The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) exams are highly competitive tests designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills across various subjects, including English. One of the key topics in the English section of these exams is the Matching List topic, which often includes questions related to foreign words that have been borrowed into English from other languages. Understanding the significance of this topic and mastering the required knowledge can be crucial for candidates aiming to score well in the NDA & CDS 2 2024 exams.
What is the Matching List Topic?
The Matching List topic typically involves questions where candidates are required to match words or phrases from one column with their meanings, origins, or equivalent expressions in another column. In the context of foreign words borrowed into English, this could mean matching the borrowed word with its correct meaning or matching words to their language of origin.
Directions: In the following items, two lists are given with the keywords mentioned. You are required to match List-I with List-II and mark your response on the Answer Sheet using the code given below the Lists.
Q)
List-I (Loan word) List-II (Meaning)
A. Ad hoc 1. impromptu
B. Ad hominem 2. radically new
C. Avant garde 3. personal considerations
D. Bona fide 4. not copied
Code:
(a) A B C D
1 2 3 4
(b) A B C D
4 3 2 1
(c) A B C D
1 3 2 4
(d) A B C D
1 4 2 3
Ans. (c)
Q)
List-I (Loan word) List-II (Meaning)
A. Bon voyage 1. a warning against certain acts
B. Caveat 2. the principle that the buyer takes on the risk of a purchase
C. Caveat emptor 3. with academic distinction
D. Cum laude 4. expression of goodwill at the start of a trip
Code:
(a) A B C D
4 1 2 3
(b) A B C D
4 3 2 1
(c) A B C D
1 3 2 4
(d) A B C D
1 4 2 3
Ans. (a)
Q)
List-I (Loan word) List-II (Meaning)
A. De facto 1. all together
B. Deja vu 2. existing with or without lawful authority
C. Deus ex machina 3. an agent who appears unexpectedly to solve a difficulty
D. En masse 4. experience of thinking a new situation already occurred
Code:
(a) A B C D
4 1 2 3
(b) A B C D
4 3 2 1
(c) A B C D
1 3 2 4
(d) A B C D
2 4 3 1
Ans. (d)
Q)
List-I (Loan word) List-II (Meaning)
A. Mea culpa 1. an acknowledgment of guilt
B. Per se 2. with respect to inherent nature
C. Pro bono 3. done for the public good without compensation
D. Quid pro quo 4. something given in exchange for something else
Code:
(a) A B C D
4 1 2 3
(b) A B C D
1 2 3 4
(c) A B C D
1 3 2 4
(d) A B C D
2 4 3 1
Ans. (b)
Q)
List-I (Loan word) List-II (Meaning)
A. status quo 1. using exactly the same words
B. tete-a-tete 2. with the order reversed
C. verbatim 3. the existing state of affairs
D. vice versa 4. a private conversation between two people
Code:
(a) A B C D
4 1 2 3
(b) A B C D
3 4 1 2
(c) A B C D
1 3 2 4
(d) A B C D
2 4 3 1
Ans. (b)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS 2 2024 Exam English Live – Matching List – Class 1
Importance of Matching List Topic in NDA & CDS Exams
1. Enhances Vocabulary
- The Matching List topic tests a candidate’s vocabulary by requiring them to recognize and understand a range of words, including those borrowed from other languages. This not only improves their word knowledge but also prepares them for other vocabulary-related questions in the exam.
2. Improves Cultural and Linguistic Awareness
- Understanding the origins of borrowed words gives candidates insight into the cultural and linguistic influences on the English language. This awareness can be helpful not only in the exams but also in enhancing overall communication skills.
3. Supports Comprehension and Interpretation Skills
- Knowing the meaning of borrowed words is essential for correctly interpreting reading passages, understanding nuanced meanings, and answering comprehension questions accurately.
4. Aids in Other Sections of the Exam
- Mastery of vocabulary through the Matching List topic can also help candidates in other sections of the English paper, such as sentence completion, error detection, and cloze tests, where a strong vocabulary is crucial.
5. Reinforces Grammar and Usage
- By learning the correct meanings and origins of borrowed words, candidates also reinforce their understanding of how these words fit into English grammar and usage, which is vital for constructing accurate sentences.
Skills Needed for the Matching List Topic
- Extensive Vocabulary:
- A broad vocabulary that includes borrowed words from various languages is essential. Candidates should be familiar with the meanings and correct usage of these words.
- Language Origin Awareness:
- Understanding which languages have contributed words to English and knowing the meanings of these words can help in correctly matching them in the list.
- Analytical Skills:
- The ability to analyze words and their meanings quickly and accurately is necessary to excel in the Matching List topic.
- Memory Retention:
- Good memory retention skills are important, as candidates need to remember a wide range of words and their meanings to match them correctly.
How to Prepare for the Matching List Topic
- Study Word Lists:
- Compile lists of commonly borrowed words, their meanings, and their languages of origin. Flashcards can be an effective tool for memorization.
- Practice with Mock Tests:
- Regular practice with mock tests and previous exam papers will help candidates become familiar with the format of Matching List questions and improve their accuracy and speed.
- Read Widely:
- Reading books, articles, and other materials that include borrowed words can help candidates become more familiar with their usage and context.
- Learn the Origins of Words:
- Understanding the history and origin of borrowed words can make it easier to remember their meanings and how to use them correctly.
- Use Mnemonic Devices:
- Mnemonics can help in memorizing the meanings and origins of complex words, making it easier to recall them during the exam.
Conclusion
The Matching List topic in the NDA & CDS 2 2024 exams is a significant part of the English section that tests a candidate’s vocabulary, particularly in relation to foreign words borrowed into English. Success in this area requires a solid understanding of these words, their meanings, and their origins. By focusing on expanding vocabulary, practicing regularly, and understanding the cultural and linguistic contexts of borrowed words, candidates can improve their performance not only in the Matching List topic but also in the overall English section of the exam. Mastering this topic is an essential step towards achieving a high score and advancing in the competitive field of the Indian Armed Forces.
