NDA English Mock Paper – 1

Time Limit: 50 Minutes
Total Marks: 200
Total Questions: 50
Each Question: 4 Marks
Negative Marking: 1.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer

Section I: Antonyms (10 Questions)

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

1. The officer maintained a stoic expression even under intense pressure.
   (a) Calm
   (b) Impassive
   (c) Emotional
   (d) Composed
2. The minister’s speech was concise and to the point.
   (a) Brief
   (b) Lengthy
   (c) Succinct
   (d) Compact
3. The commander’s decision proved to be prudent.
   (a) Wise
   (b) Judicious
   (c) Reckless
   (d) Sensible
4. The terrain was arid and inhospitable.
   (a) Dry
   (b) Fertile
   (c) Parched
   (d) Barren
5. His remarks were considered derogatory by the audience.
   (a) Insulting
   (b) Offensive
   (c) Complimentary
   (d) Disparaging
6. The scientist gave a plausible explanation for the anomaly.
   (a) Believable
   (b) Credible
   (c) Doubtful
   (d) Reasonable
7. The enemy made a furtive attempt to cross the border.
   (a) Secret
   (b) Stealthy
   (c) Open
   (d) Covert
8. The officer showed leniency towards the cadet.
   (a) Mercy
   (b) Severity
   (c) Clemency
   (d) Compassion
9. His meticulous planning ensured mission success.
   (a) Careful
   (b) Thorough
   (c) Careless
   (d) Precise
10. The rebels attempted to usurp authority.
    (a) Seize
    (b) Retain
    (c) Oust
    (d) Capture

Section II: Synonyms (10 Questions)

Choose the word nearest in meaning.

1. The cadet displayed remarkable fortitude during training.
   (a) Weakness
   (b) Courage
   (c) Fear
   (d) Anxiety
2. The report was ambiguous and open to interpretation.
   (a) Clear
   (b) Vague
   (c) Obvious
   (d) Definite
3. His tone was ardent when speaking about national duty.
   (a) Passionate
   (b) Indifferent
   (c) Cold
   (d) Reluctant
4. The officer issued a mandatory directive.
   (a) Optional
   (b) Compulsory
   (c) Voluntary
   (d) Casual
5. The witness gave a coherent statement.
   (a) Logical
   (b) Confused
   (c) Disjointed
   (d) Vague
6. The plan was feasible under the circumstances.
   (a) Impractical
   (b) Possible
   (c) Unreal
   (d) Impossible
7. The leader was known for his integrity.
   (a) Dishonesty
   (b) Honour
   (c) Fraud
   (d) Corruption
8. The cadet’s zeal impressed the instructors.
   (a) Indifference
   (b) Enthusiasm
   (c) Laziness
   (d) Apathy
9. The argument was futile from the beginning.
   (a) Fruitless
   (b) Useful
   (c) Effective
   (d) Productive
10. The officer’s remarks were explicit.
    (a) Clear
    (b) Hidden
    (c) Obscure
    (d) Implicit

Section III: Spotting Errors (10 Questions)

1. Each of the cadets (a) / were given (b) / a medal. (c) / No Error (d)
2. He has been working (a) / here since (b) / five years. (c) / No Error (d)
3. Hardly had he reached (a) / the station (b) / than the train left. (c) / No Error (d)
4. The news (a) / are (b) / very encouraging. (c) / No Error (d)
5. She prefers tea (a) / than (b) / coffee. (c) / No Error (d)
6. The officer asked (a) / where had the cadet gone. (b) / immediately. (c) / No Error (d)
7. No sooner did he arrive (a) / when (b) / the meeting began. (c) / No Error (d)
8. He is (a) / capable to (b) / solve the problem. (c) / No Error (d)
9. Neither the captain nor the soldiers (a) / was (b) / ready for inspection. (c) / No Error (d)
10. I look forward (a) / to meet (b) / you soon. (c) / No Error (d)

Section IV: Idioms & Phrases (10 Questions)

1. Burn the midnight oil
   (a) Waste electricity
   (b) Work late into the night
   (c) Start a fire
   (d) Destroy documents
2. Hit the nail on the head
   (a) Miss the point
   (b) Say something exactly right
   (c) Cause injury
   (d) Fail badly
3. A blessing in disguise
   (a) A hidden danger
   (b) Something good that seemed bad at first
   (c) An obvious advantage
   (d) A religious ceremony
4. Throw in the towel
   (a) Clean the floor
   (b) Admit defeat
   (c) Prepare for boxing
   (d) Give a gift
5. Once in a blue moon
   (a) Every month
   (b) Frequently
   (c) Rarely
   (d) Never
6. Spill the beans
   (a) Cook food
   (b) Reveal a secret
   (c) Make a mess
   (d) Waste resources
7. Break the ice
   (a) Damage property
   (b) Start a conversation
   (c) End a relationship
   (d) Fail an exam
8. In the long run
   (a) Immediately
   (b) Eventually
   (c) Suddenly
   (d) Briefly
9. Cut corners
   (a) Work carefully
   (b) Take shortcuts
   (c) Design buildings
   (d) Remove edges
10. Call it a day
    (a) Celebrate
    (b) Stop working
    (c) Rename something
    (d) Begin a task

Section V: Reading Comprehension (10 Questions)

Passage 1: Discipline and Leadership

Discipline is the backbone of any effective organisation, particularly in the armed forces. It is not merely blind obedience but a conscious commitment to a shared purpose. True discipline arises from respect for authority, faith in leadership, and belief in collective responsibility. A disciplined force acts swiftly and decisively, minimising confusion during crisis. However, discipline must be balanced with initiative; unquestioning compliance without understanding can lead to stagnation. The finest leaders cultivate discipline not through fear, but through example and integrity.

Questions

1. Discipline in the passage is described as:
   (a) Blind obedience
   (b) Conscious commitment
   (c) Harsh punishment
   (d) Strict surveillance
2. Discipline ensures:
   (a) Delay in decisions
   (b) Maximum confusion
   (c) Swift action in crisis
   (d) Independence from authority
3. True discipline arises from:
   (a) Fear
   (b) Punishment
   (c) Respect and belief
   (d) Wealth
4. What must balance discipline?
   (a) Authority
   (b) Initiative
   (c) Fear
   (d) Force
5. Leaders cultivate discipline through:
   (a) Threats
   (b) Strict rules
   (c) Example and integrity
   (d) Isolation

Passage 2: Technology and Modern Warfare

Modern warfare has undergone a profound transformation with the advent of advanced technology. From surveillance drones to cyber defence systems, technology enhances precision and reduces human risk. However, dependence on technology also introduces vulnerabilities, particularly in cyber security. A technologically advanced force must therefore combine innovation with strategic foresight. Ultimately, technology serves as a tool; it cannot replace human judgment, courage, and ethical responsibility.

Questions

1. Modern warfare has changed mainly due to:
   (a) Traditional weapons
   (b) Advanced technology
   (c) Increased manpower
   (d) Reduced training
2. Technology helps by:
   (a) Increasing confusion
   (b) Reducing precision
   (c) Enhancing precision
   (d) Eliminating strategy
3. One vulnerability mentioned is:
   (a) Weather conditions
   (b) Cyber security risks
   (c) Food shortages
   (d) Political debates
4. Technology cannot replace:
   (a) Machines
   (b) Data
   (c) Human judgment
   (d) Infrastructure
5. The tone of the passage is:
   (a) Critical of technology
   (b) Balanced and analytical
   (c) Emotional
   (d) Humorous

Answer Key with Explanations 

Section I: Antonyms

1. (c) Emotional
   Stoic means unemotional; opposite is emotional.
2. (b) Lengthy
   Concise means brief; opposite is lengthy.
3. (c) Reckless
   Prudent means wise and careful; opposite is reckless.
4. (b) Fertile
   Arid means dry; opposite is fertile.
5. (c) Complimentary
   Derogatory means insulting; opposite is complimentary.
6. (c) Doubtful
   Plausible means believable; opposite is doubtful.
7. (c) Open
   Furtive means secret; opposite is open.
8. (b) Severity
   Leniency means mercy; opposite is severity.
9. (c) Careless
   Meticulous means very careful; opposite is careless.
10. (b) Retain
    Usurp means seize by force; opposite is retain (keep rightful control).

Section II: Synonyms

1. (b) Courage
   Fortitude means courage in adversity.
2. (b) Vague
   Ambiguous means unclear or vague.
3. (a) Passionate
   Ardent means passionate.
4. (b) Compulsory
   Mandatory means compulsory.
5. (a) Logical
   Coherent means clear and logical.
6. (b) Possible
   Feasible means possible or workable.
7. (b) Honour
   Integrity means honesty and moral uprightness.
8. (b) Enthusiasm
   Zeal means great enthusiasm.
9. (a) Fruitless
   Futile means useless or fruitless.
10. (a) Clear
    Explicit means clearly expressed.

Section III: Spotting Errors

1. (b)
   “Each” is singular → should be was given.
2. (c)
   “Since” is used with point of time. Should be for five years.
3. (c)
   Correct structure: Hardly… when, not than.
4. (b)
   “News” is singular → should be is.
5. (b)
   Correct form: prefers tea to coffee.
6. (b)
   Indirect speech → no inversion. Should be where the cadet had gone.
7. (b)
   Correct structure: No sooner… than, not when.
8. (b)
   Correct usage: capable of solving, not capable to.
9. (b)
   Verb agrees with nearest subject “soldiers” → were.
10. (b)
    “Look forward to” takes gerund → to meeting.

Section IV: Idioms & Phrases

1. (b) Work late into the night
2. (b) Say something exactly right
3. (b) Something good that seemed bad initially
4. (b) Admit defeat
5. (c) Rarely
6. (b) Reveal a secret
7. (b) Start a conversation
8. (b) Eventually
9. (b) Take shortcuts
10. (b) Stop working

Section V: Reading Comprehension

Passage 1

1. (b) Discipline is described as conscious commitment.
2. (c) It ensures swift action in crisis.
3. (c) It arises from respect and belief.
4. (b) Initiative must balance discipline.
5. (c) Leaders build discipline through example and integrity.

Passage 2

1. (b) Warfare changed due to advanced technology.
2. (c) It enhances precision.
3. (b) Cyber security risks are vulnerabilities.
4. (c) Technology cannot replace human judgment.
5. (b) Tone is balanced and analytical.