Next CSE-PPT: 14 March 2027 · Professional & Subprofessional
Civil Service Exam verbal ability reviewer: synonyms, antonyms and words in context, plus sentence completion items with explanations of each correct choice.
Word meaning and sentence completion are the first two items in the official scope of Verbal Ability for both levels of the Civil Service Exam. This set practises choosing the word closest or opposite in meaning, and completing sentences with the word that fits both the grammar and the meaning of the whole sentence.
For sentence completion, read the whole sentence first and look for clue words such as "although", "because" and "despite", which signal a contrast or a reason. Decide what kind of word the blank needs before you read the options.
Correct answer: B. Hardworking
A diligent person works with steady, careful effort. "Hardworking" is the closest meaning; "intelligent" describes ability rather than effort, and "careless" is nearly the opposite.
Read detailsCorrect answer: C. Lessen
To mitigate is to make something less severe, as in mitigating the effects of a flood. "Worsen" is its opposite. The word often appears in disaster-risk and legal contexts.
Read detailsCorrect answer: D. Wise and careful
A prudent person acts with care and good judgement, especially about the future, such as saving money for emergencies. "Reckless" is the opposite, and "proud" is a look-alike distractor.
Read detailsCorrect answer: C. Open and easy to inspect
In government and business, a transparent process is open, so the public can see how decisions are made. The literal meaning "see-through" does not fit the context of a bidding process.
Read detailsCorrect answer: B. Suspended until a later time
To adjourn a meeting is to break it off with the intention of resuming later, here on Monday. It does not mean cancelling it permanently.
Read detailsCorrect answer: B. Plentiful
Scarce means available only in small amounts. Its opposite is plentiful; "rare" and "limited" are synonyms of scarce, a common trap in antonym items.
Read detailsCorrect answer: A. Modern
Obsolete means no longer in use because something newer has replaced it, such as typewriters. Its opposite is modern; "outdated" and "ancient" are close to the original meaning.
Read detailsCorrect answer: B. Permanent
A temporary employee or arrangement lasts for a limited time, while a permanent one is meant to continue indefinitely. In civil service, "permanent" status is given to employees who meet all the requirements of the position.
Read detailsCorrect answer: A. Friendly
Hostile means unfriendly or opposed, as in a hostile crowd. Friendly is the opposite; aggressive and angry are close to hostile in meaning.
Read detailsCorrect answer: D. Optional
Mandatory means required by law or rule, such as mandatory segregation of waste under RA 9003. Its opposite is optional, meaning left to one's choice.
Read detailsCorrect answer: C. minimal
"Although" signals a contrast with "the typhoon was strong", and "only" points to a small amount, so the blank needs a word meaning small: minimal.
Read detailsCorrect answer: A. meticulous
The result, error-free reports, shows great attention to detail, which is the meaning of meticulous. "Careless" would produce the opposite result.
Read detailsCorrect answer: D. divided
A committee fails to decide when its members disagree, so "divided" fits. "United" or "certain" would make a decision likely rather than impossible.
Read detailsCorrect answer: B. judiciously
The second part of the sentence demands careful use of money, which is the meaning of judiciously (with good judgement). "Lavishly" and "randomly" contradict the idea of careful accounting.
Read detailsCorrect answer: D. negligent
"Despite repeated reminders" signals that he did not respond as expected, so the blank needs a negative quality: negligent, meaning failing to take proper care.
Read detailsCorrect answer: D. lucid
The result, that even young students understood, requires a word meaning clear. Lucid means clear and easy to understand; vague and technical would make understanding harder.
Read detailsCorrect answer: A. delayed
Late release of funds causes a project to fall behind schedule, so "delayed" fits the cause-and-effect signalled by "because".
Read detailsCorrect answer: C. comprehensive
An account that describes every detail in order is complete and thorough, which is the meaning of comprehensive. "Brief" and "confused" contradict the second half of the sentence.
Read detailsCorrect answer: C. Unavoidable
Something inevitable is certain to happen and cannot be avoided, such as the changing of seasons. The other options all begin with "un-" to tempt hurried readers but have different meanings.
Read detailsCorrect answer: A. Correct
To rectify is to put something right, as in rectifying an error in a payroll. A related noun is "rectification".