
Q.1. (i) Select the best option/answer and fill in the appropriate Box on the OMR Answer Sheet. (20x1=20)
(ii) Answers given anywhere else, other than OMR Answer Sheet, will not be considered.
(a) Choose the word that is nearly most similar in meaning to the capitalized words.
1. UBIQUITOUS:
(A) Scarce (B) Present everywhere (C) Unique (D) Limited .
Explanation:
Ubiquitous means something that exists or appears everywhere or is very common.
2. PERNICIOUS:
(A) Beneficial (B) Harmful (C) Lucid (D) Fervent
Explanation:
Pernicious means something very harmful or destructive, often causing damage in a gradual or hidden way.
3. MELLIFLUOUS:
(A) Grating (B) Smooth and sweet-sounding (C) Dissonant (D) Discordant
Explanation:
Mellifluous describes a sound that is pleasant, musical, and sweet to hear.
4. EPHEMERAL:
(A) Enduring (B) Eternal (C) Short-lived (D) Persistent
Explanation:
Ephemeral means something that lasts for a very short time or is temporary.
5. ASTUTE:
(A) Indifferent (B) Pensive (C) Stupid (D) Insightful
Explanation:
Astute means sharp, clever, and able to understand situations quickly, showing strong insight and judgment.
6. ENTHRALL:
(A) Bore (B) Captivate (C) Fascinate (D) Disinterest
Explanation:
Enthrall means to hold someone's attention completely; to captivate or fascinate.
7. SYCOPHANT:
(A) Admirer (B) Advocate (C) Critic (D) Flatterer
8. ASSUAGE:
(A) Aggravate (B) Intensify (C) Soothe (D) Alleviate
Explanation:
Assuage means to make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to calm, soothe, or relieve.
9. RETICENT:
(A) Talkative (B) Loquacious (C) Vocal (D) Reserved
Explanation:
Reticent describes someone who is quiet, reserved, or unwilling to speak freely.
10. INCESSANT:
(A) Sporadic (B) Intermittent (C) Persistent (D) Halted
(b) Choose the word that is nearly most opposite in meaning to the capitalized words.
11. ESOTERIC:
(A) Obvious (B) Understood by few (C) Extraneous (D) Common
Explanation:
Esoteric means intended for or understood by only a small group, so the opposite is something clear, obvious, or easily understood by everyone.
12. SQUALID:
(A) Dirty (B) Wretched (C) Lavish (D) Clean
Explanation:
Squalid means extremely dirty, filthy, or unpleasant, so its opposite is clean or neat.
13. TACITURN:
(A) Loquacious (B) Voluble (C) Reticent (D) Silent
Explanation:
Taciturn means habitually quiet or reserved, so the opposite is talkative or very communicative – which is loquacious.
14. CONSTRICT:
(A) Tighten (B) Contract (C) Expand (D) Release
15. LOQUACIOUS:
(A) Talkative (B) Silent (C) Reticent (D) Reserved
Explanation:
Loquacious means very talkative, so the opposite is silent or quiet.
16. INDOLENT:
(A) Lazy (B) Active (C) Lethargic (D) Energetic
Explanation:
Indolent means habitually lazy or avoiding work, so the opposite is active, energetic, or hardworking.
17. COALESCE:
(A) Merge (B) Combine (C) Disperse (D) Separate
Explanation:
Coalesce means to come together or unite, so the opposite is separate or disperse.
18. RANCOR:
(A) Animosity (B) Bitterness (C) Hostility (D) Amicability
19. ACQUIESCE:
(A) Comply (B) Resist (C) Agree (D) Deny
20. DEBILITATE:
(A) Fortify (B) Weaken (C) Strengthen (D) Enervate
Explanation:
Debilitate means to weaken or make feeble, so its opposite is to strengthen or fortify.
Q. 2. Write a précis of the following passage and suggest a suitable title: (20)
In the heart of bustling cities, urban green spaces stand as oases of tranquility, providing respite from the hustle and bustle. Parks, adorned with vibrant flora, become havens for relaxation and recreation. The greenery offers a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, creating a delicate balance between urban development and environmental preservation. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, city parks play a crucial role in fostering community bonds. Families gather for picnics, friends engage in sports, and individuals find solace amidst nature's embrace. These communal spaces serve as venues for cultural events, open-air concerts, and art installations, enriching the urban experience. The benefits of urban green spaces extend beyond leisure. They contribute to improved air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and promote overall well-being. Access to nature within city limits becomes a vital aspect of mental health, offering a refuge for introspection and rejuvenation. However, the challenge lies in balancing the increasing urbanization with the preservation of green spaces. Sustainable urban planning becomes imperative to ensure the coexistence of concrete jungles and natural havens. Efforts to create and maintain parks, tree-lined avenues, and green rooftops become integral components of shaping cities that prioritize both human and environmental health. As cities evolve, the preservation and enhancement of urban green spaces become a shared responsibility. The vision is to cultivate urban landscapes that seamlessly integrate nature into the tapestry of city life, fostering a sustainable and harmonious cohabitation between human progress and the environment.
Importance of Urban Green Spaces
Urban green spaces provide peaceful environments within busy cities and help maintain a balance between urban development and nature. Parks offer places for recreation, social interaction, and cultural activities, strengthening community bonds. They also improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and support mental and physical well-being. However, rapid urbanization threatens these natural areas, making sustainable urban planning essential. Preserving and developing green spaces is a shared responsibility to ensure harmony between human progress and environmental protection.
Q. 4. Correct only FIVE of the following: (10)
(i) Chewing slowly, the pepperoni pizza tasted delicious
Chewing slowly, I found the pepperoni pizza delicious.
(ii) Kicking and screaming, the exasperated father dragged his toddler out of the grocery store.
Kicking and screaming, the toddler was dragged out of the grocery store by his exasperated father.
(iii) A young girl in the corner, holding a red balloon.
A young girl in the corner was holding a red balloon.
(iv) Whom do you like more?
Who do you like more?
(v) He ordered a meal from the restaurant that was high in protein.
He ordered a meal that was high in protein from the restaurant.
(vi) My favorite pizza topping is mushrooms they are really tasty I also like pizza with olives.
My favorite pizza topping is mushrooms because they are really tasty. I also like pizza with olives.
(vii) The group asked to hear the report that Shirley and me prepared.
The group asked to hear the report that Shirley and I prepared.
(viii) I managed finishing the painting.
I managed to finish the painting.
Q. 5. (a) Rewrite any FIVE of the following sentences with corrected punctuation, without splitting a sentence or adding/changing any word. (05)
(i) The cordless vacuum one of the least interesting of the household appliances got its start as a moon drill.
The cordless vacuum, one of the least interesting of the household appliances, got its start as a moon drill.
(ii) Dr. Seuss books are famous for their delightful rhymes and nonsense words If I Ran a Zoo, however, likely gave us the real word nerd.
Dr. Seuss books are famous for their delightful rhymes and nonsense words. If I Ran a Zoo, however, likely gave us the real word nerd.
(iii) There are many theories about Edgar Allan Poe's mysterious death, including rabies, alcoholism, and a truly strange possibility he may have been a victim of a voter fraud scheme.
There are many theories about Edgar Allan Poe's mysterious death, including rabies, alcoholism, and a truly strange possibility: he may have been a victim of a voter fraud scheme.
(iv) The film critic said, "One of the most misquoted lines in movie history is Play it again, Sam."
“The film critic said, ‘One of the most misquoted lines in movie history is “Play it again, Sam.”’”
(v) Poorly named animals include: the flying fox, which is really a bat the electric eel, which is really a knifefish and the honey badger, which is the only member of its genus and species!
“Poorly named animals include: the flying fox, which is really a bat; the electric eel, which is really a knifefish; and the honey badger, which is the only member of its genus and species!”
(vi) The Haskell Opera House sits right on the US Canadian border with the stage in Quebec and many of the seats in Vermont.
“The Haskell Opera House sits right on the US–Canadian border, with the stage in Quebec and many of the seats in Vermont.”
(vii) Most carnivorous plants attract and digest insects and other invertebrates but some large pitcher plants have been known to digest frogs, rodents, and other vertebrates.
“Most carnivorous plants attract and digest insects and other invertebrates, but some large pitcher plants have been known to digest frogs, rodents, and other vertebrates.”
(viii) Harvey is a good driver moreover he is a very friendly one.
“Harvey is a good driver; moreover, he is a very friendly one.”
(b) Re-write the following sentences (ONLY FIVE) after filling in the blanks with appropriate Prepositions. (05)
(i) His research is characterized ___by_______ a deep understanding of genetic mutations.
(ii) The solution is contingent __on________ various factors.
(iii) The experiment is predicated ____on____ the assumption of uniform conditions.
(iv) The project is commensurate __with________ the skills of the research team.
(v) The methodology is impervious ____to____ external influences.
(vi) The discussion oscillated _between_________ two main points.
(vii) His proposal hinges ___on_______ securing adequate funding.
(viii) The model is contingent _________ accurate data inputs.
Q. 6. Use only FIVE pairs of words in sentences clearly illustrating their meanings. (10)
(i) Creak / Creek
Explanation:
(ii) Palate / Palette
Explanation:
(iii) Elicit / Illicit
Explanation:
(iv) Peal / Peel
Explanation:
(v) Taut / Taught
Explanation:
(vi) Faint / Feint
Explanation:
(vii) Rheum / Room
Explanation:
(viii) Wreak / Reek
Explanation:
Q. 7. Translate the following into English by keeping in view figurative/idiomatic expressions. (10)
جب فلسطین کا خود ساختہ تنازعہ تصفیہ کیلئے اقوام متحدہ کے روبرو پیش ہوا تو اس نمائندہ عالمی ادارے نے فلسطینی عوام کے حق خودارادیت کو تسلیم کرتے ہوئے ان مسائل کے حل کا فارمولا بھی خود طے کیا تنازعہ فلسطین کا دو ریاستی حل تجویز کیا گیا مگر اس کیلئے منظور ہونیوالی اقوام متحدہ کی قراردادوں پر گزشتہ سات دہائیوں میں عملدرآمد کی نوبت ہی نہیں آنے دی گئی۔ اسکے برعکس امریکہ کی ایماء پر اسرائیلی فوجیں آج کے دن تک نہتے اور بے گناہ معصوم فلسطینیوں کے خون سے ہولی کھیل رہی ہیں اور غزہ کا علاقہ گزشتہ اڑھائی ماہ سے جاری جنگ میں مکمل طور پر برباد ہو چکا ہے۔ اس جنگ میں امریکی کمک کے ساتھ اسرائیلی فوجوں نے 20 ہزار سے زائد فلسطینیوں بشمول خواتین اور بچوں کو بے دردی سے شہید کیا ہے اور زندہ بچ جانے والے انسانوں کیلئے کوئی ٹھکانہ محفوظ نہیں رہنے دیا جو اب خوراک اور ادویات کی کمیابی کے باعث بھی زندگی سے ہاتھ دھو رہے ہیں
When the self-created Palestinian conflict was brought before the United Nations for resolution, this representative global body recognized the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and itself formulated a solution to the issue. A two-state solution for the Palestinian conflict was proposed, but the UN resolutions approving it have remained unimplemented for the past seven decades.
In contrast, under the guidance of the United States, Israeli forces to this day continue to spill the blood of innocent and unarmed Palestinians, while the Gaza region has been completely devastated in the ongoing war over the past two and a half months. In this conflict, with American support, Israeli forces have brutally martyred more than 20,000 Palestinians, including women and children, leaving no safe haven for the survivors. These people are now losing their lives due to shortages of food and medicine.