Sbi General English

PAPER : SBI Clerical Staff Selection - Model Questions and Answers

General English Directions—(Q. 41–55) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. A large majority of the poor in India are outside the formal banking system. The policy of financial inclusion sets out to remedy this by making available a basic banking ‘no frills’ account either with nil or very minimum balances as well as charges that would make such accounts accessible to vast sections of the population. However, the mere opening of a bank account in the name of every household or adult person may not be enough, unless these accounts and financial services offered to them are used by the account holders. At present, commercial banks do not find it viable to provide services to the poor especially in the rural areas because of huge transaction costs, low volumes of savings in the accounts, lack of information on the account holder, etc. For the poor, interacting with the banks with their paper work, economic costs of going to the bank and the need for flexibility in their accounts, make them turn to other informal channels or other institutions. Thus, there are constraints on both the supply and the demand side. Till now, banks were looking at these accounts from a purely credit perspective. Instead, they should look at this from the point of view of meeting the huge need of the poor for savings. Poor households want to save and contrary to the common perception, do have the funds to save, but lack control. Informal mutual saving systems like the Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs), widespread in Africa and ‘thrift and credit groups’ in India demonstrate that poor households save. For the poor household, which lacks access to the formal insurance system and the credit system, savings provide a safety net and help them tide over crises. Savings can also keep them away from the clutches of moneylenders, make formal institutions more favourable to lending to them, encourage investment and make them shift to more productive activities, as they may invest in slightly more risky activities which have an overall higher rate of return. Research shows the efficacy of informal institutions in increasing the savings of the small account holders. An MFI in the Philippines, which had existing account holders, was studied. They offered new products with ‘commitment features’. One type had withdrawal restrictions in the sense that it required individuals to restrict their right to withdraw any funds from their own accounts until they reached a self-specified and documented goal. The other type was

deposit options. Clients could purchase a locked box for a small fee. The key was with the bank and the client has to bring the box to the bank to make the deposit. He could not dip into the savings even if he wanted to. These accounts did not pay extra money and were illiquid. Surprisingly, these products were popular even though these had restrictions. Results showed that those who opted for these accounts with restrictions had substantially greater savings rates than those who did not. The policy of financial inclusion can be a success if financial inclusion focuses on both saving needs and credit needs, having a diversified product portfolio for the poor but recognising that self-control problems need to be addressed by having commitment devices. The products with commitment features should be optional. Furthermore transaction costs for the poor could be cut down, by making innovative use of technology available and offering mobile vans with ATM and deposit collection features which could visit villages periodically.

41. What is the aim of the financial inclusion policy ? (A) A focus on savings needs rather than credit needs of the poor (B) Minimising utilisation of technology in banks so as to reduce transaction costs for the poor (C) To boost low savings volumes in banks by encouraging savings among the rural poor (D) To make formal basic banking services available to the poor (E) To regulate the rate at which moneylenders lend to the poor 42. The author’s main objective in writing the passage is to— (A) Criticise the concept of financial inclusion (B) Point out the problems of financial inclusion (C) Discuss ways of making the financial inclusion policy successful (D) Compare financial inclusion policies of different countries (E) Cite research in support of role of MFIs in achieving financial inclusion 43. Which of the following can be inferred about products with commitment features ? 1. Demand for such products was high. 2. They were an effective means of increasing the savings of small account holders. 3. Such facilities can only be offered by informal institutions like MFIs. (A) All 1, 2 and 3 (B) Only 2 (C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Both 1 and 3 (E) None of these 44. Why do the poor not utilise banking services ? 1. Informal institutions offer higher rates of interest than those in banks. 2. Costs of reaching banks have to be borne by the poor.

3. Bank personnel do not treat the poor respectfully because their savings amounts are minimal. (A) Only 2 (B) Both 1 and 2 (C) Both 2 and 3 (D) All 1, 2, and 3 (E) None of these 45. Which of the following is a recommendation made by the author regarding financial inclusion ? (A) Reduce the paper work involved by seeking less information about the account holder (B) Lower transaction costs by utilising latest technology. (C) Make commitment features compulsory for all savings accounts (D) Entrust the responsibility of financial inclusion solely to MFIs (E) Provide credit facilities even to those without savings accounts

46. Which of the following factors affects ‘saving’ behaviour among the poor 1. Threats from moneylenders if they avail of banking services. 2. Documentation required before availing of banking services. 3. Lack of self-control. (A) Only 1 (B) All 1, 2 and 3 (C) Only 3 (D) Both 2 and 3 (E) None of these

47. What do the results of the study conducted in the Philippines indicate ? (A) Account holders in MFIs have higher savings rates than banks (B) Many of the poor have to turn to moneylenders because of strict restrictions in MFIs (C) Having accounts with restriction on withdrawal requires the bank to offer a higher rate of interest (D) There should be strong security measures for deposit option accounts for the poor (E) None of these

48. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage ? (A) There are no informal means for the poor to save in India (B) Having savings encourages the poor to invest only in low risk ventures (C) There is a huge demand for savings facilities among poor households (D) Presently commercial banks feel that it is feasible to provide banking services to the poor

in rural areas (E) There are many official innovative savings systems like roscas in Africa

49. What is/are the outcome(s) of encouraging savings for the poor ? 1. It frees them from the exploitation of moneylenders. 2. Banks are more willing to disburse loans to those who save. 3. They should invest in risky but high return ventures. (A) Only 1 (B) Both 1 and 2 (C) Only 3 (D) All 1, 2 and 3 (E) None of these

50. What was the view of banks regarding the bank accounts of the poor in the past ? (A) They were considered a problem since account holders information needed to be updated constantly (B) Focus should be more on providing savings facilities not credit (C) Moneylenders should be regulated so that they share responsibility of disbursing loans to the poor (D) Products with commitment features will not be successful (E) None of these Directions—(Q. 51–53) Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

51. purely : (A) morally (B) honestly (C) completely (D) perfectly (E) cleanly

52. demonstrate : (A) protest (B) occur (C) estimate

(D) appear (E) prove

53. remedy : (A) medicine (B) solve (C) restore (D) therapy (E) heal Directions—(Q. 54-55) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

54. optional : (A) voluntary (B) compromise (C) pressure (D) mandatory (E) free

55. accessible : (A) convenient (B) unavailable (C) unfavourable (D) unpleasant (E) formal Directions—(Q. 56–65) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any). 56. The scheme failed because / some states could not / manage not to raise / the necessaryfunds. No error. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 57. Real estate prices in the / business district of the city / are expected to rise / at 15% this year. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

58. By so early as next year / that leading investment bank / has plans to open / an office in New Delhi. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 59. There is lots of / supports from the employees / for the proposal to / merge with the parent company. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 60. Experts have recommended that / the government reconsidered / restrictions imposed on foreign / investment in real estate. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 61. The crucial point to / be discussed at the / meetings is how to / well implement the policy.No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 62. He wants to / set up a laboratory / to undertake research / into a vaccine for cancer. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 63. According to him / two factors which are / needy for success / are discipline and diligence. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 64. Because of the pace at / which the company is growing / I believe it will easily / achieve their target. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 65. It is truth / that India is / the largest consumer of / gold in the world. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Directions—(Q. 66–70) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer. 66. The bank is overstaffed, has led to low productivity. (A) Led to (B) Will lead towards (C) And has led in (D) Which has led to (E) No correction required

67. You delay in taking a decision conveys a negative impression. (A) You delay to take (B) If you delay taking (C) Your delay in taking (D) To delay by taking (E) No correction required 68. Today management student itself are opted to work for NGOs even though the salaries offered to them are low. (A) Student itself is (B) Students themselves are (C) Students have (D) Student himself has (E) No correction required 69. Absence off any guidelines, they are unwilling to take up the project. (A) Absent of (B) In the absence of (C) Because of the absence (D) Without being absent (E) No correction required 70. Without the development of rural people the country can no claim to be developed. (A) Can never claim (B) Being claimed (C) Not able to claim (D) Have not any claim (E) No correction required Directions—(Q. 71–75) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The number of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e.. ‘All Correct’ as your answer. 71. The organization preferred to hire locale population as they understood the language and customer preferences. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

72. In our opinion the exicting assessment system requires immediate revision.All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 73. In responds to the advertisement a sizeable number of candidates have submitted their applications. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 74. There is no guarantee that if this model is adopted the entire sector will prosper.All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 75. With this unique initiative the company hopes to sustain its current growth rate. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Directions—(Q. 76–80) In each of the following sentences there are two blank spaces. Below each five pairs of words have been denoted by letters (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Find out which pair of words can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to make the sentence meaningfully complete.

76. Mr. Srinivasan is …… to become Chairman of the group …… the retirement of his father. (A) set, following (B) voted, subsequent (C) selected, despite (D) approved, because (E) decided, after 77. …… to your error the …… consignment has been delayed by a week. (A) According, important (B) Duly, urgent (C) Owing, entire (D) Added, crucial (E) Admitting, special 78. On account of the …… in sales the software firm has achieved an eight percent …… in net profit. (A) surge, fall (B) increase, rise (C) decline, slope (D) hike, loss (E) growth, advance

79. We are proud to say that today …… 26 percent of our total accounts are …… by women and senior citizens. (A) approximate, held (B) nearly, authorised (C) over, maintain (D) above, open (E) around, operated 80. The company has …… special training to employees on …… to trade online. (A) announced, benefits (B) offered, course (C) imparted, risks (D) sanction, skills (E) provided, how

Answewrs With Explanation :

41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (d) 44. (a) 45. (b) 46. (d) 47. (a) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (e) 51. (c) 52. (E) 53. (b) 54. (d) 55. (b) 56. (c) In C part not is redundant. 57. (e) 58. (A) Change ‘so’ to ‘as’. 59. (a) Change ‘is’ to ‘are’ because the subject is plural ‘lots of support’. 60. (b) Change ‘reconsidered’ to ‘reconsider or should reconsider’ because of parallelism of the two sentences. 61. (d) Change the position of adverb ‘well’, it should be used in the end of the sentence. 62. (e) 63. (c) Change ‘needy’ to ‘needed’ here we require a verb. 64. (d) Change ‘their’ to ‘its’ because its subject is singular. 65. (A) Change ‘truth’ to ‘true’ or ‘a truth’. 66. (d) 67. (c) 68. (c) 69. (B) 70. (a) 71. (b) Change ‘locale’ to ‘local’ here we want an adjective. 72. (a) Change ‘exicting’ to ‘existing’. Exciting is not appropriate. 73. (a) Change ‘responds’ to ‘response’. 74. (e) Change ‘adopted’ to ‘adapted’.

75. (d) Change ‘currant’ to ‘current’. 76. (a) 77. (c) 78. (b) 79. (e) 80. (E) PAPER : SBI Bank Clerk Model Paper 2008 (General English) Directions (Question 1 to 10) Read the list of words given below and choose from the options the word that is the nearest in meaning to the given word.

1. Exiguous a) tall b) large c) wide d) scanty e) broad 2. Recreancy a) recreation b) recuperation c) bravery d) cowardice e) obstinate 3. Proscribe a) to nominate b) to be supportive of c) to give early warning signals d) outlaw e) none of these 4. Ingest a) enrage b) invigorate c) to absorb d) burn up completely e) to stir up 5. Monticule a) a small river b) a small hut c) a lane d) a small hill e) a small plane

6. Compendious a) comprehensive b) illustrative c) unbearable d) elaborate e) none of the above 7. Nadir a) asylum b) heaven c) depth d) nebulous e) none of the above 8. Somnambulistic a) sleepwalking b) ghost dancing c) women’s group activity d) colourful scenario e) over-eating 9. primordial a) feeling of elation b) original c) elementary d) daunting e) none of the above 10. Somber a) Causing sleep b) Squalid c) Gloomy d) Complacent e) Malicious

Directions (Question 11 to 20) Against each key word are given by alternative meanings. Choose the one that is the opposite in meaning to the given word. 11. Sanctimonious a) holy b) Realistic

c) Humble d) Callous e) Pessimistic 12. Munificent a) Miserly b) Faulty c) Perplexing d) Rudimentary e) Grandiose 13. Opaque a) Vague b) Firm c) Transparent d) Poor e) None of the above 14. Restive a) Unrestrained b) Communicate c) Peaceful d) Quarrel e) Disturbing 15. Catapult a) Reach great heights b) Downfall c) Caterpillar d) Gaining e) Losing 16. Enigmatic a) Industrious b) Mysterious c) Enthusiastic d) Straightforward e) Sincere 17. Traipse a) Walk b) Stroll c) Crawl

d) Run e) None of the above 18. Piquant a) Jovial b) Merry c) Blunt d) Rigorous e) Shocking 19. Bigoted a) Dignified b) Tolerant c) wide d) Contrite e) Sincere 20. Obliquity a) Thin b) Frank c) Self-righteous d) Depreciation e) Conformity

Directions (Question 21 to 25) In each of the following questions, a part of the sentence is given in bold letters. Five alternative meanings of the bold part of the sentence are given below. Choose the correct one.

21. The soldiers had been shut up for a long time; they painted the town red when they were let out. a) ran about wildly trying to kill people b) decided to shun fighting and shedding blood c) caused disturbance in the town by noisy merry-making d) were asked to be ready for any emergency e) were advised not to incur troubles by thoughtless actions. 22. John used very ugly words against his kind uncle; he threw down the gauntlet before him. a) he behaved as if he was a very great and important person b) he put several conditions for negotiations c) he abused and insulted uncle’s son

d) he showed his readiness to leave the place e) he threw the challenge 23. He is a strange fellow and it is very difficult to deal with him; it seems that he has a bee in his bonnet. a) an obsession about something b) peculiar habit of confusing others c) unreliable and inconsistent way of behaving d) to face problems as a result of his senseless actions e) an achievement to be proud of 24. I am reasonably sure that all his schemes will end in smoke. a) will produce good results b) bear no fruits c) benefit the poor and the downtrodden d) motivate the employees to produce more e) be severely criticized by the public 25. The dacoits took to their heels when the police arrived. a) took shelter in the thick jungle b) opened indiscriminate fire c) took to flight d) unconditionally challenged e) renewed their resolve to fight Answers 1. scanty 2. cowardice 3. none of the above (proscribe means to prohibit or ban) 4. to absorb 5. a small hill 6. comprehensive 7. depth 8. sleepwalking 9. elementary 10. gloomy 11. callous 12. miserly 13. transparent

14. peaceful 15. downfall 16. straightforward 17. crawl 18. jovial 19. dignified 20. conformity 21. caused disturbance in the town by noisy merry-making 22. he threw the challenge 23. an obsession about something 24. bear no fruits 25. took to flight PAPER : SBI Clerk Previous Paper (General English) Directions—(Q. 41–55) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. A large majority of the poor in India are outside the formal banking system. The policy of financial inclusion sets out to remedy this by making available a basic banking ‘no frills’ account either with nil or very minimum balances as well as charges that would make such accounts accessible to vast sections of the population. However, the mere opening of a bank account in the name of every household or adult person may not be enough, unless these accounts and financial services offered to them are used by the account holders. At present, commercial banks do not find it viable to provide services to the poor especially in the rural areas because of huge transaction costs, low volumes of savings in the accounts, lack of information on the account holder, etc. For the poor, interacting with the banks with their paper work, economic costs of going to the bank and the need for flexibility in their accounts, make them turn to other informal channels or other institutions. Thus, there are constraints on both the supply and the demand side.

Till now, banks were looking at these accounts from a purely credit perspective. Instead, they should look at this from the point of view of meeting the huge need of the poor for savings. Poor households want to save and contrary to the common perception, do have the funds to save, but lack control. Informal mutual saving systems like the Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs), widespread in Africa and ‘thrift and credit groups’ in India demonstrate that poor households save. For the poor household, which lacks access to the formal insurance

system and the credit system, savings provide a safety net and help them tide over crises. Savings can also keep them away from the clutches of moneylenders, make formal institutions more favourable to lending to them, encourage investment and make them shift to more productive activities, as they may invest in slightly more risky activities which have an overall higher rate of return.

Research shows the efficacy of informal institutions in increasing the savings of the small account holders. An MFI in the Philippines, which had existing account holders, was studied. They offered new products with ‘commitment features’. One type had withdrawal restrictions in the sense that it required individuals to restrict their right to withdraw any funds from their own accounts until they reached a self-specified and documented goal. The other type was deposit options. Clients could purchase a locked box for a small fee. The key was with the bank and the client has to bring the box to the bank to make the deposit. He could not dip into the savings even if he wanted to. These accounts did not pay extra money and were illiquid. Surprisingly, these products were popular even though these had restrictions. Results showed that those who opted for these accounts with restrictions had substantially greater savings rates than those who did not. The policy of financial inclusion can be a success if financial in

clusion focuses on both saving needs and credit needs, having a diversified product portfolio for the poor but recognising that self-control problems need to be addressed by having commitment devices. The products with commitment features should be optional. Furthermore transaction costs for the poor could be cut down, by making innovative use of technology available and offering mobile vans with ATM and deposit collection features which could visit villages periodically.

41. What is the aim of the financial inclusion policy ? (A) A focus on savings needs rather than credit needs of the poor (B) Minimising utilisation of technology in banks so as to reduce transaction costs for the poor (C) To boost low savings volumes in banks by encouraging savings among the rural poor (D) To make formal basic banking services available to the poor (E) To regulate the rate at which moneylenders lend to the poor

42. The author’s main objective in writing the passage is to— (A) Criticise the concept of financial inclusion (B) Point out the problems of financial inclusion

(C) Discuss ways of making the financial inclusion policy successful (D) Compare financial inclusion policies of different countries (E) Cite research in support of role of MFIs in achieving financial inclusion

43. Which of the following can be inferred about products with commitment features ? 1. Demand for such products was high. 2. They were an effective means of increasing the savings of small account holders. 3. Such facilities can only be offered by informal institutions like MFIs. (A) All 1, 2 and 3 (B) Only 2 (C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Both 1 and 3 (E) None of these

44. Why do the poor not utilise banking services ? 1. Informal institutions offer higher rates of interest than those in banks. 2. Costs of reaching banks have to be borne by the poor. 3. Bank personnel do not treat the poor respectfully because their savings amounts are minimal. (A) Only 2 (B) Both 1 and 2 (C) Both 2 and 3 (D) All 1, 2, and 3 (E) None of these

45. Which of the following is a recommendation made by the author regarding financial inclusion ? (A) Reduce the paper work involved by seeking less information about the account holder (B) Lower transaction costs by utilising latest technology. (C) Make commitment features compulsory for all savings accounts (D) Entrust the responsibility of financial inclusion solely to MFIs (E) Provide credit facilities even to those without savings accounts

46. Which of the following factors affects ‘saving’ behaviour among the poor ? 1. Threats from moneylenders if they avail of banking services. 2. Documentation required before availing of banking services. 3. Lack of self-control. (A) Only 1 (B) All 1, 2 and 3

(C) Only 3 (D) Both 2 and 3 (E) None of these

47. What do the results of the study conducted in the Philippines indicate ? (A) Account holders in MFIs have higher savings rates than banks (B) Many of the poor have to turn to moneylenders because of strict restrictions in MFIs (C) Having accounts with restriction on withdrawal requires the bank to offer a higher rate of interest (D) There should be strong security measures for deposit option accounts for the poor (E) None of these

48. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage ? (A) There are no informal means for the poor to save in India (B) Having savings encourages the poor to invest only in low risk ventures (C) There is a huge demand for savings facilities among poor households (D) Presently commercial banks feel that it is feasible to provide banking services to the poor in rural areas (E) There are many official innovative savings systems like roscas in Africa

49. What is/are the outcome(s) of encouraging savings for the poor ? 1. It frees them from the exploitation of moneylenders. 2. Banks are more willing to disburse loans to those who save. 3. They should invest in risky but high return ventures. (A) Only 1 (B) Both 1 and 2 (C) Only 3 (D) All 1, 2 and 3 (E) None of these

50. What was the view of banks regarding the bank accounts of the poor in the past ? (A) They were considered a problem since account holders information needed to be updated constantly (B) Focus should be more on providing savings facilities not credit (C) Moneylenders should be regulated so that they share responsibility of disbursing loans to the poor

(D) Products with commitment features will not be successful (E) None of these

Directions—(Q. 51–53) Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

51. purely : (A) morally (B) honestly (C) completely (D) perfectly (E) cleanly

52. demonstrate : (A) protest (B) occur (C) estimate (D) appear (E) prove

53. remedy : (A) medicine (B) solve (C) restore (D) therapy (E) heal Directions—(Q. 54-55) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

54. optional : (A) voluntary (B) compromise (C) pressure (D) mandatory (E) free

55. accessible : (A) convenient (B) unavailable (C) unfavourable (D) unpleasant (E) formal

Directions—(Q. 56–65) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any).

56. The scheme failed because / some states could not / manage not to raise / the necessaryfunds. No error. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

57. Real estate prices in the / business district of the city / are expected to rise / at 15% this year. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

58. By so early as next year / that leading investment bank / has plans to open / an office in New Delhi. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

59. There is lots of / supports from the employees / for the proposal to / merge with the parent company. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

60. Experts have recommended that / the government reconsidered / restrictions imposed on foreign / investment in real estate. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

61. The crucial point to / be discussed at the / meetings is how to / well implement the

policy.No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

62. He wants to / set up a laboratory / to undertake research / into a vaccine for cancer. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

63. According to him / two factors which are / needy for success / are discipline and diligence. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

64. Because of the pace at / which the company is growing / I believe it will easily / achieve their target. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

65. It is truth / that India is / the largest consumer of / gold in the world. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

Directions—(Q. 66–70) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

66. The bank is overstaffed, has led to low productivity. (A) Led to (B) Will lead towards (C) And has led in (D) Which has led to (E) No correction required

67. You delay in taking a decision conveys a negative impression. (A) You delay to take (B) If you delay taking (C) Your delay in taking

(D) To delay by taking (E) No correction required

68. Today management student itself are opted to work for NGOs even though the salaries offered to them are low. (A) Student itself is (B) Students themselves are (C) Students have (D) Student himself has (E) No correction required

69. Absence off any guidelines, they are unwilling to take up the project. (A) Absent of (B) In the absence of (C) Because of the absence (D) Without being absent (E) No correction required

70. Without the development of rural people the country can no claim to be developed. (A) Can never claim (B) Being claimed (C) Not able to claim (D) Have not any claim (E) No correction required

Directions—(Q. 71–75) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The number of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e.. ‘All Correct’ as your answer.

71. The organization preferred to hire locale population as they understood the language and customer preferences. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

72. In our opinion the exicting assessment system requires immediate revision.All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

73. In responds to the advertisement a sizeable number of candidates have submitted their applications. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

74. There is no guarantee that if this model is adopted the entire sector will prosper.All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

75. With this unique initiative the company hopes to sustain its current growth rate. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

Directions—(Q. 76–80) In each of the following sentences there are two blank spaces. Below each five pairs of words have been denoted by letters (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Find out which pair of words can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to make the sentence meaningfully complete.

76. Mr. Srinivasan is …… to become Chairman of the group …… the retirement of his father. (A) set, following (B) voted, subsequent (C) selected, despite (D) approved, because (E) decided, after

77. …… to your error the …… consignment has been delayed by a week. (A) According, important (B) Duly, urgent (C) Owing, entire

(D) Added, crucial (E) Admitting, special

78. On account of the …… in sales the software firm has achieved an eight percent …… in net profit. (A) surge, fall (B) increase, rise (C) decline, slope (D) hike, loss (E) growth, advance

79. We are proud to say that today …… 26 percent of our total accounts are …… by women and senior citizens. (A) approximate, held (B) nearly, authorised (C) over, maintain (D) above, open (E) around, operated

80. The company has …… special training to employees on …… to trade online. (A) announced, benefits (B) offered, course (C) imparted, risks (D) sanction, skills (E) provided, how

Answewrs With Explanation : 41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (d) 44. (a) 45. (b) 46. (d) 47. (a) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (e) 51. (c) 52. (E) 53. (b) 54. (d) 55. (b) 56. (c) In C part not is redundant. 57. (e) 58. (A) Change ‘so’ to ‘as’. 59. (a) Change ‘is’ to ‘are’ because the subject is plural ‘lots of support’. 60. (b) Change ‘reconsidered’ to ‘reconsider or should reconsider’ because of parallelism of the two sentences. 61. (d) Change the position of adverb ‘well’, it should be used in the end of the sentence.

62. (e) 63. (c) Change ‘needy’ to ‘needed’ here we require a verb. 64. (d) Change ‘their’ to ‘its’ because its subject is singular. 65. (A) Change ‘truth’ to ‘true’ or ‘a truth’. 66. (d) 67. (c) 68. (c) 69. (B) 70. (a) 71. (b) Change ‘locale’ to ‘local’ here we want an adjective. 72. (a) Change ‘exicting’ to ‘existing’. Exciting is not appropriate. 73. (a) Change ‘responds’ to ‘response’. 74. (e) Change ‘adopted’ to ‘adapted’. 75. (d) Change ‘currant’ to ‘current’. 76. (a) 77. (c) 78. (b) 79. (e) 80. (E)

SBI Bank Clerk Previous Solved Paper (Held on 6th January,2008) General English Directions—(Q. 41–55) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. A large majority of the poor in India are outside the formal banking system. The policy of financial inclusion sets out to remedy this by making available a basic banking ‘no frills’ account either with nil or very minimum balances as well as charges that would make such accounts accessible to vast sections of the population. However, the mere opening of a bank account in the name of every household or adult person may not be enough, unless these accounts and financial services offered to them are used by the account holders. At present, commercial banks do not find it viable to provide services to the poor especially in the rural areas because of huge transaction costs, low volumes of savings in the accounts, lack of information on the account holder, etc. For the poor, interacting with the banks with their paper work, economic costs of going to the bank and the need for flexibility in their accounts, make them turn to other informal channels or other institutions. Thus, there are constraints on both the supply and the demand side. Till now, banks were looking at these accounts from a purely credit perspective. Instead, they should look at this from the point of view of meeting the huge need of the poor for savings. Poor households want to save and contrary to the common perception, do have the funds to save, but lack control. Informal mutual saving systems like the Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs), widespread in Africa and ‘thrift and credit groups’ in India demonstrate that poor households save. For the poor household, which lacks access to the formal insurance system and the credit system, savings provide a safety net and help them tide over crises. Savings can also keep them away from the clutches of moneylenders, make formal institutions more favourable to lending to them,

encourage investment and make them shift to more productive activities, as they may invest in slightly more risky activities which have an overall higher rate of return. Research shows the efficacy of informal institutions in increasing the savings of the small account holders. An MFI in the Philippines, which had existing account holders, was studied. They offered new products with ‘commitment features’. One type had withdrawal restrictions in the sense that it required individuals to restrict their right to withdraw any funds from their own accounts until they reached a self-specified and documented goal. The other type was deposit options. Clients could purchase a locked box for a small fee. The key was with the bank and the client has to bring the box to the bank to make the deposit. He could not dip into the savings even if he wanted to. These accounts did not pay extra money and were illiquid. Surprisingly, these products were popular even though these had restrictions. Results showed that those who opted for these accounts with restrictions had substantially greater savings rates than those who did not. The policy of financial inclusion can be a success if financial in clusion focuses on both saving needs and credit needs, having a diversified product portfolio for the poor but recognising that self-control problems need to be addressed by having commitment devices. The products with commitment features should be optional. Furthermore transaction costs for the poor could be cut down, by making innovative use of technology available and offering mobile vans with ATM and deposit collection features which could visit villages periodically. 41. What is the aim of the financial inclusion policy ? (A) A focus on savings needs rather than credit needs of the poor (B) Minimising utilisation of technology in banks so as to reduce transaction costs for the poor (C) To boost low savings volumes in banks by encouraging savings among the rural poor (D) To make formal basic banking services available to the poor (E) To regulate the rate at which moneylenders lend to the poor 42. The author’s main objective in writing the passage is to— (A) Criticise the concept of financial inclusion (B) Point out the problems of financial inclusion (C) Discuss ways of making the financial inclusion policy successful (D) Compare financial inclusion policies of different countries (E) Cite research in support of role of MFIs in achieving financial inclusion 43. Which of the following can be inferred about products with commitment features ? 1. Demand for such products was high. 2. They were an effective means of increasing the savings of small account holders. 3. Such facilities can only be offered by informal institutions like MFIs. (A) All 1, 2 and 3 (B) Only 2 (C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Both 1 and 3 (E) None of these 44. Why do the poor not utilise banking services ? 1. Informal institutions offer higher rates of interest than those in banks. 2. Costs of reaching banks have to be borne by the poor. 3. Bank personnel do not treat the poor respectfully because their savings amounts are minimal. (A) Only 2 (B) Both 1 and 2

(C) Both 2 and 3 (D) All 1, 2, and 3 (E) None of these 45. Which of the following is a recommendation made by the author regarding financial inclusion ? (A) Reduce the paper work involved by seeking less information about the account holder (B) Lower transaction costs by utilising latest technology. (C) Make commitment features compulsory for all savings accounts (D) Entrust the responsibility of financial inclusion solely to MFIs (E) Provide credit facilities even to those without savings accounts 46. Which of the following factors affects ‘saving’ behaviour among the poor ? 1. Threats from moneylenders if they avail of banking services. 2. Documentation required before availing of banking services. 3. Lack of self-control. (A) Only 1 (B) All 1, 2 and 3 (C) Only 3 (D) Both 2 and 3 (E) None of these 47. What do the results of the study conducted in the Philippines indicate ? (A) Account holders in MFIs have higher savings rates than banks (B) Many of the poor have to turn to moneylenders because of strict restrictions in MFIs (C) Having accounts with restriction on withdrawal requires the bank to offer a higher rate of interest (D) There should be strong security measures for deposit option accounts for the poor (E) None of these 48. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage ? (A) There are no informal means for the poor to save in India (B) Having savings encourages the poor to invest only in low risk ventures (C) There is a huge demand for savings facilities among poor households (D) Presently commercial banks feel that it is feasible to provide banking services to the poor in rural areas (E) There are many official innovative savings systems like roscas in Africa 49. What is/are the outcome(s) of encouraging savings for the poor ? 1. It frees them from the exploitation of moneylenders. 2. Banks are more willing to disburse loans to those who save. 3. They should invest in risky but high return ventures. (A) Only 1 (B) Both 1 and 2 (C) Only 3 (D) All 1, 2 and 3 (E) None of these 50. What was the view of banks regarding the bank accounts of the poor in the past ? (A) They were considered a problem since account holders information needed to be updated constantly (B) Focus should be more on providing savings facilities not credit (C) Moneylenders should be regulated so that they share responsibility of disbursing loans to the poor

(D) Products with commitment features will not be successful (E) None of these Directions—(Q. 51–53) Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage. 51. purely : (A) morally (B) honestly (C) completely (D) perfectly (E) cleanly 52. demonstrate : (A) protest (B) occur (C) estimate (D) appear (E) prove 53. remedy : (A) medicine (B) solve (C) restore (D) therapy (E) heal Directions—(Q. 54-55) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage. 54. optional : (A) voluntary (B) compromise (C) pressure (D) mandatory (E) free 55. accessible : (A) convenient (B) unavailable (C) unfavourable (D) unpleasant (E) formal Directions—(Q. 56–65) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any). 56. The scheme failed because / some states could not / manage not to raise / the necessary funds. No error. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 57. Real estate prices in the / business district of the city / are expected to rise / at 15% this year. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 58. By so early as next year / that leading investment bank / has plans to open / an office in New Delhi. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

59. There is lots of / supports from the employees / for the proposal to / merge with the parent company. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 60. Experts have recommended that / the government reconsidered / restrictions imposed on foreign / investment in real estate. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 61. The crucial point to / be discussed at the / meetings is how to / well implement the policy.No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 62. He wants to / set up a laboratory / to undertake research / into a vaccine for cancer. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 63. According to him / two factors which are / needy for success / are discipline and diligence. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 64. Because of the pace at / which the company is growing / I believe it will easily / achieve their target. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 65. It is truth / that India is / the largest consumer of / gold in the world. No error (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Directions—(Q. 66–70) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer. 66. The bank is overstaffed, has led to low productivity. (A) Led to (B) Will lead towards (C) And has led in (D) Which has led to (E) No correction required 67. You delay in taking a decision conveys a negative impression. (A) You delay to take (B) If you delay taking (C) Your delay in taking (D) To delay by taking (E) No correction required 68. Today management student itself are opted to work for NGOs even though the salaries offered to them are low. (A) Student itself is (B) Students themselves are (C) Students have (D) Student himself has (E) No correction required 69. Absence off any guidelines, they are unwilling to take up the project. (A) Absent of (B) In the absence of (C) Because of the absence (D) Without being absent

(E) No correction required 70. Without the development of rural people the country can no claim to be developed. (A) Can never claim (B) Being claimed (C) Not able to claim (D) Have not any claim (E) No correction required Directions—(Q. 71–75) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The number of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, mark (E) i.e.. ‘All Correct’ as your answer. 71. The organization preferred to hire locale population as they understood the language and customer preferences. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 72. In our opinion the exicting assessment system requires immediate revision.All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 73. In responds to the advertisement a sizeable number of candidates have submitted their applications. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 74. There is no guarantee that if this model is adopted the entire sector will prosper.All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) 75. With this unique initiative the company hopes to sustain its current growth rate. All Correct (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Directions—(Q. 76–80) In each of the following sentences there are two blank spaces. Below each five pairs of words have been denoted by letters (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Find out which pair of words can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to make the sentence meaningfully complete. 76. Mr. Srinivasan is …… to become Chairman of the group …… the retirement of his father. (A) set, following (B) voted, subsequent (C) selected, despite (D) approved, because (E) decided, after 77. …… to your error the …… consignment has been delayed by a week. (A) According, important (B) Duly, urgent (C) Owing, entire (D) Added, crucial (E) Admitting, special

78. On account of the …… in sales the software firm has achieved an eight percent …… in net profit. (A) surge, fall (B) increase, rise (C) decline, slope (D) hike, loss (E) growth, advance 79. We are proud to say that today …… 26 percent of our total accounts are …… by women and senior citizens. (A) approximate, held (B) nearly, authorised (C) over, maintain (D) above, open (E) around, operated 80. The company has …… special training to employees on …… to trade online. (A) announced, benefits (B) offered, course (C) imparted, risks (D) sanction, skills (E) provided, how Answewrs With Explanation : 41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (d) 44. (a) 45. (b) 46. (d) 47. (a) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (e) 51. (c) 52. (E) 53. (b) 54. (d) 55. (b) 56. (c) In C part not is redundant. 57. (e) 58. (A) Change ‘so’ to ‘as’. 59. (a) Change ‘is’ to ‘are’ because the subject is plural ‘lots of support’. 60. (b) Change ‘reconsidered’ to ‘reconsider or should reconsider’ because of parallelism of the two sentences. 61. (d) Change the position of adverb ‘well’, it should be used in the end of the sentence. 62. (e) 63. (c) Change ‘needy’ to ‘needed’ here we require a verb. 64. (d) Change ‘their’ to ‘its’ because its subject is singular. 65. (A) Change ‘truth’ to ‘true’ or ‘a truth’. 66. (d) 67. (c) 68. (c) 69. (B) 70. (a) 71. (b) Change ‘locale’ to ‘local’ here we want an adjective. 72. (a) Change ‘exicting’ to ‘existing’. Exciting is not appropriate. 73. (a) Change ‘responds’ to ‘response’. 74. (e) Change ‘adopted’ to ‘adapted’. 75. (d) Change ‘currant’ to ‘current’. 76. (a) 77. (c) 78. (b) 79. (e) 80. (E)

(Held on 6-7-2008) General English Directions—(Q. 41–50) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words are printed in bold to help you to locate them while

answering some of the questions. The yearly festival was close at hand. The store room was packed with silk fabrics. gold ornaments, clay bowls full of sweet curd and platefuls of sweetmeats. The orders had been placed with shops well in advance. The mother was sending out gifts to everyone. The eldest son, a government servant, lived with his wife and children in far off lands. The second son had left home at an early age. As a merchant he travelled all over the world. The other sons had split up over petty squabbles, and they now lived in homes of their own. The relatives were spread all across the world. They rarely visited. The youngest son, left in the company of a servant, was soon bored and stood at the door all day long, waiting and watching. His mother, thrilled and excited, loaded the presents on trays and plates, covered them with colourful kerchiefs, and sent them off with maids and servants. The neighbours looked on. The day came to an end. All the presents had been sent off. The child came back into the house and dejectedly said to his mother, “Maa, you gave a present to everyone, but you didn’t give me anything !” His mother laughed, “I have given all the gifts away to everyone, now see what’s left for you.” She kissed him on the forehead. The child said in a tearful voice, “Don’t I get a gift ?” “You’ll get it when you go far away.” “But when I am close to you, don’t I get something from your own hands ?” His mother reached out her arms and drew him to her. “This is all I have in my own hands. It is the most precious of all.” 41. Why did the woman's second son travel ? (A) He was restless by nature (B) He did not want to stay at home (C) He was rich and could afford to travel (D) His job was such that he had to travel (E) None of these 42. Why did the woman’s eldest son not attend the festival ? (A) He was not on good terms with his youngest brother who lived at home (B) He had quarrelled with his mother (C) His wife did not allow him to return home (D) His job prevented him from taking leave (E) None of these

43. How did the woman prepare for the festival ? 1. She bought expensive gifts for her children and neighbours. 2. She ordered her servants to prepare sweets and food well in advance. 3. She made sure that her youngest child was looked after so that he wouldn’t be bored. (A) None (B) Only 1 (C) Only 2 (D) Both 1 and 2 (E) All 1, 2 and 3 44. What did the youngest child do while his mother was busy ? 1. He waited for a chance to steal some sweetmeats. 2. He pestered his mother to give him a present. 3. He stood at the door with servants. (A) Only 1 (B) Only 2 (C) Both 1 and 3 (D) Only 3 (E) None of these 45. Which of the following can be said about the woman ? (A) She was a widow who had brought up her children single handedly (B) She was not a good mother since her children had left home at an early age (C) She enjoyed sending her family gifts at festival time (D) She gave expensive presents to show that she was wealthy (E) She rarely visited her grand-children because they all lived abroad 46. What did the boy receive from his mother ? (A) She taught him the value of patience (B) She encouraged him to grow up and live independently like his brothers (C) She showed him the importance of giving expensive gifts (D) She gave him a hug to express her love (E) None of these 47. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ? (A) The woman usually ignored her youngest son (B) The woman’s eldest son lived abroad (C) The members of the woman’s family did not care about her (D) The woman made all the preparations herself since she did not want to burden the servants (E) The woman sent gifts to her children to ensure that they visited her Directions—(Q. 48–49) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage. 48. Left

(A) Gone (B) Quit (C) Remaining (D) Disappeared (E) Forgot 49. Packed (A) Filled (B) Squeezed (C) Crowd (D) Collected (E) Untidy 50. Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word dejectedly as used in the passage. (A) Calmly (B) Happily (C) Willingly (D) Fortunately (E) Softly Directions—(Q. 51–55) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any) 51. Many multinational companies (A) / have not been as (B) /successful in India (C) /than we expected. (D) No error (E) 52. He has ruined (A) /his eyesight (B) /by not using (C) /his spectacles regularly. (D) No error (E) 53. Mostly of the (A) /newly recruited officers (B) /have no experience (C) /in the banking sector. (D) No error (E) 54. The resignation of (A) /one of our directors (B) /have caused the price (C) / of shares to fall. (D) No error (E) 55. There are many (A) /ways of which (B) /inflation can (C) /be measured. (D) No error (E) Directions—(Q. 56–60) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required.’ mark (E) as the answer. 56. Each of the loan must be approved by the Branch Manager—

(A) Every loan (B) Each one of the loan (C) Any of the loan (D) All of the loan (E) No correction required 57. The issue was taken before the Municipal Corporation meeting last week— (A) Taking place at (B) Taken after (C) Being taken in (D) Taken up at (E) No correction required 58. He has asked for the names of those employees involved in the project. (A) had asked (B) having asked about (C) was asked that (D) is asking (E) no correction required 59. Considerate the traffic, it is better to leave for the airport an hour early— (A) While considering (B) Consideration of (C) Considering (D) Being considerate to (E) No correction required 60. He is a good leader, knowing that to motivate his employees to achieve— (A) That known when (B) Who knows how (C) Which knows how (D) Knowing what (E) No correction required Directions—(Q. 61–65) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them. (1) The able bodied men of the tribe gathered to discuss how to climb the mountain. (2) As part of their plundering they kidnapped a baby of one of the families. (3) One day the mountain tribe invaded those living in the valley. (4) “We couldn’t climb the mountain. How could you?”, they asked, “It wasn’t your baby !” she replied. (5) There were two tribes in the Andes–one lived in the valley and the other high up in the mountains. (6) Two days later they noticed the child’s mother coming down the mountain that they hadn’t yet figured out how to climb.

61. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ? (A) (1) (B) (2) (C) (3) (D) (4) (E) (5) 62. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ? (A) (6) (B) (5) (C) (4) (D) (3) (E) (2) 63. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ? (A) (1) (B) (2) (C) (3) (D) (4) (E) (5) 64. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after rearrangement ? (A) (1) (B) (2) (C) (3) (D) (4) (E) (5) 65. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ? (A) (1) (B) (2) (C) (3) (D) (4) (E) (5) Directions—(Q. 66–70) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is given. These are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word, which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate, if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence mark (E) i.e., all correct as your answer. 66. The income (A) of many people in rural (B) India is not adequate (C) to satisfy (D) their basic needs. All correct (E)

67. He is always (A) prompt (B) in caring (C) out instructions. (D) All correct (E) 68. The revized (A) rates (B) of interest will be effective (C) immediately. (D) All correct (E) 69. Such transactions (A) are quiet (B) expensive (C) and time consuming (D) for customers. All correct (E) 70. The guidelines (A) of the new scheme (B) are expected (C) to be finally (D) soon. All correct (E) Directions—(Q. 71–80) In the following passage there are blanks each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words/ phrases are suggested one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case. I used to look …(71)… to the holidays. I was usually …(72)… to my uncle’s house where I …(73)… his children. I did not get paid a salary for …(74)… What I received in return however, was far more …(75)… My uncle was an avid reader. During the time I spent with his family I had an …(76)… to read the vast amount of books and magazines that he possessed. This improved my English to some …(77)… Reading became my new …(78–79)… spending my pocket money on a ticket to the cinema I began to …(80)… books. This has benefited me greatly. 71. (A) forward (B) towards (C) backward (D) up (E) around 72. (A) went (B) sent (C) visited (D) travelled (E) gone 73. (A) cared (B) occupy (C) guarded (D) taught (E) played 74. (A) them (B) whom (C) this (D) now

(E) which 75. (A) expensive (B) deserving (C) helping (D) demanding (E) valuable 76. (A) opportunity (B) ability (C) use (D) encouragement (E) achievement 77. (A) distance (B) extent (C) time (D) limits (E) degrees 78. (A) activity (B) hope (C) hobby (D) duty (E) worship 79. (A) despite (B) though (C) by (D) instead of (E) while 80. (A) sell (B) read (C) exchange (D) invest (E) buy Answers: 41. (D) 42. (E) 43. (A) 44. (D) 45. (C) 46. (D) 47. (B) 48. (C) 49. (A) 50. (C) 51. (D) Replace ‘than’ with ‘as’. 52. (E) 53. (A) Change ‘Mostly’ to ‘Most’. 54. (C) Change ‘have’ to ‘has’.

55. (B) Replace ‘of’ with ‘in’. 56. (A) 57. (D) 58. (E) 59. (C) 60. (B) 61. (C) 62. (A) 63. (E) 64. (D) 65. (B) 66. (E) 67. (C) 68. (A) 69. (E) 70. (D) 71. (A) 72. (B) 73. (D) 74. (C) 75. (E) 76. (A) 77. (B) 78. (C) 79. (D) 80. (E)

Bank PO Sample paper (General English) 1. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'. The dog let out (a)/ a blood chilling (b)/ howling when it was it was (c)/ given the injection (d)/ No error. (e) ANS (c) 2. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'. It being an important (a)/ letter, the draft had to be (b)/ seen by the Governor (c)/ itself for approval. (d)/ No error. (e) ANS (d) 3. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'. Asha could not defeat her (a)/ opponents contrary to their (b)/ good preparation and (c)/ long practice. (d)/ No error. (e) ANS (b) 4. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'. Pratiksha expected good marks (a)/ in the examination (b)/ but she was very disappointed (c)/ when the results came. (d)/ No error. (e) ANS (e) 5. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'. Irrespective of either (a)/ Vijay or Sanjay goes (b)/ the overdue payment (c)/ cannot be collected. (d)/ No error. (e) ANS (a) 6. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'. Some people consider Kama (a)/ to be the valorous (b)/ hero of all the (c)/ characters in the Mahabharat. (d)/ No error. (e) ANS (b) 7. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'e'. Victor, along with (a)/ a group of friends (b)/ was going on picnic (c)/ when the accident happen. (d)/ No error. (e) ANS (d) 8. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the sentence expression. A ruling body or class of rich men. (a) plutocracy (b) meritocracy (c) aristocracy (d) oligarchy ANS (a) 9. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the sentence expression. One who works for the welfare of mankind (a) communist (b) socialist (c) philanthropist (d) egalitarian

ANS (c) 10. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the sentence expression. A person who attacks traditional or established beliefs, principles, ideas, institutions etc. (a) militant (b) anarchist (c) sceptic (d) iconoclast ANS (d) 11. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the sentence expression. One who always hopes for the best in life. (a) pacifist (b) optimist (c) socialist (d) evangelist ANS (b) 12. Out of the four given responses, choose the one that can be a substitute for the sentence expression. One who loves books (a) biographer (b) bibliographer (c) bibliophile (d) orthographer ANS (c) 13. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the idiom/phrase printed in bold. The poor boy found it difficult to make up his deficiency in English. (a) recover (b) correct (c) remove (d) improve ANS (d) 14. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the idiom/phrase printed in bold. A Prime Minister cannot ride roughshod over his ministerial colleagues for long. (a) deal unkindly with (b) take for granted (c) be ham handed with (d) exploit willfully ANS (a) 15. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the idiom/phrase printed in bold. The Opposition charged the Government with playing havoc with the banking system. (a) disturbing (b) disorganizing (c) degrading (d) destroying ANS (d) 16. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the idiom/phrase printed in bold. Very soon the election campaigns on the part of different political parties will be in full swing. (a) engaging (b) exciting (c) active (d) hectic ANS (c) 17. Out of the four choices given, choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the idiom/phrase printed in bold. Pain, anguish and shame come in the wake of the scandals in high places. (a) accompany (b) follow (c) characterise (d) signify ANS (b) 68. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Crescendo (b) Cresendo (c) Crecendo (d) Crascendo ANS (a) 19. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below:

(a) Langor (b) Langour (c) Languour (d) Languor ANS (d) 20. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Reclammation (b) Reclaimation (c) Reclamation (d) Reclaimmation ANS (c) 21. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Indispensible (b) Indispensable (c) Indispensale (d)Indespensabe ANS (b) 22. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Consummation (b) Consummetion (c) Consumation (d) Consumetion ANS (a) 23. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Unparalelled (b) Unparalleled (c) Unparallelled (d) Unparaleled ANS (b) 24. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Consience (b) Conscience (c) Concience (d) Consciense ANS (b) 25. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Manuvre (b) Manovre (c) Manoeuvre (d) Manouever ANS (c) 26. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Concupiscent (b) Concupisent (c) Concupicent (d) Concupescent ANS (a) 27. Choose the correctly spelt word in each of the sets given below: (a) Bunglow (b) Bangalow (c) Banglow (d) Bungalow ANS (d) 28. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the word. Timid (a) awesome (b) eager (c) bold (d) critical ANS (c) 29. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the word. Prosecute (a) acquit (b) discharge (c) relieve (d) release ANS (a) 30. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the word. Amiable (a) careless (b) crude (c) crafty (d) cruel ANS (d) 31. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the word. Decent (a) conceited (b) wild (c) vulgar (d) ridiculous ANS (c)

32. Out of the four responses given, choose the one that is opposite in meaning to the word. Ancient (a) recent (b) urban (c) progressive (d) modern ANS (d) 33. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives given. Wholesome (a) strong (b) healthy (c) handsome (d) valuable ANS (b) 34. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives given. Elucidate (a) express (b) expand (c) clarify (d) qualify ANS (c) 35. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives given. Inquisitive (a) curious (b) bold (c) adventurous (d) complex ANS (a) 36. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives given. Induce (a) direct (b) control (c) instruct (d) cause ANS (d) 37. Choose the one that is the nearest in meaning to the word, from the four alternatives given. Speculate (a) reflect (b) know (c) guess (d) forecast ANS (c) 38. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: Her ....... remark proved that she was really naive and unsophisticated (a) unparliamentary (b) uninhibited (c) ingenuous (d) indifferent ANS (c) 39. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: He ....... devoted himself to the task of completing his book in time (a) ingeniously (b) assiduously (c) deliberately (d) exceptionally ANS (b) 40. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: Because he was a ........ he shunned human society. (a) misogynist (b) misfit (c) cynic (d) misanthrope ANS (d) 41. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: He was ...... in his colourful dress uniform. (a) attired (b) outfitted (c) resplendent (d) bedecked ANS (c)

42. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: He is not the man to permit anyone to encroach ....... his rights. (a) upon (b) in (c) into (d) against ANS (a) 43. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: The Govt. has in principle ..... the privatisation of power generation and its distribution in the country. (a) asserted (b) accepted (c) affirmed (d) confirmed ANS (d) 44. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: Candidates securing marks above seventy five percent are ..... for this scholarship. (a) worthy (b) competent (c) eligible (d) permissible ANS (c) 45. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: The easier the job, the ..... you do it. (a) longer (b) later (c) faster (d) lazier ANS (c) 46. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: We need to take urgent action to control the ..... of the dreaded AIDS. (a) rise (b) spread (c) development (d) outbreak ANS (b) 47. Fill in the blanks selecting one out of the four choices provided in each case: I shall ..... from the bank tomorrow the money we need for our work. (a) withdraw (b) recover (c) receive (d) take ANS (a) 48. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'd'. Many people are of the opinion (a)/ that the sudden outburst of the speaker (b)/ was surprising and unseemly, to say the least. (c) /No error (d) ANS (d) 49. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'd'. Everything depends on him (a)/ putting the right amount of (b)/ hard at the right time, (c)/ No error (d) ANS (a) 50. Mark the part of the sentence which has an error. If there is no error, mark 'd'. There is Mr. Hussain (a)/ whom they say (b)/ is the best painter in the town. (c)/ No error (d) ANS (b)