Directions: In the question, there are four sentences. Each sentence has a…
2026
Directions: In the question, there are four sentences. Each sentence has a pair of words/phrases that are italicised and highlighted. Select the most appropriate words or phrases to form grammatically and syntactically correct sentences. Then, from the options given, choose the best one.
(a) The (A) reticent / (B) taciturn boy doesn't want to mix up with strangers.
(b) The (A) exceptionable / (B) exceptional behaviour of the old choleric has been viewed seriously by everyone concerned.
(c) I am simply (A) uninterested / (B) disinterested in your cock and bull story.
(d) The landlord died intestate leaving the (A) descendants / (B) descendents to settle the property dispute at their own.
- A.
AAAA
- B.
BBAA
- C.
ABAA
- D.
ABAB
Attempted by 480 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct choices and explanations:
Sentence (a): reticent — "reticent" indicates reluctance to speak or to mingle with others. "Taciturn" means habitually untalkative; the sentence emphasizes not wanting to mix with strangers, so "reticent" fits best.
Sentence (b): exceptionable — "exceptionable" means objectionable or open to criticism. "Exceptional" means unusually good, which does not match behaviour that is being "viewed seriously" (i.e., criticized or objected to).
Sentence (c): uninterested — "uninterested" means not interested or bored. "Disinterested" means impartial or unbiased. Since the speaker is expressing lack of interest in the story, "uninterested" is correct.
Sentence (d): descendants — "descendants" means offspring or children. The pronoun "their" refers to the offspring who must settle the dispute. "Descendent" (or the misspelt "descendents") is not the appropriate form here.
Summary: The correct sequence of words is reticent, exceptionable, uninterested, descendants.