Verbal Ability Previous Questions from PSC, UPSC, IBPS and SSC

Give the antonym of ‘Obliterate’.

Find the correctly spelt word.

Find the correctly spelt word.

Find the correctly spelt words.

According to the author, human intervention will always be required in order to 

No sooner had he reaching the station than the train began to move

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Is there any difference between "genius" and "talent" ? We generally feel that a man of genius is in some way higher than a man of talent; and that talented men are more common than genius. This is true, but it is rather vague. Genius implies "very extraordinary gifts or native powers, especially as displayed in original creation, discovery, expression or achievement; phenomenal capacity regarded as relatively independent of instruction and training". Talent, on the other hand, consists of "mental endowments or capacities of superior character; marked mental ability". "Talent" is more the capacity to learn to do a thing well; but "genius" is an inborn
inspiration that drives a man to do a thing with original excellence. As Meredith said, "Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can".

Shakespeare in drama and poetry, Isaac Newton in science, Napoleon in war, Beethoven in music, were geniuses; many well-known poets, scientists, generals and musicians have been men of talent.

As per the ideas expressed in the passage, Shakespeare, in drama and poetry, is a genius and _____.

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Is there any difference between "genius" and "talent" ? We generally feel that a man of genius is in some way higher than a man of talent; and that talented men are more common than genius. This is true, but it is rather vague. Genius implies "very extraordinary gifts or native powers, especially as displayed in original creation, discovery, expression or achievement; phenomenal capacity regarded as relatively independent of instruction and training". Talent, on the other hand, consists of "mental endowments or capacities of superior character; marked mental ability". "Talent" is more the capacity to learn to do a thing well; but "genius" is an inborn
inspiration that drives a man to do a thing with original excellence. As Meredith said, "Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can".

Shakespeare in drama and poetry, Isaac Newton in science, Napoleon in war, Beethoven in music, were geniuses; many well-known poets, scientists, generals and musicians have been men of talent.

Who can be considered a true genius ?

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Is there any difference between "genius" and "talent" ? We generally feel that a man of genius is in some way higher than a man of talent; and that talented men are more common than genius. This is true, but it is rather vague. Genius implies "very extraordinary gifts or native powers, especially as displayed in original creation, discovery, expression or achievement; phenomenal capacity regarded as relatively independent of instruction and training". Talent, on the other hand, consists of "mental endowments or capacities of superior character; marked mental ability". "Talent" is more the capacity to learn to do a thing well; but "genius" is an inborn
inspiration that drives a man to do a thing with original excellence. As Meredith said, "Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can".

Shakespeare in drama and poetry, Isaac Newton in science, Napoleon in war, Beethoven in music, were geniuses; many well-known poets, scientists, generals and musicians have been men of talent.

To learn to do a thing well is to be _________.

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Is there any difference between "genius" and "talent" ? We generally feel that a man of genius is in some way higher than a man of talent; and that talented men are more common than genius. This is true, but it is rather vague. Genius implies "very extraordinary gifts or native powers, especially as displayed in original creation, discovery, expression or achievement; phenomenal capacity regarded as relatively independent of instruction and training". Talent, on the other hand, consists of "mental endowments or capacities of superior character; marked mental ability". "Talent" is more the capacity to learn to do a thing well; but "genius" is an inborn
inspiration that drives a man to do a thing with original excellence. As Meredith said, "Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can".

Shakespeare in drama and poetry, Isaac Newton in science, Napoleon in war, Beethoven in music, were geniuses; many well-known poets, scientists, generals and musicians have been men of talent.

A genius is a man with _________ ideas.

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Is there any difference between "genius" and "talent" ? We generally feel that a man of genius is in some way higher than a man of talent; and that talented men are more common than genius. This is true, but it is rather vague. Genius implies "very extraordinary gifts or native powers, especially as displayed in original creation, discovery, expression or achievement; phenomenal capacity regarded as relatively independent of instruction and training". Talent, on the other hand, consists of "mental endowments or capacities of superior character; marked mental ability". "Talent" is more the capacity to learn to do a thing well; but "genius" is an inborn
inspiration that drives a man to do a thing with original excellence. As Meredith said, "Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can".

Shakespeare in drama and poetry, Isaac Newton in science, Napoleon in war, Beethoven in music, were geniuses; many well-known poets, scientists, generals and musicians have been men of talent.

What is the general view of a "genius" and a "talented" man?

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

Translation is of immense importance today. With rapid commercialization, the narrow barriers between nations are fast disappearing. In the past, there used to be practically no communication amongst nations. The modern world, however, is no longer divided into water-tight compartments. We are heading towards one world, thanks to development in the fields of communication among nations today. Translation forges bonds of unity amongst people who speak different languages. Even if we do not know a particular language or the literature of a particular nation, we can know its richness and the depth of its ideas through translation. Translation also helps in understanding the rich cultural heritage of a nation. Thus a multi-lingual person has a multi-focal view of the world. Translation also serves as a mode of cultural excahnge in a multi-lingual country. It plays a pivotal role in the evolution of a pluralistic national identity. The achievement of translation is both the globalisation of culture and the promotion of intra and inter-cultural bonding. One may appreciate and enjoy through translation the plays of Shakespeare even if one does not know the English language. One may also know the rich world of Homer, Virgil, Dante, Milton, Dickens, Hardy, Leo Tolstoy, Zola and Munshi Prem Chand through translation. Translation responds to our intellectual, cultural and spiritual needs. It is necessary for information and for the exchange of ideas. Translation, which has hitherto been neglected and marginalized, has assumed importance with rapid globalization. It is now considered an art which requires mastery and perfection. A good translator is able to do away with superficiality and has a clear understanding of the text to be translated. He should have mastery over the subtle nuances of the language from which he is translating. Translating a passage of one language into another literally is not only impossible but would also result in incorrect grammar and syntax.

Globalisation has .............

 In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best express the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.

He said,"Sita, when is the next train?"

In the following question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive Voice. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Passive/Active Voice.

Grid failure brings five hundred trains to a halt.

 In the following question the 1st and the last part of the sentence/passage are numbered 1 and 6. The rest of the sentence/ passage is split into four parts and named P, Q, R and S. These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentence/passage and find out which of the four combinations is correct.

1. I usually sleep quite well in the train, but this time I slept only a little.
P. Most people wanted it shut and I wanted it open.
Q. Soon there was a quarrel about the window.
R. The quarrel left me completely upset.
S. There were too many people and too much luggage all around.
6. The window was shut all night as usual.

In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Find the correctly spelt word.

In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Find the correctly spelt word.

In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Find the correctly spelt word.

In the following question, sentence given with blank to be filled in with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for the question. Choose the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option.

The order is __________ and you must abide by it, as there is not even the slightest chance of its being modified or withdrawn.

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.

No one wants to drive to work anymore(A)/ because of traffic jams (B)/ at rush hour.(C)/ No error (D)

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.

Owing to the disturbing noise,( A)/ the speaker was forced (B)/ to adjourn the meetings.(C)/ No error (D)

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.

In my opinion (A)/a pencil is always (B)/ more preferable to a pen.(C)/ No error (D)

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

But the war did not cease; though friend and foe alike were almost drowned in blood. It seemed as powerful as eternity, and in time Tony Vassall too went to battle and was killed. The country gave Patience a widow's pension, as well a touching inducement to marry again; she died of grief. Many people died in those days, it was not strange at all. Nathan and his wife got so rich that after the war they died of overeating, and their daughter Olive came into a vast fortune and a Trustee.

"............ as well a touching inducement to marry." Here inducement means

 In the following question, a sentence / a part of sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is required, choose "No Improvement" option.

No one was there on the platform after the train had left.

In the following question the 1st and the last part of the sentence/passage are numbered 1 and 6. The rest of the sentence/ passage is split into four parts and named P, Q, R and S. These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentence/passage and find out which of the four combinations is correct.

1. Vinoo was to leave for Hyderabad by the 5 o'clock train.
P. Quickly, both got the luggage in and the train began to move.
Q. He drove to the station and reached a few minutes before the train was to leave.
R. However, Vinoo had a busy schedule on that day and could leave the office only around 4:45 PM.
S. He rushed on to the platform and found his friend waiting near their compartment. 6. Vinoo heaved a sigh of relief and settled down to enjoy the journey.

 In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Find the correctly spelt word.

Options:

 In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Find the correctly spelt word.

Options:

 In the following question, four words are given, out of which only one word is correctly spelt. Find the correctly spelt word.

Options:

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.

Speech was given (A)/ to man to (B)/ conseal his thoughts. (C)/ No Error (D)

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.

The Management Committee (A)/ was divided (B)/ in their opinion. (C)/ No Error (D)