Order PDF of any content from our website with a little minor Fee to donate for hard work. 
For details: contact whatsapp +923028700085
Important notes based PDF Books are available in very little price, starting from 500/-PKR;
Order Now:  contact whatsapp +923028700085

English (Precis & Composition) – Past Papers COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION – 2008

Q.1. Write a précis of the following passage in about 100 words and suggest the
title: (20+5)

Objectives pursued by, organizations should be directed to the satisfaction of demands resulting from the wants of mankind. Therefore, the determination of appropriate objectives for organized activity must be preceded by an effort to determine precisely what their wants are. Industrial organizations conduct market studies to learn what consumer goods should be produced. City Commissions make surveys to ascertain what civic projects would be of most benefit. Highway Commissions conduct traffic counts to learn what constructive programmes should be undertaken. Organizations come into being as a means for creating and exchanging utility. Their success is dependent upon the appropriateness of the series of acts contributed to the system.
The majority of these acts is purposeful, that is, they are directed to the accomplishment of some objectives. These acts are physical in nature and find purposeful employment in the alteration of the physical environment. As a result utility is created, which, through the process of distribution, makes it possible for the cooperative system to endure.
Before the Industrial Revolution most cooperative activity was accomplished in small owner-managed enterprises, usually with a single decision maker and simple organizational objectives. Increased technology and the growth of industrial organization made necessary the establishment of a hierarchy of objectives. This in turn, required a division of the management function until today a hierarchy of decision makers exists in most organizations.
The effective pursuit of appropriate objectives contributes directly to organizational efficiency. As used here, efficiency is a measure of the want-satisfying power of the cooperative system as a whole. Thus efficiency is the summation of utilities received from the organization divided by the utilities given to the organization, as subjectively evaluated by each contributor.
The functions of the management process is the delineation of organizational objectives and the coordination of activity towards the accomplishment of these objectives. The system of coordinated activities must be maintained so that each contributor, including the manager, gains more than he contributes.

Solution:

Title: Objectives and Efficiency of Organizations

Précis:

Organizations exist to satisfy human wants, and their objectives must reflect these needs. Market studies, surveys, and traffic counts help determine the most beneficial activities. Acts performed by organizations are purposeful, altering the physical environment to create utility, which sustains cooperative systems. Before the Industrial Revolution, small enterprises had simple objectives and single decision-makers. With technological growth, hierarchical objectives and management divisions became necessary. Organizational efficiency depends on effectively pursuing appropriate objectives, measured by the utility received relative to contributions. Management’s role is to define objectives and coordinate activities so every contributor benefits from the system.

Q.2. Read the following passage carefully and answer all the questions given at the end.
These phenomena, however, are merely premonitions of a coming storm, which is likely to sweep over the whole of India and the rest of Asia. This is the inevitable outcome of a wholly political civilization, which has looked upon man as a thing to be exploited and not as a personality to be developed and enlarged by purely cultural forces. The people of Asia are bound to rise against the acquisitive economy which the West have developed and imposed on the nations of the East. Asia cannot comprehend modern Western capitalism with its undisciplined individualism.
The faith, which you represent, recognizes the worth of the individual, and disciplines him to give away all to the service of God and man. Its possibilities are not yet exhausted. It can still create a new world where the social rank of man is not determined by his caste or colour or the amount of dividend he earns, but by the kind of life he lives, where the poor tax the rich, where human society is founded not on the equality of stomachs but on the equality of spirits, where an untouchable can marry the daughter of the king, where private ownership is a trust and where capital cannot be allowed to accumulate so as to dominate that real producer of wealth.
This superb idealism of your faith, however, needs emancipation from the medieval fancies of theologians and logists. Spiritually, we are living in a prison house of thoughts and emotions, which during the course of centuries we have woven round ourselves. And be it further said to the shame of us—men of older generation—that we have failed to equip the younger generation for the economic, political and even religious crisis that the present age is likely to bring.
The whole community needs a complete overhauling of its present mentality in order that it may again become capable of feeling the urge of fresh desires and ideals. The Indian Muslim has long ceased to explore the depths of his own inner life. The result is that he has ceased to live in the full glow and colour of life, and is consequently in danger of an unmanly compromise with force, which he is made to think he cannot vanquish in open conflict.
He who desires to change an unfavourable environment must undergo a complete transformation of his inner being. God changes not the condition of a people until they themselves take the initiative to change their condition by constantly illuminating the zone of their daily activity in the light of a definite ideal. Nothing can be achieved without a firm faith in the independence of one’s own inner life. This faith alone keeps a people’s eye fixed on their goal and saves them from perpetual vacillation.
The lesson that past experiences has brought to you must be taken to heart. Expect nothing from any side. Concentrate your whole ego on yourself alone and ripen your clay into real manhood if you wish to see your aspiration realized.

Questions:
i) What is the chief characteristic of the modern political civilization? (4)
ii) What are possibilities of our Faith, which can be of advantage to the world? (4)
iii) What is the chief danger confronting the superb idealism of our Faith? (4)
iv) Why is the Indian Muslim in danger of coming to an unmanly compromise with the forces opposing him? (4)
v) What is necessary for an achievement? (2)
vi) Explain the expression as highlighted/underlined in the passage. (5)
vii) Suggest an appropriate title to the passage. (2)

Solution:

i) What is the chief characteristic of the modern political civilization?

The chief characteristic of modern political civilization is that it views man as a thing to be exploited rather than as a personality to be developed by cultural forces. It emphasizes material acquisition, undisciplined individualism, and an acquisitive economy, imposing Western capitalism on other nations without regard for human development.

ii) What are the possibilities of our Faith, which can be of advantage to the world?

The Faith recognizes the worth of the individual and disciplines him to serve God and mankind. Its possibilities include creating a world where social rank is based on moral and spiritual life, not caste, color, or wealth; where the poor can tax the rich; untouchables can marry royalty; private ownership is a trust; and wealth cannot dominate the real producers. These ideals promote justice, equality, and ethical society.

iii) What is the chief danger confronting the superb idealism of our Faith?

The chief danger is the medieval fancies of theologians and logists, which trap society in outdated thoughts and emotions. This prevents the younger generation from being equipped to face economic, political, and religious crises, leaving them incapable of realizing the Faith’s potential in modern times.

iv) Why is the Indian Muslim in danger of coming to an unmanly compromise with the forces opposing him?

The Indian Muslim has ceased to explore his inner life, resulting in a weakened spirit and diminished vitality. Consequently, he risks compromising with oppressive forces he believes cannot be defeated openly, lacking courage, initiative, and the inner strength needed for effective resistance.

v) What is necessary for an achievement?

For achievement, a person must undergo complete inner transformation and maintain a firm faith in the independence of one’s inner life, guiding daily activity by definite ideals.

vi) Explain the expression “ripen your clay into real manhood.”

This metaphor means that a person must develop his inner strength, character, and moral integrity through self-discipline and growth. Like clay that must be carefully molded and hardened before use, an individual must prepare himself fully to face challenges and realize his aspirations. It emphasizes self-reliance and personal development.

vii) Suggest an appropriate title to the passage

Title: Self-Transformation and the Path to Realized Aspirations

Q.3. Write a comprehensive note (250—300 words) on any one of the following: (20)

a. To rob Peter to pay Paul
b. The child is father of the man.
c. Art lies in concealing art
d. Life without a philosophy is like a ship without rudder
e. A contented mind is a blessing kind.

Solution:

a. To rob Peter to pay Paul

This proverb means solving one problem by creating another. It refers to taking from one person to give to another, which is ultimately unfair and unsustainable. It warns against temporary or unjust solutions.

b. The child is father of the man

A person’s childhood experiences and habits shape their adult personality. Early education, behavior, and influences determine future character and actions.

c. Art lies in concealing art

True art appears effortless because the artist hides the hard work, skill, and technique behind it. Mastery is shown when creativity looks natural and unforced.

d. Life without a philosophy is like a ship without rudder

A life without guiding principles or beliefs is aimless. Philosophy or values direct decisions, provide purpose, and guide through difficulties, just as a rudder steers a ship.

e. A contented mind is a blessing kind

Happiness comes from satisfaction with what one has, not endless desire. A contented mind ensures peace, mental stability, and a fulfilled life.

Q.4. a. Use any FIVE of the following idioms in sentences to make their meaning clear: (5)
i. Blow one’s top
ii. A cock and bull story
iii. Find one’s feet
iv. Call it a night
v. The tip of the iceberg
vi. Below par
vii. From pillar to post
viii. Hang up
ix. Turn some one in
x. By and b

Solution:

1. Blow one’s top

Sentence: He blew his top when he found out someone had damaged his car.
Meaning: became extremely angry

2. A cock and bull story

Sentence: She told a cock and bull story about why she was late, but nobody believed her.
Meaning: an unbelievable or false story

3. Find one’s feet

Sentence: It took him a few days to find his feet in the new school.
Meaning: become confident or comfortable in a new situation

4. Call it a night

Sentence: After studying for six hours, they decided to call it a night.
Meaning: stop working or end the day’s activities

5. The tip of the iceberg

Sentence: The recent corruption scandal is just the tip of the iceberg; there are many hidden cases.
Meaning: a small visible part of a much larger problem

6. Below par

Sentence: His performance in the last cricket match was below par.
Meaning: below the expected standard

7. From pillar to post

Sentence: The student was sent from pillar to post to get his documents verified.
Meaning: moved from one place to another in a disorganized or inconvenient way

8. Hang up

Sentence: She hung up the phone abruptly during the argument.
Meaning: end a phone call

9. Turn someone in

Sentence: The thief was turned in to the police by a neighbor.
Meaning: report someone to the authorities

10. By and by

Sentence: By and by, the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Meaning: after a short time; eventually

b. Use any FIVE of the following pairs of words in your own sentences to bring out their meanings: (5)
i. Mitigate, Alleviate
ii. Persecute, Prosecute
iii. Popular, Populace
iv. Compliment, Complement
v. Excite, Incite
vi. Voracity, Veracity
vii. Virtual, Virtuous
viii. Exceptional, Exceptionable

Solution:

i. Mitigate, Alleviate
  • The doctor gave him medicine to mitigate the pain of his injury.

  • Yoga and meditation can alleviate stress in daily life.

(Mitigate = make less severe; Alleviate = make easier to bear)

ii. Persecute, Prosecute
  • Many people were wrongly persecuted for their religious beliefs.

  • The company decided to prosecute the employee for embezzlement.

(Persecute = harass or oppress; Prosecute = take legal action against)

iii. Popular, Populace
  • Cricket is very popular among children in India.

  • The government must consider the needs of the populace.

(Popular = liked by many; Populace = the common people)

iv. Compliment, Complement
  • She complimented him on his excellent presentation.

  • Green curtains complement the color of the sofa beautifully.

(Compliment = praise; Complement = completes or goes well with)

v. Excite, Incite
  • The magician’s performance will excite the children.

  • The speech was meant to incite the crowd to protest.

(Excite = arouse interest or emotion; Incite = provoke action, often negative)

vi. Voracity, Veracity
  • His voracity for knowledge is admirable; he reads several books a week.

  • The journalist was praised for the veracity of her report.

(Voracity = extreme hunger or eagerness; Veracity = truthfulness)

vii. Virtual, Virtuous
  • The internet has become a virtual marketplace for goods and services.

  • She is a virtuous woman, always helping the needy.

(Virtual = almost or nearly as described; Virtuous = morally good)

viii. Exceptional, Exceptionable 
  • He gave an exceptional performance in the play.

  • Some of the ideas in his essay were exceptionable and criticized by the teacher.

(Exceptional = outstanding; Exceptionable = open to objection)

Q.5. a. Pick the most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word. Do any FIVE. (5)

i. MORATORIUM … a. Large tomb……..….b. Waiting period..c. Security for debt…..d. Funeral house

ii. PROLIFIC ………a. Skilful………………b. Fruitful………..c. Wordy…………..…d. Spread out

iii. BI-PARTISAN …a. Narrow minded…….b. Progressive……c. Representing two parties….d. Divided

iv. UNEQUIVOCAL …a. Careless…………….b. Unmistakable…c. Variable…………d. Incomparable

v. COVENANT …….a. Prayer………………b. Debate…………c. Garden…………..d. Agreement

vi. TENTATIVE …….a. Expedient…………..b. Nominal………c. Provisional………d. Alternative

vii. DEMOGRAPHIC …a. Relating to the ……..b. Demons……….c. Communications..d. Population study of Government

viii. SONAR ………..a. Apparatus to Detect ..b. Locate objects…c. Measure rain…….d. Anticipate Earthquake ……………………………..something in the air…….under water

Solution:

i. MORATORIUM

Answer: a. Large tomb
(Moratorium = a temporary suspension or waiting period; opposite/irrelevant = large tomb)

ii. PROLIFIC

Answer: d. Spread out
(Prolific = productive, fruitful; opposite = scattered, unproductive can be implied by “spread out”)

iii. BI-PARTISAN

Answer: d. Divided
(Bi-partisan = supported by two parties; opposite = divided or opposed)

iv. UNEQUIVOCAL

Answer: c. Variable
(Unequivocal = clear, unambiguous; opposite = variable, uncertain)

v. COVENANT

Answer: d. Agreement
(Covenant = formal agreement; opposite would be disagreement, but from given options, agreement = correct meaning)

vi. TENTATIVE

Answer: c. Provisional
(Tentative = not certain, provisional, experimental; correct meaning = provisional)

vii. DEMOGRAPHIC

Answer: d. Population study of Government
(Demographic = related to population statistics; correct meaning = population study)

viii. SONAR

Answer: d. Anticipate earthquake (something in the air, under water)
(SONAR = Sound Navigation and Ranging, used to detect/locate objects under water)

b. Indicate the meaning of any FIVE of the following: (5)
i. Brag
ii. Antiquarian
iii. Input
iv. Prodigal
v. Bibliophile
vi. Nostalgia
vii. Burn one’s boats
viii. Feedback
ix. Agrarian

Solution:

i. Brag

Meaning: to boast or speak with pride about one’s achievements or possessions.

ii. Antiquarian

Meaning: a person who studies, collects, or deals in antiques or things of the past.

iii. Input

Meaning: information, ideas, or resources provided for a process or system.

iv. Prodigal

Meaning: wasteful or extravagant, especially with money or resources.

v. Bibliophile

Meaning: a person who loves or collects books.

vi. Nostalgia

Meaning: a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.

vii. Burn one’s boats

Meaning: to take an action that makes it impossible to go back; commit fully to a course of action.

viii. Feedback

Meaning: information or response about a process or performance used to improve it.

ix. Agrarian

Meaning: relating to land, agriculture, or the cultivation of crops.

Q.6. a. Correct the following sentences. Do any FIVE. (5)
i. Please tell me where is your brother?
ii. Sajjad as well as Saleem were late.
iii. He is the most cleverest boy in the class.
iv. I have met him last month.
v. Your writing is inferior than him.
vi. Nothing but novels please him.
vii. The teacher gave the boy an advice which he refused.
viii. He brought the articles to the market which he wanted to sell.

Solution:

i.

Incorrect: Please tell me where is your brother?
Correct: Please tell me where your brother is.

ii.

Incorrect: Sajjad as well as Saleem were late.
Correct: Sajjad, as well as Saleem, was late.

iii.

Incorrect: He is the most cleverest boy in the class.
Correct: He is the cleverest boy in the class.

iv.

Incorrect: I have met him last month.
Correct: I met him last month.

v.

Incorrect: Your writing is inferior than him.
Correct: Your writing is inferior to his.

vi.

Incorrect: Nothing but novels please him.
Correct: Nothing but novels pleases him.

vii.

Incorrect: The teacher gave the boy an advice which he refused.
Correct: The teacher gave the boy some advice, which he refused.

viii.

Incorrect: He brought the articles to the market which he wanted to sell.
Correct: He brought to the market the articles which he wanted to sell.

b. Change the narration from Direct to Indirect or Indirect to Direct speech. (5)
i. He said to his friend, “Let me go home now”
ii. I will say “Mother, I will always obey you”
iii. “Splendid”: said father as he read my report,
iv. He said, “Good morning, can you help me”
v. She said “Brother, why do you tease me”
vi. The King said to the Queen, “If I die, take care of my people”
vii. “By God”, he said” I do not know his name”
viii. You exclaimed with sorrow that you lost your pen.


 Solution:
  1. i. He told his friend to let him go home then.
  2. ii. I will say that I will always obey mother.
  3. iii. Father said “Splendid” as he read my report. (Direct speech remains, but reported tone can be: Father remarked that my report was splendid.)
  4. iv. He said good morning and asked if I could help him.
  5. v. She asked her brother why he teased her.
  6. vi. The King told the Queen to take care of his people if he died.
  7. vii. He said by God that he did not know his name.
  8. viii. You exclaimed with sorrow, “I have lost my pen!”


All Copyrights Reserved 2025 Reserved by T4Tutorials