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 throw up the sponge. 

Directions: In question four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentences. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase and mark it is the Answer Sheet.

He was all at sea when he began his new job.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
 A new analysis has determined that the threat of global warming can still be greatly diminished if nations cut emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 70% this century. The analysis was done by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). While global temperatures would rise, the most dangerous potential aspects of climate change, including massive losses of Arctic sea ice and permafrost and significant sea-level rise, could be partially avoided.
 “This research indicates that we can no longer avoid significant warming during this century,” said NCAR scientist Warren Washington, the study paper's lead author. “But, if the world were to implement this level of emission cuts, we could stabilize the threat of climate change", he added.
 Average global temperatures have warmed by close to 1 degree Celsius since the pre-industrial era. Much of the warming is due to human-produced emissions of greenhouse gases, predominantly carbon dioxide. This heat-trapping gas has increased from a pre-industrial level of about 284 parts per million ( ppm ) in the atmosphere to more than 380 ppm today. With research showing that additional warming of about 1 degree C may be the threshold for dangerous – climate change, the European Union has called for dramatic cuts in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
 To examine the impact of such cuts on the world's climate, Washing ton and his colleagues ran a series of global studies with the NCAR - based Community Climate System Model (CCSM). They assumed that carbon dioxide levels could be held to 450 ppm at the end of this century. In contrast, emissions are now on track to reach about 750 ppm by 2100 if unchecked. The team's results showed that if carbon dioxide were held to 450 ppm, global temperatures would increase by 0.6 degrees Celsius above current readings by the end of the century. In contrast, the study showed that temperatures would rise by almost four times that amount to 2.2 degrees Celsius above current readings if emissions were allowed to continue on their present course. Holding carbon dioxide levels to 450 ppm would have other impacts, according to the climate modeling study.
 Sea-level rise due to thermal expansion as water temperatures warmed would be 14 centimeters about (5.5 inches) instead of 22 centimeters (8.7 inches). Also, Arctic ice in the summertime would shrink by about a quarter in volume and stabilize by 2100, as opposed to shrinking at least three quarters and continuing to melt, and Arctic warming would be reduced by almost half.

Why has the European Union called for dramatic cuts in carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions?

The watchdogs_______asleep when the bulls ran riot.

Direction: In the question, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase and mark it is the Answer Sheet.
To call it a day

In these questions read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. If there is no error, the answer is (D).

Fifty years has passed (A)/ since man first ventured (B)/ into outer space. (C)/ No error (D)

Directions (38): In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. First read the passage over and try to understand what it is about. The fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given.

There is nothing which a man of strong will cannot achieve. Will power is the sure hypnotism that….(31)….all obstacles that…. (32)….our progress. A man of strong will is always ….(33)…., while one who is weak in will has to….(34)….many failures. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”….(35)….be an excellent rule of conduct, but no strong will, no….(36)….is the greatest….(37)….of life. All difficulties melt away before a….(38)….mind. Very often we attribute our….(39)….to chance, fate or stars. We blame our luck, but….(40)….do we examine our minds, the weakness of which is really responsible for our failures. (Mark your answer 38 )

Directions: In question four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase underlined in the sentences. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase and mark it is the Answer Sheet.

The Earl of Leicester threw down the glove.