FPSC English MCQs with Answers (Most Important)

The correct answer is "Mean". This question asks for the antonym of "GENEROUS," which means a word with the opposite meaning.

• GENEROUS: This adjective describes someone who is willing to give money, help, or kindness freely. A generous person is characterized by liberality and a readiness to share or give more than is expected.
• MEAN: In this context, "mean" is an adjective that describes someone who is unwilling to give or share, often characterized by selfishness, stinginess, or unkindness. It directly contrasts with the idea of giving freely.

Now, let's look at the other options:

• Kind: This is a synonym or a closely related positive trait to generous, not an antonym.
• Helpful: This describes someone who provides assistance, which can be a characteristic of a generous person, but it's not the opposite.
• Charitable: This is a strong synonym for generous, referring to giving to those in need.

Therefore, "Mean" is the most direct and appropriate antonym for "GENEROUS," as it represents the opposite quality of being unwilling to give or share.

The correct answer is "Painting". This question presents an analogy, which requires you to identify the relationship between the first pair of words and then apply that same relationship to the second pair to find the missing word.

• Author : Book
• The relationship here is "creator : creation". An author is a person who creates a book. The book is the product or output of the author's work.

Now, we apply this same relationship to the second pair:

• Painter : _____
• Following the "creator : creation" pattern, a painter is a person who creates something. What does a painter create? A painter creates a painting. The painting is the artistic product resulting from the painter's work.

Let's consider why the other options are incorrect:

• Brush: A brush is a tool used by a painter, not the creation itself.
• Canvas: A canvas is the material or surface on which a painter creates, not the final creation.
• Color: Color is an element or medium used in painting, not the finished product.

Therefore, "Painting" perfectly completes the analogy, maintaining the "creator : creation" relationship.

The word CANDID describes someone who is truthful, straightforward, and frank in their speech or actions, often without reservation or pretense. A candid person expresses their opinions openly and honestly, even if it might be uncomfortable or unpopular. They are sincere and do not hide their thoughts or feelings. For example, a candid photograph is one taken spontaneously, without the subject posing, capturing a natural and unposed moment. Similarly, a candid conversation is one where participants speak openly and genuinely. Among the given options, "Honest" is the closest and most accurate synonym for CANDID. While "rude" might sometimes be a consequence of being overly candid, it's not the primary meaning. "Secretive" is an antonym, and "careless" is unrelated. Therefore, when you are candid, you are being truthful and transparent, making "Honest" the perfect match for its meaning, emphasizing sincerity and directness in communication.

The word VIGOR refers to physical strength, health, and energy, or an intense force and enthusiasm. It implies a robust and lively quality, often associated with vitality and resilience. When someone performs a task with vigor, they do it with great energy and determination. For instance, a young athlete might approach their training with immense vigor, showing great enthusiasm and physical strength. Similarly, a plant growing with vigor is healthy and thriving. It suggests a powerful and active state, whether in a person, an animal, or even an abstract concept like an argument presented with vigor. Among the given options, "Energy" is the most fitting synonym for VIGOR. While "weakness" is an antonym, and "silence" and "fear" are unrelated concepts, "energy" perfectly captures the essence of strength, vitality, and spirited activity that defines vigor. It denotes the power and liveliness inherent in the term.

The word PRUDENT describes someone who acts with careful good judgment, wisdom, and foresight, especially in practical matters. A prudent person considers the future consequences of their actions and makes sensible decisions to avoid risks or problems. They are cautious and discreet, thinking before they act, and often demonstrating practical wisdom. For example, a prudent investor makes well-researched decisions rather than impulsive ones, aiming to protect their assets. Similarly, it would be prudent to save money for retirement or to wear a helmet while cycling. This quality involves a combination of good sense and careful planning. Among the given options, "Wise" is the most accurate synonym for PRUDENT. While "careless" is an antonym, "foolish" is also an antonym, and "hasty" implies a lack of prudence. "Wise" perfectly encapsulates the thoughtful, sensible, and judicious nature inherent in being prudent, emphasizing sound judgment and foresight.

The word AMBIGUOUS describes something that is open to more than one interpretation, or something that lacks a clear, definite meaning. It implies a sense of vagueness or uncertainty, making it difficult to understand precisely what is intended. When a statement or situation is ambiguous, it can lead to confusion because its meaning is not straightforward or singular.

Therefore, the most fitting synonym among the given options is B: Uncertain. An uncertain situation or statement is one whose outcome or meaning is not known or fixed, perfectly aligning with the essence of ambiguity. Both words convey a lack of clarity and a state where definitive understanding is elusive.

Let's consider the other options:

• A: Clear is an antonym, meaning easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.
• C: Simple refers to something easy to understand or do; not complicated.
• D: Direct means extending or moving in a straight line or by the shortest route; straightforward.

These options represent the opposite of or are unrelated to the concept of ambiguity, which inherently involves a lack of clarity and certainty.

The word ARROGANT describes someone who has or reveals an exaggerated sense of their own importance or abilities. An arrogant person often displays excessive pride and a dismissive attitude towards others, believing themselves to be superior. This trait is generally perceived negatively, as it suggests a lack of respect for others' contributions or perspectives.

To find the antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite of this inflated self-importance. The correct answer is A: Humble. A humble person is modest and does not think themselves better than others. They are often respectful, open to learning, and acknowledge their own limitations, which stands in stark contrast to the self-aggrandizing nature of arrogance.

Let's look at the other options:

• B: Proud can sometimes be a synonym for arrogant, especially when referring to excessive self-esteem.
• C: Rude describes someone who is impolite or discourteous, which can be a characteristic of arrogant behavior but isn't its direct opposite.
• D: Selfish refers to being concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself, which can also accompany arrogance but is not its primary antonym.

The word SCARCE describes something that is insufficient for the demand, or something that is rare and difficult to find. When resources, goods, or opportunities are scarce, they are in short supply, making them valuable or hard to obtain. This term highlights a condition of limited availability, often leading to competition or higher costs.

To find the antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite of limited availability. The correct answer is C: Abundant. Abundant means existing or available in large quantities; plentiful. If something is abundant, there is more than enough of it, directly contrasting with the concept of scarcity.

Let's consider the other options:

• A: Rare is a synonym for scarce, meaning not occurring very often or found in very small numbers.
• B: Limited is also a synonym, indicating a restricted amount or extent.
• D: Few means a small number of, which aligns with the idea of scarcity rather than its opposite.

Therefore, 'abundant' is the only option that represents a state of plentifulness, directly opposing the meaning of 'scarce'.

The word HOSTILE describes someone or something that is unfriendly and aggressive. It implies a strong opposition or antagonism, often characterized by a readiness to fight or argue. A hostile environment or person can make others feel unwelcome, threatened, or uncomfortable due to their aggressive or unwelcoming demeanor.

To find the antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite of unfriendliness and aggression. The correct answer is A: Friendly. A friendly person or environment is kind, pleasant, and amicable. They are welcoming, supportive, and generally easy to get along with, which is the direct opposite of being hostile.

Let's look at the other options:

• B: Angry describes a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility, making it a related emotion rather than an antonym.
• C: Violent refers to behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill, which can be an extreme manifestation of hostility but not its direct opposite.
• D: Rough can describe a lack of gentleness or smoothness, which might be associated with hostile behavior but is not its primary antonym.

Thus, 'friendly' perfectly captures the opposite sentiment of 'hostile'.

The word OPTIMISTIC describes someone who is hopeful and confident about the future. An optimistic person tends to look at the positive side of situations, expects good outcomes, and maintains a cheerful outlook even when faced with challenges. This mindset often contributes to resilience and a proactive approach to life.

To find the antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite of this positive and hopeful outlook. The correct answer is C: Pessimistic. A pessimistic person tends to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen. They often anticipate negative outcomes and may have a more cynical or gloomy view of the future, directly contrasting with optimism.

Let's consider the other options:

• A: Hopeful is a synonym for optimistic, meaning feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.
• B: Cheerful describes someone who is noticeably happy and optimistic, making it a characteristic often associated with optimism.
• D: Positive is also a synonym, indicating a constructive, confident, or optimistic attitude.

Therefore, 'pessimistic' is the only option that represents the direct opposite of an optimistic perspective.

The correct answer is A: treaty. In the context of two countries promoting trade, a 'treaty' is the most appropriate term. A treaty is a formally concluded and ratified agreement between states, often dealing with peace, trade, or other international relations. It carries significant legal weight under international law and typically involves formal negotiation and ratification processes by the respective governments. While B: contract, C: agreement, and D: deal can all refer to formal understandings, they are generally broader terms. A 'contract' is usually a legally binding agreement between individuals or private entities, or sometimes between a government and a private entity, but less commonly between two sovereign nations for broad trade promotion. 'Agreement' and 'deal' are more general terms that can apply to various situations, but 'treaty' specifically denotes a formal, legally binding accord between nations, making it the most precise and correct term for international trade promotion between countries. This choice emphasizes the formal nature of international relations.

The correct answer is A: since. The word 'since' is used to indicate a starting point in time for an action or state that continues up to the present. In the sentence, 'He has been working here __________ 2015,' the year 2015 marks the specific point in the past when his employment began, and the present perfect continuous tense ('has been working') indicates that this action is ongoing. Therefore, 'since 2015' correctly conveys that his employment started in 2015 and continues to the current moment. B: for is used to indicate a duration or period of time (e.g., 'for five years'). C: from is typically used with 'to' or 'until' to indicate a starting and ending point (e.g., 'from 2015 to 2020'). D: at is used for specific points in time (e.g., 'at 5 o'clock') or locations, not for a duration or starting point of an ongoing action. Thus, 'since' is the only option that accurately expresses the continuous nature of the work from a specific past point.

The correct answer is B: Unless. 'Unless' is a conjunction that means 'if not' or 'except if.' It introduces a condition that, if not met, will lead to a specific outcome. In the given sentence, '__________ you work hard, you will not succeed,' 'unless' perfectly conveys the meaning that success will not be achieved if the condition of working hard is not fulfilled. Essentially, it means 'If you do not work hard, you will not succeed.' A: If would create a different meaning, implying 'If you work hard, you will not succeed,' which is illogical in this context. C: When indicates a time, not a condition, and would mean 'At the time you work hard, you will not succeed,' which doesn't fit. D: While suggests simultaneity or contrast, neither of which applies here. Therefore, 'unless' is the only word that correctly establishes the necessary negative conditional relationship between working hard and achieving success, highlighting the importance of effort.

The correct answer is A: so. The sentence uses the 'so...that' construction, which is employed to express cause and effect or to indicate a high degree of something, leading to a particular result. Here, 'She is so beautiful that everyone admires her' means her beauty is of such a high degree that it causes everyone to admire her. This structure emphasizes the intensity of the adjective 'beautiful.' B: such is used with a noun phrase (e.g., 'such a beautiful woman that...'). Since 'beautiful' is an adjective standing alone before 'that,' 'so' is the correct choice. C: very simply intensifies an adjective but does not typically precede a 'that' clause expressing a consequence (e.g., 'She is very beautiful,' but not 'very beautiful that...'). D: too implies an excessive degree, often with a negative connotation, and is usually followed by 'to' + infinitive (e.g., 'too beautiful to be true'). Therefore, 'so' is the precise word to complete the 'so...that' construction, effectively linking her beauty to the admiration she receives.

The correct answer is B: would have come. This sentence is an example of the third conditional, which is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past and their hypothetical results. It describes something that did not happen and its imagined consequence. The structure of the third conditional is typically: If + past perfect (had + past participle), would have + past participle.

In the given sentence, "if they had been invited" is the 'if-clause' using the past perfect tense. Therefore, the main clause requires "would have" followed by the past participle of the verb, which is "come" (come, came, come). So, "would have come" correctly completes the sentence, indicating a past hypothetical action that did not occur because the condition (being invited) was not met. Options A ("would come") is for the second conditional, C ("will come") is for the first conditional, and D ("came") is simple past, none of which fit the structure or meaning of a past hypothetical situation.

The correct synonym for ABATE is B: Reduce. The verb "abate" means to become less intense or widespread, or to make something less intense or widespread. It implies a decrease in degree, force, or amount. For instance, a storm might abate, meaning its intensity lessens, or a pain might abate, meaning it becomes less severe.

Let's look at the other options: A: Increase means to become or make greater in size, amount, or degree, which is the direct opposite of abate. C: Expand means to become or make larger or more extensive, also an antonym. D: Multiply means to increase in number or quantity, often by reproduction, or to perform the mathematical operation of multiplication. Therefore, "reduce" is the only option that accurately captures the meaning of "abate," signifying a decrease or lessening of something. Understanding such vocabulary is crucial for precise communication.

The correct answer is A: appreciated. The sentence describes a manager's reaction to an employee's 'outstanding performance,' which implies excellent work and positive results. To 'appreciate' someone means to recognize their value, acknowledge their efforts, and show gratitude for their contributions. This action is a natural and positive response to exceptional work, fostering a supportive and motivating workplace environment. Conversely, options like B: criticized, which means to find fault or express disapproval, would be entirely inappropriate for outstanding performance. Similarly, C: ignored, meaning to pay no attention to, would be detrimental to employee morale and contradict the positive context. D: fired, meaning to dismiss from employment, is a severe negative consequence typically reserved for poor performance or misconduct, not outstanding achievement. Therefore, 'appreciated' is the only choice that logically and grammatically fits the positive context of the employee's excellent work, demonstrating recognition and valuing their significant contributions to the organization. This choice highlights the importance of positive reinforcement in management.

The error in the sentence "I have bought a furniture yesterday" lies with the word C: furniture. There are two main issues here. Firstly, "furniture" is an uncountable noun in English. This means it does not take an indefinite article ("a" or "an") before it, nor does it have a plural form (we don't say "furnitures"). To refer to individual items, we would use phrases like "a piece of furniture" or "some furniture."

Secondly, the use of "yesterday" indicates a specific point in the past, which typically requires the simple past tense (e.g., "I bought"). The present perfect tense ("have bought") is generally used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or for past actions with a result in the present, without a specific past time marker. Combining "have bought" with "yesterday" is grammatically incorrect. Therefore, the sentence should correctly be "I bought some furniture yesterday" or "I bought a piece of furniture yesterday."

The error in the sentence "He asked that why I was late" is B: that. When reporting questions indirectly, especially those introduced by a 'wh-word' (like who, what, where, when, why, how), we do not use the conjunction "that." The 'wh-word' itself acts as the conjunction, introducing the reported clause. Using "that" creates redundancy and is grammatically incorrect in this context.

The verb "asked" correctly introduces an indirect question. The word "why" correctly introduces the content of the question, and the clause "I was late" maintains the correct word order for an indirect question (subject-verb, not inverted like a direct question). Therefore, the correct way to phrase this sentence is "He asked why I was late." This structure is essential for forming grammatically sound reported speech, ensuring clarity and avoiding unnecessary words. Removing "that" makes the sentence flow naturally and adhere to standard English grammar rules for indirect questions.

The error in the sentence "One should respect his elders" is D: his. This is a common mistake related to pronoun agreement. When the indefinite pronoun "one" is used as the subject of a sentence, the possessive pronoun referring back to "one" should also be "one's," not "his," "her," or "their." The pronoun "one" is used to refer to people in general, and using "one's" maintains this general, impersonal tone throughout the sentence.

Using "his" (or "her") makes the sentence sound as if it's referring to a specific male (or female) person, which contradicts the general nature of "one." While some older grammar conventions might have accepted "his" as a generic pronoun, modern English grammar emphasizes gender-neutrality and consistency. Therefore, to maintain proper pronoun agreement and a general reference, the sentence should be "One should respect one's elders." This ensures that the pronoun correctly reflects the antecedent and maintains the intended meaning of the statement.

The correct answer is verdict. A verdict refers to the formal finding or decision made by a jury or judge in a trial, stating whether a defendant is guilty or innocent, or determining the facts of a case. It is the conclusion reached after considering all the evidence and engaging in deliberation. The phrase "after two hours of deliberation" strongly indicates that the judge was concluding the fact-finding or guilt-determining phase of the trial. In contrast, a sentence is the punishment assigned to a defendant who has been found guilty, and it is typically delivered after the verdict. Punishment is the act of penalizing someone for an offense, which is part of a sentence. An order is a command or directive issued by the court, but it does not represent the final decision on the merits of the case regarding guilt or innocence. Therefore, "verdict" is the most appropriate term to describe the judge's decision following deliberation.

The correct answer is elder. Both "elder" and "older" are comparative forms of the adjective "old," but they are used in slightly different contexts. Elder is primarily used when referring to siblings or family members, specifically to denote seniority in age within the family. It often carries a connotation of respect or established birth order and is typically used attributively before a noun, such as "my elder brother" or "the elder sister." Older, on the other hand, is a more general comparative form that can be used for people or things to indicate greater age. It can be followed by "than" (e.g., "He is older than me") or used attributively (e.g., "the older car"). Since the question specifically refers to "the two brothers," "elder" is the more idiomatic and appropriate choice for comparing age within a family context. Old is the base adjective, and oldest is the superlative form, used when comparing three or more individuals or items.

The correct answer is attributes. To attribute something to someone or something means to regard it as being caused by or resulting from that person or thing. In this sentence, the speaker is identifying hard work and dedication as the causes or sources of her success. This usage correctly conveys the idea of assigning credit or cause. Let's look at the other options: Contributes means to give something, especially money or time, to help achieve or provide something. While hard work contributes to success, the phrasing "she contributes her success to" is grammatically awkward and does not accurately express the causal link intended here. Distributes means to give out shares of something or deal out, which is unrelated to the context of assigning cause for success. Owes means to have an obligation to pay or repay something. While one might say "she owes her success to her mentor," using it with abstract concepts like "hard work" in this structure is less precise and less common than "attributes."

The correct answer is protect. When a new law is enacted concerning rights, its primary function is often to protect those rights, meaning to keep them safe from harm, infringement, or violation. Laws are designed to safeguard the entitlements and freedoms of individuals or groups, ensuring they are upheld and respected. Let's examine why the other options are less suitable: Prevent means to stop something from happening or arising. While a law might prevent violations of rights, the overarching action of a law regarding rights is to protect them. "Protect" encompasses the idea of preventing harm while also affirming the existence and validity of the rights. Protest means to express an objection or disapproval, which is an action taken by people, not by a law itself in this context. Promote means to support or actively encourage something. While a law might promote equality or certain values, the direct action on existing "rights" is to ensure their security and enforcement, which is best described by "protect."

The correct answer is sensitive. To be sensitive to the needs of others means to be quick to detect, understand, and respond to their feelings, requirements, or difficulties. It implies empathy, awareness, and a readiness to act thoughtfully in consideration of others. This is a common and correct idiomatic expression. Let's consider the other options: Sensible describes someone who makes good judgments, is practical, or acts with wisdom and prudence. While a sensible person might also be sensitive, the word "sensible" itself doesn't directly convey the idea of being responsive to others' needs. Senseless means lacking meaning, purpose, or common sense; foolish, which is the opposite of the intended meaning. Sentimental refers to feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia, often associated with emotional attachment to things or memories. While it relates to emotions, it doesn't accurately describe the quality of being aware of and responsive to the practical or emotional needs of other people in an empathetic way, as "sensitive" does.