WBCS Preliminary Question Paper 2023
5. Select the word that best replaces the italicized word in both of the following sentences. (i) The police are trying to control the crowd. (ii) Junk food may have high levels of harmful chemicals. (hold, carry, accommodate)
(A) check (B) blame (C) contain (D) incorporate
Explanation: (C) contain is the correct answer because it perfectly fits both contexts. To “contain a crowd” means to keep it under control or within strict limits. To “contain chemicals” means to hold or include them inside.
Other Options:
- Check: While you can “check” (halt or slow) an advance, it does not mean to hold something inside.
- Blame: Means to assign responsibility for a fault or wrong.
- Incorporate: Means to take in or include as a part of a whole, but it is not used to describe police physically controlling a crowd.
11. Of which of the phrases below is the term ‘blog’ an abbreviation?
(A) web log (B) web blog (C) web blogger (D) web blogging
Explanation: (A) web log is the correct answer. The word “blog” is a portmanteau (a blend of words) coined in the late 1990s. It originally referred to a regular “logging” of one’s life, thoughts, or useful links on the “web.”
Other Options:
- The other options are simply distractor terms using variations of the same words.
12. Select the word that best replaces both the italicized words in the sentences given below: Sentence (i)— The management did not find him suitable for the job. Sentence (ii)— He was not able to arrange all his belongings into one suitcase.
(A) good (B) apt (C) fit (D) cram
Explanation: (C) fit is the correct answer. Someone who is “fit for the job” is suitable or properly qualified. To “fit belongings into a suitcase” means to be the right size or shape to go into a specific physical space.
Other Options:
- Good: A broadly positive word, but you cannot “good” belongings into a suitcase.
- Apt: Means appropriate or suitable in the circumstances, but it cannot be used physically to describe packing a suitcase.
- Cram: Means to force things into a small space (which works for the suitcase), but a person is not “cram” for a job.
15. Choose the word that can correctly replace both the italicized words in the following sentences. Sentence (i) – I appreciate his exuberant nature. Sentence (ii) – Everyone at the party was in a festive mood. (buoyant, cheerful, joyful)
(A) excitable (B) exorbitant (C) exciting (D) ebullient
Explanation: (D) ebullient is the correct answer. It is a direct synonym for both cheerful and full of energy. It accurately describes an exuberant, lively personality as well as a festive, joyful atmosphere.
Other Options:
- Excitable: Means responding too readily to something new or stimulating. It often carries a slightly negative or anxious connotation.
- Exorbitant: Means unreasonably high, usually referring to a price, fee, or amount charged.
- Exciting: Means causing great enthusiasm. While close, “ebullient” is the much more precise vocabulary match for a festive mood and an exuberant nature.
21. Choose the word which is synonymous with ‘Adjunct’. (supplement, accompaniment)
(A) Admonish (B) Additional (C) Amorphous (D) Ambiguous
Explanation: (B) Additional is the correct answer. An “adjunct” is a thing added to something else as a supplementary, rather than an essential, part. Therefore, it acts as an addition.
Other Options:
- Admonish: To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
- Amorphous: Lacking a clearly defined shape or form.
- Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.
23. What kind of a person is a ‘Clairvoyant’?
(A) An astrologer (B) An astronomer (C) An astrophysicist (D) An astronaut
Explanation: (A) An astrologer is the correct answer in the context of this specific multiple-choice lineup. A “clairvoyant” is a person who claims to have a supernatural ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact. While an astrologer specifically uses celestial bodies for divination rather than raw psychic ability, they are the only option in this list associated with predicting the future or the unseen.
Other Options:
- Astronomer: A scientist who studies the universe and the physical objects within it.
- Astrophysicist: A scientist who applies the laws of physics and chemistry to explain the behavior of stars and galaxies.
- Astronaut: A person trained to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft.
24. Choose the word which is nearest in meaning to ‘Vicarious’. (secondary, derivative)
(A) Vituperative (B) Indirect (C) Supportive (D) Isolated
Explanation: (B) Indirect is the correct answer. “Vicarious” refers to experiencing something in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person, rather than doing it yourself. Because you are not experiencing it firsthand, it is an “indirect” experience.
Other Options:
- Vituperative: Bitter and abusive, usually referring to harsh language.
- Supportive: Providing encouragement or emotional help.
- Isolated: Far away from other places, buildings, or people; remote.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2022
2. What is the synonym of ‘Atrocity’? (abomination, enormity, outrage) (A) Solidarity (B) Pity (C) Cruelty (D) Punctuality
Explanation: (C) Cruelty is the correct answer. An atrocity is an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury. Other Options:
- Solidarity: Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest.
- Pity: The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering of others.
- Punctuality: The fact or quality of being on time.
7. Find the synonym of ‘Covert’. (furtive, clandestine, surreptitious) (A) Revert (B) Secret (C) Desert (D) Honest
Explanation: (B) Secret is the correct answer. Covert means not openly acknowledged or displayed; hidden or disguised. Other Options:
- Revert: To return to a previous state, practice, or topic.
- Desert: To abandon a person, cause, or organization in a way considered disloyal.
- Honest: Free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere.
10. ‘Philanthropist’ means (benefactor, patron, contributor) (A) Humanitarian (B) Hater of man (C) Lover of animals (D) Lover of books
Explanation: (A) Humanitarian is the correct answer. The word comes from Greek roots philos (loving) and anthropos (mankind). A philanthropist is someone who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. Other Options:
- Hater of man: This is the definition of a misanthrope.
- Lover of animals: Often referred to as a zoophilist or simply an animal lover.
- Lover of books: This is the definition of a bibliophile.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2021
9. The synonym of supercilious is (arrogant, conceited, pompous) (A) officious
(B) superficial
(C) delicious
(D) haughty
Explanation: (D) haughty is the correct answer. Supercilious describes someone behaving or looking as though they think they are superior to others. Haughty carries the exact same meaning of arrogant superiority. Other Options:
- Officious: Assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters.
- Superficial: Existing or occurring at or on the surface; lacking depth of character or understanding.
- Delicious: Highly pleasant to the taste.
17. The word ‘vicissitude’ means (alteration, transformation, mutation) (A) change (B) stagnation
(C) uniformity
(D) stability
Explanation: (A) change is the correct answer. A vicissitude is a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant. Other Options:
- Stagnation: The state of not flowing or moving; lack of activity, growth, or development.
- Uniformity: The quality or state of being the same; overall sameness.
- Stability: The state of being firmly established and not easily changed.
22. Replace the underlined word with a suitable word. The serenity of the place overwhelmed me. (composure, tranquillity, peace) (A) Noiselessness
(B) Calmness (C) Isolation
(D) Seclusion
Explanation: (B) Calmness is the correct answer. Serenity means the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. Other Options:
- Noiselessness: Simply the absence of sound. A vacuum is noiseless, but not necessarily “serene.”
- Isolation: The process or fact of isolating or being isolated (far away from others).
- Seclusion: The state of being private and away from other people.
24. The word ‘officious’ means (bumptious, self-assertive, dictatorial) (A) self-important (B) official
(C) serious
(D) enterprising
Explanation: (A) self-important is the correct answer. As mentioned in question 9, an officious person is annoyingly eager to tell people what to do. They act out of an inflated sense of self-importance. Other Options:
- Official: Relating to an authority or public body and its duties. (Do not confuse officious with official!)
- Serious: Demanding careful consideration or application.
- Enterprising: Having or showing initiative and resourcefulness.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2020
9. The word ‘Genocide’ means (massacre, holocaust) (A) Racial killing (B) Murder (C) Suicide (D) Slaughter
Explanation: (A) Racial killing is the correct answer. The suffix “-cide” means the act of killing. The prefix “geno-” comes from the Greek word for race or tribe. Therefore, genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group. Other Options:
- Murder: The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
- Suicide: The act of intentionally causing one’s own death.
- Slaughter: The killing of animals for food, or the indiscriminate killing of a large number of people (but lacks the specific racial/ethnic targeting implied by genocide).
12. ‘Impassioned’ means (emotional, wholehearted, passionate) (A) Ardent (B) Dispassionate (C) Passionless (D) Unemotional
Explanation: (A) Ardent is the correct answer. Impassioned means filled with or showing great emotion. Ardent means enthusiastic or passionate, making it a perfect match. Other Options:
- Dispassionate, Passionless, and Unemotional: These three options are all direct antonyms (opposites) of impassioned.
13. Find the appropriate synonym for the word ‘Climactic’. (final, ending, finishing, closing) (A) Culminating (B) Climatic (C) Temperate (D) Atmospheric
Explanation: (A) Culminating is the correct answer. Climactic refers to an exciting ending or climax. Culminating means reaching a climax or point of highest development. Other Options:
- Climatic: Relating to climate or weather patterns. (This is a common distractor word designed to confuse you with “climactic”!).
- Temperate: Relating to a region or climate characterized by mild temperatures.
- Atmospheric: Relating to the atmosphere of the earth or another planet.
17. The word ‘Analogous’ means (parallel, similar, related) (A) analytical (B) artificial (C) comparable (D) aural
Explanation: (C) comparable is the correct answer. Analogous means comparable in certain respects, typically in a way which makes clearer the nature of the things compared (like drawing an analogy). Other Options:
- Analytical: Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning.
- Artificial: Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally.
- Aural: Relating to the ear or the sense of hearing
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2019
1. The word ‘beleaguered’ means (A) Belittled
(B) Benefited
(C) Troubled
(D) Irritated
Explanation: (C) Troubled is the correct answer. To be beleaguered means to be put in a very difficult situation or to be surrounded by armed forces. “Troubled” is the closest synonym for experiencing such intense difficulty. Other Options:
- Belittled: Made to seem unimportant or dismissed as having little value.
- Benefited: Received an advantage or profit.
- Irritated: Showing or feeling slight anger or annoyance.
2. Find the appropriate synonym of the word ‘Indefatigable’. (A) Tireless (B) Indomitable
(C) Unhappy
(D) Incompatible
Explanation: (A) Tireless is the correct answer. The prefix “in-” means not, and “fatigue” refers to tiredness. Therefore, an indefatigable person is someone who persists tirelessly and does not easily show signs of fatigue. Other Options:
- Indomitable: Impossible to subdue or defeat (often refers to a person’s courage or spirit).
- Unhappy: Sad or not satisfied.
- Incompatible: Unable to exist together in harmony.
Replace the underlined word with a suitable word. 4. The tranquillity and sanctity of the place soothed us. (A) Security
(B) Holiness
(C) Equanimity
(D) Placidity
Explanation: (B) Holiness is the correct answer. Sanctity refers to the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. Other Options:
- Security: The state of being free from danger or threat.
- Equanimity: Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
- Placidity: A feeling of calmness and peacefulness (this is a synonym for tranquillity, but not sanctity).
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2017
65. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below: A la mode (a) Fashionable (b) Cheap (c) Expensive (d) Convenient
Explanation: (a) Fashionable is the correct answer. “A la mode” is a French loan phrase that translates to “in the fashion” or up-to-date. (It can also mean served with ice cream in American culinary terms, but “fashionable” is the primary definition here). Other Options:
- Cheap, Expensive, and Convenient are unrelated descriptors regarding price or ease of use.
66. Choose the word appropriate in meaning to the word underlined below: The listeners were delighted by the music concert (a) Surprised (b) Saddened (c) Angered (d) Excited
Explanation: (d) Excited is the correct answer. To be delighted means to feel or show great pleasure. Among the choices provided, “excited” is the only positive emotion that captures a strong, happy reaction to a concert. Other Options:
- Surprised: Feeling mild astonishment or shock (neutral emotion).
- Saddened & Angered: Both are negative emotions, completely opposite to the meaning of “delighted.”
67. ‘Cinema’ may be used with (a) Cooking (b) Selling (c) Sleeping (d) Theatre
Explanation: (d) Theatre is the correct answer. A cinema is a movie theater. The words “cinema” and “theatre” are directly associated with the presentation of film or dramatic arts. Other Options:
- Cooking, Selling, Sleeping: These are daily activities with no direct linguistic or thematic tie to the word cinema.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2016
62. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below: Quintessential (A) Most typical example (B) Most wanted thing (C) Most popular (D) Most utilized
Explanation: (A) Most typical example is the correct answer. Quintessential represents the most perfect or typical embodiment of a certain quality or class. Other Options:
- Most wanted, Most popular, Most utilized: A quintessential thing might be popular, but popularity, desire, or utility are not what the word actually defines. It strictly refers to being a perfect, classic example.
63. Choose an expression similar in meaning to the word underlined below: Imbroglio (a) Cacophony (b) Confession (c) A confused situation (d) Candid admission
Explanation: (c) A confused situation is the correct answer. An imbroglio is an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation, often involving a disagreement or misunderstanding. Other Options:
- Cacophony: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
- Confession / Candid admission: Both refer to openly admitting to a fault, crime, or secret.
64. ‘Mellifluous’ means : (a) Sweet-sounding (b) Cacophonic (c) Loud (d) Irritating
Explanation: (a) Sweet-sounding is the correct answer. Mellifluous comes from the Latin words for “honey” and “flow.” It refers to a voice or sound that is sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. Other Options:
- Cacophonic: This is the exact opposite (antonym) of mellifluous; it means harsh-sounding.
- Loud / Irritating: Describe high volume or annoying noises, which are contrary to the pleasant nature of a mellifluous sound.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2015
60. ‘Book’ may be used with (a) Trousers (b) Insects (c) Ticket (d) Painting
Explanation: (c) Ticket is the correct answer. This question tests your knowledge of how words pair together (collocations) or multiple meanings. You can “book” a ticket (meaning to reserve it). Other Options:
- You cannot “book” trousers, insects, or a painting in the same standard English usage.
61. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below : Genre (a) A grand tour (b) A specific category (c) A chauffeur (d) A long list
Explanation: (b) A specific category is the correct answer. A genre is a category of artistic composition, as in music, literature, or film, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. Other Options:
- A grand tour, a chauffeur, a long list: These are entirely unrelated distractor phrases.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2014
52. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below: Tour de force. (a) Masterpiece (b) Grand Tour (c) Long Tour (d) Art and Culture
Explanation: (a) Masterpiece is the correct answer. A “tour de force” is an impressive performance or achievement that has been accomplished or managed with great skill. Other Options:
- Grand Tour / Long Tour: These are literal translations attempting to trick you based on the word “tour.”
- Art and Culture: A broad category, not a definition of a specific achievement.
53. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below: Insipid (a) Foolish (b) Exciting (c) Dull (d) Sensible
Explanation: (c) Dull is the correct answer. Insipid means lacking flavor, vigor, or interest. Something that is insipid is boring or dull. Other Options:
- Foolish: Lacking good sense or judgment.
- Exciting: Thrilling; the exact opposite of insipid.
- Sensible: Practical and functional.
54. Select the correct synonym of the following word from the alternatives provided: Lucid (a) Opaque (b) Solid (c) Clear (d) Hazy
Explanation: (c) Clear is the correct answer. Lucid means expressed clearly; easy to understand. It can also refer to something that is bright or luminous. Other Options:
- Opaque & Hazy: These are antonyms (opposites) of lucid. Opaque means not able to be seen through, and hazy means misty or unclear.
- Solid: Firm and stable in shape.
55. Select the correct synonym of the following word from the alternatives provided: Inadvertent (a) Adversity (b) Intentional (c) Unintentional (d) Advanced
Explanation: (c) Unintentional is the correct answer. An inadvertent action is one that is not achieved through deliberate planning. It happens by accident. Other Options:
- Intentional: The exact opposite of inadvertent.
- Adversity: Difficulties or misfortune (designed to look similar to inadvertent).
- Advanced: Far on or ahead in development or progress.
56. Choose the correct meaning of the word from the alternatives given below: Incognito (a) Candid (b) Impromptu (c) Opposed (d) Disguised
Explanation: (d) Disguised is the correct answer. Operating “incognito” means having one’s true identity concealed. Other Options:
- Candid: Truthful and straightforward; frank.
- Impromptu: Done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.
- Opposed: Anxious to prevent or put an end to something.
57. Select the correct synonym of the following word from the alternatives provided: Embezzle (a) Steal (b) Steel (c) Honesty (d) Dazzle
Explanation: (a) Steal is the correct answer. To embezzle means to steal or misappropriate money placed in one’s trust or belonging to the organization for which one works. Other Options:
- Steel: A hard, strong alloy of iron (a homophone meant to confuse you).
- Honesty: The opposite of stealing.
- Dazzle: To blind someone temporarily or impress them deeply (rhymes with embezzle).
58. ‘Cricket’ is also a kind of a/an (a) Bird (b) Insect (c) Food (d) Flower
Explanation: (b) Insect is the correct answer. Aside from being a popular sport, a cricket is a leaping insect known for the chirping sound made by the males.
59. A ‘Page’ also means (a) A sweet dish (b) A chauffeur (c) A book (d) A servant
Explanation: (d) A servant is the correct answer. Historically, a page was a young male attendant to a person of noble rank. In modern terms, it can also refer to someone employed to run errands or attend to doors in a hotel or club. Other Options:
- A page is a part of a book, but the word itself does not mean the entire book.
