Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Our civilization is decadent and our language-so the argument runs-must inevitably share in the general collapse. It follows that any struggle against the abuse of language is a sentimental archaism, like preferring candles to electric light or hansom cabs to aeroplanes. Underneath this lies the half-conscious belief that language is natural growth and not an instrument which we shape for our own purposes. 
Now it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes it is not due simply to the bad influence of this or that individual writer. But an effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely. A man may take to drink because he feels himself to be a failure, and then fail all the more completely because he drinks. It is rather the same thing that is happening to the English language. It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts. The point is that the process is reversible. Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. If one gets rid of these habits, one can think more clearly, and to think clearly is a necessary first step towards political regeneration: so that the fight against bad English is not frivolous and is not the exclusive concern of professional writers. 

The author believes that the first stage towards the political regeneration of the language would be –

Directions: In the following questions four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase and mark it in the Answer-Sheet. 

To set the people by ears. 

Direction: In the following question, sentences are given with blanks to be filled in with appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested questions. Choose the correct alternative out of the four and indicate your choice for the correct answer.

Had you told me earlier I _______the meeting.

Each sentence below has a blank and each blank indicates that something has been omitted. Choose the word that best fits in meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Rajeev was upset because he____ forgotten his best friend’s birthday.

In the following sentence found out whether there is any error in any part of the sentence. If there is error mark your answer letter corresponding to that part a,b,c or d.If there is no error mark your answer ‘e’.

Road developers unable (a)/ to complete their projects (b)/ on time will not be (c)/ awarded new ones. (d)/ No error (e)

Direction: In the question a sentence has been given in Active/Passive Voice. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expressed the same sentence in Passive/Active Voice and mark your answer in the Answer Sheet.

Call the police at once. 

I am……..forward to our picnic scheduled in the next month.

Directions: 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 officer was doubtful (a)/ it some of the clerks (b)/ of his office were (c)/ involved in bribery. (d)/ No error (e)