National Defence Academy Examination 2008 Solved Paper

National Defence Academy Examination 2008

General Ability Test

(Held on 20 April, 2008)

(ANTONYMS)

Directions—(Q. 1–8) Each of the following Eight items consists of a word or a group of words bold-capital letters, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the word or group of words that is most nearly opposite IN MEANING to the word or the group of words in bold-capital letters.

1. SINGULAR
(A) Nearby
(B) Ordinary
(C) Wide
(D) Modern

2. RECLUSE
(A) Criminal
(B) Wise
(C) Gregarious
(D) Timid

3. BE NO SLOUCH
(A) Inefficient
(B) Honest
(C) Saintly
(D) Well-known

4. OPPROBRIUM
(A) Very easy
(B) Suspenseful
(C) Modern
(D) Praise

5. SOLICITOUS
(A) Mild
(B) Showing no concern for
(C) Grateful
(D) Cheerful

6. UNDER DURESS
(A) Dry
(B) Volition
(C) Affluence
(D) Lack of commitment

7. LACONIC
(A) Sullen
(B) Handsome
(C) Verbose
(D) Sharp memory

8. SLOTHFUL
(A) Credulous
(B) Highly skilled
(C) Without resources
(D) Sprightly

(SYNONYMS)

Directions—(Q. 9–16) Each of the following Eightitems consists of a word in Bold-capital letters, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the word or group of words that is most similar in meaning to the word in Boldcapital letters.

9. EXACTION
(A) Accuracy
(B) Left-over portion
(C) Act of demanding strictly
(D) Ignorance

10. STRAFE
(A) To punish
(B) To strengthen
(C) To run away
(D) To work very hard

11. CONTEMPORANEOUS
(A) Irritating
(B) Artificial
(C) A very complicated problem
(D) Happening at the same time

12. HIATUS
(A) Uphill task
(B) Distant place
(C) Fading memory
(D) Gap

13. EXACERBATE
(A) To make something more severe
(B) To cause artificial shortage
(C) To assume false importance
(D) To flatter

14. MODICUM
(A) Basic
(B) Pertaining to earlier times
(C) Small quantity
(D) Annoying weather

15. FACTITIOUS
(A) Humorous
(B) Truthful
(C) Artificial
(D) Causing fatigue

16. DELECTATION
(A) Enjoyment
(B) Envy
(C) Inspiration
(D) Astuteness

(COMPREHENSION)

Directions—(Q. 17–25) In this Section, you have Three short passage. After each passage, you will find several questions based on the passage. First, read a Passage and then answer the questions based on it. You are required to select your answers based on the contents of the passage and opinion of the author only.

Examples ‘I’ and ‘J’ are solved for you.

PASSAGE (EXAMPLE)

In our approach to life, be it pragmatic or otherwise, a basic fact that confronts us squarely and unmistakably is the desire for peace, security and happiness. Different forms of life at different levels of existence make up the teeming denizens of this earth of ours. And, no matter whether they belong to the higher groups such as human beings or to the lower groups such as animals, all beings primarily seek peace, comfort and security. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten its life. Just as each one of us wants to live and not to die, so do all other creatures.

I. The author’s main point is that—
(A) different forms of life are found on earth
(B) different levels of existence are possible in nature
(C) peace and security are the chief goals of all living beings
(D) even the weakest creature struggles to preserve its life

J. Which one of the following assumptions or steps is essential in developing the author’s position ?
(A) All forms of life have a single overriding goal
(B) The will to survive of a creature is identified with a desire for peace
(C) All beings are divided into higher and lower groups
(D) A parallel is drawn between happiness and life, and pain and death

Explanation :
I. The idea which represents the author’s main point is “peace and security are the
chief goals of all living beings”, which is answer.
J. The best assumption underlying the passage is “The will to survive of a creature is identified with a desire for peace”, which is response (B). So (B) is the correct answer.

PASSAGE – I
For more than 3 decades, I achieved great success as a lawyer, till a stroke left my right side totally paralysed. Despite the doctor’s encouragement, I was consumed by rage and self-pity. I yearned to be active again. But what could a middle-age cripple like me do ? One day, glancing at some paintings I owned, I thought suddenly, “what about painting” ? In fact, I had always wanted to paint, but had never had the time. Now, I had plenty of time. In the last 25 years, I have completed 300 paintings—one of them appeared on the cover of the Reader’s Digest. The stroke, I realize, has helped me develop a latent talent and enjoy life.

17. Which one of the following is the correct statement ?
While in the hospital, the author was—
(A) angry with himself for falling ill.
(B) relieved at the successful treatment.
(C) frustrated at his helpless situation.
(D) resentful at being hospitalized.

18. Why did the author consider himself a cripple?
(A) He could not go back to work.
(B) He could no longer use his right hand.
(C) He could not use his time properly.
(D) He could not lead an active life.

19. Which one of the following is the correct statement ?
The paralytic stroke helped the author—
(A) to face challenges in life successfully.
(B) to realize his latent talent.
(C) to learn a new hobby.
(D) to earn more money.

PASSAGE – II
“Westward Ho !” we shouted as the sail of our crudely constructed raft, the Kon-Tiki caught the wind. The sail quickly filled and the Kon-Tiki began to move. The six of us were off to our great adventure.
As night fell, the troughs of the sea grew gradually deeper and our first duel with the
elements began. Each time we heard the sudden deafening hiss of a roller closeby and saw a white crest come towards us out of the darkness, we held on tight and waited for the worst. But invariably the Kon-Tiki calmly swung up her stern and rose skyward unperturbed.

20. What does the word ‘duel’ in the passage mean ?
(A) A battle
(B) A fortification
(C) A two-side contest
(D) Divided in two

21. Which one of the following is correct ?
When big waves struck the raft the six people in it.
(A) Started crying.
(B) Showed courage and patience.
(C) Acted in a rash manner.
(D) Showed passiveness.

22. How was the Kon-Tiki’s performance on the high seas ?
(A) Very shaky
(B) Extremely poor
(C) Stable and resolute
(D) Unpredictable

PASSAGE – III
It was Sunday. As usual, there was a great rush of merry makers who had come to the river to swim or to bathe. Those who knew how to swim were jumping into the water from the high bridge or the banks of the deep river. Mohan did not know how to swim so he was merely watching others who were enjoying the fun of swimming. However on the insistence of his friend Swarn, he sat on his shoulders and both jumped into the water. Unable to carry Mohan along, Swarn left him in the flowing water. Mohan shouted for help. There were so many swimmers but nobody came to his rescue since they were indifferent to the plight of a stranger. I had just reached there, so I was in my full dress. Without undressing I jumped into the river and swam up to the drowning boy. Holding his left arm, I brought him out of water in a way that he might not hinder me from swimming safely. The boy was saved which won me great applause from the people. I had jumped into the water without any fear or hesitation as I knew the art of saving drowning persons. I had already saved a few lives from drowning.

23. Why did Swarn jump into the water carrying mohan on his shoulders ?
(A) Mohan had insisted to swim.
(B) He wanted to enjoy the fun of seeing a drowning man.
(C) He simply wanted to drown him in the river.
(D) Swarn felt that his friend should also enjoy the fun of swimming in the river.

24. Why did Swarn leave his friend Mohan in the waters ?
(A) Mohan wanted to learn how to swim.
(B) He wanted Mohan to learn how to swim.
(C) Because he was sure that Mohan would be able to swim across the river.
(D) Because he found it difficult to swim in the river with his friend on his shoulders.

25. Although there were many swimmers, why did nobody come forward to save the
drowning boy ?
(A) They wanted some financial reward.
(B) They did not know the art of saving a drowning person.
(C) They were not experts in the art of swimming.
(D) The river was very deep and they did not want to take a risk for a stranger.

Answers with Explanation
1. (B) ‘Singular’ means ‘extraordinary’.
2. (A) ‘Recluse’ means ‘hermit’
3. (A) ‘Be no slouch’ means ‘efficient’.
4. (D) ‘Opprobrium’ means ‘blamed.
5. (B) ‘Solicitous’ means ‘concerned’.
6. (B) ‘Under Duress’ means ‘under compulsion’.
7. (C) ‘Laconic’ means ‘terse’.
8. (D) ‘slothful’ means ‘lazy’.
9. (C) 10. (A) 11. (D) 12. (D) 13. (A)
14. (C) 15. (C) 16. (A) 17. (A) 18. (B)
19. (B) 20. (A) 21. (B) 22. (C) 23. (D)
24. (D) 25. (D)