Full Past Paper MCQs (2022–2026) + 2027 Prep

📚 Complete supplied English questions — 2022–2026

240 English-related questions/items, organized year by year, with all four options, explained answers, grammar corrections and full reading passages. The vocabulary bank keeps each word separate, with English/Urdu meanings, synonyms, antonyms and a sentence. No tables.

Coverage: 2022: 50; 2023 Special: 40 recovered; 2024: 50; 2025: 50 English-related items including three vocabulary questions later in the compilation; 2026: 35 publisher-attributed past-paper items + 15 labelled publisher practice items.

Source and answer labels: These are the five PDFs supplied in this chat. “Publisher marked” means the answer highlighted in that PDF, not an independently verified official FPSC key. “Explained answer” gives the assessed solution; faulty questions and multiple valid options are identified. Handwritten ticks in the 2024 scan are not treated as authoritative answers.

Important source limits: The 2023 Special PDF contains recalled questions, not a complete recovered original booklet. The 2026 publisher explicitly labels Q58–72 as replacement practice. No missing original questions have been invented. The 2025 duplicate Q63 and its irregular numbering are retained. Line wrapping and obvious OCR artifacts are normalized; actual grammatical errors in question options remain visible.

Scope: English content from all five supplied papers. Urdu, maths, Islamic Studies and general-knowledge questions remain outside this MPT — English page, except the three English vocabulary crossover items already tracked here.

How to study: Use the contents below to jump to a year. Read the question, choose an option, then check the explained answer. Synonym = ہم معنی; antonym = متضاد. The 2027 section is practice, not a prediction of guaranteed questions.

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📅 Full questions and explained solutions — year by year

2022 — complete supplied English content

Coverage and source: 50 English questions, Q41–90; PDF pages 8–12. No authoritative answer key is identified in these supplied English pages. Answers below are reasoned solutions, with ambiguity marked.

Source file: CSS-MPT-2022-Past-Paper-solvedcssaspirants.pk_.pdf

Reading this section: “Publisher marked” records the PDF, while “Explained answer” is the assessed solution. An ambiguous question stays ambiguous; no missing option or question has been invented.

2022 · Q41

Question: The settlers found an ideal location with plenty of ______ land for farming and a mountain stream for fresh water and irrigation. A) Candid B) Quaint C) Arable D) Saline

Explained answer: C) Arable

Explanation / rule: Arable means suitable for growing crops (قابلِ کاشت). Candid means frank, quaint means attractively unusual, and saline means salty; only arable fits land for farming. Source: 2022 PDF, page 8.

2022 · Q42

Question: What is most needed in a discussion of immigration are solid facts, not wishful thinking; realities, not _________. A) Fears B) Ideas C) Myths D) Veracities

Explained answer: C) Myths

Explanation / rule: The contrast is facts versus myths (من گھڑت باتیں), just as realities contrast with wishful thinking. Veracities means truths and would reverse the intended contrast. Source: 2022 PDF, page 8.

2022 · Q43

Question: The defendant claimed that he was innocent and that his confession was _________. A) Flagrant B) Coerced C) Terse D) Benign

Explained answer: B) Coerced

Explanation / rule: Coerced means forced through pressure or threats (زبردستی کروایا گیا). An innocent defendant may claim a forced confession. Flagrant = blatantly wrong; terse = brief; benign = harmless. Source: 2022 PDF, page 8.

2022 · Q44

Question: The rebel spies were charged with ___________ and put on trial. A) Attrition B) Reiteration C) Sedition D) Perdition

Explained answer: C) Sedition

Explanation / rule: Sedition means incitement to rebellion against authority (بغاوت انگیزی). Attrition = gradual wearing down; reiteration = repetition; perdition = ruin or damnation. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

2022 · Q45

Question: Zachary was doomed to a miserable life, for no matter how much he had, he always _________________ the possessions of others. A) Protracted B) Exalted C) Coveted D) Filibustered

Explained answer: C) Coveted

Explanation / rule: Coveted means strongly desired something belonging to another (لالچ سے چاہا). Protracted = prolonged; exalted = praised highly; filibustered = delayed proceedings by speaking. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

Reading passage — Glaciers

Glaciers consist of fallen snow that compresses over many years into large, thickened ice masses. Most of the world's glacial ice is found in Antarctica and Greenland, but glaciers are found on nearly every continent, even Africa. Presently, 10% of the land area is covered with glaciers. Glacial ice often appears blue because the ice absorbs all other colors but reflects blue. Almost 90% of an iceberg is below water, only about 10% shows above water. What makes glaciers unique is their ability to move. Due to sheer mass, glaciers flow like very slow rivers. Some glaciers are as small as football fields, whereas others grow to be over 100 kilometers long.

Within the past 750,000 years, scientists know that there have been eight Ice Age cycles, separated by warmer periods called an interglacial period. Currently, the earth is nearing the end of an interglacial, meaning that another Ice Age is due in a few thousand years. This is part of the normal climate variation cycle. Greenhouse warming may delay the onset of another glacial era, but scientists still have many questions to answer about climate change. Although glaciers change very slowly over long periods, they may provide important global climate change signals.

The girth of ice, combined with gravity's influence, causes glaciers to flow very slowly. Once a mass of compressed ice reaches a critical thickness of about 18 meters thick, it becomes so heavy that it begins to deform and move. Ice may flow down mountains and valleys, fan across plains, or spread out to sea. Movement along the underside of a glacier is slower than movement at the top due to the friction created as it slides along the ground's surface.

Most glaciers are found in remote mountainous areas. However, some found near cities or towns present a danger to the people living nearby. On land, lakes formed on top of a glacier during the melt season may cause floods. At the narrow part of a valley glacier, ice falling from the glacier presents a hazard to hikers below. When the ice breaks off over the ocean, an iceberg is formed.

Glaciers are a natural resource and contain 75% of the world's freshwater. People worldwide are trying to harness the power of these frozen streams. Some towns rely on glacial melting from a nearby ice cap to provide drinking water. Some farmers spread soil or ashes over the snow to promote melting, hoping that the melting will provide water to irrigate crops in drought-stricken areas. Others have channeled meltwater from glaciers to their fields. Scientists and engineers have worked together to tap into glacial resources, using electricity that has been generated in part by damming glacial meltwater.

Passage note: The text is reproduced for answering its questions; its factual or scientific claims are not separately verified here.

2022 · Q46

Question: According to paragraph 4, what is a negative effect of living too close to a glacier? A) The mass of the glacier reaches a critical thickness B) About 10% of a glacier shows above water C) Spreading dark material over snow promotes melting D) Lakes formed on top of glaciers may cause floods

Explained answer: D) Lakes formed on top of glaciers may cause floods

Explanation / rule: Paragraph 4 explicitly says that lakes formed on glaciers may cause floods. The other options describe thickness, visible ice or deliberate melting, not the stated danger. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

2022 · Q47

Question: The underlined word 'remote', as used in paragraph 4 of the passage, most nearly means: A) Isolated B) Nearby C) Slow travelling D) Difficult to see

Explained answer: A) Isolated

Explanation / rule: Remote here means isolated or far from populated places (دور افتادہ). Nearby is the opposite; speed and visibility are not the relevant sense. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

2022 · Q48

Question: The passage explains that glaciers can be found where? A) Only on Antarctica B) Only Greenland and Alaska C) On nearly every continent D) On the north and south poles

Explained answer: C) On nearly every continent

Explanation / rule: The first paragraph states that glaciers occur on nearly every continent, including Africa. The options restricting them to polar regions are too narrow. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

2022 · Q49

Question: According to the passage, why does glacial ice often appear blue? A) Because it does not absorb the color blue B) Because it absorbs all other colors but reflects blue C) Because it does not absorb all other colors including blue D) Because it is blue in color

Explained answer: B) Because it absorbs all other colors but reflects blue

Explanation / rule: B repeats the explanation given in the passage. A expresses part of the same idea but is less complete. This is a passage-based answer, not a scientific verification of the passage's simplified account. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

2022 · Q50

Question: After reading the passage, what can one conclude about glaciers? A) There will not be another Ice Age coming B) Glaciers have both negative and positive effects on human life C) Scientists have difficulty studying glaciers D) Scientists have minimal data on the formation of glaciers

Explained answer: B) Glaciers have both negative and positive effects on human life

Explanation / rule: The passage describes hazards such as flooding and benefits such as drinking water, irrigation and electricity. B captures both sides; the other conclusions are unsupported or too absolute. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

2022 · Q51

Question: After reading the passage, what can one infer about glaciers? A) Further exploration is needed to tap the power of glacial ice in fuelling electric energy B) With variations in climate, glaciers shrink and expand C) Glaciers form in cold regions where the rate of snowfall is greater than the melting rate of snow D) Glaciers are usually bordered at the sides by rock debris

Explained answer: B — best supported; C also plausible

Explanation / rule: Ice-age cycles and climate variation support expansion and shrinkage. C is also a reasonable inference from accumulated snow. A suggests more development is needed but is not established directly; D is not discussed. Without an authoritative key this is not a uniquely certain item. Source: 2022 PDF, page 9.

2022 · Q52

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) A noise woke me up in the middle of the night B) Noise woke me up in the middle of the night C) A noise woke me up at the middle of the night D) A noise woke me up on the middle of the night

Explained answer: A — intended; B also grammatical

Explanation / rule: A noise means one particular sound; the fixed phrase is in the middle of the night. C and D use the wrong preposition. B is also valid with uncountable noise, so A is not the only grammatical sentence. Urdu: رات کے درمیان ایک آواز نے مجھے جگا دیا۔ Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q53

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) A cup of tea is hanging on the hook in the kitchen B) A tea cup is hanging over the hook in the kitchen C) A teacup is hanging on the hook in the kitchen D) A tea's cup is hanging on the hook in the kitchen

Explained answer: C) A teacup is hanging on the hook in the kitchen

Explanation / rule: A teacup is an empty cup that can hang on a hook. A cup of tea describes a serving of liquid, not the intended hanging object. Over the hook is a different spatial relation; tea's cup is not the normal compound. Correct: A teacup is hanging on the hook in the kitchen. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q54

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Our friend has an apartment toward East London B) Our friends has an apartment on East London C) Our friend has an apartment in the East London D) Our friend has an apartment in East London

Explained answer: D) Our friend has an apartment in East London

Explanation / rule: Use in for location within East London, and no the before this district name. B also has friends has instead of friends have. Toward in A expresses direction rather than the intended location. Correct: Our friend has an apartment in East London. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q55

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) The doctor told him to give up smoking B) The doctor told him giving up smoking C) The doctor told him to give up smoke D) The doctor told him to give away smoking

Explained answer: A) The doctor told him to give up smoking

Explanation / rule: Tell someone to do something; give up is followed by an -ing form. B lacks to; C needs smoking, not smoke; give away means donate or reveal, not stop. Correct: The doctor told him to give up smoking. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q56

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) We look forward to going Lahore in evening B) We look forward to going to Lahore in the evening C) We look forward to go Lahore on the evening D) We look forward to go Lahore in the evening

Explained answer: B) We look forward to going to Lahore in the evening

Explanation / rule: Look forward to takes a noun or gerund, so use going. Movement needs to Lahore; the time phrase is in the evening. A omits required words; C and D use go after the preposition to. Urdu: ہم شام کو لاہور جانے کے منتظر ہیں۔ Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q57

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) He gave me all the maps free B) He gave me all the maps freely C) He gave me all the maps to free D) He gave me all the maps in free

Explained answer: A — for no charge; B also grammatical

Explanation / rule: Free as an adverb means without payment. Freely means willingly or without restriction, so B is also grammatical but changes the meaning. To free and in free do not fit here. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q58

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) In France the death penalty was abolished in 1981 B) In France the death penalty has been abolished in 1981 C) In France the death penalty has been abolished on 1981 D) In France the death penalty was abolished on 1981

Explained answer: A) In France the death penalty was abolished in 1981

Explanation / rule: A completed event dated 1981 takes simple past passive: was abolished. Use in with a year. B/C incorrectly combine present perfect with a finished past date; C/D also use on instead of in. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q59

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) On page 3, there is an advertisement of a new video camera B) On page 3, there is an advertisement about a new video camera C) On page 3, there is an advertisement for a new video camera D) On page 3, there is an advertisement of new video camera

Explained answer: C — preferred collocation

Explanation / rule: An advertisement for a product is the usual expression. B, an advertisement about a camera, can be grammatical but emphasizes its topic. D lacks an article before singular camera; A is less idiomatic for the intended sense. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q60

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) We do not afford to eat in restaurants nowadays B) We cannot afford to eat in restaurants nowadays C) We do not afford eat-in restaurants nowadays D) We do not afford to eating in restaurants nowadays

Explained answer: B) We cannot afford to eat in restaurants nowadays

Explanation / rule: For financial ability, the normal expression is cannot afford to eat. C/D have faulty complements; A is not the normal expression for inability to pay. Correct: We cannot afford to eat in restaurants nowadays. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q61

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) The Japanese couple on the back of the coach was obviously newly-weds B) The Japanese couples at the back of the coach were obviously newly-weds C) The Japanese couples at the back of the coach was obviously newly-weds D) The Japanese couple in the back of the coach was obviously newly-weds

Explained answer: B — clearest option

Explanation / rule: Plural couples agrees with were and newly-weds; at the back describes the seating location. A's on the back suggests the outside rear; C has couples was. D has an awkward singular couple/newly-weds combination. Urdu rule: جمع فاعل کے ساتھ جمع فعل۔ Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q62

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) A cat can see in the darkness B) The cat can see in the darkness C) Cats can see in the darkness D) A cat can see into the darkness

Explained answer: Multiple valid options; C is a natural general statement

Explanation / rule: Cats can see in the darkness uses plural cats for a general claim. A and B can also refer generically to cats; D can describe looking into darkness. The question provides no context to make only C correct. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q63

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) This is the only one of his poems that is worth reading B) This is the only one of his poems that are worth reading C) This is the only one of his poem that are worth reading D) This is the only one of his poems that is worth read

Explained answer: A) This is the only one of his poems that is worth reading

Explanation / rule: The antecedent is the only one, so the relative clause uses is. Poems must remain plural after one of, and worth takes reading. B has are, C has poem, and D has read. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q64

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Trees help to create a peaceful surrounding B) Trees help to create a peaceful surroundings C) Trees help to create peaceful surroundings D) Trees help to create the peaceful surrounding

Explained answer: C) Trees help to create peaceful surroundings

Explanation / rule: Surroundings means the environment and is normally plural in this sense. Do not use a with plural surroundings. A/D use singular surrounding unnaturally for the intended meaning. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q65

Question: Choose the sentence with an adverb. A) Don't talk so loud B) He lives in the next house C) He is quick to take offense D) The night is dark

Explained answer: A) Don't talk so loud

Explanation / rule: Loud functions as an adverb modifying talk: how to talk. Next modifies house, quick describes he, and dark describes night. Loudly is also possible, but loud is a valid flat adverb. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q66

Question: Choose the sentence with the proper Adjective. A) French wines are not available here B) He showed much patience C) He has lost all his wealth D) I ate some rice

Explained answer: A) French wines are not available here

Explanation / rule: French is a proper adjective derived from a proper name and written with a capital. Much, all and some indicate quantity rather than nationality or origin. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q67

Question: Choose the sentence with the Adverb of time. A) I have spoken to him already B) He seldom comes here C) The horse galloped away D) The boy works hard

Explained answer: A) I have spoken to him already

Explanation / rule: Already tells when the speaking occurred. Seldom expresses frequency; away expresses direction/place; hard expresses manner. Some classifications group frequency under time, but A is the intended specific time-adverb choice. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q68

Question: In the sentence "Ambition urges me forward", 'forward' is: A) An Adverb of place B) An Adjective of place C) An Adverb of time D) An Adjective of time

Explained answer: A) An Adverb of place

Explanation / rule: Forward tells direction, so the traditional school category is adverb of place/direction. It modifies urges, not a noun, and does not tell time. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q69

Question: In the sentence "Children love making mud castles", 'making' is: A) Verb B) Main Verb C) Gerund D) Both A and B

Explained answer: C) Gerund

Explanation / rule: Making heads the -ing clause functioning as the object of love; school grammar calls it a gerund. It has verbal properties but is not the finite main verb, which is love. Source: 2022 PDF, page 10.

2022 · Q70

Question: In the sentence "The earth is larger than the moon", 'than' is: A) Subordinating Conjunction B) Coordinating Conjunction C) Not a conjunction D) Both A and B

Explained answer: A — traditional school analysis

Explanation / rule: Than introduces the comparison, understood as than the moon is. Traditional grammar calls it a subordinating conjunction. Modern analyses may call than a preposition in this construction, so the classification depends on the grammar framework. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q71

Question: In the sentence "Such was not my intention", 'such' is: A) Pronoun B) Adjective C) Conjunction D) All of these

Explained answer: A) Pronoun

Explanation / rule: Such stands for the previously mentioned thing or intention, rather than modifying a following noun: Such was not my intention. Traditional analysis therefore treats it as a pronoun. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q72

Question: Ambition does not always conduce___________ ultimate happiness. A) Of B) In C) To D) From

Explained answer: C) To

Explanation / rule: The collocation is conduce to, meaning contribute to a result. Correct: Ambition does not always conduce to ultimate happiness. Urdu: خواہشِ ترقی ہمیشہ حتمی خوشی کا سبب نہیں بنتی۔ Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q73

Question: The holidays will begin __________ June 29. A) On B) From C) In D) With

Explained answer: A) On

Explanation / rule: Use on before a calendar date: on June 29. In is used for months or years without a day. From can mark a starting boundary in other constructions, but on is the standard answer here. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q74

Question: Send this letter__________ my address. A) To B) On C) At D) Towards

Explained answer: A) To

Explanation / rule: Send something to an address: to marks the destination. On, at and towards do not give the normal construction for addressing a letter. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q75

Question: He accepted the car in lieu__________ his claim __________ Rs. 4,55,000. A) Of, Of B) With, For C) Of, For D) With, Of

Explained answer: C) Of, For

Explanation / rule: In lieu of means instead of (کے بدلے), and a claim for an amount means a demand for that amount. Correct: in lieu of his claim for Rs. 4,55,000. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q76

Question: Choose the pair with a similar relationship: CONVICTION : INCARCERATION. A) Reduction : Diminution B) Induction : Intimidation C) Radicalization : Estimation D) Marginalization : Intimidation

Explained answer:A The correct pair with a similar relationship is A) Reduction : Diminution No securely matching option

Explanation / rule: A conviction can lead to incarceration: legal finding → imprisonment. Reduction/diminution are synonyms, not cause/result. Induction/intimidation and radicalization/estimation do not reproduce the relation. Marginalization/intimidation may be associated but has no necessary matching direction. No reliable unique answer is supplied. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q77

Question: Choose the pair with a similar relationship: FROND : PALM. A) Quill : Porcupine B) Blade : Evergreen C) Scale : Wallaby D) Tusk : Alligator

Explained answer: A) Quill : Porcupine

Explanation / rule: A frond is a characteristic part of a palm; a quill is a characteristic part of a porcupine. Wallabies have no scales and alligators have no tusks; blade/evergreen is not the clear characteristic match. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q78

Question: Choose the pair with a similar relationship: SPY : CLANDESTINE. A) Accountant : Meticulous B) Furrier : Rambunctious C) Lawyer : Ironic D) Shepherd : Garrulous

Explained answer: A) Accountant : Meticulous

Explanation / rule: A spy's characteristic work is clandestine, meaning secret. An accountant's work should be meticulous, meaning careful and precise. The remaining adjectives are not defining occupational traits. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q79

Question: Choose the pair with a similar relationship: FERAL : TAME. A) Rancid : Rational B) Nettlesome : Annoying C) Repentant : Honorable D) Ephemeral : Immortal

Explained answer: D) Ephemeral : Immortal

Explanation / rule: Feral and tame are opposites. Ephemeral means short-lived, whereas immortal means never dying; D is the only opposing pair. Nettlesome/annoying are synonyms; the other pairs do not match. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q80

Question: Choose the pair with a similar relationship: DOLLAR : DIME. A) Saleswoman : Pitch B) Retreat : Victory C) Century : Decade D) Ring : Necklace

Explained answer: C) Century : Decade

Explanation / rule: A dime is one tenth of a dollar; a decade is one tenth of a century. The other pairs do not express whole-to-tenth relationships. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q81

Question: Choose the nearest synonym of SUMPTUOUS. A) Delirious B) Gorgeous C) Perilous D) Luxurious

Explained answer: D) Luxurious

Explanation / rule: Sumptuous means luxurious or lavish (پرتعیش). Gorgeous concerns beauty, delirious concerns confusion/excitement, and perilous means dangerous. Luxurious is the closest overall match. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q82

Question: Choose the nearest synonym of SACROSANCT. A) Prayer B) Sanctuary C) Pious D) Sacred

Explained answer: D) Sacred

Explanation / rule: Sacrosanct means sacred or protected from violation (مقدس). Prayer and sanctuary are related nouns, and pious describes devotion; sacred matches the adjective directly. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q83

Question: Choose the nearest synonym of CHURLISH. A) Childish B) Boorish C) Tempestuous D) Disorderly

Explained answer: B) Boorish

Explanation / rule: Churlish means rude and ill-mannered (بدتمیز); boorish is the closest synonym. Childish is immature, tempestuous is stormy, and disorderly is unruly. Source: 2022 PDF, page 11.

2022 · Q84

Question: Choose the nearest synonym of WINNOW. A) Carve B) Wind C) Weed D) Carry

Explained answer: C) Weed

Explanation / rule: Winnow means sift or remove unwanted material (چھاننا). Weed can mean remove unwanted elements. Carve, wind and carry do not describe this selecting process. Source: 2022 PDF, page 12.

2022 · Q85

Question: Choose the nearest synonym of MORDANT. A) Dead B) Gruesome C) Fetid D) Caustic

Explained answer: D) Caustic

Explanation / rule: Mordant means sharply sarcastic or biting (کاٹ دار طنز). Caustic shares this figurative sense. Dead, gruesome and fetid refer to death, horror and bad smell. Source: 2022 PDF, page 12.

2022 · Q86

Question: Choose the nearest antonym of SARTORIAL. A) Cheerful B) Sincere C) Inelegant D) Homespun

Explained answer: D No exact antonym; C is the likely intended choice

Explanation / rule: Sartorial means relating to clothes/tailoring, not necessarily elegant. Inelegant opposes elegant, not the literal meaning of sartorial. Homespun describes simple/home-made cloth or style. Do not learn either as a strict dictionary opposite. Source: 2022 PDF, page 12.

2022 · Q87

Question: Choose the nearest antonym of SAPIENT. A) Hunched B) Strong C) Simple D) Simian

Explained answer: C) Simple

Explanation / rule: Sapient means wise. Simple is the nearest offered contrast in its naive or unintelligent sense; foolish would be clearer. Hunched, strong and simian do not contrast with wisdom. Source: 2022 PDF, page 12.

2022 · Q88

Question: Choose the nearest antonym of MATUTINAL. A) Paternal B) Crepuscular C) Maritime D) Marsupial

Explained answer: B — intended contrast, imprecise

Explanation / rule: Matutinal means morning-related; crepuscular means twilight-related, which includes dawn as well as dusk. Vespertine (evening) would be more precise, but is not offered. The other options concern fatherhood, the sea and marsupials. Source: 2022 PDF, page 12.

2022 · Q89

Question: Choose the nearest antonym of GUMPTION. A) Seriousness B) Apathy C) Levity D) Despair

Explained answer: B) Apathy

Explanation / rule: Gumption is initiative, courage or practical drive. Apathy is lack of interest or motivation (بے حسی), the closest opposite. Seriousness, levity and despair are different qualities. Source: 2022 PDF, page 12.

2022 · Q90

Question: Choose the nearest antonym of OBTUSE. A) Slim B) Acute C) Opaque D) Thick

Explained answer: B) Acute

Explanation / rule: Obtuse can mean slow to understand; acute means mentally sharp. The terms also contrast in geometry. Slim, opaque and thick do not provide the intended opposite. Source: 2022 PDF, page 12.

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2023 Special — complete supplied English content

Coverage and source: 40 recovered English questions, Q20–59; PDF pages 5–8. The PDF describes itself as a compilation of candidate recollections of the Special MPT held on 21 May 2023, with 125 recovered questions overall. Its wording and option order may differ from the original exam. The printed English heading says 50 marks, but only these 40 English questions are supplied. No reading passage is supplied. Publisher-marked answers are not an official FPSC key.

Source file: CSS-MPT-2023-Special-Solved-cssaspirants.pk_.pdf

Reading this section: “Publisher marked” records the PDF, while “Explained answer” is the assessed solution. An ambiguous question stays ambiguous; no missing option or question has been invented.

2023 Special · Q20

Question: _____ woman that we saw turned out to be our CEO. A) A B) The C) That D) An

Publisher marked: A) A

Explained answer: B — usual intended reading; A is possible in another context

Explanation / rule: The relative clause identifies the woman we saw, so The is the expected specific reference. A woman that we saw is also possible when introducing one woman among others. The publisher marks A, so this cannot be treated as a uniquely settled answer without context; An is wrong before the consonant sound of woman. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 5.

2023 Special · Q21

Question: When the meeting had finished, they went _________ the plan once again. A) Down B) On C) Up D) Over

Publisher marked: D) Over

Explained answer: D) Over

Explanation / rule: Go over a plan means review it (دوبارہ جائزہ لینا). Go down/on/up do not express this meaning with the plan here. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q22

Question: We have been able to obtain no information _________ his whereabouts. A) That of B) According to C) In which D) As to

Publisher marked: D) As to

Explained answer: D) As to

Explanation / rule: As to means concerning or about: information as to his whereabouts. The other phrases do not connect information to whereabouts grammatically. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q23

Question: I didn't know whether you had to have one of these or not; if you ________ one, however, I would have given it to you freely. A) Had to have B) Had had to have C) Had to had D) Have to had

Publisher marked: A) Had to have

Explained answer: B — standard third conditional; publisher A

Explanation / rule: For an unreal past condition, use if + past perfect with would have + past participle: if you had had to have one, I would have given it to you. The first had is the past-perfect auxiliary; had to expresses necessity. C/D are malformed. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q24

Question: Some compound adjectives contain hyphens. Which of the following sentences is correct? A) He's a decent-judge of character B) She submitted a 190-page document supporting her position C) We're adopting a two year old parakeet D) We're reading Sanskrit dialect

Publisher marked: B) She submitted a 190-page document supporting her position

Explained answer: B — intended hyphen answer; D also grammatical

Explanation / rule: A number-plus-unit modifier before a noun uses a hyphen and singular unit: a 190-page document. Decent judge needs no hyphen; a two-year-old parakeet needs hyphens. D has no compound modifier and is not inherently ungrammatical. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q25

Question: Do you_____ go to sleep early, or is it insomnia? A) Ever B) Sometime C) Never D) Every time

Publisher marked: A) Ever

Explained answer: A) Ever

Explanation / rule: Ever asks whether something happens at any time: Do you ever go to sleep early? Sometime means an unspecified occasion; never reverses the intended sense; every time needs a clearer context. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q26

Question: Synonym of Obdurate: A) Trustable B) Malleable C) Amenable D) None of these

Publisher marked: B) Malleable

Explained answer: D — publisher B is incorrect for the printed stem

Explanation / rule: The PDF explicitly asks for a SYNONYM. Obdurate means stubborn (ضدی); malleable and amenable mean willing or able to change, so they are opposites. Trustable means trustworthy. Therefore None of these is correct as printed. Do not silently change this question into an antonym question. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q27

Question: Synonym of Pejorative: A) Laudatory B) Complementary C) Approbatory D) Depreciatory

Publisher marked: D) Depreciatory

Explained answer: D) Depreciatory

Explanation / rule: Pejorative means belittling or expressing disapproval; depreciatory matches it. Laudatory and approbatory are approving; complementary means completing something, not belittling it. Urdu: تحقیر آمیز۔ Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q28

Question: She showed a blatant disregard for the rules. (Synonym of underlined word) A) Obvious B) Hidden C) Last-minute D) Rebellious

Publisher marked: A) Obvious

Explained answer: A) Obvious

Explanation / rule: Blatant means obvious or openly conspicuous. Hidden is opposite; last-minute concerns time; rebellious describes disobedience rather than obviousness. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q29

Question: As soon as details of the election were released to the media, the newspaper was inundated with calls - far too many to be handled effectively. (Synonym of underlined word) A) Provided B) Bothered C) Reminded D) Flooded

Publisher marked: D) Flooded

Explained answer: D) Flooded

Explanation / rule: Inundated with calls means flooded with overwhelming numbers of calls (کالوں کی بھرمار). Provided and reminded miss the quantity; bothered is too general. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q30

Question: Antonym of Cajole: A) Wheedle B) Coax C) Badger D) Dissuade

Publisher marked: D) Dissuade

Explained answer: D — intended; C is a contrasting method

Explanation / rule: Cajole means persuade with flattery or coaxing. Dissuade means persuade someone not to do something. Wheedle/coax are synonyms. Badger means pressure persistently and contrasts in manner, making the item somewhat loose. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q31

Question: Antonym of Ephemeral: A) Fleeting B) Permanent C) Transitory D) Momentary

Publisher marked: B) Permanent

Explained answer: B) Permanent

Explanation / rule: Ephemeral means short-lived; permanent means lasting. Fleeting, transitory and momentary are synonyms, not opposites. Urdu: عارضی بمقابلہ مستقل۔ Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q32

Question: Antonym of Flagrant: A) Overt B) Trifling C) Evident D) None of these

Publisher marked: B) Trifling

Explained answer: B — nearest offered contrast

Explanation / rule: Flagrant means conspicuously or outrageously bad. Trifling means insignificant, contrasting with the seriousness of a flagrant offence. Overt and evident overlap with its obviousness; the match is contextual, not exact in every use. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q33

Question: Antonym of Quixotic: A) Impulsive B) Prosthetic C) Dreamy D) Practical

Publisher marked: D) Practical

Explained answer: D) Practical

Explanation / rule: Quixotic means unrealistically idealistic; practical is the opposite. Dreamy overlaps with unrealistic idealism, impulsive means acting without thought, and prosthetic relates to artificial body parts. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q34

Question: Dependable : Capricious :: A) Fallible : Cantankerous B) Capable : Inept C) Malleable : Inept D) Incorrigible : Guilty

Publisher marked: B) Capable : Inept

Explained answer: B) Capable : Inept

Explanation / rule: Dependable contrasts with capricious (unpredictable); capable contrasts with inept (unskilled). Other pairs do not form comparable opposites.

Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

The correct answer is B) Capable : Inept, because the original pair and the correct option both share an antonym (opposite meaning) relationship. [1, 2]

Original Pair Analysis

• Dependable: Meaning reliable, trustworthy, and steady.
• Capricious: Meaning unpredictable, changeable, and impulsive.
• Relationship: These two words are opposites (antonyms). [3]

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Option Explanations

• A) Fallible : Cantankerous
  • Fallible: Meaning capable of making mistakes or being wrong.
  • Cantankerous: Meaning bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
  • Relationship: These words are unrelated in meaning; they are not antonyms. [3]
• B) Capable : Inept (Correct)
  • Capable: Meaning having the ability, skill, or competence to do something.
  • Inept: Meaning having or showing no skill; clumsy or incompetent.
  • Relationship: These are direct antonyms, matching the relationship of the primary pair. [3]
• C) Malleable : Inept (or sometimes listed with limpid in variants)
  • Malleable: Meaning pliable, easily influenced, or able to be hammered or pressed out of shape.
  • Inept: Meaning incompetent or clumsy.
  • Relationship: These concepts do not form an opposite pair. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• D) Incorrigible : Guilty
  • Incorrigible: Meaning not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed.
  • Guilty: Meaning responsible for a specified wrongdoing or offense.
  • Relationship: While both describe negative traits or legal/moral standing, they are not antonyms. [4]

2023 Special · Q35

Question: True health and true success go together, for they are inseparably ______ in the realm of thought. A) Intertwined B) Bound up C) Tied up D) Inter-related

Publisher marked: A) Intertwined

Explained answer: A — publisher choice; alternatives overlap

Explanation / rule: Intertwined means closely connected. Bound up, tied up and inter-related can also express a connection in appropriate contexts; A is the publisher's selection, not the only conceivable wording. Urdu: باہم جڑے ہوئے۔ Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 6.

2023 Special · Q36

Question: His moral decadence was marked by his _____ from the ways of integrity and honesty. A) Obsession B) Declivity C) Opprobrium D) Departure

Publisher marked: D) Departure

Explained answer: D) Departure

Explanation / rule: Departure from the ways of honesty means moving away from honest conduct. Obsession, declivity and opprobrium do not fit the fixed phrase from the ways naturally. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q37

Question: The _________ arguments put forth for not disclosing the facts did not impress anybody. A) Convincing B) Specious C) Spurious D) Intemperate

Publisher marked: B) Specious

Explained answer: B) Specious

Explanation / rule: Specious arguments appear convincing but are misleading (بظاہر درست مگر گمراہ کن). Spurious means false or inauthentic and is related, but specious specifically describes misleading reasoning. Convincing contradicts the stated failure to impress; intemperate means excessive/unrestrained. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q38

Question: The children were _________ by the seemingly nonsensical clues until Kinan pointed out that the messages were in code. A) Censured B) Pondered C) Feigned D) Perplexed

Publisher marked: D) Perplexed

Explained answer: D) Perplexed

Explanation / rule: Perplexed means confused (الجھن میں). The code explanation resolves confusion. Censured = criticized; pondered = considered; feigned = pretended and does not fit this passive construction. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q39

Question: For a ________ fee, it is possible to upgrade from regular gasoline to premium. A) Nominal B) Substantive C) Exorbitant D) Bountiful

Publisher marked: A) Nominal

Explained answer: A) Nominal

Explanation / rule: A nominal fee is a small charge (معمولی فیس), fitting a simple upgrade. Exorbitant means excessive, substantive means substantial/real, and bountiful means abundant. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q40

Question: It is difficult to believe that charging 20% on an outstanding credit card balance isn't _______. A) Bankruptcy B) Usury C) Expensive D) Taxation

Publisher marked: B) Usury

Explained answer: B) Usury

Explanation / rule: Usury means lending at excessive interest (سود خوری). Bankruptcy is inability to pay debts; taxation is a government levy. Expensive is an adjective and does not fit the noun comparison as naturally. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q41

Question: Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct? A) I and my friends went to the movie. B) My friends and I went to the movie. C) Me and my friends went to the movie. D) My friends and me went to the movie.

Publisher marked: B) My friends and I went to the movie.

Explained answer: B — conventional preference; A also grammatical

Explanation / rule: Use subject pronoun I, not me. Polite convention places the other people first, giving My friends and I went to the movie. A is grammatically possible but less conventional; C/D use objective me as subject. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q42

Question: Which of the following is an example of a subordinate clause? A) I like pizza B) Because I like pizza C) Pizza is my favorite food D) I ate pizza for dinner

Publisher marked: B) Because I like pizza

Explained answer: B) Because I like pizza

Explanation / rule: Because makes the clause dependent: Because I like pizza needs a main clause to complete the thought. The other options are complete independent clauses. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q43

Question: Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly? A) If I was you, I would study more. B) If I were you, I would study more. C) If he was here, he would help us. D) If he were here, he would help us.

Publisher marked: D) If he were here, he would help us.

Explained answer: B and D — both correct; publisher D

Explanation / rule: Both If I were you and If he were here express unreal situations using were. A/C use was, common informally but not the traditional formal subjunctive expected here. Urdu rule: فرضی حالت میں were۔ Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q44

Question: Which sentence uses the correct tense? A) I have been reading this book since two hours B) I had read that book last week C) I will have finished my homework by 7 pm D) I was reading the book when the phone rang.

Publisher marked: D) I was reading the book when the phone rang.

Explained answer: C and D — both correct; publisher D

Explanation / rule: C correctly uses future perfect for completion by a future deadline; D uses past continuous interrupted by simple past. A needs for two hours, not since two hours. B needs a past reference point to justify had read; last week alone normally takes read. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q45

Question: Which sentence uses the correct adjective form? A) The movie was more scarier than I expected B) The movie was scarier than I expected C) The movie was scare than I expected D) The movie was scary than I expected

Publisher marked: A) The movie was more scarier than I expected

Explained answer: B — publisher A is wrong

Explanation / rule: Scarier already marks the comparative; more scarier is a double comparative. C uses the verb scare and D lacks comparative marking. Correct: The movie was scarier than I expected. Urdu: more اور -er ایک ساتھ نہیں۔ Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q46

Question: The presence of armed guards at the building entrance_____ us from doing anything disruptive. A) Defeated B) Excited C) Prevented D) Prohibited

Publisher marked: C) Prevented

Explained answer: C) Prevented

Explanation / rule: Prevent someone from doing something is the standard pattern. Prohibit normally appears as prohibit someone from doing something too, so D is also grammatically possible, but C best conveys the guards' deterrent effect. Defeated/excited do not fit the intended meaning. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q47

Question: 'Argus-eyed' means: A) Watchful B) Devoted C) Lethargic D) Clumsy

Publisher marked: A) Watchful

Explained answer: A) Watchful

Explanation / rule: Argus-eyed means watchful or vigilant (چوکس). Devoted = loyal, lethargic = sluggish, clumsy = awkward. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q48

Question: Perfect or highly accomplished means: A) Impropriety B) Sinister C) Slovenly D) None of these

Publisher marked: D) None of these

Explained answer: D) None of these

Explanation / rule: Consummate can mean perfect or highly accomplished, but is absent. Impropriety = improper behaviour; sinister = threatening/evil; slovenly = untidy. Therefore None of these. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q49

Question: Dearth means: A) Scarcity B) To punish or criticize severely C) To cause, produce, or stir up D) Habitually fond of associating in a company or herd

Publisher marked: A) Scarcity

Explained answer: A) Scarcity

Explanation / rule: Dearth means scarcity or shortage (قلت). The other options define unrelated actions or social behaviour. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q50

Question: Fastidious means: A) A person hard to please B) A person hard to convince C) A person hard to get angry D) A person hard to get essential

Publisher marked: A) A person hard to please

Explained answer: A) A person hard to please

Explanation / rule: Fastidious means very particular, exacting or hard to please (معیار کا سخت پابند). It is not specifically about persuasion, anger or essentials. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 7.

2023 Special · Q51

Question: Choose the correct sentence: A) All that is glitters is not gold B) All that is glittering is not gold C) All that glitters is not gold D) All which glitters is not gold

Publisher marked: C) All that glitters is not gold

Explained answer: C) All that glitters is not gold

Explanation / rule: All that glitters is not gold is the established proverb: appearances can deceive. A has an extra is. B can be grammatical with a different emphasis, but is not the conventional proverb. D's which is not the usual restrictive form after all here. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q52

Question: Choose the correct sentence: A) No less than twelve minutes left the hosted B) No fewer than twelve minutes left hosted C) No lesser than twelve minutes left the hosted D) None of these

Publisher marked: D) None of these

Explained answer: D — corrupted wording in the supplied PDF

Explanation / rule: All three sentences contain the nonsensical phrase involving minutes and hosted. The intended original wording cannot be recovered securely. Do not invent a corrected past-paper sentence. General rule only: fewer for countable items; less for amount/duration in suitable contexts. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q53

Question: Choose the correct sentence: A) He found the gold coins as he cleans the floor B) He found the gold coins while cleaning the floor C) He found the gold coins while he cleaning the floor D) None of these

Publisher marked: B) He found the gold coins while cleaning the floor

Explained answer: B) He found the gold coins while cleaning the floor

Explanation / rule: While cleaning the floor correctly attaches the action to he and fits the past discovery. A unnecessarily switches found to present cleans; C needs was before cleaning. Correct: He found the gold coins while cleaning the floor. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q54

Question: "Although they are 250 miles apart, they keep in constant contact on the internet." This is a: A) Simple sentence B) Compound sentence C) Complex sentence D) Compound-complex sentence

Publisher marked: C) Complex sentence

Explained answer: C) Complex sentence

Explanation / rule: Although they are 250 miles apart is a subordinate clause, and they keep in constant contact is an independent clause. Together they form a complex sentence; there is no second independent clause for a compound-complex sentence. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q55

Question: I know both of them are short _____ money because of their extravagant nature. A) On B) Of C) In D) With

Publisher marked: D) With

Explained answer: B) Of

Explanation / rule: The expression is short of money (پیسوں کی کمی). Short on money also occurs in English, so A is not impossible, but of is the conventional expected answer here. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q56

Question: He writes _____ red ink. A) With B) In C) Of D) By

Publisher marked: B) In

Explained answer: B) In

Explanation / rule: Write in red ink identifies the medium. Write with a pen identifies the instrument. Of and by do not fit. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q57

Question: He was accused______ theft. A) Of B) In C) With D) None of these

Publisher marked: A) Of

Explained answer: A) Of

Explanation / rule: The fixed construction is accused of an offence: accused of theft. Charged with would use with, but accused with is not the corresponding standard pattern. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q58

Question: Do not jeer ______ sacred things. A) With B) Upon C) At D) None of these

Publisher marked: C) At

Explained answer: C) At

Explanation / rule: Jeer at means mock or ridicule (مذاق اڑانا). With and upon are not the usual prepositions for the target of jeering. Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

2023 Special · Q59

Question: He is so dull that he is insensible______ the beauties of nature. A) For B) To C) Of D) With

Publisher marked: B) To

Explained answer: B) To

Explanation / rule: Insensible to means unaware of or unaffected by. Correct: insensible to the beauties of nature. Urdu: قدرتی حسن کا احساس نہ ہونا۔ Source: 2023 Special PDF, page 8.

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2024 — complete supplied English content

Coverage and source: 50 English questions, Q41–90; PDF pages 5–7. This is a scanned question paper with handwritten ticks. Those ticks are not treated as an authoritative answer key. Solutions below are independently explained; defective options are retained and flagged.

Source file: CSS-MPT-2024-Past-Paper-cssaspirants.pk_.pdf

Reading this section: “Publisher marked” records the PDF, while “Explained answer” is the assessed solution. An ambiguous question stays ambiguous; no missing option or question has been invented.

2024 · Q41

Question: Choose the synonym of Quandary. A) Predicament B) Difficulty C) Consternation D) Simplicity

Explained answer: A) Predicament

Explanation / rule: Quandary means a difficult dilemma or state of uncertainty (مخمصہ). Predicament is the closest match; difficulty is broader, consternation is alarm, and simplicity is opposite in sense. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q42

Question: Choose the synonym of Obstreperous. A) Angry B) Noisy C) Saddened D) Shy

Explained answer: B) Noisy

Explanation / rule: Obstreperous means noisy and difficult to control (شور مچانے والا / سرکش). Angry may accompany it but does not define it; saddened and shy are different qualities. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q43

Question: Choose the synonym of Effervescent. A) Quick B) Lively C) Compassionate D) Quiet

Explained answer: B) Lively

Explanation / rule: Effervescent figuratively means lively and enthusiastic (زندہ دل); literally it can mean bubbling. Quick concerns speed, compassionate means sympathetic, and quiet contrasts with liveliness. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q44

Question: Choose the synonym of Penurious. A) Generous B) Impoverished C) False D) Fabricated

Explained answer: B) Impoverished

Explanation / rule: Penurious can mean extremely poor or stingy. Impoverished matches the poor sense (انتہائی غریب). Generous opposes the stingy sense; false/fabricated are unrelated. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q45

Question: Choose the synonym of Histrionic. A) Happy B) Dramatic C) Joyous D) Subdued

Explained answer: B) Dramatic

Explanation / rule: Histrionic means excessively theatrical or dramatic (ڈرامائی). Happy and joyous concern happiness; subdued is restrained, a contrast rather than a synonym. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q46

Question: Choose the synonym of Quiescent. A) Active B) Dormant C) Pensive D) Thoughtful

Explained answer: B) Dormant

Explanation / rule: Quiescent means inactive or at rest (غیر فعال). Dormant matches. Active is opposite; pensive and thoughtful concern thinking rather than inactivity. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q47

Question: Choose the antonym of Turpitude. A) Passion B) Happiness C) Virtue D) Corruption

Explained answer: C) Virtue

Explanation / rule: Turpitude means moral corruption or wickedness; virtue means moral goodness. Corruption is a synonym, whereas passion and happiness do not oppose moral evil. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q48

Question: Choose the antonym of Vituperate. A) Praise B) Indifferent C) Agree D) Berate

Explained answer: A) Praise

Explanation / rule: Vituperate means criticize abusively (سخت سست کہنا); praise is the opposite. Berate is a synonym; indifferent is an adjective, and agree concerns assent rather than praise/blame. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q49

Question: Choose the antonym of Insouciant. A) Carefree B) Angry C) Anxious D) Dull

Explained answer: C) Anxious

Explanation / rule: Insouciant means casually unconcerned or carefree. Anxious means worried (فکرمند), the opposite. Carefree is a synonym; angry and dull do not directly oppose lack of concern. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q50

Question: Choose the antonym of Vitriolic. A) Bitter B) Graceful C) Active D) Amiable

Explained answer: D — corrects the earlier notes

Explanation / rule: Vitriolic means bitterly hostile; amiable means friendly and pleasant. The supplied options include Amiable, which is much better than Graceful. Bitter is a synonym; active and graceful concern other qualities. Handwritten ticks on the scan are not an official key. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q51

Question: Choose the antonym of Equanimity. A) Astonishment B) Displeased C) Agitation D) Tranquility

Explained answer: C) Agitation

Explanation / rule: Equanimity is mental calmness under pressure; agitation is emotional disturbance (بے چینی). Tranquility is similar, while astonishment is surprise and displeased is a different grammatical form. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q52

Question: Choose the antonym of Sibilant. A) Loud B) Whispering C) Noisy D) Sonorous

Explained answer: No exact antonym; D is a possible sound-quality contrast

Explanation / rule: Sibilant means hissing, particularly s/sh-like sounds. Sonorous means resonant and full-toned, offering a possible contrast. Loud and noisy are not opposites of hissing; whispering may itself contain sibilants. Do not memorize the earlier Noisy answer as correct. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q53

Question: “To have a chip on one's shoulder” means: A) To carry a piece of wood. B) To be angry or resentful. C) To be physically strong. D) To have a big ego.

Explained answer: B) To be angry or resentful.

Explanation / rule: A chip on one's shoulder is resentment or readiness to take offence (دل میں رنجش). It does not literally describe wood or strength; a big ego is a different idea. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q54

Question: “To cast in the teeth” means: A) To confront someone openly. B) To compliment someone sincerely. C) To criticize or reproach someone. D) To share a secret with someone.

Explained answer: C) To criticize or reproach someone.

Explanation / rule: Cast something in someone's teeth means reproach them with it (طعنہ دینا). Open confrontation is broader; complimenting and sharing a secret do not match. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q55

Question: “To pass the buck” means: A) To share a responsibility. B) To play a card game. C) To ignore a problem. D) To make a decision quickly.

Explained answer: No exact answer as printed; A is only the nearest offered

Explanation / rule: Pass the buck means shift responsibility to another person (ذمہ داری دوسرے پر ڈالنا). The scan says share a responsibility, which is not the same as evade/transfer responsibility. B/C/D are not the idiom's meaning either. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q56

Question: What does the idiom “To ride roughshod over” mean? A) To have a bumpy ride. B) To treat someone with kindness and respect. C) To dominate or treat someone harshly without consideration. D) To take a leisurely horseback ride.

Explained answer: C) To dominate or treat someone harshly without consideration.

Explanation / rule: Ride roughshod over means disregard others' wishes or rights and treat them harshly. A/D are literal riding descriptions; B gives the opposite treatment. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q57

Question: What does the idiom “To read the riot act” mean? A) To review a book about a riot. B) To threaten someone with legal action. C) To deliver a stern warning or reprimand. D) To organize a protest or demonstration.

Explained answer: C) To deliver a stern warning or reprimand.

Explanation / rule: Read the riot act means deliver a stern warning or reprimand (سخت تنبیہ). It does not require an actual riot, lawsuit or protest. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q58

Question: What does the idiom “To put a spoke in one's wheel” mean? A) To assist someone in their endeavors. B) To obstruct or hinder someone's plans. C) To repair a broken wheel. D) To engage in a friendly race.

Explained answer: B) To obstruct or hinder someone's plans.

Explanation / rule: Put a spoke in someone's wheel means deliberately obstruct their plans (رکاوٹ ڈالنا). A is opposite, C is literal, and D is unrelated. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q59

Question: What does the idiom “To have a bone to pick with someone” mean? A) To enjoy a hearty bone-based meal with someone. B) To have a dispute or unresolved issue to address with someone. C) To support archaeological excavations. D) To engage in a competitive bone-collecting hobby.

Explained answer: B) To have a dispute or unresolved issue to address with someone.

Explanation / rule: Have a bone to pick means have a grievance or unresolved dispute to discuss (شکایت ہونا). The bone is figurative, not food, archaeology or a collecting hobby. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q60

Question: The negotiations were marred allegations of corruption that cast a shadow the legitimacy of the entire process. A) by; onto B) with; against C) amid; under D) through; over

Explained answer: A) by; onto

Explanation / rule: Marred by means spoiled by, and cast a shadow onto/on means damage confidence in something. The other pairs do not fit the usual constructions. Urdu: بدعنوانی کے الزامات نے مذاکرات کی ساکھ خراب کی۔ Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q61

Question: His fascination with history compelled him to delve ancient archives, uncovering forgotten tales centuries past. A) beneath; within B) into; from C) throughout; towards D) amidst; about

Explained answer: B) into; from

Explanation / rule: Delve into archives means investigate them deeply; tales from centuries past identifies their origin. The remaining pairs use unsuitable direction or source prepositions. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q62

Question: The architect designed the futuristic skyscraper to blend seamlessly the urban landscape, harmonizing the existing structures. A) with; through B) within; along C) amidst; towards D) into; against

Explained answer: No fully natural pair

Explanation / rule: The expected wording is blend seamlessly into/with the urban landscape, harmonizing with the existing structures. No option supplies with for the second blank. Do not silently replace the printed options with an invented correct pair. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q63

Question: The renowned philosopher delved deep the intricacies of human consciousness, shedding light the enigma of self-awareness. A) within; towards B) through; onto C) amidst; against D) onto; with

Explained answer: No fully standard pair; B is closest in its second blank

Explanation / rule: The natural expression is delved deep into ... shedding light on/onto .... None supplies into. Through can suggest searching through material but delved deep through is awkward; the source does not provide a secure unique answer. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q64

Question: She embarked a quest to decipher the cryptic symbols etched the ancient artifact, unraveling its hidden secrets. A) upon; beneath B) towards; amidst C) onto; through D) about; within

Explained answer: A — only natural first blank; second depends on meaning

Explanation / rule: Embark upon a quest is idiomatic. Symbols etched beneath an artifact could mean on its underside; if the intended meaning is on its surface, on would be more natural but is not offered. Keep this contextual limitation visible. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q65

Question: The architect's vision seamlessly integrated the futuristic skyscraper the existing cityscape, harmonizing its historical architecture. A) with; into B) amidst; towards C) within; alongside D) under; throughout

Explained answer: No fully natural pair; C is arguable spatially

Explanation / rule: The usual wording is integrated the skyscraper into/with the cityscape, harmonizing with its historical architecture. None gives that pair. Within/alongside can describe spatial coexistence, but it is not a fixed collocation to memorize. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q66

Question: The negotiations were conducted utmost confidentiality, shrouding the details the prying eyes of the media. A) amidst; in B) with; from C) beneath; towards D) beyond; about

Explained answer: B) with; from

Explanation / rule: With utmost confidentiality describes manner; shrouding details from prying eyes means hiding them from observation. The other options do not express the intended manner and separation. Source: 2024 PDF, page 5.

2024 · Q67

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Amidst the cacophony of the bustling metropolis, there exists an oasis of tranquility where the weary souls find respite. B) Amidst the cacophonies of the bustling metropolis, there exists an oasis of tranquility where the weary soul finds respite. C) Amidst the cacophony of the bustling metropolis, there exists an oasis of tranquilities where the weary souls find respite. D) Amidst the cacophony of the bustling metropolises, there exists an oasis of tranquility where the weary soul finds respite.

Explained answer: A — natural wording; B/D also possible in context

Explanation / rule: Singular oasis agrees with exists and plural souls with find. B's cacophonies and D's metropolises are legitimate plurals, so they can also be grammatical with suitable meanings. C's tranquilities is unusual for the intended mass sense. The item is not uniquely settled by agreement. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q68

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Irrespective of the diverse opinions, the committee has convened to discuss the pressing issues. B) Irrespective of the diverse opinion, the committee has convened to discuss the pressing issues. C) Irrespective the diverse opinions, the committee has convened to discuss the pressing issues. D) Irrespective of the diverse opinions, the committee have convened to discuss the pressing issues.

Explained answer: A — standard intended answer; D acceptable in British usage

Explanation / rule: Irrespective of requires of. C omits it; diverse opinions is more natural than diverse opinion for multiple views. Committee has treats the body as one unit, while British English also allows committee have for its members. Do not call D universally wrong. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q69

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Within the convoluted corridors of bureaucracy, myriad regulations often impede progress. B) Within the convoluted corridor of bureaucracies, myriad regulation often impedes progress. C) Within the convoluted corridors of bureaucracies, myriads regulation often impedes progress. D) Within the convoluted corridor of bureaucracy, myriads regulations often impedes progress.

Explained answer: A) Within the convoluted corridors of bureaucracy, myriad regulations often impede progress.

Explanation / rule: Myriad as an adjective is followed by plural regulations, which takes impede. Alternatively use myriads of regulations. B uses singular regulation after myriad; C/D use myriads without of and create number problems. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q70

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Despite her exhaustion, the dedicated scientist continued to meticulously analyze the intricate data sets. B) Despite her exhaustion, the dedicated scientists continued to meticulously analyze the intricate data set. C) Despite her exhaustion, the dedicated scientist continued to meticulously analyze the intricacies data sets. D) Despite her exhaustion, the dedicated scientists continued to meticulously analyze the intricacies data set.

Explained answer: A — clearest consistent reference

Explanation / rule: Her exhaustion naturally refers to the singular scientist; intricate is the adjective modifying data sets. C/D incorrectly use the noun intricacies as that modifier. B could be grammatical if her refers to a separately mentioned woman, but lacks that context. Splitting to meticulously analyze is not inherently wrong. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q71

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) The enigmatic nature of dark matter continues to baffle cosmologists, as its properties remain elusive. B) The enigmatic natures of dark matters continue to baffle cosmologists, as their properties remains elusive. C) The enigmatic natures of dark matter continue to baffle cosmologists, as their properties remains elusive. D) The enigmatic nature of dark matters continue to baffle cosmologists, as its properties remains elusive.

Explained answer: A) The enigmatic nature of dark matter continues to baffle cosmologists, as its properties remain elusive.

Explanation / rule: Singular nature takes continues; plural properties takes remain. Dark matter is normally a mass noun in this sense. B/C have properties remains; D has nature continue and properties remains. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q72

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Amidst the relentless march of technology, ethical dilemmas arising from artificial intelligence and automation demand thoughtful consideration. B) Amidst the relentless marches of technologies, ethical dilemmas arising from artificial intelligences and automations demand thoughtful considerations. C) Amidst the relentless march of technologies, ethical dilemmas arising from artificial intelligences and automations demand thoughtful considerations. D) Amidst the relentless marches of technology, ethical dilemmas arising from artificial intelligence and automation demands thoughtful consideration.

Explained answer: A) Amidst the relentless march of technology, ethical dilemmas arising from artificial intelligence and automation demand thoughtful consideration.

Explanation / rule: Plural dilemmas takes demand. Technology, artificial intelligence and automation are used naturally as general mass concepts. D wrongly uses demands; B/C pluralize several concepts awkwardly but may be interpretable in specialized contexts. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q73

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) The intricate interplay of genetics and epigenetics, along with the influence of environmental factors, shape an individual's health outcomes. B) The intricacies interplays of genetics and epigenetics, along with the influences of environmental factors, shapes an individual's health outcome. C) The intricacies interplays of genetics and epigenetic, along with the influence of environmental factors, shapes an individual's health outcomes. D) The intricate interplays of genetics and epigenetic, along with the influences of environmental factors, shape an individual's health outcome.

Explained answer: No fully correct option as printed

Explanation / rule: A is the intended construction but singular interplay needs shapes, unaffected by along with. Correct: The intricate interplay of genetics and epigenetics, along with the influence of environmental factors, shapes an individual's health outcomes. B/C misuse intricacies interplays and have agreement errors; D uses epigenetic where the discipline epigenetics is needed. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q74

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Regardless of the myriad challenges, the dedicated team is determined to pursue their ambitious goals. B) Regardless of the myriad challenge, the dedicated team are determined to pursue their ambitious goals. C) Regardless of the myriads challenges, the dedicated team is determined to pursue their ambitious goals. D) Regardless of the myriads challenges, the dedicated team are determined to pursue their ambitious goals.

Explained answer: A) Regardless of the myriad challenges, the dedicated team is determined to pursue their ambitious goals.

Explanation / rule: Use myriad challenges, not myriad challenge or myriads challenges. A treats team as one unit with is; their can refer to its members. A fully consistent unit reading could use its ambitious goals. B/C/D have the stated myriad construction errors. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q75

Question: Identify the sentence with a grammatical error. A) The physicist, along with her team, are conducting groundbreaking research. B) Despite the challenging conditions, he persevered in his quest for knowledge. C) The book, which has been read by millions, remains a classic. D) Their commitment to excellence is evident in all that they do.

Explained answer: A) The physicist, along with her team, are conducting groundbreaking research.

Explanation / rule: Physicist is singular; along with her team does not change that. Correct: The physicist, along with her team, is conducting groundbreaking research. B/C/D are grammatical. Urdu: اصل فاعل physicist ہے، team نہیں۔ Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q76

Question: Identify the sentence with a grammatical error. A) The phenomenon of quantum entanglement bewilders even seasoned physicists. B) Neither the professor nor her students have received their assignments yet. C) The committee, consisting of experts in their respective fields, were divided. D) The team's performance has been consistently excellent.

Explained answer: No universal error; C is the likely prescriptive target

Explanation / rule: A agrees phenomenon/bewilders, B follows nearer students/have, and D agrees performance/has. British English permits committee were divided when referring to members. A singular-unit style would prefer committee was divided; the source's dialect assumption is unstated. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q77

Question: Choose the sentence with a semantic error. A) The herculean effort required to complete the task was undeniable. B) The cacophonous symphony of the city streets was oddly soothing. C) The scientist's groundbreaking discovery left the world in a state of awe. D) Her altruistic disposition was as clear as a cloudy day.

Explained answer: D — intended literal reading

Explanation / rule: Clear as a cloudy day is a conflicting comparison if meant literally. It can work as irony, so context matters. B's oddly soothing noisy symphony is a deliberate paradox rather than necessarily an error; A/C are ordinary metaphors. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q78

Question: Identify the sentence with correct punctuation usage. A) My favorite hobbies include reading knitting and cooking. B) It's raining outside, however, I brought my umbrella. C) The concert was amazing - I've never heard such talented musicians. D) The professor's lecture was long; therefore it was informative.

Explained answer: C) The concert was amazing - I've never heard such talented musicians.

Explanation / rule: The dash introduces an explanatory comment. A needs list commas; B needs a semicolon/full stop before however. D normally adds a comma after therefore and makes a weak logical inference from long to informative. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q79

Question: Identify the sentence with correct punctuation usage. A) My hobbies include: reading, knitting, and cooking. B) She was tired, nevertheless, she decided to finish the project. C) The conference has been postponed, thus we have more time to prepare. D) He enjoys playing the guitar; he finds it relaxing.

Explained answer: D) He enjoys playing the guitar; he finds it relaxing.

Explanation / rule: A semicolon correctly joins two related independent clauses. A separates include from its objects; B/C join clauses with commas plus conjunctive adverbs, causing comma splices. Corrections: tired; nevertheless, ... and postponed; thus, ... . Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

2024 · Q80

Question: Identify the sentence with the correct use of the colon. A) I have three goals for the year, lose weight, save money and travel more. B) The ingredients for the cake are: flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. C) She had one question: when is the deadline? D) He enjoys various outdoor activities: such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Explained answer: C) She had one question: when is the deadline?

Explanation / rule: She had one question is a complete clause introducing the question with a colon. A needs a colon after year; B separates are from its complement; D unnecessarily inserts a colon before such as. Source: 2024 PDF, page 6.

Reading passage — Plato’s cave

Plato, the famous Greek philosopher, taught that the things of the world around us are merely copies or ‘shadows’ of greater, eternal realities. He used a metaphor of people living inside a cave to convey his ideas.

The people inside the cave could not see the world outside the cave, they could only see shadows of people and animals as they passed by. Plato was suggesting that the shadows would seem very real and alive to the people inside the cave, because that was all they had ever seen of the outside world. But these shadows were not the real, living creatures of the outside world, they were merely reflections of them. Plato's point was that this temporal world is a of some greater, eternal reality.

Passage note: The text is reproduced for answering its questions; its factual or scientific claims are not separately verified here.

2024 · Q81

Question: The word that would most accurately fit the blank at the end of the second paragraph is: A) Shadow B) Picture C) Contradiction D) Reversal

Explained answer: A) Shadow

Explanation / rule: The whole analogy describes worldly things as shadows of a greater reality, so shadow completes the comparison. Picture is less exact; contradiction and reversal conflict with the explanation. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q82

Question: The underlined word “convey”, as used in this passage, most accurately means: A) Give birth to B) Rationalize C) Experiment D) Explain

Explained answer: D) Explain

Explanation / rule: Convey ideas means communicate or explain them (سمجھانا). Giving birth, rationalizing and experimenting do not fit this use. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q83

Question: What is the main idea of Plato's cave analogy? A) This world is not all there is. B) Mankind cannot hope to see the truth. C) Humans are stupid. D) Real things cast shadows.

Explained answer: A) This world is not all there is.

Explanation / rule: The analogy argues that our visible world is not the whole of reality. B/C are excessive negative claims about humans; D is literally true but misses the philosophical point. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q84

Question: Which of the following would be the best title for this passage? A) Life in a Cave B) Making Shadow Puppets C) Perception and Reality D) Is Their Life After Death

Explained answer: C) Perception and Reality

Explanation / rule: Perception and Reality captures the contrast between what people perceive and what truly exists. The cave is only the vehicle for the metaphor; puppets and afterlife do not summarize the passage's main argument. The source prints Their in option D. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q85

Question: The underlined word “temporal”, as used in the passage, most nearly means: A) Imaginary B) Hypothetical C) Old-fashioned D) Temporary

Explained answer: D) Temporary

Explanation / rule: Temporal here contrasts with eternal and means temporary or belonging to the time-bound world (عارضی). Imaginary, hypothetical and old-fashioned do not express this opposition. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

Reading passage — Dilly’s Deli

Yesterday, I was exposed to what has been called "a dining experience like no other." At lunchtime, Dilly's Deli is so crowded, I wondered when the fire marshal had last visited the establishment. The line snaked out of the door to the corner, and by the time I reached the counter, I was freezing. I decided on the hamburger steak special; the other specials being liver and onions or tuna casserole. Each special is offered with two side dishes, but there was no potato salad left and the green beans were cooked nearly beyond recognition. I chose the gelatin of the day and what turned out to be the blandest coleslaw I have ever eaten. At Dilly's, you sit at one of four long tables. The couple sitting across from me was having an argument. The truck driver next to me told me more than I wanted to know about highway taxes. After I had tasted all of the food on my plate, I rose to leave, whereupon one of the people working behind the counter yelled at me to clean up after myself. Throwing away that plate of food was the most enjoyable part of dining at Dilly's.

Passage note: The text is reproduced for answering its questions; its factual or scientific claims are not separately verified here.

2024 · Q86

Question: If you go to lunch at Dilly's Deli, you could expect to see: A) Couples dining together B) The fire marshal C) A long line of customers D) Homemade pie

Explained answer: C) A long line of customers

Explanation / rule: The passage explicitly describes a line extending out of the door to the corner. A couple is present too, but C is the strongest general expectation. The fire marshal is imagined and pie is not mentioned. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q87

Question: The passage suggests that if you eat lunch at Dilly's Deli, you should expect to: A) To be called out by the restaurant's staff B) Place your order with the waiter who comes to your table C) Dress warmly D) Carry your own food to your table

Explained answer: D) Carry your own food to your table

Explanation / rule: Ordering at a counter and then sitting at shared tables imply self-service, hence carrying your food. A describes one incident, not a guaranteed rule; B contradicts counter service; warm clothing is a practical inference from waiting but not the principal service arrangement. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q88

Question: Which of the following illustrates the restaurant critic's opinion of the food at Dilly's Deli? A) "At Dilly's, you sit at one of four long tables." B) “At lunchtime, Dilly's Deli is so crowded, I wondered when the fire marshal had last visited the establishment.” C) "After I had tasted all of the food on my plate, I rose to leave, whereupon one of the people working behind the counter yelled at me." D) "Throwing away that plate of food was the most enjoyable part of dining at Dilly's."

Explained answer: D) "Throwing away that plate of food was the most enjoyable part of dining at Dilly's."

Explanation / rule: Calling disposal the most enjoyable part directly expresses the critic's negative judgment of the food through sarcasm. A describes seating; B crowding; C an interaction with staff. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q89

Question: The main purpose of the restaurant review is to: A) Tell people about the presence of truck drivers at Dilly's Deli. B) Make fun of couples who argue in public. C) Recommend the hamburger steak special. D) Warn people that Dilly's Deli tends to be crowded.

Explained answer: D — closest listed answer, incomplete

Explanation / rule: The review warns about an unpleasant dining experience: crowds, poor food and service. D captures only the crowding but is the best offered option. A/B focus on minor incidents; C contradicts the strongly negative review. Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

2024 · Q90

Question: Role of the 'fire marshal' (underlined), as mentioned in the passage, appears to be: A) Checking the hygienic condition in the restaurant. B) Checking overcrowding at public places C) Ensuring disciplined conduct of restaurant's staff D) None of these

Explained answer: B) Checking overcrowding at public places

Explanation / rule: Mentioning a fire marshal immediately after describing crowds suggests occupancy and fire-safety limits. Hygiene and staff discipline are not the intended concern. Urdu: حد سے زیادہ ہجوم کی جانچ۔ Source: 2024 PDF, page 7.

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2025 — complete supplied English content

Coverage and source: 50 English-related items are included: Q40–49, Q59–94, an additional verb-modifier question misprinted as Q63 after Q69, and vocabulary crossover Q107/Q123/Q125. PDF pages 5, 7–12. Q50–58 are mathematics, so they are outside this English page. Printed numbering is retained, including the duplicate Q63. Bold-underlined publisher answers are separated from the explained answer where necessary. These are the supplied compilation’s contents, not a claim that every item is independently authenticated as an original FPSC question.

Source file: CSS-MPT-2025-Past-Paper-Solved-cssaspirants.pk-1.pdf

Reading this section: “Publisher marked” records the PDF, while “Explained answer” is the assessed solution. An ambiguous question stays ambiguous; no missing option or question has been invented.

2025 · Q40

Question: Choose the synonym of Scraggly. A) Gaunt B) Underweight C) Slender D) Spindly

Publisher marked: D) Spindly

Explained answer: D — publisher choice; A also overlaps

Explanation / rule: Scraggly means thin, sparse and untidy. Spindly means long and thin and is marked in this 2025 scan. Gaunt overlaps with thinness but does not capture untidy growth. Underweight and slender describe weight/build without necessarily implying irregularity. The earlier notes incorrectly recorded Gaunt for both years. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q41

Question: Choose the synonym of Catacomb. A) Oasis B) Haven C) Crypt D) Shrine

Publisher marked: C) Crypt

Explained answer: C) Crypt

Explanation / rule: A catacomb is an underground burial place (زیرزمین مقبرہ); crypt is the closest match. Oasis is a fertile place in a desert, haven a refuge, and shrine a sacred place not necessarily underground. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q42

Question: Choose the synonym of Sobriquet. A) Nickname B) Formal name C) Byname D) Pseudonym

Publisher marked: A) Nickname

Explained answer: A — C also synonymous

Explanation / rule: Sobriquet means nickname (عرفیت). Byname is also a synonym, so A is not uniquely correct. A formal name is different; a pseudonym is an assumed name, often used by a writer. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q43

Question: Choose the synonym of Metanoia. A) Repentance B) Conversion C) Prostrate D) Submission

Publisher marked: A) Repentance

Explained answer: A — closest in the religious sense

Explanation / rule: Metanoia means a profound change of mind or heart, especially repentance (توبہ / دل کی تبدیلی). Conversion overlaps in some contexts; prostrate is a different part of speech and submission is not necessarily inner change. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q44

Question: Choose the synonym of Verisimilitude. A) Realism B) Artifice C) Conceit D) Actuality

Publisher marked: A) Realism

Explained answer: A) Realism

Explanation / rule: Verisimilitude means the appearance of truth or realism (حقیقت نمائی). Actuality is reality itself, not its appearance. Artifice concerns constructed trickery; conceit is an idea or excessive pride. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q45

Question: Choose the antonym of Bastion. A) Defenseless B) Deformed C) Destroyed D) Demolished

Publisher marked: A) Defenseless

Explained answer: A — intended contrast, not a strict antonym

Explanation / rule: A bastion is a stronghold or source of defence; defenseless means lacking defence. The noun/adjective mismatch makes the item imprecise. Deformed, destroyed and demolished describe condition, not the opposite of a stronghold. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q46

Question: Choose the antonym of Egregious. A) Flagrant B) Inconspicuous C) Audacious D) Blunt

Publisher marked: B) Inconspicuous

Explained answer: B — publisher answer is a loose contrast

Explanation / rule: Egregious usually means extremely bad or shocking. Inconspicuous means not noticeable, contrasting only with the conspicuous aspect. Flagrant is close in meaning; audacious is bold and blunt is direct. No exact opposite of extremely bad is offered. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q47

Question: Choose the antonym of Melange. A) Harmonious B) Homogeneous C) Amorphous D) Anomalous

Publisher marked: B) Homogeneous

Explained answer: B — intended contrast

Explanation / rule: A mélange is a mixture; homogeneous means uniform throughout. This is a contrast between mixed variety and uniformity, although the noun/adjective forms differ. Harmonious means agreeable, amorphous means shapeless, and anomalous means unusual. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q48

Question: Choose the antonym of Solipsist. A) Self-Centered B) Self-Absorbed C) Selfless D) Self-Stylist

Publisher marked: C) Selfless

Explained answer: C — for the loose everyday meaning

Explanation / rule: A solipsist is philosophically concerned with the certainty of the self; loosely it means a self-centred person. Selfless contrasts with that loose sense. A/B are similar to self-centred, while D is not a standard opposite. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q49

Question: Choose the antonym of Lionize. A) Mistreat B) Vilify C) Lampoon D) Ridicule

Publisher marked: A) Mistreat

Explained answer: B — strongest dictionary contrast; publisher A

Explanation / rule: Lionize means celebrate or glorify; vilify means denigrate, making B the most direct opposite. Mistreat, marked in this 2025 scan, is a broader opposite treatment. Lampoon/ridicule also involve negative treatment but specifically mockery. Keep the publisher's A separate from the stronger lexical answer B. Source: 2025 PDF, page 5.

2025 · Q59

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) The new policy has been implemented, nor has it been communicated to the staff. B) The new policy has been implemented, but it has not been communicated to the staff. C) The new policy has been implemented, yet it has not been communicated to the staff. D) The new policy has been implemented, so it has not been communicated to the staff.

Publisher marked: B) The new policy has been implemented, but it has not been communicated to the staff.

Explained answer: B and C — both grammatical; publisher B

Explanation / rule: But and yet both introduce contrast between implementation and lack of communication. Nor in A normally follows a negative idea. So in D suggests an unexplained consequence and is less logical, but B is not uniquely grammatical because C is also correct. Source: 2025 PDF, page 7.

2025 · Q60

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Walking down the street, the trees seemed to sway in the wind. B) Walking down the street, I noticed the trees swaying in the wind. C) Walking down the street, the wind caused the trees to sway. D) Walking down the street, the swaying trees were noticed.

Publisher marked: B) Walking down the street, I noticed the trees swaying in the wind.

Explained answer: B) Walking down the street, I noticed the trees swaying in the wind.

Explanation / rule: The person walking must be the subject immediately after the introductory phrase: I noticed the trees. A/C make trees or wind the walker; D leaves the walker unidentified. This is a dangling-modifier question. Urdu: ابتدائی عمل کرنے والا شخص اگلے فقرے کا فاعل ہو۔ Source: 2025 PDF, page 7.

2025 · Q61

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) The company values innovation, teamwork, and to take risks. B) The company values innovation, teamwork, and taking risks. C) The company values innovation, teamwork, and risk-taking. D) The company values innovation, teamwork, and risks.

Publisher marked: B) The company values innovation, teamwork, and taking risks.

Explained answer: B — C and D also grammatical

Explanation / rule: B uses a gerund phrase as a noun-like list item. C uses the noun risk-taking; D uses risks, also a parallel noun though with a different meaning. A mixes to take risks with two nouns and is the intended weak option. The key does not establish a single grammatical answer. Source: 2025 PDF, page 7.

2025 · Q62

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) These are the best restaurants in town, but those are too expensive. B) This are the best restaurants in town, but those are too expensive. C) These is the best restaurant in town, but those are too expensive. D) This is the best restaurant in town, but those are too expensive.

Publisher marked: A) These are the best restaurants in town, but those are too expensive.

Explained answer: A — D also grammatical with different reference

Explanation / rule: These takes are and best restaurants is plural. B has This are; C has These is. D correctly uses This is the best restaurant and can then contrast it with other restaurants, so context is needed to exclude D. Source: 2025 PDF, page 7.

2025 · Q63

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) I wish I could find a way to make amends and secure a better afterlife. B) I hope that my life will become more exciting in the time I have left. C) I fear that my lack of excitement will lead to a dull eternity. D) I wonder if there's still time to make a positive impact and change my fate.

Publisher marked: D) I wonder if there's still time to make a positive impact and change my fate.

Explained answer: All four grammatical; publisher D

Explanation / rule: Wish I could, hope that, fear that and wonder if are all valid constructions. They express different thoughts rather than different grammatical correctness. The same option set is marked A in the 2026 PDF, further showing the unreliability of a unique key. Source: 2025 PDF, page 7.

2025 · Q64

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, as even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, authoritarianism is part of it. B) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, so is part of it. C) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, as democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, so authoritarianism part of it. D) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concert, as even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting by authoritarianism is part of it.

Publisher marked: A) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, as even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, authoritarianism is part of it.

Explained answer: No fully satisfactory option; publisher A

Explanation / rule: A joins the final independent clause authoritarianism is part of it with only a comma. B has a comma splice and an incomplete so is part of it; C lacks is after authoritarianism; D tangles two finite clauses and prints concert. Possible correction: Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern. Even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting; authoritarianism is part of it. This correction illustrates punctuation, not endorsement of the claim. Source: 2025 PDF, page 7.

2025 · Q65

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, so the struggle for equality is noteworthy quest of the human spirit. B) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance can be achieved by words alone, so the struggle for equality in w noteworthy quest of the human spirit. C) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, but the struggle for equality is a noteworthy quest of the human spirit. D) None of these

Publisher marked: C) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, but the struggle for equality is a noteworthy quest of the human spirit.

Explained answer: C) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, but the struggle for equality is a noteworthy quest of the human spirit.

Explanation / rule: C has a complete clause, a correctly introduced contrasting clause, and a noteworthy quest. A omits a before singular count noun quest; B contains the broken wording in w noteworthy quest. D is unnecessary because C is acceptable. Source: 2025 PDF, page 7.

2025 · Q66

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Over the crisis in Gaza, European conscience is divided between the idealist youth and moral suspicious political minds, thus, the separation of state and religion may still need review. B) Over the crisis in Gaza, European conscience is divided between the idealist youth and moral suspicious political minds, thus the separation of state and religion may still need review. C) Over the crisis in Gaza, European conscience is divided between the idealist youth and morally suspicious political minds, thus the separation of state and religion may still need to be reviewed. D) Over the crisis in Gaza, European conscience is divided between the idealist youth and morally suspicious political minds, thus the separation of state and religion may still need to review.

Publisher marked: C) Over the crisis in Gaza, European conscience is divided between the idealist youth and morally suspicious political minds, thus the separation of state and religion may still need to be reviewed.

Explained answer: C — publisher choice, still needs punctuation repair

Explanation / rule: Morally is an adverb modifying suspicious; moral in A/B is the wrong form. Need to be reviewed is the correct passive; D's need to review gives the wrong agent. C still joins independent clauses with comma + thus. Correct the boundary to political minds; thus, the separation ... may still need to be reviewed. Source: 2025 PDF, page 8.

2025 · Q67

Question: Choose the grammatically correct sentence. A) Ecological grief is a form of expression that shows the depth of ties between man and nature; one can imagine the horror of post-industrial nations' experience, but worse was the Global South that suffered say; Lahore is now a polluted urban den. B) Ecological grief is a form of expression that shows the depth of ties between man and nature, one can imagine the horror of post-industrial nations' experience, but worse was the Global South that suffered, say Lahore is now a polluted urban den. C) Ecological grief is a form of expression that shows the depth of ties between man and nature, one can imagine the horror of post-industrial nations' experience, but worse was the Global South that suffered say Lahore is now a polluted urban den. D) Ecological grief is a form of expression that shows the depth of ties between man and nature; one can imagine the horror of post-industrial nations' experience but worse was the Global South that suffered say Lahore is now a polluted urban den.

Publisher marked: D) Ecological grief is a form of expression that shows the depth of ties between man and nature; one can imagine the horror of post-industrial nations' experience but worse was the Global South that suffered say Lahore is now a polluted urban den.

Explained answer: No fully correct option; publisher D

Explanation / rule: B/C have a comma splice after nature. A misplaces a semicolon after say; D leaves the example introduced by say unpunctuated and its comparison awkward. Clear revision: Ecological grief expresses the depth of ties between people and nature. The Global South has suffered greatly; for example, Lahore is now a polluted urban area. This is an explanatory rewrite, not an original option. Source: 2025 PDF, page 8.

2025 · Q68

Question: Identify the sentence with a grammatical error: A) The new employee, along with the rest of the team, were responsible for the project's failure. B) Having studied English for five years, the grammar rules come naturally to me. C) The report, whose findings were groundbreaking, was published in a prestigious journal. D) By the time the manager arrived, the employees had been working on the project for three hours.

Publisher marked: A) The new employee, along with the rest of the team, were responsible for the project's failure.

Explained answer: A and B both contain errors; publisher A

Explanation / rule: A needs employee ... was: along with does not change the singular subject. B has a dangling modifier: grammar rules did not study English. Correct B: Having studied English for five years, I find that the grammar rules come naturally to me. C/D are grammatical. The 2026 practice version repairs B, so the two versions must not be merged blindly. Source: 2025 PDF, page 8.

2025 · Q69

Question: Choose the sentence with the incorrect use of the coordinate clause: A) She is a great singer, but she is also a great dancer. B) I went to the store and bought some milk. C) I love reading books, and I also love writing stories. D) He is a good teacher, but his classes are boring sometimes.

Publisher marked: B) I went to the store and bought some milk.

Explained answer: No grammatical error in the options; publisher B

Explanation / rule: B uses a compound predicate: I went ... and bought .... Repeating I is optional. A/C/D coordinate clauses acceptably; A's but may require a contrastive context. Calling B an incorrect coordinate clause confuses absence of a second stated subject with an error. Source: 2025 PDF, page 8.

2025 · Q63 (second occurrence, printed after Q69)

Question: Identify the sentence with the incorrect use of the verb modifier: A) She can barely speak French. B) He has almost finished his homework. C) They will have been married for ten years soon. D) The company has nearly doubled its profits last year.

Publisher marked: D) The company has nearly doubled its profits last year.

Explained answer: D) The company has nearly doubled its profits last year.

Explanation / rule: A completed time expression last year normally requires simple past, not present perfect. Correct: The company nearly doubled its profits last year. Barely in A and almost in B are placed correctly; C's future perfect duration is possible. The actual error is tense/time compatibility, not nearly itself. Source: 2025 PDF, page 8.

2025 · Q70

Question: Identify the sentence with the incorrect use of compound adjectives: A) I love reading well-written books. B) The teacher gave us a lot of hard to solve problems. C) The new employee was very full-of-energy. D) The hotel room was new and decorated.

Publisher marked: B) The teacher gave us a lot of hard to solve problems.

Explained answer: B — also a problem in C

Explanation / rule: Before problems, use hard-to-solve. The source's C has predicative full-of-energy, normally written full of energy without hyphens. A's well-written before books is correct; D is grammatical. Hence B is not the only typographical problem in this scan. Source: 2025 PDF, page 8.

2025 · Q71

Question: Identify the sentence with the incorrect use of conjunctive verbs: A) She studied hard for the exam, however, she still failed. B) I went to the store, bought milk, but forgot to buy eggs. C) I wanted to go to the beach, but my parents wouldn't let me. D) He is a great singer and he can also dance.

Publisher marked: B) I went to the store, bought milk, but forgot to buy eggs.

Explained answer: A — publisher B is doubtful

Explanation / rule: However is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction: use a semicolon or full stop before it. Correct: She studied hard for the exam; however, she still failed. B has a permissible series of predicates sharing I; its commas are stylistic, not the clearest grammatical error. C/D are grammatical. The term conjunctive verbs in the stem is itself misleading. Source: 2025 PDF, page 8.

2025 · Q72

Question: Identify the sentence with incorrect use of hyphen: A) The company's well-known CEO spoke at the conference. B) The self-portrait was painted by a famous-artist. C) The co-pilot navigated the plane through turbulent weather. D) The full-time employee received benefits.

Publisher marked: B) The self-portrait was painted by a famous-artist.

Explained answer: B) The self-portrait was painted by a famous-artist.

Explanation / rule: Famous directly modifies artist and needs no hyphen: a famous artist. The compound noun self-portrait retains its hyphen. Well-known before CEO, co-pilot and full-time before employee are acceptable. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q73

Question: Identify the sentence with incorrect use of conversational turn-turning and transition: A) I'm going to the store, but I need to get milk. B) I love reading books. Also I love watching movies. C) I'm tired, therefore I'm going to bed. D) I went to the party; however, I didn't have fun.

Publisher marked: B) I love reading books. Also I love watching movies.

Explained answer: C — clearest error; publisher B

Explanation / rule: Therefore requires a semicolon/full stop between the clauses: I'm tired; therefore, I'm going to bed. B is improved with Also, but the omitted comma is not necessarily a grammatical error. A has an awkward contrast; D correctly uses a semicolon with however. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q74

Question: Identify the sentence with right use of raising constructions: A) The report recommends adopting a new policy. B) The teacher believes exceeding the student's abilities. C) The data indicates to show a significant result. D) What seems the problem solves the manager.

Publisher marked: A) The report recommends adopting a new policy.

Explained answer: A — grammatical, but not a raising construction

Explanation / rule: Recommend takes an -ing complement, so adopting fits. B is incomplete, C uses indicates to show incorrectly, and D has broken syntax. A is not a technical example of raising. A real raising example is She seems to understand, corresponding to It seems that she understands. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q75

Question: Identify the sentence with a semantic error: A) The dog chased its tail with a spoon. B) The sun is shining in the sky. C) The author is writing the book. D) The rain is falling downwards.

Publisher marked: A) The dog chased its tail with a spoon.

Explained answer: A — intended ordinary-world answer

Explanation / rule: A dog chasing its tail with a spoon is semantically unusual because the instrument does not fit the ordinary action. The grammar itself is well formed; an imaginary story could make it meaningful. B/C/D are ordinary propositions, though D is redundant. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q76

Question: Identify the sentence with semantic error. A) The new policy has been implemented to increase the company's profits, but it has had a detrimental effect on the employees' morale, which has subsequently led to a decrease in productivity, thereby negating the initial purpose of the policy. B) The research paper argues that climate change is a myth perpetuated by scientists to secure funding for their research, but the data presented in the paper actually contradicts this claim and supports the reality of climate change. C) The company's mission statement emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, but its business practices reveal a disregard for environmental concerns. D) The politician's speech advocated for increased funding for education, but the proposed budget actually allocates fewer resources to schools.

Publisher marked: A) The new policy has been implemented to increase the company's profits, but it has had a detrimental effect on the employees' morale, which has subsequently led to a decrease in productivity, thereby negating the initial purpose of the policy.

Explained answer: No necessary semantic error; publisher A

Explanation / rule: A describes an unintended consequence: a profit-seeking policy reduced morale and productivity. That is logically possible, not self-contradictory. B describes evidence contradicting an author's claim; C/D describe hypocrisy or a mismatch between promises and actions, also possible. The question confuses inconsistent behaviour or failed plans with a sentence that cannot make sense. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q77

Question: The emperor advocated the expostulation calamities and reanimate officeholders to point out the officials' faults used for reference for the frequency of natural disasters Yuan Dynasty. A) on, in B) about, in C) at, at D) over, inside

Publisher marked: B) about, in

Explained answer: Publisher B; sentence defective

Explanation / rule: The scan marks about, in. The 2026 PDF instead marks on, in for essentially the same sentence. Expostulation is a strong objection; about is plausible for its topic. In the Yuan Dynasty needs the, and reanimate officeholders is unclear. Neither published key turns this into a clean model sentence. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q78

Question: The museum is situated both the square and the library. A) on, beneath B) on, under C) at, underneath D) around, above

Publisher marked: B) on, under

Explained answer: B — publisher choice; A also valid

Explanation / rule: Both under and beneath can express location below the library, and on the square describes location by/on a square. A and B therefore fit; C can be possible with a different spatial reading. Without a map or further context this is not a unique preposition answer. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q79

Question: The pusillanimous politician's lack of courage and conviction reeked opportunism and cowardice, causing his supporters lose faith in his ability to lead. A) off, of B) of, to C) in, in D) away, to

Publisher marked: B) of, to

Explained answer: B) of, to

Explanation / rule: Reek of means strongly suggest something unpleasant; cause someone to do something needs the infinitive marker to. Correct: reeked of opportunism ... causing his supporters to lose faith. To here is an infinitive marker, not a preposition. Pusillanimous = cowardly (بزدل). Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q80

Question: Emit smoke from seven orifices means: A) To be very happy B) To be extremely angry C) To be very sad D) None of these

Publisher marked: B) To be extremely angry

Explained answer: B) To be extremely angry

Explanation / rule: The translated idiom describes extreme anger (شدید غصہ). Happiness and sadness do not match. Picture anger so intense that smoke seems to come out. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q81

Question: To sell wolf tickets means: A) To be honest and authentic B) To talk tough but not back it up C) To be weak and timid D) To be intelligent and wise

Publisher marked: B) To talk tough but not back it up

Explained answer: B) To talk tough but not back it up

Explanation / rule: Sell wolf tickets means make tough threats or boasts without backing them with action (کھوکھلی دھمکیاں). The other choices describe honesty, weakness or intelligence. Source: 2025 PDF, page 9.

2025 · Q82

Question: The carrots are cooked means: A) The situation is under control B) The situation is hopeless C) The situation is changing D) The situation is improving

Publisher marked: B) The situation is hopeless

Explained answer: B) The situation is hopeless

Explanation / rule: The carrots are cooked means it is too late to change things; the situation is hopeless (اب کچھ نہیں ہو سکتا). Control, improvement and change do not express that finality. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

2025 · Q83

Question: Forty winks mean: A) A long, deep sleep B) A short nap or brief period of sleep C) A period of wakefulness D) A dream or vision

Publisher marked: B) A short nap or brief period of sleep

Explained answer: B) A short nap or brief period of sleep

Explanation / rule: Forty winks is a short sleep or nap (جھپکی), not a long sleep, wakefulness or a dream. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

2025 · Q84

Question: As clear as a dumpling broth means: A) Something that is very clear and easy to understand B) Something that is completely unclear or confusing C) Something that is moderately clear D) Something that is partially clear

Publisher marked: B) Something that is completely unclear or confusing

Explained answer: B) Something that is completely unclear or confusing

Explanation / rule: As clear as dumpling broth is used ironically: murky rather than transparent, hence confusing (غیر واضح). The literal clear readings are distractors. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

Reading passage — The studio

The studio was filled with the rich odor of roses, and when the light summer breeze stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open window the sweet murmur of the fountain, or the more subtle music of the bees as they moved from flower to flower. From the corner of the divan of Persian saddle-bags on which he was lying, smoking, as was his custom, innumerable cigarettes, Lord Henry Wotton could just catch the gleam of the honey-sweet and honey-colored blossoms of the laburnum, whose tremulous branches seemed hardly able to bear the burden of a beauty so flamelike as theirs; and now and then the fantastic shadows of birds in flight flitted across the long tussore-silk curtains that were stretched in front of the huge window, producing a kind of momentary Japanese effect, and making him think of those pallid, jade-faced painters of Tokyo who, through the medium of an art that is necessarily immobile, seek to convey the sense of swiftness and motion. The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a ...... organ.

Passage note: The text is reproduced for answering its questions; its factual or scientific claims are not separately verified here.

2025 · Q85

Question: The word that would most accurately fit the blank at the end of the passage is: A) Peeling B) Jarring C) Intimate D) Distant

Publisher marked: D) Distant

Explained answer: D) Distant

Explanation / rule: The distant city's dim roar is compared to a far-off organ's low continuous note. D fits the sense of remoteness; intimate is opposite and jarring changes the mood. Peeling is not pealing, the sound-related spelling. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

2025 · Q86

Question: What is the dominant sensory experience in the passage? A) Visual B) Auditory C) Olfactory D) Tactile

Publisher marked: B) Auditory

Explained answer: B — publisher interpretation; A also defensible

Explanation / rule: Murmur, music, bees, roar and organ emphasize hearing. The passage also devotes much space to blossoms, colours, shadows and curtains, so visual is a defensible reading of dominant. It is not exclusively auditory. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

2025 · Q87

Question: What is the effect of the "momentary Japanese effect" created by the shadows of birds in flight? A) It adds to the sense of stillness and calm B) It creates a sense of movement and energy C) It emphasizes the beauty of nature D) It highlights the artificiality of the scene

Publisher marked: B) It creates a sense of movement and energy

Explained answer: B) It creates a sense of movement and energy

Explanation / rule: The moving bird shadows convey swiftness and motion through an otherwise still scene, echoing the passage's explicit wording. Stillness alone misses the contrast; beauty and artificiality are less direct. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

2025 · Q88

Question: Which of the following would be the best title for this passage? A) The city's beauty and music B) The city's noise and chaos C) A sense of distance and removal D) The city's power and dominance

Publisher marked: C) A sense of distance and removal

Explained answer: C) A sense of distance and removal

Explanation / rule: The room is removed from the city, whose roar is dim and distant. C best captures that relationship among these limited titles. The other options give the city a dominance the passage does not support. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

2025 · Q89

Question: The underlined word, as used in this passage, most nearly means: A) Trembling B) Torpid C) Wavering D) Infirm

Publisher marked: C) Wavering

Explained answer: A — closest meaning; publisher C

Explanation / rule: The intended target appears to be tremulous (explicitly named in the matching 2026 item): trembling or quivering (لرزتا ہوا). Wavering overlaps and is the scan's answer, but trembling is more direct. Torpid means sluggish; infirm means weak. The 2026 version explicitly names tremulous and marks A. Source: 2025 PDF, page 10.

Reading passage — Dublin in Joyce’s youth

The Dublin of Joyce's youth was a city of paradoxes, where piety and profanity, nationalism and cosmopolitanism, went hand in hand. It was a city of narrow streets and narrow minds, where the Catholic Church held sway over the lives of its citizens, and where the British Crown exercised a distant but palpable authority. Yet it was also a city of wit and humor, of satire and irony, where the likes of Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw had honed their craft. Joyce's own family embodied these contradictions: his father, John Stanislaus Joyce, was a singer and a drinker, a devout Catholic and a fervent nationalist, who nonetheless harbored a deep love of Shakespeare and a disdain for the pretensions of the Irish middle class.

Passage note: The text is reproduced for answering its questions; its factual or scientific claims are not separately verified here.

2025 · Q90

Question: What is the author's tone towards Dublin in the passage? A) Appreciative B) Entirely nostalgic C) Ambivalent D) Indifferent

Publisher marked: D) Indifferent

Explained answer: C — publisher D is inconsistent with the passage

Explanation / rule: The passage gives both negative traits (narrow minds, restrictive authority) and positive traits (wit, humour, literary creativity). Ambivalent means mixed feelings (ملے جلے جذبات); indifferent means no concern. The adjacent nearly identical Q91 is itself marked Ambivalent. Source: 2025 PDF, page 11.

2025 · Q91

Question: What is the tone of the passage regarding Dublin in Joyce's youth? A) Completely nostalgic B) Optimistic and idealistic C) Ambivalent D) Hostile and critical

Publisher marked: C) Ambivalent

Explained answer: C) Ambivalent

Explanation / rule: The mixture of praise and criticism makes the tone ambivalent. Completely nostalgic, wholly optimistic and hostile/critical each give only one side of a deliberately mixed portrayal. Source: 2025 PDF, page 11.

2025 · Q92

Question: Which of the following best describes the city of Dublin in Joyce's youth, as depicted in the passage? A) A city dominated by progressive and liberal ideals B) A city of contradictions, blending opposing qualities C) A city focused solely on religion and tradition D) A city that had no influence from outside cultures

Publisher marked: B) A city of contradictions, blending opposing qualities

Explained answer: B) A city of contradictions, blending opposing qualities

Explanation / rule: Piety/profanity and nationalism/cosmopolitanism are explicitly paired as contradictions. A/C/D erase one side or contradict the acknowledged outside influence. Source: 2025 PDF, page 11.

2025 · Q93

Question: What does the passage suggest about Joyce's father, John Stanislaus Joyce? A) He was a purely devout Catholic and a supporter of the British Crown B) He was an advocate for the Irish middle class C) He embodied contradictions, combining diverse traits D) He had little interest in literature and culture

Publisher marked: C) He embodied contradictions, combining diverse traits

Explained answer: C) He embodied contradictions, combining diverse traits

Explanation / rule: Joyce's father combines religious devotion, drinking, nationalism and love of Shakespeare. A adds support for the British Crown, B reverses his disdain for middle-class pretensions, and D contradicts his literary interest. Source: 2025 PDF, page 11.

2025 · Q94

Question: Which of the following writers is mentioned in the passage as part of Dublin's cultural influence? A) James Joyce B) Oscar Wilde C) W.B. Yeats D) Samuel Beckett

Publisher marked: B) Oscar Wilde

Explained answer: B) Oscar Wilde

Explanation / rule: Oscar Wilde is explicitly named alongside George Bernard Shaw as part of Dublin's literary culture. Joyce is the subject of the passage; Yeats and Beckett are not mentioned. Source: 2025 PDF, page 11.

2025 · Q107

Question: What is the meaning of the word “Morbid”? A) Cheerful and lively B) Related to death or disease C) Full of energy and vitality D) Pure and innocent

Explained answer: B) Related to death or disease

Explanation / rule: Morbid means related to disease or death, or showing an unhealthy interest in them (مرض یا موت سے متعلق). Cheerfulness, energy and innocence do not define it. Source: 2025 PDF, page 12.

2025 · Q123

Question: What is a synonym of “Moiety”? A) Whole B) Portion C) Complete D) Entirety

Explained answer: B) Portion

Explanation / rule: Moiety means a half or one of two parts (نصف / حصہ); portion is the nearest offered synonym. Whole and entirety are contrasting ideas; complete is an adjective, not the matching noun. Source: 2025 PDF, page 12.

2025 · Q125

Question: Meaning of Zany? A) Intelligent B) Crazy or foolish C) Strong and powerful D) Peaceful and calm

Explained answer: B) Crazy or foolish

Explanation / rule: Zany means comically eccentric or silly (عجیب و غریب مگر مزاحیہ). Crazy or foolish is the closest offered sense. Intelligence, strength and calmness do not define the word. Source: 2025 PDF, page 12.

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2026 — complete supplied English content

Coverage and source: 50 supplied English items, Q41–90; PDF pages 8–12. The publisher explicitly says Q58–72 were prepared by cssaspirants.pk to replace unavailable original questions. Those 15 are individually labelled PUBLISHER PRACTICE, not original past-paper wording. The other 35 are described by the publisher as original; this attribution is not independent FPSC verification. Publisher answer markings are shown separately.

Source file: CSS-MPT-2026-Solved-Past-Paper-cssaspirants.pk_.pdf

Reading this section: “Publisher marked” records the PDF, while “Explained answer” is the assessed solution. An ambiguous question stays ambiguous; no missing option or question has been invented.

2026 · Q41

Question: Choose the synonym of Scraggly. A) Gaunt B) Underweight C) Slender D) Spindly

Publisher marked: A) Gaunt

Explained answer: A — publisher choice; D is also close

Explanation / rule: Scraggly means thin, sparse and untidy (دبلا پتلا / بکھرا ہوا). Gaunt captures thinness, while spindly also overlaps. Underweight is a weight measure and slender need not imply untidiness. Learn the full meaning rather than treating Gaunt as an exact equivalent in every context. Source: 2026 PDF, page 8.

2026 · Q42

Question: Choose the synonym of Catacomb. A) Oasis B) Haven C) Crypt D) Shrine

Publisher marked: C) Crypt

Explained answer: C) Crypt

Explanation / rule: A catacomb is an underground burial place (زیرزمین مقبرہ); crypt is the closest match. Oasis is a fertile place in a desert, haven a refuge, and shrine a sacred place not necessarily underground. Source: 2026 PDF, page 8.

2026 · Q43

Question: Choose the synonym of Sobriquet. A) Nickname B) Formal name C) Byname D) Pseudonym

Publisher marked: A) Nickname

Explained answer: A — C also synonymous

Explanation / rule: Sobriquet means nickname (عرفیت). Byname is also a synonym, so A is not uniquely correct. A formal name is different; a pseudonym is an assumed name, often used by a writer. Source: 2026 PDF, page 8.

2026 · Q44

Question: Choose the synonym of Metanoia. A) Repentance B) Conversion C) Prostrate D) Submission

Publisher marked: A) Repentance

Explained answer: A — closest in the religious sense

Explanation / rule: Metanoia means a profound change of mind or heart, especially repentance (توبہ / دل کی تبدیلی). Conversion overlaps in some contexts; prostrate is a different part of speech and submission is not necessarily inner change. Source: 2026 PDF, page 8.

2026 · Q45

Question: Choose the synonym of Verisimilitude. A) Realism B) Artifice C) Conceit D) Actuality

Publisher marked: A) Realism

Explained answer: A) Realism

Explanation / rule: Verisimilitude means the appearance of truth or realism (حقیقت نمائی). Actuality is reality itself, not its appearance. Artifice concerns constructed trickery; conceit is an idea or excessive pride. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q46

Question: Choose the antonym of Bastion. A) Defenseless B) Deformed C) Destroyed D) Demolished

Publisher marked: A) Defenseless

Explained answer: A — intended contrast, not a strict antonym

Explanation / rule: A bastion is a stronghold or source of defence; defenseless means lacking defence. The noun/adjective mismatch makes the item imprecise. Deformed, destroyed and demolished describe condition, not the opposite of a stronghold. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q47

Question: Choose the antonym of Egregious. A) Flagrant B) Inconspicuous C) Audacious D) Blunt

Publisher marked: B) Inconspicuous

Explained answer: B — publisher answer is a loose contrast

Explanation / rule: Egregious usually means extremely bad or shocking. Inconspicuous means not noticeable, contrasting only with the conspicuous aspect. Flagrant is close in meaning; audacious is bold and blunt is direct. No exact opposite of extremely bad is offered. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q48

Question: Choose the antonym of Melange. A) Harmonious B) Homogeneous C) Amorphous D) Anomalous

Publisher marked: B) Homogeneous

Explained answer: B — intended contrast

Explanation / rule: A mélange is a mixture; homogeneous means uniform throughout. This is a contrast between mixed variety and uniformity, although the noun/adjective forms differ. Harmonious means agreeable, amorphous means shapeless, and anomalous means unusual. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q49

Question: Choose the antonym of Solipsist. A) Self-Centered B) Self-Absorbed C) Selfless D) Self-Stylist

Publisher marked: C) Selfless

Explained answer: C — for the loose everyday meaning

Explanation / rule: A solipsist is philosophically concerned with the certainty of the self; loosely it means a self-centred person. Selfless contrasts with that loose sense. A/B are similar to self-centred, while D is not a standard opposite. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q50

Question: Choose the antonym of Lionize. A) Mistreat B) Vilify C) Lampoon D) Ridicule

Publisher marked: B) Vilify

Explained answer: B — strongest offered opposite

Explanation / rule: Lionize means celebrate or treat as a celebrity; vilify means speak abusively about someone (بدنام کرنا). Mistreat is a broader negative action; lampoon/ridicule mean mock. This PDF marks B, unlike the supplied 2025 PDF's A. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q51

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) The new policy has been implemented, nor has it been communicated to the staff. B) The new policy has been implemented, but it has not been communicated to the staff. C) The new policy has been implemented, yet it has not been communicated to the staff. D) The new policy has been implemented, so it has not been communicated to the staff.

Publisher marked: B) The new policy has been implemented, but it has not been communicated to the staff.

Explained answer: B and C — both grammatical; publisher B

Explanation / rule: But and yet both introduce contrast between implementation and lack of communication. Nor in A normally follows a negative idea. So in D suggests an unexplained consequence and is less logical, but B is not uniquely grammatical because C is also correct. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q52

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Walking down the street, the trees seemed to sway in the wind. B) Walking down the street, I noticed the trees swaying in the wind. C) Walking down the street, the wind caused the trees to sway. D) Walking down the street, the swaying trees were noticed.

Publisher marked: B) Walking down the street, I noticed the trees swaying in the wind.

Explained answer: B) Walking down the street, I noticed the trees swaying in the wind.

Explanation / rule: The person walking must be the subject immediately after the introductory phrase: I noticed the trees. A/C make trees or wind the walker; D leaves the walker unidentified. This is a dangling-modifier question. Urdu: ابتدائی عمل کرنے والا شخص اگلے فقرے کا فاعل ہو۔ Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q53

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) The company values innovation, teamwork, and to take risks. B) The company values innovation, teamwork, and taking risks. C) The company values innovation, teamwork, and risk-taking. D) The company values innovation, teamwork, and risks.

Publisher marked: B) The company values innovation, teamwork, and taking risks.

Explained answer: B — C and D also grammatical

Explanation / rule: B uses a gerund phrase as a noun-like list item. C uses the noun risk-taking; D uses risks, also a parallel noun though with a different meaning. A mixes to take risks with two nouns and is the intended weak option. The key does not establish a single grammatical answer. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q54

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) These are the best restaurants in town, but those are too expensive. B) This are the best restaurants in town, but those are too expensive. C) These is the best restaurant in town, but those are too expensive. D) This is the best restaurant in town, but those are too expensive.

Publisher marked: A) These are the best restaurants in town, but those are too expensive.

Explained answer: A — D also grammatical with different reference

Explanation / rule: These takes are and best restaurants is plural. B has This are; C has These is. D correctly uses This is the best restaurant and can then contrast it with other restaurants, so context is needed to exclude D. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q55

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) I wish I could find a way to make amends and secure a better afterlife. B) I hope that my life will become more exciting in the time I have left. C) I fear that my lack of excitement will lead to a dull eternity. D) I wonder if there's still time to make a positive impact and change my fate.

Publisher marked: A) I wish I could find a way to make amends and secure a better afterlife.

Explained answer: All four options are grammatical; publisher A

Explanation / rule: Each has a valid main verb and subordinate construction: wish I could, hope that, fear that, wonder if. They express different ideas about life and regret. No grammatical rule singles out A. The 2025 PDF marks D for the same set. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q56

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, as even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, authoritarianism is part of it. B) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, so is part of it. C) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, as democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, so authoritarianism part of it. D) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concert, as even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting by authoritarianism is part of it.

Publisher marked: A) Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern, as even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting, authoritarianism is part of it.

Explained answer: No fully satisfactory option; publisher A

Explanation / rule: A joins the final independent clause authoritarianism is part of it with only a comma. B has a comma splice and an incomplete so is part of it; C lacks is after authoritarianism; D tangles two finite clauses and prints concert. Possible correction: Simulation is Baudrillard's main concern. Even democracy needs exhibitionism and media twisting; authoritarianism is part of it. This correction illustrates punctuation, not endorsement of the claim. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q57

Question: Choose the sentence that is correct according to standard English usage. A) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, so the struggle for equality is noteworthy quest of the human spirit. B) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance can be achieved by words alone, so the struggle for equality in w noteworthy quest of the human spirit. C) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, but the struggle for equality is a noteworthy quest of the human spirit. D) None of these

Publisher marked: C) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, but the struggle for equality is a noteworthy quest of the human spirit.

Explained answer: C) Dalit literature upholds the idea that resistance cannot be achieved by words alone, but the struggle for equality is a noteworthy quest of the human spirit.

Explanation / rule: C has a complete clause, a correctly introduced contrasting clause, and a noteworthy quest. A omits a before singular count noun quest; B contains the broken wording in w noteworthy quest. D is unnecessary because C is acceptable. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q58 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with a grammatical error: A) The new employee, along with the rest of the team, were responsible for the project's failure. B) Having studied English for five years, I find the grammar rules come naturally to me. C) The report, whose findings were groundbreaking, was published in a prestigious journal. D) By the time the manager arrived, the employees had been working on the project for three hours.

Publisher marked: A) The new employee, along with the rest of the team, were responsible for the project's failure.

Explained answer: A) The new employee, along with the rest of the team, were responsible for the project's failure.

Explanation / rule: The head subject employee is singular; along with the rest of the team does not make it plural. Correct: The new employee, along with the rest of the team, was responsible for the project's failure. B correctly identifies I as the person who studied; C/D are grammatical. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q59 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Choose the sentence with the incorrect use of the coordinate clause: A) She is a great singer, but she is also a great dancer. B) I went to the store and bought some milk. C) I love reading books, and I also love writing stories. D) He is a good teacher, but his classes are boring sometimes.

Publisher marked: B) I went to the store and bought some milk.

Explained answer: No grammatical error in the options; publisher B

Explanation / rule: B uses a compound predicate: I went ... and bought .... Repeating I is optional. A/C/D coordinate clauses acceptably; A's but may require a contrastive context. Calling B an incorrect coordinate clause confuses absence of a second stated subject with an error. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q60 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with the incorrect use of the verb modifier: A) She can barely speak French. B) He has almost finished his homework. C) They will have been married for ten years soon. D) The company has nearly doubled its profits last year.

Publisher marked: D) The company has nearly doubled its profits last year.

Explained answer: D) The company has nearly doubled its profits last year.

Explanation / rule: A completed time expression last year normally requires simple past, not present perfect. Correct: The company nearly doubled its profits last year. Barely in A and almost in B are placed correctly; C's future perfect duration is possible. The actual error is tense/time compatibility, not nearly itself. Source: 2026 PDF, page 9.

2026 · Q61 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with the incorrect use of compound adjectives: A) I love reading well-written books. B) The teacher gave us a lot of hard to solve problems. C) The new employee was very full of energy. D) The hotel room was new and decorated.

Publisher marked: B) The teacher gave us a lot of hard to solve problems.

Explained answer: B) The teacher gave us a lot of hard to solve problems.

Explanation / rule: Before a noun, the multiword modifier takes hyphens: hard-to-solve problems. A correctly has well-written books; C is predicative full of energy and needs no hyphens; D is grammatically possible. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q62 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with the incorrect use of conjunctive verbs: A) She studied hard for the exam, however, she still failed. B) I went to the store, bought milk, but forgot to buy eggs. C) I wanted to go to the beach, but my parents wouldn't let me. D) He is a great singer and he can also dance.

Publisher marked: B) I went to the store, bought milk, but forgot to buy eggs.

Explained answer: A — publisher B is doubtful

Explanation / rule: However is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction: use a semicolon or full stop before it. Correct: She studied hard for the exam; however, she still failed. B has a permissible series of predicates sharing I; its commas are stylistic, not the clearest grammatical error. C/D are grammatical. The term conjunctive verbs in the stem is itself misleading. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q63 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with incorrect use of hyphen: A) The company's well-known CEO spoke at the conference. B) The self-portrait was painted by a famous-artist. C) The co-pilot navigated the plane through turbulent weather. D) The full-time employee received benefits.

Publisher marked: B) The self-portrait was painted by a famous-artist.

Explained answer: B) The self-portrait was painted by a famous-artist.

Explanation / rule: Famous directly modifies artist and needs no hyphen: a famous artist. The compound noun self-portrait retains its hyphen. Well-known before CEO, co-pilot and full-time before employee are acceptable. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q64 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with incorrect use of conversational turn-turning and transition: A) I'm going to the store, but I need to get milk. B) I love reading books. Also I love watching movies. C) I'm tired, therefore I'm going to bed. D) I went to the party; however, I didn't have fun.

Publisher marked: B) I love reading books. Also I love watching movies.

Explained answer: C — clearest punctuation error; publisher B

Explanation / rule: Therefore cannot join independent clauses with only a comma. Correct: I'm tired; therefore, I'm going to bed. B is improved by Also, I love watching movies, but an introductory comma is not always mandatory. A has an awkward contrast without context; D correctly punctuates however. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q65 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with right use of raising constructions: A) The report recommends adopting a new policy. B) The teacher believes exceeding the student's abilities. C) The data indicates to show a significant result. D) What seems the problem solves the manager.

Publisher marked: A) The report recommends adopting a new policy.

Explained answer: A — grammatical, but not a raising construction

Explanation / rule: Recommend takes an -ing complement, so adopting fits. B is incomplete, C uses indicates to show incorrectly, and D has broken syntax. A is not a technical example of raising. A real raising example is She seems to understand, corresponding to It seems that she understands. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q66 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with a semantic error: A) The dog chased its tail with a spoon. B) The sun is shining in the sky. C) The author is writing the book. D) The rain is falling downwards.

Publisher marked: A) The dog chased its tail with a spoon.

Explained answer: A — intended ordinary-world answer

Explanation / rule: A dog chasing its tail with a spoon is semantically unusual because the instrument does not fit the ordinary action. The grammar itself is well formed; an imaginary story could make it meaningful. B/C/D are ordinary propositions, though D is redundant. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q67 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with correct punctuation usage: A) My favorite hobbies include reading knitting and cooking. B) It's raining outside, however, I brought my umbrella. C) The concert was amazing - I've never heard such talented musicians. D) The professor's lecture was long; therefore it was informative.

Publisher marked: C) The concert was amazing - I've never heard such talented musicians.

Explained answer: C — preferred punctuation

Explanation / rule: The dash appropriately adds an explanatory comment. A lacks commas separating list items; B is a comma splice before however. D is normally written long; therefore, it was informative, although comma conventions vary and length does not logically guarantee informativeness. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q68 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with the correct use of the colon: A) I have three goals for the year, lose weight, save money and travel more. B) The ingredients for the cake are: flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. C) She had one question: when is the deadline? D) He enjoys various outdoor activities: such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Publisher marked: C) She had one question: when is the deadline?

Explained answer: C) She had one question: when is the deadline?

Explanation / rule: A complete clause introduces the question after a colon. A uses a comma where a colon would introduce the list; B separates are from its complement; D places a colon before such as unnecessarily. Correct: She had one question: when is the deadline? Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q69 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct: A) Neither of the boys have done his homework. B) Neither of the boys has done his homework. C) Neither of the boys have done their homeworks. D) Neither of the boy has done his homework.

Publisher marked: B) Neither of the boys has done his homework.

Explained answer: B) Neither of the boys has done his homework.

Explanation / rule: Neither of + plural noun conventionally takes singular has in formal exam grammar. A/C use have; C also has uncountable homeworks; D needs boys after of the. Correct: Neither of the boys has done his homework. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q70 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct: A) She has been living here since five years. B) She is living here for five years. C) She has been living here for five years. D) She lives here since five years.

Publisher marked: C) She has been living here for five years.

Explained answer: C) She has been living here for five years.

Explanation / rule: For introduces a duration: for five years. Since needs a starting point, such as since 2021. Present perfect continuous describes an activity continuing up to now; B's present continuous does not normally express the whole elapsed duration. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q71 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with a grammatical error: A) The physicist, along with her team, are conducting groundbreaking research. B) Despite the challenging conditions, he persevered in his quest for knowledge. C) The book, which has been read by millions, remains a classic. D) Their commitment to excellence is evident in all that they do.

Publisher marked: A) The physicist, along with her team, are conducting groundbreaking research.

Explained answer: A) The physicist, along with her team, are conducting groundbreaking research.

Explanation / rule: The head noun physicist is singular; along with her team is additional information. Correct: The physicist, along with her team, is conducting groundbreaking research. B/C/D have appropriate agreement. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q72 — PUBLISHER PRACTICE

Question: Identify the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement: A) The committee, consisting of experts in their respective fields, were divided. B) Neither the professor nor her students have received their assignments yet. C) The phenomenon of quantum entanglement bewilder even seasoned physicists. D) The team's performance have been consistently excellent.

Publisher marked: B) Neither the professor nor her students have received their assignments yet.

Explained answer: B — A also possible in British usage

Explanation / rule: With neither ... nor, agreement commonly follows the nearer subject: students have. C needs phenomenon bewilders; D needs performance has. British English allows committee were when the members are considered individually, especially were divided, so A is not universally wrong. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q73

Question: The emperor advocated the expostulation calamities and reanimate officeholders to point out the officials' faults used for reference for the frequency of natural disasters Yuan Dynasty. A) on, in B) about, in C) at, at D) over, inside

Publisher marked: A) on, in

Explained answer: Publisher A; wording defective and A/B both arguable

Explanation / rule: The supplied 2026 key marks on, in; the 2025 scan marks about, in. Expostulation means strong objection, usually against/with someone/about something. In the Yuan Dynasty needs the in normal prose, and reanimate officeholders does not fit the sentence clearly. Do not memorize one pair as a universal rule; the source sentence is faulty. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q74

Question: The museum is situated both the square and the library. A) on, beneath B) on, under C) at, underneath D) around, above

Publisher marked: B) on, under

Explained answer: B — publisher choice; A also valid

Explanation / rule: Both under and beneath can express location below the library, and on the square describes location by/on a square. A and B therefore fit; C can be possible with a different spatial reading. Without a map or further context this is not a unique preposition answer. Source: 2026 PDF, page 10.

2026 · Q75

Question: The pusillanimous politician's lack of courage and conviction reeked opportunism and cowardice, causing his supporters lose faith in his ability to lead. A) off, of B) of, to C) in, in D) away, to

Publisher marked: B) of, to

Explained answer: B) of, to

Explanation / rule: Reek of means strongly suggest something unpleasant; cause someone to do something needs the infinitive marker to. Correct: reeked of opportunism ... causing his supporters to lose faith. To here is an infinitive marker, not a preposition. Pusillanimous = cowardly (بزدل). Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q76

Question: Emit smoke from seven orifices means: A) To be very happy B) To be extremely angry C) To be very sad D) None of these

Publisher marked: B) To be extremely angry

Explained answer: B) To be extremely angry

Explanation / rule: The translated idiom describes extreme anger (شدید غصہ). Happiness and sadness do not match. Picture anger so intense that smoke seems to come out. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q77

Question: To sell wolf tickets means: A) To be honest and authentic B) To talk tough but not back it up C) To be weak and timid D) To be intelligent and wise

Publisher marked: B) To talk tough but not back it up

Explained answer: B) To talk tough but not back it up

Explanation / rule: Sell wolf tickets means make tough threats or boasts without backing them with action (کھوکھلی دھمکیاں). The other choices describe honesty, weakness or intelligence. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q78

Question: The carrots are cooked means: A) The situation is under control B) The situation is hopeless C) The situation is changing D) The situation is improving

Publisher marked: B) The situation is hopeless

Explained answer: B) The situation is hopeless

Explanation / rule: The carrots are cooked means it is too late to change things; the situation is hopeless (اب کچھ نہیں ہو سکتا). Control, improvement and change do not express that finality. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q79

Question: Forty winks mean: A) A long, deep sleep B) A short nap or brief period of sleep C) A period of wakefulness D) A dream or vision

Publisher marked: B) A short nap or brief period of sleep

Explained answer: B) A short nap or brief period of sleep

Explanation / rule: Forty winks is a short sleep or nap (جھپکی), not a long sleep, wakefulness or a dream. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q80

Question: As clear as a dumpling broth means: A) Something that is very clear and easy to understand B) Something that is completely unclear or confusing C) Something that is moderately clear D) Something that is partially clear

Publisher marked: B) Something that is completely unclear or confusing

Explained answer: B) Something that is completely unclear or confusing

Explanation / rule: As clear as dumpling broth is used ironically: murky rather than transparent, hence confusing (غیر واضح). The literal clear readings are distractors. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

Reading passage — The studio

The studio was filled with the rich odor of roses, and when the light summer breeze stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open window the sweet murmur of the fountain, or the more subtle music of the bees as they moved from flower to flower. From the corner of the divan of Persian saddle-bags on which he was lying, smoking, as was his custom, innumerable cigarettes, Lord Henry Wotton could just catch the gleam of the honey-sweet and honey-colored blossoms of the laburnum, whose tremulous branches seemed hardly able to bear the burden of a beauty so flamelike as theirs; and now and then the fantastic shadows of birds in flight flitted across the long tussore-silk curtains that were stretched in front of the huge window, producing a kind of momentary Japanese effect, and making him think of those pallid, jade-faced painters of Tokyo who, through the medium of an art that is necessarily immobile, seek to convey the sense of swiftness and motion. The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a ...... organ.

Passage note: The text is reproduced for answering its questions; its factual or scientific claims are not separately verified here.

2026 · Q81

Question: The word that would most accurately fit the blank at the end of the passage is: A) Peeling B) Jarring C) Intimate D) Distant

Publisher marked: D) Distant

Explained answer: D) Distant

Explanation / rule: The distant city's dim roar is compared to a far-off organ's low continuous note. D fits the sense of remoteness; intimate is opposite and jarring changes the mood. Peeling is not pealing, the sound-related spelling. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q82

Question: What is the dominant sensory experience in the passage? A) Visual B) Auditory C) Olfactory D) Tactile

Publisher marked: B) Auditory

Explained answer: B — publisher interpretation; A also defensible

Explanation / rule: Murmur, music, bees, roar and organ emphasize hearing. The passage also devotes much space to blossoms, colours, shadows and curtains, so visual is a defensible reading of dominant. It is not exclusively auditory. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q83

Question: What is the effect of the "momentary Japanese effect" created by the shadows of birds in flight? A) It adds to the sense of stillness and calm B) It creates a sense of movement and energy C) It emphasizes the beauty of nature D) It highlights the artificiality of the scene

Publisher marked: B) It creates a sense of movement and energy

Explained answer: B) It creates a sense of movement and energy

Explanation / rule: The moving bird shadows convey swiftness and motion through an otherwise still scene, echoing the passage's explicit wording. Stillness alone misses the contrast; beauty and artificiality are less direct. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q84

Question: Which of the following would be the best title for this passage? A) The city's beauty and music B) The city's noise and chaos C) A sense of distance and removal D) The city's power and dominance

Publisher marked: C) A sense of distance and removal

Explained answer: C) A sense of distance and removal

Explanation / rule: The room is removed from the city, whose roar is dim and distant. C best captures that relationship among these limited titles. The other options give the city a dominance the passage does not support. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

2026 · Q85

Question: The underlined word 'tremulous', as used in this passage, most nearly means: A) Trembling B) Torpid C) Wavering D) Infirm

Publisher marked: A) Trembling

Explained answer: A) Trembling

Explanation / rule: Tremulous means trembling (لرزتا ہوا); the branches seem to quiver under the blossoms. Wavering is related but less direct; torpid means sluggish and infirm means weak. Source: 2026 PDF, page 11.

Reading passage — Dilly’s Deli

Yesterday, I was exposed to what has been called "a dining experience like no other." At lunchtime, Dilly's Deli is so crowded, I wondered when the fire marshal had last visited the establishment. The line snaked out of the door to the corner, and by the time I reached the counter, I was freezing. I decided on the hamburger steak special; the other specials being liver and onions or tuna casserole. Each special is offered with two side dishes, but there was no potato salad left and the green beans were cooked nearly beyond recognition. I chose the gelatin of the day and what turned out to be the blandest coleslaw I have ever eaten. At Dilly's, you sit at one of four long tables. The couple sitting across from me was having an argument. The truck driver next to me told me more than I wanted to know about highway taxes. After I had tasted all of the food on my plate, I rose to leave, whereupon one of the people working behind the counter yelled at me to clean up after myself. Throwing away that plate of food was the most enjoyable part of dining at Dilly's.

Passage note: The text is reproduced for answering its questions; its factual or scientific claims are not separately verified here.

2026 · Q86

Question: If you go to lunch at Dilly's Deli, you could expect to see: A) Couples dining together B) The fire marshal C) A long line of customers D) Homemade pie

Publisher marked: C) A long line of customers

Explained answer: C) A long line of customers

Explanation / rule: The passage explicitly describes a line extending out of the door to the corner. A couple is present too, but C is the strongest general expectation. The fire marshal is imagined and pie is not mentioned. Source: 2026 PDF, page 12.

2026 · Q87

Question: The passage suggests that if you eat lunch at Dilly's Deli, you should expect to: A) To be called out by the restaurant's staff B) Place your order with the waiter who comes to your table C) Dress warmly D) Carry your own food to your table

Publisher marked: D) Carry your own food to your table

Explained answer: D) Carry your own food to your table

Explanation / rule: Ordering at a counter and then sitting at shared tables imply self-service, hence carrying your food. A describes one incident, not a guaranteed rule; B contradicts counter service; warm clothing is a practical inference from waiting but not the principal service arrangement. Source: 2026 PDF, page 12.

2026 · Q88

Question: Which of the following illustrates the restaurant critic's opinion of the food at Dilly's Deli? A) "At Dilly's, you sit at one of four long tables." B) "At lunchtime, Dilly's Deli is so crowded, I wondered when the fire marshal had last visited." C) "After I had tasted all of the food on my plate, I rose to leave, whereupon one of the people working behind the counter yelled at me." D) "Throwing away that plate of food was the most enjoyable part of dining at Dilly's."

Publisher marked: D) "Throwing away that plate of food was the most enjoyable part of dining at Dilly's."

Explained answer: D) "Throwing away that plate of food was the most enjoyable part of dining at Dilly's."

Explanation / rule: Calling disposal the most enjoyable part directly expresses the critic's negative judgment of the food through sarcasm. A describes seating; B crowding; C an interaction with staff. Source: 2026 PDF, page 12.

2026 · Q89

Question: The main purpose of the restaurant review is to: A) Tell people about the presence of truck drivers at Dilly's Deli. B) Make fun of couples who argue in public. C) Recommend the hamburger steak special. D) Warn people that Dilly's Deli tends to be crowded.

Publisher marked: D) Warn people that Dilly's Deli tends to be crowded.

Explained answer: D — closest listed answer, incomplete

Explanation / rule: The review warns about an unpleasant dining experience: crowds, poor food and service. D captures only the crowding but is the best offered option. A/B focus on minor incidents; C contradicts the strongly negative review. Source: 2026 PDF, page 12.

2026 · Q90

Question: Role of the 'fire marshal' (underlined), as mentioned in the passage, appears to be: A) Checking the hygienic condition in the restaurant. B) Checking overcrowding at public places C) Ensuring disciplined conduct of restaurant's staff D) None of these

Publisher marked: B) Checking overcrowding at public places

Explained answer: B) Checking overcrowding at public places

Explanation / rule: Mentioning a fire marshal immediately after describing crowds suggests occupancy and fire-safety limits. Hygiene and staff discipline are not the intended concern. Urdu: حد سے زیادہ ہجوم کی جانچ۔ Source: 2026 PDF, page 12.

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📖 Vocabulary Master Bank — one entry per word

How it comes in the paper: synonym = nearest meaning (ہم معنی); antonym = opposite (متضاد); fill-blank = choose the word that fits the sentence. The paper lines below now refer to the five supplied PDFs and the detailed year-by-year solutions. New example sentences are for learning, not quotations from papers.

1. Arable (adj)

Easy English: suitable for growing crops Urdu: قابلِ کاشت

Synonyms: cultivable, tillable Antonyms / contrast: barren, infertile

Easy sentence: The farmer grows wheat on arable land.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q41: explained answer C) Arable. See the full question in that year’s section.

2. Coerced (v)

Easy English: forced/compelled through pressure or threats Urdu: مجبور کیا گیا / زبردستی کروایا گیا

Synonyms: compelled, forced Antonyms / contrast: allowed to choose freely (opposite idea)

Easy sentence: He was coerced into signing the form.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q43: explained answer B) Coerced. See the full question in that year’s section.

3. Sedition (n)

Easy English: speech/conduct inciting rebellion against authority Urdu: بغاوت انگیزی

Synonyms: incitement to rebellion Antonyms / contrast: loyalty (contrasting idea)

Easy sentence: The speech was accused of encouraging sedition.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q44: explained answer C) Sedition. See the full question in that year’s section.

4. Coveted (adj)

Easy English: greatly desired/envied Urdu: پرکشش، جس کی خواہش کی جائے

Synonyms: desired, prized Antonyms / contrast: shunned, unwanted

Easy sentence: She won the coveted prize.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q45: explained answer C) Coveted. See the full question in that year’s section.

5. Sumptuous (adj)

Easy English: splendid, lavish, luxurious Urdu: پرتعیش / شاندار

Synonyms: luxurious, opulent Antonyms / contrast: austere, plain

Easy sentence: We enjoyed a sumptuous meal.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q81: explained answer D) Luxurious. See the full question in that year’s section.

6. Sacrosanct (adj)

Easy English: regarded as too important/sacred to interfere with Urdu: مقدس / جس کی حرمت پامال نہ کی جائے

Synonyms: sacred, inviolable Antonyms / contrast: profane; open to challenge (depending on context)

Easy sentence: They treat this rule as sacrosanct.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q82: explained answer D) Sacred. See the full question in that year’s section.

7. Churlish (adj)

Easy English: rude in a mean-spirited way Urdu: بدتمیز / بدمزاج

Synonyms: boorish, surly Antonyms / contrast: courteous, gracious

Easy sentence: His churlish reply hurt her.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q83: explained answer B) Boorish. See the full question in that year’s section.

8. Winnow (v)

Easy English: separate the useful from the useless; narrow down Urdu: چھاننا (اناج سے بھوسا الگ کرنا)

Synonyms: sift, sort, separate Antonyms / contrast: mix, combine, jumble

Easy sentence: We must winnow the list to five names.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q84: explained answer C) Weed. See the full question in that year’s section.

9. Mordant (adj)

Easy English: sharply sarcastic, bitingly critical Urdu: طنزیہ / کاٹ دار (تنقید میں)

Synonyms: caustic, biting, scathing Antonyms / contrast: mild, gentle, complimentary

Easy sentence: His mordant joke upset me.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q85: explained answer D) Caustic. See the full question in that year’s section.

10. Sartorial (adj)

Easy English: relating to tailoring/style of dress Urdu: سلائی یا لباس سے متعلق

Synonyms: relating to clothing or tailoring Antonyms / contrast: No exact general antonym; shabby contrasts with stylish, not with sartorial itself

Easy sentence: His sartorial taste is simple.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q86: explained answer No exact antonym; C is the likely intended choice. See the full question in that year’s section.

11. Sapient (adj)

Easy English: wise, showing good judgment Urdu: دانا / عقلمند

Synonyms: wise, sage, judicious Antonyms / contrast: foolish, simple, unwise

Easy sentence: The sapient teacher gave wise advice.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q87: explained answer C) Simple. See the full question in that year’s section.

12. Matutinal (adj)

Easy English: relating to/occurring in the morning Urdu: صبح سویرے کا

Synonyms: morning, early Antonyms / contrast: vespertine (evening); nocturnal (night, a contrast)

Easy sentence: My matutinal walk starts at sunrise.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q88: explained answer B — intended contrast, imprecise. See the full question in that year’s section.

13. Gumption (n)

Easy English: initiative, resourceful common sense Urdu: ہمت اور سوجھ بوجھ

Synonyms: initiative, spirit, drive Antonyms / contrast: apathy, lethargy, timidity

Easy sentence: She had the gumption to ask for help.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q89: explained answer B) Apathy. See the full question in that year’s section.

14. Obtuse (adj)

Easy English: slow to understand; (geometry) angle >90° Urdu: کند ذہن / سست فہم

Synonyms: dull, dense Antonyms / contrast: acute, sharp, perceptive

Easy sentence: He was too obtuse to understand the hint.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q90: explained answer B) Acute. See the full question in that year’s section.

15. Pejorative (adj)

Easy English: expressing contempt or disapproval Urdu: تحقیر آمیز / تذلیل آمیز

Synonyms: derogatory, disparaging Antonyms / contrast: complimentary, flattering

Easy sentence: That is a pejorative word.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q27: Publisher marked D) Depreciatory; explained answer D) Depreciatory. See the full question in that year’s section.

16. Blatant (adj)

Easy English: glaringly obvious, conspicuous Urdu: کھلم کھلا / صریح

Synonyms: obvious, flagrant Antonyms / contrast: subtle, concealed

Easy sentence: It was a blatant lie.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q28: Publisher marked A) Obvious; explained answer A) Obvious. See the full question in that year’s section.

17. Inundated (adj)

Easy English: overwhelmed, flooded (literal or figurative) Urdu: سیلاب زدہ / کثرت سے بھرا ہوا

Synonyms: flooded, overwhelmed Antonyms / contrast: drained (water context); receiving few calls (opposite idea)

Easy sentence: The office was inundated with calls.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q29: Publisher marked D) Flooded; explained answer D) Flooded. See the full question in that year’s section.

18. Obdurate (adj)

Easy English: stubbornly refusing to change one's mind Urdu: ضدی / اَڑیل

Synonyms: stubborn, unyielding Antonyms / contrast: malleable, compliant

Easy sentence: He remained obdurate and refused to change.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q26: Publisher marked B) Malleable; explained answer D — publisher B is incorrect for the printed stem. See the full question in that year’s section.

19. Ephemeral (adj)

Easy English: lasting a very short time Urdu: عارضی / ناپائیدار

Synonyms: fleeting, transient Antonyms / contrast: permanent, enduring

Easy sentence: The joy was ephemeral and soon faded.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q31: Publisher marked B) Permanent; explained answer B) Permanent. See the full question in that year’s section.

20. Flagrant (adj)

Easy English: conspicuously offensive, blatant Urdu: کھلی خلاف ورزی / نمایاں طور پر برا

Synonyms: glaring, blatant Antonyms / contrast: trifling, minor

Easy sentence: It was a flagrant violation of the rules.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q32: Publisher marked B) Trifling; explained answer B — nearest offered contrast. See the full question in that year’s section.

21. Quixotic (adj)

Easy English: unrealistically idealistic, impractical Urdu: غیر حقیقت پسندانہ / خیالی

Synonyms: idealistic, impractical Antonyms / contrast: practical, realistic

Easy sentence: His quixotic plan was impossible to carry out.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q33: Publisher marked D) Practical; explained answer D) Practical. See the full question in that year’s section.

22. Argus-eyed (idiom)

Easy English: extremely watchful, ever-vigilant Urdu: چوکس / ہمہ وقت نگران

Synonyms: watchful, vigilant Antonyms / contrast: inattentive, careless

Easy sentence: The Argus-eyed guard noticed everything.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q47: Publisher marked A) Watchful; explained answer A) Watchful. See the full question in that year’s section.

23. Dearth (n)

Easy English: a scarcity, a lack Urdu: کمی / قلت

Synonyms: scarcity, shortage Antonyms / contrast: abundance, surplus

Easy sentence: There is a dearth of clean water.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q49: Publisher marked A) Scarcity; explained answer A) Scarcity. See the full question in that year’s section.

24. Fastidious (adj)

Easy English: very attentive to detail, hard to please Urdu: نکتہ چیں / معیار کا سخت پابند

Synonyms: meticulous, particular Antonyms / contrast: careless, easygoing

Easy sentence: The fastidious guest found every small fault.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q50: Publisher marked A) A person hard to please; explained answer A) A person hard to please. See the full question in that year’s section.

25. Quandary (n)

Easy English: a state of perplexity, a difficult decision Urdu: مخمصہ / شش و پنج

Synonyms: predicament, dilemma Antonyms / contrast: certainty, clarity

Easy sentence: I am in a quandary about which job to take.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q41: explained answer A) Predicament. See the full question in that year’s section.

26. Obstreperous (adj)

Easy English: noisy and difficult to control Urdu: شور مچانے والا / سرکش

Synonyms: noisy, unruly Antonyms / contrast: quiet, docile

Easy sentence: The obstreperous children would not sit quietly.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q42: explained answer B) Noisy. See the full question in that year’s section.

27. Effervescent (adj)

Easy English: vivacious, enthusiastic (lit. bubbly) Urdu: پرجوش / زندہ دل

Synonyms: lively, vivacious Antonyms / contrast: dull, listless

Easy sentence: Her effervescent smile cheered us up.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q43: explained answer B) Lively. See the full question in that year’s section.

28. Penurious (adj)

Easy English: extremely poor, or excessively stingy Urdu: انتہائی غریب / کنجوس

Synonyms: impoverished, miserly Antonyms / contrast: affluent, generous

Easy sentence: The penurious family could barely buy food.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q44: explained answer B) Impoverished. See the full question in that year’s section.

29. Histrionic (adj)

Easy English: overly theatrical or dramatic Urdu: ڈرامائی / مصنوعی جذباتیت والا

Synonyms: theatrical, dramatic Antonyms / contrast: understated, restrained

Easy sentence: His histrionic reaction was far too dramatic.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q45: explained answer B) Dramatic. See the full question in that year’s section.

30. Quiescent (adj)

Easy English: in a state of rest, inactive Urdu: خاموش / غیر فعال

Synonyms: dormant, inactive Antonyms / contrast: active, agitated

Easy sentence: The volcano remained quiescent.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q46: explained answer B) Dormant. See the full question in that year’s section.

31. Turpitude (n)

Easy English: depravity, wickedness (esp. "moral turpitude") Urdu: اخلاقی پستی / بدکاری

Synonyms: depravity, wickedness Antonyms / contrast: virtue, integrity

Easy sentence: The crime revealed his moral turpitude.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q47: explained answer C) Virtue. See the full question in that year’s section.

32. Vituperate (v)

Easy English: to criticize harshly, berate Urdu: سخت سست کہنا

Synonyms: berate, censure Antonyms / contrast: praise, commend

Easy sentence: Do not vituperate people who disagree.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q48: explained answer A) Praise. See the full question in that year’s section.

33. Insouciant (adj)

Easy English: carefree, nonchalant Urdu: بے پروا / لاابالی

Synonyms: nonchalant, carefree Antonyms / contrast: anxious, worried

Easy sentence: He looked insouciant despite the problem.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q49: explained answer C) Anxious. See the full question in that year’s section.

34. Vitriolic (adj)

Easy English: filled with bitter criticism, venomous Urdu: زہرآلود / سخت تنقیدی

Synonyms: scathing, caustic Antonyms / contrast: kind, gentle, complimentary

Easy sentence: Her vitriolic remarks hurt everyone.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q50: explained answer D — corrects the earlier notes. See the full question in that year’s section.

35. Equanimity (n)

Easy English: mental calmness, composure under pressure Urdu: ذہنی سکون / تحمل

Synonyms: composure, calmness Antonyms / contrast: agitation, distress

Easy sentence: She faced the delay with equanimity.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q51: explained answer C) Agitation. See the full question in that year’s section.

36. Sibilant (adj)

Easy English: having or producing a hissing sound Urdu: سسکاری دار آواز والا

Synonyms: hissing Antonyms / contrast: non-sibilant (technical contrast); no usual everyday antonym

Easy sentence: The snake made a sibilant sound.

Paper / answer: 2024 Q52: explained answer No exact antonym; D is a possible sound-quality contrast. See the full question in that year’s section.

37. Scraggly (adj)

Easy English: thin, untidy, sparse growth Urdu: بکھرا ہوا / پراگندہ

Synonyms: unkempt, straggly Antonyms / contrast: neat, well-groomed

Easy sentence: He has a scraggly beard.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q40: Publisher marked D) Spindly; explained answer D — publisher choice; A also overlaps. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q41: Publisher marked A) Gaunt; explained answer A — publisher choice; D is also close. See the full question in that year’s section.

38. Catacomb (n)

Easy English: an underground cemetery or tunnel system Urdu: زیرِزمین قبرستان

Synonyms: crypt, vault Antonyms / contrast: No standard direct antonym

Easy sentence: They visited a catacomb beneath the city.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q41: Publisher marked C) Crypt; explained answer C) Crypt. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q42: Publisher marked C) Crypt; explained answer C) Crypt. See the full question in that year’s section.

39. Sobriquet (n)

Easy English: a nickname Urdu: عرفیت / لقب

Synonyms: nickname, epithet Antonyms / contrast: No standard direct antonym

Easy sentence: His sobriquet is Captain.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q42: Publisher marked A) Nickname; explained answer A — C also synonymous. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q43: Publisher marked A) Nickname; explained answer A — C also synonymous. See the full question in that year’s section.

40. Metanoia (n)

Easy English: a transformative change of heart, esp. repentance Urdu: توبہ / دل کی مکمل تبدیلی

Synonyms: repentance, conversion Antonyms / contrast: impenitence, obstinacy

Easy sentence: He described his change of heart as metanoia.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q43: Publisher marked A) Repentance; explained answer A — closest in the religious sense. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q44: Publisher marked A) Repentance; explained answer A — closest in the religious sense. See the full question in that year’s section.

41. Verisimilitude (n)

Easy English: the appearance of being true or real Urdu: حقیقت نمائی / سچائی کا تاثر

Synonyms: realism, plausibility Antonyms / contrast: implausibility, artificiality

Easy sentence: Real details gave the story verisimilitude.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q44: Publisher marked A) Realism; explained answer A) Realism. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q45: Publisher marked A) Realism; explained answer A) Realism. See the full question in that year’s section.

42. Bastion (n)

Easy English: a stronghold, an institution defending a principle Urdu: قلعہ / مضبوط گڑھ

Synonyms: stronghold, fortress Antonyms / contrast: weak point (contrasting idea; no exact general antonym)

Easy sentence: The fort was a bastion against attack.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q45: Publisher marked A) Defenseless; explained answer A — intended contrast, not a strict antonym. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q46: Publisher marked A) Defenseless; explained answer A — intended contrast, not a strict antonym. See the full question in that year’s section.

43. Egregious (adj)

Easy English: outstandingly bad, shocking Urdu: انتہائی برا / نمایاں طور پر قابلِ اعتراض

Synonyms: flagrant, blatant Antonyms / contrast: slight, minor (for an error); admirable (for conduct)

Easy sentence: The report contained an egregious error.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q46: Publisher marked B) Inconspicuous; explained answer B — publisher answer is a loose contrast. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q47: Publisher marked B) Inconspicuous; explained answer B — publisher answer is a loose contrast. See the full question in that year’s section.

44. Mélange (n)

Easy English: a mixture of things Urdu: ملغوبہ / آمیزہ

Synonyms: mixture, blend Antonyms / contrast: uniformity, homogeneity (contrasting ideas)

Easy sentence: The dish is a mélange of vegetables.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q47: Publisher marked B) Homogeneous; explained answer B — intended contrast. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q48: Publisher marked B) Homogeneous; explained answer B — intended contrast. See the full question in that year’s section.

45. Solipsist (n)

Easy English: a person who holds that only their own self can be known to exist; loosely, a very self-centred person Urdu: خود مرکزیت پرست / انا پرست

Synonyms: self-centred person (loose everyday sense) Antonyms / contrast: selfless person (everyday contrast, not a precise philosophical antonym)

Easy sentence: The solipsist questioned whether other minds exist.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q48: Publisher marked C) Selfless; explained answer C — for the loose everyday meaning. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q49: Publisher marked C) Selfless; explained answer C — for the loose everyday meaning. See the full question in that year’s section.

46. Lionize (v)

Easy English: to treat as a celebrity, greatly admire Urdu: بہت زیادہ سراہنا / ہیرو کی طرح پیش کرنا

Synonyms: idolize, glorify Antonyms / contrast: vilify, denigrate

Easy sentence: Fans lionize the winning player.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q49: Publisher marked A) Mistreat; explained answer B — strongest dictionary contrast; publisher A. See the full question in that year’s section. 2026 Q50: Publisher marked B) Vilify; explained answer B — strongest offered opposite. See the full question in that year’s section.

47. Vilify (v)

Easy English: to speak/write about abusively, defame Urdu: بدنام کرنا / رسوا کرنا

Synonyms: defame, denigrate Antonyms / contrast: praise, extol, lionize

Easy sentence: Do not vilify someone over a rumour.

Paper / answer: 2026 Q50 option B, the publisher’s antonym answer for Lionize; also option B in 2025 Q49, where the publisher instead marks Mistreat.

48. Morbid (adj)

Easy English: relating to death/disease, or unhealthy fascination with unpleasant things Urdu: خوفناک / ناخوشگوار چیزوں میں دلچسپی

Synonyms: gruesome, macabre Antonyms / contrast: cheerful, wholesome

Easy sentence: He has a morbid interest in death.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q107: explained answer B) Related to death or disease. See the full question in that year’s section.

49. Moiety (n)

Easy English: one of two roughly equal parts, a portion Urdu: حصہ / نصف حصہ

Synonyms: portion, share Antonyms / contrast: whole, entirety

Easy sentence: Each person received a moiety, or half, of the money.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q123: explained answer B) Portion. See the full question in that year’s section.

50. Zany (adj)

Easy English: amusingly unconventional, comically eccentric Urdu: عجیب و غریب مگر دلچسپ

Synonyms: wacky, madcap Antonyms / contrast: serious, sober

Easy sentence: His zany jokes made us laugh.

Paper / answer: 2025 Q125: explained answer B) Crazy or foolish. See the full question in that year’s section.

51. Taciturn (adj)

Easy English: reserved, habitually saying little Urdu: کم گو / خاموش طبع

Synonyms: reticent, reserved Antonyms / contrast: talkative, garrulous

Easy sentence: The taciturn boy rarely speaks.

Paper / answer: 2027 practice vocabulary — no past-paper appearance verified here.

52. Garrulous (adj)

Easy English: excessively talkative Urdu: بہت باتونی

Synonyms: talkative, chatty Antonyms / contrast: taciturn, reticent

Easy sentence: The garrulous guest talked all evening.

Paper / answer: 2027 practice vocabulary — no past-paper appearance verified here.

53. Insipid (adj)

Easy English: lacking flavor or interest, bland Urdu: بے ذائقہ / پھیکا

Synonyms: bland, dull Antonyms / contrast: flavorful, vibrant

Easy sentence: The soup was insipid.

Paper / answer: 2027 practice vocabulary — no past-paper appearance verified here.

54. Verbose (adj)

Easy English: using more words than needed Urdu: طویل الکلام / لفظوں کی بھرمار والا

Synonyms: wordy, long-winded Antonyms / contrast: succinct, terse

Easy sentence: His verbose answer used too many words.

Paper / answer: 2027 practice vocabulary — no past-paper appearance verified here.

55. Parsimonious (adj)

Easy English: unwilling to spend money or resources Urdu: بخیل / حد سے زیادہ کفایت شعار

Synonyms: miserly, frugal (excessive) Antonyms / contrast: generous, lavish

Easy sentence: The parsimonious man refused to spend money.

Paper / answer: 2027 practice vocabulary — no past-paper appearance verified here.

56. Phlegmatic (adj)

Easy English: calm, not easily excited or emotional Urdu: ٹھنڈے مزاج کا / بے تاثر

Synonyms: calm, unemotional Antonyms / contrast: excitable, volatile

Easy sentence: She stayed phlegmatic during the argument.

Paper / answer: 2027 practice vocabulary — no past-paper appearance verified here.

Dictionary checks for tricky entries: Sartorial, Sibilant, Matutinal, Crepuscular, Egregious, Solipsism. These support word meanings, not the claimed exam answers.

More vocabulary recovered from the supplied PDFs

57. Myths

Easy English: false or traditional stories, contrasted with facts here Urdu: افسانوی / بے بنیاد باتیں

Synonyms: falsehoods, fictions Antonyms / contrast: facts, truths

Easy sentence: Do not mistake myths for facts.

Paper / answer: 2022 Q42: explained answer C) Myths. See the full question in that year’s section.

58. Cajole

Easy English: persuade by flattery or gentle coaxing Urdu: خوشامد سے راضی کرنا

Synonyms: coax, wheedle Antonyms / contrast: dissuade (reverse aim); badger (contrasting method)

Easy sentence: She tried to cajole him into helping.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q30: Publisher marked D) Dissuade; explained answer D — intended; C is a contrasting method. See the full question in that year’s section.

59. Intertwined

Easy English: closely connected or twisted together Urdu: باہم جڑا ہوا

Synonyms: interlinked, interwoven Antonyms / contrast: separate, disconnected

Easy sentence: Their lives are intertwined.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q35: Publisher marked A) Intertwined; explained answer A — publisher choice; alternatives overlap. See the full question in that year’s section.

60. Departure

Easy English: leaving or moving away from a place or standard Urdu: روانگی / انحراف

Synonyms: leaving, deviation Antonyms / contrast: arrival; adherence (to a standard)

Easy sentence: This is a departure from our usual method.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q36: Publisher marked D) Departure; explained answer D) Departure. See the full question in that year’s section.

61. Specious

Easy English: seemingly convincing but misleading Urdu: بظاہر درست مگر گمراہ کن

Synonyms: plausible but false, fallacious Antonyms / contrast: sound, valid

Easy sentence: His specious argument fooled us.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q37: Publisher marked B) Specious; explained answer B) Specious. See the full question in that year’s section.

62. Perplexed

Easy English: confused and unsure what to think Urdu: حیران / الجھن میں

Synonyms: puzzled, bewildered Antonyms / contrast: clear-headed, certain

Easy sentence: The puzzle left me perplexed.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q38: Publisher marked D) Perplexed; explained answer D) Perplexed. See the full question in that year’s section.

63. Nominal

Easy English: very small in amount, especially a fee Urdu: معمولی / نام کی حد تک

Synonyms: small, token Antonyms / contrast: substantial, exorbitant

Easy sentence: The library charges a nominal fee.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q39: Publisher marked A) Nominal; explained answer A) Nominal. See the full question in that year’s section.

64. Usury

Easy English: lending money at excessively high interest Urdu: سود خوری / حد سے زیادہ سود لینا

Synonyms: excessive-interest lending Antonyms / contrast: no exact single-word antonym; interest-free lending is a contrast

Easy sentence: The lender was accused of usury.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q40: Publisher marked B) Usury; explained answer B) Usury. See the full question in that year’s section.

65. Consummate

Easy English: perfect or extremely accomplished Urdu: کامل / نہایت ماہر

Synonyms: accomplished, masterful Antonyms / contrast: inept, unskilled

Easy sentence: She is a consummate professional.

Paper / answer: 2023 Q48: Publisher marked D) None of these; explained answer D) None of these. See the full question in that year’s section.

Note: Consummate is a teaching word for the definition. It is not one of the printed options; Q48’s answer is None of these.

66. Tremulous

Easy English: trembling or quivering Urdu: لرزتا ہوا

Synonyms: trembling, quivering Antonyms / contrast: steady, firm

Easy sentence: He spoke in a tremulous voice.

Paper / answer: 2026 Q85: Publisher marked A) Trembling; explained answer A) Trembling. See the full question in that year’s section.

Also: 2025 Q89 marks Wavering, while the 2026 version marks Trembling. Both are discussed in the year sections.

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🧠 Grammar & logic — fast rules (memorize these, not just examples)

• "along with / as well as / together with" never make the subject plural: verb agrees with the main subject only
• "Neither/Either + of + plural noun" takes a singular verb: "Neither of the boys has arrived"
• Use “were” for formal unreal hypotheticals; use the base verb in mandative subjunctives: "If I were you..." / "They insist that he be present."
• Parallel structure: keep the same grammatical form throughout a list: all gerunds OR all nouns — never mixed
• Many compound modifiers are hyphenated before a noun; dictionary compounds and -ly adverbs need separate treatment: "well-known CEO" ✅ / "the CEO is well known" (no hyphen)
• In ordinary sentences, introduce a list with a colon after a complete clause: never directly after a linking verb like "are"
• Raising: a subject belongs in meaning to a later predicate: "She seems to understand" = "It seems that she understands." “Recommend adopting” is a verb-complement pattern, not an example of raising.

Reading comprehension — recurring question types & how to answer them

• "Main purpose/idea of the passage" → choose the option that captures the whole passage accurately; reject unsupported generalizations and minor details
• "What does the author suggest/imply" → infer from tone + word choice, not a literal restatement of a sentence
• "Which line best illustrates X (criticism/attitude/opinion)" → the correct quote usually carries a judgment word or irony (e.g. "the most enjoyable part of dining was throwing away the food" = sarcasm signaling a negative review)
• "Role of [underlined term]" → read it in context, not by dictionary meaning (e.g. "fire marshal" in Dilly's Deli implies overcrowding, not literal fire safety)
• Tone questions — the four commonly confused options:
  • Ambivalent = mixed/contradictory feelings (both positive and negative at once)
  • Nostalgic = wistful longing for the past
  • Indifferent = no strong feeling either way
  • Critical = clearly negative/faultfinding

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🔤 Prepositions — learn in context

The year-by-year notes retain all recorded multi-blank answer pairs. Some depend on the missing full sentence; do not treat “on / under” or similar pairs as rules that fit every sentence.

• short of money; accused of theft; insensible to beauty; jeer at someone.
• write with a pen (instrument); write in red ink (medium).
• married to a doctor; different from the original (a safe formal choice; other constructions also occur).
• conduce to success; in lieu of payment = instead of payment (ادائیگی کے بدلے).

Easy practice: He was accused of theft. — اس پر چوری کا الزام لگایا گیا۔

🗣️ Idiom Bank — separate entries

Paper format: choose the meaning of the expression. The English meaning below is the recorded answer idea; exact four-option questions were not preserved. Synonyms and opposites are equivalent or contrasting ideas, not necessarily single-word replacements. Argus-eyed, Dearth and Fastidious are already in the Vocabulary Master Bank.

Chip on one's shoulder

Paper / answer: 2024 — meaning: holding a grudge; easily offended. Urdu: دل میں رنجش رکھنا

Similar meaning: resentful Opposite idea: easygoing

Easy sentence: He has a chip on his shoulder about losing.

Cast in someone's teeth

Paper / answer: 2024; earlier wording: Cast in the teeth — meaning: reproach someone by reminding them of a fault. Urdu: کسی کو اس کی غلطی کا طعنہ دینا

Similar meaning: reproach, taunt Opposite idea: praise, forgive

Easy sentence: She cast his past mistakes in his teeth.

Pass the buck

Paper / answer: 2024 — meaning: shift responsibility to someone else. Urdu: ذمہ داری دوسرے پر ڈالنا

Similar meaning: shift blame Opposite idea: accept responsibility

Easy sentence: Do not pass the buck; accept your mistake.

Ride roughshod over

Paper / answer: 2024 — meaning: ignore other people's rights or wishes. Urdu: دوسروں کے حقوق یا مرضی کو روندنا

Similar meaning: disregard, bully Opposite idea: respect, consider

Easy sentence: The boss rode roughshod over our concerns.

Read the riot act

Paper / answer: 2024 — meaning: give a very stern warning. Urdu: سخت تنبیہ کرنا

Similar meaning: reprimand, warn Opposite idea: praise, reassure

Easy sentence: The teacher read the riot act to the class.

Put a spoke in someone's wheel

Paper / answer: 2024 — meaning: deliberately obstruct a plan. Urdu: کسی کے کام میں رکاوٹ ڈالنا

Similar meaning: obstruct, hinder Opposite idea: help, support

Easy sentence: The delay put a spoke in our wheel.

Have a bone to pick

Paper / answer: 2024; earlier wording: Bone to pick — meaning: have a complaint to discuss. Urdu: کسی سے شکایت ہونا

Similar meaning: have a grievance Opposite idea: have no complaint

Easy sentence: I have a bone to pick with you about the noise.

Emit smoke from seven orifices

Paper / answer: 2025 & 2026 — meaning: be extremely angry; a translated expression. Urdu: شدید غصے میں ہونا

Similar meaning: be furious Opposite idea: remain calm

Easy sentence: The story described him as emitting smoke from seven orifices.

Sell wolf tickets

Paper / answer: 2025 & 2026 — meaning: make boastful threats without following through. Urdu: کھوکھلی دھمکیاں دینا

Similar meaning: bluff, threaten Opposite idea: back up one's words with action

Easy sentence: He sells wolf tickets but never acts.

The carrots are cooked

Paper / answer: 2025 & 2026 — meaning: the situation is hopeless; a translated expression. Urdu: اب کچھ نہیں ہو سکتا

Similar meaning: all is lost Opposite idea: there is still hope

Easy sentence: With no time left, the carrots were cooked.

Forty winks

Paper / answer: 2025 & 2026 — meaning: a short sleep. Urdu: مختصر نیند / جھپکی

Similar meaning: nap, snooze Opposite idea: stay awake

Easy sentence: I took forty winks after lunch.

As clear as dumpling broth

Paper / answer: 2025 & 2026 — meaning: unclear or confusing, used ironically. Urdu: بالکل غیر واضح / الجھا ہوا

Similar meaning: as clear as mud Opposite idea: crystal clear

Easy sentence: His explanation was as clear as dumpling broth.

Spill the beans

Paper / answer: 2027 practice — meaning: reveal a secret. Urdu: راز کھول دینا

Similar meaning: let the secret out Opposite idea: keep a secret

Easy sentence: Do not spill the beans about the party.

Once in a blue moon

Paper / answer: 2027 practice — meaning: very rarely. Urdu: کبھی کبھار / بہت کم

Similar meaning: hardly ever Opposite idea: frequently

Easy sentence: He visits once in a blue moon.

Break the ice

Paper / answer: 2027 practice — meaning: make people feel comfortable at first. Urdu: ابتدائی جھجک دور کرنا

Similar meaning: ease tension Opposite idea: create tension

Easy sentence: Her joke helped break the ice.

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🎯 2027 practice — new questions, not past-paper claims

These are learning exercises. Topic overlap in the earlier notes does not establish that any word or passage will appear in 2027.

Practice MCQs for self-testing:

1. Choose the word nearest in meaning to TACITURN:

   A) Talkative B) Reserved/uncommunicative C) Cheerful D) Arrogant

   Taciturn = habitually silent or reluctant to speak. Urdu: کم گو / خاموش طبع.

2. Choose the word most nearly opposite to GARRULOUS:

   A) Chatty B) Reticent C) Friendly D) Loud

   Garrulous = excessively talkative; the opposite is someone reserved/reticent. Urdu: بہت باتونی.

3. Fill in the blank: "He was accused negligence but insensible the criticism."

   A) of / to B) for / of C) with / for D) at / with

   Fixed collocations: "accused of," "insensible to."

4. Choose the grammatically correct sentence:

   A) "Neither of the students have submitted their assignment."

   B) "Neither of the students has submitted their assignment."

   C) "Neither of the students submit their assignment."

   D) "Neither of the students submitting their assignment."

   "Neither...of + plural noun" still takes a singular verb.

5. Identify the idiom meaning "to reveal a secret unintentionally":

   A) Break the ice B) Spill the beans C) Bone to pick D) Forty winks

6. Choose the nearest synonym of INSIPID:

   A) Flavorful B) Bland, lacking character C) Spicy D) Exciting

   Urdu: بے ذائقہ / پھیکا.

7. Which sentence contains a semantic (logical, not grammatical) error?

   A) "The committee approved the budget unanimously."

   B) "The silent alarm rang loudly throughout the building."

   C) "She finished the report before the deadline."

   D) "They discussed the plan over dinner."

   A "silent" alarm cannot logically "ring loudly" — grammatically fine, but semantically contradictory.

8. Choose the correct preposition: "She is married ___ a doctor."

   A) with B) to C) from D) by

   Answer: B — married to. This replaces the former ambiguous museum example, which allowed several spatial descriptions.

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✅ Simple revision routine

1. Study 10 word entries at a time. Read the English and Urdu meanings aloud.
2. Hide the synonym and antonym lines. Say one of each, then check.
3. Hide the paper-answer line. Check whether the question asks for a synonym, antonym or meaning before answering.
4. Make your own short sentence. Revise tomorrow, after 3 days and after 7 days.
5. Keep doubtful recorded answers marked until you can compare the original question and key.