PART A:
Q1:
1. B) Unutterable
2. B) Secretive
3. C) Confuse
4. C) Depravity
5. B) Clear
6. B) Brevity
7. A) Cautious
8. B) Pessimistic
9. B) Extravagant
10. B) Prescient
11. C) Quiet
12. A) Page
13. D) had seen
14. C) She is a most intelligent girl in class.
15. A) The larger of the two men was wearing a blue shirt.
16. B) in
17. B) quickly
18. B) She not only sings but also dances.
19. D) Its tail is very long.
20. A) She must start now, or she will not finish on time.
PART B:
Q2:Title: The Dichotomy of Information and Wisdom in the Digital Age
In the contemporary digital landscape, while access to information has become effortless, the capacity for profound understanding remains inadequate. The vast availability of data results in a paradox where abundant information yields less clarity. Modern education's pivot towards prioritizing access over deep comprehension has caused a neglect of essential analytical skills, overshadowing education's true purpose of fostering wisdom amidst the dazzle of quick data access.
Q3:
a) The central theme of the passage is the growing importance of sustainable living in light of environmental degradation. It emphasizes the increasing global awareness of our limited resources and the rise of eco-friendly practices.
b) The author views individual choices as pivotal in environmental preservation. The passage suggests that personal and community decisions to adopt eco-friendly practices play a significant role in safeguarding the environment for current and future generations.
c) The potential conflict between sustainability and modern lifestyles lies in the challenge of maintaining convenience while reducing consumption. The passage questions whether it is necessary to sacrifice certain comforts to achieve greater environmental preservation.
d) Over time, eco-friendly practices have evolved from niche activities to mainstream trends. The perception has shifted as more people recognize the importance of these practices, not only for immediate environmental impact but also for the long-term legacy left for future generations.
Q4:
(i) The doctor insisted that the patient lie down.
- Correction: The verb "lay" is incorrect when referring to the subject itself performing the action. The subjunctive form "lie" is used instead.
(ii) He has fewer friends than his brother.
- Correction: "Less" is used for uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is for countable nouns like "friends."
(iii) There are many books on the shelf that I want to read.
- Correction: "Much" is used with uncountable nouns. "Books" are countable, so "many" is the correct word.
(iv) Neither the manager nor his assistants were at the meeting.
- Correction: When using "neither-nor" with singular subjects, the verb should agree with the closer subject, which is "assistants" in this case, hence "were" is correct.
(v) She recommended that he take a vacation.
- Correction: The verb "takes" should be in the subjunctive mood ("take") as it is a recommendation.
(vi) After the lecture, the professor asked if anyone had any questions.
- Correction: The sentence is already correct.
(vii) The majority of the population believes in climate change.
- Correction: When "the majority of" refers to a group of individuals, it can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is seen as a collective unit (singular) or as individual members (plural). Both "believes" and "believe" can be correct depending on the context.
(viii) He did not know that his actions would have such an effect.
- Correction: The sentence is already correct.
Q5:
John, while very young, sailed around the world with his family. He wrote a book about his adventures, which became very popular. My favorite chapter is when he talks about the time they crossed the equator.
Q6.
(i) Allusion (a reference to something) - The author's allusion to Shakespeare added depth to her novel.
Illusion (a false perception or deception) - The oasis was nothing but an illusion in the vast desert.
(ii) Principal (chief or most important) - The principal reason for the policy change was economic sustainability.
Principle (a fundamental truth or proposition) - She stood by her principles, refusing to compromise on matters of integrity.
(iii) Stationary (not moving) - The bike remained stationary despite the strong wind.
Stationery (writing materials) - He bought new stationery for the start of the school year, including pens and notebooks.
(iv) Cite (to quote as evidence) - The student cited several studies to support her thesis.
Site (a location or place) - The construction of the new mall will begin on the chosen site next month.
(v) Proceed (to go forward) - After the signal was given, the troops proceeded to march.
Precede (to come before something in time or order) - The introduction will precede the first chapter of the book.
Q7.
Last night, some thieves jumped over our house wall under the cover of darkness and entered the house, taking valuable items with them as they fled. When we found out in the morning, we rushed out as if we had feet on our heads. However, the thieves had gotten so far away that we couldn't catch them.
(i) The doctor insisted that the patient lie down.
- Correction: The verb "lay" is incorrect when referring to the subject itself performing the action. The subjunctive form "lie" is used instead.
(ii) He has fewer friends than his brother.
- Correction: "Less" is used for uncountable nouns, while "fewer" is for countable nouns like "friends."
(iii) There are many books on the shelf that I want to read.
- Correction: "Much" is used with uncountable nouns. "Books" are countable, so "many" is the correct word.
(iv) Neither the manager nor his assistants were at the meeting.
- Correction: When using "neither-nor" with singular subjects, the verb should agree with the closer subject, which is "assistants" in this case, hence "were" is correct.
(v) She recommended that he take a vacation.
- Correction: The verb "takes" should be in the subjunctive mood ("take") as it is a recommendation.
(vi) After the lecture, the professor asked if anyone had any questions.
- Correction: The sentence is already correct.
(vii) The majority of the population believes in climate change.
- Correction: When "the majority of" refers to a group of individuals, it can take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is seen as a collective unit (singular) or as individual members (plural). Both "believes" and "believe" can be correct depending on the context.
(viii) He did not know that his actions would have such an effect.
- Correction: The sentence is already correct.
Q5:
John, while very young, sailed around the world with his family. He wrote a book about his adventures, which became very popular. My favorite chapter is when he talks about the time they crossed the equator.
Q6.
(i) Allusion (a reference to something) - The author's allusion to Shakespeare added depth to her novel.
Illusion (a false perception or deception) - The oasis was nothing but an illusion in the vast desert.
(ii) Principal (chief or most important) - The principal reason for the policy change was economic sustainability.
Principle (a fundamental truth or proposition) - She stood by her principles, refusing to compromise on matters of integrity.
(iii) Stationary (not moving) - The bike remained stationary despite the strong wind.
Stationery (writing materials) - He bought new stationery for the start of the school year, including pens and notebooks.
(iv) Cite (to quote as evidence) - The student cited several studies to support her thesis.
Site (a location or place) - The construction of the new mall will begin on the chosen site next month.
(v) Proceed (to go forward) - After the signal was given, the troops proceeded to march.
Precede (to come before something in time or order) - The introduction will precede the first chapter of the book.
Q7.
Last night, some thieves jumped over our house wall under the cover of darkness and entered the house, taking valuable items with them as they fled. When we found out in the morning, we rushed out as if we had feet on our heads. However, the thieves had gotten so far away that we couldn't catch them.
Please be advised that the solutions provided herein are intended for guidance purposes only and may not necessarily align with any standardized solution frameworks or specific word count requirements. The complexity and diversity of CSS exam topics necessitate a broad and deep understanding of the subject matter, which cannot be fully encapsulated within these brief outlines.
Students are strongly encouraged to engage in comprehensive preparation based on the CSS syllabus, utilizing recommended textbooks, scholarly articles, and other relevant materials. It is also beneficial to seek the guidance of a professional mentor who can provide personalized advice and insights tailored to your individual learning needs and aspirations.
Remember, these solutions are designed to inspire your thought process and aid in structuring your answers. They should serve as a starting point for further research and elaboration. Success in the CSS exams requires critical thinking, a thorough grasp of the topics, and the ability to present well-reasoned arguments and analyses.
Diligence, strategic preparation, and a well-rounded approach to studying will be your keys to performing well in the CSS exams. Good luck with your studies, and may your hard work lead you to success.