Success in competitive exams like NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) hinges not only on knowledge but also on clarity, accuracy, and speed—especially in the English section, which carries significant weight in both papers. Among various vocabulary topics, Commonly Used Words remains a vital area that consistently appears in past year papers and continues to challenge aspirants.
In the Commonly Used Words Live MCQ Class 2, we focused on sharpening this very skill, where candidates tackled multiple-choice questions that tested their understanding of word meanings and contextual vocabulary usage.
Directions: In this section, an underlined word has been used variously in three sentences S1, S2 and S3. You are required to determine in how many sentences has the word been used correctly, and mark your answer from the options (a), (b) or (c) given below.
Q) S1: She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city—excited but also anxious.
S2: His ambivalent attitude won him praise from both political factions.
S3: They were ambivalent to the loud music, dancing joyfully without concern.
(a)1 
(b)2 
(c)3 
(d)None
Ans. (a)
Q) S1: The government decided to sanction the controversial project.
S2: His misconduct led to serious sanctions by the board.
S3: They sanctioned their vacation plans by disregarding office protocols.
(a)1
(b)2
(c)3
(d)None
Ans. (b)
Q) S1: The critic tempered his praise with cautious remarks.
S2: His temper of steel made him immune to criticism.
S3: The furnace was used to temper the glass.
(a)1
(b)2
(c)3
(d)None
Ans. (c)
Q) S1: His guilt was manifest in his nervous behavior.
S2: The ship’s manifest listed all passengers.
S3: She tried to manifest a new reality through visual thinking.
(a)1
(b)2
(c)3
(d)None
Ans. (c)
Q) S1: The article intimates that corruption is widespread.
S2: They were intimate friends since childhood.
S3: The speaker intimated his departure with a blunt announcement.
(a)1
(b)2
(c)3
(d)None
Ans. (c)
For more questions, check out NDA & CDS 2 2025 Exam English Live – Commonly Used Words – MCQ Class 2
Why Are They Crucial for NDA & CDS 2 2025 English Section?
- Direct Applicability in Exam Questions
UPSC frames vocabulary MCQs that go beyond textbook memorization. These questions are designed to evaluate if a candidate understands how a word behaves in real sentence structures, as seen in Class 2. - Foundation for Other Question Types
Topics like Cloze Test, Sentence Completion, and Comprehension heavily rely on a candidate’s familiarity with commonly used words. A strong command over these words leads to faster and more accurate responses. - Precision in Communication
Candidates with a sound grasp of commonly used words often perform better in SSB interviews as well, since their spoken and written communication tends to be more clear, concise, and appropriate.
How Does This Help in NDA & CDS Preparation?
- Improves Accuracy in Vocab-Based MCQs: Familiarity with these words cuts down on guesswork.
- Saves Time During the Exam: Recognizing and understanding words at first glance speeds up answering.
- Builds Comprehension Skills: Knowing commonly used words aids in interpreting lengthy passages with ease.
- Supports Better Sentence Judgement: Especially in topics like Spotting Errors and Sentence Improvement.
Tips for Mastering Commonly Used Words
- Make Context Your Teacher
Read news editorials, defence blogs, and opinion pieces. See how words are naturally used. - Maintain a Vocabulary Journal
Note down new words with their meanings, part of speech, and example sentences. - Practice MCQs Regularly
Solve word-based MCQs like the ones discussed in Live MCQ Class 2. Focus not just on getting the answer right, but on understanding why it’s right. - Revise & Review Frequently
Repetition helps move words from passive recognition to active recall.
Conclusion
The topic of Commonly Used Words is more than just another chapter in your English preparation—it is a core tool that empowers you to understand, interpret, and communicate effectively. The Live MCQ Class 2 offered a practical insight into how these words are tested and what kind of presence they have in the actual exam environment.
