The English section in the NDA and CDS exams plays a pivotal role in determining a candidate’s proficiency in the language. Among the various topics covered, Antonyms and Synonyms are of particular importance. These topics are not only a measure of a candidate’s vocabulary but also their ability to understand and use words in different contexts.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
Q) Aziz has never been an outgoing type.
(a)a courageous
(b)a frank
(c)an outspoken
(d)a sociable
Ans. (b)
Q) Provoked by the unfair remark, the young man hit his companion.
(a)Angered
(b)Furious
(c)Irked
(d)Excited
Ans. (c)
Q) It was proved that dates grow well in arid climate.
(a)Dull
(b)Dry
(c)Sandy
(d)temperate
Ans. (b)
Q) At one time, only industrious people were supposed to be rewarded.
(a)Diligent
(b)Intelligent
(c)Commercial
(d)energetic
Ans. (a)
Q) It is estimated that it would take three months to complete the project.
(a)Decided
(b)Calculated
(c)Confirmed
(d)examined
Ans. (b)
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
Q) As an officer, he was callous to his subordinate staff.
(a)Courteous
(b)Attentive
(c)Considerate
(d)benevolent
Ans. (c)
Q) Uncle Tom is indeed a garrulous person.
(a)Lazy
(b)Lonely
(c)Reserved
(d)calm
Ans. (c)
Q) He gave us measly birthday presents.
(a)Expensive
(b)Lovely
(c)Useful
(d)attractive
Ans. (a)
Q) His evasive replies intrigued the investigating officer.
(a)Frank
(b)Respectful
(c)Astonishing
(d)confused
Ans. (a)
Q) Dwindling of resources was noticed at a later stage.
(a)Increase
(b)Paucity
(c)Availability
(d)Meagerness
Ans. (a)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS 2 2024 Exam English Live – Revision – Class 2
Why Antonyms & Synonyms Matter
- Vocabulary Enhancement: Antonyms and Synonyms require a deep understanding of words and their meanings. A strong vocabulary is essential for comprehending complex texts, writing essays, and engaging in conversations effectively. By mastering these topics, candidates can significantly improve their language skills, which is crucial for both personal and professional development.
- Exam Relevance: Questions related to Antonyms and Synonyms are a regular feature in the NDA and CDS exams. These questions test a candidate’s ability to recognize words with similar or opposite meanings, which is a fundamental skill in language comprehension. The ability to quickly and accurately identify these words can make a significant difference in a candidate’s overall score.
- Contextual Understanding: The knowledge of Antonyms and Synonyms also helps in understanding the context of passages in reading comprehension sections. Being able to discern the meaning of unfamiliar words through their synonyms or antonyms can help candidates answer questions more accurately and efficiently.
- Word Usage: Understanding synonyms and antonyms is not just about knowing words; it’s about knowing how to use them correctly. This skill is crucial in all aspects of communication, whether it’s writing a coherent essay or responding to a question in an interview.
How to Prepare
- Regular Practice: Consistent practice of Antonyms and Synonyms is essential. Engaging in exercises that involve matching words with their meanings, or identifying opposite meanings, helps in solidifying this knowledge.
- Use of Flashcards: Flashcards are a great tool for memorizing synonyms and antonyms. They allow for repetitive learning and can be a quick reference tool during revisions.
- Reading: Extensive reading helps in naturally building a robust vocabulary. By exposing oneself to a variety of texts, candidates can encounter new words and their usage in different contexts, making it easier to learn synonyms and antonyms.
- Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Solving previous years’ papers and taking mock tests can give candidates a clear idea of the types of questions asked in the exams. It also helps in time management, ensuring that candidates can solve these questions swiftly during the actual exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the topics of Antonyms and Synonyms are indispensable in the English section of the NDA and CDS 2 2024 exams. A strong command over these topics not only enhances vocabulary but also improves overall language proficiency, which is crucial for success in these competitive exams. By dedicating time to understand and practice these topics, candidates can significantly boost their chances of achieving a high score in the English section.
