals in'.
'Deals with' is used when referring to handling a situation,a person,or a subject matter.
Therefore,the sentence should read: 'Besides other provisions,that shopkeeper deals in cosmetics.'

(B) The word 'margin' refers to the empty space at the side,top,or bottom of a page. In the context of writing on a page,leaving space for remarks is specifically referred to as a 'margin'. Therefore,the correct option is $B$.

(D) The word 'morale' refers to the confidence,enthusiasm,and discipline of a person or group at a particular time. In the context of a team that is well-trained and strong but still failing,'morale' is the correct term to describe their mental state or spirit. 'Moral' refers to principles of right and wrong,which does not fit the context of team performance.

(A) The sentence describes an affair that was kept secret. The word 'clandestine' specifically means kept secret or done secretively,especially because it is illicit. While 'covert' also means secret,'clandestine' is the most idiomatic and precise term used to describe a secret romantic affair. 'Unknown' does not fit the context of a secret relationship,and 'candid' means open and honest,which is the opposite of the intended meaning. Therefore,the correct option is $A$.