Gurgaon Gramin Bank Officers Exam., 2009

Gurgaon Gramin Bank Officers Exam., 2009
(Held on 12-7-2009)
English Language : Solved Paper

Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), plastic bags are a better option than paper bags from the environment’s point of view. Many studies comparing plastic versus paper show that plastic bags have less net environmental effect than paper bags, requiring less energy for transport, production and recycling and because of all these, plastic generates less greenhouse gases. They cause less air and water pollution and can get compressed to a small size in landfills. Plastic bags are sterile and thus are a better option for the transportation of eatables and medicines.

However there is another side of using plastic. Plastics are manufactured from petroleum. This brings a host of other issues e.g. destruction of habitat. Their manufacturing involves chemicals, many of which have not been sufficiently tested for their toxicological impact on humans and animals. Exacerbating the problem is that science has only advanced to detect plastic components in human bodies and then link it to human ailments and diseases. Where science has been unable to help is that it has largely failed to invent a solution to the hazards caused by it. Making the situation dismal is the fact that the hazard is closer than it appears. Teflon, PVC, Polyethylene, polystyrene in utensils and various silicones in hair and body care products accumulate in the body and lead to serious diseases. Plasticproducing companies are often chemical companies or subsidiaries of chemical companies, both with poor track records when it comes to their adherence to regulatory compliance and their willingness to perform toxicological analysis on the products that they make.

Plastics often drain component chemicals, including hazardous chemicals when temperature changes beyond a certain point. It is for this reason that toxicologists do not recommend storing very cold food in plastics or heating food (microwaving especially) in plastics. Also, plastics are durable materials. Thus, they are hard to eliminate once used and create tremendous waste. While some common plastics can be recycled the vast majority cannot be recycled.

Scientists suggest the use of Biodegradable plastics as an alternative to this persisting problem. These are the plastics that can decompose in the natural environment. Biodegradation of plastics can be achieved by enabling microorganisms in the environment to metabolize the molecular structure of plastic films to produce an inert humus-like material that is less harmful to the environment. They may be composed of either bio-plastics, which are plastics whose components are derived from renewable raw materials, or petroleum-based plastics. The use of bio-active compounds compounded with swelling agents ensures that, when combined with heat and moisture, they expand the plastic’s molecular structure and allow the bio-active compounds to metabolise and neutralize the plastic.

Various countries have been adopting different methods to discourage the use of plastic. Growing awareness in the UK of the problems caused by indiscriminate use of plastic bags is encouraging retailers to reward customers who bring their own bags or who reuse or recycle existing bags. This is called the ‘Green Bag Scheme’. In other countries retailers have stopped providing free plastic bags with purchases and have been selling cloth bags for very minimalistic prices.

1. What alternative do the scientists suggest for the problem associated with the use of plastics ?
(A) Use of biodegradable plastics
(B) Treatment of hazards caused by the use of plastics
(C) Strict compliance of the chemical companies to toxicological tests of their products
(D) Banning the use of plastic throughout the world
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)

2. Why don’t toxicologists recommend the heating of food and storing of cold food in plastic ?
(A) Food stuff spoils faster in plastic containers
(B) The Teflon coating in such utensils is harmful
(C) Plastic containers do not undergo recommended toxicology tests
(D) Plastic releases harmful chemicals at very high and low temperature
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)

3. According to the author, what is the problem with manufacturing plastic products ?
(A) These products are not energy efficient
(B) These products produce greenhouse gases which are harmful to environment
(C) The chemicals involved in their production are not tested for impact on living beings
(D) It swells as soon as it comes in contact with heat and moisture
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)

4. What are the author’s views about the companies producing plastic products ?
(1) These companies are mainly responsible for the hazards caused to the environment due to plastics.
(2) Such companies are chemical companies themselves or a subsidiary of such companies.
(3) Such companies do not perofrm toxicological tests on their products.
(A) Only (1)
(B) Both (2) and (3)
(C) Both (1) and (3)
(D) Only (2)
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)

5. What does the author mean by ‘another side of using plastic’ ?
(A) These are disadvantages of using plastic
(B) Using biodegradable plastic instead of non-biodegradable plastic
(C) Paper bags are better option than plastic bags
(D) Many retail stores sell cloth bags at lower price
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)


6. Why does USEPA suggest that plastic bags are a better option than paper bags ?
(A) The plastic bags are inexpensive
(B) Plastic bags can be tested for toxic chemicals
(C) Paper bags do not generate greenhouse gases
(D) Plastic bags require less energy as compared to paper for transportation, production and recycling
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)

7. According to the passage, in which of the following fields has science failed ?
(A) To produce biodegradable plastic
(B) To popularize the use of cloth and paper bags instead of plastic
(C) To strictly implement the compliance of the chemical companies to toxicological tests of their products
(D) To make plastic – free hair and body care products
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)

8. Which steps have been taken in UK to encourage the use of alternatives to plastic bags ?
(A) The UK government has banned the use of plastic throughout the country
(B) The retailers in UK have been selling cloth bags at very low prices
(C) The retailers reward the customers who bring their own bags or use the recycled bags
(D) The government imposes heavy fine on those using plastic bags
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)

9. Which of the following is not true in context of the passage ?
(A) Some countries have stopped providing free plastic bags to customers to discourage the use of plastic
(B) The bio-active compound alongwith swelling agents ensure that plastic is neutralized in the presence of heat and moisture
(C) Many plastic products do not undergo toxicological test
(D) Being durable, plastic creates a lot of waste
(E) All are true
Ans : (E)

10. Although harmful at extreme temperature, why does USEPA recommend transport of eatables and medicines in plastic bags ?
(A) Plastic bag generate less greenhouse gases which would react chemically with medicines, thus producing adverse effect in body
(B) Plastic bags are more sterile than other available options
(C) Plastic products pass through a number of toxicological testings
(D) Plastic bags are easily degraded and thus cause less harm to environment
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word / group of words which is / are most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

11. persisting
(A) troubling
(B) enduring
(C) resisting
(D) damaging
(E) harassing
Ans : (B)

12. exacerbating
(A) executing
(B) influencing
(C) worsening
(D) addressing
(E) declining
Ans : (C)

13. drain
(A) sewer
(B) waste
(C) deplete
(D) give out
(E) outlet
Ans : (D)

Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

14. dismal
(A) Encouraging
(B) Prosperous
(C) Glad
(D) Generous
(E) Respectful
Ans : (A)

15. compressed
(A) Extended
(B) Amplified
(C) Diffused
(D) Intensified
(E) Expanded
Ans : (E)

Directions—(Q. 16–25) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any will be in one part of the sentence, the letter of that part will be the answer. If there is no error, mark (E) as the answer. (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.)

16. He had already prepare (A) / the acceptance speech (B) / but the student of the year award (C) / was given to Ravi. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

17. He placed the trophy (A) / which he had won (B) / at the most prominent (C) / place on the house. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

18. Fashion is very important (A) / to her and thus (B) / she selects the (C) / most popular clothes. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

19. After finding traces of poison (A) / in his dinner yesterday, (B) / Mohit accused his wife (C) / of trying to cause harm. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (E)

20. Sheetal bought a (A) / new car and (B) / bragged about them (C) / for weeks to come. No error (E)
Ans : (C)

21. Being more dangerous (A) / than all the criminal, (B) / he was imprisoned (C) / in a special jail. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

22. The mayor says that (A) / “I will consider running (B) / for commissioner’s post (C) / but I am not sure yet.” (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

23. In an effort (A) / to make peace (B) / Priya spoke separately (C) / to both the person. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (D)

24. They had a narrow escape (A) / when skating as (B) / roaring avalanche (C) / just missed them. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (B)

25. The movie star should not have (A) / allowed the press (B) / at the scene had he (C) / known about the fuss. (D) No error (E)
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 26–30) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below each statement should replace the phrase printed in bold in the sentence to make it grammatically correct ? If the sentence is correct as it is given and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.

26. Ayesha spent the entire morning polishing hers new audio system.
(A) Polishing her new
(B) Polishing she’s new
(C) Polishing her’s new
(D) Polishing Ayesha’s new
(E) No correction required
Ans : (A)

27. As she grows up, she became doubtful of the existence of fairies.
(A) She grown up
(B) She grews up
(C) She grew up
(D) She growned up
(E) No correction required
Ans : (C)

28. Sneha and Shraddha need to buy watches because they are always late.
(A) Those are always
(B) These are always
(C) They keep always
(D) There are always
(E) No correction required
Ans : (E)

29. Neither the local administration nor the police authorities was aware of the tournament being held.
(A) Were aware for
(B) Was aware for of
(C) Was aware for
(D) Were aware of
(E) No correction required
Ans : (D)

30. Everyone have invested a substantial amount in the on going project but no one expects a profit.
(A) did invested a
(B) has invested a
(C) did investing in a
(D) had invested an
(E) No correction required
Ans : (B)

Directions—(Q. 31–35) Rearrange the following sentences (1), (2), (3) (4), (5) and (6) to make a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions which follow :
(1) Today these have become an indispensable part of the lives of children and adults alike.
(2) One of such effects is the radiations that are emitted as signals.
(3) Ever since the advent of technology, undoubtedly, mobile phones are the greatest of all inventions.
(4) In order to prevent such ailments, Govt. should strictly regulate the service providers.
(5) But, no matter how indispensable, its negative effects cannot be overlooked.
(6) These signals cause a variety of ailments starting from hearing loss to cancer.

31. Which of the following sentence should be the FIRST after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
Ans : (C)

32. Which of the following sentence should be the FIFTH after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 5
(E) 6
Ans : (E)

33. Which of the following sentence should be the SIXTH (LAST) after rearrangement ?
(A) 3
(B) 2
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
Ans : (C)

34. Which of the following sentence should be the THIRD after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 5
(C) 4
(D) 6
(E) 3
Ans : (B)

35. Which of the following sentence should be the SECOND after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 36–40) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which best fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Many farmers who traditionally (…36…) pulses, millets and paddy have been lured by seed companies to buy hybrid cotton seeds and other GM crops, which were (…37…) to make their lives easier and wealthier. Instead they (…38…) bankruptcy and ruin. Their native seeds have been (…39…) with new hybrids which cannot be saved and need to be purchased every year at a high cost. Hybrids are also very (…40…) to pest attacks. All pesticides have to be (…41…) from the company that sold them the seeds; there have been reports of blatant profiteering from these companies.

We are (…42…) told that without genetic engineering and globalization of agriculture the world will starve, it is constantly promoted as the only (…43…) available for feeding the hungry.

Everywhere, food production is becoming a negative economy, with farmers (…44…) more on buying costly inputs for industrial production than the price they receive for their produce. The consequence is rising debts in both rich and poor countries. In some African countries it is cheaper to buy foreign sugar and coffee than it is to buy locally produced goods. This is because of over production and subsidies in the West which means that they then dump these goods on Africa (…45…) local markets.

36. (A) developed
(B) cultivated
(C) germinated
(D) made
(E) yielded
Ans : (B)

37. (A) probably
(B) specified
(C) designated
(D) supposed
(E) thought
Ans : (D)

38. (A) undergo
(B) disclosed
(C) approached
(D) tackling
(E) faced
Ans : (E)

39. (A) supplied
(B) converted
(C) replaced
(D) reduced
(E) damaged
Ans : (C)

40. (A) vulnerable
(B) tender
(C) dangerous
(D) tempted
(E) likely
Ans : (A)

41. (A) purchased
(B) bribed
(C) adopted
(D) buy
(E) sprinkled
Ans : (A)

42. (A) reiterated
(B) repeatedly
(C) continuous
(D) numerously
(E) much
Ans : (B)

43. (A) thing
(B) food
(C) progression
(D) tendency
(E) alternative
Ans : (E)

44. (A) generating
(B) expanding
(C) spending
(D) consuming
(E) earning
Ans : (C)

45. (A) ruining
(B) eradicating
(C) helping
(D) facilitating
(E) washing
Ans : (A)

Directions—(Q. 46–50) Each question below has two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

46. The statement said that the conference would be ……… a considerable time ……… the global economic crisis.
(A) having, thinking
(B) passing, debating
(C) spending, discussing
(D) expending, arguing
(E) exhausting, analyzing
Ans : (C)

47. After being taken away from his parents at a ……… age, the boy had a very ……… life.
(A) young, difficult
(B) early, leisurely
(C) small, distinction
(D) tender, deterrent
(E) advanced, restrict
Ans : (A)

48. Even …………… the period of recession, he got a good job ……………… not having much experience.
(A) on, even though
(B) in, instead
(C) while, inspite
(D) during, despite
(E) although, almost
Ans : (D)

49. After having ……… the news of their son’s excellent result in exams, they came over as …… as possible.
(A) enjoyed, earlier
(B) heard, quickly
(C) surprised, running
(D) shocked, fast
(E) realized hurriedly
Ans : (B)

50. Although unrecognised …… his life, his talent was much ……… after his death.
(A) entire, adored
(B) all, realized
(C) whole, worth
(D) almost, valued
(E) throughout, appreciated
Ans : (E)