IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims English Language — Previous Year Questions
380 English Language questions asked in past IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims papers, split into 38 timed practice sets — every question with its answer and explanation.
380
Questions
38
Practice sets
FREE
Access
About IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims English Language previous year questions
This page collects every English Language question that has appeared in past IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims papers on AajExam — 380 questions in total, organised into 38 short, timed practice sets. Each question is shown with its four options, the correct answer, and an explanation of the reasoning, so you can use the page either as a self-test or as a revision reference.
Why previous year questions are the highest-value English Language preparation you can do for IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims: recruitment boards reuse a stable pool of concepts across cycles. The wording changes, the underlying idea rarely does. Working through a few hundred genuine past English Language questions teaches you which sub-topics the paper actually rewards, how the examiner likes to frame distractors, and roughly how long each question type should take — none of which a syllabus document can tell you.
How to use this page: attempt questions in blocks of ten without looking at the answers, then review every question you got wrong or guessed. Read the explanation for the concept, not just the answer letter. When a concept keeps catching you out, open the related topic page linked below and drill that single area before returning here. Repeat across the full bank, and track how your accuracy on the second pass compares with your first — a 15-20% improvement is normal and is the clearest sign your preparation is working.
What is in this bank: the questions are transcribed from actual IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims question papers, kept in the original order and wording, with solutions written by subject specialists. Sets are free to attempt, work on mobile, and need no login to read. If you would rather practise a complete paper end to end under exam conditions, the full IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims previous-year papers are linked below as well.
English Language PYQs asked in IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims
A sample of 30 questions from the full bank of 380. Try each one before opening the solution — the remaining questions are in the timed practice sets below.
Q1.In each of the questions given below, four words are given in bold. These four words may or may not be in their correct position. The sentence is then followed by options with the correct combination of words that should replace each other in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Find the correct combination of words that replace each other. If the sentence is correct as it is, select ‘E’ as your option. The billionaire millions(1) kept his businessman(2) stashed under his bed, too stingy(3) to spend(4) a single dollar.
- A.1-2
- B.2-3
- C.3-4
- D.1-4
- E.No improvement
Show answer
Answer: A. 1-2
Q2.In each of the questions given below, four words are given in bold. These four words may or may not be in their correct position. The sentence is then followed by options with the correct combination of words that should replace each other in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Find the correct combination of words that replace each other. If the sentence is correct as it is, select ‘E’ as your option. Since the liberalisation (A) of capital flows in 1991, India has always faced a current account stable (B) but inflows of capital have allowed (C) the country to have a deficit (D) balance of payments (BoP).
- A.A-B
- B.A-D
- C.B-D
- D.C-B
- E.No improvement
Show answer
Answer: C. B-D
Q3.In the following sentence, some parts have errors and some are correct. Find out which part has an error and mark it as your answer. If there is no error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer.
- A.The challenge before India is (1)/ to deepening the tactical (2)/ engagement with China (3)/ keeping strategic glitches at bay (4)/. No error.
- B.2
- C.3
- D.4
- E.No error
Show answer
Answer: B. 2
Q4.In the following sentence, some parts have errors and some are correct. Find out which part has an error and mark it as your answer. If there is no error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer. The trip to the airport and the (A)/ flight to Singapore was both uneventful, (B)/ the hotel accommodations were better than they (C)/ could have expected on such short notice. (D)/ No error (E)
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
- E.No error
Show answer
Answer: B. B
Q5.In the following sentence, some parts have errors and some are correct. Find out which part has an error and mark it as your answer. If there is no error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer. I have no difficulty in making it clear (A)/ to her that if plants and animals didn't produces (B)/ offspring of their kind, they would cease (C/) to exist, and everything in the world would soon die. (D)/ No error (E)
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
- E.No error
Show answer
Answer: B. B
Q6.In the following sentence, some parts have errors and some are correct. Find out which part has an error and mark it as your answer. If there is no error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer. Countless doctors across the world are (A)/ urging consumers to take Turmeric Curcumin on a daily basis. (B)/ Not only does it relieve an arthritis and a joint pain, (C)/ but also has many other amazing benefits. (D)/ No error (E)
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
- E.No error
Show answer
Answer: C. C
Q7.In the following question, one part of the sentence has an error. Read the sentence to find the error and mark the corresponding option. If the sentence has no error choose option 5 ‘No error’ as your answer. Promoting entrepreneurship and (1)/ innovation is a key (2)/ priority not just in Dubai (3)/ but the Arabian Gulf as whole.(4)/ No error(5)
- A.1
- B.2
- C.3
- D.4
- E.(image option)
Show answer
Answer: D. 4
Q8.Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement. Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence. If there is no need to substitute it, select No improvement. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.
- A.raise our voice
- B.give a raise
- C.give a call
- D.give the voice
- E.No improvement
Show answer
Answer: E. No improvement
Q9.Directions: In the given sentence, a word has been emboldened. Select a suitable word for the word in bold from the given options. If none follows select option 5 as your answer. Akriti’s naivety was something that made her an easy target for charming con men.
- A.Sophistication
- B.Cynicism
- C.Artfulness
- D.Childishness
- E.None of these
Show answer
Answer: D. Childishness
Q10.In the given sentence, a word has been emboldened. Select a suitable word for the word in bold from the given options. If none follows select option 5 as your answer. There was a/an abundance of bounty on the ships, and yet there were squabbles amongst the sailors.
- A.Poverty
- B.Dearth
- C.Plethora
- D.Inadequacy
- E.None of these
Show answer
Answer: C. Plethora
Q11.Directions: In each of the questions given below, three words are given in bold. These three words may or may not be in their correct positions. The sentence is then followed by options with the correct combination of words that should replace each other in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Find the correct combination of words that replace each other. If the sentence is correct as it is, select '5' as your option. Approved (A) on Saturday said (B) a third coronavirus vaccine for domestic use, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin Russia (C) on state TV.
- A.ACB
- B.CAB
- C.BAD
- D.ABC
- E.None of the above.
Show answer
Answer: B. CAB
Q12.Directions: In each of the questions given below, three words are given in bold. These three words may or may not be in their correct positions. The sentence is then followed by options with the correct combination of words that should replace each other in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Find the correct combination of words that replace each other. If the sentence is correct as it is, select '5' as your option. It is mind (A) that people should keep in asserted (B) the importance of adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour (C).
- A.BAC
- B.CAB
- C.ABC
- D.CBA
- E.None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. BAC
Q13.Directions: In each of the questions given below, three words are given in bold. These three words may or may not be in their correct positions. The sentence is then followed by options with the correct combination of words that should replace each other in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Find the correct combination of words that replace each other. If the sentence is correct as it is, select '5' as your option. The AstraZeneca company is going to vaccine (A) in Japan doses of the coronavirus produce (B) enough for 40 million people (C), the executive director of the Japanese department of the firm said.
- A.CAB
- B.ACB
- C.ABC
- D.BAC
- E.None of the above
Show answer
Answer: D. BAC
Q14.In each of the questions given below, three words are given in bold. These three words may or may not be in their correct position. The sentence is then followed by options with the correct combination of words that should replace each other in order to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Find the correct combination of words that replace each other. If the sentence is correct as it is, select ‘5’ as your option. The received (A) birthday party was the best surprise (B) Andrew could have gift. (C)
- A.ABC
- B.BAC
- C.BCA
- D.CAB
- E.No Rearrangement
Show answer
Answer: C. BCA
Q15.In each of the questions given below, three words are given in bold. These three words may or may not be in their correct position. The sentence is then followed by options with the 4 placements of words. Find the correct placement. If the sentence is correct as it is, select ‘5’ as your option. The blared (A) parlour’s owner night (B) really loud music all tattoo (C) long.
- A.BCA
- B.ABC
- C.CAB
- D.BAC
- E.No Rearrangement
Show answer
Answer: C. CAB
Q16.Read the following sentence and determine whether there is an error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. If the sentence is error-free, then select ‘No Error’ as your answer. Psychiatrists feel that having a knowledge of (A)/ the physical and mental changes that occurs in one's body (B)/ and the reasons behind them (C)/ have become essential for all teenagers. (D)
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
- E.No error
Show answer
Answer: B. B
Q17.Read the following sentence and determine whether there is an error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. If the sentence is error-free, then select ‘No Error’ as your answer. As these books on science are (A)/ published only in English, (B)/ we seldom or ever (C)/ find them in regional languages. (D)
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
- E.No error
Show answer
Answer: C. C
Q18.In the following question, some parts of the sentence may have an error. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from errors select ‘No error’ as your answer. One evening of each week (A) / was set apart by him (B) / for the reception of whomsoever (C) / chose to visit him. (D) / No error (E)
- A.(A)
- B.(B)
- C.(C)
- D.(D)
- E.(E)
Show answer
Answer: C. (C)
Q19.Read the sentence below to find out if there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error the answer is (5). (Ignore errors in punctuation if any) Reports of researchers mysterious (A)/ falling ill at the Wuhan Institute in late 2019, (B) /and other reports of a researcher (C)/ who has reportedly gone missing. (D)/No Error (E)
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
- E.E
Show answer
Answer: A. A
Q20.In the following sentence, some parts have errors and some are correct. Find out which part has an error and mark it as your answer. If there is no error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer. Populist politics among the world has (A)/ sought to privilege national sovereignty (B)/ over universal values and commitments, (C)/ slacking off efforts to tackle critical challenges that are transnational. (D)/ No error (E)
- A.Only A
- B.C and D
- C.Only C
- D.D and B
- E.No error
Show answer
Answer: A. Only A
Q21.Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentences(s) that best express(es) the meaning of the word. Wind A. That noise you can hear is the tape winding back. B. The blow to my stomach knocked the wind out of me. C. The sails flapped in the wind.
- A.Only B
- B.A and C
- C.B and C
- D.Only C
- E.All of the above
Show answer
Answer: E. All of the above
Q22.Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentences(s) that best express(es) the meaning of the word. Fellow A. He seemed like a decent fellow. B. He's a fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. C. A member of staff was sacked for stealing from fellow employees.
- A.Only A
- B.Only B
- C.A and B
- D.A and C
- E.All of the above
Show answer
Answer: E. All of the above
Q23.Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentences(s) that best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of the above’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences. Ascent A. She made her first successful ascent of Everest last year. B. She nodded her ascent to the proposal.. C. His ascent to power was rapid and unexpected.
- A.Only C
- B.Only A
- C.A and C
- D.B and C
- E.None of the above
Show answer
Answer: C. A and C
Q24.Direction: A sentence/part of the sentence is emboldened. Five alternatives are given to the embolden part which will improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative and choose the option corresponding to it. In case no improvement is needed, click the option corresponding to ‘No improvement required’. He slapped the team into action and they headed for the town at a more leisure pace.
- A.many leisurely
- B.many leisured
- C.more leisure paced
- D.more leisurely pace
- E.No improvement required
Show answer
Answer: D. more leisurely pace
Q25.In the following sentence, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part, which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case no improvement is needed, choose the alternative that indicates 'No improvement'. Although both the United States and China are formidable world powers, India should side with the later.
- A.India should side along the later
- B.India should side with the latter
- C.India should side along the latter
- D.India should be siding with the later
- E.No Improvement
Show answer
Answer: B. India should side with the latter
Q26.Given below is a word, followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) which best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of these’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences. ALLUSION A. There are lots of literary echoes and allusions in the novel, but they don't do anything for the tired texture of the prose. B. He made some allusion to the years they lived apart. C. The video game is designed to give the allusion that you are in control of an airplane.
- A.Both A and C
- B.Both A and B
- C.Only B
- D.Both B and C
- E.None of these
Show answer
Answer: B. Both A and B
Q27.Given below is a word, followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) which best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of these’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences. Borne A. She was borne up to the ambulance. B. His version of events just isn't borne out by the facts. C. These matters are beyond the borne of our understanding.
- A.Only A
- B.Only B
- C.A, B and C
- D.A and B
- E.None of these
Show answer
Answer: D. A and B
Q28.Given below is a word, followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) which best express(es) the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 ‘None of these’ if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences. Corroborate A. Recent research seems to corroborate his theory. B. Employment trends corroborate the dismal economic picture. C. There was no one to corroborate her story about the disturbance in the lounge.
- A.Only B
- B.A and C
- C.A, B and C
- D.B and C
- E.None of these
Show answer
Answer: C. A, B and C
Q29.Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. It is well accorded that COVID-19 extracts a huge toll on the mental health of patients and leaves behind a slew of neurological sequelae in its wake. However, what is alarming is the wide gamut of mental and neurological disorders seen even in those with milder symptoms. Such patients frequently reported being anxious, depressed and having difficulty in sleeping. A higher incidence of frank psychosis manifesting as disorganization of thought processes and personality disorders was also reported. Many survivors of COVID- 19 had to battle substance abuse in its immediate aftermath. There was a steep increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by regular drinkers. Persons who had stopped smoking and consuming alcohol resumed their habit in disconcerting numbers. The occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinsonism is concerning as this would bring long- term disability in the form of impaired mobility and memory decline. It has been hypothesized that the causative mechanism for many of the neurological conditions due to COVID-19 may be the direct invasion of the nervous system by the virus, an increased tendency to blood clotting or an exaggerated immune response by the body. Various other factors like pre-existing psychiatric illness, prolonged quarantine, perceived lack of organizational support, and social stigma are risk factors. Anxiety, Nervousness, and Post- traumatic stress disorder are often fuelled by fear of infecting other family members, physical distancing, loneliness, and ________ at home in cramped quarters. The pandemic has radically transformed the way businesses function and services delivered. Remote working disrupts a healthy-work life balance. Face to face contact and human interactions which were considered so essential for emotional well-being has taken a backseat. Lack of comforting physical contact like shaking hands and hugging friends is stressful and disconcerting. Online classes and home-schooling have placed a gargantuan burden both on students and parents. Lack of access to reliable computer hardware and spotty internet connections, particularly in rural areas and in the economically backward have created a new class divide. Children have been deprived of co-curricular activities, participation in group events and sports which is essential for their holistic development. Mental stress and fatigue have increased manyfold due to the rigours imposed by virtual learning. According to the passage, what is alarming considering COVID-19's toll on mental health?
- A.The rise of the black fungus wrecking havoc on patients with mild immunity.
- B.The steep increase in the amount of alcohol consumption by regular drinkers.
- C.The rise of virtual learning and work from home.
- D.The wide range of mental and neurological disorders in patients with milder symptoms.
- E.None of the above.
Show answer
Answer: D. The wide range of mental and neurological disorders in patients with milder symptoms.
Q30.What is the synonym of the word gargantuan mentioned in the passage?
- A.Puny
- B.Miniscule
- C.Tepid
- D.Enormous
- E.Opulent
Show answer
Answer: D. Enormous
Keep going
Frequently Asked Questions
How many IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims English Language previous year questions are available?
380 English Language questions from past IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims papers are available on AajExam, split into 38 practice sets. New questions are added as fresh papers are released.
Are the answers and explanations free?
Yes. Every question on this page shows its correct answer and explanation free of charge, and you do not need an account to read them. A free account only adds attempt tracking and performance analytics.
Do IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims repeat questions from previous years?
Exact repeats do occur, but the more reliable pattern is conceptual: the same English Language sub-topics reappear cycle after cycle with reworded questions. That is why working through past questions raises your score more reliably than reading theory alone.
How should I use these questions in my IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims preparation?
Attempt a set of ten cold, review every wrong and guessed question with its explanation, then drill the weak sub-topic on its topic page before moving on. Revisit the same set after a few days — your second-attempt accuracy is the honest measure of whether the concept stuck.
IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims English Language practice sets
Each set is a timed 10-question drill drawn from the same question bank.
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 30
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 21
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 22
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 23
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 24
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 25
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 26
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 27
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 28
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 29
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 20
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 31
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 32
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 33
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 34
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 35
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 36
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 37
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 38
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 11
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 2
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 3
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 4
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 5
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 6
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 7
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 8
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 9
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 10
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 1
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 12
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 13
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 14
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 15
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 16
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 17
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 18
- IBPS PO (Probationary Officer) - Prelims - English Language PYQ Quiz 19