Trying For A Repeat
Trying For A Repeat
In an Olympic year, the quadrennial extravaganza dwarfs every other competition. This is especially
true in a sport like badminton where the Olympic gold is the holy grail. Yet, events that lead up to the
marquee sporting festival do carry importance, and the ongoing Thomas & Uber Cup in Chengdu,
China, is one such tournament. The de facto ‘World Cup’ of badminton, the biennial championship
became an indelible part of the national consciousness when the Indian men’s outfit won its maiden
Thomas Cup crown in 2022. While a repeat is very much in the realm of possibility, the strong Indian
side (H.S. Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty among others) will look at
it as a great opportunity to test their competitive mettle ahead of the Paris Olympics. Two years ago,
the triumph had acted as a springboard for Satwiksairaj and Chirag, who went on to clinch the
coveted Asian Games doubles gold in 2023 and help secure a historic team silver before becoming the
first Indians to be ranked No.1 in doubles. Prannoy, India’s No.1 singles player and an Asian Games
bronze medallist, will be looking for similar inspiration after a not-so-good year while Lakshya will be
keen to sharpen his skills ahead of his first-ever Olympics.
The women’s Uber Cup roster does not include the Olympics-bound trio of singles star P.V. Sindhu
and doubles practitioners Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto. The three have prioritised a solid
training block — a luxury in a chock-a-block tournament calendar — while an inexperienced side gets
a taste of elite-level badminton. The focus will be on 17-year-old Anmol Kharb, who played a stellar
role in India winning the Badminton Asia Team Championship in February, and Isharani Baruah, 20.
There is also an expectation for Ashmita Chaliha, 24, long marked out for success, to make good on
her promise. The tourney comes at a time when India is looking to restock its women’s singles
cupboard. As Saina Nehwal inches closer to retirement, the cabinet, barring two-time Olympic
medallist Sindhu, has appeared bare in recent times. But going by the results in Chengdu, there is
optimism that the next generation of stars could emerge from this lot. They have beaten Canada and
Singapore back to back — by convincing 4-1 scorelines — to qualify for the quarterfinals, and further
progress will confirm the green shoots. Even as all eyes are on the Thomas Cup defence and Olympics
preparation, the women in the Uber Cup can well make it a week to remember. [Practice Exercise]
Red/blue coloring of words in the sentence indicates subject verb relationship; where ‘red’
denotes ‘subject’ and ‘blue’ denotes ‘verb’.
Vocabulary
1. Astonishing (adjective) – Amazing, 13. Outfit (noun) – Group, team, unit,
astounding, surprising, stunning, organization, gang
remarkable
14. Maiden (adjective) – First, initial, inaugural,
2. Quadrennial (adjective) – Occurring every premier, opening
four years
15. In the realm of possibility (phrase) –
3. Extravaganza (noun) – Spectacle, pageant, possible ,
show, festival, gala
16. Mettle (noun) – Spirit, resolve, fortitude,
4. Dwarf (verb) – Overshadow, dominate, courage, endurance
eclipse, surpass, outshine
17. Triumph (noun) – Victory, success, win,
5. Holy (adjective) – Sacred, divine, hallowed, conquest, achievement
consecrated, blessed
18. Springboard (noun) – Launchpad, catalyst,
6. Grail (noun) – cup, prize stepping stone, platform, means
8. Marquee event (noun) – A match worth 20. Clinch (verb) – to finally get or win
high importance, where you expect a full something
house.
21. Coveted (adjective) – Desired, sought-after,
9. De facto (adjective) – Actual, real, effective,
envied, longed-for, prized
in practice, existing
22. Secure (verb) – Obtain, acquire, gain,
10. Biennial (adjective) – Occurring every two
achieve, ensure
years
23. Keen (to) (adjective) – Eager, enthusiastic,
11. Indelible (adjective) – Permanent, lasting,
intent, anxious, ardent
unforgettable, ineradicable, enduring
24. Sharpen one’s skills (phrase) – Hone,
12. Consciousness (noun) – Awareness,
refine, enhance, improve, perfect
perception, cognizance, alertness,
recognition
25. Roster (noun) – List, schedule, register, 34. Inch closer to (phrase) – Approach, near,
lineup, catalog move towards, advance towards, edge
closer to
26. Trio (noun) – Triplet, threesome, triad,
group of three, trio 35. Barring (preposition) – Except for,
excluding, apart from, other than, besides
27. Chock-a-block (adjective) – Full, crowded,
packed, jammed, overloaded
36. Bare (adjective) – Simple, unadorned, plain,
28. Get a taste of something (phrase) – basic, unembellished
Experience, sample, try, test, get a feel of
37. Go by (phrasal verb) – to base an opinion,
decision, or judgment on something
29. Stellar (adjective) – Outstanding, excellent,
superb, magnificent, exceptional
38. Optimism (noun) – Hopefulness, positivity,
30. Make good on (phrase) – Fulfill, honor,
confidence, buoyancy, sanguinity
keep, uphold, satisfy
39. Scoreline (noun) – Result, outcome, score,
31. Tourney (noun) – Tournament,
tally, count
competition, contest, championship, match
40. Green shoots (noun) – Signs of growth,
indications of recovery, evidence of
32. Restock (verb) – Replenish, refill, resupply,
improvement, new beginnings, fresh starts
renew, replace
The relationship between dogs and their place in society opens up ______1______ in India. On
one hand there is the problem of street dogs. Citizens all over the country may complain about
their residential colonies being under attack by _____2______ canines but this has not yet
______3_______ any significant political response to enforce existing municipal laws to contain
their numbers. On the other hand, it seems that even pet dogs too have managed to raise an
entirely different class of concerns meriting the attention of a central government ministry and
two High Courts. Among the questions being deliberated upon is whether certain breeds of dogs
are ______4______more “ferocious” than others. An expert committee constituted by the
Department of Animal Welfare and Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture, has recommended that
certain breeds of “ferocious dogs” be prohibited from being kept as pets. Such a committee was
constituted after citizen groups complained of attacks on people — sometimes fatal — by these
dogs, which ____5_____ a petition in the Delhi High Court requesting it to ban certain breeds.
6. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
A. Composing
B. Considering
C. Vexing
D. Teeming
7. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
A. Compelling
B. Diverging
C. Separating
D. Roving
8. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
A. Procured
B. Suffered
C. Preferred
D. Spurred
9. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4
A. Inherently
B. Copiously
C. Abundantly
D. Regularly
10. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5
A. Prompted
B. Faceted
C. Expected
D. Infuriated
11. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice.
His wife was killed by him.
A. Him kills his wife.
B. He has killed his wife.
C. He killed his wife.
D. The prolonged dry spell has depleted water reserves, leaving many regions parched and
vulnerable.
A. BDAC
B. CABD
C. BCAD
D. ABCD
24. Sentences of a paragraph are given below in jumbled order. Arrange the sentences in the correct
order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.
P. “The temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus will
come to an end on April 30, 2024, and it will not be extended,”
Q. 24 hours per week starting in September, according to a new rule that will come into effect
from Tuesday
R. International students, including those from India, in Canada, will be able to work off-campus
for only up to
S. Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said in a press release issued
on Monday
A. RSPQ
B. QPRS
C. QRPS
D. RQPS
25. For the four-sentence (S1 to S4) paragraph below, sentences S1 and S4 are given. From the
options P, Q, R and S select the appropriate sentences for S2 and S3, respectively.
S1: The seizure of 86-kg heroin worth Rs 600 crore from a Pakistani vessel is a reminder of the
scourge of the international drug trade.
S4: Valued at around Rs 15,000 crore, this haul was the largest of its kind in the country.
P: It is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of narco-terrorism that threatens
national security.
Q: Terming the report as speculative and unhelpful to an ongoing probe, MEA spokesperson
Randhir Jaiswal said the article makes unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations on a serious
matter.
R: Last May, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Navy had seized a staggering 2,500 kg of
methamphetamine off the Kerala coast.
S: The MEA had served a demarche stating that the incident once again illustrates the political
space given in Canada to separatism, extremism and violence.
A. P and Q
B. P and R
C. P and S
D. Q and S
Answers
1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. B 6. C 7. D 8. D 9.A 10.A 11.C 12.C
13. A 14.D 15.D 16.C 17.D 18.B 19.B 20.C 21.C 22.A 23.B 24.D
25. B [Practice Exercise]
Explanations
1. C) The progression and achievements of Indian badminton in international competitions.
The main theme of the passage is the progression and achievements of Indian badminton in
international competitions. It discusses various tournaments, such as the Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, and
the Asian Games, highlighting the success and potential of Indian players on these stages. The other
options do not accurately reflect the central focus of the passage; rigorous training regimen (A) is
mentioned but not the central theme, international influence (B) is not a focus, and personal struggles
of players (D) are not discussed in detail.
2. B) The Thomas & Uber Cup, held biennially, known for showcasing top national teams in badminton
and noted for India's maiden win in 2022.
Option B is correct because the passage identifies the Thomas & Uber Cup as the "de facto 'World Cup'
of badminton" and highlights its importance, particularly noting India's historic victory in 2022.
Option A is incorrect because, while the Olympic Games are significant, the passage specifically denotes
the Thomas & Uber Cup as the badminton equivalent of a World Cup.
Option C is incorrect because the BWF World Championships focus on individual competitions, not
national teams, which is the context provided in the passage.
Option D is incorrect as the Commonwealth Games, though an important event, do not carry the same
weight as the Thomas & Uber Cup in the context of being likened to a World Cup for badminton.
3. A) It serves as an essential preparatory ground for honing skills and gaining competitive edge
necessary for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Option A is correct as the passage mentions that the Thomas & Uber Cup serves as a crucial
opportunity for players like Prannoy and Lakshya to test their mettle and sharpen their skills in
anticipation of the Olympics.
Option B is incorrect because the passage describes the event as significant for competitive
preparation, not just a ceremonial occasion.
Option C is incorrect as the passage clearly outlines the competitive nature of the tournament, not as a
recreational event.
Option D is incorrect because, while scouting might occur, the primary focus described in the passage is
on competitive preparation and improvement ahead of the Olympics.
4. D) They qualified for the quarterfinals by defeating Canada and Singapore with 4-1 scorelines
The passage mentions that the women's team has shown promising performance by beating Canada
and Singapore with 4-1 scorelines to qualify for the quarterfinals, indicating the potential emergence of
new talent.
A. Incorrect, as there is no information provided about global rankings.
C. Incorrect, as the passage does not state that they won the Uber Cup the previous year.
B. Incorrect, as there is no mention of any record-breaking consecutive wins in the tournament.
5. B) Inspirational
Inspirational: The passage has an inspirational tone as it highlights India's past successes in badminton
and the opportunities for emerging stars ahead of the Paris Olympics. The achievements and the
anticipation of future glory contribute to an uplifting narrative.
Dispassionate: Incorrect because the passage clearly shows enthusiasm and excitement about India’s
prospects and achievements in badminton, which is not characteristic of a dispassionate tone.
Critical: Incorrect because the passage does not critique or evaluate negatively; instead, it focuses on
positive achievements and potential.
Objective: Incorrect because, although the passage provides factual information, the focus on
achievements and aspirations lends a more motivational tone than a strictly objective, detached
report.
6. C) 'Vexing' का use होगा क्योंकक "vexing" का अथथ होता है कुछ ऐसा जो ऩरे शान करने वाऱा या जटिऱ
हो। passage में mention है कक कैसे भारत में कुत्तों और उनकी स्थथतत ने कई ऩरे शान करने वाऱे मद्द
ु े
खोऱे हैं, इसलऱए 'vexing' यहाॉ उऩयक्
ु त है । जबकक 'Composing' का अथथ होता है बनाना या सॊगटित
करना, 'Considering' का अथथ है ववचार करना, और 'Teeming' का अथथ है भरा हुआ होना, जो इस context
में सही नहीॊ हैं।
'Vexing' will be used because it means something that is troubling or complex. The passage mentions
how dogs and their status in India have opened up several troubling issues, making 'vexing' the suitable
choice here. Whereas, 'Composing' means to create or organize, 'Considering' means thinking about,
and 'Teeming' implies being filled with, which do not fit in this context.
7. D) "roving" का अथथ होता है घम
ू ना या भिकना। Sentence में mention ककया गया है कक आवासीय
कॉऱोतनयों ऩर कुत्तों का हमऱा हो रहा है , इसलऱए 'roving' यहाॉ सही है । जबकक 'Compelling' का अथथ
होता है आकषथक या मजबरू करनेवाऱा, 'Diverging' का अथथ है ववचऱन करना, और 'Separating' का अथथ
है अऱग करना, जो इस context में सही नहीॊ है ।
"roving" means wandering or roaming. The sentence mentions that residential colonies are being
attacked by dogs, making 'roving' fitting here. Whereas, 'Compelling' implies attractiveness or forcing,
'Diverging' means deviating, and 'Separating' refers to dividing, which don't fit in this context.
8. D) 'Spurred' का use होगा क्योंकक "spurred" का अथथ होता है ककसी कायथ या प्रततकिया को प्रेररत करना
या तेज करना। Passage में यह बताया गया है कक street dogs की समथया के बावजूद कोई बी ी
ऩॉलऱटिकऱ ररथऩाॊस नहीॊ हुई है , इसलऱए 'spurred' यहाॉ सही है । जबकक 'Procured' का अथथ है प्राप्त
करना, 'Suffered' का अथथ है ऩीडी त होना, और 'Preferred' का अथथ है ऩसॊद करना, जो इस context में सही
नहीॊ है ।
'Spurred' will be used because it means to stimulate or accelerate an action or response. The passage
indicates that despite the issue of street dogs, there hasn't been a significant political response, making
'spurred' appropriate here. Whereas, 'Procured' means obtained, 'Suffered' means to endure pain or
hardship, and 'Preferred' means favored, which do not fit in this context.
9. A) 'Inherently' का use होगा क्योंकक "inherently" का अथथ होता है कुछ ऐसा जो ककसी वथतु या व्यस्क्त
की मऱ
ू प्रकृतत में होता है । Passage में यह दशाथया गया है कक कुछ नथऱों के कुत्ते अऩनी प्रकृतत में ही
अधधक "आिामक" होते हैं, इसलऱए 'inherently' यहाॉ सही है । जबकक 'Copiously' का अथथ होता है प्रचुर
मात्रा में, 'Abundantly' का अथथ है बहुतायत में, और 'Regularly' का अथथ है तनयलमत रूऩ से, जो इस
context में सही नहीॊ है ।
'Inherently' will be used because it means something that is a fundamental part of the nature of a
person or thing. The passage indicates that some breeds of dogs are more "ferocious" by their very
nature, making 'inherently' the correct choice here. Whereas, 'Copiously' means in large quantities,
'Abundantly' means plentifully, and 'Regularly' means in a regular manner, which don't fit in this
context.
10. A) 'Prompted' का use होगा क्योंकक "prompted" का अथथ होता है ककसी प्रकिया या कायथवाही को प्रेररत
करना। sentence में यह बताया गया है कक नागररक समह
ू ों द्वारा की गई लशकायतों ने टदल्ऱी हाई कोिथ
में याधचका दाखखऱ करने के लऱए प्रेरणा दी, इसलऱए 'prompted' यहाॉ सही है । जबकक 'Faceted' का अथथ
है कई ऩहऱओ
ु ॊ वाऱा होना, 'Expected' का अथथ है अऩेक्षऺत होना, और 'Infuriated' का अथथ है िोधधत
करना, जो इस context में सही नहीॊ है ।
'Prompted' will be used because it means to initiate or cause an action or process. The sentence
describes that complaints by citizen groups led to filing a petition in the Delhi High Court, making
'prompted' suitable here. Whereas, 'Faceted' implies having many sides, 'Expected' means anticipated,
and 'Infuriated' implies causing anger or rage, which do not fit in this context.
11. C) He killed his wife
12. C) Kin (noun) – One’s relatives or family, related ऩररवार/सॊबॊधी
Kilt (noun) – a type of skirt traditionally worn by men in Scotland. थकॉटिश थकिथ
Kindle (verb) – to light or set on fire; to arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling). आग
ऱगाना/ प्रेररत करना
Kine (noun) – archaic term for cows collectively. गायों का समह
ू
13. A) 'cleverest' के बदऱे 'as clever as' का प्रयोग होगा क्योंकक positive degree में comparative
degree का सही रूऩ 'as + Positive degree + as' होता है ; जैसे— She is not as tall as John.
'as clever as' will be used instead of 'cleverest' because the correct form for
comparative degree is 'as + Positive degree + as'; Like— She is not as tall as John.
14. D) The incorrectly spelt word in the given sentence is 'entaire'. The correct spelling is 'Entire'
from option D. सॊऩणू ,थ
15. D) Camouflage (noun) – The use of any combination of materials, coloration, or illumination
for concealment, either by making animals or objects hard to see, or by disguising them as
something else. छद्मावरण
Synonym: Disguise (noun) – give (someone or oneself) a different appearance in order to
conceal one's identity. वेश बदऱना, भेस बदऱना
Sabotage (noun) – The act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it
does not work correctly. तोड़-फोड़
Execute (verb) – To carry out or put into effect; to make or produce something,
especially by following a plan or design. काययवाही करना
Gigantic (adjective) – Very large; huge. ववशाऱ
16. C) Conspicuous (adjective) – Easily seen or noticed, clearly visible, evident, prominent. स्पष्ट
Synonym: Obvious (adjective) – Easily perceived or understood, clear, self-evident, noticeable.
प्रत्यऺ
Opaque (adjective) – Not able to be seen through, not transparent, unclear. अपारदशी
Unnoticeable (adjective) – Not easily seen or noticed, not conspicuous. अदृश्य
Effective (adjective) – Successful in producing a desired or intended result, efficacious.
प्रभावी
17. D) A large number of trees were uprooted by the storm yesterday.
18. B) SQPR
Everything available in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs provided it is
technologically accessible, economically feasible and culturally acceptable can be termed as
'Resource'
19. B) Fierce (adjective) – Intense, strong, aggressive, ferocious. उग्र
Antonym: Gentle (adjective) – Mild in temperament or behavior, kind, tender, soft. सॊवेदनशीऱ
Sore (adjective) – Painful, tender, aching. ददय नाक
Vast (adjective) – Of very great extent or quantity; immense. ववशाऱ
Noisy (adjective) – Making or given to making a lot of noise. शोरशराबा
20. C) out of the blue (idiom) – unexpectedly, without any warning अचानक से
Blowing off the steam (idiom) – to release pent-up emotions or frustrations. अऩनी
भी ास तनकाऱना
Like a cakewalk (idiom) – something very easy to accomplish. बहुत आसान
Stepping up his game (idiom) – to improve or increase one's effort or performance.
अऩनी प्रदशथन को बेहतर बनाना
21. C) The incorrectly spelt word is "Jewelerry". The correct spelling is "Jewellery आभष
ू ण
22. A) 'braver than intelligent' के बदऱे 'more brave than intelligent' का प्रयोग होगा क्योंकक जब
दो गुणवत्ताओॊ की तुऱना की जाती है और उसमें से एक गुणवत्ता दो या दो से अधधक थवरों
वाऱे शब्द से बताई जाती है , तो 'more' का प्रयोग होता है ; जैस—
े She is more beautiful than
wise.
'more brave than intelligent' will be used instead of 'braver than intelligent' because when
comparing two qualities and one of the qualities is represented by a word of two or more
syllables, 'more' is used; Like— She is more beautiful than wise.
23. B) CABD
C: Sentence C introduces the topic by presenting the overall situation — the alarming decline in water
levels in India's reservoirs. It sets the context by mentioning the latest data from the Central Water
Commission.
A: After establishing the general context in sentence C, sentence A provides specific data to illustrate
the severity of the situation — that the water available in major reservoirs has decreased to only 30%
of their capacity.
B: Following the specific example of reduced water capacity, sentence B explains why this situation has
occurred. It links the reduction in water levels to insufficient rainfall and the impact of the El Nino
phenomenon.
D: Finally, sentence D discusses the consequences of the conditions described in the previous
sentences. It explains the impact of the prolonged dry spell, which has led to depleted water reserves
and left many regions parched and vulnerable. This sentence effectively concludes the paragraph by
describing the resultant situation of the water crisis.
24. D) RQPS
R: This sentence introduces the main subject of the paragraph, which is the work allowance for
international students in Canada
Q: This sentence logically follows R because it continues the information about the limitation on hours
(completing the sentence fragment in R) and introduces when this new rule will start and its effective
date
P: This sentence appropriately follows Q as it talks about the conclusion of a previous temporary policy,
providing a contrast to the new rule introduced in sentences R and Q. This sequence (after R and Q) is
necessary because it refers to a change from the existing condition (the temporary policy) to the new
rule mentioned in Q.
S: This sentence logically and grammatically fits as the conclusion to the paragraph. It provides the
source of the information shared in the previous sentences, attributing the statements to Marc Miller
and noting when the announcement was made.
25. B) P and R
P: This sentence connects well with S1, explaining that the heroin seizure is part of ongoing issues with
narco-terrorism, thus fitting naturally as S2.
R: This sentence provides an example of a previous large seizure, which supports the idea introduced in
P that this problem is recurring and significant, making it a logical choice for S3.
The final sentence, S4, mentions the record size of the haul, which links well to R, emphasizing the scale
of drug seizures in the country.
Options Q and S are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the ongoing issue of drug
trafficking or provide a logical continuation from S1 to S4; instead, they introduce unrelated political
elements.