English Précis and Composition Past Papers Idioms
Meaning
Sentence
Carry out
perform a task
We're carrying out a market-research survey.
Taken over
assume control of something
British troops had taken over the German trenches.
Bring about
cause something to happen
Maor spending is re!uired to bring about substantial improvements in housing.
Beat out
to make someone tell you something by hitting him
"e claims that the confession #as beaten out of him.
Bear #ith
a polite #ay of asking someone to be patient #hile $f you ust bear #ith me for a fe# more minutes% #e&ll have all the paper#ork you do or finish something finished.
Turn urn to goo good( d( acco accoun untt
turn turn some someth thin ing g to one' one'ss adva advant ntag age. e.
)am )am turn turned ed her her illn illnes esss to good good acco accoun untt and and did did a lot lot of read readin ing. g.
To beat the air*#ind(
continue to make futile attempts
The candidates for office #ere so much alike that #e thought our vote amounted to beating the air.
To break a lance
to engage in contest
"e #as eager to break a lance #ith the ne# champion.
To fall( foul of
to upset someone
+fficials #ho fall foul of the mayor find themselves e,iled to the most boring departments
To keep open house
to be hospitable
Beth and Charlie have a cottage by the lake #here they keep open house on aturday afternoons during the summer.
To put out of countenance
cause mental discomfort% to abash
"e #as put out of countenance #hen a friend disclosed his secret.
Got up*dressed( to kill
dressed in an attractive manner
The model got up to kill but the udges looked indifferent.
To have a finger in the pie
to be involved in something
Tess #ants to have a finger in the pie. he doesn't think #e can do it by ourselves.
When all is said and done
#hen everything is considered
When all is said and done% this isn't such a bad part of the country to live in after all.
n a,e to grind there is also an merican version of this idiom #hich is not relevant(
to have have some someth thin ing g to to com compl plai ain n abo about ut
Bill Bill and and Bob Bob #ent #ent into into the the oth other er room room to argu argue. e. They They had had an an a, a,e to to gri grind nd..
Turn over( a ne# leaf
to start behaving in a different #ay
pparently he he's turned over a ne# leaf an and he's n no ot drinking any more.
Burn the candle at both ends
to #ork very hard
/ou'll #ear out if you keep burning the candle at both ends.
0eave in the lurch
to leave someone #aiting for or anticipating your actions
$ hope they can find someone to replace me at #ork. $ don't #ant to leave them in the lurch.
Goes Goes #it #ithou hout say sayin ing g
somet omethi hing ng is so obvio bviou us th that it need eed no not be be sai said d
$t goes #ith #ithou outt say sayiing that that you you are are to #ear ear fo formal rmal clo clothin thing g to to th the Wh White ite "o "ouse dinner.
0ike 0ike a red red rag rag to a bull bull
to make make some someon onee very ery angr angry y
1or 1or Clai Claire re%% the the sugg sugges esti tion on of a #ome #omenn-on only ly comm commit itte teee #as #as like like a red red rag rag to a bull.
2ot have( a leg to stand on
to have no support support for one's position
The company settled the la#suit because they did not have a leg to stand stand on.
3nder the thumb of
under the control of someone
That girl is totally under the thumb of her mother.
The The #ri #riti ting ng on the the #al #alll
the the lik likel elih ihoo ood d tha thatt som somet ethi hing ng bad bad #ill #ill happ happen en
s lead leader ers% s% they they shou should ld hav have see seen n th the #ri #riti ting ng on the the #al #alll and and come come up #ith #ith an alternative course of action.
To fal falll back back on some someth thin ing g
to depe depend nd on some someth thin ing g afte afterr a loss loss or fail failur uree
The The imp impov over eris ishe hed d fami family ly had had no savi saving ngss to fall fall back back on. on.
To fall through
to fail
+ur plans fell through at the last minute.
+n right earnest 4ested interests
those groups that seek to maintain or control an merica can never e,tricate herself from the current perpetual state of #ar e,isting system or activity from #hich they derive because of the vested interests of the Military $ndustrial $ndustrial Comple,. private benefit.
Mean Meaniingfu ngfull dial dialog ogu ue
a fran frank k con convers ersatio ation n abou aboutt the the tou tough issu issues es
mean meanin ingf gfu ul di dialo alogue gue bet# bet#ee een n )aki akistan stan and and $nd $ndia migh mightt brin ring abou aboutt the the belat elated ed solution to the 5ashmir problem.
To so# one's #ild oats
to spend a period of one's youth behaving irresponsibly
"e'd spent his t#enties so#ing his #ild oats but felt that it #as time to settle do#n.
torm in a tea cup
a small event that has been e,aggerated out of proportion
$ #onder #hat #ill you do in a more serious situation #hen you are making a storm in a teacup because of ust a finger prick6
To kee p late hour s
to stay up or stay out until ver y late at night.
$f $ didn't kee p late hour s% s% $ #ouldn't sle ep ep so late in the mor ni ning.
To th thro# cold #ate r on
to critici7e or stop something that some pe people a re re enthusiastic about
The proposal seemed reasonable enough% but authorities !uickly thre# cold #ater on it.
cock and bull story
an absurd or highly improbable tale passed off as being true.
8ack told us some cock and bull story about getting lost.
To bear the brunt of
to receive the #orst part of something unpleasant or harmful
The oldest parts of the to#n bore the brunt of the missile attacks.
Tied to apron-strings o off
dependent on on or do dominated by someone% especially a mother or a #ife
t 9:% he is still too tied to the apron strings of his mother to get an apartment of his o#n.
;
English Précis and Composition Past Papers To mov movee hea heave ven n and and eart earth h
to do every everyth thin ing g you you can can to to ach achie ieve ve some someth thin ing g
$ mov moved ed heav heaven en and and ear earth th to get get you you that that inte interv rvie ie# #% and and you you did didn' n'tt eve even n bot bothe herr to to sho# up for it<
To blo blo# # one one&&s o#n o#n trum trumpe pett
to tell tell othe otherr peo peopl plee ho# ho# good good and and succ succes essf sful ul you you are
nyone #ill tell you she's one of the best ournalists #e've got% although she'd never blo# her o#n trumpet.
To rest on one&s laurels
rela, one's efforts
The government shouldn't rest on its laurels% and must press ahead #ith policy changes.
Trudge along
to #alk in a laborious% heavy-footed #ay
We trudged along the mountain trail #ith much difficulty.
)oint-blankvarying definitions(
#ith a st straight ai aim= di directly
The landlord fired point-blank at the intruder.
$n the doldrums
sluggish= inactive= in lo# spirits
When the economy is in the doldrums% every business feels the effects.
>ole out
to distribute something to someone
The cook doled the oatmeal out to each camper #ho held out a bo#l.
t cross purposes
#ith opposing vie#points= #ith goals that interfere #ith each other
Bill and Tom are #orking at cross-purposes. They'll never get the ob done right.
Cheek by o#l
in close pro,imity
The houses #ere umbled together cheek by o#l.
uccinctly
#ith concise and precise brevity= to the point
$t is hard to e,plain the )alestinian issue succinctly.
"ilar io ious ( de tr trac t fr om om
to ma make so something se seem le less go good% at attra ct ctive% or or important
lthough the Mayor's hilarious detract from the party line amused the audience% his colleagues looked surprised.
)lain sailing
easy unobstructed progress
We had difficulty getting through the initial stage but the rest #as plain sailing.
To call a spade a spade
to be outspoken% blunt% even to the point of rudeness
/ou can call him a nice guy if you #ant to but $ am calling a spade a spade= that guy is a erk.
To fight shy of
to avoid meeting or confronting
)oliticians usually fight shy of their voters after coming into office.
To cr cry ov over th the sp spilt mi milk
to be be un unhappy ab about #h #hat ca cannot be be un undone
>on't cr cry ov over th the sp spilt mi milk.
To ro rob peter to pay )aul
to take or or bo borro# from on one in order to to give or or pay something o#ed to another.
Why borro# money to pay your bills6 That's ust robbing )eter to pay )aul.
To tak takee the the bull bull by the the ho horns rns
face face a dif diffi ficu cult lty y and and grap grappl plee #it #ith h it it #it #itho hout ut avoiding it
top blaming the government for your problems% take the bull by the horns and rectify your o#n mistakes.
)lay )layin ing g to to the the gal galle lery ry
to try try to to g gai ain np pop opul ular ar fav favou ourr% es esp pb by y cru crud de appe appeal alss
tea team m marr marred ed #it #ith hp pla laye yers rs pro prone ne to play playin ing g to to the the gal galle lery ry can can neve neverr elev elevat atee its its status.
"olding out the olive branch
to offer reconciliation
8ill #as the first to hold out the olive branch after our argument.
To make out
to discern or see% especially #ith difficulty
$ could barely make out the traffic signs through the rain.
The acid test
a rigorous and conclusive test to establish #orth or value
The play passed the critic's acid test.
bad hat
someone #ho deliberately stirs up trouble
/ou #ill hardly find bad hats among diplomats.
$n a blue funk
in a state of panic or terror
8ust because the bride's mother is late% you needn't get in a blue funk.
et one&s cap( >o#n at heel( $ think these are t#o different idioms(
try to gain someone&s love( badly dressed or in a bad condition because because of a lack of money(
$t&s fairly obvious from the #ay he talks to her at every opportunity that he&s set his cap at her.( When $ first met her she #as do#n-at-heel but still respectable.(
To di die in harness
to die #hile actively engaged in #ork or du duty.
he kno#s she 'l'll never get pr pr om omoted% but she #a nt nts to die in in harne ssss.
>ead as doornail
un!uestionably dead
The radicalism she professed in her adolescence is no# dead as a doornail.
To raise coin$t could be 'cain' #hich #ill make it a different idiom(
to gather money
Bush #as to raise coin for McCain at the )hoeni, Convention Centre.
To strike one&s colours
surrender
?ven after getting half of the cre# killed% the dmiral defiantly refused to strike his colours.
To carry the day
to be victorious
t auctions% the #ealthiest bidders usually carry the day.
Ta ke ken do#n a peg
to repr im imand someone #h #ho is acting too arrogant.
The teac he her 's sscc ol olding took Bob do#n a pe peg.
To monkey #ith
to bother or interfere #ith someone or something
Come on% don't monkey #ith my ne# camera.
$n hot #ater
in a difficult situation in #hich you are likely to be Those e-mails complaining about your boss can land you in hot #ater. punished
)ett )ettic icoa oatt Gov Gover ernm nmen entt
#ome #omen n run runni ning ng gove govern rnme ment nt or dome domest stic ic affa affair irs. s.
t the the out outse sett of of kb kbar ar's 's reig reign% n% the the Mug Mugha hall ?mp ?mpir iree #as #as esse essent ntia iall lly y bei being ng run run by by a petticoat government. government.
To pull oneself together
to compose oneself
$ have to pull myself together and try it again.
To ri rise from th the ra ranks
to achieve po position or office% ha having #orked up from the masses
"e rose from the ranks to become president of the company.
To rub shoulders
to meet or be #ith someone socially
The receptions offered a chance for business people to rub shoulders #ith business people people from other countries.
)ock )ocket et the the aff affro ront nt*a *an n insu insult lt((
to rece receiv ivee an affro affront nt #ith #ithou outt open open rese resent ntmen ment% t% or #ithout seeking redress
Beggars are used to pocketing the affronts of the people.
Thin end of the #edge
the start of a harmful development
There are those #ho see the closure of the hospital as the thin end of the #edge.
@
English Précis and Composition Past Papers 1lash in the pan
someone or something that dra#s a lot of attention Tom had hoped to be a maor film star% but his career #as only a flash in the pan. for a very brief time
To keep at a respectful distance t one&s beck and call
ready to obey someone
What makes you think $ #ill #ait around here at your beck and call6
Go against the grain
to do something that is the opposite of #hat is usually done
$t goes against the grain for William to admit that he's #rong.
Bring grist to the mill
something that you can use in order to help you to succeed
s an actor% all e,perience is grist to the mill.
3pset the apple-cart
to cause trouble% especially by spoiling someone's plans
$ don't #ant to upset the apple-cart no# by asking you to change the date for the meeting.
"oist on one's o#n petard
to be harmed by something that #as intended by you to harm someone else
The most enoyable moment in any action film occurs #hen the villain is hoisted on his o#n petard.
0ive on the fa t of the land
to have e nough money to live in a ver y Times have changed for the upper classes% many of #hom a re no longer able to comfortable #ay #ithout having to do much #ork live on the fat of the land.
To have your cake and eat it too
to seek to have t#o things #hich are mutually incompatible
>on't buy a car if you #ant to #alk and stay healthy. /ou can't have your cake and eat it too.
Bet#een the devil and the deep blue sea
one must choose bet#een t#o e!ually unpleasant situations
1or most people a visit to the dentist is the result of a choice bet#een the devil and the deep blue sea.
To be on the carpet
to be under consideration
The #elfare proposal is on the carpet but the final decision #ill take some time.
$t never rains but it pours
good or bad( things do not ust happen a fe# at a time% but in large numbers all at once.
1irst of all it #as the car breaking do#n% then the fire in the kitchen and no# Mike's accident. $t never rains but it pours<
miss is as good as a mile
a failure remains a failure% regardless of ho# close $'ve tried to reassure him that he only failed by three percent but the #ay he sees to success one has actually come. it% a miss is as good as a mile.
To give oneself airs
behave snobbishly
he can give herself all the airs she #ants% but the fact remains that she&s no different from the rest of us.
To have the courage of one&s convictions
moral convictions #hich are strong enough to motivate one to act on them
"e&s al#ays telling me about his socialist vie#s on this and that% but there&s very little evidence in the #ay he conducts his life to suggest that he&s got the courage of his convictions.
The onlooker sees most of the game
people vie#ing a situation from the outside% #hen they're not directly involved% are better able to see the Abigger pictureA of #hat is actually happening.
+ut of sight out of mind
if you do not see someone or something fre!uently% you #ill forget about it
/ou'll soon forget about him after he leaves - out of sight% out of mind.
To come to a dead end
to have run out of possible ideas% solutions% energy% etc
The committee reached a dead end on the matter and tabled the #hole business.
To turn a deaf ear
to ignore #hat someone says
"o# can you ust turn a deaf ear to their cries for food and shelter6
?very dark cloud has a silver lining
there is something good even in an unpleasant situation
$'m sorry your business is going badly% but don't despair% every dark cloud has a silver lining.
Blo#ing hot and cold together
change one's mind% vacillate
8ean's been blo#ing hot and cold about taking a #inter vacation.
To let the cat out of the bag
to reveal a secret or a surprise by accident
$ #as trying to keep the party a secret% but 8im #ent and let the cat out of the bag.
To put the cart before the horse
to have things in the #rong order= to have things confused and mi,ed up
/ou're eating your dessert first< /ou've put the cart before the horse.
To sail( in the same boat
in the same situation= having the same problem
uddenly% )aul #as in the same boat as any other #orker #ho had lost a ob.
#an ong
the last #ork or performance of a play#right% musician% actor% etc.% before death or retirement
We didn't kno# that her performance last night #as the singer's s#an song.
To look a gift horse in the mouth
to be ungrateful to someone #ho gave you something
$ kno# the car's not in great condition% but you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.
To #ash one&s dirty linen in public
to discuss private or embarrassing matters in public% especially #hen !uarrelling.
he #ill talk to anyone about her problems. Why does she #ash her dirty linen in public6
To take to one&s heels
to run a#ay
The little boy said hello and then took to his heels.
To #in laurels
to get accolades%honour
8im is a hard #orking boy% he is sure to #in laurels in life.
b initio
from the beginning
They do more advanced #ork #ith their students ab initio.
Bonafide
authentic= genuine= undertaken in good faith
They have a bonafide claim for the loss.
?n bloc
as a unit= all together
$ have been dra#ing our attention to the public and private !ualities of the several arts lest they be treated en bloc
?, parte
from or on one side only% #ith the other side absent or unrepresented
udge prone to e, parte hearing is not #orthy of such an auspicious office.
9
English Précis and Composition Past Papers ine die
#ithout a day specified for a future meeting= indefinitely
)arliament #as dismissed sine die.
tatus !uo
the e,isting condition or state of affairs.
revolution #hich does not challenge status !uo can hardly ustify its e,istence.
d 4alorem
in proportion to the value
?,tremely high import duties on cars in )akistan are inconsistent #ith the ad valorem principles of trade.
lter ego
another side of oneself= a second self
The 2a7i party's incipient slogans for socialism #ere soon replaced by puritanical racial e,ultations. n alter ego #hich culminated in the annihilation of si, million 8e#s.
By and by
at some eventual time in the future
)erhaps by-and-by )akistan #ill stand shoulder to shoulder #ith developed #orld.
The lion&s share
the biggest part of something
The lion's share of the museum's budget goes on special e,hibitions.
$n black and #hite
official% in #riting or printing
$ have it in black and #hite that $'m entitled to three #eeks of vacation each year.
To bring to book
to punish someone
crime has been committed and #hoever is responsible must be brought to book.
To read bet#een the lines
to perceive or detect an obscure or une,pressed meaning
$ slo#ly learned to read bet#een the lines of corporate annual reports to discern areas of fiscal #eakness.
To stick to one&s guns
to remain firm in one's convictions
$'ll stick to my guns on this matter.
To be under a cloud
under suspicion
?ver since his brother #as accused of fraud% he's been under a cloud.
By fits and starts
intermittently
"e #orked on his book by fits and starts.
)rima facie
at first sight= before closer inspection
They had% prima facie% a legitimate complaint.
?, post facto
affecting things past
rticle ;@ of )akistan constitution prohibits the passing e, post facto la#s.
1ait accompli
something already done and beyond alteration
By the time #e learned about the decision% it #as already a fait accompli.
4is--vis
in relation to
merican foreign policy is ironically contradictory vis-a-vis her vehement support for multilateral ism
Modus operandi
a method of operating or functioning
The modus operandi in the recent murder points to#ards a serial killer at large.
ide mmoire
a memorandum summari7ing a discussion% agreement% or action
0aisse7 faire
the principle that businesses should not be controlled by the government
The previous government had a policy of laisse7-faire% #hereas this government #ants a closer partnership #ith industry.
u revoir
goodbye
Muhammad pbuh( bade au revoir to Makkah #hen Duraish made his stay unbearable.
To back out
to #ithdra# from something before completion
mericans ignominiously backed out of 4ietnam.
To keep out of
to avoid or cause to avoid
The boss is in an angry mood% so keep out of her #ay.
Bang into
to strike someone or something #ith something
Mark banged his fist into the cushion and s#ore.
To smell a rat
to suspect that something is #rong
Mir 8afir's collusion #ith the Company #as so secret that Tipu ultan never smelled a rat.
To burn one&s fingers
to have a bad result from something% esp. to lose money
Many investors burned their fingers on those stocks.
2ull and void
having no legal effect
The court declared the la# to be null and void.
To catch up #ith
to become e!ual or on a par #ith another
"e has finally caught up #ith his brother in height.
To stand up for
to defend= to ustify= to support
bu Bakar #ould al#ays stand up for Muhammad pbuh( in difficulties.
To skim through
to go through something hastily
he skimmed through the catalogues% looking for a nice gift for Gary.
To narro# do#n
to reduce a list of possibilities from many to a selected fe#
We can narro# the choice do#n to green or red.
s cool as a cucumber
e,tremely calm= imperturbable
8oan felt nervous% but she acted as cool as a cucumber.
$n a )ickle
in a mess= in trouble
8ohn has gotten himself into a pickle by hitting a police officer.
Take a*the( cake
something is the most e,treme e,ample
$'ve kno#n some erks but you take the cake.
ell like hotcakes
to be sold very fast.
The fancy ne# cars #ere selling like hotcakes.
s flat as a )ancake
to be very flat
0ucy can mash an aluminium can flat as a pancake #ith one blo# from her heel.
Take something #ith a grain of salt
to consider something to be not completely true or $'ve read the article% #hich $ take #ith a grain of salt. right
0ike t#o peas in a pod
to be very similar
ccount for
to kno# the state of or #hereabouts of someone or They cannot account for three of the passengers. something
Carry #eight
to be very influential #ith someone or some group The senator's testimony carried a lot of #eight #ith the council. of people
To fall back upon
have recourse to
/ou can tell they're brothers at a glance - they're like t#o peas in a pod.
When he lost his ob he had to fall back upon his savings.
E
English Précis and Composition Past Papers To be taken aback
surprised and confused
When $ told my parents $ #as married% they #ere completely taken aback.
#ild goose chase
the pursuit of something unattainable
The alchemists strived hard to turn ordinary metals into gold but it ultimately proved to be a #ild goose chase.
By leaps and bounds
very !uickly
The possession of muskets spread the Western hegemony over 2atives by leaps and bounds.
To burn midnight oil
to #ork or study very late at night
"e #as burning the midnight oil all night to finish his paper.
White elephant
something that has cost a lot of money but has no useful purpose
The to#n's ne# leisure centre% recently completed at a cost of ten million pounds% seems likely to prove a #hite elephant.
Blue Blood
aristocratic ancestry
lthough Mary's family is poor% she has blue blood in her veins.
Cleanse the egean stable
purge a situation% etc. of corruption% immorality% etc
Ta, legislation is a complete me ss% and one day someone is going to have to cleanse this ugean stable F not a ob many governments #ill relish.
pple of discord
something attractive that causes envy and !uarrels among people #ho think they deserve it
The right to host the +lympic Games is an apple of discord bet#een the t#o countries.
$n good books
regarded by someone #ith favour
$ cleaned the bathroom yesterday so $'m in Mum's good books.
tare in the face
to confront someone directly
1inally% the truth stared me in the face% and $ had to admit to myself #hat had really happened.
Make off #ith
to snatch or steal
The robbers made off #ith millions from the bank.
>amocles& s#ord
constant threat= imminent peril
The double digit inflation is overhanging )akistan's economy like the >amocles' s#ord.
?very inch
in every #ay= completely
8innah #as every inch a model statesman.
+n the sky* pie in the sky(
false optimism
+ur leaders need to offer more than pie in the sky #hen they talk about political and social issues.
)alm off
to trick or persuade someone to take something
They palmed off cheap #ine at high prices by putting it in fancy bottles.
0ip service
hypocritical respect
0ip service continues to be paid to resolving regional conflicts% but there is no sense of urgency
turncoat
one #ho traitorously s#itches allegiance
"is one-time admirers no# accused him of being a turncoat.
Time and tide#ait for no man(
things #ill not #ait for you #hen you are late
"urry up or #e'll miss the bus< Time and tide #ait for no man.
+ver head and ears
#ith the #hole person= deeply= completely
"e's over head and ears in love #ith 5itty.
To live from hand to mouth
to live in poor circumstances.
When both my parents #ere out of #ork% #e lived from hand to mouth.
To beat about the bush
to approach anything in a round-about manner% instead of coming directly to it
)oliticians are often inclined to beating about the bush in their speeches.
To fish in troubled #aters
to try to take advantage of a confused situation
narchy gives room to criminals to fish in troubled #aters.
bird&s eye-vie#
a situation or topic as if vie#ed from an altitude or successful general al#ays keeps a vantage point to keep birds eye vie# of the distance battlefield.
)lay truant
to stray a#ay= to loiter= especially% to stay out of school #ithout leave
2o# in old age he is angry that he played truant and never learnt to read.
)lay do#n
to minimi7e the importance of
The commander played do#n the defeat to protect his troops' morale.
Turn turtle
to capsi7e or turn upside-do#n
+ur sail-boat turned turtle during the s!uall.
Tur n the cor ner
to reach and surpass a midpoint or milestone
f ter a difficult start% the ne# company turned c orner af te r a year and became profitable.
fair #eather friend
someone #ho is only your friend #hen you are happy and successful
$ had a lot of money and $ kne# a lot of people% but most of them turned out to be fair-#eather friends.
Burn one&s boats
to do something that makes it impossible for you to change your plans and go back to the situation you #ere in before
he didn't #ant to burn her boats by a sking for a divorce% so she suggested a trial separation instead.
"orse-trading
negotiation characteri7ed by hard bargaining and shre#d e,change
"orse-trading is part and parcel of international diplomacy.
Bet#een cylla and Charybdis
in a position #here avoidance of one danger e,poses one to another danger
"obson&s choice
an apparently free choice that offers no real alternative
?lections in ?gypt for the past thirty years can be summed up as "onson's choice.
ting in the tail
an unpleasant end to something that began pleasantly
t the start% it's humorous and light but like most of her short stories% there's a sting in the tail.
With open arms
#ith happiness or enthusiasm
fter suing the organi7ation% $ kno# $'m not going to be greeted #ith open arms.
Wash one&s hand of
to disclaim or renounce interest in% or responsibility for% a person or action
$ #ash my hands of your behaviour. $t #as disgraceful.
Count one&s chickens
plan something #hich un#isely anticipates an event% development% etc. #hich may not happen
We need concentrated effort to eradicate the present problems% planning for the ne,t ;: years is counting one chicken's too far ahead.
Bear out
to pr ove right or ustif ie d= confirm
The test r esults bea r out our claims.
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Carry over
to persist to another time or situation
The confidence gained in remedial classes carried over into the children's regular school #ork.
Come off
to ac!uit oneself
he is sure to come off badly if challenged to e,plain.
1all back
to recede
The #aves fell back.
1igure out
to solve or decipher
Can you figure out this pu77le6
0earn to live #ith
to learn to adapt to something unpleasant or painful
1inally the doctor told Marion that she #as going to have to learn to live #ith her arthritis.
et in
to begin
$f the #ound is not treated% infection may set in.
Cover up
to conceal a #rongdoing= to conceal evidence
They tried to cover the crime up% but the single footprint gave them a#ay.
$ron out
#ork out % resolve
The t#o sides need to keep talking until they iron out their differences.
To beggar description
to defy description= to be unable to be described
The house #as a horrible mess. The place beggared description.
To bring to mind
to cause you to think of someone or something
omething about his face brings to mind an old friend of mine.
To call in !uestion
to cause a f ee ling of doubt about something
The report's findings call into !uestion the saf ety and eff ec tive ness of all such drugs.
To cap it all
something that you say #hen you #ant to tell someone the #orst event in a series of bad events that has happened to you
"e spilled red #ine on the carpet% insulted my mother% and% to cap it all% he broke my favourite vase.
To clip one's #ings
to restrain someone= to reduce or put an end to someone's privileges.
/ou had better learn to get home on time% or $ #ill clip your #ings.
To cross the Hubicon
to do something that inevitably commits one to follo# a certain course of action.
1ind another ob before you cross the Hubicon and resign from this one.
To feel the pulse
to udge the mood or vie#s of
The politician #as able to feel the pulse of the grass-roots voters.
To fly in the face of
go against
This action flies in the face of the agreement
To rise like a phoeni, from its ashes
to resume an endeavour after an apparently final defeat.
2apoleon rose like a phoeni, from its ashes from ?lba and almost clinched a victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
The last ditch
made or done as a last desperate attempt or effort in the face of opposition
?ven the last ditch attempts could not avert the civil #ar.
s!uare meal
a big meal that provides your body #ith all the different types of food it needs to stay healthy
Most of these supermodels don't look like they've had a s!uare meal in their life.
Go public
to reveal something to the public
8ust let me kno# #hen #e can go public #ith this press release.
Hun riot
let loose% cause an uproar% run #ild etc
My imagination #as running riot% thinking of all the #ays that $ could spend the money.
The bac k room boys
any pr ivate group of men #ho make dec isions
The back r oom boys pic ked the last presidential candidate.
1oot the bill
to pay for something
My boss took me out for lunch and the company footed the bill.
et the pace
to do something that establishes a standard
1or many years this company has set the pace in the communications industry.
t times
sometimes= occasionally
t times% $ #ish $ had never come here.
teal the sho#
to get all the attention and praise at an event or performance
ll the singers #ere good% but ;I-year-old 5arine stole the sho#.
Grey matter
one's intelligence
$t's an entertaining film but it doesn't e,actly stimulate the old grey matter.
aundiced eye
a preudiced vie#
oldiers are notorious for keeping a aundiced eye for civilians.
left-handed compliment
an insult that is disguised as a compliment.
he said she liked my hair% but it turned out to be a left-handed compliment #hen she asked ho# long $'d been dyeing it.
The ruling passion
an interest or concern that occupies a large part of someone's time and effort
lthough a successful entrepreneur% hunting #as 8ack's ruling passion.
To#er of strength
a person #ho can al#ays be depended on to provide support and encouragement% especially in times of trouble
8ack #as a to#er of strength during the time that his father #as unemployed.
teal a march on someone
to precede someone #ho has the same goal= to accomplish something before someone else does
+ur competitor stole a march on us and got the big contract.
$n one's bones
have an intuition
ome si,th sense #as telling him that something #as amiss% and he felt it in his bones that he&d better investigate.
"ang in the balance
to depend on something for success or continued e,istence
With thousands of obs hanging in the balance% there's a lot of competition to attract ne# factories.
1ly in the ointment
a small% unpleasant matter that spoils something
We enoyed the play% but the fly in the ointment #as not being able to find my hat after#ards.
Close-fisted
very careful #ith money= mean
?ver increasing prices of market goods have forced even the impoverished to be close-fisted.
Blo# one's top
fly into a rage
$f she calls about this one more time $'m going to blo# my top.
I
English Précis and Composition Past Papers 1ind one's feet
to gro# in confidence in a ne# situation as one gains e,perience.
$f you ask for help #hen you need it% you #ill soon find your feet.
Call it a night
to end #hat one is doing at night and go JhomeK to bed
Guest after guest called it a night% and at last #e #ere alone.
Tip of the iceberg
only the part of something that can be easily observed% but not the rest of it% #hich is hidden
The problems that you see here no# are ust the tip of the iceberg.
Belo# par
not as good as average or normal.
"is #ork is belo# par% and he is paid too much money.
1rom pillar to post
from one place to a series of other places
My father #as in the army% and #e moved from pillar to post year after yea r.
"ang up one's hat
to leave your ob for eve r
When $ stop enoying my #or k% that' ll be the time to hang up my ha t.
Turn someone in
to hand someone in to police
Tell me the truth about the robbery or $ #ill turn you in<
Turn someone on
to attack or oppose someone or something% especially the person or group in charge.
$ never thought that my o#n dog #ould turn on me<
Turn someone off
to dull someone's interest in someone or something.
The boring teacher turned me off to the subect.
The teeming meanings
numerous meanings
The teaming meanings of artificial intelligence sho#s the diversity of this field.
To kick the bucket
to die
fter a #eek in $C3% 8ack finally kicked the bucket.
To push to the #alls
to force someone into a position #here there is only one choice to make
There #as little else $ could do. They pushed me to the #all.
To be at daggers dra#n
ready to fight or argue
0ocal residents are at daggers dra#n #ith the council over rubbish collection.
To thro# do#n the gauntlet
to offer or send a challenge
1ro#ning at Bob is the same as thro#ing do#n the gauntlet. "e loves to get into a fight about something.
To be a Greek
beyond one's comprehension
The speaker's gibberish #as a Greek to me.
To stand on ceremony
to hold rigidly to protocol or formal manners
We are very informal around here. "ardly anyone stands on ceremony.
1rom the horse&s mouth
from an authoritative or dependable source
This comes straight from the horse's mouth% so it has to be believed.
To carry the cross
carry one o#n's burdens% problems
)arents keep carrying their crosses #hile their children hardly get a hint.
Bolt from the blue
a sudden surprise
8oe's return to pringfield #as a bolt from the blue.
)ut your foot do#n
to assert something strongly
The boss put her foot do#n and refused to accept any more changes to the plan.
Worth your salt
to be effective and efficient= deserving of one's pay.
We decided that you are #orth your salt% and you can stay on as office clerk.
>o#n the drain
#asted or lost
$'m scared $'m going to be out of a ob% and my ;@ years of e,perience #ill be do#n the drain.
calling(ll cars
a desperate plea for help to everyone
in a nutshell
in a fe# #ords= concisely
8ust give me the facts in a nutshell.
Give me five
something that you say #hen you #ant someone to hit your open hand #ith theirs% in order to greet them or to sho# ho# pleased you are
"i there little buddy% give me five<
To dra# the long bo#
lie% e,aggerate or make an un#arranted assumption
To se nd a pe rson to Coventr y
to shut out from soc ia l intercourse
The other #orkers se nt him to Cove ntry for not suppor ting the strike.
Beer and skittles
informal enoyment or pleasure
0ife isn't all beer and skittles.
skeleton in the cupboard
an embarrassing secret
$f you #ant to be a successful politician% you can't afford to have too many skeletons in your cupboard.
To discover a mare's nest
a very confused situation
s he dug deeper into the bibliography of the book% he discovered it to be ust a mare's nest.
Thro# someone for a loop
to upset someone une,pectedly and severely
eeing an accident on the road al#ays thro#s me for a loop.
0etter-perfect
correct to the last detail% especially being in or follo#ing the e,act #ords
he #as letter-perfect in her part as 8uliet.
+ff the #all
strange or very different
?ven though many people thought he #as off the #all% they also thought he had very interesting ideas.
+ut to lunch
lacking good mental udgement
he's clearly an idiot% and even a five year old should be able to tell she's out to lunch.
alt something a#ay
keep in reserve% store% save
$t's not easy paying a mortgage% raising a young child% and salting a#ay enough money for your retirement.
Take someone to the cleaners
to cheat someone of money
ome people say the company took them to the cleaners by charging double for some services.
Wear the pants in the family
to be the person in charge in a marriage or family
he has the best-paid ob and she also #ears the pants in the family.
To put the lid on
to stop something from increasing
>iplomats hope to put a lid on rising tensions bet#een the t#o countries.
L
English Précis and Composition Past Papers 1lavour of the mouth
suddenly but temporarily popular
This rap artist is pop music's current flavour of the month.
ero hour
critical time% esp at the commencement of an action
The mission #as aborted at 7ero hours.
Gloom and doom
the feeling that a situation is bad and is not likely to improve
There's been so much gloom and doom here% $ think #e should try to provide a smile.
To pig out
to eat a lot
+ur kids dream of staying up late and pigging out on unk food.
Bag people
homeless people
$ really miss having the bag people on every other block.
Compassion fatigue
the inability to react sympathetically to a crisis% disaster% etc because of overe,posure to previous crises% disasters% etc
fe# months into #ar % field doctors become highly susceptible to compassion fatigue.
2o to mince matters
to speak unreservedly
2ot to mince matters% $ feel he should resign.
"ard and fast
defined% fi,ed% and invariable
There are no hard and fast rules in our local #restling matches.
Weather the storm
survive a crisis% live through tough times
)at lost his ob and $ had surgery% but #e #eathered the storm.
Meet half#ay
to compromise #ith someone
$ really #ant this relationship% imon% and $'m prepared to #ork at it but you have to meet me half#ay.
Where the shoe pinches
#here the difficulty or trouble lies
8ohnny thinks the ob is easy% but he #ill find out #here the shoe pinches #hen he tries it.
Make for
have or cause to have a particular effect= also% help That letter of yours #ill make for hard feelings in the family. promote or further
/eoman's service
e,ceptionally good% useful% or loyal service or assistance
llama $!bal's yeoman's service for 3rdu poetry is still unsurpassed.
>iscretion is the better part of valour
it is better to be careful and think before you act than it is to be brave and take risks
he decided not to voice her opposition to the Chairman's remarks. )erhaps discretion #as the better part of valour.
+ut of the #ood
past a critical phase= out of the unkno#n
When the patient got out of the #oods% everyone rela,ed.
casting vote
the deciding vote cast by the presiding officer to resolve a tie
The speaker used his casting vote in the favour of bill.
0ook do#n upon
to consider someone or something as not important or of value
lot of people look do#n upon homeless people.
$conoclast
one #ho attacks and seeks to overthro# traditional The actions of the people during the fall of Communism #ere iconoclastic. or popular ideas or institutions.
T#iddle #ith
to play #ith something
4amp up
make up% cook up% fabricate etc
Whittle a#ay
cut a#ay in small pieces
The old horse #as #hittled a#ay in the slaughterhouse.
Winkle out
force from a place or position
The committee #inkled out the un!ualified candidates
Give someone the bum&s rush
the action of getting rid of someone #ho is not #anted
The photographer #as given the bum's rush by t#o policemen guarding the office.
0oom large
to be of great importance% esp #hen referring to upcoming problem or threat
?viction #as looming large #hen the tenants could not pay their rent.
Besetting sin
a fault to #hich someone is especially prone% a characteristic #eakness
To hang fire
to hesitate% to hold back as if in suspense.
$t #ould have been good to settle the matter no#% but $ think #e should hang fire until the general situation becomes clearer.
Take to task
to scold or reprimand someone
The teacher took 8ohn to task for his bad behavior.
Take over
to assume control
he took over the ob after he left.
Take off
to remove% to release
Take off your dirty shirt<
Take ill
to become sick
$ hope $ don't take ill before final e,ams.
Take for
to regard as
>o you take me for a fool6
Take after
to follo# as an e,ample or resemble in appearance% temperament% or character.
Most of my children take after my husband% both in appearance and character.
To eat one's #ords
to retract #hat one has said
8ohn #as #rong about the election and had to eat his #ords.
>og in the manger
+ne #ho prevents others from enoying #hat one has no use for oneself.
>on't be a dog in the manger and let your brother use the e,tra space in your cupboard.
close shave
narro# escape= a close call
The thieves slipped the )olice cordon by a close shave.
1reudian lip
verbal mistake that is thought to reveal a repressed belief% thought% or emotion
mma cried #ith horror #hen "enry fell from the horse. 1reudian lip hinting at her feelings for him.
Gordian 5not
n e,ceedingly complicated problem or deadlock
The budget allocations became a Gordian 5not #hen the representatives couldn't reach an agreement.
cog in the machine
one part of a large system or organi7ation
"e #as ust a small cog in the large #heel of organised crime.
omeone is t#iddling #ith the stereo controls.
N
English Précis and Composition Past Papers sugar daddy
#ealthy% usually older man #ho gives e,pensive Heputed as a sugar daddy% the candidate lost his bid to get elected. gifts to a young person in return for se,ual favours or companionship
#et blanke t
+ne that discourages enoyment or e nthusia sm.
O
>on't be a #et bla nke t a nd tell them about the theft. 0e t them enoy the #edding today.
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Pairs
meaning
Sentences
Consciousness an alert cognitive state in #hich you are a#are of Conscientiousness yourself and your situation ----- Guided by or in accordance #ith the dictates of conscience= principled
"is political consciousness sprang from his upbringing. ----- "e made a conscientious decision to speak out about inustice prevalent in his #ork place.
$ngenious $ngenuous
Marked by inventive skill and imagination ----0acking in cunning% guile% or #orldliness= artless
"e #as ingenious at making up ne# games for the children. ----- "e seemed too ingenuous for a reporter.
1antastic 1anatical
Wonderful or superb= remarkable ----- e,isting in fancy only
$ have a fantastic social life. ----- The candidate's fantastical promises did not help to garner more votes.
"onourable "onorary
possessing or characteri7ed by high principles $ believe he #as an honourable man. ----- "e #as made an honorary member of the Golf Club. ----- given as an honour #ithout the normal duties
)olitician tatesman
+ne #ho holds or seeks a political office -- --- political leader regarded as a disinterested promoter of the public good
ardari %an astute politician% is the president of )akistan. ----- 8innah #as a true statesman #ho changed the course of Muslim history in the subcontinent.
Grateful Gratified
ppreciative of benefits received= thankful ----To please or satisfy
he #as grateful to him for all his help. ----- $ #as gratified at the response to my letter.
$maginary $maginative
e,isting in the imagination= unreal= illusory ----"aving a lively imagination% especially a creative imagination
0ots of children have imaginary friends. ----- "e is imaginative because he al#ays is c oming up #ith interesting ideas.
2egligent 2egligible
Characteri7ed by or inclined to neglect% especially "e responded #ith a negligent #ave. ----- Managers are convinced that the strike #ill have a habitually ----- 2ot significant or important negligible effect. enough to be #orth considering= trifling
)lacable )laceable
?asily calmed or pacified= tolerant ----- capable of being recogni7ed
)alacable attitude of parents can potentially spoil their children. ----- home #ith pets must have placeable signs at all entrances.
Hestive Hestless
3neasily impatient under restriction% opposition% criticism% or delay ----- #orried= an,ious= uneasy
The government has done nothing to ease e,port restrictions% and domestic manufacturers are gro#ing restive ----- The atmosphere in the office #as congenial% but after five years $ began to gro# restless.
miable micable
1riendly and agreeable in disposition ----Characteri7ed by or e,hibiting friendliness or good#ill one is used for a person and the other for peaceful settlements or agreements(
he had been surprised at ho# amiable and polite he had seemed. ----- The dispute #as finally settled in a very amicable manner.
Considerable Considerate
large or relatively large in number or amount or e,tent or degree ----- sho#ing concern for the rights and feelings of others
We have already spent a considerable amount of money on repairs. ----- "e stayed at home out of consideration for his mother.
Momentary Momentous
lasting for a markedly brief time ----- +f utmost importance= of outstanding significance or conse!uence
pilot's momentary lapse in concentration can eopardi7e the life of all the passengers. ----"o#ever much the president delayed the momentous decision to send in the troops% the time had arrived.
4irtuous 4irtual
characteri7ed by or possessing virtue or moral e,cellence ----- being actually such in almost every respect
The president is portrayed as a virtuous family ma n. ----- "e #as a virtual prisoner in his o#n home.
)ar t a par
an accepted level or standard% such as an average ----- a state of e!uality
Their performance #as #ay above par for an amateur production. ----- ome parts of Chicago are at par #ith 2e# /ork City in crime.
Complacent Complaisant
pleased or satisfied ----- sho#ing a desire to comply or oblige
"e had become complacent after years of success. ----- The #oman #as so complaisant that she #as unable to deny a single re!uest.
tate Government
the territory occupied by a nation ----- The agency or apparatus through #hich a governing individual or body functions and e,ercises authority.
The Government has insisted that confidence is needed before the economy can improve. ----Hobust state security is indispensable to the sovereignty of any nation.
?minent )rominent
+utstanding% as in character or performance= distinguished ----- noticeable= easily seen
/our father #as the most eminent of historians among his peers. ----- 0ighthouses are still a prominent feature of the cottish coast.
Belo# Beneath
less than in !uantity or degree ----- belo#% esp if covered% protected% or obscured by
Today the temperature is belo# ;: degree centigrade.. ----- The bed-sheet is beneath the blanket.
)ortly Comely
Comfortably stout= corpulent ----- )leasing and #holesome in appearance= attractive
The portly man #as having difficulty climbing out of the small car. ----- he #as a large% comely girl #ith a mass of dark bro#n hair.
et-up et upon
To put someone else( into a compromising situation by deceit or trickery ----- to attack someone or something violently
8ohn isn't the one #ho started the fight. omebody set up the poor guy. ----- The dogs set upon the bear and chased it up a tree.
hall Will
n average of E: percent shall be deemed a pass at "onours level.
ink >ro#n
To descend to the bottom= submerge ----- to die or 5ate laughed% and sank do#n again to her seat. ----- "e dro#ned during a storm. kill by immersion in li!uid
ltar lter
the table in Christian churches #here communion The bride and groom stood before the priest at the altar. ----- 0ittle had altered in the village. is given ----- To change or make different= modify
;:
English Précis and Composition Past Papers pposite +pposite
trikingly appropriate and relevant ----ltogether different% as in nature% !uality% or significance
Hecent events have made his central theme even more apposite. ----- The effect of the medication #as opposite to that intended.
Confident Confidant
marked by assurance% as of success ----- one to #hom secrets or private matters are disclosed.
$ am confident that everything #ill come out right in time. ----- /ou are her closest friend and confidant.
>isease >ecease
an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning ----- to die
he is suffering from kidney disease. ----- "e had a t#in sister called )hyllis #ho sadly deceased.
Gate Gait
an opening in a #all or fence for entrance or e,it ----- a particular #ay or manner of moving on foot
The entrance to the rear la#n #as also gated. ----- "is clumsy gait #as !uite obvious.
/oke /olk
an immense oppressive force or burden ----- the yello# spherical part of an egg that is surrounded by the albumen
1ourteenth century Hussia #as under the yoke of the Tatars. ----- The child #ill only eat the yolk of an egg F she #on't eat the #hite.
cculturate cclimati7e
to assimilate the cultural traits of another group ----- to adapt oneself(% especially to environmental or climatic changes
n internee #ho fails to acculturate on ob is not #orth his salt. ----- $t took him several months to become acclimati7ed to the heat.
Career Carrier
a chosen pursuit= a profession or occupation ----one that transports or conveys
he is no# concentrating on a career as a fashion designer. ----- Mos!uitoes are carriers of malaria.
Cease ei7e
to put an end to= discontinue ----- to take possession of by force or at #ill
The factory ceased production. ----- The admiral sei7ed the abandoned enemy ships.
0ayout +utlay
an arrangement or a plan% especially the schematic arrangement of parts or areas ----- an e,penditure of money% effort% etc.
The investor are still not satisfied #ith the layout of the ne# factory. ----- >isproportional outlays for the military have a history of proving fatal for the government.
)recede )roceed
to come% e,ist% or occur before in time ----- to go for#ard or on#ard= continue
The ne# teacher al#ays precedes her lec ture #ith a funny anecdote. ----- We stopped for an hour to take rest and then proceeded to our destination.
1acilitate 1elicitate
to make easy or easier ----- to offer congratulations to
We should encourage political agreements #hich facilitate civilians' safety. ----- We must felicitate our children for their hard #ork.
+utbreak Breakout
a sudden eruption= an outburst ----- a forceful emergence from a restrictive condition or situation= an escape from ail
This outbreak of flu is no #orse than normal. ----- breakout #as meticulously e,ecuted by some clever prisoners #hile the guards #ere asleep.
Contemptible Contemptuous
#orthy of contempt ----- felt contempt for
"ellman thought McCarthy's methods contemptible. ----- "ellman #as contemptuous of McCarthy.
Hightful Highteous
having a ust claim ----- ust
$ am the rightful o#ner of this house though my cousin lives here no#. ----- The people of ?ngland #ere filled #ith a righteous indignation.
$mmigrant ?migrant
one #ho enters and settles in a ne# country ----one #ho leaves one's native country to settle in another
"e immigrated to the 3nited tates from Hussia. ----- "e emigrated from Hussia to the 3nited tates.
uperficial uperfluous
on the surface only% shallo#% not thorough ----e,tra% unnecessary% redundant
Tom had indeed been shot% but the #ound #as superficial. ----- ndre#'s attempt to repair the light bulb #as superfluous% since the light bulb had already been repaired.
)resident )recedent
one appointed or elected to preside over an The White "ouse says the president #ould veto the bill. -- --- The )resident follo#ed historical organi7ed body of people% such as an assembly or precedent in forming the Cabinet. meeting ----- an act or instance that may be used as an e,ample in dealing #ith subse!uent similar instances
8udicial 8udicious
having to do #ith udges% courts% or their functions ----- having or sho#ing sound udgement= #ise
udicial matter may take months for court to decide upon. ----- Through udicious use of persuasion% $ convinced my family to move to 0ondon.
?ligible $llegible
!ualified or entitled to be chosen ----- difficult or impossible to read
"e is eligible for promotion. ----- "is hand#riting is so $llegible that no one can read it.
>eference >ifference
courteous regard= respect ----- the !uality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
Why does )akistan has to pay deference to merica in his foreign policy6 ----- >ifferences of opinions in theology #ill never subside.
?minent $mminent
outstanding% as in character or performance= distinguished ----- about to occur= impending
llama $!bal #as a eminent poet of 3rdu. ----- The black clouds meant that a storm #as imminent.
Conspiracy )lot
an agreement to perform together an illegal% #rongful% or subversive act. ----- to make a plan% map% graph etc
There seems to be a conspiracy of silence about police brutality. ----- The navigator plotted the course of the ship.
$gnore 2eglect
to refuse to pay attention to= disregard ----- to fail to care for or attend to properly
>on't ignore me< ----- The house #as in a terrible state of neglect.
dourn )ostpone
to suspend proceedings to another time or place. ----- to put off or delay until a future time
The court adourned. ----- >on't postpone your application to graduate school or else it #on't be considered.
>ecay poil
to decline from a state of normality% e,cellence% The house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair. ----- he deliberately spoiled my or prosperity= deteriorate. ----- to cause damage to dress. something(% in regard to its value% beauty% usefulness% etc
;;
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Hevolt Mutiny
to attempt to overthro# the authority of the state= rebel ----- refusal to obey one's senior officers in the navy or other armed services
tudents #ere in revolt over administrative policies. ----- The sailors mutinied because they did not have enough food.
3ninterested >isinterested
not interested ----- impartial= unbiased
"e #as uninterested in 8ill's hobby. ----- good referee should be disinterested.
+pinion 8udgement
a belief or conclusion held #ith confidence but s men gro# older% their opinions% like their diseases% gro# chronic. - ---- he sho#ed good not substantiated by positive kno#ledge or proof. udgement in saving her money ----- the capacity to assess situations or circumstances and dra# sound conclusions= good sense
Table Brand
up for discussion ----- to impress firmly= fi, ineradicably
"er ne# offer is on the table. ----- $magery of the #ar has branded itself into the national consciousness.
Weather Whether
the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place ----- used to introduce alternative possibilities
+ften% in free7ing #eather% the sodden roots can actually dislodge tiles. -- --- We should find out #hether the museum is open.
Hight Hite
fitting% proper% or appropriate ----- any customary observance or practice
$t is not right to leave the party #ithout saying goodbye. ----- The people #ere all very glad to be able to perform some of the proper funeral rites.
ddict ?dict
a person #ho has become dependent on something% especially drug ----- a formal or authoritative proclamation
"e is addicted to alcohol. ----- What #ill be the future e!uivalent of nailing a ne# edict on a tree in the center of a village6
Con!uer Concur
to overcome by physical% mental% or moral force ----- to be of the same opinion= agree
$ really believe $ have finally con!uered this disorder. ----- These are fine #ords #ith #hich #e may readily concur.
Cite ite
to !uote as an authority or e,ample ----- the place #here a structure or group of structures #as% is% or is to be located
The la#yer cited various sources to prove the veracity of his client. ----- This is a good site to build a hospital.
rdour +rder
feelings of great intensity and #armth= fervour ----- feelings of great intensity and #armth= fervour
They #ere imbued #ith a revolutionary ardour. ----- The escalator is in good #orking order.
llusion $llusion
an indirect reference to a person% event% or thing ----- false impression
Without naming names% the candidate critici7ed the national leaders by allusion. - ---- pleasant illusion is better than harsh reality.
?,ceptional ?,ceptionable
far beyond #hat is usual in magnitude or degree ----- liable to obection or debate
"e had an e,ceptional memory. ----- "is evidence #as reected by court under e,ceptionable circumstances .
4irtual 4irtuous
e,isting or resulting in essence or effect though not in actual fact% form% or name ----characteri7ed by or possessing virtue or moral e,cellence= righteous= upright
2ationali7ation of the industry #ill ensue a virtual destruction of the economy. ----- "e led a virtuous life.
4oracity 4eracity
having or marked by an insatiable appetite for an activity or pursuit= greedy ----- conformity to fact or truth= accuracy or precision
My brother's voracity for reading is unsurpassed in the family. ----- "e #as shocked to find his veracity being !uestioned.
?,cite $ncite
to arouse strong feeling in ----- to provoke and urge on
The proposal failed to e,cite our interest. --- -- "e incited his fello# citi7ens to take revenge.
Compliment Complement
an e,pression of praise% admiration% or congratulation. ----- something that completes% makes up a #hole% or brings to perfection
?,tend my compliments to your parents. -----Hoses in a silver bo#l complement the handsome cherry table.
)opular )opulace
appealing to the general public= #idely favoured or admired ----- the general public= the masses.
The dictator #as overthro#n by a popular uprising. ----- large portion of the populace sill lives under dire poverty.
)ersecute )rosecute
to oppress or harass #ith ill-treatment ----- to initiate civil or criminal court action against.
?arly Muslims #ere persecuted for their beliefs. ----- The police have decided not to prosecute him.
Mitigate lleviate
to make or become less severe or harsh= moderate Duick and orderly response #ill mitigate the effects of flooding substantially. ----- great deal can ----- to make an improvement by lessening be done to alleviate back pain.
Berth Birth
a bed on a ship or train= usually in tiers ----- the emergence and separation of offspring from the body of the mother.
Golding booked a berth on the first boat he could. ----- he's ust given birth to a baby girl.
Continual Continuous
fre!uently repeated ----- #ithout interruption= ceaseless
By continual practice% she mastered Beethoven on piano. ----- The fire alarm made a continuous snarling #hine.
ppraise pprise
to evaluate% especially in an official capacity ----- Many companies #ere prompted to appraise their recruitment policies. - ---- "ave the customers to give notice to= inform been fully apprised of the advantages6
Cast Caste
to give or deposit ----- social status or position conferred by a system based on class
$ #ill cast my vote for the younger candidate. ----- Most of these people are from the sociallydisadvantaged lo#er castes.
Canvas Canvass
an oil painting on canvas fabric ----- to e,amine carefully or discuss thoroughly= scrutini7e
"e painted t#enty canvases. ----- The evidence had been repeatedly canvassed in merican courts.
?,pedient ?,peditious
inclined to#ards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or ust ----- acting or done #ith speed and efficiency
$t might be e,pedient to keep this information to yourself. ----- The manager #as very efficient and e,peditious in the #ay he conducted business.
;@
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Counsel Council
dvice ----- n assembly of persons called together for consultation% deliberation% or discussion
"e'll give you good counsel on your problems. ----- The city council has voted almost unanimously in favour of the proposal.
Collision Collusion
The act or process of colliding= a crash or conflict. ----- secret agreement bet#een t#o or more parties for a fraudulent% illegal% or deceitful purpose.
Their van #as involved in a collision #ith a car. ----- "e found no evidence of collusion bet#een record companies and retailers.
spire ?,pire
To have a great ambition or ultimate goal= desire strongly ----- To come to an end= terminate
"e aspired to the position of president. ----- My membership in the club has e ,pired.
ntic nti!ue
ludicrous or e,travagant act or gesture ----Belonging to% made in% or typical of an earlier period
We eagerly looked for#ard to his virtuoso playing #ith the +ld Hope tring Band and the cra7y onstage antics. ----- Their aim is to break taboos and change anti!ue la#s.
rtist rtisan
a person #hose creative #ork sho#s sensitivity and imagination ----- skilled manual #orker= a crafts-person
/ou are an artist in the kitchen. ----- Most of our products are hand made by artisans% using local organic ingredients #hen possible.
Barbarism Barbarity
n act% trait% or custom characteri7ed by ignorance or crudity ----- avage brutality or cruelty in actions or conduct
There #as a time #hen paganism meant barbarism and Christianity meant civili7ation. ----- +f course% #ar itself is a great barbarity% and all pacifists are bent upon its e,termination.
Canon Cannon
Hule ----- large mounted #eapon that fires heavy proectiles
These measures offended all the accepted canons of political economy. ----- The rebels are using anti-aircraft guns% light cannon and heavy machine guns.
Cession ession
ceding or surrendering% as of territory to another country by treaty ----- a meeting devoted to a particular activity
+pium #ars sa# the cession of "ong 5ong and 5o#loon to 3nited 5ingdom. ----- Ten players have failed drug tests follo#ing a training session.
Temporal Temporary
+f or relating to the material #orld= #orldly ----lasting for a limited period
Clergy should not be pre-occupied #ith temporal matters. ----- he #as #orking as a temporary teacher at the school.
Bare Bear
0acking the usual or appropriate covering or clothing ----- support or hold in a certain manner
he seemed una#are that she #as bare. ----- The ice #as not thick enough to bear the #eight of marching men.
Wreck Wreak
something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation ----- To bring about= cause
"is life has been #recked by the tragedy. ----- 4iolent storms #reaked havoc on the coast.
"umiliation "umility
state of disgrace or loss of self-respect ----- a disposition to be humble= modest
he faced the humiliation of discussing her husband's affair. ----- >espite his po#erful position in the government% he #as still a man of great humility.
)our )ore
To cause to flo# in a stream - ---- to study #ith great attention
he poured the milk into a bo#l. ----- "e pored over the documents for several hours.
Casual Causal
happening by accident or chance ----- involving or constituting a cause
$t #as ust a casual meeting. ----- Causal relationship bet#een scarcity and higher prices is a universal phenomenon.
Beside Besides
t the side of= ne,t to ----- in addition to
+n the table beside an empty plate #as a pile of books. ----- $ think she has many good !ualities besides being beautiful.
+fficial +fficious
sanctioned by% recogni7ed by% or derived from authority ----- intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
n official announcement is e,pected later today. ----- n officious little security guard approached us.
3rban 3rbane
of% consisting of% or living in% a city or to#n ----)olite% refined% and often elegant in manner.
3rban life can get e,tremely hectic at times. ----- $n conversation% he #as suave and urbane.
ffection ffectation
tender feeling to#ard another= fondness ----- a deliberate pretence or e,aggerated display
he is very affectionate to#ards her mother. ----- "e #rites #ell% #ithout fuss or affectation.
Conscious Conscientious
Mentally perceptive or alert= a#ake ----characteri7ed by e,treme care and great effort
The patient remained fully conscious after the local anaesthetic #as a dministered. ----- he is generally very conscientious about her #ork.
)remier )remiPre
1irst in status or importance= principal or chief ----- The first public performance% as of a movie or play.
#at is the premier tourist destination of )akistan. ----- Titanic #as premiPred in almost all of the #orld simultaneously.
Hesource Hecourse
omething that can be used for support or help ----- +ne that is turned or applied to for aid or security
The local library is a valuable resource. ----- The public believes its only recourse is to take to the streets.
scent ccent
a movement up#ard ----- distinctive manner of oral e,pression
"e pressed the button and the elevator began its slo# ascent. ----- ?ven after living a decade in ?ngland% he still couldn't master ?nglish accent.
ccess ?,cess
the opportunity or right to see or approach someone ----- more than= over
he asked for divorce and free access to her children. ----- The health club has a membership in e,cess of five thousand.
Wave Waive
the act of signalling by a movement of the hand ----- to set aside or relin!uish
The protesters #ere #aving banners and shouting. ----- "e plead guilty to the charges and #aived his right to appeal.
1latter 1lutter
praise some#hat dishonestly ----- To #ave or flap $ kne# he #as ust flattering me. ----- $t #as silent e,cept for the flags fluttering in the background. rapidly in an irregular manner
4erbal 4erbose
?,pressed in spoken rather than #ritten #ords= oral ----- 3sing or containing a great and usually an e,cessive number of #ords
We have a verbal agreement #ith our suppliers. When drunk% he becomes pompous and verbose.
;9
English Précis and Composition Past Papers ?nviable ?nvious
o desirable as to arouse envy ----- sho#ing e,treme cupidity= painfully desirous of another's advantages
?nviable lifestyles of celebrities are often presented as holy grails to the masses #ithout any moralistic considerations #hatsoever. ----- $ think she is envious of your success.
1air 1are
Being in accordance #ith relative merit or significance ----- to get along
he #anted to receive her fair share of the proceeds. ----- "o# are you faring #ith your proect6
1eet 1eat
)lural of foot ----- an impressive act or achievement
"e fell in the river #hen the plank under his feet broke. ----- Building the pyramids #as a brilliant feat of engineering.
Conduct Character
To behave or manage ----- the inherent comple, of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions
he conducted herself stoically in her time of grief. ----- There is a side to his character #hich you haven't seen yet.
>iffer >efer
To be of a different opinion= disagree ----- To put off= postpone
The critic differed #ith the author on several facts. ----- Customers often defer payment for as long as possible
>eface ?fface
to spoil the appearance of ----- to rub out= to remove
The statue had been defaced #ith red paint. ----- /ou must try to efface the event from your memory.
Custom "abit
practice follo#ed by people of a particular group or region ----- done regularly
The custom of lighting the +lympic flame goes back centuries. ----- "e took his habitual #alk before bed.
Choice )reference
a supply from #hich to select ----- grant of favour The car is available in a choice of colours. ---- - Candidates #ith the right !ualifications should be or advantage to one over another given preference.
ccident $ncident
an unfortunate mishap= especially one causing damage or inury ----- a n event or happening
he #as involved in a serious car accident last #eek. ----- There #as a strange incident in the supermarket today.
)rescribe )roscribe
to recommend or order the use of ----- To prohibit= forbid
+ur doctor prescribed antibiotics for her throat infection. ----- They are proscribed by federal la# from o#ning guns.
)eculiar )articular
strange or unusual= odd ----- uni!ue or specific to a person or thing or category
"e has a very peculiar sense of humour. ----- What particular aspects of the ob are you interested in6
Higorous 4igorous
characteri7ed by or proceeding from rigour= harsh% strict% or severe ----- strong and active physically or mentally
pecial military forces are notorious for their rigorous training. ----- "e #as a vigorous% lively boy.
>isclosure ?,posure
the speech act of making something evident ----the state of being vulnerable or e,posed
The disclosure of his marriage proposal #as badly-timed. -- --- ?,posure to lead is kno#n to damage the brains of young children.
Willing Wilful
>isposed or inclined= prepared ----- intentional= done by design
$ am #illing to overlook your small mistakes. ----- Wilful neglect of the environment has reduced once huge forest tracts to barren lands.
$mperious $mperial
proud% behaving as if e,pecting to be obeyed ----- he gave him a #itheringly imperious look. ----- The imperial palace in Tokyo #as spared from of or relating to an empire% emperor% or empress bombardment by the llies in the Great War
+rdinance +rdnance
an authoritative regulation% decree% la#% or Because of fiscal problems% ho#ever% the city never enforced the controversial ordinance. ----- The practice ----- Military materiel% such as #eapons% logistics of ensuring that the ordnance reach the front line #as complicated but crucial to the ammunition% combat vehicles% and e!uipment progress of the #ar.
Medal Meddle
a small flat piece of metal bearing an inscription or image% given as an a #ard or commemoration of some outstanding action% event% etc ----- To intrude into other people's affairs or business= interfere
"e #as a#arded a medal for bravery in the #ar. ----- >o scientists have a right to meddle in these matters6
Mai7e Ma7e
tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears ----- comple, system of paths or tunnels in #hich it is easy to get lost
1loods destroyed almost all the mai7e fields in the region. ----- $'m lost in a ma7e of rules and regulations.
dverse verse
in an opposing direction ----- having a dislike for
The decision #ould have no adverse effect on the investigation. ----- $nvestors #ho are averse to taking risks fail to take full advantage of the opportunities
"e# "ue
to cut out or shape #ith an a,e% s#ord etc ----- a shade of a colour
"e he#ed a path through the forest. ----- "is backyard #as littered #ith flo#ers of many hues.
Ghostly Ghastly
resembling or characteristic of a phantom -- --shockingly repellent= inspiring horror
The moon shed a ghostly light on the fields. ----- The doctors tried very hard but the ghastly #ounds of the patient proved fatal.
2aughty 5notty
Behaving disobediently or mischievously ----highly comple, or intricate and occasionally devious
/ou naughty boy% you gave me such a fright. ----- The ne# management team faces some knotty problems.
+bservation +bservance
a remark e,pressing careful consideration ----conformity #ith la# or custom or practice etc
This book contains observations about the nature of addiction. ----- Councils should ensure strict observance of la#s.
Mean Mien
to denote or connote= signify= represent ----Bearing or manner% especially as it reveals an inner state of mind
The red signal means that you can shoot. ----- "e #as a 4ietnam veteran #ith a haunted mien.
0u,uriant 0u,urious
produced or gro#ing in e,treme abundance ----1ond of or given to lu,ury
#ide spreading branches and lu,uriant foliage% ----- he had come to enoy this lu,urious lifestyle.
)recipitate )recipitous
bring about abruptly ----- falling sharply
The killings in the city have precipitated the #orst crisis yet. ----- The stock market's precipitous drop destroyed the investors' confidence.
>egrade >enigrate
to disgrace or make contemptible ----- to attack the reputation etc of
"e felt degraded by having to ask for money. ----- $'m not trying to denigrate her achievement.
;E
English Précis and Composition Past Papers moral $mmoral
2ot admitting of moral distinctions or udgements= neither moral nor immoral ----transgressing accepted moral rules= corrupt
The film #as violent and amoral. ----- >rug dealing is the most immoral and evil of all human activities.
?uphemistic ?uphuistic
substituting a mild term for a harsher or distasteful one ----- any artificial% high-flo#n style of speech or #riting
?uphemistic terms of 'collateral damage' and 'terrorist threat' cannot be used any more to hide the on going genocide of )alestinians by the $sraelis. ----- ?uphuistic prose of colonial administrators #idened the gap bet#een them and their indigenous subects.
ffluence ?ffluence
abundant #ealth ----- the process of flo#ing out
The post#ar era #as one of ne# affluence for the #orking class. ----- The tremendous effluence of the river capsi7ed the small boat.
0oath 0oathe
3n#illing or reluctant= disinclined ----- to feel strong hatred or disgust for
he is loath to give up her hard-earned liberty. ----- The t#o men loathe each other.
Moat Mote
ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled #ith #ater ----- very small particle= a speck
moat separates the animals in the 7oo f rom the spectators. ----- >ust motes s#irled in the sunlight.
alutary alubrious
?ffecting or designed to effect an improvement= remedial ----- Conducive or favourable to health or #ell-being.
$t #as a ne# and salutary e,perience to be in the minority. ----- fter getting the ne# ob in 0ondon% it took him some time to adust to the less salubrious environment.
)unctual )unctilious
arriving etc on time= not late ----- marked by precise accordance #ith details
)lease be punctual for your appointment. ----- "e #as punctilious about being ready e,actly on time.
>eprecate >epreciate
>isapprove of= obect against ----- to reduce or decline in value or price
"e deprecated this unseemly behaviour. ----- The demand for foreign currency depreciates the real value of local currencies.
>istinct >istinctive
unmistakable% plain% clearly perceptible ----- of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing
There #as a distinct change in her attitude. ----- 8erusalem has a distinctive Middle ?ast flavour to it.
4enal 4enial
easily bribed or corrupted ----- easily e,cused or forgiven
"uman >evelopment inde, is the lo#est in mostly the countries marred #ith venal and totally corrupt politicians. ----- $f he had faults% they #ere venial ones.
imulation >issimulation
the act of imitating the behaviour of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous ----- To conceal one's true feelings or intentions.
$nvestigators established after the plane crash that the pilot had not spent the re!uired amount of hours training in the computer simulation of in-flight emergencies. ----- The more through one's dissimulation% the more successful he can be as a spy.
Trifling Trivial $nvade ttack
march aggressively into another's territory by Britain #as t#ice invaded by the Homans. ----- "e attacked me #ith a knife. military force for the purposes of con!uest and occupation ----- to make a sudden% violent attempt to hurt or damage
?nvy 8ealousy
is the desire for something that someone else has% My envy of your success has made me bitter. ----- The favoured treatment of the daughter created or a feeling of ill #ill over another person's ealousy in the son. advantages in general ----- it is a resentful suspicion that someone else has #hat rightfully belongs to the ealous person
1ain 1eign
"appily= gladly ----- make believe #ith the intent to deceive
she #ould fain be dead ----- "e feigned that he #as ill
uger ugur
ny of various hand tools% typically having a threaded shank and cross handle% used for boring holes in #ood or ice -- --- To be a sign or omen
3se an auger to dig the hole for the ne# fence post. ----- smooth dress rehearsal augured #ell for the play.
Hespectfully Hespectively
ho#ing or marked by proper respect ----- ingly Treating old people respectfully sho#s a good upbringing. ----- "e gave 8anet and 8ohn a cake and a in the order designated or mentioned chocolate respectively.
$llusion >elusion
n erroneous perception of reality ----- a mistaken or unfounded opinion or idea
1loor-to-ceiling #indo#s give the illusion of e,tra space. ----- $ #as under the delusion that he intended to marry me.
"oard "orde
to store up or keep large !uantities of something(% often in secret ----- large group or cro#d= a s#arm
They've begun to hoard food and gasoline. ----- horde of people #as screaming for tickets.
Brooch Broad
relatively large decorative pin or clasp. ----general= not detailed
he #ore a brooch on the collar of her dress. ----- We discussed the plans in broad outline.
viary piary
large enclosure for holding birds in confinement ----- place #here bees and beehives are kept% especially a place #here bees are raised for their honey.
There an aviary around the corner #ith parrots% maca#s and peacocks. ----- "er apiary #as abandoned #hen the !ueen bee died.
Hevel Heveal
to take great delight in something ----- to make kno#n
he revelled in her unaccustomed leisure. ----- he has refused to reveal her daughter's #hereabouts.
Caret Carat
a mark used by an author or editor to indicate #here something is to be inserted into a te,t ----the unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy= ;N-karat gold is LQ gold= @Ekarat gold is pure gold
$nstead of cutting the #hole sentence% use carets to indicate any alterations or additions. ----- he got an eighteen-carat gold ring on her birthday from her father.
>emesne >emean
;
English Précis and Composition Past Papers venge Hevenge
to take revenge for a #rong on behalf of someone "e spent five years avenging his daughter's death. ----- The man told the manager he #ould take else ----- action taken in return for an inury or revenge on the company for dismissing him. offence
)ractical )racticable
$t refers to a person% idea% proect% etc.% as being more concerned #ith or relevant to practice than theory ----- it refers to a proect or idea as being capable of being done or put into effect
The idea had no practical application. ----- The plan #as e,pensive% yet practicable.
+cclude +ccult
block passage through ----- supernatural practices% ceremonies etc
The #ad of paper occluded the toilet. ----- "e has made a study of #itches% magic and the occult.
1arther 1urther
farther should be reserved for physical distance and further for non-physical% metaphorical advancement
$f you are planning to drive any f arther than Mardan in #inter% you'd better carr y chains. ----- We #on't be able to ans#er these !uestions until #e are further along in our research
>iffer from >iffer #ith
in the sense to be unlike% distinguishable%A differ is follo#ed by from. $f the #riter means to sho# disagreement or a difference of opinion% differ is follo#ed by #ith
My home computer differs from the one $ use at #ork= mine is a )C% and the one $ use at #ork is a Mac. ----- $ differ #ith my colleague about computersR $ think my Mac is better than his )C.
>educe $mply
to #ork out from facts one kno#s or guesses ----to suggest or hint #ithout actually stating
he hoped he hadn't deduced the reason for her visit. ----- re you implying that $ had something to do #ith this6
Compare Contrast
e,amine and note the similarities or differences of ----- to sho# marked difference from
Commentators compared his #ork to that of 8ames 8oyce. ----- "is #ords contrast #ith his actions.
Bad Badly
2ot good ----- poorly
>ivorce is bad for children. ----- $ #as angry because $ played so badly.
mbiguous mbivalent
having more than one possible meaning ----uncertain or unable to decide about #hat course to follo#
"is remarks clarify an ambiguous statement given earlier this #eek. ----- "e maintained an ambivalent attitude to religion throughout his life.
ltogether ll together
Completely= entirely ----- $t indicate that the When he first sa# the e,amination !uestions% he #as altogether baffled. -- --- The #edding guests members of a group perform or undergo an action #ere gathered all together in the garden. collectively
0adylike 0adyship
befitting a #oman of good breeding ----- a title used to address any peeress e,cept a duchess
llusive ?lusive
Containing or characteri7ed by indirect references The book's allusive title% Bound 3pon a Wheel of 1ire% is from a line in hakespeare's 5ing 0ear. ----- difficult to catch ----- $ had no luck in tracking do#n this elusive man.
/e# ?ue
a type of evergreen tree #ith dark leaves and red berries -----
There is little sound e,cept for the bree7e stirring in the churchyard ye# trees. -----
1unctional >ysfunctional
capable of functioning= #orking ----- sho#ing faulty adaptation
We have fully functional smoke alarms on all staircases. ----- The craftsman is likely to seem dysfunctional in a culture of innovation and change.
8e#ry 8ury
8e#s collectively ----- a group of people legally selected to hear a case and to decide #hat are the facts
>r. 0isa is an e,pert of 0atin merican 8e#ry. ----- The verdict of the ury #as that the prisoner #as guilty of the crime.
1allo# 1ello#
cultivated land that is not seeded for one or more gro#ing seasons ----- a man or boy
The fields lay fallo#. ----- "e's !uite a nice fello# but $ don't like him.
Boy Buoy
a male child= lad= youth ----- float moored in #ater to mark a location% #arn of danger% or indicate a navigational channel.
he has three girls and one boy. ----- We released the buoy and drifted back on the tide.
ll #l
Being or representing the entire or total number% amount% or !uantity ----- pointed tool for making holes% as in #ood or leather
ll the #indo#s are open. ----- he used an a#l to punch holes in my brand ne# sofa.
>ual >uel
double= t#ofold= made up of t#o ----- a prearranged fight #ith deadly #eapons by t#o people
The driving instructor's car has dual controls. ----- "e killed a man in a duel.
Briefing >ebriefing
a meeting at #hich detailed information or instructions are given ----- formal systematic !uestioning
They're holding a press briefing tomorro#. ----- The pilots #ere thoroughly debriefed after every mission.
0oose 0ose
free or released from confinement or restraint page came loose and floated onto the tiles. - ---- "e's al#ays losing his car keys. ----- To be unsuccessful in retaining possession of
theist agnostic
+ne #ho disbelieves or denies the e,istence of God or gods ----- +ne #ho is sceptical about the e,istence of God but does not profess true atheism
Conscious Conscience
Mentally perceptive or alert= a#ake ----- The The patient remained fully conscious after the local anaesthetic #as a dministered. ----- he #as a#areness of a moral or ethical aspect to one's suffering terrible pangs of conscience about #hat she had done. conduct together #ith the urge to prefer right over #rong
Dueue Cue
a line of people or vehicles #aiting for something !ueue of more than si,ty people snaked its #ay do#n the pavement. --- -- "e took this a s his cue ----- a stimulus that provides information about to leave. #hat to do
he crossed the room #ith !uick% ladylike steps. ----- We are honoured to #elcome your 0adyship here tonight.
he is an e,-nun #ho is no# an atheist. ----- he gre# up in an agnostic household.
;I
English Précis and Composition Past Papers 4eil 4ale
a piece of thin cloth #orn over the face or head to ome #omen #ear veils for religious reasons% to prevent strangers from seeing their faces. ----- The hide% cover% or protect it ----- a long depression in small vale sheltering under mist-shrouded hills #as reminiscent of paradise on earth. the surface of the land that usually contains a river
Houte Hout
an established line of travel or access ----- an over#helming defeat
They #ould go out on his route and check him. ----- The 2orman army routed the ?nglish opposition.
>iary >airy
a small book containing a( record of daily happenings ----- a shop supplying milk% butter% cheese etc
The e,plorer kept a diary of his adventures. ----- We bought milk at the dairy.
>ue >e#
+#ed ----- tiny drops of moisture coming from the air as it cools% especially at night
$ think $'m still due some pay. ----- The grass is #et #ith early-morning de#.
Corps Corpse
a division of an army -- --- a dead body% especially "e has been commissioned in the rmy Medical Corps ----- The victim's corpse #as pulled out of of a human being the river.
Ballot Ballet
a method of voting in secret by marking a paper and putting it into a bo, ----- a theatrical performance of dancing #ith set steps and mime% often telling a story
The result of the ballot #ill not be kno#n for t#o #eeks. ----- #an 0ake is my favourite ballet.
Duiet Duite
not making very much% or any% noise ----- to the greatest e,tent= completely or absolutely
$t's very !uiet out in the country. ----- $t is !uite clear that #e #ere firing in self defence.
dapt dopt dept
to make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation ----- to take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's o#n child. ----highly skilled
Things #ill be different and #e #ill have to adapt. ----- There are hundreds of people desperate to adopt a child. ----- "e's very adept at keeping his balance on a rope.
lleged ccused uspected
declared but not proved ----- a defendant in a criminal proceeding ----- believed likely
"e appeared in court for the alleged murder of his employer. ----- The accused is alleged to be a member of a right-#ing gang. ----- The suspected murderer #as kept under surveillance.
Bear Borne Born
to be able to support ----- past participle of bear ----- Brought into e,istence= created
The ice #as not thick enough to bear the #eight of marching men. ----- The #eight #as much more than #hat could be borne by a lone man. ----- ne# nation #as born #ith the revolution.
Haise Hise Ha7e
Collect funds ----- increase in value or to a higher point ----- tear do#n so as to make flat #ith the ground
The president raised several million dollars for his college. - ---- The value of our house rose sharply last year. ----- The enemy ra7ed the fortifications of the occupied to#n.
mell tink cent
the sense or po#er of being a#are of things through one's nose ----- to have a very bad smell ----- any property detected by the olfactory system
My sister never had a good sense of smell. ----- We all stank and nobody minded. ----- he could smell the scent of her mother's lac!uer.
0east 0ess 0est
+ne that is the lo#est or smallest in importance% rank% magnitude% or degree ----- not as much or to a smaller e,tent ----- 1or fear that
The dinner menu is the least of my #orries tonight. ----- /ou should smoke less if you #ant to remain healthy. ----- $ #as afraid to open the door lest he should follo# me.
Their There They&re
of or belonging to them ----- that place ----- they are
"e gave them their coats. ----- 0eave the coat in the corner there. They're preparing for a meal.
Capital Capitol
money for investment etc( ----- building or comple, of buildings in #hich a state legislature meets
The company is having difficulties in raising capital. ----- meeting to draft a ne# constitution is under #ay in the capitol.
ssay ?ssay
to test% analyse% or evaluate ----- a #ritten composition= a piece of #ritten prose
he sat do#n and assayed me #ith her large bro#n eyes. ----- The e,amination consists of four essays.
?nvelop ?nvelope
To enclose or encase completely #ith or as if #ith a covering ----- a thin% flat #rapper or cover% especially for a letter
The thick black cloud of smoke that enveloped the area. ----- he opened the envelope and #ithdre# a typed note.
>ecree >egree
to order% command or decide ----- an( amount or e,tent
The court decreed that he should pay the fine in full. ----- The degree of skill varies considerably from person to person.
>esolate >issolute
uninhabited= deserted ----- unrestrained by convention or morality
The desolate lands of past nations have turned into deserts. ----- he regretted her dissolute life.
pecies pecie
fundamental category of ta,onomic classification ----- $n a similar manner= in kind
There are several species of ebra. ----- When "arry blocked 8ohn's drive#ay #ith his trash% 8ohn parked his car in "arry's drive#ay and repaid the offence in specie.
Tortuous Torturous
t#isted or #inding ----- e,tremely painful
The tortuous track in the race #as difficult for even the most e,perienced drivers to master. ----- The torturous interrogation of the detainees has been termed illegal by international la#.
Wet Whet
containing% soaked in% or covered #ith% #ater or another li!uid ----- make keen or more acute
We got soaking #et #hen it began to rain. ----- The delicious aroma of the curry #hetted our appetites.
;L
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Word
Meaning
Sentence 1
Sentence 2
Clear
easy to see% hear or understand ----- to make or become free from obstacles
The details on that photograph are very clear.
"e cleared the path of debris.
1ace
opposite to ----- to turn% stand etc in the direction of
The hote l is f ac ing the churc h.
he fa ced him across the de sk.
?nergy
the ability to act% or the habit of acting% strongly and vigorously ----- any source of usable po#er
"e has ama7ing energy for his age.
+il shortages have brought an energy crisis.
4alue
#orth% importance or usefulness ----- to suggest a suitable price for
"is special kno#ledge #as of great value during the #ar
This painting has been valued at S:%:::.
Build
to form or construct from parts ----- to increase
)eople don't build houses #ith mud bricks any more.
The traffic begins to build up around five o'clock.
Huler
a person #ho rules or commands ----measuring stick
"e #as an indecisive ruler.
$t #ill be much more appropriate for you to take these measurements #ith a ruler.
)oint
a particular matter for consideration or /ou've missed the point. action ----- to aim in a particular direction
"e pointed the gun at her.
Wear
to be dressed in or carry on ----- to have or sho#
he #ore a #hite dress.
he #ore an angry e,pression.
Glasses
pair of lenses mounted in a light frame ----- plural of glass
"e can hardly see #ithout his glasses.
We need some glasses of #ater here.
4essel
a container% usually for li!uid ----- a ship
n ?nglish fishing vessel has capsi7ed of the shore
)our me some milk from that vessel.
tage
to prepare and produce ----- a period or step in the development of something
This play #as first staged in ;O@N.
The plan is in its early stages.
pirit
a principle or emotion #hich makes someone act ----- a person's mood
The spirit of kindness seems to be lacking in the #orld no#adays.
This ne#s may raise his spirits.
Word
Meaning
Munificent
very generous
Hapacious
e,cessively greedy and grasping ; devouring or craving food in great !uantities ; living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey
8eopardi7e
put at risk ; pose a threat to= present a danger to
1atuous
devoid of intelligence
?dify
to improve the mind or morals of= make understand
?soteric
confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
$mpasse
a situation in #hich no progress can be made or no advancement is possible
$ncongruous
lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
>ocile
#illing to be taught or led or supervised or directed ;easily handled or managed ; ready and #illing to be taught
Hepercussions
Conse!uences= backlash
grarian
relating to rural matters
1eedback
response to an in!uiry or e,periment ; the process in #hich part of the output of a system is returned to its input in order to regulate its further output
+utput
production of a certain amount ; #hat is produced in a given time period ; the !uantity of something as a commodity( that is created usually #ithin a given period of time(; final product= the things produced ; signal that comes out of an electronic system; to create or manufacture a specific amount
2ostalgia
longing for something past
Bibliophile
someone #ho loves and usually collects( books
)rodigal
marked by rash e,travagance ; very generous;recklessly #asteful ; a recklessly e,travagant consumer
$nput
a component of production= something that goes into the production of output ; any stimulating information or event= acts to arouse action ; signal going into an electronic system; enter data or a program( into a computer
nti!uarian
of or relating to anti!ues or anti!uities ; of or relating to persons #ho study or deal in anti!ues or anti!uities ; an e,pert or collector of anti!uities
Brag
an instance of boastful talk ; sho# off
;N
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Find words similar in meaning. Moratorium a( large tomb b( #aiting period ✔ c( security for debt d( funeral house
Proliic a( skilful b( fruitful ✔ c( #ordy d( spread out
!i"Partisan a( narro# minded b( progressive c( representing t#o parties d( divided
#ne$ui%ocal a( careless b( unmistakable ✔ c( variable d( $ncomparable
Co%enant a( prayer b( debate c( garden d( agreement ✔
&entati%e a( e,pedient b( nominal c( provisional
'emographicR relating the study of a( government b( demons c( communications d( population ✔
Sonar (pparatus to a( detect something in the air b( locate obects under #ater ✔ c( measure rain d( anticipate earth!uake
Progen) a( a genius b( off springs ✔ c( ancestors d( gro#th
Empirical a( Helay on theory b( based on e,perience ✔ c( having vision of po#er d( disdainful
Polari*e a( chill b( to separate into opposing e,tremes ✔ c( slant d( cause to be freely movable
(political a( conservative b( rude c( non-political d( radical
Plenar) a( timely b( combined c( florid d( full ✔
Entourage a( decorators b( tourist c( attendant ✔ d( adversaries
'iagnosis a( identification of an illness b( )rophecy c( plan d( likeness
+ucleus a( core ✔ b( outer part c( inedible nut d( !uality
Foi,le a( #itty retort b( petty lie c( personal #eakness
Premise a( assumption ✔ b( outline c( commitment
Sacrosanct a( peaceful b( sacred ✔ c( mundane d( painful
Calumn) a( misfortune b( praised c( !uietness d( slander ✔
-ia,le a( credible b( !uestionable c( #orkable ✔ d( vital
'ecorum a( style of decoration b( innocence c( social conformity ✔ d( modestly
&ouch stone a( goal post b( #orry bead c( magic 8e#el d( standard or Criterion
Sheepish a( embarrassed ✔ b( conforming c( co#ardly d( unfortunate
'omesticate a( to turn native b( be e,clusive c( cut cla#s d( tame ✔
(ntics a( e,pectation b( temper c( string games d( absurd behaviour
ecapitulate a( to surrender b( be indecisive c( summarise ✔ d( retract
/)pothetical a( philosophical b( truce c( assumed ✔ d( volatile
'ata a( ideas% b( belief c( point of origin d( information ✔
Era a( a disaster b( cycle c( period of history d( curious event
Clear awa) a( clean b( empty c( remove ✔ d( finish
!rea0 down a( collapse ✔ b( enter c( cut off d( begin
eep up a( restrain b( control c( continue ✔ d( maintain
&urn out a( refuse b( start c( produce ✔ d( arrive
See o%er a( e,amine ✔ b( repair c( discover d( en!uire
Pertur, a( to upset ✔ b( to cause doubt c( to burden d( to test
Wr) a( t#isted ✔ b( sad c( #itty d( suffering
Ferret a( to search ✔ b( to trap c( to hide d( to flee
Pallid a( #eak b( pale ✔ c( dull d( scared
Intrepid a( fearless ✔ b( co#ardly c( dull d( fool hardy
eprisal a( surprise b( a#ard c( revision d( retaliation ✔
-ia,le a( #avering b( divided c( capable of living d( fading
esurgent a( revolutionary b( fertile c( rising again ✔ d( fading
(rchipelago a( reef b( glacier c( cluster of islands d( lagoon
Pia**a a( cheese dish b( veranda c( public s!uare d( style or dash
!a0la%a a( stringed instrument b( dessert ✔ c( #hining dance d( gratuity
Ionic a( $ndian stone monument b( Greek architecture ✔ c( Homan culpture d( Mediterranean ea
Cicerone a( teacher b( literary classic c( chaperone d( guide ✔
'enouement a( denunciation b( dormancy c( termination ✔ d( e,planation
(nathema a( curse ✔ b( cure c( anaemia d( asthma
&orpor a( fever b( lethargy c( taciturn d( torrid
&ouchstone a( criterion ✔ b( gold c( character d( characteristics
Se$uester a( eliminate b( finali7e c( sedate d( isolate ✔
Finic0) a( unstable b( troubled c( fussy ✔ d( unpleasant
Sami*dat a( underground press ✔ b( secret police c( t#irling ig d( large metal tea urn
-eld a( rctic #asteland b( ?uropean plains c( outh frican grassland d( >eep valley
Caun a( 1rench-Canadian descendant
3oggia a( path#ay b( marsh c( gallery ✔ d( carriage
3acunae a( tiny marine life b( shallo# #ater c( local dialect d( missing parts ✔
Paro4)sm a( moral lesson b( sudden outburst c( contradiction d( pallid imitation
5rotto a( statue b( cavern ✔ c( neighbourhood d( type of moth
Stoicism a( indifference b( boldness c( deep affection d( patient endurance
Succulent a( edible ✔ b( parched c( generous d( mature
✔
✔
&rait a( a narro# enclosure% b( strong point% c( distinguishing feature d( footprint
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔ ✔
b( merican $ndian c( 2ative of the ?verglades d( ?arly inhabitant of the Bahamas $slands Fetter a( rot b( to restrain ✔ c( make better d( enable to fly
;O
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English Précis and Composition Past Papers Malediction a( compliment b( summary c( perfume d( a#k#ardness
(crimonious a( bitter ✔ b( provocative c( cheap d( volatile
Calligraph) a( computers b( hand#riting ✔ c( blood pressure d( brain #aves
-oid a( emptiness b( lea c( anger d( trick
Essa) a( direct b( compose c( attempt ✔ d( suppose
Presumpti%e a( credible ✔ b( timid
adical a( innate ✔ b( moderate
(mia,le a( obno,ious b( affable ✔
/oodwin0 a( delude ✔ b( avoid
5uileul a( honourable b( disingenuous
6,session a( fi,ed ideas b( delusion
Epitaph a( editorial b( clever head line c( tomb stone inscription ✔
3aconic a( concise ✔ b( #eekly c( circular
Misopedia a( a hatred for children ✔ b( middle age c( family history
Ménage a( marriage vo# b( household ✔ c( golden years
Chronicle a( >aily ritual b( Widely held beliefs c( ccount of events ✔
Incendiar) a( happy b( sneer c( causing fire d( olly
✔
✔
✔
✔
'emise a( conclude b( end c( affection d( death ✔ 6,scure a( unclear ✔ b( doubtful
✔
Flume a( sea bird #ith a #ing span four times its body length. b( narro# gorge #ith a stream running through it ✔ c( #arm summer #ind
Shingle a( gravelly beach ✔ b( e,posed sand bar c( group of dolphins
Filial a( related by marriage b( of sons and daughters c( of brothers
Find words opposite in meaning. 'esiccate a( 0engthen b( "allo# c( ?,onerate d( aturate ✔ e( naestheti7e
(potheosis a( departure from tradition b( impatience #ith stupidity c( demotion from glory ✔ d( surrender to impulse e( cause for grief
Spun0 a( success b( timidity ✔ c( gro#ing a#areness d( loss of prestige e( lack of intelligence
Ca%il a( discern b( disclose c( introduce d( flatter e( commend ✔
aucous a( orderly ✔ b( absorbent c( buoyant d( Mellifluous e( Contentious
'eleterious a( nourishing b( inurious c( vital d( fatal
-aledictor) a( fare#ell b( final c( hopeful ✔ d( parting
Sedentar) a( afraid b( loyal c( active ✔ d( torpid
&ur,id a( muddy b( clear ✔ c( invariable d( improbable
Phlegmatic a( dull b( active ✔ c( lymphatic d( frigid
Captious a( tolerant ✔ b( capable c( #inning d( recollected
Penchant a( dislike ✔ b( attitude c( imminence d( distance
Putati%e a( po#erful b( colonial c( undisputed ✔ d( unremarkable
Facsimile a( imitation b( model ✔ c( mutation d( pattern
3arcen) a( appropriation b( peculation c( purloining d( indemnification
&wine a( straighten ✔ b( continue c( unravel d( detach
Frugal a( prodigal ✔ b( intemperate c( e,travagant d( profuse
5aw0) a( neat b( handy c( graceful ✔ d( handsome
Capricious a( firm ✔ b( decided c( infle,ible d( constant
Congeal a( li!uefy ✔ b( mollify c( harden d( solidify
Plain a( clean b( distinct c( ambiguous d( frugal
6dious a( porous b( charming ✔ c( horrid d( offensive
Inlame a( calm ✔ b( anger c( e,cite d( kindle
Igno,le a( lo#ly b( vile c( good d( noble ✔
Melanchol) a( sorro#ful b( happy ✔ c( forbidden d( brisk
6,literate a( preserve ✔ b( destroy c( ravage d( design
(ll) a( alloy b( foe ✔ c( partner d( accessory
-ulgar a( coarse b( gross c( e,!uisite d( obscene
Pretend a( sham b( substantiate c( feign d( fabricate
3i,ert) a( permission b( license c( serfdom d( bound ✔
Conscientious a( uncorrupt b( honourable c( principled d( profligate ✔
Presenta,le a( unable b( scruffy ✔ c( suitable d( personable
Sal%ation a( escape b( starvation c( doom ✔ d( rescue
(nnihilate a( supplement b( augment c( append d( contract
!race a( prop b( knock ✔ c( invigorate d( refresh
!rus$ue a( gruff b( curt c( smooth ✔ d( discourteous
Concord a( amity b( accord c( variance ✔ d( unity
Conscientious a( uncorrupt b( honourable c( principled d( profligate ✔
'iplomatic a( sagacious b( shre#d c( bungling ✔ d( prudent
/)pocris) a( uprightness b( pretence c( cant d( deceit
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✔
✔
@:
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English Précis and Composition Past Papers 6nerous a( burdensome b( #earing c( difficult d( fluent ✔
@;
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Wrong Sentence
Corrections
Where #as a very different atmosphere in the to#n this morning than there #as yesterday.
There #as a very different atmosphere in the to#n this morning than that #as yesterday.
?very one must decide for themselves #hat to do about it.
?very one must decide for himself #hat to do about it.
$ shouldn&t be surprised if he doesn&t turn up tomorro#.
$ #ill not be surprised if he doesn&t turn up tomorro#.
2either 1aroo! or kbar are going to the #edding lunch on aturday.
2either 1aroo! nor kbar is going to the #edding lunch on aturday.
$ compared his essay to Mushta!&s and found them to be almost identical.
$ compared his essay #ith Mushta!&s and found it to be almost identical.
When public transport is better developed% there #ill no longer be so many cars driving people to #ork.
When public transportation is better developed% there #ill no longer be so many people driving to #ork.
The subect of my paper is about air pollution.
The subect of my paper is air pollution.
The princess's father #as a good man and #ho #as kind.
The princess's father #as a good and kind man.
morality play is #here the characters represents virtue and vices.
morality play is #here the characters represent virtues and vices.
s!uare is #hen all four sides are the same length.
s!uare is #hen all four sides are of the same length.
?vil and suffering has al#ays troubled man.
?vil and suffering have al#ays troubled man.
Why does such disturbing things e,ist6
Why do such disturbing things e,ist6
2either her cousins nor her aunt #ere at home.
2either her cousins nor her aunt #as at home.
2either Tari! nor 5halid are #orthy of her.
2either Tari! nor 5halid is #orthy of her
The first fleet of cars #ere made of copper.
The first fleet of cars #as made of copper.
To be honest lies must never be told.
To be honest% one must never tell lies.
The idea of me flying is too silly to even contemplate.
The idea of flying is too silly to even contemplate for me.
"e reads better than any boy in the class.
"e reads better than any other boy in the class.
?very citi7en should use their role.
?very citi7en should use his role.
$ do not remember him giving me a present.
$ do not remember his giving me a present.
Whom #ould you say is likely to #in the fight6
Who #ould you say is likely to #in the fight6
2either him nor his friend #ere hurt.
2either he nor his friend #as hurt.
)assing by the damage house% a brick fell on my shoulder.
While passing by the damaged house% a brick fell on my shoulder.
My cousin al#ays has and al#ays #ill be interested in the theatre.
My cousin has and al#ays #ill be interested in the theatre.
The vast e,tent of the steppes of Central sia is enormous.
The e,tent of the vast steppes of Central sia is enormous.
2obody didn't ought to lose their #ay so easy in a small to#n.
2obody ought to lose his #ay so easily in a small to#n.
This is all the father you can go.
This is the farthest you can go.
"e seemed to be an industrious person but this #as only an allusion.
"e seemed to be an industrious person but this #as only an illusion.
"is avocation is dentistry.
"is vocation is dentistry.
The anti!uarian bade one million dollars for the old painting.
The anti!uarian bade one million dollars on the old painting.
The ferry collided against the tug-boat.
The ferry collided #ith the tug-boat.
)oetry is more sensual than prose.
)oetry is more sensuous than prose.
Both 2aeem and hahid is tired% they should go back.
Both 2aeem and hahid are tired. They should go back.
"e #as seeking political asylum but #as not permitted to emigrate to 3.
"e #as seeking political asylum but #as not permitted to immigrate to 3.
$ #ouldn't be in your boots for the all the #ealth in the #orld.
$ #ouldn't #ant to be in your boots for the all the #ealth in the #orld.
re you trying to infer that $ #ould be some thing dishonest6
re you trying to infer that $ #ill do some thing dishonest6
The lake free7ed rapidly.
The lake fro7e rapidly.
The firm #as un#illing to forego its usual commission.
The firm #as un#illing to forego its commission.
We #atched the lambs gamble on the green.
We #atched the lambs gambling on the green.
"e belonged to the gild of carpenters.
"e belonged to the guild of carpenters.
"e hadn&t ought to have spoken.
"e ought not to have spoken.
$s this your half-brother6
$s he your half-brother6
"ay< Watch out for the car<
"ay< Watch out the car<
This is the historical spot #here he #as shot dead.
This is the historic spot #here he #as shot dead.
We bought a 8apanese print.
We bought a 8apanese&s print.
1resh flo#ers smell s#eetly.
1resh flo#ers smell s#eet.
"is #isdom consisted of his handling the dangerous situation successfully.
"is #isdom consisted in his handling the dangerous situation successfully.
Many a girls #ere appearing in the e,amination.
Many a girl #as appearing in the e,amination.
@@
English Précis and Composition Past Papers The vehicles run fastly on the Motor#ay.
The vehicles run faster on the Motor#ay.
moking is inurious for health.
moking is inurious to health.
"e availed of this situation very intelligently.
"e availed this situation very intelligently.
The black vermin is an odious creature.
The black vermin are an odious creature.
What to speak of meat% even% vegetables #ere not available no#.
?ven vegetables are not available no# let alone meat.
2o sooner #e left our home #hen it started raining.
2o sooner did #e leave our home #hen it started raining.
0ittle money $ had $ spent on the #ay.
Whatever little money $ had% $ spent it on the #ay.
The criminal #as sent on the goal.
The criminal #as sent to the ail.
$ shall not come here unless you #ill not call me.
$ shall not come here unless you call me.
"e does not have some devotion for the proect you have given to him.
"e does not have any devotion for the proect you have given him.
$ #ent to either of the 1our hill stations.
$ #ent to all of the 1our hill stations.
Who did you meet on your #ay to school6
Whom did you meet on your #ay to school6
/ou must remember that you are unior than "amid.
/ou must remember that you are unior to "amid.
slam% as #ell as% his 1our friends #ere planning to visit the museum.
slam% as #ell as% his 1our friends #as planning to visit the museum.
Where you #ent in the vacation6
Where did you go on vacation6
This is the youngest and most intelligent of my t#o sons.
This is the younger and more intelligent of my t#o sons.
"e is one of those #ho al#ays succeed.
"e is one of those #ho al#ays succeeded.
$ congratulate you for your success.
$ congratulate you on you success.
The hostel provides boarding and lodging to students.
The hostel provides board and lodgings to students.
My cousin-brother #ill come to meet me.
My cousin #ill come to meet me.
"e lives backside of my house.
"e lives on the backside of my house.
/ou have read it. $sn't it6
/ou have read it. "aven't you6
We discussed about this !uestion.
We discussed this !uestion.
$ am studying in an 3niversity for an year.
$ have been studying in a 3niversity for a year.
2either he nor $ arc at fault.
2either he nor $ am at fault.
The committee have issued a notice.
The committee has issued a notice.
+ne must boast of his great !ualities. $t is one of the best speeches that has ever been made in the General ssembly.
$t is one of the best speeches that have ever been made in the General ssembly.
)assing through ten different cities% 5arachi is the most active.
While passing through ten different cities% $ found 5arachi the most active.
"e #as laid up for si, #eeks #ith t#o broken ribs.
"e #as laid-in for si, #eeks #ith t#o broken ribs.
omeone sho#ed the visitors in the room.
omeone sho#ed the visitors their room.
3ntil you remain idle you #ill make no progress.
While you remain idle you #ill not make progress.
$t is very #rong to be devoted to lying and cheating.
$t is very #rong to lie and cheat.
"e told me that he is #aiting for me since a long time.
"e told me that he has been #aiting for me for a long time.
The house stood up in the dull str ee t beca use of its red door.
The house stood out in the dull street because of its red door.
"e brought the articles to the mar ke t #hich he #anted to sell.
"e brought the articles to the mar ke t #hic h he ha d #anted to sell.
What does a patient tell a doctor it is confidential6
"o# does a patient tell a doctor that it is confidential6
$t is a fact that $ almost dro#ned makes me very careful about #ater safety #henever The fact that $ almost dro#ned makes me very careful about #ater safety #henever $ $ go s#imming. go s#imming. >id they not consider this as !uiet convincing6
>id they not consider this !uite convincing.
t )eter&s at Home is the largest of all other churches.
t )eter&s at Home is the largest of all churches.
The amount they receive in #ages is greater than t#enty years ago. They succeeded #ith hardly making any effort .
They succeeded hardly making any effort.
Whatever have you done <
What have you done<
The officers #ere given places according to their respective ranks.
The officers #ere placed according to their respective ranks.
)laying a game regularly is better than to rea d books al#ays.
)laying a game regularly is better than al#a ys rea ding books.
good reader must be har d #or king and posse ss intelligence.
good reader must be har d #orking and inte lligent.
$ noticed kbar #as carrying a bag in his hand.
$ noticed that kbar #as carrying a bag in his hand.
"aving entered his house% the door #as shut at one.
"aving entered his house% he shut the door at once.
"e thinks that his #riting is better than his friend.
"e thinks that his #riting is better than that of his friend.
@9
English Précis and Composition Past Papers "e is such a man #ho is liked by everyone.
"e is such a man #hom everyone likes.
$ sent a verbal message to my friend.
$ sent a oral message to my friend.
"e has visited as many histor ical plac es as one has or can visi t.
"e has visi ted as many historical plac es as one ca n.
?ither of these three umbrellas #ill suit me.
ny of these three umbrellas #ill suit me.
hall you not take my #ord in this matter6
Will you not take my #ord in this matter6
This poor man #as suffering much for a long time past.
This poor man #as suffering much for a long time past.
$f he had not died% he #ould gro# up to be a murderer. 2either he nor $ are in the #rong.
2either he nor $ #as in the #rong.
$t is high time they mend this road.
$t is high time that they mend this road.
$ heard him #ent do#n the stairs.
$ heard him go do#n the stairs.
)aper is made of #ood.
)aper is made out of #ood.
"e s#ore from God.
"e s#ore at God.
$s your dress different than mine6
$s your dress different tan that of mine6
"e in!uired #hether $ live in 5arachi.
"e in!uired #hether $ had lived in 5arachi.
"e spoke these #ords upon his face.
"e spoke these #ords in his face.
The ran direct to their college.
The ran directly to their college.
$ shall not come here unless you #ill not call me.
$ shall not come here unless you call me.
They have been building a #all since three days.
They have been building a #all for three days.
"e does not have some devotion to his studies.
"e does not have any devotion to his studies.
This house is built of brick and stone.
The house is being built of brick and stone.
The climate of )akistan is better than ?ngland6
The climate of )akistan is better than that of ?ngland6
"e s#ore by God.
"e s#ore at God.
/ou ought to have regarded him your benefactor.
/ou ought to have regarded him as your benefactor.
My friend is very ill% $ hope he #ill soon die.
My friend is very ill% $ hope he #ill not die soon.
"e is #aiting for better and promising opportunity.
"e is #aiting for a better and more promising opportunity.
When $ shall see her $ #ill deliver her your gift.
When $ see her $ #ill deliver your gift to her.
Many a sleepless nights she spent.
Many a sleepless night she spent.
aad as #ell as aleem #ere late.
aad as #ell as aleem is late.
"e is the most cleverest boy in the class.
"e is the cleverest boy in the class.
$ have met him last month.
$ met him last month.
/our #riting is inferior than him.
/our #riting is inferior to his.
2othing but novels please him. The teacher gave the boy an advice #hich he refused. "e brought the articles to the mar ket #hich he #anted to sell. )lease speak to the concerned clerk.
)lease speak #ith the concerned clerk.
/ou have got time too short for that.
/ou have got too short a time for that.
2ot only he #as thief% but he #as also a murderer.
2ot only #as he a thief% but also a murderer.
They thought that the plan #ould be succeeded.
They had thought that the plan #ould succeed.
$t is unlikely that he #ins the race.
$t is unlikely that he #ill #in the race.
My uncle has told me something about it yesterday.
My uncle told me something about it yesterday.
$ hoped that by the time $ #ould have got there it #ould have stopped raining.
$ hoped that by the time $ had got there it #ould had stopped raining.
They prevented the driver to stop.
They prevented the driver from stopping.
@E
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Change the sentences rom direct to indirect and %ice"%ersa.
"e said% >on&t open the door.U
"e forbade me to open the door.
"e offered to bring me some tea.
"e said% Ahall $ bring you some tea6A
"e aid% Thank you
"e thanked me.
"e said% Can you s#im6U and $ said% 2+U.
"e en!uired if $ could s#im and $ replied in negative.
"e told slam to get his coat.
"e said% AGet your coat% slamA.
$f ; #ere you% $ #ould #ait%U $ said.
$ told him that if $ #as in his place $ #ould have #aited.
"e ordered the peon to lock the door.
"e ordered the peon to lock the door.
"e #arned me not to leave my car unlocked as there had been lot of stealing from cars.
"e said% A>on't leave your car unlocked as there have been lot of stealing from carsA.
The boy said to his teacher% $ do not kno# the ans#erU.
The boy told his teacher that he did not kno# the ans#er.
The beggar said% May you live long and gro# richU
The beggar prayed that $ might live long and gro# rich.
A$t is very hot today% cried the boys% #e cannot play.U
Boys cried that it #as very hot that day so they could not play.
he said% #hat a fine morning it is
he e,claimed #ith #onder that it #as a fine morning.
he said% $ am not telling a lie.U
he said that she #as not telling a lie.
"e said% A$ #ill come to see you tomorro#.U
"e said that he #ould come to see me the ne,t day.
"e said to him% $ really need your help.U
"e said to him that he really needed his help.
he said. Can you tell me #hat the time is.U
he asked me if $ could tell her #hat the time #as.
A"ur rah''< aid the capta in of the team% A#e #on the matc hA.
The ca ptain of the team e,c laime d #ith oy that they ha d #on the ma tc h.
A)lease ir% take pity on a poor beggar #oman''% the #retched old #oman asked for alms
The #retched old #oman asked for alms by entreating to take pity on her.
They say. A$s this the right time to arriveO ren't you forgetting somethingA6
The say #hether this is the right time to arrive and if #e are not forgetting something.
"e often says% A$ am al#ays #illing to help the needy% if $ am assured they arc really in need''.
"e often says that he is al#ays #illing to help the needy if he is assured that they area really in need.
The master said% A"o# long #ill you take in #arming my food6U
The master asked ho# long #ould he take in #arming his food.
The boy said. Alas' $ could not pass my e,aminationA
The boy e,claimed #ith grief that he could not pass his e,amination.
ACome here !uickly and #ork out this problem on the blackboardA said the teacher.
The teacher asked her to go there !uickly and #ork out that problem on the board.
AWhat a lovely evening
$rum e,claimed that the evening #as lovely.
AWhat is the name of this beautiful building6A asked the visitor.
The visitor asked #hat #as the name of that beautiful building.
"e said Ait do#n over here and don't move until $ allo# youA.
"e ordered him to sit do#n over there and not to move until he allo#ed him.
AThis is your house% isn't it6A asked 8ammie.
8ammie asked #hether or not that #as his house.
AWhere do you #ant to be dropped6A said the ta,i driver.
The ta,i driver asked #here he #anted to be dropped.
ACall the first #itness%A said the udge.
The udge ordered to call the first #itness.
A>on't blame him for the accident%A the boy's mother said.
The boy's mother asked not to blame him for the accident.
"e said% A$ banged on Cliffs door but he did not ans#erA.
"e said that he had banged on Cliff's door but he did not ans#er.
AWhere is the boat6 "urry up #e are being chasedA% she cried.
he asked #here the boat #as and prompted them to hurry as they #ere being chased.
A$ have lost my #ay. Can you direct me to the )ost +ffice please6A said the old lady.
The old lady asked to be directed to the post office as she had lost her #ay.
"e said to me% A#hat a pity you missed such an important meeting.U A"o# #onderf ul< Why didn't you sugge st this plan earlie rA.
"e e,claimed oyf ully #ondering #hy $ had not suggested tha t pla n earlier.
"e said% A0et's #ait till the road gets clearedA.
"e suggested to #ait until the road got cleared.
+ur sociology professor said % V$ e,pect you to be in class every day. 3ne,cused absences may affect your grades.&
+ur sociology professor told us that he e,pected us to be in class everyday. "e #arned us that une,cused absences might affect our grades.
My father often told me % Vevery obstacle is a steppingstone to success. /ou should vie# problems in your life as opportunities to prove yourself.&
My father often advised me that every obstacle is a steppingstone to success. "e said that $ should vie# problems in my life as opportunities to prove myself.
When tom asked 8ack #hy he couldn&t go to the game% 8ack said he didn&t have enough money for a ticket.
Tom said to 8ack% AWhy can't you go to the game6A 8ack replied% A$ don't have enough money for a ticketA.
When $ asked the ticked seller if the concert #as going to be rescheduled% she told me that she didn&t kno# and said that she ust #orked there.
$ asked the ticket seller% A$s the concert going to be rescheduled6A he said% A$ don't kno#. $ ust #ork hereA.
li said% V$ must go to 0ahore ne,t #eek to visit my ailing mother.&
li said that he must go to 0ahore ne,t #eek to visit his ailing mother.
The policeman told the pedestrian% Vyou mustn&t cross the road against the red light&
The policeman told the pedestrian that he must not cross the road against the red light.
@
English Précis and Composition Past Papers hmed asked if #hat $ said #as really true.
hmed said to me% AWhat you say is really true6A
arah #anted to kno# #here they #ould be tomorro# around three +&clock
arah asked% Can you tell me #here #ill they be tomorro# around three +' clock6U
"e said% let it rain ever so hard $ shall go outU.
"e e,claimed firmly that let it rain ever so hard he #ould go out.
The mother said to the young girl% >o you kno# #here alim isU6
The mother asked the young girl #hether she kne# #here alim #as.
The officer said% "and it all< Can you not do it more neatlyU.
The officer ordered to hand it all and rebuked him for not doing it neatly.
$nvoking our help #ith a loud voice she asked us #hether #e #ould come to her aid.
he shouted loudly to us % AWill you come to my help6A
"e e,claimed #ith an oath that no one could have e,pected such a turn of events.
"e said% $ s#ear no cone can e,pected such a turn of events
The teac her sa id to his students% Why did you come so lateU6
The teac her asked his students #hy had they come so la te.
They applauded him saying that he had done #ell.
They said to him% AWell done
/ou say%U said the udge% the bag you lost contained one hundred and ten poundsU6
The udge asked if he said that the bag he had lost contained one hundred and ten pounds.
this #orld% he declaredU is full of sorro#. Would that $ #ere dead
"e e,claimed that the #orld #as full of sorro# and #ished himself to be dead.
he said to me% come early= #e shall be #aiting for you.U
"e asked me to come early as they #ould be #aiting for me.
ho# delighted $ am% said he% to meet my friends here by my o#n fireside
"e e,claimed #ith oy to meet his friends there by his o#n fireside.
the man said that he #as !uite sure he should succeed.
The man said% A $ am !uite sure $ shall succeed.
8ohn e,claimed #ith a sigh that he #as ruined.
Aaah< $ am ruined.A% said 8ohn.
The constable en!uired of the man #here he #as going
The constable said to the man% AWhere are you going6A
The boy said that he #ould #alk.
They boy said% "e #ill #alk.U
#hat losses% cried he% have $ suffered6 What anguish have $ endured
"e e,claimed #ith grief that he had suffered great losses and had endured great anguish.
"e said to his friend% 0et me go home no#U
"e asked his friend to let him go home then.
$ #ill say Mother% $ #ill al#ays obey youU
$ #ill say to mother that $ #ill al#ays obey her.
plendidUR said father as he read my report%
1ather applauded me as he read my report.
"e said% Good morning% can you help meU
"e #ished him good morning and asked #hether he could help him.
he said Brother% #hy do you tease meU
he asked her brother #hy he teased her.
The 5ing said to the Duee n% $f $ die % take ca re of my peopleU
The 5ing aske d the Dueen to take ca re of his people if he died.
By GodU% he saidU $ do not kno# his nameU
"e s#ore upon God that he did not kno# his name.
/ou e,claimed #ith sorro# that you lost your pen.
/ou said% Alas< $ lost my pen.A
"e said to him% #hy do you #aste your time6U
"e asked him #hy he #asted his time.
"e ordered his servant not to stand there doing nothing.
"e said to his servant% A >o not stand here doing nothing.A
"e e,claimed #ith oy that he had #on the match.
"e said% ABravo< $ have #on the matchA.
The traveller said% What a dark night6U "e said% 0et it rain even so hard% $ #ill start today.U
"e said that he #ould start that day even if it rained hard.
My mother said% May you live happily and prosper in your life.U
My mother prayed that $ might live happily and prosper in my life.
"e said% "o# foolish have $ been6U
"e e,claimed #ith regret that he had been very foolish.
+n Monday he said% AMy son is coming today.A
+n Monday he said that his son #as coming that day.
They #anted to kno# #here he #as going the follo#ing #eek. he said% A>id she go yesterday6A
"e asked #hether she #ent the day before.
'By God'% he said% A$ do not kno# her nickname.A
"e s#ore that he did not kno# her name.
"e says that #e are to meet him at the station.
"ey says% >on't meet me at the station.U
"e said% A$ don't kno# the #ay. sk the old man sitting on the gate.A
"e said that the did not kno# the #ay and told us to en!uire from the old man sitting on the gate.
My father prayed that $ #ould recover from my illness
My father said% $ hope you #ill recover from your illness.U
"e said% A"o# #ill you manage it6A
"e asked ho# #ill he manage it.
$ couldn't get into the house because $ had lost my key% so $ had to break a #indo#U% he said.
"e said that he couldn't get into the house because he had lost his key and therefore had to break a #indo#.
Would you like to see over the house or are you more interested in the gardenU6 he asked me.
he asked me #hether $ #ould like to see over the house or am $ more interested in the garden.
)lease send #hatever you can spare. ll the contributions #ill be ackno#ledged immediatelyU% said the secretary of the disastrous fund.
The secretary of the disastrous fund re!uested to send #hatever one could spare. "e assured that all contributions #ill be ackno#ledged immediately.
he said if he'd like to go the concert and $ said $ #as sure he #ould.
he said% Will he like to go to the concert6U $ said% $ am sure he #ill.U
@I
English Précis and Composition Past Papers $ told her to stop making fuss about nothing and said that she #as lucky to have got a seat at all.
$ said% top making fuss about nothing. /ou are lucky to have got a seat at all.U
The teacher said% /ou must not forget #hat $ told you last lesson. $ shall e,pect you to be able to repeat it ne,t lesson by heart.U
The teacher said that $ must not forget #hat she had told me last lesson. he also added that she #ould e,pect me to be able to repeat it ne,t lesson by heart.
"e asked me if he should leave it in the car.
"e asked% hall $ leave it in the car or not.U
"e said% May $ open the #indo#6 $t's is rather hot in here.U
"e en!uired that might he ope n the #indo# as it #as hot in ther e.
@L
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Change the %oice o the sentences.
The production of Cash Crops directly affects the economy of an agricultural country.
The economy of an agricultural country is directly affected by the production of Cash Crops.
The accelerated car sped past the traffic signal and crashed into a van and killed t#o men.
Traffic signal #as sped past and t#o men #ere killed by an accelerated car that crashed into a van.
The students #ere asked to submit the assignment before to end of day.
The assignment #as to be submitted by the students before the end of the day.
The ne# budget #as being discussed.
>iscussion #as going on the ne# budget.
The Manager has announced a bonus for all the #orkers.
Bonus for all #orkers has been announced by the Manager.
The police chased the dacoit and finally arrested him.
The dacoit #as chased by the police and finally got arrested.
$t #as difficult to finish the #ork on time.
Work #as difficult to finish on time.
he manages her duties% #ithout any help% despite her blindness.
>espite her blindness% her duties are managed by her #ithout any help.
$ appreciate your efforts and hope you #ill continue in the same fashion.
/our efforts are appreciated by me and $ hope the same fashion #ill be continued by you
The assassins shot the leader in broad daylight.
The leader #as shot in broad daylight by the assassins.
The )resident inaugurated the Motor#ay recently.
The Motor#ay #as recently inaugurated by the )resident.
Will you negotiate the matter #ith the opposition6
Will the matter be negotiated by you #ith the opposition6
Why should $ be suspected by you6
Why should you be able to suspect me6
The establishment is pleased #ith your performance.
/our performance is pleasurable to the establishment.
The )arliament members gave a hard time to the )rime Minister.
The )rime Minister #as given a hard time by the )arliament.
The )risoners in Cuba arc being treated cruelly% by the so-called "uman Hights custodians.
The so-called "uman Hights custodians are treating the prisoners in Cuba cruelly.
The present Government is serving the people honestly< .
)eople are being served honestly by the government.
Who did this6
This #as done by #ho6
The )alestinians are avenging the death of their leaders.
The death of their leaders is being avenged by the )alestinians.
$nternational "umanitarian 0a# forbids actions leading to unnecessary death and suffering.
ctions leading to unnecessary death and suffering are forbidden by the $nternational "umanitarian 0a#.
Why should $ antagoni7e you6
Why should you be antagoni7ed by me6
0et Manchoo be told about the okes of Mulla 2asiruddin.
Tell the okes of Mulla 2asiruddin to Manchoo.
Why have the roads not been constructed by the government in this part of the country6
Why has the government not constructed roads in this part of the country6
>o not kill your ability by roaming in the streets.
>o not let your abilities be killed by roaming in the streets
/our cousin is dra#ing a large sum of money from his account.
large sum of money is being dra#n by your cousin from his account.
The arrangements of holding the rt ?,hibition could not be completed on time.
+n time completion of the arrangements of holding the rt ?,hibition
Build your house #hen cement is cheap.
0et your house be built #hen cement is cheap.
@N
English Précis and Composition Past Papers Misspelled
Corrections
+ccurance
+ccurrence
?sctacy
?cstasy
>runkeness
>runkenness
$rrisistible
$rresistible
upercede
upersede
?mbarrasing
?mbarrassing
>issapoint
>isappoint
+cassional
+ccasional
$ndespensible
$ndispensable
)reserverance
)erseverance
Pair the s)non)mous words in the ollowing list7 garrulous% selfish% near% talkative% obstruct% egoistic% #ealthy% impede% affluent% filch% imminent% assess% tempting% ponder% augment% enticing% meditate% increase% estimate% steal.
garrulous
talkative
assess
estimate
tempting
enticing
ponder
meditate
augment
increase
egoistic
selfish
imminent
near
impede
obstruct
affluent
#ealthy
filch
steal
@O
