The English section of competitive exams like NDA and CDS evaluates a candidate’s command over grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Among the various topics tested, the Usage of Paired Words stands out for its complexity and relevance. This topic challenges aspirants to accurately use homonyms, synonyms, antonyms, and other word pairs to convey the correct meaning in sentences.
Directions: In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Q) Palate and Palette
(a)Palate means taste and Palette means colours
(b)Palate means colours and Palette means taste
(c)Palate means a flat utensil and Palette means colours
(d)Palate means colours and Palette means taste
Ans. (a)
Q) Peek and Pique
(a)Peek means to choose and Pique means a quick look
(b)Peek means to play hide and seek and Pique means to choose
(c)Peek means to make someone angry and Pique means a quick look
(d)Peek means a quick look and Pique means to make someone angry
ans. (d)
Q) Precede and Proceed
(a)Precede means to go forward and Proceed means to come before
(b)Precede means to come before and Proceed means to go forward
(c)Precede means to come before and Proceed means to walk faster
(d)Precede means to introduce and Proceed means to end
Ans. (b)
Q) Prostate and Prostrate
(a)Prostate means to lie face up and Prostrate means to lie face down
(b)Prostate means male reproductive system and Prostrate means to lie face up
(c)Prostate means to lie face down and Prostrate means male reproductive system
(d)Prostate means male reproductive system and Prostrate means to lie face down
Ans. (d)
Q) Sensor and Censor
(a)Sensor means device to detect changes in physical environment and Censor means to cut indecent parts in a movie
(b)Sensor means to cut indecent parts in a movie and Censor means device to detect changes in physical environment
(c)Sensor means device to detect smoke and Censor means device to detect motion
(d)Sensor means device to detect motion and Censor means to cut indecent parts in a book
Ans. (a)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS 1 2025 Exam English Live – Usage of Paired Words – Class 1
Why Usage of Paired Words is Important
- Understanding Homonyms and Word Relations:
- Homonyms are words that sound similar but have different meanings (e.g., principle vs. principal).
- Understanding the nuanced differences between such words is essential for clear and correct communication.
- Relevance in Exam Patterns:
Questions from this topic often appear in the form of fill-in-the-blanks, sentence completion, or spotting errors. They test a candidate’s vocabulary depth and contextual understanding. - Contextual Application:
Proper usage of paired words ensures that the intended meaning of a sentence is conveyed accurately. This skill is particularly critical in exams where precise answers determine scores. - Improving Sentence Construction Skills:
Mastery of paired words enhances overall sentence construction abilities, helping candidates perform well in other grammar-based topics like ordering of sentences or comprehension.
Challenges Faced by Aspirants
- Similar Sounding Words: Words like affect and effect or advice and advise often confuse candidates.
- Contextual Ambiguity: Determining the correct word based on the given sentence context can be tricky without sufficient practice.
- Limited Vocabulary: A limited understanding of paired words and their meanings can hinder performance in this topic.
Highlights of Usage of Paired Words Class 1
In Usage of Paired Words Class 1, I conducted an interactive MCQ session focusing on critical aspects of this topic.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The session included questions on commonly confused word pairs, such as complement vs. compliment and stationary vs. stationery.
- Practical Examples: Candidates solved sentence-based questions, learning how context determines the correct choice of words.
- Exam-Relevant Practice: The questions were designed to match the difficulty level expected in NDA and CDS exams, preparing candidates for the actual test scenario.
- Vocabulary Enhancement: Through detailed explanations, participants expanded their vocabulary and developed strategies to remember word pairs effectively.
Usage of Paired Words in NDA & CDS Exams
This topic frequently appears in the English sections of both NDA and CDS exams. It is particularly important because it evaluates both vocabulary and contextual understanding. Well-prepared candidates can quickly identify the correct word, making this a high-scoring area.
Preparation Tips
- Build a Strong Vocabulary: Regularly study homonyms, synonyms, and antonyms. Maintain a list of paired words with their meanings and usage.
- Practice Contextual Usage: Solve previous years’ papers and practice questions to familiarize yourself with the types of sentences where paired words are used.
- Focus on Commonly Confused Words: Pay extra attention to words that are often misused or misunderstood.
- Revise Regularly: Consistent revision is key to retaining the meanings and applications of paired words.
Conclusion
The Usage of Paired Words is a vital topic for aspirants preparing for the NDA and CDS exams. It tests vocabulary, grammar, and contextual understanding, making it a comprehensive evaluation of linguistic skills. Through sessions like Usage of Paired Words Class 1, candidates gain the practical exposure needed to tackle these questions confidently. Focused preparation and consistent practice can make this topic a high-scoring area, contributing significantly to overall exam success.
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