Official PYQ Paper
NDA NDA 2 2024 General Ability Solved PYQ Paper
Year: 2024
Session: NDA 2
General Ability
Below are the first 5 questions from the UPSC NDA 2024 (NDA 2) General Ability paper. Practice each question below, check your answers, and read the step-by-step explanations written by our subject matter experts.
Question 1 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions:Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
All human beings are fallible*.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Correct Answer
✓ Option D is correct. The term 'perfect' denotes a lack of errors, contrasting with 'fallible'.
📖 Rule & Word Origin
'Fallible' refers to the capacity to make mistakes or be erroneous. It originates from the Latin word 'fallibilis', conveying the nature of being capable of making errors.
💡 Usage & Examples
Correct: "Even the greatest leaders are fallible."
Incorrect: "Machines are fallible." (Machines are designed to minimize errors.)
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: frail - Refers to physical weakness or delicacy; it is not an antonym.
- B: erring - Means making mistakes; it is synonymous with 'fallible'.
- C: mortal - Indicates subject to death; generally irrelevant in the context of errors.
- D: perfect - Means entirely without flaws or mistakes; serves as the true antonym to 'fallible'.
⚡ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics
Remember that 'fallible' implies the potential for error; thus, any word suggesting absence of faults (like 'perfect') directly opposes its meaning.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference:
Verified against Merriam-Webster Dictionary for definitions and antonyms.
Question 2 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions:Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
His words were vague*.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Correct Answer
✓ Option C is correct. "Precise" signifies clarity and exactness, the opposite of "vague".
📖 Rule & Word Origin
The word "vague" implies a lack of clarity or precision, originating from Latin "vague" which means moving here and there, thus indicating imprecision.
💡 Usage & Examples
Correct: His explanation was precise, detailing every aspect.
Incorrect: His explanation was vague, leaving many questions unanswered.
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: Identical - Means the same; not an antonym.
- B: Obscure - Means unclear; similar meaning to "vague".
- C: Precise - Means clear and exact; opposite of "vague".
- D: Imperceptible - Means not able to be perceived; does not mean the same as "vague".
⚡ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics
Remember, "vague" implies a lack of clarity; look for words like "precise" or "clear" as opposites.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference:
Verified against Merriam-Webster Dictionary for definitions and antonyms.
Question 3 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions:Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
She performed all her duties conscientiously*.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Correct Answer
✓ Option B is correct. 'Carelessly' is the antonym of 'conscientiously.'
📖 Rule & Word Origin
The term "conscientiously" denotes performing tasks with diligence and a sense of duty. Its etymology stems from Latin "conscientia," which means "knowledge within oneself."
💡 Usage & Examples
Correct Usage: She completed the project conscientiously, ensuring all details were accurate.
Incorrect Usage: She performed her duties carelessly, neglecting important instructions.
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: assiduously - with constant and careful attention; similar in meaning to 'conscientiously.'
- B: carelessly - lacking care or attention; opposite of 'conscientiously.'
- C: painstakingly - with great care and effort; similar in meaning.
- D: scrupulously - with great attention to detail; similar in meaning.
⚡ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics
Remember, "con" in "conscientiously" suggests a connotation of connection and care, while "careless" indicates a break in that connection, emphasizing neglect.
📖 Factual Verification & Reference:
Verified against Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Wren & Martin English Grammar.
Question 4 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions:Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined/marked word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
These risks are incidental* to the work of afirefighter.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Correct Answer
✓ Option A is correct. "Essential" is the opposite of "incidental."
📖 Rule & Word Origin
The term "incidental" refers to occurrences that are secondary or accessory to the main action, often happening by chance.
💡 Usage & Examples
Correct Use: The incidental benefits of the training enhanced team morale.
Incorrect Use: The essential risks of the training were overlooked. (Here, "essential" cannot correctly relate to risks that are incidental.)
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: essential - absolutely necessary; extremely important.
- B: adventitious - happening by chance; not planned; synonymous with "incidental."
- C: serendipitous - occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way; akin to "incidental."
- D: subsidiary - serving to assist or supplement; similar to "incidental."
⚡ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics
Remember: Incidental actions are not primary; they are "additional" or "secondary." To recall "essential," think of "essence" as the "core necessity."
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
📖 Factual Verification & Reference:
Verified against Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Wren & Martin English Grammar.
Question 5 of 5
UPSC Official PYQ
Directions:Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined/marked word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
She has always been disdainful*of poor people.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Correct Answer
✓ Option A is correct. The word 'reverential' conveys respect, which is the opposite of 'disdainful.'
📖 Rule & Word Origin
The term "disdainful" describes a feeling or expression of contempt or lack of respect. It is derived from the verb "disdain," which means to regard with haughty contempt.
💡 Usage & Examples
Example Sentence: "Her disdainful look suggested she thought little of the proposal."
Incorrect Usage: "He was disdainful towards the honored guest," as it contradicts the intent of respect.
🔍 Option Analysis
- A: reverential - Showing deep respect; antonym of disdainful.
- B: derisive - Expressing ridicule; synonymous with disdainful.
- C: supercilious - Behaving with a sense of superiority; similar in contempt.
- D: insolent - Showing rude disrespect; akin to disdainful.
⚡ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics
Recall that prefixes like 'dis-' indicate negation. For antonyms, look for words that signal positive regard, such as 'reverential.'
📖 Factual Verification & Reference
📖 Factual Verification & Reference:Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar.
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