PPSC Past Papers 2025

This question tests the correct usage of prepositions, specifically with the verb

The correct preposition to use with the verb "jeer" when expressing ridicule towards someone is "at," forming the phrasal verb "jeer at."

The adjective "mindful" correctly takes the preposition "of" to indicate awareness or attention towards something, like a responsibility.

The correct answer is about. The preposition 'about' is the most appropriate choice when expressing excitement concerning a particular subject or event. One is typically 'excited about' something that is anticipated or is the cause of their excitement.

• at: While 'excited at' can be used, it often refers to a specific moment or a reaction to news (e.g., 'excited at the news'), rather than a general anticipation of an event like a marriage.
• with: 'Excited with' is generally incorrect in this context. You might be 'excited with joy,' but not 'excited with her marriage.'
• over: 'Excited over' can sometimes be used, but 'excited about' is more natural and common for expressing anticipation or the subject of excitement for a future event.

The correct answer is on. The preposition 'on' is used to indicate that something is located on a surface, such as a map, a page, or a wall. When you look for a town, you expect to find its representation 'on' the surface of the map.

• at: 'At the map' would imply being physically present at the location of the map, not finding something depicted within it.
• with: 'With the map' suggests accompaniment or using the map as a tool, not a location on its surface.
• over: 'Over the map' implies being positioned above the map, not being a part of its content.

The correct answer is down. The phrasal verb 'turn down' means to reduce the volume, intensity, or strength of something. The context 'I am getting deaf' clearly indicates a need to decrease the volume of the music.

• with: 'With the volume' does not form a coherent phrasal verb in this context and is grammatically incorrect.
• for: 'For the volume' is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning of reducing the volume.
• behind: 'Behind the volume' makes no logical sense in this sentence and is grammatically incorrect.

The correct preposition to use with 'fatal' when referring to the outcome or consequence for something is 'to'. Therefore, 'fatal to our plans' correctly conveys that the absence caused the plans to fail or be destroyed.

• A. 'to' is correct because 'fatal to' is the standard idiomatic expression indicating a destructive effect on something.
• B. 'for' is incorrect; while 'for' can indicate purpose, it doesn't fit the destructive meaning of 'fatal' in this context.
• C. 'from' is incorrect as it implies origin or separation, which doesn't apply here.
• D. 'after' is incorrect as it denotes sequence in time, not consequence.

When describing a marital relationship, the correct preposition to use is 'to'. The phrase 'married to' indicates the person with whom one has entered into matrimony.

• A. 'with' is incorrect. While 'with' can imply accompaniment, 'married with' is not the standard or grammatically correct construction for indicating a spouse.
• B. 'for' is incorrect. 'For' typically indicates purpose or duration, neither of which applies to the direct relationship of marriage.
• C. 'to' is correct. 'Married to' is the universally accepted and grammatically correct prepositional phrase in English to denote the person one is married to.
• D. 'after' is incorrect. 'After' indicates sequence in time and has no relevance to the marital relationship itself.

The correct answer is to. The phrase "blind to" is a fixed English idiom that means unwilling or unable to recognize or accept something—in this case, reason or logic.

Understanding the Idiom "Blind to"

The preposition "to" is used in this context to indicate the direction of someone's inability to perceive or acknowledge something. When a person is "blind to reason," it means they are ignoring or refusing to accept logical arguments, evidence, or sound judgment. They may be stubborn, prejudiced, or emotionally invested in a view that defies rational thinking.

This idiomatic usage extends beyond the literal meaning of blindness. For example:

• "She was blind to his faults." – meaning she refused to see or acknowledge his shortcomings.
• "He is blind to the dangers of his actions." – meaning he does not recognize the risks.

In all these cases, "to" is the correct preposition that links the adjective "blind" to the object of disregard (reason, faults, dangers, etc.).

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

• of: "Blind of" is not a standard English idiom. While "blind of one eye" is used to describe a physical condition, it is not used with abstract concepts like reason.
• about: "Blind about" is not used in standard English. We do not say "blind about reason" because it does not convey the idiomatic meaning of refusal to acknowledge.
• in: "Blind in" is used for physical blindness (e.g., "blind in one eye") but is not used with abstract nouns like reason.

Therefore, "blind to reason" is the only correct and standard English expression, making "to" the correct answer.