PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

The question asks for the antonym of "overwrought." An antonym is a word with an opposite meaning. "Overwrought" means extremely agitated, nervous, or stressed.

• The correct answer is B) Calm because it directly signifies a state of peace and tranquility, which is the opposite of being agitated or stressed.
• A) Angry describes a strong emotion, but one can be overwrought and angry; it's not an antonym.
• C) Stressed is a synonym of overwrought, not an antonym.
• D) Excited implies high energy, but not necessarily the opposite of being overwrought; one can be overwrought with excitement.

Therefore, "Calm" is the most fitting antonym.

This question asks to identify the type of sentence: "He made a mistake after he apologized." Sentence types are determined by the number and kind of clauses they contain.

• The correct answer is C) Complex sentence. A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. In this sentence, "He made a mistake" is an independent clause (it can stand alone as a complete thought). "after he apologized" is a dependent clause, introduced by the subordinating conjunction "after," and cannot stand alone.
• A) Simple sentence contains only one independent clause.
• B) Compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.
• D) Complex-compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

The presence of one independent and one dependent clause makes it a complex sentence.

The question asks for a synonym of "flattery." A synonym is a word with a similar meaning. "Flattery" refers to excessive and often insincere praise, typically given to gain favor or advantage.

• The correct answer is B) Cajole. To cajole means to persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of using flattery as a tool.
• A) Command means to give an authoritative order, which is unrelated to flattery.
• C) Criticize means to express disapproval, which is the opposite of flattery.
• D) Ignore means to pay no attention to, which is also unrelated to flattery.

Thus, "Cajole" is the closest synonym as it involves the act of using flattery.

This question requires changing direct speech to indirect speech (narration change). The original sentence is an imperative statement: "The father said to his children, "Be punctual.""

• The correct answer is B) The father advised his children to be punctual. When changing an imperative sentence to indirect speech, the reporting verb should reflect the tone or intent. "Be punctual" is a suggestion or recommendation for good behavior, making "advised" the most appropriate and polite reporting verb.
• A) The father told his children to be punctual. "Told" is too neutral and doesn't capture the advisory nature as effectively as "advised."
• C) The father ordered his children to be punctual. "Ordered" implies a command with strong authority, which might be too harsh for a general instruction about punctuality.
• D) The father said his children to be punctual. This construction is grammatically awkward and incorrect in standard English for reporting an imperative.

Therefore, "advised" best conveys the father's intent.

The question asks for a synonym of the word "Shaman." A shaman is a person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits, especially among some tribal societies. They typically perform healing, divination, and spiritual guidance.

• The correct answer is A) Priest. A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and one or more deities. Both shamans and priests serve as spiritual leaders and intermediaries, making "priest" the closest synonym among the options.
• B) Merchant is a person involved in trade or commerce.
• C) Soldier is a person who serves in an army.
• D) Farmer is a person who operates a farm.

These distractors represent professions unrelated to the spiritual or religious functions of a shaman.