General English Practice Question and Answer

Q:

Directions :Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions. Certain parts have been highlighted to help answer the questions.
  Every year, around one million people die of mosquitoborne diseases according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This is why mosquitoes are considered one of the deadliest living creatures on the planet — not because they are lethal themselves, but because many of the viruses and parasites they transmit are
 In the absence of an effective vaccine for dengue fever, Zika fever, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases, researchers have developed genetic strategies to reduce mosquito populations. One such strategy involves the release into the wild of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes that express a lethal gene — a strategy believed to have little impact on the overall DNA of wild populations of mosquitoes
 The transfer of new genes from GM organisms to wild or domesticated non-GM populations is a key criticism of GM crops like soybean and corn. There are concerns that the introduction of GM genes into non-target species could have negative consequences for both human and environmental health.
 Oxitec, a company that spun out of research at Oxford University in the early 2000s, developed and trademarked GM Friendly™ mosquitoes (also known as strain OX513A of Aedes aegypti). These male GM mosquitoes have what the company describes as a “self-limiting” gene, which means that when these so-called friendly mosquitoes’ mate, their offspring inherit the self-limiting gene which is supposed to prevent them surviving into adulthood.
 In theory, when these mosquitoes are released in high numbers, a dramatic reduction in the mosquito population should follow. According to research published by Oxitec researchers in 2015, field trials involving recurring releases of Friendly™ mosquitoes demonstrated a reduction of nearly 95 per cent of target populations in Brazil. In these field trials, experiments were not performed to assess whether GM mosquitoes might persist in the wild.
 A recent study from the Powell lab at Yale University has since confirmed that some of the offspring of the GM mosquitoes didn’t succumb to the self-limiting lethal gene and survived to adulthood. They were able to breed with native mosquitoes and thereby introduce some of their genes into the wild population
 Meanwhile, the impact of mosquitoes carrying these new genes remains largely unknown. One significant worry is that a new breed of mosquito might emerge that is more difficult to control. These new genes could also potentially alter evolutionary pressures on viruses carried by mosquitoes, like dengue fever, in unpredictable ways. This includes potentially increasing their virulence or changing their host-insect interactions. These are hypothetical risks that have been raised by scientists, and reflect the need for further study.

What is one of the methods being developed to control population of mosquitoes?

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    Spraying of pesticides using established procedures.
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    Introduction of a lethal gene into wild populations of mosquitoes using genetically modified ones.
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    Not letting any stagnant water build-up near homes
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    Both (a) and (b)
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    None of the above
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Answer : 2. "Introduction of a lethal gene into wild populations of mosquitoes using genetically modified ones. "

Q:

Direction: In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.

To rummage about in a place or container in search of something.

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    to rake
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    to excavate
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    to ferret
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    to poke
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Answer : 3. "to ferret"

Q:

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

Defile
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    Regularize
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    Labor
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    Particularize
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    Purify
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Answer : 4. "Purify"

Q:

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

In the same breath

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    Able to get a foul smell
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    Say two contradictory things at the same time
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    Practice breathing exercises
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    Try and hold your breath
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Answer : 2. "Say two contradictory things at the same time"
Explanation :

"In the same breath" refers to saying two contradictory things simultaneously or in close succession.

Q:

Change the following sentence from direct to indirect speech:
He said, "Alas! I am undone."

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    He said sadly that he was broke.
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    He said sadly that he was undone.
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    He exclaimed sadly that he was undone.
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  • 4
    He exclaimed sadly that he was broke.
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Answer : 3. "He exclaimed sadly that he was undone."

Q:

A passage is given with 5 Questions following it. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives and click the button corresponding to it.

The public distribution system, which provides food at low prices, is a subject of vital concern. There is a growing realization that though India has enough food to feed its masses two square meals a day, the monster of starvation and food insecurity continues to haunt the poor in our country. Increasing the purchasing power of the poor through providing productive employment leading to rising income, and thus good standard of living, is the ultimate objective of public policy. However, till then, there is a need to provide assured supply of food through a restructured, more efficient and decentralized public distribution system (PDS). Although the PDS is extensive world – it hasn't reached the rural poor and the remote places. It remains an urban phenomenon, with the majority of the rural poor still out of its reach due to lack of economic and physical access. The poorest in the cities and the migrants are left out, for they generally do not possess ration cards. The allocation of PDS supplies in big cities is larger than in rural areas. In view of such deficiencies in the system, the PDS urgently needs to be streamlined. Also, considering the large it is one of the largest such systems in the food grains production combined with food subsidy on one hand and the continuing slow starvation and dismal poverty of rural population on the other, there is a strong case for making PDS target group oriented. By making PDS target group oriented, not only the poorest and the neediest would be reached without additional cost but we can also reduce the overall costs incurred. 

What, according to the passage, would be the rationale of making the PDS target-group oriented? 

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    It will abolish the imbalance of urban and rural sector.
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    It will remove poverty.
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    It will give food to the poorest section without additional cost.
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    Wrong
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    It will motivate the target-group population to work more.
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Answer : 3. "It will give food to the poorest section without additional cost."

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