UPSC Mains ENGLISH-COMPULSORY 2012

Write an essay in about 300 words on any one of the following: (a) Indian women in international sports (b) Cultivation of organic foods (c) Foreign Direct investment in retail - boon or bane? (d) How effective are our systems and institutions in dealing with disasters ? (e) Food security - legislation and implementation

Read carefully the passage below and write your answers to the questions that follow in clear, correct and concise language :

What are the most important qualities required for becoming a good orator?

What was the effect created by Sheridan's speech?

How can one judge the true effect of a good oration?

What research does the audience do when they listen to speakers?

Which speeches are not taken seriously by an audience?

Make a precis of the following passage in about 200 words. It is not necessary to suggest a title.

Rewrite the following sentences after making necessary corrections, if any :

The vehicular pollution causes serious harm to human beings.

Both Ashish and Smita came late to college today.

There is many problems relating to this matter.

Not only David passed but got a distinction.

We'd like some informations about the types of cars available.

I prefer to pay by cash.

My uncle has proposed me a job in his company.

All of a sudden she burst in tears.

I enjoy this type of music still now.

The teacher said me to submit the assignment the next day.

Rewrite the following sentences inserting suitable article(s), wherever necessary;

Oranges and lemons are citrus fruits.

Aijaz is tallest boy in class.

She teaches at University in Indiana but I don't know which one it is.

New teacher seems to be very strict.

It was beautiful sight to see.

Rewrite the following sentences inserting suitable prepositions in the blank spaces :

The Minister gave the prizes on the annual day.

Seeing the children playing brought memories of my childhood games.

Randhir is always ready to take any responsibility.

The members decided to deal the problem collectively.

I hope the picnic will not be called

Give the antonyms of the following words :

useful

active

encourage

rational

timely

Rewrite the following sentences using the passive structure.

They have permitted me to leave.

The rains have completely ruined the roads.

Why did you close the door?

History records his great achievements.

They awarded her the degree at the Convocation.

Change the following sentences into indirect speech:

Anil to Ajay: "Why don't you join us for a party on Saturday?"

Mrs Nair to Mr Shah: "Good Morning! There's a small problem I want to speak to you about."

Jack to Parimala: "How was your trip to the National Park?"

Mr Patil to the Cashier: "Do you have change for five hundred rupees?"

Susil to Prasad: "Congratulations! I'm so glad you received the young scientists' award."

Use the correct form of the verb in brackets to fill in the blanks:

The first such prize in 1999. (AWARD)

The computer is a complex gadget and of many parts. (CONSIST)

I the groceries for you tomorrow. (BRING)

Jacob his report already. (COMPLETE)

The postman his bag and left. (COLLECT)

Supply the missing words :

The music was too loud she adjusted the volume.

the technician worked for an hour he was unable to repair the machine.

you pay attention you are likely to miss the important points.

Raju calls his mother he finds it difficult to manage on his own.

Leave a wide margin the tutor's comments can be written in it.

Rewrite the following sentences using 'It' in the beginning as a preparatory subject:

Finding fault with someone is easy.

For them to close down the family business would be right.

To clean your car yourself would be a good idea.

To eat alone was embarassing for her.

Shouting out to someone across the room is rude.