UPPSC CSAT English Passage PYQ MCQ

Sample questions

The first questions of Set 1. Open the set to answer them and see the explanations.

1. Q1.Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. It has been part of Nelson's prayer that the British fleet might be distinguished by humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an example himself, he twice gave orders to cease firing upon the Redoubtable, supposing that she had struck because her great guns were silent; for as she carried no flag, there was no means of instantly ascertaining the fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his death. A ball fired from her mizzen-top, which, in the then situation of the two vessels, was not more than fifteen yards from that part of the deck where he was standing, struck the epaulette on his left shoulder about a quarter after one, just in the heat of action. He felt upon his face on the spot which was covered with his poor secretary's blood. Hardy, who was few steps away from him turning round, saw three men raising him up. "They have done for me at last, Hardy!" said he. "I hope not!" cried Hardy. "Yes", he replied, "my backbone is shot through!" Yet, even now, not for a moment losing his presence of mind, he observed as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller-ropes which had been shot away, were not yet replaced and ordered that new ones should be roped immediately. Then that he might not be seen by the crew, he took out his handkerchief and covered his face and his stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy, England perhaps would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the news of battle of Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men; over whose bodies he was, with some difficulty, conveyed and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen's berth. It was soon perceived, upon examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all, except Captain Hardy, the Chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself, being certain, from the sensation in his back and the gush of blood felt momentarily within his breast, that no human care could avail him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him and attend to those to whom he might be useful. Question: What qualities of Nelson's character was revealed by this passage?

   • A) Bravery, patriotism and humanity
   • B) Cruelty, ambition and cunning
   • C) Silence, confusion and detachment
   • D) Greed, pride and recklessness

2. Q2.Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. It has been part of Nelson's prayer that the British fleet might be distinguished by humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an example himself, he twice gave orders to cease firing upon the Redoubtable, supposing that she had struck because her great guns were silent; for as she carried no flag, there was no means of instantly ascertaining the fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his death. A ball fired from her mizzen-top, which, in the then situation of the two vessels, was not more than fifteen yards from that part of the deck where he was standing, struck the epaulette on his left shoulder about a quarter after one, just in the heat of action. He felt upon his face on the spot which was covered with his poor secretary's blood. Hardy, who was few steps away from him turning round, saw three men raising him up. "They have done for me at last, Hardy!" said he. "I hope not!" cried Hardy. "Yes", he replied, "my backbone is shot through!" Yet, even now, not for a moment losing his presence of mind, he observed as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller-ropes which had been shot away, were not yet replaced and ordered that new ones should be roped immediately. Then that he might not be seen by the crew, he took out his handkerchief and covered his face and his stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy, England perhaps would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the news of battle of Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men; over whose bodies he was, with some difficulty, conveyed and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen's berth. It was soon perceived, upon examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all, except Captain Hardy, the Chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself, being certain, from the sensation in his back and the gush of blood felt momentarily within his breast, that no human care could avail him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him and attend to those to whom he might be useful. Question: What do you understand by the "mizzen-top"?

   • A) The captain's look-out post
   • B) The roof of the ships cabin
   • C) The highest point of ship's bow
   • D) The platform around the lower part of the most nearest the stern

3. Q3.Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. It has been part of Nelson's prayer that the British fleet might be distinguished by humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an example himself, he twice gave orders to cease firing upon the Redoubtable, supposing that she had struck because her great guns were silent; for as she carried no flag, there was no means of instantly ascertaining the fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his death. A ball fired from her mizzen-top, which, in the then situation of the two vessels, was not more than fifteen yards from that part of the deck where he was standing, struck the epaulette on his left shoulder about a quarter after one, just in the heat of action. He felt upon his face on the spot which was covered with his poor secretary's blood. Hardy, who was few steps away from him turning round, saw three men raising him up. "They have done for me at last, Hardy!" said he. "I hope not!" cried Hardy. "Yes", he replied, "my backbone is shot through!" Yet, even now, not for a moment losing his presence of mind, he observed as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller-ropes which had been shot away, were not yet replaced and ordered that new ones should be roped immediately. Then that he might not be seen by the crew, he took out his handkerchief and covered his face and his stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy, England perhaps would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the news of battle of Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men; over whose bodies he was, with some difficulty, conveyed and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen's berth. It was soon perceived, upon examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all, except Captain Hardy, the Chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself, being certain, from the sensation in his back and the gush of blood felt momentarily within his breast, that no human care could avail him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him and attend to those to whom he might be useful. Question: Choose the antonym of "presence of mind".

   • A) Attentiveness
   • B) Panic
   • C) Quick thinking
   • D) Alertness

4. Q4.Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. It has been part of Nelson's prayer that the British fleet might be distinguished by humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an example himself, he twice gave orders to cease firing upon the Redoubtable, supposing that she had struck because her great guns were silent; for as she carried no flag, there was no means of instantly ascertaining the fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his death. A ball fired from her mizzen-top, which, in the then situation of the two vessels, was not more than fifteen yards from that part of the deck where he was standing, struck the epaulette on his left shoulder about a quarter after one, just in the heat of action. He felt upon his face on the spot which was covered with his poor secretary's blood. Hardy, who was few steps away from him turning round, saw three men raising him up. "They have done for me at last, Hardy!" said he. "I hope not!" cried Hardy. "Yes", he replied, "my backbone is shot through!" Yet, even now, not for a moment losing his presence of mind, he observed as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller-ropes which had been shot away, were not yet replaced and ordered that new ones should be roped immediately. Then that he might not be seen by the crew, he took out his handkerchief and covered his face and his stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy, England perhaps would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the news of battle of Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men; over whose bodies he was, with some difficulty, conveyed and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen's berth. It was soon perceived, upon examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all, except Captain Hardy, the Chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself, being certain, from the sensation in his back and the gush of blood felt momentarily within his breast, that no human care could avail him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him and attend to those to whom he might be useful. Question: Why did Nelson insist that the surgeon should leave him and attend to others?

   • A) He wanted privacy in his final moments
   • B) He felt his injury was not serious
   • C) He believed that he could recover without help
   • D) He know he was dying and wanted the surgeon to help others

5. Q5.Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. It has been part of Nelson's prayer that the British fleet might be distinguished by humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an example himself, he twice gave orders to cease firing upon the Redoubtable, supposing that she had struck because her great guns were silent; for as she carried no flag, there was no means of instantly ascertaining the fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his death. A ball fired from her mizzen-top, which, in the then situation of the two vessels, was not more than fifteen yards from that part of the deck where he was standing, struck the epaulette on his left shoulder about a quarter after one, just in the heat of action. He felt upon his face on the spot which was covered with his poor secretary's blood. Hardy, who was few steps away from him turning round, saw three men raising him up. "They have done for me at last, Hardy!" said he. "I hope not!" cried Hardy. "Yes", he replied, "my backbone is shot through!" Yet, even now, not for a moment losing his presence of mind, he observed as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller-ropes which had been shot away, were not yet replaced and ordered that new ones should be roped immediately. Then that he might not be seen by the crew, he took out his handkerchief and covered his face and his stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy, England perhaps would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the news of battle of Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men; over whose bodies he was, with some difficulty, conveyed and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen's berth. It was soon perceived, upon examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all, except Captain Hardy, the Chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself, being certain, from the sensation in his back and the gush of blood felt momentarily within his breast, that no human care could avail him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him and attend to those to whom he might be useful. Question: What is meant by "midshipman"?

   • A) An officer of the lowest rank in the navy
   • B) An officer of the middle rank in the navy
   • C) An officer of the highest rank in the navy
   • D) An officer of non-commissioned rank in the navy

6. Q6.Read the following passage carefully and answer the question based on the passage. Leadership studies is an emerging discipline, and the concept of leadership will continue to change. Leadership lore is defined as an influence among leaders and followers who want real change and outcomes that reflect their purpose shared by the leaders and their followers. Influence means that the relationship among people is not passive; however, also part of this definition is that influence is multidirectional. It does not use orders or threats to make somebody do something. Leadership is something a leader does to a follower. However, leadership has an effect in both directions. In most organizations, superiors influence subordinates, but subordinates influence superiors as well. The people involved in the relationship want real and important changes — leadership involves creating change, not maintaining what normally happens. In addition, the changes sought are not dictated by leaders, but reflect the purpose that motivates them toward this more preferable outcome. An important aspect of leadership is influencing others to come together around a common vision. Thus, leadership involves the influence of people to bring about change towards a desirable future. Question: The concept of leadership discussed in this passage is:

   • A) Individualistic
   • B) Vertical/Top-down
   • C) Horizontal
   • D) Exceptional

7. Q7.Read the following passage carefully and answer the question based on the passage. Leadership studies is an emerging discipline, and the concept of leadership will continue to change. Leadership lore is defined as an influence among leaders and followers who want real change and outcomes that reflect their purpose shared by the leaders and their followers. Influence means that the relationship among people is not passive; however, also part of this definition is that influence is multidirectional. It does not use orders or threats to make somebody do something. Leadership is something a leader does to a follower. However, leadership has an effect in both directions. In most organizations, superiors influence subordinates, but subordinates influence superiors as well. The people involved in the relationship want real and important changes — leadership involves creating change, not maintaining what normally happens. In addition, the changes sought are not dictated by leaders, but reflect the purpose that motivates them toward this more preferable outcome. An important aspect of leadership is influencing others to come together around a common vision. Thus, leadership involves the influence of people to bring about change towards a desirable future. Question: “Leadership studies is an emerging discipline” means:

   • A) Leadership studies is an elaborate field.
   • B) Leadership studies is an evolving domain of scholarship.
   • C) Leadership studies is a valid field of research.
   • D) Leadership studies is an established field.

8. Q8.Read the following passage carefully and answer the question based on the passage. Leadership studies is an emerging discipline, and the concept of leadership will continue to change. Leadership lore is defined as an influence among leaders and followers who want real change and outcomes that reflect their purpose shared by the leaders and their followers. Influence means that the relationship among people is not passive; however, also part of this definition is that influence is multidirectional. It does not use orders or threats to make somebody do something. Leadership is something a leader does to a follower. However, leadership has an effect in both directions. In most organizations, superiors influence subordinates, but subordinates influence superiors as well. The people involved in the relationship want real and important changes — leadership involves creating change, not maintaining what normally happens. In addition, the changes sought are not dictated by leaders, but reflect the purpose that motivates them toward this more preferable outcome. An important aspect of leadership is influencing others to come together around a common vision. Thus, leadership involves the influence of people to bring about change towards a desirable future. Question: What should be the outcome of leadership actions?

   • A) Movement towards the vision of the majority.
   • B) Movement and strengthening of the authority of leaders.
   • C) Movement towards common vision of the leader and the followers.
   • D) Movement towards the vision of the leader.

9. Q9.Read the following passage carefully and answer the question based on the passage. Leadership studies is an emerging discipline, and the concept of leadership will continue to change. Leadership lore is defined as an influence among leaders and followers who want real change and outcomes that reflect their purpose shared by the leaders and their followers. Influence means that the relationship among people is not passive; however, also part of this definition is that influence is multidirectional. It does not use orders or threats to make somebody do something. Leadership is something a leader does to a follower. However, leadership has an effect in both directions. In most organizations, superiors influence subordinates, but subordinates influence superiors as well. The people involved in the relationship want real and important changes — leadership involves creating change, not maintaining what normally happens. In addition, the changes sought are not dictated by leaders, but reflect the purpose that motivates them toward this more preferable outcome. An important aspect of leadership is influencing others to come together around a common vision. Thus, leadership involves the influence of people to bring about change towards a desirable future. Question: Find the synonym for the word 'traditions' in the above passage.

   • A) Lore
   • B) Relationship
   • C) Leadership
   • D) Organization

10. Q10.Read the following passage carefully and answer the question based on the passage. Leadership studies is an emerging discipline, and the concept of leadership will continue to change. Leadership lore is defined as an influence among leaders and followers who want real change and outcomes that reflect their purpose shared by the leaders and their followers. Influence means that the relationship among people is not passive; however, also part of this definition is that influence is multidirectional. It does not use orders or threats to make somebody do something. Leadership is something a leader does to a follower. However, leadership has an effect in both directions. In most organizations, superiors influence subordinates, but subordinates influence superiors as well. The people involved in the relationship want real and important changes — leadership involves creating change, not maintaining what normally happens. In addition, the changes sought are not dictated by leaders, but reflect the purpose that motivates them toward this more preferable outcome. An important aspect of leadership is influencing others to come together around a common vision. Thus, leadership involves the influence of people to bring about change towards a desirable future. Question: What is the main theme of this passage?

    • A) Future of a country
    • B) Politics of a country
    • C) Discussion about followers
    • D) Explanation of leadership construct

More English Passage

• UPSSSC PET 12