PRACTICE SET 01

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is back to his old tricks, or, to be more precise, two inter-related tricks of jingoistic anti-Indian nationalism and internal anti-Madhesi chauvinism. The first tool in his playbook is building up resentment _(1)__________ India, ramping up nationalistic fervour, and _(2)________ himself as the saviour of the Nepali nation which India is out to target. The passage of an amendment to _(3)___________ a new Nepali map with territory claimed and controlled by India was one recent step in this direction. His claim on Sunday that India is out to _(4)_____________ his government — with no evidence — is another step. Two, Mr Oli also taps into a mindset which sees the Madhesis — Nepali citizens of the southern plains, the Tarai — who share _(5)________kinship ties with people across the border in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as a “fifth column”, more loyal to India than to Nepal. 

1.(a) around 

   (b) with

   (c) against 

   (d) to

2.(a) projection

   (b) projecting 

   (c) projected 

   (d) project 

3.(a) satisfy

   (b) identify

   (c) dignify 

   (d) ratify

4.(a) abstain

   (b) topple

   (c) restraint 

   (d) abduct

5.(a) exceeded

   (b) exorbitant

   (c) extensive 

   (d) extravagant

Answers :-

1.(c) against

'Resentment' means 'bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly'.

This is a negative feeling, that's why we usually use 'against' with it.

Hence, "against" must be chosen.

2.(b) projecting - to follow parallelism, '-ing' form must be used.

Hence, "projecting" is the correct option.

3.(d) ratify 

satisfy - meet the expectations, needs, or desires of (someone)

identify - establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is

dignify - make (something) seem worthy and impressive

ratify - sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid

We are talking about passage amendment regarding a new Nepali map.

Satisfy, dignify or identify do not make any sense here.

Therefore, "ratify" must be chosen.

4.(b) topple

abstain - restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something

topple - remove (a government or person in authority) from power; overthrow

restraint - a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control

abduct - take (someone) away illegally by force or deception; kidnap

India cannot 'abstain', 'restraint' or 'abduct' his government. It can "topple" his government.

Hence,we must choose "topple".

5.(c) extensive

exceeded - be greater in number or size than (a quantity, number, or other measurable thing)

exorbitant - (of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high

extensive - covering or affecting a large area

extravagant - lacking restraint in spending money or using resources

Kinship ties must have been "extensive" not 'exceeded', 'exorbitant' or 'extravagant'.

Hence, "extensive" must be chosen.