The English section of the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is a challenging terrain where candidates are tested on their language proficiency. One recent and important addition to this section is the “Prepositions & Determiners” topic. This article delves into the significance of this topic, effective preparation strategies, and tips for solving questions accurately.
Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space with four options. Select whichever preposition or determiner you consider the most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Q) He is proud ______ his riches.
(a) by
(b) of
(c) on
(d) over
Ans. (b)
Q) You have made all preparations ______ the marriage.
(a) to
(b) for
(c) of
(d) on
Ans. (b)
Q) His birthday is ______ next Sunday.
(a) in
(b) at
(c) on
(d) for
Ans. (c)
Q) He behaves just like his father. He really takes ______ him.
(a) to
(b) from
(c) after
(d) by
Ans. (c)
Q) He fell the tree ______ an axe.
(a) by
(b) of
(c) on
(d) with
Ans. (d)
Q) Your views don’t accord ______ mine.
(a) with
(b) to
(c) on
(d) for
Ans. (a)
Q) We are offering solutions ______ a price almost anyone can afford.
(a) in
(b) at
(c) on
(d) by
Ans. (b)
Q) There are tall beautiful coconut trees ______ the river.
(a) along
(b) at
(c) into
(d) over
Ans. (a)
Q) He looks upset, I think he took the criticism _____ heart.
(a) to
(b) about
(c) in
(d) of
Ans. (a)
Q) They are very grateful ______ your kindness.
(a) for
(b) to
(c) with
(d) towards
Ans. (a)
Q) __________ of the two sisters is married.
(a)Both
(b)Every
(c)Each
(d)Any
Ans. (c)
Q) _________ of you should attend the conference.
(a)Both
(b)Each
(c)Every
(d)Many
Ans. (a)
Q) We should inform __________ of them.
(a) Many
(b) Every
(c) Few
(d) All
Ans. (d)
Q) They have spent __________ for their son’s wedding.
(a) Many
(b) Enough
(c) all
(d) the little
Ans. (b)
Q) _________ of the candidates pass this exam.
(a)Enough
(b)Fewer
(c)Either
(d)Most
Ans. (d)
For more questions, check out CDS 1 2024 Exam English Live – Prepositions & Determiners – Class 1
Understanding the Significance
The “Prepositions & Determiners” segment evaluates candidates on their understanding and application of these fundamental components of English grammar. Proficiency in this area is vital for effective communication, a skill that is paramount for officers in the defence forces.
1. Enhancing Communication Precision
In military operations, precise communication is non-negotiable. The use of prepositions and determiners plays a crucial role in framing accurate and concise messages. Candidates who excel in this area exhibit a capacity for nuanced language use, a skill essential for conveying instructions and information clearly.
2. Ensuring Clarity in Instructions
Clear and unambiguous instructions are imperative in defence operations. Mastery over prepositions and determiners enables candidates to construct sentences that leave no room for misinterpretation. This skill is particularly vital when formulating directives or providing crucial information in high-stakes situations.
3. Upholding Professional Standards
The defence forces operate on principles of discipline and professionalism. Proper language usage, including the correct application of prepositions and determiners, is integral to maintaining these standards. A candidate’s proficiency in these grammatical aspects reflects their commitment to precision and attention to detail.
Strategies for Preparation
- Thoroughly Understand Rules and Types: Invest time in understanding the rules governing prepositions and determiners. Familiarize yourself with the different types and their specific applications in sentences.
- Create a Rule-Based Approach: Develop a systematic approach to solving questions based on rules. Having a clear understanding of when to use specific prepositions or determiners will significantly enhance your problem-solving ability.
- Engage in Regular Practice: Regular practice is key to mastering any aspect of language proficiency. Engage in exercises and practice questions that specifically target prepositions and determiners. This will reinforce your understanding and improve your application of these concepts.
Tips for Effective Problem Solving
- Identify the Relationship: For prepositions, carefully consider the relationship between elements in the sentence. Determine the appropriate preposition based on the context.
- Consider Quantifiers: In determiners, pay attention to quantifiers like “some,” “any,” “few,” or “many.” Understand their usage in different contexts to make accurate choices.
- Contextual Analysis: Analyze the overall context of the sentence. Consider the meaning and intention behind the sentence to select the most fitting preposition or determiner.
In conclusion, the “Prepositions & Determiners” topic is a crucial component of the English section in CDS exams. Precision in language usage is fundamental for military officers, making mastery over these grammatical elements essential. Diligent preparation, guided by a thorough understanding of rules and types, will undoubtedly contribute to success in this aspect of the examination.
