JKSSB PYQ English asked in junior assistant exam held on 19 April 2026
This article provides a comprehensive review of the English Language section from the Junior Assistant paper, covering vocabulary, grammar, syntax by Home Academy
English Language Proficiency: Question & Answer Key
1. The senator's apology was widely viewed as "too little, too late" after months of public outrage. The idiom "too little, too late" most precisely conveys that the apology:
A) Was insincere and strategically calculated
B) Failed to address the full extent of the controversy
C) Was inadequate in both substance and timing to be effective
D) Was overshadowed by more pressing political developments
Solution: C. The phrase "too little" refers to inadequacy in substance, and "too late" refers to the timing.
2. The committee's proposal, though ambitious, was dismissed as "a bridge too far" by senior officials. In this context, "a bridge too far" suggests that the proposal was:
A) Poorly structured and lacking practical detail
B) Conceptually sound but politically unpopular
C) Excessively ambitious beyond what was feasible or acceptable
D) Intentionally provocative to test institutional boundaries
Solution: C. "A bridge too far" is an idiom used to describe a step or plan that is too overambitious or goes beyond reaching.
3. The scholar was known for his perspicacious analysis of complex philosophical texts. Which option is the closest synonym of perspicacious as used here?
A) Methodical
B) Astute
C) Meticulous
D) Circumspect
Solution: B. "Perspicacious" means having a ready insight into and understanding of things; Astute is the closest synonym.
4. The editor criticized the article for its prolix treatment of an otherwise simple topic. Which word is the most appropriate synonym of prolix in this context?
A) Discursive
B) Redundant
C) Verbose
D) Diffuse
Solution: C. "Prolix" means using or containing too many words; Verbose is the direct synonym.
5. Her argument was praised for being cogent and logically compelling. Which option is the best antonym of cogent?
A) Specious
B) Tentative
C) Ambiguous
D) Superficial
Solution: A. "Cogent" means clear, logical, and convincing. Specious refers to an argument that looks right but is actually fallacious/wrong, making it a strong logical antonym.
6. The professor was admired for his equanimous response to harsh criticism. Which word is the most precise antonym of equanimous?
A) Volatile
B) Indifferent
C) Impulsive
D) Belligerent
Solution: A. "Equanimous" means calm and composed. Volatile (tending to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse) is the opposite state of mind.
7. Choose the option that correctly punctuates the sentence:
A) The proposal, which was submitted last week however requires further revision
B) The proposal which was submitted last week, however, requires further revision.
C) The proposal, which was submitted last week, however, requires further revision.
D) The proposal, which was submitted last week, however requires further revision.
Solution: C. The non-restrictive clause ("which was submitted last week") and the conjunctive adverb ("however") both require commas to set them off from the main sentence.
8. Identify the type of clause in the sentence below: "What the committee decided surprised everyone present."
A) Noun clause functioning as the subject
B) Adjective clause modifying committee
C) Adverbial clause of result
D) Independent clause with an implied subject
Solution: A. The entire phrase "What the committee decided" is the subject of the verb "surprised."
9. In which sentence is the word "bank" used as a homonym when compared to its use in the sentence below? "She deposited the cheque at the bank."
A) The pilot had to bank the aircraft sharply during the landing.
B) The children played on the bank of the river after school.
C) The bank approved the loan after a detailed review.
D) He works at a multinational bank in the city.
Solution: B (and A). The prompt asks for a homonym (same spelling/sound but different meaning). In the prompt, "bank" is a financial institution. In B, it is the side of a river. In A, it is a verb meaning to tilt. B is the most common noun-to-noun homonym comparison.
10. Choose the sentence in which the correct homophone has been used.
A) The principal asked the students to bare the consequences of their actions.
B) She decided to compliment the dress with a matching scarf.
C) The hikers were advised to pause the trail before nightfall.
D) He could not cite a single example to support his claim.
Solution: D. "Cite" (to quote or refer to) is used correctly.
- Corrections: A should be "bear"; B should be "complement"; C should be "pass" or "pause on" (contextually awkward).
11. Choose the sentence in which the pronoun usage is grammatically correct.
A) Each of the participants must submit their assignment by Friday.
B) Neither of the proposals achieved their intended objective.
C) Every applicant should bring his or her identification for verification.
D) The committee reached their decision after prolonged deliberation.
Solution: C. "Every" is singular and requires the singular "his or her."
12. Identify the sentence with a clear and unambiguous pronoun reference.
A) When Sara met Lina, she was already upset.
B) The students informed the teacher that they would submit the project late.
C) Rahul told Amit that he had won the scholarship.
D) After the report was revised, it was criticized by the editor.
Solution: B. In A and C, "she" and "he" could refer to either person. In D, "it" is slightly weak but B is the most standard clear reference.
13. Choose the sentence in which the use of articles is grammatically and contextually correct.
A) She is a expert in medieval literature and teaches at the university in Delhi.
B) He was appointed the head of department after an extensive review process.
C) An honest administrator is essential for a effective governance.
D) The committee reached a unanimous decision after the long discussion.
Solution: D. "A unanimous" is correct because "unanimous" starts with a consonant sound ('y').
- Errors: A (an expert), B (the head of the department), C (effective governance - no 'a').
14. Choose the option that best expresses a logical deduction about a past event.
A) She may finish the experiment before the deadline.
B) He should have informed the committee earlier.
C) They must have overlooked the crucial data.
D) You can submit the application online.
Solution: C. "Must have + past participle" is the standard form for making a logical deduction about the past.
15. Choose the option that correctly converts the following sentence into indirect speech: The professor said, "I will review your thesis tomorrow."
A) The professor said that he would review your thesis tomorrow.
B) The professor said that he will review your thesis the next day.
C) The professor said that he would review my thesis the next day.
D) The professor said that I would review your thesis the next day.
Solution: C. "Will" changes to "would," and "tomorrow" changes to "the next day."
16. Rearrange the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph:
I. He worked hard to achieve his goals.
II. Success did not come easily to him.
III. Eventually, his efforts paid off.
IV. From a young age, he was determined to succeed.
Solution: B (IV -> II -> I -> III). It establishes the character's mindset (IV), the struggle (II), the action (I), and the result (III).
17. Rearrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:
I. She practiced every day to improve her skills.
II. As a result, she won the competition.
III. She wanted to become a professional dancer.
IV. Her dedication impressed her teachers.
Solution: A (III -> I -> IV -> II). Goal (III) leads to practice (I), which leads to being noticed (IV), resulting in the win (II).
18. The following sentence has an error. Identify the part that contains the error: "The students (A) has submitted (B) their assignments (C) before the deadline (D)."
A) The students
B) has submitted
C) their assignments
D) before the deadline
Solution: B. The subject "students" is plural, so the verb should be "have submitted."