Sentence Improvement — Set 5
Questions 41–50 of 120
Select the best word to complete the sentence:
Correct Answer: B. diligent
'Diligent' means hardworking and persistent, which directly relates to 'merit and hard work' mentioned. While 'intelligent', 'smart', and 'bright' all refer to mental ability, 'diligent' specifically emphasizes the work ethic that earned the scholarship. Mastering this concept helps in solving grammar-based questions in competitive.
The old bridge was declared _____ and orders were issued for its immediate demolition.
Correct Answer: B. dangerous
'Dangerous' correctly fits because a bridge that poses a safety risk would be ordered for demolition. 'Historical' and 'priceless' would be reasons to preserve a bridge, not demolish it. 'Aesthetic' refers to beauty which is irrelevant to a demolition order. The context of immediate demolition confirms the bridge was a hazard.
The new policy was designed to _____ the gap between rural and urban areas.
Correct Answer: B. bridge
'Bridge' as a verb means to reduce or close a gap between two things, making it the perfect choice for a policy aimed at reducing rural-urban disparity. 'Widen' means to increase the gap (opposite), 'ignore' means to disregard it, and 'exploit' means to take advantage — all are contrary to the policy's purpose. Mastering this concept helps in solving grammar-based questions in competitive exams.
Her dedication to the project was so _____ that she worked through weekends without any complaint.
Correct Answer: B. commendable
'Commendable' meaning praiseworthy and deserving of admiration correctly fits the context. Working through weekends without complaint demonstrates admirable dedication. 'Casual' implies a relaxed, uncaring attitude (opposite), 'questionable' implies doubt, and 'minimal' means least effort — all three contradict the description of dedicated work. Mastering this concept helps in solving grammar-based questions in competitive exams.
The journalist's report was considered _____ as it contained several unverified facts.
Correct Answer: B. questionable
'Questionable' meaning doubtful and uncertain correctly describes a report with unverified facts. 'Credible' means trustworthy (the opposite — a report with unverified facts is not credible), 'thorough' means complete and careful, and 'inspiring' means motivating — none reflect the negative implication of containing unverified facts. Mastering this concept helps in solving grammar-based questions in competitive exams.
Choose the best word:
Correct Answer: C. exquisite
'Exquisite' means extremely beautiful or pleasing, fitting with 'delightful fragrance' and lasting quality. 'Cheap', 'costly', and 'ordinary' describe price or commonality, not quality of scent. 'Exquisite' perfectly captures the delightful nature described.
Select the word that best completes the sentence:
Correct Answer: C. outstanding
'Outstanding' means excellent and impressive, matching the critics' approval. 'Amateurish', 'mediocre', and 'lackluster' are all negative, suggesting poor quality. The context requires a positive word to justify impressing the critics.
The soldier's act of _____ earned him the nation's highest military honour.
Correct Answer: B. bravery
'Bravery' meaning courage in the face of danger is the correct choice. Earning a military honour is a recognition of courageous action. 'Cowardice' means lack of bravery (opposite), 'treachery' means betrayal of one's country, and 'negligence' means carelessness — none of these qualities would be rewarded with a military honour.
The city experienced a severe water _____ during summer due to lack of rainfall.
Correct Answer: B. shortage
'Shortage' meaning insufficient supply correctly fits the context of water problems caused by lack of rainfall. 'Surplus' means excess (opposite), 'abundance' means a large amount (also opposite), and 'overflow' means excess flowing over — all three imply too much water, which contradicts the problem caused by insufficient rain. Mastering this concept helps in solving grammar-based questions in competitive exams.
His _____ attitude towards studies resulted in poor performance in the annual examinations.
Correct Answer: C. careless
'Careless' meaning inattentive and not taking proper care correctly explains poor performance in examinations. A student with a careless attitude fails to study seriously, naturally resulting in poor results. 'Diligent' means hardworking (opposite), 'systematic' means organized and thorough, and 'motivated' means driven — all three describe positive study habits that would lead to good, not poor, performance.