WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2023
6. I am indebted to my friend’s wise _____. (A) council (B) councel (C) counsil (D) counsel
Explanation: (D) counsel is the correct answer. “Counsel” means advice or guidance.
- Council refers to a group of people meeting for a purpose. The other two options are simply misspellings.
14. He has ____ meticulous in ____ the project, ____ rise to ____ irregularities. (A) not being; overseen; given; much (B) not; oversaw; give; more (C) not been; overseeing; giving; many (D) not be; oversee; gave; much
Explanation: (C) is the only grammatically sound chain.
- “He has not been” forms the present perfect tense.
- The preposition ‘in’ must be followed by an ‘-ing’ verb (overseeing).
- This action results in “giving rise to” consequences.
- Because “irregularities” is a countable plural noun, we use “many” (not “much”).
20. One should _____ one’s studies with utmost seriousness. (A) persue (B) parsue (C) pirsue (D) pursue
Explanation: (D) pursue is the correct spelling.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2022
Use a correct gerund in the blank space: I like ________ pictures. (A) painting (B) painted (C) to paint (D) paint
Explanation: (A) painting is the correct answer. A gerund is a verb ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. While “to paint” is grammatically correct in the sentence, it is an infinitive, not a gerund.
Ram and his brothers were four in ______. (A) quantity (B) number (C) numbers (D) totality
Explanation: (B) number is the correct answer. The standard English idiom to describe the count of a group of people or things is “[X] in number.”
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2021
1. While I _____ in the library, someone threw a ball through the window. (A) was sitting (B) was seated
(C) had been sitting
(D) am sitting
Explanation: (A) was sitting is correct. When a continuous past action (sitting) is interrupted by a sudden past action (threw a ball), we use the Past Continuous tense for the background action.
11. The ship, with its crew, _____ lost. (A) were
(B) was (C) were getting
(D) was being
Explanation: (B) was is correct. The subject of the sentence is “The ship” (singular). The phrase “with its crew” is supplementary and does not make the subject plural. Therefore, we use the singular verb “was.”
12. ‘La Gioconda’ (Mona Lisa) is _____ unique work of art. (A) the
(B) an
(C) a (D) this
Explanation: (C) a is correct. Even though “unique” starts with a vowel letter, it starts with a consonant sound (“yoo-neek”). Therefore, we use “a” instead of “an.”
16. She ______ from the bus and walked to the back-gate. (A) boarded
(B) stepped
(C) moved
(D) alighted
Explanation: (D) alighted is correct. To alight means to descend from a train, bus, or other form of transport. It is the most precise and formal vocabulary word for this specific action.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2020
4. It is nine o’clock in Darjeeling In the morning and ________. (A) there is snow (B) it is snowing (C) it snows (D) it snowed
Explanation: (B) it is snowing is correct. The first half of the sentence establishes that the action is happening right now (“It is nine o’clock…”), requiring the Present Continuous tense.
6. I _____ the patient will die. (A) hope (B) think (C) see (D) am afraid
Explanation: (D) am afraid is the correct idiomatic choice. In English, when delivering bad or unfortunate news, it is standard polite form to say “I am afraid that…”
7. We _____ our dinner last night. (A) have taken (B) took (C) had taken (D) take
Explanation: (B) took is correct. The phrase “last night” specifies a completed action at a specific time in the past, requiring the Simple Past tense.
11. I was sure I ______ meet him. (A) would (B) will (C) shall (D) should
Explanation: (A) would is correct. This is reported/past thought. Because the main verb is past tense (“I was sure”), the future modal “will” must shift to its past form “would.”
16. Babies ______ when they are hungry. (A) cries (B) cried (C) are crying (D) cry
Explanation: (D) cry is correct. This sentence expresses a general truth or habit, which requires the Simple Present tense. Since “babies” is plural, we use the base verb “cry.”
24. He will reach home ______ at evening. (A) lately (B) late (C) later (D) latest
Explanation: (B) late is correct. It functions as an adverb of time here. (Note: “Lately” means “recently,” which does not fit the context of reaching home at a certain hour).
25. He solved the ______ problem (A) hardly (B) hard (C) hardlier (D) hardliest
Explanation: (B) hard is correct. We need an adjective to describe the noun “problem.” “Hardly” is an adverb meaning “barely.”
3. I need a _______ note. (A) five hundred rupees (B) five-hundred rupee (C) five hundreds rupees (D) five hundreds rupee
Explanation: (B) five-hundred rupee is correct. When a number and a noun are hyphenated to act as a single adjective modifying another noun (note), the internal noun remains singular.
18. ______ are still tortured In remote villages. (A) Daughter-in-laws (B) Daughters-in-laws (C) Daughters-in-law (D) Daughter-in-law
Explanation: (C) Daughters-in-law is correct. To pluralize hyphenated compound nouns, you add the “s” to the main/principal noun, which in this case is “Daughter.”
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2019
6. My watch is five minutes ______. (A) slow (B) lately
(C) past
(D) late
Explanation: (A) slow is the correct answer. This is the standard idiomatic expression used when a timepiece is running behind the actual time.
7. He advanced ______ he could. (A) until
(B) while
(C) as far as (D) as
Explanation: (C) as far as is correct. “Advanced” implies physical movement or progress, so we need a phrase indicating distance or extent.
8. I am sure I ______ him before. (A) have met (B) met
(C) had met
(D) will meet
Explanation: (A) have met is correct. We use the Present Perfect tense for an action that occurred at an unspecified time in the past but has relevance to the present.
9. I _______ him for a long time. (A) have known (B) knew
(C) had known
(D) should have known
Explanation: (A) have known is correct. When a state begins in the past and continues up to the present (indicated by “for a long time”), we use the Present Perfect tense.
20. The jury ______ divided in their opinion. (A) were (B) was
(C) have been
(D) have
Explanation: (A) were is correct. While “jury” is a collective noun (often taking a singular verb), the phrase “divided in their opinion” shows they are acting as individuals, not a single unit. Therefore, it takes the plural verb “were.”
21. Let’s meet _____ next week. (A) sometimes
(B) sometime (C) some time
(D) some times
Explanation: (B) sometime is correct. Written as one word, it means “at some unspecified point in time.” (Whereas “sometimes” means occasionally).
22. No sooner ______ the sun risen than the fog disappeared. (A) did
(B) has
(C) had (D) was
Explanation: (C) had is correct. The phrase “No sooner” requires subject-auxiliary inversion. Because the verb is in the past participle form (“risen”), we must use the past perfect auxiliary “had” (No sooner had + subject + V3).
24. He entered the hall in the _____ part of the show. (A) Latter (B) Later
(C) Late
(D) Lately
Explanation: (A) Latter is correct. “Latter” refers to the second of two things, or the final stages/part of something. “Later” refers specifically to time.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2018
1. ________ his humiliation, he attended the function. (a) In spite [Missing ‘of’] (b) Not withstanding [Should be one word: Notwithstanding] (c) Nevertheless (d) As of
Explanation: (b) Not withstanding (Notwithstanding) is the intended answer here, meaning “in spite of.” Option (a) is incorrect because it is missing the word “of” (In spite of).
3. In all probability it ______ rain tonight. (a) will (b) can (c) may (d) ought
Explanation: (a) will is correct. “In all probability” establishes a strong likelihood, making “will” the most appropriate modal verb for this future prediction.
(Note on Q4: The WBCS 2018 paper had a flawed question here. “Had better” must always be followed by a bare infinitive verb, like “move” or “leave”. All options provided ended in “-ed”. If you see a question like this, look for the bare infinitive!)
6. She liked the ______ plan better. (a) latter (b) later (c) fast (d) early
Explanation: (a) latter is correct, referring to the second of two mentioned plans.
7. A ______ bow was seen in the sky. (a) multicolored (b) shooting (c) staring (d) melodious
Explanation: (a) multicolored is correct. This is a descriptive question referring to a rainbow.
10. _____ about dinner, John ran the whole way home. (a) Having finished (b) Excited (c) Had been excited (d) Hungry
Explanation: (b) Excited is correct. This acts as a past participle phrase describing John’s emotional state. “Hungry about dinner” is not grammatically correct English.
12. Only ______ is there a rumble in the sky. (a) occasionally (b) swiftly (c) quite (d) merrily
Explanation: (a) occasionally is correct. Thunder rumbles “occasionally” (from time to time).
18. ______ is human. (a) To laugh (b) To err (c) To read (d) To save
Explanation: (b) To err is correct. This is a famous English proverb: “To err is human; to forgive, divine” (meaning everyone makes mistakes).
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2017
1. Fill in the blank with the correct word: _________ he was late, he came home by nine. (a) Even (b) Although (c) Because (d) Despite
Explanation: (b) Although is the correct answer. It acts as a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause. Other Options:
- Even: Requires “though” or “if” to function this way (Even though he was late…).
- Because: Indicates a cause/reason, which does not make sense here.
- Despite: Must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (e.g., Despite being late), not a full subject-verb clause.
2. Fill in the blank with the correct word: The river was ________ the bank. (a) overflowing (b) dry (c) full (d) deep
Explanation: (a) overflowing is the correct answer. It is the only verb here that can take “the bank” as a direct object in this context (the water is flowing over the banks). The other options are adjectives that would require a preposition (e.g., “full to the bank”).
3. Fill in the blank with the correct word: A ________ jewel was in the locker. (a) browning (b) filling (c) shining (d) moving
Explanation: (c) shining is the correct answer. This uses a present participle (“-ing” verb) as an adjective to describe the natural state of a jewel.
4. Put in a correct participle in the blank space: The car was ____ down the slope. (a) rolling (b) breaking (c) lost (d) having arrived
Explanation: (a) rolling is the correct answer. This describes the continuous physical motion of a vehicle moving down an incline.
5. Insert correct word in the blank space: Finish your task in a _____ manner. (a) swift (b) competent (c) silent (d) lazy
Explanation: (b) competent is the generally accepted correct answer for this specific exam question. While “swift” (fast) is grammatically fine, “competent” (capable and efficient) is the most logical and professional adjective to pair with completing a task.
6. Use suitable auxiliary verb to fill in the blank space: You _____ catch the train at once. (a) will (b) can (c) shall (d) must
Explanation: (d) must is the correct answer. The phrase “at once” implies immediate necessity and urgency. “Must” is the modal auxiliary verb that expresses strong obligation.
7. It is easy _____ but hard to finish. (a) to end (b) to fall (c) to lose (d) to begin
Explanation: (d) to begin is the correct answer. The sentence relies on a contrast (indicated by “but”). The logical opposite of finishing a task is beginning it.
8. Here is the man ____ you asked _____. (a) whom, about (b) that, for (c) for, from (d) this, for
Explanation: (a) whom, about is correct. “Whom” is the objective relative pronoun referring to “the man” (he is the object of your asking). The correct preposition to pair with asking regarding a person’s identity or status is “about.”
9. The man _____ briefcase was lost, reported to the police. (a) that (b) whose (c) which (d) whom
Explanation: (b) whose is the correct answer. “Whose” is the possessive relative pronoun. It connects the man to his possession (the briefcase).
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2016
1. Put in a correct participle in the blank space. The sea _______, we went for sail. (a) being rough (b) disturbed (c) being kind (d) being smooth
Explanation: (d) being smooth is the correct answer. This is an absolute phrase setting the condition for the main clause. You would only go for a sail if the sea conditions were favorable (smooth).
2. He talked to his horse ______ the horse could understand his grief. (a) as though (b) with a feeling that (c) feeling that (d) assuming
Explanation: (a) as though is the correct answer. It is a standard idiomatic conjunction meaning “as if,” used to describe a situation that is hypothetical or unreal.
3. This is the ______ Post Office to my house. (a) farthest (b) next (c) nearest (d) closest
Explanation: (c) nearest is the correct answer. When discussing physical geographical distance, “nearest” is the standard superlative adjective used in British/Indian English grammar rules.
4. I can’t walk any _________. (a) farther (b) further (c) distance (d) far
Explanation: (a) farther is the technically correct traditional answer. In strict grammar rules, “farther” is used for physical, measurable distance, while “further” is used for figurative or abstract distance (e.g., “I will look into this further”).
5. She ______ sit for hours listening to the wireless. (a) will (b) would (c) can (d) could
Explanation: (b) would is the correct answer. The modal verb “would” is uniquely used to express a repeated action or habit in the past.
6. Fill in the blank with an infinitive: ______ is worth ambition. (a) To borrow (b) To reign (c) To repent (d) To cry
Explanation: (b) To reign is the correct answer. This is a literary reference to John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, where Satan famously declares: “To reign is worth ambition though in Hell.” To reign means to rule as a monarch.
7. He is here, ______ is fortunate. (a) who (b) whose (c) which (d) that
Explanation: (c) which is the correct answer. In this construction, the relative pronoun “which” does not just refer to a single noun; it acts as a pronoun for the entire preceding clause (“The fact that he is here”).
8. The _____ door awakened the dog. (a) creaking (b) old (c) new (d) waving
Explanation: (a) creaking is the correct answer. You need an adjective that produces a sound, as the action in the sentence is “awakened.” “Creaking” acts as a present participle modifying the door.
9. Weather _______, there will be a garden party at Government House tomorrow. (a) allowing (b) permitting (c) happening (d) favorable
Explanation: (b) permitting is the correct answer. “Weather permitting” is a fixed, standard English idiom used to say that an event will happen as long as the weather is good.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2015
1. Mary _____, we were freed from anxiety. (a) Having arrived (b) Rolling (c) Tattered (d) Being arrived
Explanation: (a) Having arrived is the correct answer. This forms a “nominative absolute” phrase. It uses the perfect participle (“having” + past participle) to show that Mary’s arrival was completely finished before the main action (being freed from anxiety) occurred.
2. Do this in a short time, in a ______ manner. (a) Former (b) Swift (c) Brave (d) Unwise
Explanation: (b) Swift is the correct answer. The clue is in the first half of the sentence: “in a short time.” “Swift” means moving or capable of moving with great speed.
3. ______ his illness, he attended the function. (a) In spite (b) Due (c) As of (d) Despite
Explanation: (d) Despite is the correct answer. It is a preposition meaning “without being affected by.” Note: Option (a) is incorrect because it is missing the word “of” (In spite of). “Despite” never takes an “of.”
4. The stream was ______ by the waterfall. (a) Fed (b) Fed up (c) Filled (d) Filled
Explanation: (a) Fed is the correct answer. In geographical terms, when a body of water supplies water to another, it is said to “feed” it. “Fed” is the past participle used here in the passive voice.
5. A _____ star was seen in the sky. (a) Strengthening (b) Shooting (c) Shunting to (d) Staring
Explanation: (b) Shooting is the correct answer. A “shooting star” is the common term for a meteor visible in the sky.
6. Mother says, “You ______ to go to the market at once”. (a) Have (b) Are (c) shall (d) Will
Explanation: (a) Have is the correct answer. The structure “have to” + base verb (go) expresses strong obligation or necessity, which fits the urgency of “at once.” The modals “shall” and “will” would not take the preposition “to” after them.
7. ________ fault is easy (a) to begin (b) to bury (c) to read (d) to find
Explanation: (d) to find is the correct answer. “To find fault” is a standard English idiom meaning to look for mistakes or complain about something. Here, the infinitive phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.
8. You had better _____ permission. (a) Want (b) Ask (c) Call (d) Order
Explanation: (b) Ask is the correct answer. The phrase “had better” is always followed by a bare infinitive (a verb without “to”). While all options are bare infinitives, “ask permission” is the only correct and logical vocabulary pairing.
9. Who ______ saw her did not pity her? (a) What (b) Which (c) That (d) Such
Explanation: (c) That is the correct answer. This is a slightly archaic but grammatically correct rhetorical question. We use “that” as the relative pronoun here to avoid the awkward repetition of saying “Who who saw her…”
10. The sun, _____ rays give life to the earth, was regarded by the ancients as a god. (a) That (b) Whose (c) Which (d) whom
Explanation: (b) Whose is the correct answer. “Whose” is the possessive relative pronoun. Even though the sun is not a person, “whose” is the only grammatically acceptable way in English to show possession for inanimate objects or concepts in a relative clause.
WBCS Preliminary Question Paper – 2014
1. The last _____ will be performed by members of the family only. (a) Wright (b) Right (c) Rite (d) Write
Explanation: (c) Rite is the correct answer. A “rite” is a religious or other solemn ceremony or act. “Last rites” specifically refers to the ceremonies performed for a person who has just died. This question tests your knowledge of homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings).
2. He would always _______ the police. (a) elude (b) illude (c) allude (d) delude
Explanation: (a) elude is the correct answer. To “elude” means to evade or escape from a danger, enemy, or pursuer (like the police), typically in a skillful or cunning way.
- Allude: To hint at or mention indirectly.
- Delude: To deceive or fool someone.
3. You should _______ her case as a precedent. (a) site (b) cite (c) sight (d) side
Explanation: (b) cite is the correct answer. To “cite” means to quote a passage, book, or author as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement, especially in a scholarly or legal context.
- Site: A physical location.
- Sight: The ability to see
