SINDH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, HYDERABAD.
Combined Competitive Examination, 2020
English (Précis and Composition)
Wednesday the 11th November, 2020.
Time: 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm
Maximum marks: 100
Note: Attempt all Questions.
Question No. 01 (Marks: 20)
Make a précis of the following passage and give a suitable title:
Almost every sensible and responsible person has some goal to achieve. He takes it as a target to reach an aim to fulfill. Therefore, he makes some plan in right earnest and materialize his aim or object. Goal is obviously a well-thought and well-planned purpose for which man strives, pursues it and ultimately wins it, provided everything goes well and he does not give up.
Plan is a systematic arrangement of some object to achieve something in a given period of time. It involves methods, steps, strategy and way out to get something for which man aspires. A plan depends upon the planner’s will power, determination and intelligence as to how he puts everything in right order at the right time. A proverb says, “Strike the iron while it is hot”. It means a good planner should make best of the opportunity as soon as he gets it. Another proverb says, “Make hay while the sun shines”. It means one should avail oneself of a favorable opportunity well in time. Another proverb says, “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush”. It means whatever one has at one’s disposal, it is the best and can do well at least for the time being. A long waiting for a better chance and missing the good one, leaves one devoid of either. Such uncertain and hesitating situation tantalizes man and invokes frustration and unrest in him. It is, therefore, wise to utilize the available opportunity to its best, and whatever is at man’s disposal at the moment should be availed of, rather than sitting idle and wavering in vain.
Proper role at the proper time plays a vital part for a man of action. Since excess of everything is bad, man should adopt moderation and prove himself determined and committed at all. When it comes to a positive action, he should be decisive and determined. A slight hesitation and infirmity of willpower might leave him beaten or failed. His role as a well-organized man of action can win him laurels. The moment he believes that he can win what he aspires and endeavors for he gets it. It is a state of mind and determination that enables man of action to achieve a brilliant success. So a moderate and definite plan paves way to a sure success that lies ahead of a man, who thinks he can make difficult things possible. He plays part of a mover and potent doer who steals the show surprisingly. His goal is the destination that attracts him like a magnet and a beacon light that guides him to his most aspired aim of life.
Question No. 02 (Marks: 20)
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Nature writing covers a broad range of prose and poetry focused on the natural world, combining scientific facts with personal, philosophical reflection. Ranging from technical guides to descriptive essays, this genre traces its roots to 18th-century natural history, famously featuring figures like Gilbert White, known for The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789).
(i) Why scientific knowledge is necessary for nature writing?
(ii) What are the advantages and disadvantages of ‘first person’ writing?
(iii) What kind of writing was Gilbert White interested in and why?
Question No. 03
(A) Write appropriate Synonym for any Five of the following words: (Marks: 05)
(i) Consecrate(ii) Secede(iii) Munificence(iv) Gnash(v) Blather(vi) Dissolute(vii) Brunt(viii) Tryst
(B) Write appropriate Antonyms for any Five of the following words: (Marks: 05)
(i) Bicker(ii) Gaiety(iii) Glacial(iv) Ignominious(v) Germane(vi) Innocuous(vii) Vacillating(viii) Covetous
Question No. 04
(A) Correct the following sentences: (Marks: 10)
(i) I hope you don’t mind me to sit near you.
(ii) Tall, brown, fat cows two of Australia give more milk.
(iii) few antiques are there of a rich widow’s are up for auction.
(iv) I don’t identify what are they.
(v) According to my firm belief, a life after this life is there.
(vi) Karachi is far away from Sukkur as compared with Hyderabad.
(vii) the owner and manager of the estate are in their offices.
(viii) Their deceased father said a will.
(ix) She said here farewell and was leaving.
(x) I know what you are meaning.
(B) Explain and use meaningfully any Ten of the following phrases and idioms in your own sentences: (Marks: 10)
(i) To blow one’s own trumpet.
(ii) To beat somebody hollow.
(iii) To kill somebody in cold blood.
(iv) To face the music.
(v) To show somebody the door.
(vi) To send somebody packing.
(vii) To lead somebody by the nose.
(viii) To lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen.
(ix) To make hay while the sun shines.
(x) On the horns of dilemma.
(xi) A catch-22 situation.
(xii) To look down on somebody.
Question No. 05
(A) Select one word substitution from the given list for the following expressions: (Marks: 10)
(i) A person who is above hundred years.
(ii) A book published after the death of its author.
(iii) A book written by an unknown author.
(iv) A cinema show which is held in the afternoon.
(v) A citizen of the world.(vi) A contagious disease which spreads over a huge area.
(vii) A drug or other substance that induces sleep.
(viii) A flesh eating animal.
(ix) A game in which neither party wins.
(x) A thing no longer in use.
(Matinee, Soporific, Epidemic, Cosmopolite, Centenarian, Obsolete, Posthumous, Anonymous, Draw, Carnivorous.)
Question No. 06: Do as directed against each sentence: (Marks: 10)
(i) He hurled a brick ________ the window. (Insert prepositions)
(ii) She rose ________ the occasion. (Insert preposition)
(iii) Cut your coat _________ (Complete the proverb)
(iv) Time and tide ________ (Complete the proverb)
(v) Tell me what you know about it (Change the voice)
(vi) She longs for ________ of her husband who abandoned her long ago (Insert a suitable word)
(vii) He said that he had married twice before he married the third time (Render the sentence concise)
(viii) You should be aware of the dog (Change to imperative making it short)
(ix) These old ladies never married (Use one word substitution noun for the ladies)
(x) She outlived her husband by ten years (Restructure using “Her husband” in the beginning keeping the sense intact).
Question No. 07 (Marks: 10)
Translate the following passage from Sindhi or Urdu into English.
****************