Reading Comprehension & Passage Analysis – Vocabulary-based questions (synonyms, antonyms, contextual meaning)

Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)

Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)

Preliminary Examination – General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

Topic: Reading Comprehension & Passage Analysis

Sub-Topic: Vocabulary-based Questions (Synonyms, Antonyms, Contextual Meaning)

All questions are framed at Class X level, focusing on word meaning from context, which is a core requirement of APSC CSAT Paper II.

Section A: Synonym-based Questions (Q1–Q10)

Q1. Choose the word closest in meaning to “abundant”.

A. Scarce
B. Limited
C. Plentiful
D. Rare

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Abundant means available in large quantities.

Q2. The synonym of “mitigate” is:

A. Worsen
B. Reduce
C. Delay
D. Ignore

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Mitigate means to lessen or reduce severity.

Q3. Choose the synonym of “vital”.

A. Minor
B. Optional
C. Essential
D. Temporary

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vital means extremely important or essential.

Q4. The word “resilient” most nearly means:

A. Weak
B. Flexible
C. Fragile
D. Rigid

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Resilient refers to the ability to recover or adapt.

Q5. A synonym of “brief” is:

A. Long
B. Detailed
C. Short
D. Broad

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Brief means short in duration or length.

Q6. The word “assist” can best be replaced by:

A. Hinder
B. Support
C. Prevent
D. Delay

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Assist means to help or support.

Q7. Choose the synonym of “frequent”.

A. Rare
B. Occasional
C. Regular
D. Unusual

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Frequent means occurring often.

Q8. The word “accurate” is closest in meaning to:

A. Approximate
B. Correct
C. Confusing
D. Vague

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Accurate means correct or precise.

Q9. Choose the synonym of “decline”.

A. Increase
B. Improve
C. Reduce
D. Accept

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Decline means decrease or reduce.

Q10. The synonym of “aware” is:

A. Ignorant
B. Conscious
C. Careless
D. Doubtful

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Aware means having knowledge or consciousness.

Section B: Antonym-based Questions (Q11–Q20)

Q11. Choose the antonym of “expand”.

A. Grow
B. Spread
C. Enlarge
D. Shrink

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Shrink is opposite of expand.

Q12. The antonym of “optimistic” is:

A. Cheerful
B. Hopeful
C. Pessimistic
D. Confident

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Pessimistic is the opposite outlook.

Q13. Choose the antonym of “transparent”.

A. Clear
B. Obscure
C. Bright
D. Smooth

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Obscure means unclear or hidden.

Q14. The antonym of “increase” is:

A. Expand
B. Multiply
C. Decrease
D. Enhance

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Decrease is the opposite of increase.

Q15. Choose the antonym of “flexible”.

A. Adaptable
B. Elastic
C. Rigid
D. Soft

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rigid means stiff and inflexible.

Q16. The antonym of “success” is:

A. Growth
B. Progress
C. Achievement
D. Failure

Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Failure is the opposite of success.

Q17. Choose the antonym of “active”.

A. Energetic
B. Dynamic
C. Passive
D. Quick

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Passive means inactive.

Q18. The antonym of “beneficial” is:

A. Helpful
B. Harmful
C. Useful
D. Positive

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Harmful causes damage.

Q19. Choose the antonym of “temporary”.

A. Brief
B. Short
C. Permanent
D. Limited

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Permanent means lasting forever.

Q20. The antonym of “major” is:

A. Significant
B. Main
C. Minor
D. Important

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Minor means small or less important.

Section C: Contextual Meaning Questions (Q21–Q30)

Q21. The government took stringent measures to control pollution.

The word “stringent” means:
A. Relaxed
B. Strict
C. Delayed
D. Temporary

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Stringent refers to strict actions.

Q22. The student showed remarkable improvement in performance.

The word “remarkable” means:
A. Ordinary
B. Noticeable
C. Weak
D. Average

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Remarkable means worthy of notice.

Q23. The river has eroded the riverbank over time.

The word “eroded” means:
A. Built
B. Strengthened
C. Worn away
D. Cleaned

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Eroded means gradually worn away.

Q24. His explanation was vague and confusing.

The word “vague” means:
A. Clear
B. Precise
C. Unclear
D. Logical

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vague means not clearly expressed.

Q25. The teacher emphasized the importance of discipline.

The word “emphasized” means:
A. Ignored
B. Highlighted
C. Reduced
D. Avoided

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Emphasized means stressed or highlighted.

Q26. The project was completed despite numerous challenges.

The word “numerous” means:
A. Few
B. Several
C. Countable
D. Minor

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Numerous means many.

Q27. The medicine provided relief from pain.

The word “relief” means:
A. Increase
B. Return
C. Reduction
D. Delay

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Relief means reduction of pain or discomfort.

Q28. The city faced severe water shortage.

The word “severe” means:
A. Mild
B. Extreme
C. Temporary
D. Slight

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Severe means very serious or extreme.

Q29. The policy aims to enhance public welfare.

The word “enhance” means:
A. Improve
B. Decrease
C. Restrict
D. Stop

Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Enhance means improve or increase.

Q30. The manager was reluctant to approve the proposal.

The word “reluctant” means:
A. Willing
B. Eager
C. Hesitant
D. Excited

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant.

✅ Exam Relevance Summary

• Focused on synonyms, antonyms & contextual vocabulary
• Designed strictly for APSC CSAT Paper II (qualifying nature)
• Strengthens word meaning, elimination skills & comprehension accuracy

• APSC CSAT synonyms and antonyms questions

• Vocabulary based reading comprehension APSC

• APSC GS Paper II vocabulary MCQs

• Contextual meaning questions for APSC CSAT

• English vocabulary practice for APSC prelims