Words Confused

Words confused

In each question, there are four sentences. Each sentence has pairs of words/phrases that are italicized/and highlighted. Select the most appropriate ones.

1.       The minister who was arrested for his alleged involvement in a scam was denied bail (a)/bale (b)by the court.

2.       Emperor Asoka abjured(a)/adjured(b) his kingdom after the Kalinga war.

3.       I purposefully(a)/purposely(b) avoided taking the public transport during the peak hours.

4.       The Chief Minister made an aerial survey of the flood ravaged(a)/ ravished(b) districts.

(A)   Aaba,    (B) aaaa, (C) abba,  (D) baaa

1.       Rebecca looked stunning in her long sumptuous(a)/ scrumptious (b)evening gown.

2.       The politicians’ tour to the remote villages and interaction with the slum dwellers was a flagrant(a)/ blatant (b) attempt to win votes from the masses.

3.        The penalty of Rs. 10,000 was imposed upon him for flouting(a)/ flaunting (b) the traffic rules.

4.       Both the young and old were greatly amused(a)/bemused(b) by the clown’s antics.

(A)   Baaa,  (B) bbab,  (C) abaa,  (D) aaaa

1.       Even the aroma detectable food not whet(a)/wet(B) badly impaired appetite

2.       After a restive(a)/restful(b) sleep, I felt relaxed and rejuvenated the next morning.

3.       The municipal authorities razed(a)/raised (b) several illegal constructions to the ground.

4.       Our holiday plans were ruined by the adverse(a)/averse(b) weather conditions

(A)   Abab,  (B) baab,  (C) aaba,  (D)abaa

1.       Prince Sidhartha renounced his princely life and turned into an acetic (a)/ ascetic at the very young age.

2.       There was a notable(a)/noticeable(b) improvement in Ram’s health over the past few weeks.

3.       Physical exercise and consumption of healthy(a)/healthful(b) food is essential for keeping oneself fit.

4.       He evinced(a)/evoked(b) a strong desire to be reconciled with his estranged wife.

(A)   Bbba,  (B) baaa,  (C) bbbb,  (D) bbaa

Answers:

1.The word ‘bail” refers to the money paid into a court to release a person charged with an offence. “bale” refers to a bundle of hay or wool. Only (a) is apt.

“abjure” means to renounce. “Adjure” is to charge someone with a serious responsibility. Only (a) is apt.

“purposely”  means intentionally or with a purpose. “purposefully” means determined or resolute. Only (b) is apt.

“ravaged “ means extensively damaged, ruined or destroyed. “ravish” means to capture or to be carried away with great delight. Only (a) is apt.    

The correct sequence is aaba . Choice A

2.  The word “sumptuous” means luxurious and showing wealth is apt. “scrumptious” means delicious, which does not make sense in the context.

“blatant” means something bad that is very obvious or intentional, while the word “flagrant” which refers to an action which is shockingly bad does not make sense here.

“to flout” is to violate a rule or a law. “flaunt” is to display. Only (a) makes sense.

“bemuse” means confuse. “amuse” is apt.

The sequence is abaa. Choice (C)

3.  “whet” means to sharpen, excite, or stimulate is apt here. Hence (a)

“restive” means restless does not suit in the given context. “restful means relaxed make sense here. Hence (a)

“raze” means to pull down illegal constructions. “raise” means to elevate. The former makes sense here.

The word “adverse” which means harmful or unpleasant is more appropriate here. “averse” means strongly disliking or opposed to. Hence (a)

The sequence is abaa   Choice is ( D)

5.       An “ascetic” is a hermit, a sanyasi. “acetic” means acerbic or sharp tasting. Only ascetic makes sense here. Option is (a)

“a notable person “ is someone who is distinguished by some aspect of worthiness or character. “noticeable” means easily seen. Hence (b).

“healthy” means having good health. “healthful” means having or helping towards good health. Only (b) makes sense.

“evince” means make obvious or show clearly. “evoke is to make someone remember something or feel an emotion. Only a makes sense. Choice(A)

Bank PO Essays 4 FDI in Retail Sector

Should FDI be allowed in retail sector? Why?

(This essay is written by SUBBALEKSHMY US of our PO 20 Batch)

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has both advantages and disadvantages. Since the advantages are more than the disadvantages, I think we should go for FDI in retail sector.

FDI is a cross border investment, that is, foreign assets are invested in organizations of domestic market, excluding investment in stock. In developing countries FDI has become a vital part in their economy. The availability of cheap labour, uninterrupted supply of raw materials, less production cost and quick and easy market penetration have made FDI feasible. If FDI is allowed in India, it will result in the cheap production facilities, application of new technology and long term cash liquidity. FDI ensures better operations in production and distribution cycles. It enables transfer skills and technology from overseas and develops the infrastructure of the domestic country. FDI provides the capital necessary for setting up organized chain of retail stores. The physical capital invested is not easily liquidated.

On the other hand, FDI can lead to a large scale job loss. Small scale retail business has virtually be wiped out in developed countries like the USA and in Europe. Global retailers will create monopoly in this field. This can adversely affect the supply of essential items. For instance, food supply will be controlled by foreign companies. The farmers barely subsist while the middlemen take the cream. This will lead to an unequal relationship in the market.  Moreover, the retail industry which consists of individual stores, commercial complexes, agencies, companies and organizations constitutes a major chunk of Indian economy.  FDI in retail sector may strike a fatal blow on the unorganized retail business, which is a source of income for millions.   So we have to think twice before allowing FDI in retail sector.    

Bank Essays 3. Traditioal Skills vs Tachnology

“Since technology is applicable in every field, traditional skills need not be revived”.

To what extent do you agree to this opinion?

I do not agree to the statement that since technology is applicable in every field, traditional skills need not be revived. Both technology and tradition are equally important. We should strike the right balance between technology and tradition.

Traditional skills are the age-old methods of doing things. They have been perfected by their rigorous practitioners from generation to generation. Technology, on the other hand, is the scientific method developed during the past couple of centuries which has influenced all the departments of life. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, bioinformatics are but a few technologies that have improved the quality of our lives.

First and foremost, technology has played its own role in retaining tradition and conventional ways of life. Thanks to modern technology, ancient manuscripts and archaeological treasures and art have been restored to their former glory. Aboriginal arts, for example, have acquired worldwide recognition because they have been showcased the world over. Old forms of music, photographs, books have been preserved with the help of modern technology. On the other hand, some forms of technology, such as nuclear technology may lead us to annihilation. Besides, overdependence on technology can makeus slaves.

To sum up, we must have a well-balanced view to reap the benefitsof both tradition and techonology. Both have positive and negative aspects. 

Bank Essays 3. Traditioal Skills vs Tachnology

“Since technology is applicable in every field, traditional skills need not be revived”.

To what extent do you agree to this opinion?

I do not agree to the statement that since technology is applicable in every field, traditional skills need not be revived. Both technology and tradition are equally important. We should strike the right balance between technology and tradition.

Traditional skills are the age-old methods of doing things. They have been perfected by their rigorous practitioners from generation to generation. Technology, on the other hand, is the scientific method developed during the past couple of centuries which has influenced all the departments of life. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, bioinformatics are but a few technologies that have improved the quality of our lives.

First and foremost, technology has played its own role in retaining tradition and conventional ways of life. Thanks to modern technology, ancient manuscripts and archaeological treasures and art have been restored to their former glory. Aboriginal arts, for example, have acquired worldwide recognition because they have been showcased the world over. Old forms of music, photographs, books have been preserved with the help of modern technology. On the other hand, some forms of technology, such as nuclear technology may lead us to annihilation. Besides, overdependence on technology can makeus slaves.

To sum up, we must have a well-balanced view to reap the benefitsof both tradition and techonology. Both have positive and negative aspects. 

Bank Essays 2. Animals for Experiments

Should animals be used in testing new drugs and medical researches?

Animals enjoy rights. They should be treated with kindness. So I think, we should not induce pain on them in the name of testing new drugs and medical researches. Medical research using animals has helped to improve dramatically the health of the human race. Without animal testing, the cure for polio and diabetes would not have been invented. Despite these benefits, I believe that animals should not be used for testing medical techniques and drugs.  It is justifiable as long as we it does minimal damage to the animal.

On the one hand, animal testing allows scientists to test and create new drugs. Animals such as monkeys, rabbits and rats have similar physical processes to man. This allows scientists to test the effects of certain drugs on them. If the drugs produce any adverse effect on animals, it is unfit for human use. Animal testing is economical and practical. There is a huge supply of these animals for medical research. Animals are easily bred, and maintained safely in controlled labs.

On the other hand, the cost of testing on humans would be extremely high. Many people argue that animal testing is cruel. In some cases this is true. However, it would be much more cruel to test new drugs on people. Letting people die because there was not enough information about a drug is barbaric. Furthermore, legislation in most countries set standards for animal treatment, and laboratories have guidelines to prevent cruelty.

To conclude, animal testing needed in the world we live in. We have a responsibility to treat the animals with care and kindness. It is hoped that in the near future, we can dispense with their service in the invention of new medicines. (words 280)  

Bank Essays- e waste

e-waste is a major problem faced by the society. Why is it a problem and how can we solve it?

Electronic devices such as radio, television, computers and music systems have improved the quality of human life significantly. We depend on various electronic devices to spread knowledge, to entertain and to improve health care through diagnostic and therapeutic (=for treatment of illness) procedures. However, Electronics has its bright and dark sides. The problem of electronic waste is perhaps one of the major problems faced by all countries.

It cannot be denied that the ever-growing technology is the hallmark of the modern world. It is not the durability but the novelty that attracts the people. So they replace the old devices with the new ones more rapidly than ever before. Radio, television and other equipment add to the pile of wastes. Computers also produce a good deal of plastic waste as its CDs and DVDs contain plastic materials.

The problem is that plastic is non-biodegradable and its burning results in the emission of several harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Besides plastic, electronic devices contain heavy metals like nickel, cadmium lead and mercury which are highly poisonous substances that can pollute the soil and water bodies. The real solution lies in recycling. But recycling needs a lot of electricity. The development of alternative sources for the production of more electricity is the key solution of the problem of e-waste.

To conclude, the use of biodegradable substances in the manufacture of electronic devices and recycling are the key solution of the problem of electronic waste. (words - 262)

Phrasal Verbs - A, B

What are phrasal verbs?



A phrasal verb is a verb followed by one or two adverbs or prepositions, which together make a meaning that is usually impossible to guess from the meanings of the words on their own.




A abide by : respect or obey. (the law, a decision, a rule)
 If you want to stay at this school, you must abide by the rules.


account for : explain, give a reason
 I hope you can account for the money you spent!


add up: make sense, seem reasonable
Her story just doesn't add up.


advise against: recommend not doing something
The doctor advised him against carrying heavy loads.


agree with: have the same opinion as somebody else.
I agree with you. I think she deserves the award too.


aim at:  point something in the direction of a target
 The policeman aimed his gun at the hijacker.


allow for:  take into consideration, include in a calculation
You'd better leave early to allow for traffic jams.


answer back:  reply rudely
Don't answer back your mother!


appeal to :1) plead or make an earnest request


                 2) be attractive or interesting
 1) The organizers appealed to the crowd to stay calm.


2) A trekking holiday doesn't appeal to me.


apply for: make a formal request for something (job, permit, loan etc.)
 He applied for the job he saw advertised in the newspaper.


avail (oneself) of : take advantage of something (an opportunity) When the company is privatized, you should avail yourself of
the opportunity and buy some shares.


B
Back away:  move backwards, in fear or dislike
 When he saw the dog, he backed away.


back down: withdraw, concede defeat
Local authorities backed down on their plans to demolish the building.


back up: 1) give support or encouragement


              2) make a copy of (file, program, etc.)
 1) If I tell the boss we've got too much work, will you back me up?


2) It is recommended to back up all files in a secure location.


bail out: 1) pay money to secure someone's release


               2) rescue from financial difficulties
1) When he was arrested, his family refused to bail him out.


2) The government bailed out the bank.


bank on :base your hopes on someone/something
 Don't forget the date. I'm banking on your help.


beef up: improve, make more substantial
He beefed up his presentation with diagrams and statistics.


black out: faint, lose consciousness

The area was blocked off during the demonstration.


blow up: 1) explode;


             2) be destroyed by an explosion
1) The terrorists said the bomb would blow up at 9 o'clock.


2) The car blew up but luckily there was nobody in it.


boil down: to be summarized as
The problem boils down to a lack of money.


boot up: start a computer by loading an operating system or program.
Just give my a few minutes to boot up the computer.


break away: escape from captivity
 A few horses broke away from the paddock.


break down: 1) go out of order, cease to function


                     2) lose control of one's emotions
1) John's car broke down so he had to take the bus.


2) The parents broke down when they heard the bad news.


break into: enter by force
Burglars broke into the house around midnight.


break out: start suddenly
 Rioting broke out as a result of the strike.


break out of: escape from a place by force
Three prisoners broke out of jail.


break up: come to an end (marriage, relationship)
 After her marriage broke up,Anitha went to live in London.


bring up: raise (a child)
She stopped working in order to bring up her children.

Brush up on: improve, refresh one's knowledge of something
 Mary had to brush up on her Grammar before CRT


bump into: meet by accident or unexpectedly
Rita bumped into her English teacher at the supermarket.


burn out: 1) stop (something) working


                2) become exhausted from over-working
 1) The fuse has burnt out.
 2) Tom will burn himself out if he doesn't slow down.


butt in: (on sthg) interrupt impolitely
It's rude to butt in on a conversation like that!
                                  (Revise them daily)


block off: Separate using a barrier.