Explanation:

The paragraph is about how a person can get into the speaking business. The suggestion given is that if a person
has had a book published, he can take advantage of it and get the desired engagements. For the first blank,
the most appropriate word is ‘speaking’. It is not any other ‘business’ that is being discussed and hence we
reject that option and ‘speaking’ is more suitable than ‘public’. For the second blank, we reject the option
‘apply’ since the other two options are more suitable. Out of the remaining options, we select ‘leverage’ over
‘utilize’. The word ‘utilize’ means to put to use whereas ‘leverage’ would imply to exert the influence of.
The book can influence people and get you the desired engagements. For the last blank, we reject ‘printed’ as
it does not add to what is already stated. Out of the other two options, we select ‘noticeable’ because this
word is not subjective. We cannot say that the copies shall be informative, but ‘large-sized’ postcards are
meant to be ‘noticeable’.

Explanation:

The given paragraph is about the poverty in America. The first blank is related with the condition of homes
of poor people. All the three options are suitable. However, a careful analysis shows that the words used to
describe the condition of children and adults are related with lack of money. Hence, the most suitable word for
the first blank is ‘dilapidated’. We have no reason to choose ‘overcrowded’ and the word ‘dingy’ implies shabby
and dismal. The word ‘dilapidated’ is suitable since it is related with poverty, such that the homes cannot be
repaired. For the second blank, we reject the word ‘pitiable’ because it is subjective. Besides, it does not
add to what is already stated. Out of the other two options, we select ‘deep’ since it shows the extent of poverty,
whereas the option ‘utter’ fails to do so. For the last blank, the option ‘living’ is correct. The main issue
is the living conditions of the poverty-stricken people of America. The President launched a program to remove
poverty. Some aspects of the impact of poverty were taken care of in the 1960s, but the economic boom of 1990s
did not improve the living conditions, which are a result of poverty.

Explanation:

The writer is continuing a thought and giving an example of something he has already stated. He explains
the emotions that we go through when we have to go for a holiday on getting an office bonus. The author is discussing
the normal emotions that all of us go through; he is not discussing some exceptional case. Hence, the fills for
the blanks are to be selected on this basis. For the first blank, we select the option ‘excited’. The other two
options show extreme emotions; besides, the last sentence also mentions excitement. Hence, we deduce that ‘excitement’
is the emotion that we would feel at the perspective of going on a vacation. For the second blank, we reject
the option ‘excitement’ as it would lead to repetition. Out of the other two options, we select ‘bliss’ over
‘relaxation’. One cannot feel relaxed without actually being on a vacation since it is the course of a vacation
that makes one unwind and relax. However, one can feel supreme happiness in the anticipation of a vacation. For
the last blank, we select ‘contented’. The option ‘normal’ is readily rejected. Saying that one is calm is akin
to saying that he is not excited. Hence, we do not use the option ‘calm’. When we are on a vacation, we start
feeling relaxed and contented and hence the excitement settles down.

Explanation:

In the given paragraph, the author is discussing the feelings of people who are not beautiful and
he is trying to tell what real ugliness means. In the first sentence, the disposition of the unfortunate is described.
He says that they are ‘depressed’. Through the other options, ‘disgruntle’ and ‘envious’ a feeling of resentment
is evident, which we do not have any evidence to support. Ugly people get depressed or sad because they do not
possess the beauty that they see in people around them. Whether they are envious of others cannot be said for
sure and hence we select ‘depressed’ as the correct option. For the second blank, we reject the option ‘thoughts’.
The author says that ugly people in reality are those who do not possess good thoughts. He supports these depressed
people in this indirect manner by saying that they have good thoughts and that is real beauty. Thus, these people
cannot be depressed because of lacking ‘thoughts’ like beautiful people do. Consequently, we reject the option
‘thoughts’. Out of ‘allure’ and ‘charm’, we select the former. The author says that you should obtain the liking
of others by being smart and good. Thus, these people wish to ‘allure’ others and hence we select this option.
In the last sentence, the author says that history is witness to the affection that ugly people get from others
because of their ‘marvelous’ deeds. This word has a wide scope and encompasses beauty and thoughtfulness. Hence,
it is the correct answer option, in the given context.

Explanation:

The given paragraph is about a leader. For the first blank, we discard the option ‘faith’ since it
is synonymous with ‘trust’ in comparison with the other options. In the remaining paragraph, the author is concentrating
on action. He says that a leader leads with his words and actions. The author also mentions that a leader’s actions
inspire others when they see him doing work every day. The word ‘action’ finds a lot of support in the paragraph.
On the other hand, the option ‘dedication’ does not find any justification in the text. Hence, the correct option
for the first blank is ‘action’. For the second blank, we select the word ‘progress’. The actions of a leader
instill self-confidence in his followers and inspire them to make progress in their field of work. The option
‘accelerate’ is not appropriate since it is closely related to ‘speed’, which is relative to time. There is no
sense of hurry indicated in the text. The other option ‘deliver’ is not as suitable as ‘progress’ is and hence
we select the latter. For the last blank, we have to choose a word that aptly shows the example that a leader
sets for inspiring others. A leader inspires others by the hard work he puts in, in doing the most difficult
jobs. We select the word ‘trenches’ since it shows the maximum amount of struggle, as compared with the other
options.

Explanation:

For the first blank, we reject ‘technical’ right away. The word refers to technique, which can be
related with any science or art. Since it is not specific to the topic, we reject the word. ‘Technology’ is a
branch of knowledge that deals with the application of principles of science whereas ‘scientific’ means pertaining
to science. We thus choose ‘technological’ as the correct answer. Scientific principles are applied to create
technological innovations like fuel cells. For the second blank, we select the option ‘indeed’. The sentence
contains definite ideas with little scope of doubt; hence, we reject the option ‘perhaps’, which shows uncertainty.
There is no reason for us to select the option ‘logically’. The discussion is not based on logic, but on facts.
There is nothing in the paragraph to defy logic and hence we do not have to use the word to emphasize on it.
The option ‘indeed’ is the correct option. The author says that we are yet to find substitutes to fossil fuels.
He further supports wind and hydroelectric projects as the only viable alternatives. He accepts their utility
and hence the word ‘indeed’ is the best fit here. For the last blank, we select the option ‘potentially’. Since
there is no comparison being drawn, we cannot use ‘relatively’. Out of the remaining options, ‘potentially’ highlights
the capability of this alternative source, especially since it is followed by the word ‘huge’.

Explanation:

The first two sentences convey the same meaning. Where the second sentence says that successful people
radiate positivity and grab every opportunity, the first says that a positive attitude makes you successful and
open to opportunities. In the remaining paragraph also, successful people are being discussed. Hence, the suitable
answer for the first blank is ‘successful’. For the second blank, the option ‘focused’ is illogical. The word
‘punctual’ conveys the same sense that the last sentence does and hence we reject it. The option ‘prioritized’
is correct. Successful people value their time and hence set their priorities accordingly and plan for the day.
For the last blank, we need to observe the sentence carefully. The author says that successful people value the
time of others and fulfill their deadlines. The option ‘timely’ would lead to repetition. The option ‘accordingly’
is more suitable than ‘efficiently’ is. While ‘efficiently’ would support proficiency, ‘accordingly’ supports
the notion of their giving value to the time of others. The correct answer is thus ‘accordingly’.

Explanation:

The author is saying that Afghanistan is the most ambitious project of the international community. Earlier
foreigners tried to colonize it and they were not much welcome. Afghans were united in their dislike for foreigners.
The Arabs gave terrorism to the county and maybe people welcome the international community now for they can
bring prosperity to them. The suitable words for the first three blanks are ‘pessimism’, ‘unite’ and ‘locals’.
We have reasons to be positive. For long Afghans were united in their dislike for foreigners. Earlier we were
not welcome by locals and now they might be more welcoming.

Explanation:

For the first blank, we select the option ‘actually’ and for the second, we select ‘respect’. The
sentence says that when you give advice to others, they might not trust you, but when you yourself live by your
advice, they shall get truly inspired. Leaders are held in high esteem and they are generally not judged. Hence,
they are not expected to be at the same level as their followers. However, when they blur the lines of differentiation
between themselves and their followers, they win the ‘respect’ and trust of their followers. The word ‘actually’
highlights how the deed is unexpected and hence we select it. The word ‘respect’ brings out the importance of
the task by showing its impact on others. For the last blank, the option ‘experience’ is correct. In the preceding
sentence, the author says that a leader offers hope and inspiration. In other words, he offers a ‘positive experience’
to people. ‘Feedback’ is clearly wrong and the option ‘example’ does not score over ‘experience’ since the former
means instance whereas the latter means occurrence.

Explanation:

The beginning of the paragraph introduces us to the story of Sigmund. He is in search of his own
identity and feels bogged down by the negative energy of the universe. He puts all his doubts aside to follow
the advice of his mentor. The options ‘nonetheless’ and ‘however’ for the first blank mean the same thing – in
spite of. The option ‘regardless’ highlights the character of Sigmund and the conviction he has in his mentor’s
advice. He is unmindful of his own feelings and abides by his mentor’s suggestion. Hence, the option ‘regardless’
is more significant and we select it as the correct answer option. For the second blank, the option ‘regardless’
is trivially incorrect. Out of the other two options, we do not have enough reason to call the world ‘evil’.
The author says that there are evildoers in this world and heinous acts are committed daily. However, we cannot
take the liberty to call the world ‘evil’. Hence, we select the option ‘imperfect’ for the second blank. For
the last blank, we have to make the choice between ‘ruthless’ and ’brutal’. The option ‘imaginative’ does not
add to the meaning of the sentence. Moreover, we cannot ignore the succeeding sentences and avoid mentioning
about the increasing cruelty. Where ‘ruthless’ means without pity, ‘brutal’ means inhumane or savage. The author
mentions about the cruelty in increasing order of intensity. He begins by mentioning that it is on a rise, he
goes on to say that the examples shall astound the readers and he concludes by saying that some perpetrators
stoop to unimaginable depths. Hence, we shall use the lighter of the two options for the blank, i.e. ‘ruthless’.

Explanation:

The beginning of the paragraph brings our focus on language skills. The importance that articulation
and pronunciation hold is mentioned. The options ‘enunciate’ and ‘verbalize’ thus gain more importance over ‘rehearse’.
To verbalize means to put in words and to enunciate means to pronounce. The latter option thus is more suitable
for the sentence. The next sentence also supports the choice. For the second blank, the clear answer choice is
‘evaluating’. This is clear because of the use of the word ‘weighs’. Towards the middle of the paragraph, the
author moves his focus to visual aids for making a presentation. He says that your facial expressions and body
language are the best visual aids. In the end, he summarizes how a speech or presentation should be. Your should
have a solid opening to make an impressive and interesting start, then move from one idea to the other and have
good transition. Lastly, you should have a ‘memorable’ conclusion. There is no point in having a ‘definite’ and
‘valuable’ conclusion if your audience will not remember it. Thus, we give maximum importance to this word and
it is the correct answer option.

Explanation:

The words ‘environmental causes’ and ‘environmental concerns’ refer to all the problems related with environment
in general. The concern of the biodegradable product distributors is specific. They aim to reduce our negative
effects on the earth to increase environmental ‘sustainability’. Hence, we choose the corresponding option. For
the second blank, we select the option ‘negative’. The sentence shows the main area of focus of biodegradable
product distributors. They are concerned about the slow decomposition of garbage. We cannot say whether this
slow decomposition has a ‘gradual’ effect on the environment, nor can we say that the effect is ‘devastating’.
We reject the strong word ‘devastation’ and select the other option, as the effect on environment is certainly
‘negative’. For the last blank, we select the option ‘decomposition’. The author uses this word to explain the
issue. He says that the decomposition of garbage in landfills is slow and the distributors sell biodegradable
products to speed up the decomposition of trash.

Explanation:

In the given paragraph, the author is explaining how people wrongly become guilty about their time
management techniques. He is mainly discussing feeling guilty for no reason at all. The idea put across is that
people feel guilty when they rest and recreate, because they are not ‘actively’ engaged in some work. The option
‘entirely’ is not correct for the first blank as it shows an extreme form of the situation. The option ‘currently’
is also incorrect since it does not lend the intended meaning to the sentence. The correct option for the first
blank is ‘actively’. When people are not actively engaged in work and they are taking a break, they feel guilty.
In the sentence containing the second blank, the author is bringing our attention to something that is necessary.
He says that making some time to simply relax is necessary because it ‘recharges’ us. This sentence contains
the gist of the paragraph and hence we choose that option of the three which best explains the point of the author.
The correct option for the second blank is ‘recharge’. For the last blank, we reject the option ‘meaning’. Out
of the remaining options, we select ‘purpose’ over ‘objective’. ‘Purpose’ means intension whereas ‘objective’
means aim. The objective of time management is to finish the tasks in time and the purpose of time management
is to make some time to relax. Hence, ‘purpose’ is the correct answer option.

Explanation:

In the given paragraph, the discussion is around how some people cannot get over a break up while
others can. In the third sentence, the author says that teenagers find it difficult to get over a break up as
compared with adults. The reason for this is less experience of teenagers of such situations. Since the comparison
is based on the ages of teenagers and adults, the correct answers for the first and second blanks are ‘ages’
and ‘mature’. An adult is older than a teenager and hence he is more mature. How people handle parting depends
on how old they are as mature people find it easier to part with someone they love as compared with teenagers.
For the last blank, we select the option ‘instances’. The ‘situation’ described is of a particular type and hence
we can call it an ‘instance’. ‘Tragedy’ is a characteristic of the instance and hence we reject the option. The
correct option is ‘instances’.

Explanation:

For the first blank, all three options seem correct. Hence, careful analysis is required to arrive
at the correct option. The succeeding sentences throw light on the meaning of the author. He says that a balance
should be maintained. It shall ultimately lead to a well conceived and organized presentation that revitalizes
and refreshes the souls of the listeners. In light of the effect, we select the word ‘vigor’. A perfect ‘balance’
translates into mental energy that leads to a revitalizing and refreshing sermon. For the second blank, we reject
the option ‘variation’ as the meaning is conveyed in the next sentence and the other options are more suitable.
‘Diction’ means the style of speaking with respect to the choice of words and ‘elocution’ means the person’s
style of speaking. Hence, ‘elocution’ is a more appropriate answer option. For the last blank, the option ‘persuasive’
is the most convincing. The author says that the power of voice can awaken emotions, change perceptions, incite,
becalm and invoke thought. These actions are not possible without a ‘persuasive’ voice. The other options are
not as strong and the answer choice is pretty clear.